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The Craftsman #2
The Poisoner
She's killed before. She'll kill again.
Senior police officer Florence Lovelady returns to Sabden to honour a promise made to dying Larry Glassbrook, a serial killer she put away for murder. Four child skeletons have been uncovered near a children's home, and Larry insists these are not ancient remains.
Liberated by the news of her father Larry's death, Cassie Glassbrook is now free to revisit her hometown to win back the love of her childhood sweetheart. She'll stop at nothing to get him back.
As the two women return to the town that nearly took their lives thirty years ago, long-buried secrets are unearthed that could destroy them all.
Senior police officer Florence Lovelady returns to Sabden to honour a promise made to dying Larry Glassbrook, a serial killer she put away for murder. Four child skeletons have been uncovered near a children's home, and Larry insists these are not ancient remains.
Liberated by the news of her father Larry's death, Cassie Glassbrook is now free to revisit her hometown to win back the love of her childhood sweetheart. She'll stop at nothing to get him back.
As the two women return to the town that nearly took their lives thirty years ago, long-buried secrets are unearthed that could destroy them all.
Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2022
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About the author
Sharon J. Bolton
44 books4,552 followersSharon's newest book The Split is now available in both hardback and paperback in the UK!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Split-grippi...
Sharon J Bolton was born and brought up in Lancashire, the eldest of three daughters. As a child, she dreamed of becoming an actress and a dancer, studying ballet, tap and jazz from a young age and reading drama at Loughborough University.
She spent her early career in marketing and PR before returning to full-time education to study for a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Warwick University, where she met her husband, Andrew. They moved to London and Sharon held a number of PR posts in the City. She left the City to work freelance, to start a family and to write.
She and Andrew now live in a village in the Chiltern Hills, not far from Oxford, with their son and the latest addition to the family: Lupe, the lop-eared lurcher. Her daily life revolves around the school run, walking the dog and those ever-looming publishing deadlines.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Split-grippi...
Sharon J Bolton was born and brought up in Lancashire, the eldest of three daughters. As a child, she dreamed of becoming an actress and a dancer, studying ballet, tap and jazz from a young age and reading drama at Loughborough University.
She spent her early career in marketing and PR before returning to full-time education to study for a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Warwick University, where she met her husband, Andrew. They moved to London and Sharon held a number of PR posts in the City. She left the City to work freelance, to start a family and to write.
She and Andrew now live in a village in the Chiltern Hills, not far from Oxford, with their son and the latest addition to the family: Lupe, the lop-eared lurcher. Her daily life revolves around the school run, walking the dog and those ever-looming publishing deadlines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
September 27, 2022
The Craftsman #2
4+
This is both a prequel and a sequel which is pretty clever when you think about it! I decided to read The Craftsman again prior to reading this and the two dovetail well.
It’s 1999 and four child skeletons are unearthed in Sabden, Lancashire near Black Moss Manor a renowned childrens home which closed on 1969. The authorities believe these remains to be historic but from his confinement in prison serial killer Larry Glassbrook insists to Florence Loveday, now a high ranking officer at the Met and responsible for his conviction in 1969, that these are not skeletons from long ago but much more recent. Larry is in the final stages of cancer and has little time left and so his daughter Cassie, a well known, successful song writer, feels she can return to Sabden with the aim of winning back her teenage sweetheart. There are many questions still to answer in Sabden and most dangerous yet necessary action is to unmask The Craftsmen whose control of the area is deep with a rottenness at its core. Cassie and Florence return to the much changed Lancashire time that nearly destroyed them thirty years ago. Are they both straying into a lions den?
Don’t expect a Sharon Bolton novel to start with a whimper and end with a bang as it just keeps on coming! There are parts that are bone chilling and you most certainly feel the oppressive nature of Sabden. The writing is rich with imagery, I’m especially struck by those relating to the moon which are very powerful. Add in the local evocative parlance and looming over all are not only the secretive, elusive Craftsmen but also the history of witchcraft dating from the infamous Pendle Witch Trials of 1612. Pendle Hill and Forest are a permanent reminder and give some spine tingling Gothic vibes.
The characterisation is excellent and the impact of events of 1969 are well conveyed especially on Florence, Cassie and Sally Glassbrook. You feel the fear of The Craftsmen and not knowing who they are makes it much more scary. It builds and builds as dark forces amass, who to trust and who to fear? It’s a tough read in places especially events around Black Moss Manor which is a stinking pit of hell. A long overdue confrontation ensues with twist upon twist to compel you to read to the end.
However, you are filled with many questions about Sabden amongst other things and you do get some answers but there are still some unresolved issues to my mind. Are we left to make our own logical assumptions or will there be a number 3???
Overall, this is a terrific read and one the authors many fans will relish.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Orion Publishing Group for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
4+
This is both a prequel and a sequel which is pretty clever when you think about it! I decided to read The Craftsman again prior to reading this and the two dovetail well.
It’s 1999 and four child skeletons are unearthed in Sabden, Lancashire near Black Moss Manor a renowned childrens home which closed on 1969. The authorities believe these remains to be historic but from his confinement in prison serial killer Larry Glassbrook insists to Florence Loveday, now a high ranking officer at the Met and responsible for his conviction in 1969, that these are not skeletons from long ago but much more recent. Larry is in the final stages of cancer and has little time left and so his daughter Cassie, a well known, successful song writer, feels she can return to Sabden with the aim of winning back her teenage sweetheart. There are many questions still to answer in Sabden and most dangerous yet necessary action is to unmask The Craftsmen whose control of the area is deep with a rottenness at its core. Cassie and Florence return to the much changed Lancashire time that nearly destroyed them thirty years ago. Are they both straying into a lions den?
