The facts of the case were simple: Olive Martin had pleaded guilty to killing and dismembering her sister and mother, earning herself the chilling nickname 'The Sculptress'.This much journalist Rosalind Leigh knew before her first meeting with Olive, currently serving a life sentence. How could Roz have foreseen that the encounter was destined to change her life-forever?
Convicted of the brutal ax murders of her mother and sister, Olive Martin spends her days in prison carving tiny human figures out of wax. Rosalind Leigh is a best-selling author whose publisher jolts her out of writer's block by telling her to research a book about Olive and the murders, or else. Though repelled by the idea at first, Rosalind soon becomes intrigued by her subject and begins to believe she may be innocent. She soon uncovers plenty of reasons to doubt the official police version of the killings and with Olive's help, untangles a sinister cover-up. The Sculptress won the 1994 Edgar Award for best mystery novel.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Who's in control?:
The Sculptress is a superbly plotted and terrifyingly good read from one of the UK's reigning mystery goddesses, Minette Walters. As inept as I am in composing plot synopses, I'll give it my best shot here. I apologize for its length, but rest assured I have no spoilers to diminish prospective readers' enjoyment of this novel. After a profound personal loss, Rosalind `Roz' Leigh, an author of some renown, is finding it difficult to carry on with her writing and life in general. She's entertaining... more info
Walter's Mission:
Minette Walters is recognized by many as the Queen of the British psychological mystery and for good reason. I would not hold them in the same class as Elizabeth George's fine novels but they are close and for sheer invention, they are superior. It is the hallmark of a great author that they can transform a rather overworked subject (woman chops up family) into an intense thriller and who should be the star but an obese woman who may or may not be telling the truth. Ms Walters's writings remind me of... more info
Above average and Overrated:
The premise of the story was interesting and the prose makes for smooth reading. But given the award and glowing reviews, I was expecting it to be much more than above average. The ending does not floor the reader as it should, given the nature of the ending. All in all, above average but overrated. Nevertheless, I'm still game to try another book from this author in the future.
OVERRATED !!!:
I don't understand what so special about this book. The first half of the book is quite exciting. But in the later half - especially towards the ending - it becomes complicated, boring, almost incomprehensible. The restaurant part of the story is so unnecessary and has nothing (or just a little bit) to do with the main storyline. The 'Olive doing her carvings and sticking pins on wax figures' constantly repeated and has nothing to do with the storyline. The conclusion is very confusing. We can never be... more info
