📖 Book Review ~ The Last Remains by Elly Griffiths

 

Quercus
2023

Ruth Galloway #15

The discovery of a missing woman's bones forces Ruth and Nelson to finally confront their feelings for each other as they desperately work to exonerate one of their own.

When builders discover a human skeleton while renovating a café, they call in archaeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway, who is preoccupied with the threatened closure of her department and by her ever-complicated relationship with DCI Nelson. The bones turn out to be modern--the remains of Emily Pickering, a young archaeology student who went missing in 2002. Suspicion soon falls on Emily's Cambridge tutor and also on another archeology enthusiast who was part of the group gathered the weekend before she disappeared--Ruth's friend Cathbad.

As they investigate, Nelson and his team uncover a tangled web of relationships within the archaeology group and look for a link between them and the café where Emily's bones were found. Then, just when the team seem to be making progress, Cathbad disappears. The trail leads Ruth a to the Neolithic flint mines in Grimes Graves. The race is on, first to find Cathbad and then to exonerate him, but will Ruth and Nelson uncover the truth in time to save their friend?

📖 My Review...

I've followed this excellent crime series since the beginning and so it was with some sadness that I started The Last Remains as I knew it was the last book and even though the plot is as tight and sharp as ever there is an inevitable sense of closure.  Ruth Galloway is called in to investigate human remains which have been found during renovations to a local cafe. This discovery inevitably involves the police and once again Ruth and DCI Harry Nelson must work closely together but when the clues to the perpetrator lead to someone they know their loyalties are stretched to the limit.

There has been so much to enjoy in this series, not just the archaeological and police mysteries which have been brought to life with so much attention to detail but it is also in the character progression where the emotional involvement in the story really works. I've loved every one of the characters particularly Ruth, Nelson and Cathbad so it was lovely to have this trio feature so strongly in the last book, almost like we have come full circle. The loose ends which were finally tied off felt absolutely right and I finished the book with a real sense of satisfaction of a good story, well told.

I chose to listen to The Last Remains which was excellently narrated by Jane McDowell who has been the narrator for most of the series. 

About the Author

Elly Griffiths is the bestselling author of the Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries and the Brighton Mysteries. She has won the CWA Dagger in the Library, has been shortlisted five times for the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, and longlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger for The Lantern Men. Her new series featuring Detective Harbinder Kaur began with The Stranger Diaries, which was a Richard and Judy book club pick and won the Edgar Award for Best Novel in the USA. It was followed by The Postscript Murders, shortlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger and Bleeding Heart Yard. Elly has two grown-up children and lives near Brighton with her archaeologist husband.

@ellygriffiths #TheLastRemains

@QuercusBooks

📖 Book Review ~ The Night Hawk by Elly Griffiths

 

Quercus

Hardback 1 February 2021
Paperback edition 8 July 2021

Dr Ruth Galloway returns to the moody and beautiful landscape of North Norfolk to confront another killer. A devastating new case for our favourite forensic archaeologist in this acclaimed and bestselling crime series.

The Night Hawks, a group of metal detectorists, are searching for buried treasure when they find a body on the beach in North Norfolk. At first Nelson thinks that the dead man might be an asylum seeker but he turns out to be a local boy, Jem Taylor, recently released from prison. Ruth is more interested in the treasure, a hoard of Bronze Age weapons. Nelson at first thinks that Taylor's death is accidental drowning, but a second death suggests murder.

Nelson is called to an apparent murder-suicide of a couple at the isolated Black Dog Farm. Local legend talks of the Black Shuck, a spectral hound that appears to people before they die. Nelson ignores this, even when the owner's suicide note includes the line, 'He's buried in the garden.' Ruth excavates and finds the body of a giant dog.

All roads lead back to this farm in the middle of nowhere, but the place spells serious danger for anyone who goes near. Ruth doesn't scare easily. Not until she finds herself at Black Dog Farm.

📖 My thoughts..

The Night Hawks is the thirteenth book in the Ruth Galloway series of crime novels and as always this story gets off to a dramatic start when a group of metal detectorists, who call themselves The Night Hawks, discover the body of a young man in an isolated spot on the beach alongside some buried treasure which may well be artifacts from the Bronze Age. 

