Sharon Bolton Quotes

Powerful Sharon Bolton for Daily Growth

About Sharon Bolton

Sharon Bolton, born in 1960 in Bebington, Wirral, England, is a renowned British crime writer, best known for her gripping novels set against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands and Arctic landscapes. After graduating from the University of Durham with a degree in Modern Languages and Law, Bolton worked as a solicitor, a magistrate, and a crown prosecutor in Cumbria before turning to writing full-time. Her legal background lends a unique authenticity to her crime novels, which often delve into the psychological complexities of their characters. Her first novel, "Within the Crooked House" (2003), introduced readers to DC Lacey Flint, a protagonist who would go on to star in several subsequent books. The series includes "Stone Cold Cold" (2011), which was shortlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award, and "Distant Echo" (2015), longlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger. Bolton's work is characterized by its exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, set against the stark beauty of remote landscapes. Her novels often reflect her love for the Scottish Highlands and Arctic, where she has spent considerable time. In addition to the Lacey Flint series, Bolton has written standalone novels such as "Little Black Lies" (2016) and "The Craftsman" (2017), each showcasing her ability to craft intricate, suspenseful stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. In 2019, Bolton published "Echo Chamber," the latest installment in the Lacey Flint series. She continues to write compelling crime fiction that delves into the complexities of human nature while showcasing her exceptional storytelling skills.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Fear is a liar that tells us we're not strong enough, not good enough, and not capable when, in fact, we are."

This quote emphasizes that fear often deceives us into believing our abilities and worth are lesser than they actually are. It encourages us to recognize fear as a manipulative entity that tries to instill doubts about our strength, talent, and capability. However, the truth is that we possess more resilience, skill, and potential than fear suggests.


"The past can never be changed; the future is unwritten. All we have is this moment, this now."

This quote underscores the importance of living in the present moment. The author suggests that we cannot alter the past, nor do we know what the future holds. Thus, the only thing we truly possess is the current instant – "this now." It encourages us to fully engage with the present and find meaning in it, rather than dwelling on regrets from the past or anxieties about the future.


"Secrets have a way of leaking out, no matter how well they're hidden."

This quote emphasizes the inherent vulnerability of secrets, suggesting that they are not always permanently concealed. Over time or under certain circumstances, secrets tend to surface and become known, regardless of their original intent or the measures taken to keep them hidden. It serves as a reminder that nothing remains secret forever, urging caution in the sharing and keeping of confidential information.


"Truth is a slippery thing, hard to hold onto, especially when you're the one clutching it so tightly."

This quote suggests that the pursuit of truth can often be subjective and elusive, as individuals tend to hold onto their beliefs with such fervor that they may overlook other perspectives or evidence that could challenge their perceptions. The author implies that a rigid adherence to one's own version of truth may actually hinder one's ability to discern the actual truth because it limits the openness to alternative viewpoints, making it "hard to hold onto" the objective truth in such circumstances.


"Every story needs its shadows and every hero has flaws."

This quote suggests that for a compelling narrative, it is essential to include elements of darkness or adversity (shadows) to contrast with moments of light or triumph. Every story requires this balance, as it helps create depth, tension, and relatability. Similarly, every hero, whether fictional or real-life, has their flaws or weaknesses, which can make them more human, relatable, and ultimately, more interesting. Such imperfections allow the audience to connect with the character on a deeper level and understand that even heroes have struggles they must overcome.


On the advice of my U.K. publishers, I chose a sexless anonymity and published my first five books under the semi-pseudonym, S. J. Bolton. I was happy. I could hide behind a genderless, classless persona and let my creepy, psychological murder-mysteries speak for themselves.

- Sharon Bolton

Happy, Behind, Psychological, Chose

I learned the hard way that people are quick to judge, will jump at the chance of a cheap ego boost at another's expense.

- Sharon Bolton

Chance, Quick, Learned, Boost

'The Magus,' usually described as a book for the young, is about learning that the world is a mysterious and limitless place, beyond our control, and all the more exciting - and daunting - because of it.

- Sharon Bolton

Book, Young, More, Daunting

Our names are an integral part of the faces we show to the world. If we're judged first on outward appearances, we're assessed next on our names.

- Sharon Bolton

Next, Part, Assessed, Outward

Whenever I find myself in an exceptionally beautiful environment, I can't help asking myself - what lies beneath? I'm fascinated by the idea of a perfect surface concealing a rotten core.

- Sharon Bolton

Perfect, Surface, Beneath, Concealing

Crime writers adore islands. We love the sense of being trapped within a community apart, where normal codes of behavior, if not ignored, can be allowed to slip.

- Sharon Bolton

Love, Normal, Codes, Islands

My first novel, 'Sacrifice,' was set on the Shetland Islands.

- Sharon Bolton

Sacrifice, First, Set, Islands

On an island, anything can happen. In a crime novel, it usually does.

- Sharon Bolton

Crime, Happen, Does, Island

I've never once corrected someone who got my name wrong.

- Sharon Bolton

Never, Someone, Once, Corrected

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