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A review by awebofstories
The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Grade: A
Is it just me, or is this series getting stronger?
This installment in the Ruth Galloway series was surprisingly effective, more so than any of the previous novels. There is a murder, but the actual mystery is about missing children and it is in this area that Griffiths really ramps up the tension.
As with the earlier entries in the series, we have Ruth working on some sort of historical "case" alongside a modern crime. The historical scenario here was especially eerie, at least for me. Griffiths tells the tale well, milking it in a deliciously appropriate way. However, what I really appreciated is how the historical plot and the contemporary plot played well together.
Griffiths uses her entire cast of characters here, yet the story never feels crowded. We even open another window into Ruth's life and her brother and two nephews come on the scene. While their presence doesn't play into the mystery, it was effective in growing Ruth's character in a way that could not have been achieved with the "regulars" of this world.
All in all, this was a treat. There was one minor plot hole, probably resulting from my thinking too hard, that was slightly irritating. Unfortunately, to describe it here would be a spoiler. I only mention it because it did slightly distract me from the story. Other than that, this was everything I want from this series.
Is it just me, or is this series getting stronger?
This installment in the Ruth Galloway series was surprisingly effective, more so than any of the previous novels. There is a murder, but the actual mystery is about missing children and it is in this area that Griffiths really ramps up the tension.
As with the earlier entries in the series, we have Ruth working on some sort of historical "case" alongside a modern crime. The historical scenario here was especially eerie, at least for me. Griffiths tells the tale well, milking it in a deliciously appropriate way. However, what I really appreciated is how the historical plot and the contemporary plot played well together.
Griffiths uses her entire cast of characters here, yet the story never feels crowded. We even open another window into Ruth's life and her brother and two nephews come on the scene. While their presence doesn't play into the mystery, it was effective in growing Ruth's character in a way that could not have been achieved with the "regulars" of this world.
All in all, this was a treat. There was one minor plot hole, probably resulting from my thinking too hard, that was slightly irritating. Unfortunately, to describe it here would be a spoiler. I only mention it because it did slightly distract me from the story. Other than that, this was everything I want from this series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping and Child death