Bringing forensic archaeologist, Ruth Galloway into the case means that she is, once again, working alongside DI Harry Nelson and his investigative team as they seek to discover more about the victim. As if this wasn't complicated enough the whole investigation becomes even more sinister with the discovery of  two bodies in an isolated farmhouse, known locally as Black Dog Farm, a darkly sinister place where unusual things have happened before. That these unrelated deaths may be linked in some way is what makes this such a fascinating and complex crime story.

The Ruth Galloway series is by far my favourite crime series and I devour the books in the space of one sitting as they are, in my opinion, unputdownable. Having been a fan from the very first book , meeting up with Ruth and Harry in each successive story is like meeting up with your old friends. I enjoy how the author intersperses details of Ruth and Harry's complex relationship into the story as well as bringing back all the supporting characters, especially Cathbad and Judy, who are such an integral part of the story.

The plot in The Night Hawks is as complex as ever and the author deftly weaves together several complex story threads, gradually increasing the tension, until in the latter part of the novel the danger is ramped up to high and both Ruth and Harry have to find their inner reserves of strength in order to keep one step ahead of someone who really does want to see them come to harm.

This may well be the thirteenth book but the series hasn't lost any of its freshness nor its appeal to readers and if you haven't started this series then I do urge you go to the beginning and work your way through some excellent crime novels.

About the Author

Elly Griffiths was born in London. She worked in publishing for many years. Her bestselling series of Dr Ruth Galloway novels, featuring a forensic archaeologist are set in Norfolk.The series has won the CWA Dagger in the library, and has been shortlisted three times for the Theakston's Old Peculiar Crime Novel of theYear. Her Stephens and Mephisto series is based in 1950s Brighton. She lives near Brighton with her husband and their two children.

Twitter @ellygriffiths #TheNightHawks

@QuercusBooks

Social Media Blast ~ The Lantern Men by Elly Griffiths

Quercus
6 February 2020

Ruth Galloway #12

My thanks to the publishers for my copy of this book

Everything has changed for Dr Ruth Galloway.

She has a new job, home and partner, and is no longer North Norfolk police's resident forensic archaeologist. That is, until convicted murderer Ivor March offers to make DCI Nelson a deal. Nelson was always sure that March killed more women than he was charged with. Now March confirms this, and offers to show Nelson where the other bodies are buried - but only if Ruth will do the digging.

Curious, but wary, Ruth agrees. March tells Ruth that he killed four more women and that their bodies are buried near a village bordering the fens, said to be haunted by the Lantern Men, mysterious figures holding lights that lure travellers to their deaths.

Is Ivor March himself a lantern man, luring Ruth back to Norfolk? What is his plan, and why is she so crucial to it? And are the killings really over?

What did I think about it..

I'm always beyond excited when a new Ruth Galloway is published and in this #12 book in the series it's been a real pleasure to meet up again with forensic archaeologist Ruth and DCI Harry Nelson as they, once again, try to piece together a complicated mystery which draws on local folklore about the eponymous Lantern Men, whilst at the same trying to bring closure to a mystifying case of a clutch of young women who are missing in suspicious circumstances.

At the start of the novel much has changed for Ruth and her daughter Kate, and I won't spoil the story by revealing too much, but for a time I was a little concerned that this rather big change would mean that the dynamic between Ruth and Harry would be diminished but I needn't have worried as their connection is as strong as ever and, if anything, these changes only add to the undeniable attraction they share. The atmospheric mystery at the heart of the novel is as complex as ever and there are some interesting developments which all add up to a fascinating murder/mystery invest.

The plot is as tight as ever with more than enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the final reveal. However, I think that the overall strength of this series undoubtedly lies in the way the established characters come to life and those who have followed the series from the beginning will be delighted to see all the old friends returning to do what they do best with their usual fine attention to professional detail.

The Lantern Men is a great read from start to finish. The narrative flows seamlessly and I was so engrossed with the place, the plot and the people I didn’t notice time passing.

