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The Craftsman #0.5
Alive
For fans of Val McDermid, Elly Griffiths and Peter May, prepare to delve into the dark world of the Craftsman with Alive, the ghostly short story thriller by Sunday Times best seller Sharon Bolton.
A dark moon is rising. A perfect black circle, barely visible in the night sky, the dark moon casts its void over the wind-scorched moor, over the soaring mass of a great limestone hill, and over the town that cowers in its shadow. The dark moon is the absence of moon before the slender silver crescent of the new moon appears again and people can breathe a little easier. The month is March, and the night is clear and cold, black as pitch. The full moon in March is known as the Worm Moon, welcome despite its ominous name, marking as it does the end of winter and the emergence of earthworms from the thawing ground. Dark moons have never been named, although they are sometimes called the dead moons. The dark moons reign over nights when people stoke up their fires, draw their curtains tighter and try to think happy thoughts.
In the town of Sabden at the foot of Pendle Hill in Lancashire, they usually fail. In Sabden's soot-blackened terraced houses, the sleepers' dreams darken when the moon leaves the sky. Infants wake up cold, mothers tremble with elusive fears for their children and old folks slip a little closer to death. Only the Craftsman welcomes the dark moon. Alone in the town, he is awake and ready to start work.
Alive is a nail-biting, heart-racing, exhilarating thriller that will have you up all night and includes an extract of Sharon's upcoming novel The Craftsman. Alive is the perfect appetiser to whet your appetite for Sharon's crime-fiction listens - a gripping tale that will leave you terrified to turn the lights off!
Read by Nathalie Buscombe.
A dark moon is rising. A perfect black circle, barely visible in the night sky, the dark moon casts its void over the wind-scorched moor, over the soaring mass of a great limestone hill, and over the town that cowers in its shadow. The dark moon is the absence of moon before the slender silver crescent of the new moon appears again and people can breathe a little easier. The month is March, and the night is clear and cold, black as pitch. The full moon in March is known as the Worm Moon, welcome despite its ominous name, marking as it does the end of winter and the emergence of earthworms from the thawing ground. Dark moons have never been named, although they are sometimes called the dead moons. The dark moons reign over nights when people stoke up their fires, draw their curtains tighter and try to think happy thoughts.
In the town of Sabden at the foot of Pendle Hill in Lancashire, they usually fail. In Sabden's soot-blackened terraced houses, the sleepers' dreams darken when the moon leaves the sky. Infants wake up cold, mothers tremble with elusive fears for their children and old folks slip a little closer to death. Only the Craftsman welcomes the dark moon. Alone in the town, he is awake and ready to start work.
Alive is a nail-biting, heart-racing, exhilarating thriller that will have you up all night and includes an extract of Sharon's upcoming novel The Craftsman. Alive is the perfect appetiser to whet your appetite for Sharon's crime-fiction listens - a gripping tale that will leave you terrified to turn the lights off!
Read by Nathalie Buscombe.
Audible Audio
First published March 1, 2018
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About the author
Sharon J. Bolton
44 books4,546 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 115 reviews
November 17, 2018
Set in the town of Sabden at the foot of Pendle Hill (famous for the Pendle Hill Witches) ‘Alive’ is the prequel to Sharon Bolton’s The Craftsman and it gives a real flavour of what we can expect. One can almost hear the echoes of the caldron bubbling - the murmuring of the witches as they cast their spells, and then of course there’s the Craftsman working away as he busies himself planning and carrying out his evil deeds!
Very atmospheric, very creepy, but utterly compelling!
Very atmospheric, very creepy, but utterly compelling!
November 12, 2022
Even the Moon has a dark side......
Sharon Bolton sets her story nestled in the strange goings on in Sabden. People knew which alleys to avoid and which dimly lit streets could bring you trouble. But children operated on a far different plane. They lived for excitement and teasing and just roughing one another up. Taking chances was part of the game until the game flipped in favor of someone else.
But heaviness set in when individuals that you knew ended up gone. Gone like in never ever to be seen again. Gone in like never leaving a trace. Vanishing at the hands of another. But who was that who?
Alive is a little nugget of a sneak peak into Sharon Bolton's novel The Craftsman which came out in 2018. If you hadn't the opportunity to get onboard that one, now's the time. And if you haven't had the pleasure of reading Bolton yet, it's past time.
