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Ruth Galloway #9
The Chalk Pit
Boiled human bones have been found in Norwich's web of underground tunnels. When Dr Ruth Galloway discovers they are recent - the boiling not the medieval curiosity she thought - DCI Nelson has a murder enquiry on his hands.
Meanwhile, DS Judy Johnson is investigating the disappearance of a local rough sleeper. The only trace of her is the rumour that she's gone 'underground'. This might be a figure of speech, but with the discovery of the bones and the rumours both Ruth and the police have heard of a vast network of old chalk-mining tunnels under King's Lynn, home to a vast community of rough sleepers, the clues point in only one direction. Local academic Martin Kellerman knows all about the tunnels and their history - but can his assertions of cannibalism and ritual killing possibly be true?
As the weather gets hotter, tensions rise. A local woman goes missing and the police are under attack. Ruth and Nelson must unravel the dark secrets of The Underground and discover just what gruesome secrets lurk at its heart - before it claims another victim.
Meanwhile, DS Judy Johnson is investigating the disappearance of a local rough sleeper. The only trace of her is the rumour that she's gone 'underground'. This might be a figure of speech, but with the discovery of the bones and the rumours both Ruth and the police have heard of a vast network of old chalk-mining tunnels under King's Lynn, home to a vast community of rough sleepers, the clues point in only one direction. Local academic Martin Kellerman knows all about the tunnels and their history - but can his assertions of cannibalism and ritual killing possibly be true?
As the weather gets hotter, tensions rise. A local woman goes missing and the police are under attack. Ruth and Nelson must unravel the dark secrets of The Underground and discover just what gruesome secrets lurk at its heart - before it claims another victim.
364 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2017
3935 people are currently reading
5925 people want to read
About the author
Elly Griffiths
75 books9,480 followersElly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway novels take for their inspiration Elly's husband, who gave up a city job to train as an archaeologist, and her aunt who lives on the Norfolk coast and who filled her niece's head with the myths and legends of that area. Elly has two children and lives near Brighton. Though not her first novel, The Crossing Places is her first crime novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,802 reviews
April 4, 2017
4.5 One of my top five series, a series that I wait impatiently for the next offering. Adore the mix of archeology, police procedural and the personal lives of these oh, so interesting characters. The pace is always swift, and the plot intriguing.
In this one though she outdid herself, as she tackles the homeless, the danger, lack of awareness and sympathy they endure daily. Well I guess in the UK they are called rough sleepers, here in the U.S we call them homeless, or if one is being politically correct, housing challenged. I have never before, though there may be some out there, read a book that made these unfortunate people so, sympathetic, so real, individuals with past lives and talents. Treating them with respect and care, making us take notice. It is these kind of details that make this such a great series.
She applies the same talent to her characters, they are flawed but real. Dealing with many of the same things we deal with daily. In this book, I came to appreciate Judy, her quest to do right by those forgotten by most of society. As for Ruth, an incident that looks promising come to an abrupt and startling halt. Or does it? Well that's the cliffhanger for the next book, form which I will now wait impatiently.
ARC from publisher.
In this one though she outdid herself, as she tackles the homeless, the danger, lack of awareness and sympathy they endure daily. Well I guess in the UK they are called rough sleepers, here in the U.S we call them homeless, or if one is being politically correct, housing challenged. I have never before, though there may be some out there, read a book that made these unfortunate people so, sympathetic, so real, individuals with past lives and talents. Treating them with respect and care, making us take notice. It is these kind of details that make this such a great series.
She applies the same talent to her characters, they are flawed but real. Dealing with many of the same things we deal with daily. In this book, I came to appreciate Judy, her quest to do right by those forgotten by most of society. As for Ruth, an incident that looks promising come to an abrupt and startling halt. Or does it? Well that's the cliffhanger for the next book, form which I will now wait impatiently.
ARC from publisher.
December 19, 2016
It is a great pleasure to return to the forensic archeologist Ruth Galloway series with the ninth in the series. It begins with Ruth entering an underground chalk tunnel in Norwich where bones have been discovered. They turn out to be boiled and speak of a recent death. Grace Miller reports seeing a Jesus like figure whilst in a car where the student occupants are all under the influence of drink and drugs. This occurs at night when a hole appears in a road. Aftershave Eddie, a homeless man, tells DCI Harry Nelson of Barbara, part of the homeless community, who has gone missing.