Recommended ✅ Definitely, it's a big yes from me, but my advice is to invest in the time to read  this series from the beginning. You won’t be disappointed.

About the Author

Elly Griffiths was born in London. She worked in publishing for many years. Her bestselling series of Dr Ruth Galloway novels, featuring a forensic archaeologist are set in Norfolk.The series has won the CWA Dagger in the library, and has been shortlisted three times for the Theakston's Old Peculiar Crime Novel of theYear. Her Stephens and Mephisto series is based in 1950s Brighton. She lives near Brighton with her husband and their two children.

Website

Twitter @ellygriffiths #TheLanternMen

@QuercusBooks

Review ~ The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths

Quercus
8 February 2018

In this, the tenth, book in the Ruth Galloway series of mysteries, The Dark Angel, sees Ruth away from her beloved Norfolk. On the invitation of an old flame she is is invited to act as a consultant on an archaeological discovery in the pretty Italian town of Castelli degi Angeli, which is about an hour's drive from Rome. Ruth's fleeting romantic association with archaeologist, Angelo Morrelli, was over twelve years ago, so when she gets his phone call asking for her advice on a difficult case, she is at first reluctant to get involved. However, the idea of getting away from Norfolk is an attractive proposition, and using this consultancy work as an excuse for a holiday, Ruth travels with her daughter, Kate, and her friend Shona, with her little boy, Louis.

From the start all is not as it seems at Castelli degi Angeli and as Ruth gets drawn further and further into the mystery surrounding the archaeological discovery, so she realises that there is far more to this investigation than Angelo Morrelli is admitting.

It was interesting in this tenth anniversary story to take Ruth out of her comfort zone and place her in an environment which allowed her to work without the usual background of a wild and windswept Norfolk. However, Ruth's natural ability to get things moving is just as creative in Italy, as it is back at home, and I didn't feel that the story lost anything by taking it to a different location.

I read through The Dark Angel at top speed, always eager to see where the story will lead and it's not always the crime aspect of the investigation which grabs my attention, often, it's more the interaction between the other characters which I enjoy the most, especially around Ruth's complicated relationship with DCI Harry Nelson. So, even though Ruth may be away from Norfolk, there is still quite a bit of complicated stuff happening back at home, which undoubtedly adds a different dimension to the story. There's a bit of a surprise in this book which I didn't see coming, and which shakes things up a lot ,and whilst I can't give the game away, it did sort of startle me a little, as I hoped that this particular aspect of the story would gather momentum.

The writing is, as always,  sharp and beautifully observed, and the complex relationship which has been created between these well loved characters continues to be the absolute strength of the series. I have grown really fond of everyone, and hope to see Ruth Galloway and her mysteries continue for another ten ...or more years.

Of course, it must be said that if you are new to the series, and if so, wherever have you been for the last ten years.....you really should start these books from the very beginning. You won't be disappointed.

About the Author

Elly Griffiths was born in London. She worked in publishing for many years. Her bestselling series of Dr Ruth Galloway novels, featuring a forensic archaeologist are set in Norfolk.The series has won the CWA Dagger in the library, and has been shortlisted three times for the Theakston's Old Peculiar Crime Novel of theYear. Her Stephens and Mephisto series is based in 1950s Brighton. She lives near Brighton with her husband and their two children.

Website

Twitter @ellygriffiths 

Facebook

Amazon UK

Review ~ The Chalk Pit by Elly Griffiths

Quercus
July 2017

Blurb...

Boiled human bones have been found in Norwich's web of underground tunnels. When Dr Ruth Galloway discovers they are recent - the boiling not the medieval curiosity she thought - DCI Nelson has a murder enquiry on his hands.

Meanwhile, DS Judy Johnson is investigating the disappearance of a local rough sleeper. The only trace of her is the rumour that she's gone 'underground'. This might be a figure of speech, but with the discovery of the bones and the rumours both Ruth and the police have heard of a vast network of old chalk-mining tunnels under King's Lynn, home to a vast community of rough sleepers, the clues point in only one direction. Local academic Martin Kellerman knows all about the tunnels and their history - but can his assertions of cannibalism and ritual killing possibly be true?

