Sacrifice [Import] [Paperback]

S. J. Bolton (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 379 pages
• Publisher: Bantam Press; Airports / Exports e. edition (2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0593059123
• ISBN-13: 978-0593059128
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,662,587 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Chilling new voice..., July 1, 2008

By 

Jody Allen (US) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Sacrifice (Hardcover)

I was drawn to the book because of the setting: the Shetland Islands off of Scotland's far north coast. What drew me in was the chilling mystery of who the body in the peat was and why was she buried if she had only just given birth, and why was her heart ripped out?

The main protagonists is an unlikely heroine in Tora Hamilton an obstetrician who is obsessed with finding out who was the young lass who she found buried in her yard in the peat. But quickly the reader is thrown into a mystery that engulfs a mixture of ancient Norse legends that clash with the modern technology of criminology. But as our heroine keeps just one step ahead of death, her own, she quickly learns she can't trust anyone on the island including those closest to her.

There are a lot of twists and turns with just enough clues to help the reader but things may not be as they seem, which helps to make this one of the most chilling reads. The only downside is some of the UK terminology of the characters but it doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the book. The pace is well done with only a few bumps in the road and the reader finds their self cheering Tora along the way to solve the mystery of the dead woman hoping that all she loses will be worth it. To realize this offering is from a debut author is equally exciting because we have a wonderful new author to look forward to.

This is a most unique find and should be read by those who like a strong mystery along with a sprinkling of Celtic/Nordic legends and aren't afraid to take a chance on a new author.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 Stars - Has all the elements, July 2, 2008

By 

L. J. Roberts (Oakland, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sacrifice (Hardcover)

SACRIFICE (Suspense-Tora Hamilton-Shetland Island, UK - Cont) - G+
Bolton, S.J. - 1st book
Bantam Press, 2008, UK Hardcover - ISBN: 9780593059111

First Sentence: The corpse I could cope with. It was the context that threw me.

Tora Hamilton is a newcomer, but has moved to the Shetland Islands with her husband, who was born there but left 20 years ago. Digging a grave in which to bury a beloved horse who has died, Tora uncovers the body of a woman who had been tortured, body mutilated and runes curved into her back.

While others are telling Tora, an obstetrician and surgeon, not to become involved, what was done to the victim make it imperative for Tora to investigate. The more she learns, the more frightening it all becomes. When an attempt is made on her life, Tora is no longer certain who she can trust.

Bolton's debut mystery certainly had all the elements; an interesting locale well depicted, a gruesome crime, a smart, gutsy protagonist, good suspense, a local legend that became creepier as the book went on, and a wonderful element of uncertainty as to whom the protagonist could trust.

The beginning is fairly gory but I found myself immediately drawn in. The story then lost a bit of steam, took a while to rebuild but then raced on to a very exciting ending. The setting played into the plot perfectly, but the writing did show aspects of it being a first book.

I shall definitely look for Bolton's next book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Breath of Fresh Air, July 20, 2008

By 

annie "earthboundmisfit" (LEWISTOWN, PA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sacrifice (Hardcover)

How do you make murder and mayhem new and exciting? S.J. Bolton's done it with her debut novel. Set in the Shetland Islands , an unusual and interesting locale. The Viking/Scottish lore and legend is fascinating and, yes, a bit disturbing. The characters are believable, not one dimensional cookie cutter people. Bolton's style of writing often feels like the two of you are chatting over a cup of tea. Nice, very nice. I don't know that she'll write a second book, but I'm certainly hoping.