Eddie is found stabbed and murdered in front of the police station, which galvanises Nelson's team to up their efforts in finding Barbara. The gentle Bilbo is murdered in a similar manner to Eddie. The investigation suggests that a community of homeless people live in the disused and dangerous chalk tunnels of Lynn and Norwich and there are rumours of an underground society. Two local women disappear and there are whispers that they might be being held underground. One is Sam, a housewife with four children, the other is DS David Clough's partner, Cassandra, with whom he has a child. Ruth and Nelson race to find the women and a murderer. Ruth rushes to Eltham on hearing her mum has suffered a stroke.
It's great to be with a group of characters you feel you know so well after so many years. They all have a shared history and connections. The Ruth and Nelson saga continues with new developments. It feels good to catch up with their lives. This has been such an enjoyable read and I recommend it to others. This can be read as a standalone, and at the end of the book there is a synopsis of some of the main characters that can help. Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
Eddie is found stabbed and murdered in front of the police station, which galvanises Nelson's team to up their efforts in finding Barbara. The gentle Bilbo is murdered in a similar manner to Eddie. The investigation suggests that a community of homeless people live in the disused and dangerous chalk tunnels of Lynn and Norwich and there are rumours of an underground society. Two local women disappear and there are whispers that they might be being held underground. One is Sam, a housewife with four children, the other is DS David Clough's partner, Cassandra, with whom he has a child. Ruth and Nelson race to find the women and a murderer. Ruth rushes to Eltham on hearing her mum has suffered a stroke.
It's great to be with a group of characters you feel you know so well after so many years. They all have a shared history and connections. The Ruth and Nelson saga continues with new developments. It feels good to catch up with their lives. This has been such an enjoyable read and I recommend it to others. This can be read as a standalone, and at the end of the book there is a synopsis of some of the main characters that can help. Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
August 28, 2017
Oh, I'm so disappointed that I finished already! I had planned to make The Chalk Pit last, but a few sunny days on the terrace had me turning the final page far too quickly. Now another year's wait to hear from my friends Ruth, Nelson and the rest again:-(
The Chalk Pit centers around the death and disappearance of homeless people in the area around King's Lynn. Ruth, who discovers a number of bones underground is, as ever, drawn into the mystery, which puts her in frequent (though not unwanted) contact with Nelson. Their relationship is still complicated, and while Ruth is happy he is a father to Kate, she is disappointed that he is still with his wife. All the while, she isn't completely sure how she would integrate a man into her life with her daughter, even if it is the child's father. The personal parts of the Ruth Galloway mysteries are definitely my favorite, and I could read these books regardless of whether or not there is a mystery. I feel as if I know the characters, and I certainly wish I did! Griffiths has developed them so well and in a way that seems natural and very real. I suspect she has written part of herself into Ruth (much as I have with my own leading lady) and I believe we would get along rather well, if we ever met:-)
Though my first love is for the characters in this series, the plot is by no means a disappointment. This story, in particular, very much appealed to me, and I thought the way the author writes about the homeless characters is so thoughtful and compassionate, and makes you think how little it can take for someone to lose everything, especially if they do not have a support network to help them back up. I suspected who the murderer was, but couldn't guess why, so the ending was quite satisfying. Though the ending to the personal story is anything but! I don't want to give details away, however, Griffiths drops a single statement which could have rather interesting consequences for the future of a number of characters. CANNOT wait for the next book!
If you haven't read The Chalk Pit or the whole series yet, I envy you the pleasure!