Don’t expect a Sharon Bolton novel to start with a whimper and end with a bang as it just keeps on coming! There are parts that are bone chilling and you most certainly feel the oppressive nature of Sabden. The writing is rich with imagery, I’m especially struck by those relating to the moon which are very powerful. Add in the local evocative parlance and looming over all are not only the secretive, elusive Craftsmen but also the history of witchcraft dating from the infamous Pendle Witch Trials of 1612. Pendle Hill and Forest are a permanent reminder and give some spine tingling Gothic vibes.
The characterisation is excellent and the impact of events of 1969 are well conveyed especially on Florence, Cassie and Sally Glassbrook. You feel the fear of The Craftsmen and not knowing who they are makes it much more scary. It builds and builds as dark forces amass, who to trust and who to fear? It’s a tough read in places especially events around Black Moss Manor which is a stinking pit of hell. A long overdue confrontation ensues with twist upon twist to compel you to read to the end.
However, you are filled with many questions about Sabden amongst other things and you do get some answers but there are still some unresolved issues to my mind. Are we left to make our own logical assumptions or will there be a number 3???
Overall, this is a terrific read and one the authors many fans will relish.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Orion Publishing Group for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
November 20, 2022
If you know me at all you will know that I am a massive Sharon Bolton fan. Her Lacey Flint series is one of my favourite police series and I was so happy for a new book earlier this year. And now another new book from one of my favourite authors - a follow up to The Craftsman, that came out in 2018.
The Buried is dark and suspenseful read, that will keep you guessing throughout. There is murder, secrets, a bit of romance and some witchcraft. While The Buried could be read as a standalone, I recommend reading The Craftsman first to fully understand the characters and the town.
In 1969, young police officer, Florence Loveday found herself the final victim of coffin maker, Larry Glassbrook. But she got away and arrested him. It is now 1999 and Florence is the most senior ranking policewoman in Britian and Larry is dying in prison. Florence goes to see him one last time, where he tells her that the bones that have recently been discovered in the grounds of Black Moss Manor are not old bones. It has been 30 years since she stepped foot in Sabden, but she feels that she must follow up on Larry's dying message.
The story jumps between 1969, after Larry was arrested, and the present day in 1999, where Florence faces her fears and starts to winder if she got it right all those years ago.
If you are a fan of dark crime reads, full of unlikeable characters and clever, twisty storylines, this author is for you. I can't tell you how much I love Sharon's books, and I will read anything she writes.
A massive thank you to Hachette Australia for sending me a copy of this to read. The Buried is out now so get it on your TBR.
The Buried is dark and suspenseful read, that will keep you guessing throughout. There is murder, secrets, a bit of romance and some witchcraft. While The Buried could be read as a standalone, I recommend reading The Craftsman first to fully understand the characters and the town.
In 1969, young police officer, Florence Loveday found herself the final victim of coffin maker, Larry Glassbrook. But she got away and arrested him. It is now 1999 and Florence is the most senior ranking policewoman in Britian and Larry is dying in prison. Florence goes to see him one last time, where he tells her that the bones that have recently been discovered in the grounds of Black Moss Manor are not old bones. It has been 30 years since she stepped foot in Sabden, but she feels that she must follow up on Larry's dying message.
The story jumps between 1969, after Larry was arrested, and the present day in 1999, where Florence faces her fears and starts to winder if she got it right all those years ago.
If you are a fan of dark crime reads, full of unlikeable characters and clever, twisty storylines, this author is for you. I can't tell you how much I love Sharon's books, and I will read anything she writes.
A massive thank you to Hachette Australia for sending me a copy of this to read. The Buried is out now so get it on your TBR.
January 18, 2023
This follow up novel to The Craftsman isn’t really a conventional sequel nor a prequel, but more of a parallel contemporaneous story set both in 1969 when undertaker Larry Glassbrook was arrested for the murder of three teenagers and 30 years later when he dies.
Set in the small industrial town of Sabden in the Pendle district of Lancashire, the story is mostly narrated by two women reluctantly revisiting the place they once called home. Larry’s elder daughter Cassie, now a successful songwriter and Superintendent Florence Lovelady, who as a young police constable arrested Larry, her former landlord. And one of them thinks the other is a killer.
This story centres around the discovery of the unmarked graves of four children in the grounds of Black Moss Manor, a former orphanage run by a sinister couple, Frederick and Judith Aster. The orphanage was closed in 1969 and the Asters sent to prison for cruelty and neglect. It would appear the horrors infecting Sabden didn’t end with Larry’s arrest however and a powerful local organisation known as “The Craftsmen” are still continuing the Asters’ vile business.
As with the previous novel there are many passages which echo the area’s association with witchcraft, particularly in the later chapters when a group of local women unite to confront the evil within their midst for a final time.
Not always a comfortable read, but, in the end, a very satisfying one.
