The House at Sea's End (Ruth Galloway, #3) by Elly Griffiths

Oct 29, 2012 Chelsea rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery, reviewed

This is the third book in this series. I enjoyed it less than the first two I read, so allow me to elaborate a bit on them.

The first book, The Crossing Places, was very chilling, and included pagan lore, history, and archaeology. I fell in love with the descriptions of the freezing salt marshes, the birds, the lonely cottage. The Janus Stone included Roman history, which I'm very interested in. I think the real pull for me with these books was the inclusion of my interests in great mystery plots...more This is the third book in this series. I enjoyed it less than the first two I read, so allow me to elaborate a bit on them.

The first book, The Crossing Places, was very chilling, and included pagan lore, history, and archaeology. I fell in love with the descriptions of the freezing salt marshes, the birds, the lonely cottage. The Janus Stone included Roman history, which I'm very interested in. I think the real pull for me with these books was the inclusion of my interests in great mystery plots. Between the salt marsh and the history and mythology, what's not to love?

I think my issue with the series first developed with the Janus Stone. Ruth, the main character, seems to get caught up in the center of a lot of drama that doesn't have much to do with her. Her character isn't compelling enough to attract so much attention. She's a well-drawn character, but a little dull; even the author admits it. In The House at Sea's End, Ruth is surrounded by people more interesting than herself. Cathbad, Tatiana, Nelson, Judy, Hugh Ancel, were all more interesting than the main character. Ruth was grating on me by the end.

The mystery for this book isn't as compelling as the previous volumes. The fact that almost all of the drama took place in the past undercuts the tension. The only way the author is able to inject drama or suspense into the plot is by having her characters (view spoiler) make (view spoiler) some (view spoiler) poor (view spoiler) decisions (view spoiler).

The solution to the mystery was a little convoluted for my taste. It was such an unlikely ending, and I was left dissatisfied.

However, it still earned three stars. The characters are all well-done, Tatiana's story was intriguing, and Nelson really made an impression on me with this volume. It's true that the previous two volumes incorporated past and present murders and mysteries, but I feel this time, the emphasis is too heavily in the past. I will read the next volume, probably via audio. The narrator is fantastic! (less)

5 likes · like · see review

Jul 11, 2011 Sue rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: mystery readers

Shelves: library-book, mystery, british-britain, read-in-2011, favorite-authors, favorites

This is the third and now my favorite in Griffiths' Ruth Galloway series. The characters continue to develop, both the primary and the many good and important secondary ones. I really like the windswept and somewhat bleak Norfolk setting that seems to add to the story. Here, the personal details of the protagonists' lives become as important as the mystery and as complicated. I don't want to give any plot points away for anyone who hasn't read any of the books yet, but I highly recommend it to m...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 13, 2012 Luanne Ollivier rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was captured by Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway series from the first book, The Crossing Places and the second - The Janus Stone.

So I settled in to read the third - The House at Sea's End - knowing before turning a page that I would enjoy it.

Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway is ready to return to work from maternity leave. When a local research team discovers a skeleton during an erosion study in Norfolk, Ruth is called in. When they delve further into the little cave where the body seems to...more I was captured by Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway series from the first book, The Crossing Places and the second - The Janus Stone.

So I settled in to read the third - The House at Sea's End - knowing before turning a page that I would enjoy it.

Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway is ready to return to work from maternity leave. When a local research team discovers a skeleton during an erosion study in Norfolk, Ruth is called in. When they delve further into the little cave where the body seems to have been hidden, five more skeletons are discovered - all with their hands tied behind their backs. Detective Chief Inspector Harry Nelson is then called in. Further investigation reveals a wartime link that someone doesn't want uncovered.

I have so enjoyed the character of Ruth. I think it's because she isn't a 'cookie-cutter' protagonist. She is a new, single mother at forty, she is overweight, messy, and doesn't overly worry about what people think. But she is highly intelligent, empathetic and tolerant. Griffiths has not endowed her with super sleuth abilities, rather she comes off as an actual person - unabashedly and happily herself. Her only worry is if she'll be a good mom.

