The Hanging Tree Audiobook By Irina Shapiro cover art

The Hanging Tree

A Historical Mystery

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The Hanging Tree

By: Irina Shapiro
Narrated by: Jess Nahikian
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In 1640, Alys Bailey was accused of witchcraft and sentenced to hang. Today, Alys is said to haunt Lockwood Hall, the Tudor manor house where she died.

When Nicole Rayburn travels to Lockwood Hall and begins to research Alys’s story for a new book, she discovers startling irregularities in Alys’s case. Nicole’s suspicions mount as every answer leads to more questions. What really happened to Alys? And what became of her son, who disappeared the day she was hanged? Could it be that Alys’s death was the result of a well-planned conspiracy, or is there another, less obvious answer? And who is trying to sabotage Nicole's efforts by stealing her work?

As Nicole delves deeper into Alys’s life, with the help of a handsome crime writer and a history-obsessed vicar, she comes to realize that “fake news” has been around for centuries, and that everyone has secrets. Once she finally learns Alys’s, Nicole’s life will never be the same.

Perfect for fans of Susanna Kearsley, Barbara Erskine, and Wendy Webb.

©2020 Merlin Press LLC (P)2022 Irina Shapiro Mystery Historical Fiction Scary
Captivating Dual Timeline • Unexpected Plot Twists • Excellent Character Voices • Historical Mystery Elements

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I have been loving this author’s writing since getting hooked on The Hands of Time series. If you have not read that series, all stop and start now! This book just shows again the wide range of talent she has for a variety of fiction genres. You’re gonna love going on a journey with the characters trying to determine events of centuries before. The narration is also very pleasant to listen to. Highly recommend!

If you enjoy a great mystery this is your book!

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There are simply not enough words to properly describe the artwork that was put into this book. Irina Shapiro wrote a book of intrigue, emotion, elation, heartbreak while mending the heart all at once.

I have never read one of her books, but I am a forever fan. I came across this book as a recommendation based off of my love for Wendy Webb books.
The Hanging Tree will take you on an adventure from present day to the 1600’s. A story that grips your interest from the very beginning.
I cannot express how much I recommend this book. Please take the journey with Alyc and Nicole. Hearing both woman’s heartache of past to present was so well done, I couldn’t help but cry in pain, the cry with tears of joy.

The narrator, Jess Nahikian was fantastic. Hands down the BEST narrator I have ever listened to.

Please do yourself a favor and allow yourself to be immersed into a novel that will leave you with the best book hangover you will ever experience.

A must read

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4 stars for mystery. This book was great. It involves 2 mysteries, one in the present and 1 in the past with the MC trying to solve both. The only complains that I have are that the narrator will change how loud she is talking making it difficult to hear at times and that they never explained the significance of the bell. Other than that I am very happy and will be looking for the second book!

Very good listen.

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The series, as of July 2025, consists of six novels, each audiobook ranging from 11 to 12 hours of listening time. Although the stories stand alone, it's recommended to begin with book one for character development.

Plot. Nicole Rayburn is a successful author in the United Kingdom and the author of each book in the series. Each story Nicole tells is a historical mystery, typically about women navigating and often suffering from the prejudices they faced in the 1800s. When she is not creating these mysteries, we learn about her trials as a writer and wife—most stories stem from events in her life, such as finding an old sepia photo or receiving a research request from a friend. Subplots emanate from her life today, such as COVID seclusion and blackmail.

Narration by Jess Nahikian and production are good, no issues.

Entertaining.

Nicole Rayburn Historical Mysteries

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I really enjoyed this book! The author did a superb job with the story. Alys's story was so heart wrenching. Nicole was there to research and learn about Alys. With her discoveries about Ayls, Nicole's own love story starts to unfold! Don't miss it!

Heart wrenching in hot warming mystery

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