The Craftsman is set in Sabden, the village at the foot of Pendle Hill, famous for the Pendle witches and the resulting trials and executions in 1612. The Craftsman takes some of the best elements from all of the above books and will keep you riveted from first to last.
The book begins in 1999, but moves back and forth in time.
In 1999, Assistant Commissioner Florence Lovelady returns to Sabden for the funeral of Larry Glassbrook. Glassbrook died in prison after having been convicted of three murders. Florence was responsible for his conviction, but her return is not going to offer the resolution she seeks.
In 1969, WPC Florence Lovelady is new to the force and becomes tangled up in a case involving three missing children. The anxiety is high in the community, and when a group of children say they hear voices coming from a grave, Florence is sent to resolve the situation. Although facing prejudice for her gender and education, Florence does have one friend on the force, DC Tom Devins.
In 1999, Florence realizes that perhaps they got things wrong and finds herself and her son in danger.
Witches and folklore add to this harrowing tale. Although billed as a stand-alone, I'd love to see more from Florence, either in her early career or dating from the chilling conclusion. I would also be pleased if Bolton decided to have a spin-off novel involving Avril and Daphne and the local coven.
This is one of Bolton's best, a compelling plot and well-drawn characters kept me glued to the pages.
I read Mist Over Pendle as an R.I.P. read several years ago, and The Craftsman would make an excellent choice for R.I.P. There are dozens of books about the Pendle witches both fiction and nonfiction.
Read in August. Blog review scheduled for Sept. 4.
NetGalley/St. Martin's Press
Mystery/Suspense. (UK) April 15 and (US) Oct. 16, 2018. Print length: 432 pages.
I have only read one of Bolton's books and loved it. This sounds like one I would especially like! Just the mention of witches is enough to make it a must read.
ReplyDeleteIt will make a great R.I.P. book. October and November feel like the perfect time for spooky books!
DeleteI'm hoping to read this one for R.I.P. this fall. I have a copy. Love what you said about it!
ReplyDeleteI really liked it! It reminds me of her earlier books, but much better.
DeleteI'm always glad when a new Sharon Bolton book comes out, but I sure wish she'd write another Lacey Flint novel! :)
ReplyDeleteI've been surprised that we haven't had the opportunity to read more about Lacey Flint in so long, so I am eager for another one, too.
DeleteYes, I've to read this book and Little Black Lies as well. The books have been in my pile for a while. And I miss her Lacey Flint book; it's about time she has a new book out now. ;)
ReplyDeleteLittle Black Lies and The Craftsman are my favorite of Bolton's standalones--and they are very different!
DeleteWiches are one of my fav characters and stories! and I have never read about the Pendle witches! I sure check this one out!
ReplyDelete:) Especially at this time of year, witches make for good reading. Fact and fiction on the Pendle Witches makes for interesting historic background, and Bolton uses the location and history to her advantage!
DeleteI've only just discovered Sharon Bolton, so I am thrilled to find another of her books to look out for. I'm really curious about the witches and folklore bit too.
ReplyDeleteI think you would enjoy this one! I know it is a stand-alone, but I would like more from the setting, especially since I really liked the characters in the local coven. :)
DeleteI have to read this one definitely! I am a big fan of her writing too although I've fallen behind on her Lacey Flint series.
ReplyDeleteIt has that creepy ambiance (that Bolton is so good at) all through it!
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