Rating: 
Summary: Really quality Mystery...
Review: Having read several of Minette Walter's novels, I was expecting this one to be interesting. What I didn't expect was how touched I would be by the characters. At the end of the book, I felt I knew the characters intimately. This is refreshing in a world where "best-selling" authors get away with books fraught with incredibly one-dimensional characters. I loved the mystery and didn't see the end coming at all. Bravo!
Rating: 
Summary: Not Her Best Novel
Review: Having read The Sculptress and The Ice House, I looked forward to my next Walters book. I like the fact that she creates fresh characters with each story, rather than relying on a "serial" detective.Having said that, The Scold's Bridle was not the best example of Walters at work. The story was slow to develop, and the characters were not as well-drawn as they could have been. The red herrings were too obviously that, and almost everyone in the story comes out as unlikeable. I am usually a quick reader, but found myself slowed down by the side plots. Although the last few chapters were compelling reading, it did not make up for what went before. If you like Minette Walters, as I do, it is worth reading, but don't expect The Scold's Bridle to be her best novel.
Rating:
Summary: Not Her Best Novel
Review: Having read The Sculptress and The Ice House, I looked forward to my next Walters book. I like the fact that she creates fresh characters with each story, rather than relying on a "serial" detective. Having said that, The Scold's Bridle was not the best example of Walters at work. The story was slow to develop, and the characters were not as well-drawn as they could have been. The red herrings were too obviously that, and almost everyone in the story comes out as unlikeable. I am usually a quick reader, but found myself slowed down by the side plots. Although the last few chapters were compelling reading, it did not make up for what went before. If you like Minette Walters, as I do, it is worth reading, but don't expect The Scold's Bridle to be her best novel.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!
Review: I discovered Walters by accident about 4 years ago when I found a copy of "The Sculptress". I loved it and I haven't enjoyed anything quite like it until now. The Scold's Bridle is wonderful. The characters are dark, complex and quirky. You are never really sure that you know any of them. And yet you can't stop reading about their predicaments. This book was impossible to put down. I think Walters has some of the best mystery characters I have ever read. I did figure out "the murderer" about 2/3 through the book, so I can't give it 5 stars. But the story alone is terrific. Buy & read this book you won't be disappointed!
Rating: 
Summary: So-so mystery, I expected better
Review: I expected a lot from this book, maybe my expectations were too high. One thing for sure is the motive for the killing is weak at best. Don't bother with this one.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: I love a good mystery and after having read several favorable reviews of Minette Walters books esp. "The Ice House" I was very interested in reading one of her mysteries. I felt it began well but ran down to a disappointing end.
Rating: 
Summary: One of the few books I recommend to others
Review: I read a lot on planes; US to Europe is a 3-booker. I had seen this reviewed but hadn't read it yet. Picked it up on the way back to the US. Couldn't put it down. One of the best mysteries I have read in ages. Made me go out and get all of hers. I found the characters solid, the plot twisty and the writing wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: Masterpiece!
Review: I read croatian edition of this book. It is masterpiece. Better then all Walters books.
Rating:
Summary: Is there anything Minette can't do?!
Review: I've read all but one of Walters books and this one must be the best. Everything is well interweaved together and I was captivated right until the last page. Her characters are well developed, from the start of Mathilda's obsession with the scold's bridle to the future for Sarah. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading.
Rating:
Summary: Innovative
Review: Mathilda Gillespies' death is the inducement for near to perfect book. The introduction of all the different characters does not happen, as in most crime books, at once in the first chapter. It happens at a constant pace throughout the story. This gives the author the possibility to perfectly describe everyone who has a relation with dear old Mathilda. A joy to read.
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