zosiablue's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
K this was a pretty good installment that made a gentle commentary on unhoused people & how they must build their own communities for safety and acceptance. It was kind of a nice juxtaposition with the usual archaeological plot! But HOW can Griffiths for the THIRD TIME write the same, very specific plot close for yet another character with no deviation? It's bonkers the editors let this happen and fortunate for me it's a trope I enjoy, so I'm not too annoyed, but there's some Groundhog Day going on. Also, the author hates fat people. She's pulled back on the comments but still manages to sneak in one or two. Anyway, on to #10.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Death, Murder, Classism, and Infidelity
Moderate: Pregnancy and Sexism
allthingsbooks101's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
lisamf's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
pibbit's review
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.0
mojoshivers's review against another edition
3.0
This book has a lot huge shifts for Ruth and Nelson. In any series there’s usually a book or two that represent one of those turning points in one’s life where everything is reset. These installments are usually welcome as without them the series may start to feel stale and formulaic.
As for the mystery, it was alright. The killer’s motive felt a little forced so the solution seemed a bit too on the nose. But I genuinely felt the peril they put Cassandra in so it wasn’t like it didn’t have any surprises. I just feel like the mystery portion of the novel lacked a bit of conviction in comparison to the personal developments the characters went through.
As for the mystery, it was alright. The killer’s motive felt a little forced so the solution seemed a bit too on the nose. But I genuinely felt the peril they put Cassandra in so it wasn’t like it didn’t have any surprises. I just feel like the mystery portion of the novel lacked a bit of conviction in comparison to the personal developments the characters went through.
jmatkinson1's review
5.0
Under a building in Norwich bones are found and Ruth Galloway is called in to look at them, the building is due to be converted into an underground restaurant. Meanwhile a homeless woman has disappeared and DCI Nelson has been called in to investigate. His team are talking to the homeless of Norwich but two of them are murdered in quick succession. Then two more women disappear, one of them from Nelson's own team, and the case becomes even more serious.
There is something comforting about Griffiths' Galloway novels. Galloway herself is clever but is homely and has a complicated life as a single mother, Nelson is also complicated and the 'what next?' for the pair of them is intriguing. Despite the fact that there seem to be vast numbers of serial killers at large in North Norfolk, it never seems that the stories are overly far-fetched and the level of research is excellent. In this book the theme is the underground tunnels in Norwich and groups of outsiders. Elly Griffiths never fails to engage the reader with a strong narrative, interesting characters but a grounding in reality often missing from police procedurals.
There is something comforting about Griffiths' Galloway novels. Galloway herself is clever but is homely and has a complicated life as a single mother, Nelson is also complicated and the 'what next?' for the pair of them is intriguing. Despite the fact that there seem to be vast numbers of serial killers at large in North Norfolk, it never seems that the stories are overly far-fetched and the level of research is excellent. In this book the theme is the underground tunnels in Norwich and groups of outsiders. Elly Griffiths never fails to engage the reader with a strong narrative, interesting characters but a grounding in reality often missing from police procedurals.
abeth_parker's review
4.0
This may be my favorite Ruth Galloway yet! The mystery drew me in, and I love Ruth and the Serious Crimes Unit. Looking forward to the next.
rivercat0338's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Confinement, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
Moderate: Infidelity
dave37's review against another edition
2.0
I've been a big fan of this series, but it seems to be becoming very formulaic which is a personal pet peeve. YMMV.
Bones are discovered! Are they old or are they recent? A potential love interest materializes for Ruth! But it doesn't work out and something happens that reinforces that Nelson is only the man for her! But then something happens in Nelson's life that keeps him and Ruth from getting together! Phil, Shona, and Cathbad make brief cameos so we know they still exist!
The prose is still well written, and I do like the characters, but the story lines? Not so much.
Bones are discovered! Are they old or are they recent? A potential love interest materializes for Ruth! But it doesn't work out and something happens that reinforces that Nelson is only the man for her! But then something happens in Nelson's life that keeps him and Ruth from getting together! Phil, Shona, and Cathbad make brief cameos so we know they still exist!
The prose is still well written, and I do like the characters, but the story lines? Not so much.
hsimonton's review
4.0
One of my favorite series. I like all of the characters. It is interesting to follow the relationship between Ruth and Nelson. It is complicated with no easy answers. I'm already looking forward to the next one in the series.