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
The Chalk Pit centers around the death and disappearance of homeless people in the area around King's Lynn. Ruth, who discovers a number of bones underground is, as ever, drawn into the mystery, which puts her in frequent (though not unwanted) contact with Nelson. Their relationship is still complicated, and while Ruth is happy he is a father to Kate, she is disappointed that he is still with his wife. All the while, she isn't completely sure how she would integrate a man into her life with her daughter, even if it is the child's father. The personal parts of the Ruth Galloway mysteries are definitely my favorite, and I could read these books regardless of whether or not there is a mystery. I feel as if I know the characters, and I certainly wish I did! Griffiths has developed them so well and in a way that seems natural and very real. I suspect she has written part of herself into Ruth (much as I have with my own leading lady) and I believe we would get along rather well, if we ever met:-)
Though my first love is for the characters in this series, the plot is by no means a disappointment. This story, in particular, very much appealed to me, and I thought the way the author writes about the homeless characters is so thoughtful and compassionate, and makes you think how little it can take for someone to lose everything, especially if they do not have a support network to help them back up. I suspected who the murderer was, but couldn't guess why, so the ending was quite satisfying. Though the ending to the personal story is anything but! I don't want to give details away, however, Griffiths drops a single statement which could have rather interesting consequences for the future of a number of characters. CANNOT wait for the next book!
If you haven't read The Chalk Pit or the whole series yet, I envy you the pleasure!
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
June 28, 2023
EXCERPT: Judy feels for a pulse but she knows in her heart that it's useless. She knows by the caked blood around the knife and on Eddie's filthy army surplus jumper. She knows by the angle of Eddie's head, his grey beard on his chest. She is just straightening up when she hears a voice from the street below.
'What's happening, Johnson? Is Eddie all right?'
'Not really, boss.'
Nelson takes the steps two at a time. 'Jesus. Did you just find him like this?'
'Yes. A minute ago. Looks like he's been dead for some hours though.'
'Poor bastard. Let's get this area screened off and call the coroner.'
They go inside. Clough and Tom Henry are chatting at the front desk. Judy hears the word 'penalties'.
'Jesus Christ!' Nelson explodes. 'There's a bloke dead on the front steps and none of you have noticed. 'Clough turns, his mouth open. 'Aftershave Eddie? But he's asleep.'
'Call yourself a bloody detective? There's a knife in his chest.'
ABOUT 'THE CHALK PIT': Boiled human bones have been found in Norwich's web of underground tunnels. When Dr Ruth Galloway discovers they are recent - the boiling not the medieval curiosity she thought - DCI Nelson has a murder enquiry on his hands.
Meanwhile, DS Judy Johnson is investigating the disappearance of a local rough sleeper. The only trace of her is the rumour that she's gone 'underground'. This might be a figure of speech, but with the discovery of the bones and the rumours both Ruth and the police have heard of a vast network of old chalk-mining tunnels under King's Lynn, home to a vast community of rough sleepers, the clues point in only one direction. Local academic Martin Kellerman knows all about the tunnels and their history - but can his assertions of cannibalism and ritual killing possibly be true?
As the weather gets hotter, tensions rise. A local woman goes missing and the police are under attack. Ruth and Nelson must unravel the dark secrets of The Underground and discover just what gruesome secrets lurk at its heart - before it claims another victim.
MY THOUGHTS: I love this series and I love books featuring the plight of the homeless, books that portray them for the real people that they are, with pasts and history, with thoughts, feelings, emotion. Elly Griffiths does all that, and more.
Elly Griffiths has a great knack for characterisation. Her characters step off the page into your head, into your heart. I love them, particularly Ruth whom, I admit, frustrates me at times. She is fascinated by the London Underground (no comment), but then she is fascinated by all things underground. The only other thing she is fascinated by is DCI Harry Nelson who has a new boss whom he dislikes every bit as much as his last one. But Ruth rather likes her when they meet.
I was disappointed Cathbad doesn't feature more in this book. He does appear once or twice, but mainly in childminding roles. I love his relationship with Judy Johnson, a fiercely ambitious policewoman, with whom he has two children, and the way he seems to just pop up out of nowhere, almost as if he knows he is going to be needed.
And Cloughie? Cloughie is probably Harry's best friend (other than Ruth) and the absolute antithesis of political correctness. Cloughie in love is a whole different story - we get to see a softer side to him - and a great development.
When I pick up a book in this series I get transported, transfixed, and don't want to know about the outside world other than the one on these pages. I love the mix of archeology, crime, social commentary, and Griffith's sharp dry wit. I love the isolated setting of the Saltmarsh where Ruth lives, and the glimpses of Ruth's academic life and the rivalries between her boss Phil and almost everyone else. No, I don't like Phil, but the series is richer for his presence. I'm also enjoing watching Kate grow up. She's a sweetheart and gives her mother a run for her money at times. I love that the struggles of a single mother aren't trivialised. Ruth has childcare issues at times, and there is always the pressure of time, with her worlds frequently colliding and clashing.