Those of us true Bolton fans send out an invitation. Pick this one up and then slide into The Craftsman. It set the Creep-O-Meter into high voltage.
Sharon Bolton sets her story nestled in the strange goings on in Sabden. People knew which alleys to avoid and which dimly lit streets could bring you trouble. But children operated on a far different plane. They lived for excitement and teasing and just roughing one another up. Taking chances was part of the game until the game flipped in favor of someone else.
But heaviness set in when individuals that you knew ended up gone. Gone like in never ever to be seen again. Gone in like never leaving a trace. Vanishing at the hands of another. But who was that who?
Alive is a little nugget of a sneak peak into Sharon Bolton's novel The Craftsman which came out in 2018. If you hadn't the opportunity to get onboard that one, now's the time. And if you haven't had the pleasure of reading Bolton yet, it's past time.
Those of us true Bolton fans send out an invitation. Pick this one up and then slide into The Craftsman. It set the Creep-O-Meter into high voltage.
November 28, 2020
There really is a bad moon rising among all the different moons described here. One with a serial killer involved abducting youths. The setting is 1969 in a small town in Lancashire. The atmosphere is very dark and uncanny. Who is the killer and what does he do to the kids? You follow the kids until they meet their murderer! Absolutely intriguing tale, this fascinating pre-story of her novel "The Craftsman". An excellent horror/murder tale set in Lancashire, I couldn't put down. highly recommended!
December 14, 2019
This is a short story that aims to give the reader a taste of what they can look forward to when Sharon Bolton's new novel 'The Craftsman' is released. 'Alive' is a short story that tells of the abduction and killing of a teenager in 1969. This is a teasing taster of what is to come and I intend to read ASAP.
I always find it hard to give anymore than a 3 star rating for a short story but I have no doubt that I would be scoring an higher star rating with a full length novel. Bring on the Craftsman.
I always find it hard to give anymore than a 3 star rating for a short story but I have no doubt that I would be scoring an higher star rating with a full length novel. Bring on the Craftsman.
July 13, 2018
Sharon Bolton is now one of my favourite Authors in the Prequel to THE Crafts man this short story is mesmerizing , very dark & Creepy is the only word to describe The Craftsman .
Ms Bolton tantalises the reader into the world of the craftsman & leaves you hanging for more.
Kudos to the author who has really stepped up with this creepy dark frightening short story now onto The Craftsman. would give it five if longer but will give it 4.99 stars that's how good it was.
Ms Bolton tantalises the reader into the world of the craftsman & leaves you hanging for more.
Kudos to the author who has really stepped up with this creepy dark frightening short story now onto The Craftsman. would give it five if longer but will give it 4.99 stars that's how good it was.
November 12, 2018
Alive is a delicious appetizer for the main course The Craftsman.
A short story, which left me intrigued and hungry, impatient to delve into yet another fine work by Sharon Bolton.
A short story, which left me intrigued and hungry, impatient to delve into yet another fine work by Sharon Bolton.
September 13, 2018
I have not read any Sharon Bolton's books and saw this as a good opportunity to get a taste of her writing and decide whether it is for me or not. After reading Alive, Sharon Bolton seems to be right up my street!
What starts as an innocent plotline, quickly turns into a dark and chilling story. I will need more of this, please!
What starts as an innocent plotline, quickly turns into a dark and chilling story. I will need more of this, please!
June 7, 2020
This was the Google Play Audio book version.
Narrator: Natalie Buscombe
Excellent narration which matched the U.K. placing of the story. I loved the various accents used.
Well read, short story introduction to the author's world of The Craftsman. Loved the accents and it certainly whets your appetite to find out what happens in the full story.
Narrator: Natalie Buscombe
Excellent narration which matched the U.K. placing of the story. I loved the various accents used.
Well read, short story introduction to the author's world of The Craftsman. Loved the accents and it certainly whets your appetite to find out what happens in the full story.
January 16, 2019
3.5 stars
There are a lot of moons in this short prequel to The Craftsman. But if you live in Sabden, the only one you have to worry about is the new moon. As in complete darkness. Better pull your curtains shut & stay inside because that’s when kids disappear.
It’s the late 1960’s & in separate stories we follow 3 teenagers just before they’re snatched off the street. Along the way we run into characters like Dwane the gravedigger & a young new cop named Florence.
