What do you think?
Rate this book
Dovetail
THIS IS A NOVEL ABOUT GOOD AND EVIL AND THE DARKER SIDE OF THE ANTIQUES BUSINESS.
It is also a story about the power of friendship that spans generations. Like the antiques he restores, master craftsman Bill Sawyer knows that his interesting past could lead to a fragile future. In the autumn of his life, as his body begins to betray his skill, his dwindling days are about to become very interesting. The value of Bill's experience has not gone unnoticed, because things of value often attract dangerous attention.
But it's no use growing old if you don't get artful.
There is an old adage in the antiques trade that says 'not all that glistens is gold'. So you better believe that not all that's said to be Elizabethan is old. It might well have been made yesterday.
It is also a story about the power of friendship that spans generations. Like the antiques he restores, master craftsman Bill Sawyer knows that his interesting past could lead to a fragile future. In the autumn of his life, as his body begins to betray his skill, his dwindling days are about to become very interesting. The value of Bill's experience has not gone unnoticed, because things of value often attract dangerous attention.
But it's no use growing old if you don't get artful.
There is an old adage in the antiques trade that says 'not all that glistens is gold'. So you better believe that not all that's said to be Elizabethan is old. It might well have been made yesterday.
347 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2018
16 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 9, 2019
Superbly written first novel.
I can’t wait to see what else “The Cunning Artificer” has in store for us!
I can’t wait to see what else “The Cunning Artificer” has in store for us!
February 6, 2022
A good debut. I look forward to seeing what else Bernard can come up with. I liked the plot, despite not having any knowledge about either antiques or woodworking, but the characters were the most impressive part for me. I did feel it needed a little editing, and spotted a few grammar/spelling bits that would probably be ironed out on a second printing. A great storyteller who I feel will get better and better.
October 11, 2018
A fast-paced thriller with characters you really care about, villains who deserve what they get, and a plot laced with wonderful details about antiques, the antiques trade and other interesting tidbits. I was captured on the first page and read it with interest and delight. This is a first novel written to a very high standard indeed, a personal voice and a strong plot-- what will he surprise us with next? Oh, and I cried at the end -- there was a little surprise, and it made me cry. That rarely happens. This guy can WRITE!
August 17, 2021
Absolutely marvellous
What a wonderful tale from a great story teller. A strong cast of characters who I am sad to leave behind ( well most of them ) I have cried, laughed held my breath and carried on reading past my bedtime and when I should have been about other important business. Get to know lovely Bill and his people set in the beautiful countryside of Somerset. Looking forward to reading more from Mr Pearson
What a wonderful tale from a great story teller. A strong cast of characters who I am sad to leave behind ( well most of them ) I have cried, laughed held my breath and carried on reading past my bedtime and when I should have been about other important business. Get to know lovely Bill and his people set in the beautiful countryside of Somerset. Looking forward to reading more from Mr Pearson
June 6, 2018
Bernard Pearson's first published book and yet the writing was very mature.
He has managed to come up with a wonderfully intriguing and believable story.
Bernard's attention to detail, his vivid descriptions of people, places and processes failed to stop the flow of the story; in fact, it added to the ambience.
He has managed to come up with a wonderfully intriguing and believable story.
Bernard's attention to detail, his vivid descriptions of people, places and processes failed to stop the flow of the story; in fact, it added to the ambience.
April 10, 2019
That point in chapter 12, you'll know it when you reach it, damnit Bernard, you made me cry.
Wonderful, wonderful book by a unique and marvellous man. I literally lost sleep to finish it. Comes with my highest possible recommendation
Wonderful, wonderful book by a unique and marvellous man. I literally lost sleep to finish it. Comes with my highest possible recommendation
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2020
Delightful first novel with beautifully crafted real characters and attention to detail. Not a crime exactly, not a mystery or romance but a convoluted dovetail of lives producing a feel-good finale we all wish Karma would provide. Duvet day read par excellence.
February 2, 2021
Fantastic book by a brilliant story teller.
Had me laughing and crying from the onset. The characters have great depth and the bonds of friendship are wonderfully written. Can't wait to read his next publication.
Had me laughing and crying from the onset. The characters have great depth and the bonds of friendship are wonderfully written. Can't wait to read his next publication.
October 17, 2021
a fabulous first novel
This novel is so skilfully crafted, the characters, skills and intrigue reflect the best and worst about the human condition and the importance of love, humility, integrity and true friendship. Thank you Bernard.
This novel is so skilfully crafted, the characters, skills and intrigue reflect the best and worst about the human condition and the importance of love, humility, integrity and true friendship. Thank you Bernard.
July 12, 2018
Superb 1st book from this author. Interesting subject matter and a pace which keeps you reading. Looking forward to another one
August 21, 2019
Great storytelling and can't wait to read more from this author
September 24, 2021
A masterpiece
Well crafted, a 5 star story to immerse yourself in. Had me cheering and clapping and perhaps there may have been a few tears. An absolute treat!
Well crafted, a 5 star story to immerse yourself in. Had me cheering and clapping and perhaps there may have been a few tears. An absolute treat!
July 14, 2022
A book about friendships and how good people can band together against evil
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews