The Craftsman by Sharon J. Bolton

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?

Another cleverly crafted psychological thriller with a flavour of witchcraft which made the story fresh.

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.

A Dark and Twisted Tide - Sharon Bolton

A Dark and Twisted Tide by S.J. Bolton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

'Former detective Lacey Flint quit the force for a safer, quieter life. Or that's what she thought.

Now living alone on her houseboat, she is trying to get over the man she loves, undercover detective Mark Joesbury. But Mark is missing in action and impossible to forget. And danger won't leave Lacey alone.

When she finds a body floating in the river near her home, wrapped in burial cloths, she can't resist asking questions. Who is this woman, and why was she hidden in the fast-flowing depths? And who has been delivering unwanted gifts to Lacey?

Someone is watching Lacey Flint closely.

Someone who knows exactly what makes her tick . . .'


I had not read any of Sharon Bolton’s previous books, however I enjoy crime/thriller books so thought this would be right up my street.

Lacy Flint has left a detective team and has moved to the river police team, she spends most of her time at the Thames in London; she finds a body in the river and suddenly finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Lacy who wanted a quiet life has realised that this may not be the case for a while.

The characters are well developed and snippets from previous novels are evident, this helps to create real and believable characters. I enjoyed that I did not know what was going to happen in the story or who the culprit was, this shifted throughout the story, which kept my interest alive. The story is full of suspense which is exactly what every good thriller needs.

I did enjoy the book, however I felt I lacked background info and the last few chapters seemed a bit weak, this could have been as I had not read any others from this series, however saying that after reading this and on the strength of Bolton’s writing style I would be keen to read more from this author and go back to catch up on this series. This can be read as a stand-alone book as the stories differ, but for continuity and for the characters relationships to become easily followed I would suggest the series is read in order.

Sharon Bolton is very quickly becoming one of my top thriller and crime writers, the only reason I have not given this 5* is down to the fact I have not read the previous stories in the series and I felt I would have enjoyed it more and had a richer reading experience if I had.

I would like to thank the publisher again for sending me this in exchange for an honest review.