This came out before the full length novel. But I think I actually appreciated it more because I’d read the book first. Knowing what was to come made it creepier & it was a pleasure to bump into the characters again, especially Dwane. It’s a quick snack, just 46 pages & it reminded me just how much I’m looking forward to The Poisoner
There are a lot of moons in this short prequel to The Craftsman. But if you live in Sabden, the only one you have to worry about is the new moon. As in complete darkness. Better pull your curtains shut & stay inside because that’s when kids disappear.
It’s the late 1960’s & in separate stories we follow 3 teenagers just before they’re snatched off the street. Along the way we run into characters like Dwane the gravedigger & a young new cop named Florence.
This came out before the full length novel. But I think I actually appreciated it more because I’d read the book first. Knowing what was to come made it creepier & it was a pleasure to bump into the characters again, especially Dwane. It’s a quick snack, just 46 pages & it reminded me just how much I’m looking forward to The Poisoner
November 18, 2022
Very short read but it packs a punch. I can't believe this even counts as a book. It says it is 40 pages long but really it is half that as it includes the first four chapters of its prequel and lengthy novel The Craftsman. So I think it's tough to review and I don't want to go into The Craftsman which is what Alive sets up.
I recently saw this reviewed by a friend (Linda) and was somewhat confused whether I should read it before the Craftsman or after. She recommended it be read prior and I have to agree. I read Alive on my Kindle but have the hardcover of The Craftsman on my book shelf and so when I saw that this short little story flowed into the Craftsman I made sure that the first four chapters of The Craftsman were identical to the kindle and then started reading the hard cover instead. I just so prefer the physical book in my hand!
The prequel set up the murder of three younger teens. They occur during different moon cycles and involve the fact that the victims know their abductors and willingly go with him. It comes out that the Craftsman knows exactly who he wants to go after. He stalks them learning their routines and when the opportunity strikes he so takes advantage. I don't really consider what I said a spoiler because of the way The Craftsman opens up and deals with three murders right off the bat.
It is also clear that The Craftsman is after something with regard to abducting them. He gets frustrated when their death's occur before they should and he screams like a madman when that happens. Yet one of his victims behaves according to plan but what exactly is that plan?
I'm not going to say to much more than that. I am not going into any details with regard to the novel The Craftsman. I am reading it now and I do see the benefit of reading this little introduction first. I do recommend the kindle version for Alive as I wouldn't want to pay any more than the kindle rate that I did ($1.99) and as mentioned there are really only 20 pages or so.
The writing though is awesome. Bolton has a way with words and if you are not aware of my belief than I will simply say it again - I honestly believe that women British authors are the best authors on the planet.
She is so descriptive, so detailed. There is even a sense of humour with regard to all the darkness occurring. It has been way too long since I've read Bolton. I actually credit her and Rachel Joyce for getting me started back into reading properly about a decade ago and I have never looked back.
I highly recommend her and I even ordered the first in the Lacey Flint series. Enjoy this sweet little intro to the Craftsman but honestly you have to have the intent to read the Craftsman as well. They are a natural pairing. The review of The Craftsman to be forthcoming. This review is a solid four stars. Quite the tantalizer :)
I recently saw this reviewed by a friend (Linda) and was somewhat confused whether I should read it before the Craftsman or after. She recommended it be read prior and I have to agree. I read Alive on my Kindle but have the hardcover of The Craftsman on my book shelf and so when I saw that this short little story flowed into the Craftsman I made sure that the first four chapters of The Craftsman were identical to the kindle and then started reading the hard cover instead. I just so prefer the physical book in my hand!
The prequel set up the murder of three younger teens. They occur during different moon cycles and involve the fact that the victims know their abductors and willingly go with him. It comes out that the Craftsman knows exactly who he wants to go after. He stalks them learning their routines and when the opportunity strikes he so takes advantage. I don't really consider what I said a spoiler because of the way The Craftsman opens up and deals with three murders right off the bat.
It is also clear that The Craftsman is after something with regard to abducting them. He gets frustrated when their death's occur before they should and he screams like a madman when that happens. Yet one of his victims behaves according to plan but what exactly is that plan?
