The Lantern Men (Ruth Galloway Book 12) by @EllyGriffiths ~ Murder/Mystery #TuesdayBookBlog

Author: Elly Griffiths

Published: February 2020 by Quercus

Category: Crime, Murder, Mystery, Police Procedural, Book Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Everything has changed for Dr Ruth Galloway.

She has a new job, home and partner, and is no longer North Norfolk police’s resident forensic archaeologist. That is, until convicted murderer Ivor March offers to make DCI Nelson a deal. Nelson was always sure that March killed more women than he was charged with. Now March confirms this, and offers to show Nelson where the other bodies are buried – but only if Ruth will do the digging.

Ruth and Kate are now living in Cambridge with Dr Frank Barker and, although Ruth enjoys her job teaching at St Jude’s college, she still misses Norfolk and her cottage on the edge of the Saltmarsh.

Living with a partner is not an easy adjustment for her when it’s been just her and Kate for so long. Spending the past week at Grey Walls Artist’s Retreat run by Crissy Martin, in order to finish her latest book, has been a respite of sorts and Ruth is feeling quite satisfied with her accomplishment.

DCI Harry Nelson has just received the welcome news that Ivor Marsh has been found guilty of the murder of the two women found buried in his girlfriend’s back garden. Unfortunately he can’t connect Marsh to two other missing women, although he’s convinced they also met their fate at Marsh’s hands. That is, until Marsh tells Nelson he will divulge the location of the bodies but only if Ruth does the excavation.

After her initial shock at being the focus of a serial killer, Ruth agrees. She wants to be part of the team and working with Nelson again is an added incentive. Above all, she wants to find the bodies for the families of the victims. Frank is less than pleased that Nelson is involving Ruth and that she has so readily agreed.

‘Your job is to be a university lecturer.’

‘My job is to be a forensic archaeologist. This is why I’ve made a name for myself. Why I’ve written books. It’s because I’ve been involved with cases like this.’

Doubt is raised about the previous evidence when Ruth and Nelson make a surprise find at the excavation site, and to make matters worse another body is found.

The plot is based around a local legend, that of the Lantern Man who lures women to their death in the reed beds of the Norfolk fens with his mesmerising light. It’s a well plotted, twisty mystery with familiar and engaging characters who I enjoy catching up with as they develop, age and move on with their lives. The mix of police procedural, folklore and forensic archaeology is an interesting one that works well and makes this one of my favourite series. Ruth and Nelson’s relationship remains tricky with attraction still evident on both sides and whether Ruth remains in Cambridge is anybody’s guess. Elly Griffiths writes about her characters wonderfully well, with insight and self deprecating humour. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Book links ~ Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository | Hive

About the Author

Elly Griffiths was born in London. The inspiration for her books about forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway came from her husband who gave up a city job to train as an archaeologist. Elly lives near Brighton but often spends holidays on the wild Norfolk coast. She has two children and a cat.

Author links ~ Website | Facebook | Twitter