Griffiths' plots are also very intelligent. I was able to solve the clues leading to one piece of the puzzle ahead of the characters, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book at all. I always enjoy the setting in the books - the Norfolk area, while seemingly bleak is beautiful in Ruth's eyes. I used the map in the frontispiece to place where the action was happening. While I enjoy the mystery in Griffiths' books, it is the characters I come back for.

The father of Ruth's baby is DCI Harry Nelson, married father of two. Their (non) relationship, evolved over the course of the first two books, has resulted in baby Kate. Where will it go from here? I can't wait to see what happens next with their lives and the ending was perfect cliffhanger.

The supporting cast is wonderfully eclectic. Cathbad, the self proclaimed Druid is one of my favourites. He's quite enigmatic, showing up just when needed and seems to see and recognize things that others don't. I hope his interaction with a member of Nelson's staff is taken further. Archaeologist Trace is a character I can't quite nail down - it's nice not being able to second guess where the author is going to take her characters. I did find a 'visiting' character, a friend of Ruth's called Tatjana, to be a bit awkward. I understood her contribution to the story, but she never rang as true as the other players.

Griffiths has created an engaging series, one I am hooked on. I can't wait to read the fourth book - A Room Full of Bones.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Dec 15, 2012 Su rated it 3 of 5 stars

I don't actually care much about mysteries. I can never figure them out, and I don't bother trying. I'm happy if it just makes sense to me after the big reveal at the end. What I like about mystery series that I like is the romance element, a complicated relationship playing out slowly, book after book. From that perspective, The House at Sea's End is very satisfying--things get trickier for Nelson and Ruth once their baby is born, and I like how the relationship develops in this book. The myste...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 08, 2012 Mariah rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was one of those trips to the library with my kid when I just said, "I want a book, I have 30 seconds to choose one, this one looks interesting." A hit or miss technique, but in this case it proved to be successful. I really enjoyed this book, and as I was reading, I realized it was actually one in a series of four. I was intrigued enough to go back and get the other books as well, which were wonderful despite the fat that I ready them out of order. The main Character, Ruth Galloway, is a f...more

like · see review

Sep 01, 2012 Ricki rated it 5 of 5 stars

I couldn't put this book, the 3rd in the series, down! I stumbled on this author by accident. Each book has not failed to grab my imagination. Her main character, Ruth Galloway, a forensic anthropologist,is down to earth, flawed, intelligent,a self doubting human being with a heart of gold. Ruth finds her way through life as best she can. Just like the rest of us.
In this installment, on the coast of Norfolk, we are returned to a time of fear and hatred during WWII. When six decomposed bodies are...more

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 02, 2012 Nicola rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Reason for Reading: Next in the series.

I enjoy this series but have to say this third book was not up to par with the first two books. The book's focus was on a case from the past which wasn't entirely all that exciting. The police investigation leads to witnesses and people involved turning up dead and the police believe they have a killer on their hands who doesn't want the truth of the past to become known. This case is a little more interesting but the two are inseparably intertwined.

While...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 07, 2012 Cheryl rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Mar 10, 2012 Felice rated it 4 of 5 stars

A new to me author is Elly Griffiths author of a series of mysteries featuring detective Ruth Galloway. I came upon Elly and Ruth while browsing at my local. The cover of their latest book , The House atSea’s End, hit a number of my impulse purchase buttons. The unevent typeface, house of nooks and crannies, the cliff, the stone barrier, the sea and the almost monochromatic tone of the palette all combine in a siren song way for me.

Ruth is a forensic archaeologist. Her Born Again parents have le...more A new to me author is Elly Griffiths author of a series of mysteries featuring detective Ruth Galloway. I came upon Elly and Ruth while browsing at my local. The cover of their latest book , The House atSea’s End, hit a number of my impulse purchase buttons. The unevent typeface, house of nooks and crannies, the cliff, the stone barrier, the sea and the almost monochromatic tone of the palette all combine in a siren song way for me.

Ruth is a forensic archaeologist. Her Born Again parents have left their mark. She’s brainy, independent, forty-ish, chubby, not fashionbale, a bit awkward and in general a difficult person. Things in her life are messy but she’s no tortured loner—although she would just as soon be left alone. Though of course she has two cats.