I'm not going to say to much more than that. I am not going into any details with regard to the novel The Craftsman. I am reading it now and I do see the benefit of reading this little introduction first. I do recommend the kindle version for Alive as I wouldn't want to pay any more than the kindle rate that I did ($1.99) and as mentioned there are really only 20 pages or so.
The writing though is awesome. Bolton has a way with words and if you are not aware of my belief than I will simply say it again - I honestly believe that women British authors are the best authors on the planet.
She is so descriptive, so detailed. There is even a sense of humour with regard to all the darkness occurring. It has been way too long since I've read Bolton. I actually credit her and Rachel Joyce for getting me started back into reading properly about a decade ago and I have never looked back.
I highly recommend her and I even ordered the first in the Lacey Flint series. Enjoy this sweet little intro to the Craftsman but honestly you have to have the intent to read the Craftsman as well. They are a natural pairing. The review of The Craftsman to be forthcoming. This review is a solid four stars. Quite the tantalizer :)
March 24, 2018
A quick and engaging teaser to entice readers to buy the upcoming novel! Perfect for when you are having to wait at the dentist's or have some time to kill.
March 9, 2018
All I can say is roll on May 3rd!!!! After having my appetite whetted by this, I cannot wait for the Craftsman to be released!!!
September 10, 2019
Book .5 of The Craftsman series.
This is just a short appetiser to stimulate your appetite for the main course. The main course is the latest offering from Sharon J. Bolton The Craftsman.
A child disappears, then another and then another. The abductor is known in the local community, all the children think they know their abductor but what they don’t know is that he is The Craftsman.
I am forever amazed at how so few words can produce so much atmosphere when those words are in the hands of a Master Craftsman, pun intended.
I’m ready, bring on the main course.
A small but powerful 4 star read.
This is just a short appetiser to stimulate your appetite for the main course. The main course is the latest offering from Sharon J. Bolton The Craftsman.
A child disappears, then another and then another. The abductor is known in the local community, all the children think they know their abductor but what they don’t know is that he is The Craftsman.
I am forever amazed at how so few words can produce so much atmosphere when those words are in the hands of a Master Craftsman, pun intended.
I’m ready, bring on the main course.
A small but powerful 4 star read.
March 14, 2018
Ooh what a dark and creepy teaser for the new book.. can not wait for its release after reading this!
October 29, 2024
Having received my copy of The Craftsman it was time to take the bait and read the precursor to that book. The prequel short story set in the world of the Craftsman but unlikely to give anything away other than spine tingling chills and goosebumps.
Bolton’s writing is economic and almost every word seems chosen carefully to enrich or darken a particular story. She is an author at ease with things that may go bump on the night or keep the innocent from restful sleep. Her writing can be dark and frightening and it appears this is the world the Craftsman inhabits.
Alive is the story of three teenage children who are abducted around the time of the dark moon. His identity is pointed to and his work alluded to beyond just snatching the youngsters.
It appears it may be third time lucky for him and not so fortunate for his victim where death seems to be a welcome relief.
Of course this is speculation although the short story is followed by the first few pages of the long awaited novel.
The short story tells something of each young person and suggests they have things in common. That they are watched and chosen not taken at random although chance may play a part. They may not be completely innocent but surely their guilt is no more than that of any post-pubescent young person making their way towards adulthood.
What is a given is that you do not have to read Alive to enjoy The Craftsman however having read it one will find it almost impossible to delay reading the longer novel for too long.
Bolton’s writing is economic and almost every word seems chosen carefully to enrich or darken a particular story. She is an author at ease with things that may go bump on the night or keep the innocent from restful sleep. Her writing can be dark and frightening and it appears this is the world the Craftsman inhabits.
Alive is the story of three teenage children who are abducted around the time of the dark moon. His identity is pointed to and his work alluded to beyond just snatching the youngsters.
It appears it may be third time lucky for him and not so fortunate for his victim where death seems to be a welcome relief.
Of course this is speculation although the short story is followed by the first few pages of the long awaited novel.
The short story tells something of each young person and suggests they have things in common. That they are watched and chosen not taken at random although chance may play a part. They may not be completely innocent but surely their guilt is no more than that of any post-pubescent young person making their way towards adulthood.
What is a given is that you do not have to read Alive to enjoy The Craftsman however having read it one will find it almost impossible to delay reading the longer novel for too long.
