The Hangman's Daughter is a sold, historical murder mystery set in mid-1600s Bavaria. Josef Kuisl, as executioner for the small town of Schongau, finds himself at the center of a potential witch hunt as local children become the target of a mysterious killer. 
 Oliver Potzsch, a descendent of the Kuisl family of executioners, based the novel on his real ancestors while taking liberties with the plotline. Those readers who enjoy thrillers or German history should have a look at The Hangman's Daughter. There are currently two other novels in this series, as well.