I won a copy from the Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written with a good vocabulary and well paced plot. The characters and settings were well done for this type of political thriller. I liked that most of the french used was explained in a practical and effective manner so I didn't feel like I was being talked down to or have to Google the phrases I wasn't familiar with. There was a previous book written with the same main characters that I wish I had read, but I don't think I missed out on much by not having read it. I would certainly read other books by this author and will be recommending this to my family who enjoy reading this genre. The author did a fantastic job juggling the multiple plots and keeping everything going and giving the reader ample places to pause when you need to do things like sleep. ( )

The Hangman's Companion is the second book in Jospeh Flynn's political thriller series. In The Presidents henchamn, Flynn introduces Jack Mcgill, an ex cop turned investigator who happens to be married to the President of the United States. McGill, who solved the murder of the President's first husband, drives his security detail crazy by becoming involved in finding out who is is stalking a member of the White House press corps. I didn't have the opportunity to read the President's Henchman in advance of reading The Hangmans Companion and while I would have liked the additional insight into the established characters (and simply because I enjoyed the book so much) I thought the book was successful as a stand alone.Despite the description as a political thriller, the Hangman's Companion is much more. It combines intrigue, action and humour with dynamic characters to create an engaging story. Leaving his investigative partners tracking down the culprits responsible for the shooting of a presidential guard, McGill agrees to travel to England with his wife who is attending the G8 summit. But McGill is sidetracked by a request to help an old aquaintance who has been arrested for murder after a fight on the banks of the river Seine results in the death of a French soccer star. While the President is negotiating politics amongst the world leaders, McGill is trying to avoid an international incident. With the help of a state liason and a justice magistrate, McGill tries to determine the truth.Despite the complexity of multiple plots, Flynn effortlessly creates a cohesive story with smooth transitions and attention to detail. The different threads cross seamlessly without obvious ploys or forced situations. At just over 500 pages (print edition) the plotlines have plenty of room to play out, so it doesn't feel rushed or crowded. I did think there was a short period of drag in the first quarter but it was quickly overcome. There is plenty of action, the story begins with a vicious fight and McGill is an expert in his own brand of martial arts, however its is well balanced with other elements. One of the most appealing aspects of The Hangman's Companion for me is the sense of humor and the subtley mocking tone Flynn adopts towards authority. Most political thrillers tend to take themselves very seriously but Flynn has managed to strike an engaging balance of entertainment and intrigue.I enjoyed the story of The Hangman's Companion but it is the characters that really captured my imagination. McGill is the right blend between tough action hero, loving family man and shrewd investigator to interest me in his character. I like his sense of humour and his no nonsense approach to his unconventional life as the US Presidents 'first husband'. His relationship with his wife is genuine and I like Patricia as well, though we don't spend much time with her. McGills Parisian compatriots, are interesting and well developed but its 'Sweetie' who is holding down the fort at the office who is a favourite of mine. Flynns cast of characters complement each other and have a distinct presence in the novel.It's always a gamble to accept an indie book for review based on a quick read of an excerpt, so its a delight to discover a story that I find so enjoyable. This book is a great read, The Hangman's Companion came very close to a five star read for me and I recommend it without reservation. ( )