After liking Hammesfahr's 'die Schuldlosen', I was really looking forward to this novel. Even though I'm not a big fan of German authors, I kind of like the setting Hammesfahr creates. This might be cause most of her stories are taking place in little villages or small towns and - as I am from a tiny village myself - I can relate to the gossip, the 'groups' and the entire feeling that she creates. However, the storyline of 'der Puppengräber' was not really my cup of tea. I did not like the mother's or the father's behaviour, the entire story that has been told wasn't as interesting as I hoped it would be and the grande finale fell kinda flat. However, I really like the atmosphere that has been created, therefore it's a solide 3 stars for me.