The Crossing Places

Title: The Crossing Places

Author: Elly Griffiths

Genre: Mystery Thriller

Series: Book 1 of 15 Ruth Galloway Series

Publisher: Quercus

Published Date: 2016

Book Length: 320

Format Read: Paperback

Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend

About Book: Dr Ruth Galloway is called in when a child's bones are discovered near the site of a pre-historic henge on the north Norfolk salt marshes. Are they the remains of a local girl who disappeared ten years earlier - or are the bones much older?

DCI Harry Nelson refuses to give up the hunt for the missing girl. Since she vanished, someone has been sending him bizarre anonymous notes about ritual sacrifice, quoting Shakespeare and the Bible. He knows that Ruth's expertise and experience could help him finally to put this case to rest.

But when a second child goes missing, Ruth finds herself in danger from a killer who knows she's getting ever closer to the truth...

My Thoughts: The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths is a crime mystery novel and the first in the Dr Ruth Galloway series, which spans an impressive 15 books.

The pacing of the story is steady, allowing me to really settle into the world Griffiths creates. I was particularly drawn to the characters, especially Dr Ruth Galloway and DI Harry Nelson. They are complete opposites — Ruth is self-deprecating and quietly strong, while Nelson is gruff and forthright — yet both are exceptional in their fields and show a deep respect for each other and their expertise. Their dynamic is engaging and felt very real, adding layers of authenticity to the story.

The theme of an archaeology professor working alongside the police is both intriguing and fascinating. As clues are uncovered and discussed, the investigation slowly builds, offering a unique and intelligent twist on the usual crime mystery format. I especially loved the conversations between Ruth and Nelson; their exchanges brought a deeper understanding of both the characters and the developing storyline.

As the novel progresses, the tension and drama gradually build, leading to some well-executed surprises. The prose flows beautifully, drawing me along with a natural rhythm that made it hard to put the book down.

In conclusion, The Crossing Places is an absorbing, cleverly written mystery with compelling characters and a great premise. It’s a strong start to what promises to be a fantastic series. I can’t wait to see where Ruth and Nelson’s story goes next!