Dovetail

The depth of research regarding the art and process of carpentry is astonishing. And It's a real joy to follow the narrator through the book as your allegiances shift and your stance on his actions changes.The horrifying experience that sets the events of this book in motion will definitely get under your skin, but the beauty of the writing stops this being just a device to shock.

This was a great read. I really enjoyed the carpentry references and the book's setting in northern Spain and Wales. The twist at the end was a real shocker! I would highly recommend this book.

Original tale,keeps you interested but ending a real letdown!

Dovetail is an enthralling novel, once started, impossible to put down. It is a very clever book, offering much more to the reader than just a thrilling read. The attention to detail, particularly in regards to woodworking craftsmenship means that the reader comes away with an improved knowledge and appreciation of the master craftsman at the same time as being thoroughly entertained and intrigued by the twists in the plot. It would make a fantastic "Film Noir" with Johnny Depp in the lead role, reminiscent of films like, "The Cook, the thief, his wife and her lover" and "The Draftsman's Contract" - independent film makers please take note!

This unusual novel really caught my attention.From the first line the first person narrator tells us that certain unpleasant things have happened. This does not detract from what follows because the reader becomes involved in discovering how the events unfolded. The ending, although inevitable, also has an unexpected twist.While the narrative builds up suspense, in the form of a psychological thriller, the main character's obsessive nature is revealed through his regular references to details of a carpenter's tools and techniques and also with critiques of a range of famous paintings featuring the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian. At first I thought this might interfere with the flow of the narrative; in fact, it is interesting and helps us to better understand the character and his obsession.All in all a gripping and rewarding read. Highly recommended.

Dovetail is an amazing book. The story is compelling, and the telling of it is incredibly skilled. This dark tale has a dark narrator who easily captures the support of the reader, support which is sustained throughout, so that the reader is still rooting for him past the point of all reason. How Hughes accomplishes this is through masterful story telling: layer upon rich layer, a highly crafted interweaving of time frames and texts. All the elements are here in abundance: suspense, tension, precision, love - and above all, elegance. This is a book which readers will become fully immersed in, and will come away questioning their own moral stance. I can highly endorse this book as an excellent and incredibly thought-provoking read.

A real education in carpentry and the sinister workings of a mind convinced that his revenge is wholly justified. If only one could see his masterpiece at work...A truly brilliant novel. Gripping, with so much detail. The compelling, evolving narrative form made my commute to work a pleasure.I encourage you to read this novel.

This is a brilliant read. It is such a long time since I have picked up a book that I couldn't put down. It is a very unusual story written in a very lucid and intelligent style. I really enjoyed the references to woodwork and the footnotes about wildlife but most of all I loved the twisting nature of the plot.