Set in the small industrial town of Sabden in the Pendle district of Lancashire, the story is mostly narrated by two women reluctantly revisiting the place they once called home. Larry’s elder daughter Cassie, now a successful songwriter and Superintendent Florence Lovelady, who as a young police constable arrested Larry, her former landlord. And one of them thinks the other is a killer.
This story centres around the discovery of the unmarked graves of four children in the grounds of Black Moss Manor, a former orphanage run by a sinister couple, Frederick and Judith Aster. The orphanage was closed in 1969 and the Asters sent to prison for cruelty and neglect. It would appear the horrors infecting Sabden didn’t end with Larry’s arrest however and a powerful local organisation known as “The Craftsmen” are still continuing the Asters’ vile business.
As with the previous novel there are many passages which echo the area’s association with witchcraft, particularly in the later chapters when a group of local women unite to confront the evil within their midst for a final time.
Not always a comfortable read, but, in the end, a very satisfying one.
November 26, 2022
I bought this one the day it came out as Bolton is always a winner. 5 stars for Sharon Bolton again!
A fantastic story with characters that you care about, that you cheer for and others you truly despise. The story takes place in Sabdin, an English village near Pendle Hill where the witches and those thought to be witches were persecuted.
A deliciously creepy feel with a brilliant story!
A fantastic story with characters that you care about, that you cheer for and others you truly despise. The story takes place in Sabdin, an English village near Pendle Hill where the witches and those thought to be witches were persecuted.
A deliciously creepy feel with a brilliant story!
December 28, 2022
Sharon Bolton's THE CRAFTSMAN was one of my favorite books I've ever read. I read it in 2018 and when I heard that there'd be a sequel, I knew I needed to read it. Flash forward four years later and I remember parts of the book, but ultimately only main aspects. I was nervous to pick up her sequel, THE BURIED, because I didn't know where the book would go. Luckily, Bolton updates us immediately on what happened in the previous book. Taking place 30 years later, it is the year 1999, and Florence Lovelady is the most influential female police officer in the UK. The murderer in book 1, Larry Glassbrook has been in jail for 30 years after being convicted of multiple cruel murders against several children in the town of Sabden. Before Larry passes away, he tells Florence about the town's dark past and warns her about the new bodies found in the town and how it is linked to something deeper. Florence decides to investigate things she left behind after Larry's arrest that haunt her to this day.
This book alternates between 1999, 30 years after Larry's arrest; and days after he was arrested in 1969. The book starts talking about topics that weren't discussed in book 1, since it was 30 years after the original setting, but when the novel deviates back to the days leading after Larry's arrest, everything falls into place. This book has more substance than THE CRAFTSMAN, but it isn't as dark as its predecessor. This one dives into a bit more witchcraft and some supernatural elements that I didn't expect, but it really made the story much more engaging. Readers must read THE CRAFTSMAN before picking this book up, or you'll be completely lost. The story reminds readers early on what happened in the previous book, but the connection with the characters really is important. I absolutely was hypnotized by this book and I know fans of the first book will love it too. There are two MAJOR twists that I did not see coming and I don't think even the best mystery sleuths will either! The book definitely allows for a continuation of this series and I wonder if Sharon Bolton will continue to dive into this world.
This book alternates between 1999, 30 years after Larry's arrest; and days after he was arrested in 1969. The book starts talking about topics that weren't discussed in book 1, since it was 30 years after the original setting, but when the novel deviates back to the days leading after Larry's arrest, everything falls into place. This book has more substance than THE CRAFTSMAN, but it isn't as dark as its predecessor. This one dives into a bit more witchcraft and some supernatural elements that I didn't expect, but it really made the story much more engaging. Readers must read THE CRAFTSMAN before picking this book up, or you'll be completely lost. The story reminds readers early on what happened in the previous book, but the connection with the characters really is important. I absolutely was hypnotized by this book and I know fans of the first book will love it too. There are two MAJOR twists that I did not see coming and I don't think even the best mystery sleuths will either! The book definitely allows for a continuation of this series and I wonder if Sharon Bolton will continue to dive into this world.
November 11, 2022
Two new Sharon Bolton books in one year! I loved The Dark, the latest in Bolton’s Lacey Flint series, which was published in the spring – and now, with The Buried, she returns to her Florence Lovelady series. I’ve been waiting for this sequel since I read The Craftsman in 2018 and had almost given up hope of it ever appearing, but here it is at last. It was definitely worth the wait!
The Buried begins in the summer of 1999, with Florence Lovelady visiting Larry Glassbrook in prison. Florence, now a senior police officer with the London Met, was responsible for Larry’s conviction thirty years earlier for the murder of three teenagers in Sabden, Lancashire. Now the remains of four more children have been discovered and Florence is confused. Are these more of Larry’s victims or are the remains more recent, meaning that the real killer is still on the loose? Also, the bodies were found in the grounds of Black Moss Manor Children’s Home, which Florence had helped to close down in 1969 after finding evidence of neglect and cruelty. What does this mean and how can she discover the identity of the children?
Soon after Florence’s visit, Larry Glassbrook dies of cancer and preparations are made for his funeral. His daughter Cassie returns to Sabden after a long absence and immediately sets her sights on John Donnelly, whom she loved as a teenager and who is now a married man with children. Cassie herself has become a successful songwriter, but she has never quite managed to put the past behind her and still has questions about some of the things that happened in Sabden thirty years ago.