I am not usually a fan of the love triangle trope, but the situation with Ruth, Nelson and Michelle is an interesting one, and about to get even more so . . . watch this space!
At the end of this book is a rather touching obituary Judy wrote for one of the homeless who died - nope, not telling you who. It shows just how easily our lives can be derailed and how any one of us might find ourselves in a similar situation.
I closed the cover of The Chalk Pit with a smile on my face, and a sense of anticipation for what is to come in The Dark Angel, the next in the series.
My favourite quote: 'When it comes down to it, aren't we all strange?'
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheChalkPit #WaitomoDistrictLibrary
I: @ellygriffiths17 @quercusbooks
T: @ellygriffiths @QuercusBooks
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #murdermystery #mystery #policeprocedural #series
THE AUTHOR: Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway novels take for their inspiration Elly's husband, who gave up a city job to train as an archaeologist, and her aunt who lives on the Norfolk coast and who filled her niece's head with the myths and legends of that area. Elly has two children and lives near Brighton.
'What's happening, Johnson? Is Eddie all right?'
'Not really, boss.'
Nelson takes the steps two at a time. 'Jesus. Did you just find him like this?'
'Yes. A minute ago. Looks like he's been dead for some hours though.'
'Poor bastard. Let's get this area screened off and call the coroner.'
They go inside. Clough and Tom Henry are chatting at the front desk. Judy hears the word 'penalties'.
'Jesus Christ!' Nelson explodes. 'There's a bloke dead on the front steps and none of you have noticed. 'Clough turns, his mouth open. 'Aftershave Eddie? But he's asleep.'
'Call yourself a bloody detective? There's a knife in his chest.'
ABOUT 'THE CHALK PIT': Boiled human bones have been found in Norwich's web of underground tunnels. When Dr Ruth Galloway discovers they are recent - the boiling not the medieval curiosity she thought - DCI Nelson has a murder enquiry on his hands.
Meanwhile, DS Judy Johnson is investigating the disappearance of a local rough sleeper. The only trace of her is the rumour that she's gone 'underground'. This might be a figure of speech, but with the discovery of the bones and the rumours both Ruth and the police have heard of a vast network of old chalk-mining tunnels under King's Lynn, home to a vast community of rough sleepers, the clues point in only one direction. Local academic Martin Kellerman knows all about the tunnels and their history - but can his assertions of cannibalism and ritual killing possibly be true?
As the weather gets hotter, tensions rise. A local woman goes missing and the police are under attack. Ruth and Nelson must unravel the dark secrets of The Underground and discover just what gruesome secrets lurk at its heart - before it claims another victim.
MY THOUGHTS: I love this series and I love books featuring the plight of the homeless, books that portray them for the real people that they are, with pasts and history, with thoughts, feelings, emotion. Elly Griffiths does all that, and more.
Elly Griffiths has a great knack for characterisation. Her characters step off the page into your head, into your heart. I love them, particularly Ruth whom, I admit, frustrates me at times. She is fascinated by the London Underground (no comment), but then she is fascinated by all things underground. The only other thing she is fascinated by is DCI Harry Nelson who has a new boss whom he dislikes every bit as much as his last one. But Ruth rather likes her when they meet.
I was disappointed Cathbad doesn't feature more in this book. He does appear once or twice, but mainly in childminding roles. I love his relationship with Judy Johnson, a fiercely ambitious policewoman, with whom he has two children, and the way he seems to just pop up out of nowhere, almost as if he knows he is going to be needed.
And Cloughie? Cloughie is probably Harry's best friend (other than Ruth) and the absolute antithesis of political correctness. Cloughie in love is a whole different story - we get to see a softer side to him - and a great development.