The first of the three Ruth Galloway mysteries is The Crossing Places. Ruth is living the quiet life in an area of England known as Saltmarsh in Norfolk. Oddly enough the local detective inspector, Harry Nelson, calls on Ruth because he needs help identifying a body. Nelson has been taunted by letters for years regarding the unsolved case of a child. I know. Poor fictional policemen so lost without the local historian, middle school teacher, scientist, librarian or spinster! It’s a hairy old beginning for an amateur detective but it gets it all started up.

Second in the series is The Janus Stone. This time the demolition of an old home in Norfolk leads to the discovery of a body and Nelson again asks Ruth for forensic and historical help. Roman gods, sacrifice, a charismatic priest, a questionable new age spiritualist, an Iron Age excavation, adultery and romance all mix together with atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere to great effect.

Third up is where I first came in, The House at Sea’s End. Six well persevered skeletons are reason enough for Nelson to call in Ruth Galloway, right? The bones turn out to be German and date back to World War II. The dead in Norfolk really pile up when a visiting German journalist and several octogenarians who might have been witnesses or accomplices to murder also bite the dust. It’s nice and complicated.

Elly Griffiths has done a bang up job. Ruth Galloway is a stand out among amateur sleuths. Aside from that universal Not A People Person quality that is wired into the fictional DNA of every detective, pro or part timer, ever created since 1940, Ruth is unique. She can be tough to enjoy even for the reader at times but she is completely three dimensional and worthy of the time you want to spend with her.

The ancient history worked into the books is natural given Ruth’s work but Griffiths makes it organic to the stories and not a display of her own research. Each of these mysteries feels as though it couldn’t possibly take place anywhere else but Norfolk. Griffiths is building a world in this series and she is doing a fantastic job. (less)

1 like · like · see review

Feb 17, 2012 Larraine rated it 5 of 5 stars

To me there is always a great deal of pleasure in reading a crime novel that is well-written, complex and includes a secondary interest that teaches me something new and fascinating. It's not that I'm against crime novels that features food or other interests. I'm a fan of several of those writers. It's just that, in the end, I really enjoy a book that also teaches me something new.

Elly Griffiths' third book in her Ruth Galloway series shows that writers can just keep on improving. This one was...more To me there is always a great deal of pleasure in reading a crime novel that is well-written, complex and includes a secondary interest that teaches me something new and fascinating. It's not that I'm against crime novels that features food or other interests. I'm a fan of several of those writers. It's just that, in the end, I really enjoy a book that also teaches me something new.

Elly Griffiths' third book in her Ruth Galloway series shows that writers can just keep on improving. This one was particularly full of red herrings and possibilities. If you haven't read the first 3, it might be a little confusing.

Ruth is having a hard time settling into her new role as mother while still yearning to get back to work doing the forensic archaeology that she loves. She has been on maternity leave, but is finally ready to get back to work. However, like every new mother before her, she has a hard time leaving her baby. Unfortunately what Ruth does NOT have is a support system to help her understand that this is all perfectly natural. She is also "seconded" to the local police force as the person they call when bones are found. Her role is complicated by the fact that the detective who is called out is also the father of her child.

The story centers around the bodies of six men found on a deserted beach, their hands bound behind their backs, and all shot. The role of what we would have called "civil defense" volunteers during WWII is examined in this case. When two old men are found dead, and one is found to have been suffocated, the investigation intensifies.

There is also a secondary story centering around an old friend from Ruth's days as a forensic archaeologist in Bosnia (not a time featured in any of the books) comes to visit. She lost her child to the wars and is now married to an American and living in Cape Cod. She has called Ruth to ask if she can stay with her while she is doing a lecture series at a local university. The story is woven in and out during times when Ruth is contemplating her own maternal feelings and her perception of her own guilt at not being perfect.