September 5, 2021
*Imprescindible haber leído primero El artesano para entender bien lo que ocurre en esta obra*
“Alive” apenas consta de 50 páginas y ni siquiera me atrevería a decir que es una precuela del otro libro. Lo que aquí se narra podría haber sido encajado dentro de “El artesano”, ya que más bien rellena unas lagunas que tenía la historia.
Cuando “Al artesano” comienza, sabemos que la trama asentará sus bases en unos crímenes ocurridos en 1969. En ese año, tres adolescentes (Susan, Stephen y Patsy) fueron cruelmente asesinados al ser enterrados vivos. ”Alive” tiene como objetivo mostrarnos cómo fue exactamente el secuestro de cada una de las víctimas y enseñarnos un poco cómo eran sus vidas antes de ese suceso.
El libro está dividido en 3 capítulos, uno por cada víctima. Como deferencia ante las personas que puedan leerlo sin haberse lanzado primero con “El artesano”, la autora nunca menciona el nombre del asesino, así que en ese sentido no se hace spoiler. Es más, demuestra cierta maestría al ir nombrando a varios personajes y hacer que sospechemos de ellos. En todo caso, aunque “Alive” no haga spoilers, creo que leerlo primero sería un error, ya que no entenderíais el origen de todo ni notaríais las mentiras o testimonios incompletos que otros personajes dieron en “El artesano”.
Lo que más me gustó de la lectura fue conocer por fin lo que rodeó a la desaparición de las tres víctimas. Ver qué les pasó y sus circunstancias antes de su muerte le da un toque aún más trágico a su asesinato. Lo que no me convenció es que se omitió casi todo lo ocurrió desde que fueron raptados hasta su final. Puede que la autora solo tuviera el propósito de humanizar a las víctimas y que se las conociera mejor, pero le resta fuerza a lo macabro que fue lo que se les hizo.
Sea como sea, si habéis leído “El artesano”, os recomendaría encarecidamente darle una oportunidad también a “Alive”. En el momento de escribir esta reseña, podéis encontrar “Alive” de forma gratuita en Amazon. Solo está disponible en inglés, pero es sencillo de leer. A pesar de lo descriptiva que puede llegar a ser la autora, aquí no se enreda demasiado con el vocabulario que usa y hay fluidez en lo que narra.
“Alive” apenas consta de 50 páginas y ni siquiera me atrevería a decir que es una precuela del otro libro. Lo que aquí se narra podría haber sido encajado dentro de “El artesano”, ya que más bien rellena unas lagunas que tenía la historia.
Cuando “Al artesano” comienza, sabemos que la trama asentará sus bases en unos crímenes ocurridos en 1969. En ese año, tres adolescentes (Susan, Stephen y Patsy) fueron cruelmente asesinados al ser enterrados vivos. ”Alive” tiene como objetivo mostrarnos cómo fue exactamente el secuestro de cada una de las víctimas y enseñarnos un poco cómo eran sus vidas antes de ese suceso.
El libro está dividido en 3 capítulos, uno por cada víctima. Como deferencia ante las personas que puedan leerlo sin haberse lanzado primero con “El artesano”, la autora nunca menciona el nombre del asesino, así que en ese sentido no se hace spoiler. Es más, demuestra cierta maestría al ir nombrando a varios personajes y hacer que sospechemos de ellos. En todo caso, aunque “Alive” no haga spoilers, creo que leerlo primero sería un error, ya que no entenderíais el origen de todo ni notaríais las mentiras o testimonios incompletos que otros personajes dieron en “El artesano”.
Lo que más me gustó de la lectura fue conocer por fin lo que rodeó a la desaparición de las tres víctimas. Ver qué les pasó y sus circunstancias antes de su muerte le da un toque aún más trágico a su asesinato. Lo que no me convenció es que se omitió casi todo lo ocurrió desde que fueron raptados hasta su final. Puede que la autora solo tuviera el propósito de humanizar a las víctimas y que se las conociera mejor, pero le resta fuerza a lo macabro que fue lo que se les hizo.
Sea como sea, si habéis leído “El artesano”, os recomendaría encarecidamente darle una oportunidad también a “Alive”. En el momento de escribir esta reseña, podéis encontrar “Alive” de forma gratuita en Amazon. Solo está disponible en inglés, pero es sencillo de leer. A pesar de lo descriptiva que puede llegar a ser la autora, aquí no se enreda demasiado con el vocabulario que usa y hay fluidez en lo que narra.