When I pick up a book in this series I get transported, transfixed, and don't want to know about the outside world other than the one on these pages. I love the mix of archeology, crime, social commentary, and Griffith's sharp dry wit. I love the isolated setting of the Saltmarsh where Ruth lives, and the glimpses of Ruth's academic life and the rivalries between her boss Phil and almost everyone else. No, I don't like Phil, but the series is richer for his presence. I'm also enjoing watching Kate grow up. She's a sweetheart and gives her mother a run for her money at times. I love that the struggles of a single mother aren't trivialised. Ruth has childcare issues at times, and there is always the pressure of time, with her worlds frequently colliding and clashing.
I am not usually a fan of the love triangle trope, but the situation with Ruth, Nelson and Michelle is an interesting one, and about to get even more so . . . watch this space!
At the end of this book is a rather touching obituary Judy wrote for one of the homeless who died - nope, not telling you who. It shows just how easily our lives can be derailed and how any one of us might find ourselves in a similar situation.
I closed the cover of The Chalk Pit with a smile on my face, and a sense of anticipation for what is to come in The Dark Angel, the next in the series.
My favourite quote: 'When it comes down to it, aren't we all strange?'
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheChalkPit #WaitomoDistrictLibrary
I: @ellygriffiths17 @quercusbooks
T: @ellygriffiths @QuercusBooks
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #murdermystery #mystery #policeprocedural #series
THE AUTHOR: Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway novels take for their inspiration Elly's husband, who gave up a city job to train as an archaeologist, and her aunt who lives on the Norfolk coast and who filled her niece's head with the myths and legends of that area. Elly has two children and lives near Brighton.
December 5, 2020
I have enjoyed every book in this series so far but this one excels! The way the author is keeping Nelson and Ruth apart using every trick available just amazes me.
In The Chalk Pit Ruth investigates some newly discovered bones which turn out to not be historic and which therefore involve the police. At the same time Nelson, Judy and Clough are investigating recent deaths and disappearances of homeless people. The tension really builds however when one of their own group disappears and panic sets in.
The mystery is excellent, the pacing of the story perfect, and there is cuteness overload when Kate takes to the stage. And then there is a twist and a double twist in Ruth and Nelson's relationship which has left me very keen to get started on book 10.
In The Chalk Pit Ruth investigates some newly discovered bones which turn out to not be historic and which therefore involve the police. At the same time Nelson, Judy and Clough are investigating recent deaths and disappearances of homeless people. The tension really builds however when one of their own group disappears and panic sets in.
The mystery is excellent, the pacing of the story perfect, and there is cuteness overload when Kate takes to the stage. And then there is a twist and a double twist in Ruth and Nelson's relationship which has left me very keen to get started on book 10.
November 26, 2025
This was recently donated to my Little Free Library Shed. I had read it before but had not reviewed it, so it was an opportunity for me to re-visit it.
I have to say that this was one of my favorite series. So, that when the author retired it, I felt sad that I no longer could look forward to read.
For anyone who hasn’t read this series yet, I encourage you to begin at the beginning. You will no doubt enjoy getting to meet DCI Harry Nelson, and Ruth Galloway, a Professor and Archaeologist. Who just happens to have a very personal relationship with Harry. In the name of her daughter, Kate. And, it’s complicated. Because, Harry is a married man. As readers we are always wondering and hoping if they will ever get together in the end. Not that Ruth wants to be involved with a married man. That isn’t how it was, or how it came to be. Anyway, readers just need to read the series stories to understand the two – together and apart. The author does a good job of keeping readers interested in their relationship status, but mostly focused on the mystery to solve.
In this story, someone is murdering homeless women. And, because there are bones in the cave, Ruth is brought in to the case.
As readers work alongside Harry and Ruth in resolving the case, we also are curious about Harry’s team. As long-time readers of this series, we can’t help but feel vested and care about everyone.
In this story, there will be chalk pits, homeless people, disappearances and several murders. We will be given clues as well as insights as to what is happening with all the characters we have grown to love as we follow along with the books in the series.
Even if the resolution to the mystery seemed a bit over-the-top, how could we not still love being in the company of everyone? Re-visiting this series just reminded me of how much I missed them all.
4.5 stars
I have to say that this was one of my favorite series. So, that when the author retired it, I felt sad that I no longer could look forward to read.
