The Crossing Places
Books | Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths
3.8
(178)
Elly Griffiths
The first entry in the acclaimed Ruth Galloway series follows the "captivating"* archaeologist as she investigates a child's bones found on a nearby beach, thought to be the remains of a little girl who went missing ten years before.Forensic archeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway is in her late thirties. She lives happily alone with her two cats in a bleak, remote area near Norfolk, land that was sacred to its Iron Age inhabitants—not quite earth, not quite sea. But her routine days of digging up bones and other ancient objects are harshly upended when a child’s bones are found on a desolate beach. Detective Chief Inspector Nelson calls Galloway for help, believing they are the remains of Lucy Downey, a little girl who went missing a decade ago and whose abductor continues to taunt him with bizarre letters containing references to ritual sacrifice, Shakespeare, and the Bible. Then a second girl goes missing and Nelson receives a new letter—exactly like the ones about Lucy. Is it the same killer? Or a copycat murderer, linked in some way to the site near Ruth’s remote home? *Louise Penny
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More Details:
Author
Elly Griffiths
Pages
320
Publisher
HarperCollins
Published Date
2010-01-05
ISBN
054744317X 9780547443171
Ratings
Google: 5
Community ReviewsSee all
"Ruth is a great archeologist, loves where she lives (at the edge of a desolate marsh), and ends up acting as an expert for the police in the middle of missing persons case. This is one of the best mysteries I’ve read, and only slightly alarmed to learn that it’s the first of FIFTEEN in the series. So. Will be reading more of these!"
Jackie Davidson
"So much to like about this book. The characters aren't perfect. The glimpse into archeology is just enough to inform without boring. The mystery is complex. Told is present third person from two perspectives. The climax switches between perspectives, amping up the tension.
The only issue I had was the description of Ruth as fat. 150+ stones is a little over 175 pounds. Her height is never stated. I picture her as slightly plump but not fat. "
Brandi Always Reading
"A great surprise for the local library’s Private Investigator book group. Ruth is an archaeologist whose expertise in bones, digging and ancient civilizations draws her into the middle of disappearances and police investigations. The book pulled me forward, and though the ending was predictable, the cast of characters were appealing and weird at once."
Diane Morello
"If you like British mystery’s and/or archeology this book is for you. Cozy and lovable, as well as informative, rare combination. I loved it, got the next book, this is book one of a series about the same character. "
Stella
"3.5 stars. A little predictable in my opinion but good overall"
A J
Andrea Jaffray
"Very good book however I did know who the perpetrator was as soon as that character was introduced in the book. So not much of a mystery for me. "
L P
Lisa Piche
"Putting this back on the shelf for now, I'll come back to it another time."
Katherine R
"4.5/5 stars"
L F
Lisa Francine
"Love all of the Elly Griffiths books. Check out the detective Gamache series by Louise Penny. "
A Little Over the Top Cupcakes