The first section of the book alternates between Florence and Cassie during the build up to Larry’s funeral and I have to admit, I felt very confused. I found that I’d forgotten most of The Craftsman and I kept coming across references to people and events I couldn’t remember at all. Who was Marigold? What was Florence’s involvement with Black Moss Manor? I had no memories of those things at all, but they were obviously important. Then I discovered that I wasn’t supposed to remember them as they didn’t actually form part of the plot of The Craftsman. I just needed to be patient because the second section of the novel takes us back to 1969 and my questions about Marigold and Black Moss Manor were answered. The shifting timelines with various parts of this book set both before and after the events of The Craftsman means it works as both a sequel and, in a way, a prequel.
The 1969 storyline (which forms the main part of the novel) is excellent – Sharon Bolton at her best. I was completely gripped by Florence’s investigations into the allegations of abuse at the children’s home and the obstacles she faces in trying to get anybody to take her concerns seriously. The 1960s setting allows Bolton to explore the sexism and misogyny Florence faces as she tries to do her work; the other police officers are exclusively male – local men from Sabden who resent Florence’s university education, southern accent and the fact that she is a woman doing what they consider a man’s job. Meanwhile, we get to know Sally Glassbrook, Cassie’s mother, who is struggling to cope after Larry’s arrest and imprisonment. As the family of a convicted murderer, Sally and her daughters are in a vulnerable position and find themselves having to fend off the unwanted attentions of Roy Greenwood, Larry’s former business partner.
Finally, I need to mention the supernatural elements! The way The Craftsman ended made me think these were going to be a major part of the second book, but things didn’t go quite as far in that direction as I’d expected and the crimes committed are all very human ones. We do see more of the coven of witches who are operating in Sabden (Pendle Hill, site of the famous 17th century witch trials, casts its shadow over the town), the influence of the mysterious and sinister group known as the Craftsmen, and Florence’s own seeming ability to communicate with the dead, but I didn’t think these elements dominated the story too much. However, they are there and won’t appeal to everyone. I would say these books are closer in tone to Bolton’s early standalones such as Sacrifice and Awakening than they are to the Lacey Flint novels or her other recent thrillers.
I loved this book once I managed to get back into the story, but I would definitely recommend reading The Craftsman first – or re-reading it if, like me, you read it several years ago and can’t remember the details.
The Buried begins in the summer of 1999, with Florence Lovelady visiting Larry Glassbrook in prison. Florence, now a senior police officer with the London Met, was responsible for Larry’s conviction thirty years earlier for the murder of three teenagers in Sabden, Lancashire. Now the remains of four more children have been discovered and Florence is confused. Are these more of Larry’s victims or are the remains more recent, meaning that the real killer is still on the loose? Also, the bodies were found in the grounds of Black Moss Manor Children’s Home, which Florence had helped to close down in 1969 after finding evidence of neglect and cruelty. What does this mean and how can she discover the identity of the children?
Soon after Florence’s visit, Larry Glassbrook dies of cancer and preparations are made for his funeral. His daughter Cassie returns to Sabden after a long absence and immediately sets her sights on John Donnelly, whom she loved as a teenager and who is now a married man with children. Cassie herself has become a successful songwriter, but she has never quite managed to put the past behind her and still has questions about some of the things that happened in Sabden thirty years ago.
The first section of the book alternates between Florence and Cassie during the build up to Larry’s funeral and I have to admit, I felt very confused. I found that I’d forgotten most of The Craftsman and I kept coming across references to people and events I couldn’t remember at all. Who was Marigold? What was Florence’s involvement with Black Moss Manor? I had no memories of those things at all, but they were obviously important. Then I discovered that I wasn’t supposed to remember them as they didn’t actually form part of the plot of The Craftsman. I just needed to be patient because the second section of the novel takes us back to 1969 and my questions about Marigold and Black Moss Manor were answered. The shifting timelines with various parts of this book set both before and after the events of The Craftsman means it works as both a sequel and, in a way, a prequel.
The 1969 storyline (which forms the main part of the novel) is excellent – Sharon Bolton at her best. I was completely gripped by Florence’s investigations into the allegations of abuse at the children’s home and the obstacles she faces in trying to get anybody to take her concerns seriously. The 1960s setting allows Bolton to explore the sexism and misogyny Florence faces as she tries to do her work; the other police officers are exclusively male – local men from Sabden who resent Florence’s university education, southern accent and the fact that she is a woman doing what they consider a man’s job. Meanwhile, we get to know Sally Glassbrook, Cassie’s mother, who is struggling to cope after Larry’s arrest and imprisonment. As the family of a convicted murderer, Sally and her daughters are in a vulnerable position and find themselves having to fend off the unwanted attentions of Roy Greenwood, Larry’s former business partner.
Finally, I need to mention the supernatural elements! The way The Craftsman ended made me think these were going to be a major part of the second book, but things didn’t go quite as far in that direction as I’d expected and the crimes committed are all very human ones. We do see more of the coven of witches who are operating in Sabden (Pendle Hill, site of the famous 17th century witch trials, casts its shadow over the town), the influence of the mysterious and sinister group known as the Craftsmen, and Florence’s own seeming ability to communicate with the dead, but I didn’t think these elements dominated the story too much. However, they are there and won’t appeal to everyone. I would say these books are closer in tone to Bolton’s early standalones such as Sacrifice and Awakening than they are to the Lacey Flint novels or her other recent thrillers.