For anyone who hasn’t read this series yet, I encourage you to begin at the beginning. You will no doubt enjoy getting to meet DCI Harry Nelson, and Ruth Galloway, a Professor and Archaeologist. Who just happens to have a very personal relationship with Harry. In the name of her daughter, Kate. And, it’s complicated. Because, Harry is a married man. As readers we are always wondering and hoping if they will ever get together in the end. Not that Ruth wants to be involved with a married man. That isn’t how it was, or how it came to be. Anyway, readers just need to read the series stories to understand the two – together and apart. The author does a good job of keeping readers interested in their relationship status, but mostly focused on the mystery to solve.
In this story, someone is murdering homeless women. And, because there are bones in the cave, Ruth is brought in to the case.
As readers work alongside Harry and Ruth in resolving the case, we also are curious about Harry’s team. As long-time readers of this series, we can’t help but feel vested and care about everyone.
In this story, there will be chalk pits, homeless people, disappearances and several murders. We will be given clues as well as insights as to what is happening with all the characters we have grown to love as we follow along with the books in the series.
Even if the resolution to the mystery seemed a bit over-the-top, how could we not still love being in the company of everyone? Re-visiting this series just reminded me of how much I missed them all.
4.5 stars
November 27, 2025
Great mystery— I mean who doesn’t love the history of life underground? As always with Dr Ruth Galloway and her Norfolk friends, bones appear and murder is suspected.
But in this case the bones aren’t really the main show— rather a teaser for the crimes to come. Murders, kidnappings and a grand chase scene!
I totally didn’t guess the criminal and I was equally bowled over by the last few scenes.
And that epilogue? It just made me sad. Life is rarely what you want. However, one door closes and may I add, hopefully, another may now open.
And on that cryptic note, on to the next Dr Galloway mystery.
(Reviewed 11/2/19)
But in this case the bones aren’t really the main show— rather a teaser for the crimes to come. Murders, kidnappings and a grand chase scene!
I totally didn’t guess the criminal and I was equally bowled over by the last few scenes.
And that epilogue? It just made me sad. Life is rarely what you want. However, one door closes and may I add, hopefully, another may now open.
And on that cryptic note, on to the next Dr Galloway mystery.
(Reviewed 11/2/19)
December 1, 2019
I’m fast coming to the end of the Ruth Galloway series and it’s going to be an adjustment waiting for Elly Griffiths to write more.
Ruth, Nelson and the whole gang are just delightful characters. Even Jo Archer, Nelson’s new boss, comes across as fully formed. And Griffiths uses the landscape of King's Lynn as if it’s another character. Here, it’s the chalk mine tunnels that run under the city.
In this book, Johnson is investigating a female rough sleeper who has gone missing. I appreciated that the team doesn’t just write her off because she’s homeless but take her disappearance as a serious occurrence. And it quickly becomes apparent that more is at issue as two homeless men are murdered.
As always, there are developments in everyone’s personal lives. Griffiths always keeps us guessing there.
A wonderful series that I heartily recommend to anyone who likes Louise Penny, Archer Mayor or Julia Spencer Fleming.
December 28, 2020
I just love the way Elly Griffiths blends history and archaeology and some actual places into her narratives. This story focuses heavily on homelessness, the rough sleepers, and some of the trials they have to endure.
It all kicks off when bones are discovered in an underground tunnel where work is about to start on the development of an underground restaurant (I’m not sure I’d be comfortable with that, I’ve always needed to see the outside world). But instead of being very old, the bones look relatively recent so the police are taking an interest.
DCI Nelson is struggling to deal with his new boss Superintendent Jo Archer. She seems to pop up everywhere and is very ‘by the book’. A couple of rough sleepers are found stabbed to death and a couple of women mysteriously disappear. It all seems to centre on the chalk tunnels underneath Norfolk. DS Judy Fuller does not seem like a team player and I wonder if she will have an epiphany soon! Clough and Cassie plan their wedding after some dramatic events and Ruth and Nelson - well, their non-relationship is still burbling away but stay tuned! This was another outstanding entry in the series. And this was supposed to be a mini review!
It all kicks off when bones are discovered in an underground tunnel where work is about to start on the development of an underground restaurant (I’m not sure I’d be comfortable with that, I’ve always needed to see the outside world). But instead of being very old, the bones look relatively recent so the police are taking an interest.
