The Sculptress

I couldn't help comparing this book to the movie "Silence of the Lambs". The relationship between Roz the writer and the Sculptress is somewhat similar to that of Hanibal Lector and the journalist (Clarisse). The difference is that in Silence of the Lambs we knew that Lector was a psychopath. In this book we do not know that Olive Martin actually did kill her mother and sister, and when Roz proves by following the many discrepencies in the case, that it wasn't her, but someone else who killed her family, we are still wondering whether or not she is innocent. It is clear why this book won the Edgar Allan Poe Award. It is very well-written and a real page-turner. Roz is a very likeable character, and the whole thing just seems so real. show more This is an excellent book and for those who enjoy psychological thrillers, a must-read. show less

When you read a lot of books, it can sometimes be difficult to recall which books you've read and which you haven't. At least that's the case in the time before social networking sites for books. (How did we ever survive?!?)

That's what happened with "The Sculptress." I'd thought I'd read it before based on the novel's description and the opening chapters felt vaguely familiar. But for some odd reason I couldn't recall the twists, turns and the solution to the mystery at the center of the book. (This is fairly unusual for a mystery novel and one of the caliber of Minette Walters' works.)

Years before, Olive Martin confessed to the horrific crime of killing her mother and sister and then trying to dissect them in time to hide the evidence show more from her father. She wasn't able to get the job of dissecting them done in time, called the police and confessed to the crime. Martin won't pursue a plea of insanity and now sits in prison. Morbidly obese, Martin has a violent temper and mood swings and has earned the nickname "The Sculptress" for the figurines she carves out of whatever she can find.

Enter into the story, Roz Leigh, a former best-selling author in need of a book to keep her publishing career alive. She's assigned the true-crime story of Olive in an attempt to salvage her career and publishing contract. At first, Roz is skeptical she can find a story to tell when it comes to Olive, but upon meeting her and talking to her, Roz begins to think Olive is innocent and may be covering up for someone else.

Roz also has some issues of her own--she's suffering from depression.

The story delves into both mysteries over the course of the novel. We see some parallels between Olive and Roz--both are fleeing from a past they don't want to accept because of pain associated with it. But neither are really living either, just marking time in the world. Both are in a prison--it's just Olive's that is a physical one.

Walters keeps the clues to what's occurred flowing at a good rate. She doesn't give away the entire game in the first few chapters, but she does plant the seeds. Readers will realize there's something more to Roz than within the first few chapters and Walters shows and doesn't tell what's occurred to audience. It makes for a fascinating story and an intriguing mystery.

As does what really happened that fateful day in Olive's kitchen.

One of the early works by Walters, "The Sculptress" shows the mystery writer on the top of her game. One of her best stories.

I'm still not sure why I don't remember reading it the first time... show less

I fully expected to hate Roz - I mean she seemed so self pitying, then there is the very bad Olive - nothing going for her. But to my shock i warmed to them both, Rozs investigation of the case made me ashamed of my prejudices - i was actually glad when Olive was released. I am not happy about the ending though - Minette leaves me feeling uneasy about Olive and worried for Roz. A good read though

Walters is something of a master of complexity. I have only read a few of her books so far but each has many twists and turns, much like real life.

Olive Martin was convicted of the murder of her sister and mother, a gruesome killing that left the bodies in pieces in the kitchen. Olive is intelligent and very large, and was known for her protection and love of her younger sister.

Rosalind Leigh, romance novelist, is pushed by her agent to do a story on Olive. Poeple want to know why Olive did it, and why she confessed. Reluctantly, Roz agrees, as her latest romance novel has not found a publisher. She seems to be out of touch so a different type book might get her name back in print.

Initially, Roz is not interested in the case, and finds show more Olive "disgusting". Olive is not taking care of herself and it shows. But there are little hints when Roz interviews her that there may be a story here. Olive is not particularly forthcoming and does not make it easy.

Over time, though, Roz pursues the story, both by interviews in prison and by hunting down others involved in the case. She starts to formulate a theory or two. The work is difficult because witnesses seem to contradict each other.

Throughout her investigation, Roz's mind changes back and forth. Is Olive guilty or not? Is everything in Olive's house as reported by others? What is the real story?

I found the book absorbing and interesting, and enjoyed the complications. It was hard to put down, cost me many hours of sleep. show less

Really good mystery by an accomplished writer. The story is about a writer, Rosalind Leigh, who is urged by her agent to write a book about the confessed killer Olive Martin, nicknamed 'The Sculptress.' In prison for the brutal murder of her mother and sister, Olive touches some chord in Roz, who begins to wonder if she is guilty after all.

The book abounds in mysteries--why is Roz so depressed herself? Another important character is the ex-policeman Hal Hawksley, who owns a restaurant that never has any customers, although Roz discovers that he's a wonderful cook. When she first meets him, he's bleeding and stinks of fish, but despite their prickly first encounter, she's soon wondering why she's attracted to this man. He has his own show more secrets--who's beating him up? and why is his restaurant so empty?

Walters keeps the reader turning the pages to find out the answers to all of these mysteries, and she ties up the story very satisfactorily at the end. I'll be seeking out more works by Walters. show less

What a remarkable book. This is a book to read as Halloween approaches.

Containing many twists and turns, some very gruesome descriptions and a host of wicked characters, this doesn't disappoint.

Horribly obese, Olive sits in jail after she confessed to the killing and dismemberment of her mother and sister. Calmly calling the police, she greeted them at the door in blood stained attire. Police vomited when they witnessed the gruesomeness of the deadly deed.

Enter Rox, an author whose publisher will drop her unless she writes a book about Olive. Interviewing the murderess proves to be very confusing. Repulsed by the layers and layers of fat, the dysfunctionality of Olive's lies, and the evil beady eyes, Rox has difficulty listening to the show more details.

Slowly, the Rox believes that while Olive adamantly confesses, there are too many questions left unanswered. The reader travels with Rox down sharp windy paths. The truth is veiled and even at the end the reader is left wondering, pondering.

Highly recommended. show less

Out of 50 winners of the Edgar Award for Best Novel, I had only read 13 before beginning my challenge to myself to read all of them. [b:The Sculptress|41325|The Sculptress|Minette Walters|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1169591756s/41325.jpg|40899] was one of them. I had read the first three or four of Walters' novels, and then stopped keeping up with them for some reason or no reason. I may have to rethink that decision.

Walters' books are characterized as psychological thrillers, and they certainly do have many of the traits of that subgenre. Unlike some, though, Walters has said that there is always some love, some redemption in her books, and I think that's why I find them easier to take than some of the other authors who focus on show more deviance.

In [b:The Sculptress|41325|The Sculptress|Minette Walters|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1169591756s/41325.jpg|40899] a non-fiction writer, still reeling from the death of her young daughter, is being pressed by her agent to get busy and write another book. She decides to interview a woman known as The Sculptress who is in prison for the murder and dismemberment of her mother and sister several years before. As she gets to know the prisoner, she begins to doubt the guilt of the self-confessed murderer. Her investigations lead her down unexpected paths and also introduce her to a former policeman who worked on the case, with romantic consequences.

Although I gave this book five stars, I wasn't really completely happy with the ending, specifically the epilogue. Still, the writing, plot, characters and setting were all excellent. Highly recommended for anyone who missed it the first time around. show less