I loved this book once I managed to get back into the story, but I would definitely recommend reading The Craftsman first – or re-reading it if, like me, you read it several years ago and can’t remember the details.
November 23, 2022
4.5 stars. A really great read. I was totally enthralled the whole time. I love this author's writing abilities, she's just fantastic. My only complaints (and they are minor) are that the time shift in the middle of the book made things a bit confusing for a while, and the ending wasn't as clear as I'd have liked. There was just a little bit too much that wasn't completely explained for me to give this five stars, though the majority of the book was a five star read.
Want to read
October 21, 2019Where can I buy the book? I've never seen it anywhere listed as available to purchase.
December 25, 2023
Super, tylko szkoda, że trzy morderstwa z pierwszego tomu, od których wszystko się zaczęło, pozostały raczej niewyjaśnione, trzeba sobie dopowiedzieć, jakby autorka zmieniła pomysł na fabułę, zaczynając pisać Truciciela. Nie mniej jednak, świetna i wciągająca rozrywka.
November 14, 2022
Both a sequel and a prequel to the fantastic The Craftsman. Personally as a reader I advice you to the first book first otherwise you could become very confused. Something evil is living in Sabden. For me there was too much detail it became overwhelming. Don't get me wrong it is still a very good read. Disturbing at times and heart breaking!!!!!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 13, 2022
Nastavak knjige "U sjeni zla."
Priču nam pričaju tri žene, sve tri vještice.
Stalno se spominje zloglasni Larry koji je prije 30 g. ubio troje mladih i umro je u zatvoru.
Na samrti je napisao pismo policijskij narednici Florance da je on nešto čuvao 30 g i da to sada ostavlja njoj.
Ja nisam saznala šta je to, još nekoliko stvari mi nije bilo jasno.
Kroz čitavu priču se vraćalo 30 godina unazad.
Na momente mi je bila zanimljiva, na momente sam se pitala zašto ju čitam.
Priču nam pričaju tri žene, sve tri vještice.
Stalno se spominje zloglasni Larry koji je prije 30 g. ubio troje mladih i umro je u zatvoru.
Na samrti je napisao pismo policijskij narednici Florance da je on nešto čuvao 30 g i da to sada ostavlja njoj.
Ja nisam saznala šta je to, još nekoliko stvari mi nije bilo jasno.
Kroz čitavu priču se vraćalo 30 godina unazad.
Na momente mi je bila zanimljiva, na momente sam se pitala zašto ju čitam.
October 9, 2022
I love Sharon Boltons novels, and this is no exception. A sequel, and cunningly a prequel to The Craftsmen, it would have been a help if I had reread the later to bring me up to speed with the plot.
Larry is dying in prison where he is serving a life sentence for the murders of 3 teenagers. Florence Lovelady was the final victim, she escaped from the grave from where he liked to bury his victims alive. She also was a police woman and ultimately caught and arrested him. Now bones have been discovered on the grounds of a former childrens home and Larry has called Florence to tell her they aren’t old bones, and more secrets need to be delved into, reluctantly Florence returns to the town that nearly killed her. It seems the Craftsmen are still powerful and still hiding their identities. While Florence looks into the origin of the bones, forces are already in place to stop her. Great read.
#TheBuried #NetGalley
Larry is dying in prison where he is serving a life sentence for the murders of 3 teenagers. Florence Lovelady was the final victim, she escaped from the grave from where he liked to bury his victims alive. She also was a police woman and ultimately caught and arrested him. Now bones have been discovered on the grounds of a former childrens home and Larry has called Florence to tell her they aren’t old bones, and more secrets need to be delved into, reluctantly Florence returns to the town that nearly killed her. It seems the Craftsmen are still powerful and still hiding their identities. While Florence looks into the origin of the bones, forces are already in place to stop her. Great read.
#TheBuried #NetGalley
August 18, 2023
Yep, it was as good as I'd hoped it would be! After reading "The Craftsman" I could hardly wait to read this sequel/prequel/stand alone book by Sharon J Bolton.
The story is told by moving back and forth in time. Telling parts of the story from "The Craftsman" , weaving a tale that brings all to a full circle.
Really good!
The story is told by moving back and forth in time. Telling parts of the story from "The Craftsman" , weaving a tale that brings all to a full circle.
Really good!
June 3, 2023
I am a huge fan of Sharon Bolton and have been eager to dive into The Buried for a while. As both sequel and prequel to The Craftsman, I was eager for a smart story that would hook me throughout. While there were enjoyable elements throughout, I’ll be honest and say that this is my least favourite Bolton book.
At first, I was a little bit confused by this one. It took until we flashed back to the past for me to be sucked into the story, for things to finally start falling into place, which is strange for a Bolton book. I’m usually hooked on Bolton from the first page, unable to put the book down. This one, however, I was able to put down with ease. The aspects that interested me had me curious, yet there were lots of things that did not grip me as hard as I had hoped. There were some things that I wanted to explore a lot more and felt like I never received enough of these elements. Sure, it was an interesting addition to the storyline. Plus, it has me curious about how other elements will come together. As a whole, though, this was not the strong sequel I had hoped it would be. There were too many things I wanted to explore a lot more, which just made it an okay story rather than the gripping story I usually receive from an author I consider one of my favourites.