The action takes place in and around a town that is very close to the sea. The beach has eroded, and a grand old house is in danger of being swept away by the sea. The town itself is also in danger. I love the use of atmosphere that Griffiths employs - not in a Gothic sense, but so much natural which makes it that much more chilling. This was her best yet which means I'm looking forward tremendously to her next book! (less)

like · see review

Feb 11, 2012 Dee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

Ruth Galloway has just returned from maternity leave and is struggling to juggle work and motherhood. When a team from the University of North Norfolk, investigating coastal erosion, finds six bodies buried at the foot of the cliff, she is immediately put on the case. DCI Nelson is investigating, but Ruth finds this more hindrance than help - Nelson is the father of her daughter, Kate. Still, she remains professional and concentrates on the case at hand. Forensic tests prove that the bodies are...more

like · see review

Jan 31, 2012 Jenn Ravey rated it 4 of 5 stars

The sea holds secrets, but it also uncovers them. An archaeological team studying and mapping the erosion of the Norfolk coast makes a ghastly discovery: at least two skeletons are evident in a portion of the cliff face. Dr. Ruth Galloway is once again called away from her work to assist the police. After her work in Serbia, helping to identify bodies in mass graves, Ruth knows a thing or two about piecing together skeletons, even six of them. Ruth's testing reveals the men were from Germany an...more The sea holds secrets, but it also uncovers them. An archaeological team studying and mapping the erosion of the Norfolk coast makes a ghastly discovery: at least two skeletons are evident in a portion of the cliff face. Dr. Ruth Galloway is once again called away from her work to assist the police. After her work in Serbia, helping to identify bodies in mass graves, Ruth knows a thing or two about piecing together skeletons, even six of them. Ruth's testing reveals the men were from Germany and were killed during World War II. But how did they end up here? Who killed them? DCI Nelson contacts the old Home Guard, but when two elderly men, formerly of the Guard, end up dead, Harry understands that someone is keen to make sure the truth never sees the light of day.

The House at Sea's End is a departure from the first two novels in that there is no mythology here, only history - WWII history and Ruth's own. Though I thought it was a bit artless, Griffith fleshes out Ruth's experiences in Serbia by having one of Ruth's friends Tatjana, whom she met in Serbia, stay as a house guest. Tatjana only serves to elicit Ruth's memories, and I wish this had been done a bit differently. However, there is a lot to tackle in this novel: Ruth is no longer alone. A single, 40-year-old, working mother of a newborn doesn't exactly have the time and freedom to traipse across the cliff and work for hours on end as she used to. But Ruth loves her work, and part of her life as a new mother is realizing and setting new boundaries for herself.

Once again, though, the strength of this novel is its characters. Though I didn't love the plot in this one, I enjoyed seeing Ruth adapt to motherhood. All too often, I think authors have a difficult time reconciling a strong female character with her motherhood, but Griffiths doesn't baby the reader. Ruth has her baby because she's pregnant and knows it's now or never. She is not naturally very maternal, but she wants to be good - both at her job and at being a mom. Watching Harry Nelson and Ruth's friends adjust to seeing Ruth in a different light was also quite fun.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 30, 2012 Patty rated it 5 of 5 stars

The House At Sea's End
by
Elly Griffiths

Supremely short summary...

Ruth...archeologist/sleuth has just had a baby...she is not normally a domestic mommish kind of person so she is getting used to managing her life with Baby Kate in it. Oh...Baby Kate is the product of an affair with a married police detective that she works with.

My personal thoughts...

Loved this book!!! I love all veddy English mysteries and this one is no exception. It has all of the great classic mystery stuff and more. The b...more

like · see review

Jan 20, 2012 Julia rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the third in Elly Griffith's series about Ruth Galloway, a forensic archeologist, and you will probably enjoy it significantly more if you have read at least the first book in the series (The Crossing Places) already. This time around, Ruth is called in when 6 skeletons are found wedged into the crevice of a cliff face. Forensic analysis reveals that they date back to World War 2 and they are probably German in origin. However what seems to be a dated, albeit interesting, crime becomes m...more

like · see review

Dec 26, 2011 J.R. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mysteries

The discovery of human remains on a rugged Norfolk beach draws forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway back from maternal leave and into assisting with another crime investigation.

