Reason for Reading: Next in the series.
Summary: A Victorian home is being pulled down to make way for a
luxury apartment building but is stopped due to the finding of
Roman remains. As archaeologists work they find a headless skeleton
of a child under the doorstep of the home and forensic
archaeologist Ruth Galloway is called in for her expertise by DCI
Harry Nelson. The house was last used as a Catholic children's home
and that sends the investigation in a direction that will not
easily bring answers. At the same time someone is literally trying
to scare Ruth to death and when that doesn't work perhaps they'll
have to get up close and personal to finish off the job.
Comments: I love this series! This book is even better the first,
The Crossing Places. This was a fast, page-turner that I read very
quickly; I just couldn't put it down. Not only are there several
possible suspects there are a few possible choices for the identity
of the victim! I only just managed to stay a few pages ahead of
each reveal but the final solution is one that you could not
possibly see coming from the beginning.
Both Ruth and Harry are back the same as we remembered them from
book one, only Ruth is less self-conscious but still her same
outspoken, hard-headed, overweight, unfashionable self. For me
personally, she is a character I could like ( I want to like) only
I have great issues with her moral conduct and Harry's as well,
though both of their personal lives take new directions and this is
being addressed. I am eager to see where they are each headed
personally in the next book. Since the personal life is integral in
these books I do recommend reading them in order.
I also was quite taken with the Catholic part of the story. Of
course, starting with the investigation into a children's home the
usual preconceived prejudices are rampant and several characters
are anti-Catholic. But once a retired Sister and Father are
introduced as characters the journey of these characters and the
Catholic part of the plot which leads to the eventual
reconciliation of one of the characters is very satisfying.
Elly Griffiths, pseudonym of Domenica de Rosa, has created a
wonderful mystery that is going to appeal to a lot of people. There
is plenty of action and forensic detail for thriller fans and yet
no gory bits for more cozy mystery fans. The plot has many layers,
is quite intricate as it twists and turns upon itself and is a ton
of fun to read. I'm glad to have started this series at the
beginning and can't wait for the next Ruth Galloway Mystery!