Greater Sins by Gabrielle Griffiths review – a dark discovery upturns a Scottish village

The unearthing of a woman’s body in a peat bog during the first world war is the catalyst for a gritty tale of secrets, guilt and desireWhen the preserved body of a woman is found in a peat bog in the Cabrach, Aberdeenshire, it causes a stir in the isolated Scottish community. Some of them believe her uncovering might be the work of the devil.Gabrielle Griffiths’s atmospheric debut opens in May 1915. Lizzie, the wife of wealthy landowner William Calder, discovers the corpse while foraging for moss. Her husband has recently left for the first world war and Lizzie resolves to discover the woman’s identity and cause of death. She enlists the help of Johnny, an itinerant farmhand and talented singer. Johnny and Lizzie both harbour secrets from the past and this draws them together.Greater Sins by Gabrielle Griffiths is published by Doubleday (£16.99). To support the Guardian and Observer order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply Continue reading...

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