DCI Nelson is struggling to deal with his new boss Superintendent Jo Archer. She seems to pop up everywhere and is very ‘by the book’. A couple of rough sleepers are found stabbed to death and a couple of women mysteriously disappear. It all seems to centre on the chalk tunnels underneath Norfolk. DS Judy Fuller does not seem like a team player and I wonder if she will have an epiphany soon! Clough and Cassie plan their wedding after some dramatic events and Ruth and Nelson - well, their non-relationship is still burbling away but stay tuned! This was another outstanding entry in the series. And this was supposed to be a mini review!
July 7, 2017
From the very first Ruth Galloway book, The Crossing Places, I've been enchanted with this series. The settings are interesting, from a salt marsh to a World War II airfield to an old children’s home. The author uses local history to enrich her mysteries. As I’ve read through this series, the characters have become old friends.
This book takes place in Norwich and features two things: the underground chalk tunnels and rough sleepers (homeless people). Ruth is called in to evaluate some bones found in one of the tunnels. Disappearances of women and murders of rough sleepers are investigated by Nelson, Judy, and Clough under the supervision of an unwelcome new supervisor.
I love being privy to Nelson’s snarky inner thoughts. His relationships with Ruth and Michelle are seemingly possibly maybe on the verge of changing. The portentous final sentence echoed my thoughts. I thought the inclusion, at the very end, of the obituary written by Judy for one of the rough sleepers was a nice touch.
This book takes place in Norwich and features two things: the underground chalk tunnels and rough sleepers (homeless people). Ruth is called in to evaluate some bones found in one of the tunnels. Disappearances of women and murders of rough sleepers are investigated by Nelson, Judy, and Clough under the supervision of an unwelcome new supervisor.
I love being privy to Nelson’s snarky inner thoughts. His relationships with Ruth and Michelle are seemingly possibly maybe on the verge of changing. The portentous final sentence echoed my thoughts. I thought the inclusion, at the very end, of the obituary written by Judy for one of the rough sleepers was a nice touch.
March 4, 2018
Time certainly flies when in the company of forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway, DCI Harry Nelson and Elly Griffith’s gang of assorted cast members and I cannot deny that every moment has been a pure and unadulterated joy. More than any other, this is the crime fiction series that puts a spring in my step with its mixture of crime and comforting gentle humour against a backdrop of archaeological insights and a frequently fascinating police procedural element all driven by a cast who feel like old friends. Whilst it might seem a surprise that this series still gives so much pleasure in its ninth outing this is testament to Elly Griffith’s eye for continual character development and making her archaeological revelations not only accessible to armchair readers but also relevant, as is the case with The Chalk Pit and its links to the homeless community.
Eighteen years after arriving at the University of North Norfolk and still going it alone in the Forensic Archaeology department, Dr Ruth Galloway has acquired quite a name for herself with two television appearances and frequent involvement in her capacity as an expert seconded to the Serious Crime Unit of Northumbria Police. As a single mother to six-year-old Kate with married (to someone else) no-nonsense northerner DCI Harry Nelson and her isolated cottage on the breathtaking Saltmarsh Ruth is busy juggling working life with motherhood. In The Chalk Pit Ruth is called in following architect Quentin Swan’s plans to build a subterranean dining experience underneath the Guildhall and his surveyor finding evidence of human bones. As Ruth deduces that not only are the bones fairly recent in age, less than fifty years and possibly less than ten, the dull shine has connotations of pot polishing (boiling in a metal container) and together with the cut marks has sinister overtones of cannibalism. With the city of King’s Lynn built on a network of old chalk mining tunnels DCI Nelson is forced to consider that Ruth’s discovery could present a possible murder inquiry. Naturally Ruth isn’t short of a male academic expert keen to share an opinion with her as is regaled with the stories of the supposed underground societies from UNN geology lecturer and Quentin Swan’s wife’s ex-husband, Dr Martin Kellerman. Might there be some truth to this speculation?
