Dovetail

by Bernard Pearson

A NOVEL ABOUT GOOD, EVIL, AND THE DARK SIDE OF THE ANTIQUES TRADE. Like all the furniture that he restores so well, retired master craftsman Bill Sawyer knows that his interesting past could mean a fragile future. His expertise in woodworking is a thing of rare and overlooked value, and those often attract dangerous attention. In the autumn of his days when life should be mellow and peaceful his world is violently disrupted by an unexpected commission. Darren Skates, a powerful and ruthless man intrudes into his simple Somerset workshop. His grand plan? Blackmailing a reluctant Bill into creating a set of Elizabethan chairs that could fool a museum. Chairs that require the skill and expertise that only a master craftsman such as he has that can turn back time and make yesterday’s antiques today. Racing against the calendar to complete his coerced masterpiece, Bill begins to search for a way out. His beloved dog, Bess, his extended family, and his life are all on the line. Skates seems untouchable, hidden away in his gated mansion. Skates is new. He doesn't know the lay of the land. And he underestimates Bill. A man who knows that it's no use growing old if you don't get artful. Using his tangled web of old scoundrels, his formidable skills, and the help of young Lucy, a mysterious woman scorned and burnt up by Skates, Bill starts fighting back. His final deadline, bonfire night, approaches... THE FIRST SOLO NOVEL FROM BERNARD PEARSON, CO-AUTHOR OF THE DISCWORLD ALMANACK AND BOOKS IN THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED TERRY PRATCHETT PRESENTS DISCWORLD SERIES.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2018

Reviews

[Matt Dowdall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superbly written first novel.
I can’t wait to see what else “The Cunning Artificer” has in store for us!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Nancy Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Sandra Duckworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Steve James · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Jan Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Simon Ruscoe-price · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb 1st book from this author. Interesting subject matter and a pace which keeps you reading. Looking forward to another one

[LaurieAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storytelling and can't wait to read more from this author

[Joan Alison Croasdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about friendships and how good people can band together against evil