March 17, 2018
So creepy! I can't wait to read The Craftsman after this!
June 1, 2018
A very short taster of what to expect in The Craftsman, takes less than 45 minutes to read and includes an extract from The Craftsman. This creepy introduction certainly whetted my appetite and I'm looking forward to reading the full book.
September 9, 2018
I would have been much happier if this had been marketed as an prologue or a teaser, and not as a short story. As a story, it feels incomplete to me.
The writing is good, and the story is sufficiently creepy. I will probably buy the book when it comes out. But I feel a little duped.
2.5 stars
The writing is good, and the story is sufficiently creepy. I will probably buy the book when it comes out. But I feel a little duped.
2.5 stars
November 21, 2018
This novella is a worthy prequel to Sharon Bolton’s terrific novel, The Craftsman. She manages to pack more atmosphere and dread into a short story than what is found in full volumes by many authors. I highly recommend her very creepy Craftsman for readers who enjoy a disturbing, and suspenseful police procedural with a touch of the supernatural.
March 2, 2018
I thought this was a great little read. Dark, disturbing and gives you a taste of what you can look forward to in The Craftsman which is the full length novel.
April 12, 2019
This was a good short story to fill in the details of the missing kids from The Craftsman. It wasn't very long, but the writing style was just as good as in the full length novel.
I loved revisiting the characters that I read about last year, and also getting to know the kids who were already dead by the time we started The Craftsman.
Recommended for an hour or so's read.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
I loved revisiting the characters that I read about last year, and also getting to know the kids who were already dead by the time we started The Craftsman.
Recommended for an hour or so's read.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
November 7, 2022
Re-read, after reading and re-reading the book the Crsftsman). I appreciated it a lot more now. I guess usually those short stories linked to a full novel are read by people before the novel, but it works better to keep them for later. Still very short and doesn't probably makes a lot of sense by itself, but it's really interesting to read..let's say.. as a little pause when you've read 30-40% of "The Craftsman". Then you will fully get it.
It seems I'm the first one reviewing that little "novella". In fact I will not be reviewing. I won't put on any stars for now, because I think this is more kind of a first chapter than a story on her own. It will just be like a very little candy while waiting for the big meal, the Craftsman, which is not out yet! A very juicy "amouse bouche"..I will be reading it again when I will be starting the Creaftsman, and anyway it's free for now on kindle and on audible, so it is your occasion to take a look at how Sharon Bolton can write. If you like it than you're ready for the real story, I will grab it as soon as it's out! Enjoy!
It seems I'm the first one reviewing that little "novella". In fact I will not be reviewing. I won't put on any stars for now, because I think this is more kind of a first chapter than a story on her own. It will just be like a very little candy while waiting for the big meal, the Craftsman, which is not out yet! A very juicy "amouse bouche"..I will be reading it again when I will be starting the Creaftsman, and anyway it's free for now on kindle and on audible, so it is your occasion to take a look at how Sharon Bolton can write. If you like it than you're ready for the real story, I will grab it as soon as it's out! Enjoy!
August 19, 2018
"Was this necessary?"
So, these three children with their own back story end up being taken by this serial killer, Larry, or The Craftsman. That's covered in three chapters just for them. Then, a minor character with a cameo appearance in one of the chapters returns to Sebden for his funeral. She sees the ghosts of the three kids and... then we need to buy the next book. Unless I'm missing the point, all the suspense has been eliminated. We know what the book's about. Or maybe that isn't the plot-line for the full novel. Either way I can't see the point of this, especially if it was a marketing exercise to drum up sales of the novel. I'm mystified.
So, these three children with their own back story end up being taken by this serial killer, Larry, or The Craftsman. That's covered in three chapters just for them. Then, a minor character with a cameo appearance in one of the chapters returns to Sebden for his funeral. She sees the ghosts of the three kids and... then we need to buy the next book. Unless I'm missing the point, all the suspense has been eliminated. We know what the book's about. Or maybe that isn't the plot-line for the full novel. Either way I can't see the point of this, especially if it was a marketing exercise to drum up sales of the novel. I'm mystified.
