May 2018 Book of the Month
Deliciously and thrillingly creepy, The Craftsman is an intensely gripping, superb read. Thirty years ago Larry Glassbrook confessed and was imprisoned for a series of child murders. Florence Lovelady was at the beginning of her career when she was involved in the case, now Larry is dead, however hauntingly similar events start to surface. The first chapter has huge impact, a mystifying and unexpected blast hit me full on, and then gently faded into the background. Set in two time frames, with thirty years between them, the story is brisk, and I loved the fact that you are expected to keep up. Sharon Bolton balances the knife edge between reality and extraordinary with a beautiful subtlety. This is just so, so readable, once in, I didn’t want to stop, and found myself reading into the small hours, be warned though, reading at night doubles the chill factor. As I raced through the final few chapters, I almost didn’t want the journey to end, yet the last few words sent the most delightful icy goosebumps snaking down my arms. I highly recommend stepping inside the pages, just give yourself up to the glory of the The Craftsman... this I have no doubt, will be one of my favourite reads of the year.
| Primary Genre | Thriller and Suspense |
| Other Genres: | |
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Creepy, dark and completely addictive – You won’t want to put it down!
This utterly captivating thriller by Sharon Bolton is a must-read. Perfect for cosy winter evenings or reading in the sunshine at the beach, it will transport you to a different place and time. Policewoman Florence Lovelady attends the funeral of Larry Glassbrook, a coffin-maker she helped to convict of several child murders 30 years ago. Even though Glassbrook had confessed to the murders, events from the past seem to repeat themselves and Florence becomes embroiled in the case. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot, but suffice to say that there isn’t a dull moment and the whole book is extremely haunting. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.... Read Full Review
This has got to be the book that I have most enjoyed this year so far – it was so gripping that I read it in a very short time as I could not put it down until the conclusion.
From the beginning this masterful book had me hooked, the characters are personable and you feel a real connection at times to them and their stories. WPC Lovelady is a character you love right from the start and you are drawn into the story with her. Great plot with lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing who is behind it all. With the inclusion of witches, black magic and voodoo thrown in to make the book a more Gothic, dark suspenseful read. Set in a Lancashire town near Pendle Hill the author sets the scene of a gripping novel that will have you unable to put it down as you journey through the book, you almost feel as if you are there living through the events.... Read Full Review
A bone chilling, eerie crime thriller with a dark thread running through it. Set in a town with a history of witchcraft, three missing teenagers are found buried alive.
The story swings between two different timelines and the truth along with the reason for the book title is only revealed at the very end. Florence Lovelady (Flossie) is the only female constable on the testosterone charged team tasked with solving the terrifying mystery of who buried three teenagers alive and she suspects that there might be witchcraft involved. Then she is abducted herself, but is mysteriously let go. She names Larry Glassbrook as her abductor and he confesses to the murders. He spends the rest of his life in prison but was he really the monster he was made out to be. The conviction make Flossie's career but she never allows herself to ask the question of whether or not he was guilty. When she returns to the town for his funeral, it leads to another chain of events and the abduction of her son.... Read Full Review
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