BOOK REVIEW: The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton

He hid the bodies where nobody could find them. But some secrets aren’t buried deep enough. Florence Loveday’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?

Publisher: Trapeze

Pages: 416

I love Sharon Bolton’s books and this is the best yet! It is dark, eerie and completely addictive. Being buried alive is one of mine (and I’m sure many others) worst fears so I knew this wasn’t going to be an easy read. I had several sleepless nights whilst reading The Craftsman but they were worth it.

Florence Loveday is a young WPC working in Lancashire in 1969. Female police officers are still a novelty but Florence is determined to prove herself. Children have started going missing from the small mining town and Florence is integral to the investigation, her evidence and testimony leads to the police discovering that the victims were buried alive and by none other than the local undertaker, Larry Glassbrook who is also Florence’s landlord. He confesses to the crimes and the case is closed. We return to the town of Sabden in the present day, Florence is now a highly decorated police officer with a teenage son. She returns to the area and is un

settled to see past events repeating themselves. What if she got it wrong and the real killer is still out there?

The Craftsman is superbly tense, Sharon Bolton builds up layer after layer of suspense and mystery. I loved the Lancashire setting with the history of the Pendle Witches, it added a whole different aspect to the book which I found fascinating.

Florence Loveday is an excellent creation, she is determined but naïve at times. Bolton shows how Florence has to battle sexism within the police force and even when she does well it is often resented rather than celebrated.

The Craftsman is disturbing and captivating, a true thriller that I would highly recommend.

Many thanks to Trapeze for sending me a copy of the book to review, it is out now.