All in all, I’m curious to see what else comes in this world. However, if you’re new to Bolton, I would not recommend this series as the starting point. It is interesting and something a little different, yet it is lacking in that punch usually found in the author’s books.
At first, I was a little bit confused by this one. It took until we flashed back to the past for me to be sucked into the story, for things to finally start falling into place, which is strange for a Bolton book. I’m usually hooked on Bolton from the first page, unable to put the book down. This one, however, I was able to put down with ease. The aspects that interested me had me curious, yet there were lots of things that did not grip me as hard as I had hoped. There were some things that I wanted to explore a lot more and felt like I never received enough of these elements. Sure, it was an interesting addition to the storyline. Plus, it has me curious about how other elements will come together. As a whole, though, this was not the strong sequel I had hoped it would be. There were too many things I wanted to explore a lot more, which just made it an okay story rather than the gripping story I usually receive from an author I consider one of my favourites.
All in all, I’m curious to see what else comes in this world. However, if you’re new to Bolton, I would not recommend this series as the starting point. It is interesting and something a little different, yet it is lacking in that punch usually found in the author’s books.
December 27, 2022
Florence Lovelady is on the case again, and remembering events that led to her career
in the police. Five children's bodies are found in the Potter's Field, and could tie to the
child killings by Larry who was imprisoned and died. How are the Craftsmen involved
and will Florence find out what is going on and stay alive, herself?
Brillant prequel/sequel to the Craftsman! Mrs. Bolton continues her great skill at bringing
plots with many twists and turns to bear here. I hope there is more to this series as well as
more Lacey Flints!!
in the police. Five children's bodies are found in the Potter's Field, and could tie to the
child killings by Larry who was imprisoned and died. How are the Craftsmen involved
and will Florence find out what is going on and stay alive, herself?
Brillant prequel/sequel to the Craftsman! Mrs. Bolton continues her great skill at bringing
plots with many twists and turns to bear here. I hope there is more to this series as well as
more Lacey Flints!!
April 8, 2023
The Buried är en lättläst och välskriven spänningsroman. Jag tycker om Sharon Boltons sätt att bygga en historia, med ett språk utan onödiga utvikningar och med ett starkt spänningsmoment. Kapitlen är korta och med varierande POV, vilket bidrar till att driva historien framåt. Det är en mörk historia som visar de allra sämsta dragen hos människor.
Karaktärsteckningarna i The Buried är bra, Sharon Bolton kan få fram karaktärsdrag genom personernas agerande, och andras iakttagelser. Egentligen är jag inte så förtjust i någon karaktär, det är många som är rätt egocentrerade, och inte så schyssta mot andra. Med några undantag. Huvudkaraktären Florence Lovelady är jag kluven till, men hon är en intressant person att läsa om.
En av styrkorna med The Buried är miljön. Sabden är ett speciellt ställe, och som läsare känner man det mörka, naturnära, och inskränkta. Det är brittiskt på det allra bästa sättet. Händelserna som utspelar sig The Buried kan man assoicera till häxprocesser som utspelade sig i Lancashire nära Sabden (The Pendle Trials). Kopplingen i sig tycker jag tillför mycket till berättelsen, men jag är inte så förtjust i de nästan övernaturliga element som dyker upp ibland.
The Buried är del två i en serie om Florence Lovelady, där den första heter The Craftsman och kom ut 2018. Normalt i en serie så är det händelser i del 2 som kommer efter de i del 1 (finns undantag som Ragnar Jónasson som vände på allt). I The Buried blir jag till en början väldigt förvirrad, för det visar sig både vara en prequel och sequel. Det är två tidslinjer, en som utspelar sig 1999 och en som utspelar sig 1969. Det är samma upplägg som i The Craftsman. Men det som utspelar sig 1999 i The Buried är en prequel till The Craftsman, medan det som utspelar sig 1969 är en sequel. Förvirrande? Ja, väldigt i början. Men egentligen var problemet att historierna är så sammanvävda med varandra, att man verkligen måste komma ihåg vad som hände i The Craftsman, och det tog ett tag innan jag gjorde det eftersom det är fem år sedan jag läste den. Så min rekommendation är att läsa böckerna relativt snart på varandra. Det ska bli intressant att se om det blir en tredje del som var sagt, och när den utspelar sig.
Som ett PS kan läggas till att den här boken först hette The Poisoner och skulle ha kommit ut 2020. Den såldes även till andra länder, och i Sverige kom den ut som Giftmördaren. Den kom dock aldrig på engelska, och som jag förstått det var det något problem med förlaget och pandemin. Nu när den väl kom hade den bytt namn till The Buried.
Det finns ingen tvekan om att jag kommer att fortsätta läsa Sharon Boltons böcker, de står helt enkelt på autobuy så snar de kommer på engelska.
Betyg: 4
https://lottensbokblogg.wordpress.com...
Karaktärsteckningarna i The Buried är bra, Sharon Bolton kan få fram karaktärsdrag genom personernas agerande, och andras iakttagelser. Egentligen är jag inte så förtjust i någon karaktär, det är många som är rätt egocentrerade, och inte så schyssta mot andra. Med några undantag. Huvudkaraktären Florence Lovelady är jag kluven till, men hon är en intressant person att läsa om.