April 28, 2020
Sharon Bolton is one of my favourite authors, and I’m happy to dive into anything with her name on it. Alive is a short prequel to The Craftsman, and the fact Bolton’s name was on it left me more than happy to read it even though I’m always tentative about short stories.
With Alive, we’re given a glimpse of all that is to come in The Craftsman. It’s creepy and atmospheric, ensuring you’ll be happy to devour it in no time. It gives a lot and nothing at all, ensuring you’ll want to dive right into The Craftsman.
All in all, a great prequel.
With Alive, we’re given a glimpse of all that is to come in The Craftsman. It’s creepy and atmospheric, ensuring you’ll be happy to devour it in no time. It gives a lot and nothing at all, ensuring you’ll want to dive right into The Craftsman.
All in all, a great prequel.
September 24, 2018
This is a short story. This is a prequel to Sharon Bolton's novel 'The Craftsman'. the short story was released as a teaser before the full novel was published. 'Alive' is a short story that start in 1969. Three teenagers Susas, Stephen, an Patsy are abducted and killed.
I like the writing and the story surely leaves the reader with a desire to know more.
However, even for a short story, it was a little too dark for me. I am not declaring that I will not read the novel. I will, but not this month or the next.
3.5 / 5
I like the writing and the story surely leaves the reader with a desire to know more.
However, even for a short story, it was a little too dark for me. I am not declaring that I will not read the novel. I will, but not this month or the next.
3.5 / 5
July 21, 2021
Spannende Kurzgeschichte
In dem Buch Der Meister des Todes von Sharon Bolton, geht es um den Meister des Todes, er ist eine Gestalt vor der sich viele fürchten und der immer am ersten Märzvollmond erscheint und bis zum Juni bleibt um sich Kinder zu holen. Manche Städte wissen, wie sie ihn verscheuchen können, aber Sabden nicht, weil sie nicht glücklich sind und so verschwindet als erstes Kind Susan. Warum genau diese Kinder verschwinden und nicht andere, sollte jeder lesen.
Meine Meinung:
Die Geschichte ist zwar kurz, aber trotzdem spannend und fesselnd. Für mich hätte sie noch gerne länger sein können, weil ich noch ein paar Fragezeichen im Kopf habe, die leider ungeklärt geblieben sind. Der Ansatz der Geschichte ist wirklich spannend und gut geschrieben, was mich beeindruckt hat.
Fazit:
Eine spannende Kurzgeschichte für Zwischendurch. Von der Autorin lese gerne noch mehr.
In dem Buch Der Meister des Todes von Sharon Bolton, geht es um den Meister des Todes, er ist eine Gestalt vor der sich viele fürchten und der immer am ersten Märzvollmond erscheint und bis zum Juni bleibt um sich Kinder zu holen. Manche Städte wissen, wie sie ihn verscheuchen können, aber Sabden nicht, weil sie nicht glücklich sind und so verschwindet als erstes Kind Susan. Warum genau diese Kinder verschwinden und nicht andere, sollte jeder lesen.
Meine Meinung:
Die Geschichte ist zwar kurz, aber trotzdem spannend und fesselnd. Für mich hätte sie noch gerne länger sein können, weil ich noch ein paar Fragezeichen im Kopf habe, die leider ungeklärt geblieben sind. Der Ansatz der Geschichte ist wirklich spannend und gut geschrieben, was mich beeindruckt hat.
Fazit:
Eine spannende Kurzgeschichte für Zwischendurch. Von der Autorin lese gerne noch mehr.
January 5, 2020
I must explain the 3 stars. Sharon Bolton is one of my favorite authors. I loved The Craftsman, which is the stand alone novel this short story feeds into. This short story is also very good as far as it goes. My complaint? This isn't a short story. It is nothing more than a preview of a coming attraction like you see at the movies.
Bolton has published a couple of short stories before that relate to her detective series and these were complete stories. I am just complaining about paying 2 bucks for a story fragment.
Bolton has published a couple of short stories before that relate to her detective series and these were complete stories. I am just complaining about paying 2 bucks for a story fragment.
June 18, 2021
Not much to say except it was a free short story on kindle & didn't really deliver for me
March 9, 2018
Free download from Sharon Bolton, a taster for The Craftsman...which I’ve now got to read when it’s released.
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