Reviews

I love when a mystery has multiple murders and the setup is that they were all done by one guy. But then it turns out the actual solution was they were committed by someone else, except for one. That one actually was committed by the lead suspect.

It always makes for a more fun read when the suspect actually is a murderer—just not a multiple murderer.

What I also liked about the book is the way Elly Griffiths decided to incorporate a relatively big time jump to start it off as she’s never done that before in the series. It’s almost three years when the story picks up again after the last installment. And she uses it effectively to cover many changes to the core group—like Ruth moving away, Clough getting his own patch, and Judy seriously contemplating moving on as well.

It puts into context how much change is a component of this series and how memorable each one is.I definitely would like the series less if the changes were haphazard and didn’t fit in with the characters.

jmatkinson1's review against another edition

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5.0

When Ivor March is convicted of the murder of two women who bodies were found in his girlfriend's garden DS Nelson is pleased. However March offers to tell Nelson where the bodies of two other women are to be found and this would bring closure to another couple of families. March's only stipulation is that Ruth Galloway leads the exhumation. Ruth is no longer based in Norfolk, she has moved to Cambridge for a new job and a new life. Unfortunately like the lantern men who lure unsuspecting victims onto the marshes, Ivor March, DS Nelson and the call of home are pulling Ruth back to the Saltmarsh.

Oh bliss, this year's Ruth Galloway novel is out! I have grown to love Elly Griffith's works over the years, not just these but the Brighton mysteries as well. However my heart lies with Ruth Galloway, a flawed and complex character but with a personality and a certain joie de vivre. Griffiths conjures up a brilliant sense of the North Norfolk marshes and fens as well as creating interesting characters that seem over the top but actually aren't and work well together. This plot is suitably complex with a great little twist at the end, another triumph

abeth_parker's review against another edition

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4.0

Elly Griffith's series about Dr. Ruth Galloway never disappoints. I mean NEVER. I am 100% invested in Ruth's personal storyline as well as the stories of her participation in criminal investigations.
I've honestly had a bit of trouble reading during quarantine, but I flew through this novel more quickly than I had intended.
Cheers to another amazing addition to the series.

yasdnilr's review against another edition

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3.0

Starts slow, gets excellent, a couple of massive info dumps, coupla twists and turns, ends ominously.

Saul is an awesome character and so are his coven of helpers, strong older women abound in this book. Very funny and very much of its times

Oh and everyone smokes copious amounts of weed

sandraserkownek's review against another edition

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funny informative lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

jennakaroliina's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious

4.0

phillysaurus's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Not a bad one, but not enough breadcrumbing before the reveal. Plus Ruth is still a horrible person.

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