The Crossing Places is the first in a new crime series by Elly Griffiths introducing Ruth Galloway, a forensic archaeologist. The story takes place in a remote fictional area of Norfolk, England known as the Saltmarsh and begins with the discovery of a child's bones, possibly those of a girl who disappeared ten years earlier. Ruth is brought in for consultation by Detective Chief Inspector Harry Nelson, whose inability to solve the case has weighed heavily on him over the years. Galloway and Nelson make an interesting team as they set out to solve the mystery. Things become more complicated when another child goes missing. Mysterious letters with Pagan, Christian, literary and archaeological references lead them to question whether the two disappearances are connected and if they were modeled on the ritual human sacrifices of the Iron Age.
One of my favorite things about this novel was the "likability" of the central character, Dr. Ruth Galloway. She is portrayed as slightly overweight, a bit of a loner, and a touch insecure. In other words, she isn't your typical heroine. I found her very easy to relate to. It's an exciting, well written debut and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks to Dorte for introducing me to this series. You can read her excellent review here.
This novel is my sixth for the Typically British Reading Challenge and my second for the RIP V Challenge.
Thanks to Dorte for introducing me to this series. You can read her excellent review here.
This novel is my sixth for the Typically British Reading Challenge and my second for the RIP V Challenge.
12 comments:
It sounds good, Kelly. I've been re-reading some old Patricia Cornwell books. I got behind on 'Kay Scarpetta'. Happy Reading! Love & Blessings!
I am so pleased to know about this author and the series. I've always enjoyed reading British authors. Now that Rosamund Pilcher stopped writing, I need names of good British authors. Thanks. Your blog is so pretty. Could you come to my house and show me how to "fix" mine? :)
Marion - I use to read the Kay Scarpetta books, but got bogged down with them. Perhaps I should go back and pick them up again.
Jenny - If you click on the Typically British Reading Challenge in my sidebar then click on the link to the book reviews it will give you lots of British authors to check out!
Sounds interesting!
This sounds good ... and I like a detective that is a "real" person and not some kind of "super stud" or such.
I loved this book too! Ruth is such an excellent main character - so normal. You'll be glad to hear that the second book in the series, The Janus Stone, is equally as good. (Over here via the RIP review site.)
Sounds just like my kind of book, thanks for recommending it Kelly, I'm away to add it to my wish list.
I like the idea of a heroine with just enough faults to make her human.
Pam, Jenners, Jen - I bet all of you would enjoy it.
Tracy - You know if Dorte and I are both telling you to read it that you should! :)
Cath - I want to read The Janus Stone, too, but I'm not sure I can get it here yet. When I can, it will definitely find its way into my TBR pile! Thanks for stopping by!
It sounds interesting. Not sure if it is my book, but you never know!
I thought this was a really refreshing book, I like the heroine very much (I hope she's not going to start losing weight!) and I shall certainly be looking for the next one.
Kailana - I'm sometimes surprised by the books I enjoy (that I might have thought wouldn't interest me)
GeraniumCat - I hope she doesn't lose weight, either! It makes her easier to relate to. (considering I could stand to lose my share)
Post a Comment