The Scold's Bridle Paperback – 20 March 1998

The Scold's Bridle starts with an oft repeated premise that its easier to suppress a weaker voice than to let it express....and this metaphor of Scold's Bridle was prevalent throughout. However in this case, inspite of being obviously silenced, Mathilda's "voice" continues to makes her presence felt with her musings and revelations that are cleverly interspersed in the narrative. Far from being intrusive, they are kaleidoscopic, helping one to rearrange the facts in an alternative patterns rather than go along with the plot in uni-dimensional manner.Minette Walters has this amazing insight into human psyche that allows her to create characters that are neither too tragically flawed nor too good to be true, but are actual real folks in shades of grey. As the characters reveal themselves, it is with a sense of hubris that one realizes that there could have been only be this tragic ending for Mathilda and in her end will others find new beginnings.

A very twisted tale of nicest, greed and unnecessary complications. No where as good as fox evil or ice house

Product arrived on time in good condition

One of my favourite books. She is a brilliant writer. :-)

This was my first novel by Minette Walters, and what a winner! ''The Scold's Bridle'' is a thriller of manipulation and blackmail, which compelled me from beginning to end. Very well-written and highly intelligent. Each chapter starts with an excerpt from the protagonist's diaries, and in the beginning it was a really bit confusing until I learned that these excerpts are inserted into the story in reverse chronological order. Thus, the story starts with the last volumes of the protaganist's diaries and ends with the first volumes. Just a note for prospective buyers. Also, keep your mind focused and be patient because sometimes the story can be complicated. Eventually, you won't be disappointed.

Saw the BBC production of this many years ago and I think I enjoyed it. Certainly the book is well worth reading.

A splendid mystery... Compulsively readable... thouroughly chilling...The writer explores the psychology of her characters with razor-sharp precision. You must read it!