The Craftsman by Sharon J. Bolton
Devoted father or merciless killer?
His secrets are buried with him.
Florence Lovelady's career was made when she convicted coffin-maker Larry Glassbrook of a series of child murders 30 years ago. Like something from our worst nightmares the victims were buried...ALIVE.
Larry confessed to the crimes; it was an open and shut case. But now he's dead, and events from the past start to repeat themselves.
Did she get it wrong all those years ago?
Or is there something much darker at play?
Or is there something much darker at play?
Told over two timelines 1969 and 1999 it follows the first murder case of newly qualified WPC Lovelady in Pendle Hill in Yorkshire. Several children go missing and when found they have been buried alive. The first victim is found buried alive with an effigy doll made by her killer.
Other children go missing and it’s a race against time to find them - all this takes place in 1969.
Lovelady goes on to solve the mystery and gets the killer much to the annoyance of this small towns all male officer force. 1960’s police force was dominated by men and the Yorkshire constabulary closed ranks around her - all except one DC Tom Devine
1999 and Lovelady has moved on, married and has a son Ben she goes back to Pendle Hill with Ben for the funeral of the man she arrested and charged for the murders, Larry Glassbrook. Her arrival stirs memories and the feeling she had all those years ago about the wrong man being accused surface again. Florence finds she may have been wrong and a whole new set of spooky goings on lead her to the truth.
Very well executed with plenty of atmosphere that has the reader completely hooked until the end. I’ve not read this author before but on the strength of this novel I would definitely read her work again. I would have given this 4.5 stars but rounded down to 4 - a recommended read.
I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
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