It also puts Ruth back into the often uncomfortable association with DCI Harry Nelson, the married father of their child, a situation which provides for some very human conflict in the midst of what might otherwise be just another crime novel.

The remains date back to World War 2 and their discovery results in a trio of fr...more

like · see review

Dec 17, 2011 Jacqui rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: thriller-mystery

If I hadn't agreed to review Elly Griffiths' The House at Sea's End (Houghton Mifflin 2011), I might have stopped reading after a handful of pages, but I did promise so I read on. By page seven, that turned out to be a good decision.

You see, the first six pages were more like the character-centric and emotion-driven writing of literary fiction than the action-intensive plot I'd expect from an author who won the Mary Higgins Clark Award for an outstanding suspense novel. Nothing grabbed me by the...more If I hadn't agreed to review Elly Griffiths' The House at Sea's End (Houghton Mifflin 2011), I might have stopped reading after a handful of pages, but I did promise so I read on. By page seven, that turned out to be a good decision.

You see, the first six pages were more like the character-centric and emotion-driven writing of literary fiction than the action-intensive plot I'd expect from an author who won the Mary Higgins Clark Award for an outstanding suspense novel. Nothing grabbed me by the throat--until the ambivalent, happy-go-lucky troupe of archaeologists Griffiths chose for her opening scene uncovered dead bodies and called the police. Then, finally, I knew I had the right book.

The House at Sea's End is the story of sixty-year old dead bodies which turn out to be those of six German soldiers. Ruth Galloway, a forensic archaeologist and the main character of this series, is contacted to determine whether their deaths are attributable to WWII or murder. When more people are killed, it becomes clear whichever the answer, someone wants the secret to remain hidden and the story takes off, moving toward a fast-paced surprise ending that is satisfying enough to make me want to read more about the adventures of the homely sometimes doddering Ruth Galloway, her infant daughter's clandestine father Detective Chief Inspector Harry Nelson, and the eclectic mix of supporting characters.

Lets start with the characters. They are a dour group, with an impassive approach to life as though it were a difficult child to be tolerated rather than enjoyed. Yet, in the few short scenes Griffiths devotes to each supporting actor, she does a masterful job of fleshing out their motivations, their desires, making me care for their ruminations about an upcoming dinner party or the TV show that might be missed due to work demands or a visitor they haven't sufficiently prepared for--all in the middle of what could be a serial killer inhabiting their hamlet. They are so believable, I am left to wonder if their attitudes are typical of Brits or pulled whole fabric from Griffiths' fertile imagination.

This quirky group, as well as the cold British coastline, transform what could be an overused plot (someone finds dead bodies, police must track down the killer and stop him/her from more murder) into a solid story. I give much credit to Griffiths' skill as a storyteller, told with a hint of humor ('the effect is slightly ruined by the fact that he has forgotten his car keys...') and an instinct for weaving motive and emotion in at just the right places. For those in a hurry, here's all you need to know: If you like Elizabeth George, you'll like Griffiths.

One piece I dislike is that Griffiths writes in present tense. I find it annoying, its only saving grace that it makes flashbacks as obvious as a sunny day on the British coastline. That aside, once I put aside my distaste for her chosen tense, I found myself completely engrossed up to the last surprising sentence. I'd highly recommend it.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Nov 28, 2011 Sue rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: thrillers-and-chillers

This is the third Ruth Galloway novel, and she is turning into one of my very favorite characters. I love that she's not physically perfect, and like all of us, feels intimidated by perfection. But at the same time, she is enormously accepting of herself and only gives minimal time to feelings of guilt where food is concerned. She has a great mind, and passion for her subject of forensic archaeology. And now she is a single mother, she also suffers from that weakness of all mothers, GUILT. She's...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 13, 2011 CJ rated it 4 of 5 stars

The third in Ruth Galloway book is a wonderful addition to the series. There are several things I love about these books: the setting (bleak English coast), Ruth's job (forensic anthropology), and the characters. They are regular human beings - no one is a super hero - they could be the people you see on the bus every morning, just going about their lives.

