Scan barcode
kimbar's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
krobart's review against another edition
4.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2021/05/18/review-1663-the-woman-in-blue/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2021/05/18/review-1663-the-woman-in-blue/
jackie75006's review against another edition
3.0
This is my least favorite of the series thus far. I prefer the stories with an archeological twist. It is important to read the books in order, as the characters and storylines are an ongoing saga.
mmjm1's review against another edition
5.0
Elly Griffiths' ability to transport a reader to obscure areas of Great Britain, amidst whatever mystery that Ruth Galloway finds herself involved in, is what first enticed me to her books, but it is the relationship between the characters that keeps me coming back. Each person is likable yet flawed, as we all are. It is impossible not to empathize and to silently root on each of them as they navigate their way through their lives, all while solving any number of intriguing quandaries, almost always tied to some aspect of ancient history.
jacki_f's review against another edition
3.0
This is the 8th book in the series about Ruth Galloway, an archeologist and lecturer based on Norfolk. Whilst it works as a standalone novel, you'll get more out of it if you are familiar with the characters. Half the pleasure of these books is the way that the relationships between them develop and shift.
The Woman in Blue is set in Walsingham, a village in Norfolk that is famous for its religious shrines in honour of the Virgin Mary. Cathbad is housesitting for a friend when he sees a woman in blue in the local graveyard. The next morning her dead body is found nearby. DCI Harry Nelson and his team are brought in to investigate. Meanwhile there is a conference of women in the clergy also taking place in Walsingham. One of the attendees is an old acquaintance of Ruth's who asks for her advice about threatening letters that she has been receiving.
As a murder mystery this is a fairly weak book. The ultimate reveal is far fetched in the extreme and there are so many red herrings and people with equally silly motives that it is near impossible to deduce what might happen. What I did like was the way that the Ruth/Nelson/Michelle triangle is developing and the way that other familiar characters behave. But ultimately, I felt like series needs a shot of adrenalin. It feels like Elly Griffiths isn't quite sure what she wants to have happen with the characters nor how to write a believable mystery. I found the story passably enjoyable but nothing exceptional.
The Woman in Blue is set in Walsingham, a village in Norfolk that is famous for its religious shrines in honour of the Virgin Mary. Cathbad is housesitting for a friend when he sees a woman in blue in the local graveyard. The next morning her dead body is found nearby. DCI Harry Nelson and his team are brought in to investigate. Meanwhile there is a conference of women in the clergy also taking place in Walsingham. One of the attendees is an old acquaintance of Ruth's who asks for her advice about threatening letters that she has been receiving.
As a murder mystery this is a fairly weak book. The ultimate reveal is far fetched in the extreme and there are so many red herrings and people with equally silly motives that it is near impossible to deduce what might happen. What I did like was the way that the Ruth/Nelson/Michelle triangle is developing and the way that other familiar characters behave. But ultimately, I felt like series needs a shot of adrenalin. It feels like Elly Griffiths isn't quite sure what she wants to have happen with the characters nor how to write a believable mystery. I found the story passably enjoyable but nothing exceptional.
kellerko's review against another edition
3.0
I always enjoy seeing what Ruth is up to, and it’s fun to see her child grow up to. The sexual tension between her and Harry can be cut with a knife.
beth_morton's review against another edition
4.0
I'm rounding up my rating. I was far more interested in the personal drama than the mystery at hand. Of course, the very last lines guarantee I'll read the next installment.
samharnold's review against another edition
5.0
This was another brilliant addition to the Ruth Galloway series. The main stat of this book is mainly Nelson but this doesn't spoil the story at all. As always I am left waiting for the next volume.
blodeuedd's review
4.0
Yes! I finally got book 8! I have been waiting impatiently for it. And I immediately dove back into the world of Ruth Galloway.
This time a friend asks for her help, and DCI Nelson is investigating a murder set in the same place.
A certain revelation from the last book turned into something here, and again, yeah, these two will never happen again. And I am glad that Ruth is happy on her own with her cat and kid (though as a romantic I feel that she should get some too.)
Good as always, they are just so easy and good to read. On to book 9!
This time a friend asks for her help, and DCI Nelson is investigating a murder set in the same place.
A certain revelation from the last book turned into something here, and again, yeah, these two will never happen again. And I am glad that Ruth is happy on her own with her cat and kid (though as a romantic I feel that she should get some too.)
Good as always, they are just so easy and good to read. On to book 9!