As the weather gets hotter, tensions rise. A local woman goes missing and the police are under attack. Ruth and Nelson must unravel the dark secrets of The Underground and discover just what gruesome secrets lurk at its heart - before it claims another victim.


My thoughts...

There is always a sense of real excitement when I open a new Ruth Galloway book and having followed the series from the very beginning , I have never been disappointed by the way each new mystery unfolds.

In The Chalk Pit, Ruth is confronted by another dark and perplexing mystery which involves the discovery of a set of human bones which have been found in one of Norwich's underground tunnels. When homeless people start to be targeted by a ruthless killer both the police investigation and Ruth's interest in the underground tunnels start to coalesce.

As always the plot is controlled meticulously by an author who really brings her characters to life. Those readers who have followed the series from the start will be aware of the subtle nuance of the relationship between Ruth and DCI Nelson and I am pleased to say that this continues to develop, lending more of a 'will they', won't they' element back into their complicated relationship. I enjoy seeing the other detectives get a chance to shine and am always pleased when DS Johnson makes an appearance, she lends a different sort of dynamic to the detective grouping which is always very welcome. The mystery at the heart of the novel is dark and complicated and the many twists and turns in the plot kept me guessing right to the end.

As one book finishes I immediately look forward to the next one and hope that it won't be too long in coming. As always, I would recommend that new readers start at the beginning of this excellent series, that way the faults and foibles of the characters who make up the major players can be fully appreciated.



More about the author can be found on her website by clicking here 

Follow on Twitter @ellygriffiths

About the Author

Elly Griffiths was born in London. She worked in publishing for many years. Her bestselling series of Dr Ruth Galloway novels, featuring a forensic archaeologist are set in Norfolk.The series has won the CWA Dagger in the library, and has been shortlisted three times for the Theakston's Old Peculiar Crime Novel of theYear. Her Stephens and Mephisto series is based in 1950s Brighton. She lives near Brighton with her husband and their two children.

My thanks to the publishers and Bookbridgr for my review copy of The Chalk Pit

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Review ~ The Ghost Fields by Elly Griffiths

Quercus
26 March 2015

Rural Norfolk, with its wide open spaces, big skies and flat landscape was the ideal place during the Second World War for the installation of huge air bases. Over seventy years later, desolate reminders of the abandoned air fields remain, their ghostly presence, tower across the countryside and shattered remnants of what went on there now lays buried beneath the surface of memories. In The Ghost Fields, Elly Griffiths, lays bare the ghosts of the past and gives forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway and DCI Harry Nelson a complicated story line which focuses on the Blackstocks, a local Norfolk family, whose hidden secrets are about to be exposed. 

This is now book number seven in the Ruth Galloway crime series, and as always, we are treated to a lively story, which focuses on the police procedural element of solving a complicated murder mystery, but which also allows us a tantalising glimpse into the lives of those long standing characters we have come to know and love. Ruth still juggles her professional time alongside her love and care for her four year old daughter, Kate. Harry continues to worry about all the ladies in his life, although in this book, Harry and Michelle face some soul searching of their own. And the backup crew of Cathbad, Judy, Cloughie and Tim, all have their own stories to tell, which adds an interesting dimension to the story 

As always, the book grips from the beginning. There is crime and history, both of which sit comfortably side by side. The mystery at the heart of the story is handled well; there are lots of twists and turns in the plot and some genuinely tense moments which keep you turning the pages. It’s a good observational story; the author gets into the mindset of her characters very well and makes you genuinely care about what happens to them. As always, wild, beautiful and uncontrollable Norfolk is at the epicentre of the novel, sharing its past and exposing the vulnerability of its hidden secrets. 

Whilst The Ghost Fields can be read as a standalone crime mystery, it is helpful to have read the series from the beginning, that way you pick up the finer nuances in the relationships between the major characters,all of which Elly Griffiths does so very well.

More about the Author

My thanks to Quercus Books and NetGalley for my review copy of this book.

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