In the past year I have read many books, mostly of the mystery/thriller genres. Many were by authors that I have been reading for years. Many were part of series that I have come to regard as old friends.Recently I read a debut novel, first of a series, that promises to be one that I will follow for years to come. “The Crossing Places” by Elly Griffiths.
Set mostly in a brooding saltmarsh area of England’s Norfolk coast, the series features Ruth Galloway, who is a university lecturer in forensic archaeology. Ruth is an intriguing character. Solitary, smart, and strong, (not to mention a cat owner) Ruth is a protagonist that I want to follow and I eagerly await the next novel which features her.
With such a powerful protagonist and themes of missing children, historical exhumations, and just a smattering of romance, “The Crossing Places” exhibited everything I truly enjoy in a mystery novel. Griffiths descriptions of the barren and beautiful marshlands set the mood for the book excellently.
The clincher for my choosing the book was the attractive dustjacket which just happened to exhibit the words “Ruth Galloway is an inspired creation” — Louise Penny. As Louise Penny is one of my favourite authors, her recommendation carried great weight with me.
I urge others to read the novel. I love sharing the joy…
“Elly Griffiths is a pseudonym for Domenica de Rosa, who was born in London and spent ten years in publishing before she turned to writing fiction. Her Ruth Galloway novels are inspired by the work of her husband, who gave up a job in finance to train as an archaeologist, and by her aunt, who lives on the Norfolk coast and who filled her niece’s head with the myths and legends of that area. She and her husband have two children and live near Brighton.“–MysteryBooks.ca