In this installment, Ruth is back from maternity leave and is juggling her feelings about new motherhood with going back to teaching and catch...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 28, 2011 Kathleen Hagen added it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-audio-books, 2011-mysteries

The House at Sea’s End, by Elly Griffiths, B-pluss, Narrated by Jane McDowell, Produced by Audiogo, downloaded from audible.com.

In this book, forensic archeologist, Ruth Galloway is called to a scene where six skeletons have been found in a crevice under a cliff at the edge of the sea. It turns out that the six skeletons are German soldiers shot 60 years ago when they were part of a force meant to invade England. Lieutenant Nelson is called to investigate when, in a matter of two weeks, two olde...more

like · see review

Aug 01, 2011 Rhonda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Thier are a lot of things in this story I liked and some I did not. Personally all the different affairs dont like. I have not read the other books that are before this one, But I want to now.
Ruth is a brand new mom. Her daughter is Kate. Kate father is Nelson, but no one knows that. Nelson is a Policeman and happily married man.
Ruth is a professor teaches archaeologie and helps the police when old remains are found. Ruth is struggling the whole way through the book with being a new mom. Feels...more

like · see review

Jun 30, 2011 Marleen rated it 5 of 5 stars

When this third book staring forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway starts, Ruth is just back from maternity leave and still getting used to being little Kate's mother.
When a team of archaeologists surveying the coast line discover six bodies, Ruth is called to the scene. When it is determined that the bodies are those of young man who were shot at close range sometime in the 1940's, Ruth finds herself involved in another investigation lead by DCI Nelson, something which leaves Ruth with mixed fe...more When this third book staring forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway starts, Ruth is just back from maternity leave and still getting used to being little Kate's mother.
When a team of archaeologists surveying the coast line discover six bodies, Ruth is called to the scene. When it is determined that the bodies are those of young man who were shot at close range sometime in the 1940's, Ruth finds herself involved in another investigation lead by DCI Nelson, something which leaves Ruth with mixed feelings.
When it is also determined that the six man were probably German and two elderly men, who might have been able to tell the police more, suddenly die, the past has crept into the present. Somebody is very determined to keep the secrets from the past just that, secrets and will go to any lenghts to make sure that they do.
Ruth finds herself juggling motherhood with work, feeling guilty over every minute spend away from her daughter yet excited to be out and about again while also trying to figure out her relationship with Nelson. However, it isn't long before all of those concerns fade to the background and the only priority in her life becomes, staying alive.

I'm really enjoying this series and half sorry that I'm now up to date and will just have to wait for the next Ruth Galloway book to be published.
Ruth is a very realistic character. Her thoughts, feelings, strengths and insecurities all ring true and are often recognizable. The archeaology parts of the story are fascinating as is the historical thread. And I like that besides Ruth, a lot of the other characters are regulars in these books too.
The books in this series are also very well written. Griffiths knows how to describe a landscape in such a way that you can actually see it and get a feel for it. Her characters are all individually recognizable and multi-dimentional. And her mysteries are well plotted and keep me guessing until the moment the author decides it is time to reveal all.
A good read, and a well earned 5- for this book.
(less)

like · see review

Jun 20, 2011 Nancy rated it 4 of 5 stars

To be up front about this book is to state that I did not like it as much as the previous two. Not to say that it is a bad story, but I think I had my hopes up as to what it would be and didn’t take the time to realize that Elly Griffiths would be growing her characters and therefore the plotline was not going to be the main focus of this book.

The story of six unearthed bodies due to the erosion of the cliff is what draws Dr. Ruth Galloway away from the recent birth of her daughter and once agai...more

like · see review

Feb 03, 2011 LJ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: archaeology, contemporary_post_1945, england, female_author, mystery, police_procedural, licensed_investigator

First Sentence: Two people, a man and a woman, are walking along a hospital corridor.

A team of archeologists studying coastal erosion uncover a number of skeletons neatly placed within a cleft of a cliff. Archeologist and forensic expert Ruth Galloway is brought in to work with DCI Harry Nelson, to determine the age and identity of the remains. The more they discover, the less someone wants them to find and others die trying to keep secrets buried.