En av styrkorna med The Buried är miljön. Sabden är ett speciellt ställe, och som läsare känner man det mörka, naturnära, och inskränkta. Det är brittiskt på det allra bästa sättet. Händelserna som utspelar sig The Buried kan man assoicera till häxprocesser som utspelade sig i Lancashire nära Sabden (The Pendle Trials). Kopplingen i sig tycker jag tillför mycket till berättelsen, men jag är inte så förtjust i de nästan övernaturliga element som dyker upp ibland.
The Buried är del två i en serie om Florence Lovelady, där den första heter The Craftsman och kom ut 2018. Normalt i en serie så är det händelser i del 2 som kommer efter de i del 1 (finns undantag som Ragnar Jónasson som vände på allt). I The Buried blir jag till en början väldigt förvirrad, för det visar sig både vara en prequel och sequel. Det är två tidslinjer, en som utspelar sig 1999 och en som utspelar sig 1969. Det är samma upplägg som i The Craftsman. Men det som utspelar sig 1999 i The Buried är en prequel till The Craftsman, medan det som utspelar sig 1969 är en sequel. Förvirrande? Ja, väldigt i början. Men egentligen var problemet att historierna är så sammanvävda med varandra, att man verkligen måste komma ihåg vad som hände i The Craftsman, och det tog ett tag innan jag gjorde det eftersom det är fem år sedan jag läste den. Så min rekommendation är att läsa böckerna relativt snart på varandra. Det ska bli intressant att se om det blir en tredje del som var sagt, och när den utspelar sig.
Som ett PS kan läggas till att den här boken först hette The Poisoner och skulle ha kommit ut 2020. Den såldes även till andra länder, och i Sverige kom den ut som Giftmördaren. Den kom dock aldrig på engelska, och som jag förstått det var det något problem med förlaget och pandemin. Nu när den väl kom hade den bytt namn till The Buried.
Det finns ingen tvekan om att jag kommer att fortsätta läsa Sharon Boltons böcker, de står helt enkelt på autobuy så snar de kommer på engelska.
Betyg: 4
https://lottensbokblogg.wordpress.com...
December 9, 2022
Weaker than The Craftsman,some plot holes,but very good nonetheless.
July 23, 2023
Another excellent read from Sharon Bolton.
September 19, 2022
Sharon Bolton writes this follow up to The Craftsman, both a sequel and a prequel, throwing new light on the past that readers will be familiar with, acknowledged here by the Lancashire Morning Post article by Abby Thorn. There are references to the past in Sabden's hunt for a child killer which led to the arrest of Larry Glassbrook in 1969, and to events in 1999, including the abduction of Florence's son, Ben. Florence Loveday, now a high ranking police officer in the London Met, had felt compelled to visit Larry regularly in prison through the years. Prior to his death, he tells her to look into the remains of 4 children found at the children's home, Black Moss Manor, closed down in 1989, run by Frederick and Judith Aster who had served 2 years in prison for their part in the cruelty and neglect of the vulnerable children in their care.
Initial inquiries by Florence suggest that these are old remains, something Larry disputes, saying he knows they are much more recent. The scene is set for Florence to return to the darkness and horrors of Sabden in Lancashire with its history of the Pendle witches, there is unfinished business that must be tended to, not to mention the fact that she has always been haunted by the disappearance of Marigold McGowan and her new born baby, after she had escaped the children's home. Also returning after 30 years is Cassie, Larry's daughter, wanting to ensure Florence's return to the town, and with her dark obsession of getting back together with her old lover, John Donnelly, now a married man with children. Florence is determined to deal with the evil that runs rampant in Sabden, trying to identify the remains of the dead children. This means that she has no option but to tangle with the dangers of taking on The Craftsmen.
Bolton once again immerses us into the darkness of Sabden, the ongoing practice of the dark arts by The Craftsmen, powerful men willing to do whatever is necessary to protect the Asters and the nightmare of what happened to the children at Black Moss Manor. The only help Florence gets is from Abby Thorn, the journalist, and Sabden's coven of witches, but is this enough? This is a chillingly disturbing read, that revisits a past where little was as it appeared to be, both for Florrie and Cassie. This is a terrific read, and it was a pleasure to return to the terrors of Bolton's Sabden, past and present, with its shocking twist after twist, I have no doubt it will appeal to the author's fans, old and new. However, on a personal level, I did not feel as comfortable with the book being both a prequel and a sequel, but this might just be me, it may have helped if I had reread The Craftsmen. Recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
Initial inquiries by Florence suggest that these are old remains, something Larry disputes, saying he knows they are much more recent. The scene is set for Florence to return to the darkness and horrors of Sabden in Lancashire with its history of the Pendle witches, there is unfinished business that must be tended to, not to mention the fact that she has always been haunted by the disappearance of Marigold McGowan and her new born baby, after she had escaped the children's home. Also returning after 30 years is Cassie, Larry's daughter, wanting to ensure Florence's return to the town, and with her dark obsession of getting back together with her old lover, John Donnelly, now a married man with children. Florence is determined to deal with the evil that runs rampant in Sabden, trying to identify the remains of the dead children. This means that she has no option but to tangle with the dangers of taking on The Craftsmen.
