The woodcutter by Reginald Hill

"The woodcutter" by Reginald Hill - It's different! 

This book is published by HarperCollins Publications India Pvt Ltd. in 2010 and has 533 pages. 

Sir Wilfred Hader (Wolf), a self made knight is arrested and sentenced for pedophilia and financial irregularities. Dr. Alva Ozigbo is assigned as his prison psychologist. An incident leaves him with no other way than going back to what he was known as "The woodcutter".

Is Wolf guilty? Can Alva bring repentance to the fore? What incident changes Wolf? What does he discover?

Wolf's impulsive and stupid actions after arrest are the basis for the story to happen. Author has created a story that keeps you interested. A number of things turn out not to be what they appear. Readers quickly sympathize with Wolf, who loses all his wealth, fame, wife and daughter. 

Characters are interesting. Wolf is the real hero, a self made man who marries his love of life and whose reputation is destroyed overnight. Imogen, his wife, divorces him and marries his lawyer. His lawyer and friend betray him. Alva, a beautiful psychologist with black father and Nordic mother, does everything to get Wolf to repent his deeds. 

One would expect that Wolf, with his reputation, would go for violent revenge. But it does not happen. Author tries to give a major shock towards the end but it comes out as an afterthought and not really necessary for the story. The conclusion is also strange. It doesn't give reader satisfaction of good conclusion. 

Why did I read this book? It was on hand.

What I didn't like? Last surprise and conclusion. 

What did I like? A different story. 

Read if you have spare time.