Every now and then there is a review which I fin...more First Sentence: Two people, a man and a woman, are walking along a hospital corridor.

A team of archeologists studying coastal erosion uncover a number of skeletons neatly placed within a cleft of a cliff. Archeologist and forensic expert Ruth Galloway is brought in to work with DCI Harry Nelson, to determine the age and identity of the remains. The more they discover, the less someone wants them to find and others die trying to keep secrets buried.

Every now and then there is a review which I find difficult to write; this is one. Let me start with all that I found very well done:

I love the illustration at the beginning of the book. I admit to being a map person so anything which provide a prospective as to the settings, I appreciate. Additionally, Ms. Griffiths’ descriptions are wonderful a establishing a sense of place and enhancing the action of the story. She describes both the tension of driving in a heavy snowstorm as well as the beauty it creates with equal skill.

History is a driving thread through the plot of the story. I particularly appreciate her perspective of someone in the present being unable to comprehend the fear of those living in vulnerable areas during the war. One can empathize, but never really understand without having the experience.

The mystery itself is very good. While you, as reader, know some of the events have a direct impact on the story, it’s Ms. Griffiths’ ability to bring together a lot of small pieces into solving the complete puzzle that is admirable. There is heart-pounding suspense, surprises, twists and an ending which was wonderfully set up but not contrived.

The characters themselves are complex, interesting and very realistically human. There is a wonderful diversity among them and I’ve certainly come to have my favorites. Relationships are complicated; and nowhere is that point made more clear than in this series.

The aspect of the book with which I had reservations, and thus dropped my rating from “VG,” is based on the relationship between two of the characters. It is my personal view only. Yet because it is such a significant part of the series and accounts for a considerable portion of each story, it’s not something I can ignore. The event is a moral decision, not one of legality, and while I realize may this may seem silly, being the characters are fictional, but it is just not something acceptable to me. Had an event which occurred in the first book of the series not reoccurred, I am certain I would feel differently. However, that was not the choice made by the author. That’s fine, it is her choice, but it is one that clearly impacts the way I feel about the book.

So, the big question is: Will I continue with the series? Yes, I shall. For as much as I am uncomfortable with the relationship, I have to believe the author has a purpose for making this, and other, relationships such a focus of the books. That, the quality of the writing, and the author’s ability to create a compelling mystery is enough to bring me back—for now.

THE HOUSE AT SEA’S END (Lic Inv/Archeo-Ruth Galloway/DCI Nelson-England-Cont) – Good
Griffiths, Elly – 3rd in series
Quercus, ©2011, UK Hardcover – ISBN: 9781849163675
(less)

like · see review

Aug 02, 2012 Mary rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: top-notch-crime-novels

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Jan 10, 2012 TC rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: crime

The House at Sea's End is the third in the author's Ruth Galloway series. Ruth is a forensic archaeologist, and for a fan of Patricia Cornwell and co the book description of this book on Netgalley sounded right up my street. It was especially interesting that the book is set in the UK which makes a nice change for me.

In this book Ruth has just returned to work after a period of maternity leave. She is finding it hard to get the balance between work and motherhood right, and her problems are fur...more The House at Sea's End is the third in the author's Ruth Galloway series. Ruth is a forensic archaeologist, and for a fan of Patricia Cornwell and co the book description of this book on Netgalley sounded right up my street. It was especially interesting that the book is set in the UK which makes a nice change for me.

In this book Ruth has just returned to work after a period of maternity leave. She is finding it hard to get the balance between work and motherhood right, and her problems are further exacerbated by having to work with D.C.I Nelson - the married father of her baby daughter Kate.

After a team of archeologists studying coastal erosion in Norfolk discover bones at the foot of a cliff Ruth is called in to advise the police. When she establishes the six skeletons are around 60 years old and that the deceased probably came from Germany the team are drawn into a wartime mystery and the secrets being kept by protective locals. As Nelson and his team investigate recent deaths begin to look less natural than they did at first glance. So who is still trying to protect a decades old secret?

