Scan barcode
jacki_f's review
4.0
I love this series and I like the way the characters develop and evolve over its course. They are easy to read and hold your interest. While they can technically be read as standalones, you will enjoy them far more if you read them in order and get to know the characters.
The plot of The Lantern Men centres on the death of four local women. A man has been arrested and charged with two of the crimes and DCI Nelson's team believe he is responsible for the others. Ruth gets called in to assist with the excavation of some of the bodies. Gradually Nelson becomes aware that the man in custody may not have committed the murders, or may not be solely responsible.
I thought the first two thirds of this book were terrific, but the final third is a let down - the plot twists get silly and people behave in unlikely ways. The climatic action scene feels like a rehash of previous books. There was also a plothole that bugged me - it's hard to write about that without it being a spoiler, suffice to say that a character wants Ruth to find evidence that they probably wouldn't have know existed.
The plot of The Lantern Men centres on the death of four local women. A man has been arrested and charged with two of the crimes and DCI Nelson's team believe he is responsible for the others. Ruth gets called in to assist with the excavation of some of the bodies. Gradually Nelson becomes aware that the man in custody may not have committed the murders, or may not be solely responsible.
I thought the first two thirds of this book were terrific, but the final third is a let down - the plot twists get silly and people behave in unlikely ways. The climatic action scene feels like a rehash of previous books. There was also a plothole that bugged me - it's hard to write about that without it being a spoiler, suffice to say that a character wants Ruth to find evidence that they probably wouldn't have know existed.
pa259's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
slahlum's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Sexual violence, and Infidelity
kellerko's review
3.0
I always enjoy seeing what Ruth and the crew are up to. Ruth needs to get back to where she belongs soon.
beth_morton's review
2.0
I had been a fan of this series, but stopped and started this one a few times. For some reason, the constant commentary on weight, fitness, health, and gender roles just got too overbearing this time. It’s not particularly new to this book, I was just more aware. The author tries to paint it in a light of Ruth not being bothered or taking the moral high ground, etc., so that makes it feel all the more unnecessary.
Also, too many characters to keep track of and the Ruth-Nelson will they/won’t they story line is tired. I’ve already bought more in the series, but not sure I’ll finish them.
Also, too many characters to keep track of and the Ruth-Nelson will they/won’t they story line is tired. I’ve already bought more in the series, but not sure I’ll finish them.
samharnold's review
5.0
Sometimes you need an easy read that doesn’t take much brainpower.
A book that transports you to another world. It is an advantage for me if this world contains some of my favourite characters. I am a big reader of series books.
The Lantern Men is just that the twelfth in a series. Not that you should be put off, because every story is different. The character development runs throughout the series.
This is a crime novel and deals with a serial killer who wants Ruth Galloway the main character to dig up bodies he has buried. With the minimal of violence Griffiths weaves a fantastic tale of who done it. Is the arrested serial killer responsible for the murders?
As with all her books, there is an element of folklore and history that will enthral. Ever wondered why we put lights in pumpkins during Halloween the answers are contained within this excellent read. Pick yourself up a copy you won’t be disappointed.
A book that transports you to another world. It is an advantage for me if this world contains some of my favourite characters. I am a big reader of series books.
The Lantern Men is just that the twelfth in a series. Not that you should be put off, because every story is different. The character development runs throughout the series.
This is a crime novel and deals with a serial killer who wants Ruth Galloway the main character to dig up bodies he has buried. With the minimal of violence Griffiths weaves a fantastic tale of who done it. Is the arrested serial killer responsible for the murders?
As with all her books, there is an element of folklore and history that will enthral. Ever wondered why we put lights in pumpkins during Halloween the answers are contained within this excellent read. Pick yourself up a copy you won’t be disappointed.
natlvsbooks's review
3.0
I missed Ruth in this book. She felt like she was only a secondary character.
ghutter05's review
4.0
At this point, I read these just to keep up with Ruth's life, not for the mystery -- that's how much I like the characters. (Not that the mysteries are bad.) And I read them straight through, one after the other, without getting tired of them.
blodeuedd's review
4.0
This is the last one! Well right now ;) Another book is coming next year, but now I am all caught up. I can't believe I that I read my first one in Aug. I have sped through them
Ruth has given up and gotten a new job, a new town, and she and Frank is living together. You go Ruth! Of course, even though she likes him, yeah, Ruth is a loner, she is happiest with her daughter and cats. Poor Frank, I doubt this will end well.
This one actually felt like it was more about the murder. Women who have gone missing, creepy tales of Lantern Men who lure them in and kill them. Ruth in the middle of it digging up bones, and Nelson trying to find out if a serial killer did it or not.
I liked it, I always do. I can never put them down
Ruth has given up and gotten a new job, a new town, and she and Frank is living together. You go Ruth! Of course, even though she likes him, yeah, Ruth is a loner, she is happiest with her daughter and cats. Poor Frank, I doubt this will end well.
This one actually felt like it was more about the murder. Women who have gone missing, creepy tales of Lantern Men who lure them in and kill them. Ruth in the middle of it digging up bones, and Nelson trying to find out if a serial killer did it or not.
I liked it, I always do. I can never put them down