Elly Griffiths

Elly Griffiths has written three novels in the Ruth Galloway mystery series that I have read. I like to read a series in order, so I have read "The Crossing Places,' "the Janus Stone," and "The House at Sea's End." All take place off the coast of England in a town called Norfolk. From the description of the area it seems rather desolate, but Norfolk is actually a large town with many colleges. The University of North Norfolk where Dr. Galloway teaches is a fictitious university. From wikipedia I read that there is a large section of Norfolk that is under the protection of the Broads authority and is a National Park. Much of Elly Griffiths' story is the atmosphere of the lonely, desolate areas of Norfolk, often being part of an archeology dig. This is how Ruth enters the story, finding bones in a dig brings her expertise in forensic archeology into play. Griffiths knows her area well as it is a key character in the story. Griffiths brings in interesting characters, building each story with more of their background. There is a mixture of religion, as Ruth's parents are born again Christians, which Ruth rejects. Druid Carthbad appears in every story as a friend of Ruth's, and Catholic DCI Nelson from the police has his own story as well. One gets a taste of the cultural and social life in Norfolk. It is an interesting series with something new to learn in every book without being too academic. From Elly Griffiths' website I find there are two more novels in the series I haven't read, so I have something to look forward to. A great series for the anglophile that I am.