tirsdag den 23. marts 2010

Elly Griffiths, The Crossing Places (2009)


This novel is the British author´s crime debut, and the first in the Ruth Galloway series. I have the second on my shelf, and I promise to read it before long.

Ms Galloway is a forensic archaeologist in the fictional Saltmarsh outside Norfolk. When the police find some human bones, DCI Harry Nelson contacts her to find out whether they are of archaeological interest or could be the remains of a little girl who went missing ten years ago.

Ruth Galloway is an intelligent and independent woman who enjoys her solitude in the marsh area together with her two cats. Even though the body is clearly an Iron Age girl, her curiosity is aroused when the police show a growing interest in her domain, however, but she doesn´t quite know what to make of the gruff Inspector Nelson.

As if the old case was not enough, another little girl disappears, and the police receive several mysterious letters which may or may not be written by the kidnapper. These letters taunt the police and hint at a burial place in the Saltmarsh, leading them to believe that there could be a connection between the modern-time crimes and the Iron Age customs of sacrificing human beings.

Though the police are helped by coincidence, this is an impressive crime debut indeed! It is hard to find anything else to criticize apart from the fact that the whole book is written in the present tense. The engaging characters and the excellent setting helped me forget this small minus, and I strongly recommend the book!

Elly Griffiths is the pen name of Domenica de Rosa who has written four (non-crime) novels set in Italy. The book was a gift from Maxine. See her review - and be tempted!

9 kommentarer:

Anonym sagde ...

Dorte - With such an excellent recommendation from you (and a fine review!) and another from Maxine, what choice do I have but to add this to my TBR list? ; )

Kelly sagde ...

This sounds like one I would really enjoy. Quite intriguing!

Then again, I'm trying to convince myself I DON'T need to get started on another series!

Dorte H sagde ...

Margot: oh, should I feel guilty? ;D

Kelly: visiting blogs is not nearly as safe and cheap a hobby as one tends to believe. I don´t know how many books I add to my list every week.

R/T sagde ...

Your excellent preview/review means that I am once again off the library (first choice) or bookstore (second choice) in search of another book (as if I need to add to my sagging bookcase collection of TBR books). Thanks!

Maxine Clarke sagde ...

Very nice review, Dorte. Wasn't this a great debut? Like you, I don't like books written in the present tense, but I barely noticed in this case. I too am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.

Thanks also for the very kind words about my review of the same book.

Bernadette sagde ...

oh this does sound good

Dorte H sagde ...

R.T.: I think you will enjoy the setting and the characters.

Maxine: I have never regretted reading a book you recommended! And the least I can do after all the books you send my way is showing my readers the way to a truly tempting book blog.

Bernadette: as far as I remember you attach importance to the setting so you should also enjoy the fictional Saltmarsh.

Belle Wong sagde ...

Great review! I just checked my library and they have a copy - I am now second in the wait queue for it. :)

Dorte H sagde ...

Belle: I hope you get it soon. I´d love to hear what you think about it.