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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
1.30 am. Couldn't go to sleep until finished. Does that tell you how exciting the book was??
The Crossing Places is a thrilling read that will keep you guessing until the end.
I've been looking for a new mystery series, and believe I've found it.
Dr. Ruth Galloway, forensic archaeologist with a specialization in ancient bones, is called out to examine a body found in the Norfolk salt marshes. Detective Chief Inspector Harry Nelson suspected it could be the body of a girl, Scarlett Henderson, who disappeared two months ago. But the bones turn out to be those of a much older victim, possibly a ritual sacrifice of Iron Age Britains.
To Ruth's surprise, Nelson then asks her opinion on another case. Ten years ago, another girl went missing, and was never found. Lucy Downey is the case that haunts Nelson--and so does the possible kidnapper, who started writing letters to Nelson shortly after Lucy disappeared.
The letters seem to point to someone with knowledge of archaeological terminology, and a familiarity with the ancient wood henge found in the marshland around the time that Lucy disappeared. Ruth is not really surprised when Scarlett's body is uncovered in the center of the henge. Was she sacrificed? For what purpose? And could the killer be someone on the team that found the henge? Now Ruth begins to fear those people--her mentor Erik, her ex Peter, even the seemingly harmless druid wannabe, Cathbad.
Ruth Galloway is a character I enjoyed spending time with. I did not immediately warm to Harry Nelson, but am reserving judgment, as he seems destined to be a part of future books. Griffiths creates a strong sense of place and well-drawn personalities, and the finale is particularly atmospheric. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Dr. Ruth Galloway, forensic archaeologist with a specialization in ancient bones, is called out to examine a body found in the Norfolk salt marshes. Detective Chief Inspector Harry Nelson suspected it could be the body of a girl, Scarlett Henderson, who disappeared two months ago. But the bones turn out to be those of a much older victim, possibly a ritual sacrifice of Iron Age Britains.
To Ruth's surprise, Nelson then asks her opinion on another case. Ten years ago, another girl went missing, and was never found. Lucy Downey is the case that haunts Nelson--and so does the possible kidnapper, who started writing letters to Nelson shortly after Lucy disappeared.
The letters seem to point to someone with knowledge of archaeological terminology, and a familiarity with the ancient wood henge found in the marshland around the time that Lucy disappeared. Ruth is not really surprised when Scarlett's body is uncovered in the center of the henge. Was she sacrificed? For what purpose? And could the killer be someone on the team that found the henge? Now Ruth begins to fear those people--her mentor Erik, her ex Peter, even the seemingly harmless druid wannabe, Cathbad.
Ruth Galloway is a character I enjoyed spending time with. I did not immediately warm to Harry Nelson, but am reserving judgment, as he seems destined to be a part of future books. Griffiths creates a strong sense of place and well-drawn personalities, and the finale is particularly atmospheric. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Great first book in the series, the characters and storyline capture your interest from page one.
Interesting mystery, likeable characters, quick read. I think the author might be working through an adultery fetish though? Through this book, and as far into the series as I've made it, it seems like everyone who can have an affair does, as part of the background story lines/character development.
I enjoyed it just as much as the first time I read it. It is nice to revisit characters and places to see if the story still holds up and is engaging.
Entertaining, with interesting characters and setting. Plot is fairly predictable, but character development is enough to keep you going. My biggest issue with the book was the distraction caused by the author's choice to write in the present tense.
excellent characterizations (always a plus for me) with an above-average mystery plot, and a very atmospheric setting ... looking forward to next in series.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The first Ruth Galloway book! Elly Griffiths creates a cast of characters headed by forensic archaeologist Ruth, and DCI Harry Nelson and drops them into a winding mystery. It introduces characters (Cathbad, Judy, Clough) who will grow over the series, and is our only meeting with Ruth’s former mentor. Classy mystery with a wonderful sense of place.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Kidnapping, Murder