Bolton once again immerses us into the darkness of Sabden, the ongoing practice of the dark arts by The Craftsmen, powerful men willing to do whatever is necessary to protect the Asters and the nightmare of what happened to the children at Black Moss Manor. The only help Florence gets is from Abby Thorn, the journalist, and Sabden's coven of witches, but is this enough? This is a chillingly disturbing read, that revisits a past where little was as it appeared to be, both for Florrie and Cassie. This is a terrific read, and it was a pleasure to return to the terrors of Bolton's Sabden, past and present, with its shocking twist after twist, I have no doubt it will appeal to the author's fans, old and new. However, on a personal level, I did not feel as comfortable with the book being both a prequel and a sequel, but this might just be me, it may have helped if I had reread The Craftsmen. Recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
February 10, 2021
Dieses Buch habe ich bei einem Gewinnspiel gewonnen. Thriller sind zwar nicht nein bevorzugtes Genre, doch ausprobieren möchte ich immer wieder mal was neues. Ich muss sagen, die Art wie die Autorin das Buch aufgeteilt hat, hat mir echt gut gefallen. Zu Beginn sind wir in der Gegenwart, dann in Teil 2 in der Vergangenheit um zum Schluss dann wieder in der Gegenwart. Es ist spannend geschrieben und der Spannungsbogen wurde die ganze Zeit aufrecht erhalten. Das es ein bisschen mythisch wurde, hat mir leider nicht so gut gefallen. Das hat zwar gut in die Geschichte gepasst, war aber leider nicht so mein Geschmack. Trotzdem bin ich jetzt gespannt wie es mit Band 1 zusammenhängt und werde mir den zulegen.
3,5 Sterne
3,5 Sterne
July 8, 2023
A great follow up to The Craftsman! You need an open mind to read it because some of it he plot involves witchcraft but it’s really dark and mysterious. I would definitely advise reading it straight after the first book or it could be confusing if you forget who is who
January 19, 2023
Great book. Secrets are everywhere. Great atmosphere too
May 31, 2024
A masterclass in writing from Bolton. This story comes in 3 parts the present and a dying man who was convicted of the murder of children. It then returns to the past telling Florence’s story the wpc who caught the murderer and Cassie his daughter and their timelines post him being caught. Then returns to the present and the aftermath of all their decisions from 30 years before. Bolton had so many engaging elements in this story. I particularly liked the coven of witches and what they added and it was dealt with in a realistic and interesting method. In addition the attempt to access telekinesis was also an added extra in the story writing that was also written about in a believable although out there concept. Bolton never misses a beat keeping the reader glued to the story awaiting the ending despite all the twists. Definitely a good summer read.
February 8, 2023
The Buried is the follow up to The Craftsman and begins thirty years later. The story then goes back to 1969 and continues with events after the arrest of Larry Glassbrook.
In this book we have the same characters as the first and the majority of the story does take place in 1969. I would recommend that the first book is read but there are plenty of references to what happened.
I loved the first book so was happy to read the second and go back to Sabden, Lancashire. Set in and around Pendle the story has plenty of atmosphere and of course witchcraft.
The story does answer plenty of questions but also for me has unanswered ones too, especially one event in the story which has left me wondering if there will be a book number three.
This book was a chunk to read but it did hold my interest all the way through. I really enjoy books by Sharon Bolton although I didn't like the latest Lacy Flint. Really enjoyed this one very much but only 4 stars as I did feel a little confused with one particular part of the story but I'm sure a third book would resolve it.
In this book we have the same characters as the first and the majority of the story does take place in 1969. I would recommend that the first book is read but there are plenty of references to what happened.
I loved the first book so was happy to read the second and go back to Sabden, Lancashire. Set in and around Pendle the story has plenty of atmosphere and of course witchcraft.
The story does answer plenty of questions but also for me has unanswered ones too, especially one event in the story which has left me wondering if there will be a book number three.
This book was a chunk to read but it did hold my interest all the way through. I really enjoy books by Sharon Bolton although I didn't like the latest Lacy Flint. Really enjoyed this one very much but only 4 stars as I did feel a little confused with one particular part of the story but I'm sure a third book would resolve it.
October 13, 2024
4.5 stars
I liked it more than the first book in the series because it was clearer to me who each character was and it's more suspenseful. Also, this is both a prequel and a sequel, so I'm glad I started reading it right after the first book, because otherwise I would have been totally confused and lost in the plot.
I liked it more than the first book in the series because it was clearer to me who each character was and it's more suspenseful. Also, this is both a prequel and a sequel, so I'm glad I started reading it right after the first book, because otherwise I would have been totally confused and lost in the plot.
February 7, 2024
I enjoyed this. It was kind of like a prequel and sequel to the first book. It was nice to find out what happened in the aftermath of Larry’s arrest. I liked the split timelines and it was interesting to see that Florence finally got answers 30 years after she started investigating things.
April 10, 2025
Excellent! I waited too long after reading Craftsmen #1, so that story was a bit fuzzy for me. Still, this book had great atmosphere and a solid couple of mysteries, plus a paranormal element. All my favorite things about Sharon Bolton.
December 10, 2020
A decent crime novel with an enough entertaining plot to keep it going, but I Wasn't very invested in the story.
February 16, 2023
Mistrz ceremonii był w miarę ok, ale ta to porażka. Ledwo dobrnęłam do końca. Wydaje mi się, że to powinna być pierwsza część a nie druga. Akcja w tej książce nie istnieje, nic się nie dzieje.
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