I had absolutely no problem with this book standing alone, as there was enough reference back to what had happened earlier, and inferences about what had gone before, that I felt I understood the present situation the characters found themselves in. I loved Ruth. As the working mum of a toddler, the battle she is goes through wondering if she is a bad mother for trying to do both, and for not being the sort of person who wants to spend every waking moment with their offspring, was all too familiar. The situation with Nelson and his wife's interest in Kate made me squirm for her. Reading parts from his perspective I also actually managed to find some sympathy for him too, which surprised me a little. Around them are some colourful characters that give the book a real feeling of life and there were plenty of unlikely nominees for the role of murderer.

As mentioned I love this type of novel, but a lot I have read in the past are set in the US. It's always nice to read about more familiar locations and experiences etc. The small villages and bleak countryside depicted had an atmospheric feel that added nicely to the unfolding story. If I was to compare this with the work of another author it would have to be one of my favourites, Val McDermid.

The plot was a good blend of historical mystery and crime novel. As a subplot the relationship between Ruth and a visiting friend who worked together excavating mass graves in Bosnia, and the developing story what had happened some years ago while there, was also interesting. If I had any one complaint it would be that I would have liked a bit more about either the forensic archeology process or the police procedural elements included to balance the development of the various relationships and the personal lives.

I really enjoyed this book, Ruth is a character I warmed to so much and I'll definitely have to find time to go back and read the first two books.(less)

like · see review

Aug 11, 2012 Papalodge rated it 2 of 5 stars

Grifiths has the mechanics down for formulating a mystery. The story is interesting. The descriptions of the coast setting a good. Many characters are well developed, others less so, fluff.... Regarding the characters there were a few too many, setting you up for a maze as to who done it. Falling back on mystery mechancs...a real C'm on! I found the single mom with a new born understandable yet after it was brought up a second time, then hammered in thereafter, well it was unnecessary and annoyi...more

like · see review

Mar 15, 2012 Heidi Gonzalez rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book in the Ruth Galloway series. Set in the mysterious little town of Norfolk, England where the sea is reclaiming land through erosion. There were rumors that Germans had invaded England but no one ever found evidence until now. The bodies of six German men have been found buried in the sand just below the house at seas end. Ruth is called in to try to identify the bodies.

This book really waffles back and forth between the struggle to be a career woman and a mother as well as...more

like · see review

Aug 07, 2012 Mysterious Ed rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: forensic-anthropology, great-britain, amateur-detective

#3 in the Ruth Galloway series. Galloway is a forensic archeologist who teaches at University and has surprisingly become a single mother. In this entry the archeology takes a back seat to the mystery surrounding the source of the WWII era skeletons and Ruth's handwringing about her professional/personal relationship with her baby's father.

Ruth Galloway is called in to investigate when human bones surface on a remote Norfolk beach. Just back from maternity leave, Ruth is finding it difficult to...more

like · see review

Mar 05, 2012 Agatha rated it 3 of 5 stars

Second or third in a series “starring” Ruth Galloway, a British forensic archeologist who works with local police to solve crimes. In this book, she works to identify six skeletons found on the beach at Norfolk, England. Isotope testing reveals that they are German soldiers, likely killed during WWI or II, perhaps by someone in the local community? Would elderly veterans still living in the town be able to tell her more? Ruth juggles mystery-solving with caring for her 5-month-old daughter Kate,...more

like · see review

Dec 16, 2011 Sam Arnold rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

REVIEW
If you like the first two novels from this author then this will be no different. This book instead of dealing with medieval history deals with the more recent Second World War era. The story is fast paced and well described in an era many of us have heard stories about.

The book also continues the character development where the last book left of also leaving a further character development wide open for the next book. I especially like the way that the author leaves little time between he...more

like · see review

title link	preview: The House at Sea's End
avg rating	preview: The House at Sea's End Goodreads rating: 3.88 (1906 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9130129-the-house-at-sea-s-end?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327187907l/9130129.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9130129-the-house-at-sea-s-end?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The House at Sea's End by Elly Griffiths[/url]

The House at Sea's End (Ruth Galloway #3)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (21)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Elly Griffiths

Books by Elly Griffiths

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About The House at Sea'...