Meanwhile DCI Nelson may have seen the back of career policeman boss Gerry Whitcliffe but in his place has arrived formidable Superintendent Jo Archer, not only a woman but one with a balance ball, a yoga mat and an eye for strategy whom the team have swiftly dubbed “She Who Must Be Obeyed”. More pressing problems present themselves when ‘Aftershave Eddie’, a rough sleeper who often sleeps on the front porch of the police station and is familiar to the police team reports his concerns for the whereabouts and safety of a homeless woman called Barbara Murray. DS Judy Johnson canvasses the community of rough sleepers and drop-in centres and is given word that Barbara may have “gone underground”, but whether this is a figure of speech, an urban myth or really a series of underground thoroughfares, Nelson and his team struggle to ascertain. When Eddie is found stabbed in the heart on the steps of the police station and soon after Bilbo, another homeless sleeper who the team spoke to about Barbara, is found similarly stabbed, Nelson is forced to confront the prospect that there is something far more sinister afoot. With the presence of soda lime indicating that the two victims had been drugged prior to being murdered, someone is clearly intent on keeping a far darker secret hidden. When upwardly mobile mother of four Sam Foster-Jones mysteriously goes missing leaving her children alone Nelson’s team manage to connect her to Barbara and the murdered rough sleepers by way of their all having frequented a particular drop-in centre and the dedicated team begin to focus their efforts. Run by an ex-convict who has now found religion a subsequent disappearance raises the stakes and Nelson, Judy and Cloughie are forced to venture deeper.. but as danger looms can the team (with Ruth in tow) prevent another life being taken?
This series has lost none of its lustre and with Griffith’s eye for forcing her characters to evolve (even those that are secondary to the Ruth/Nelson/Michelle love triangle) and the promise of more to come, readers would be advised to stick tight! Griffiths adds more colour to the delicate domestic situation with Nelson and Michelle slowly recovering from Michelle’s near miss affair and the return of their twenty-four-year-old daughter, Laura. Kate is assuming greater significance and with Ruth called back to her home town of Eltham when her mother is taken ill she is surprised and heartened to note the similarities between her confident and vocal mother and her young daughter. Ruth seems to have resigned herself to staying single if she can’t have the man she really wants, even if the practicalities of such a situation would bring a plethora of complications with Radio 4 listening, feminist and Guardian reader Ruth being the very antithesis of Nelson’s wife! In this instalment more than any of the previous encounters I felt Griffiths really did tap into the unspoken feelings and private longing of both Nelson and Ruth. Although Cathbad’s is uncharacteristically subdued in The Chalk Pit this does allow for a greater focus on DS Dave Clough and plenty of opportunity for poking fun at the team’s new boss, officious Super Jo which brings its own positives.
Whilst the mystery element might not be the run of the mill and riddled with its own idiosyncrasies as befitting the tenuous archaeological connection this case in complex enough to keep crime fans satisfied. Although The Chalk Pit can be read as a stand-alone I personally would not recommend this as knowing the history of the characters and the relationship dynamics makes this series all the more rewarding. As ever, the humanity and social conscience of Elly Griffiths is in evidence and the compassion and honesty of her cast towards the community of rough sleepers is admirable. Humour, fun and frivolity, mixed with prescient archaeology details and combined with the dogged determination of a police procedural with lives at stake ensure that with each new addition to the series Elly Griffiths characters still surprise and delight in equal measure.
Eighteen years after arriving at the University of North Norfolk and still going it alone in the Forensic Archaeology department, Dr Ruth Galloway has acquired quite a name for herself with two television appearances and frequent involvement in her capacity as an expert seconded to the Serious Crime Unit of Northumbria Police. As a single mother to six-year-old Kate with married (to someone else) no-nonsense northerner DCI Harry Nelson and her isolated cottage on the breathtaking Saltmarsh Ruth is busy juggling working life with motherhood. In The Chalk Pit Ruth is called in following architect Quentin Swan’s plans to build a subterranean dining experience underneath the Guildhall and his surveyor finding evidence of human bones. As Ruth deduces that not only are the bones fairly recent in age, less than fifty years and possibly less than ten, the dull shine has connotations of pot polishing (boiling in a metal container) and together with the cut marks has sinister overtones of cannibalism. With the city of King’s Lynn built on a network of old chalk mining tunnels DCI Nelson is forced to consider that Ruth’s discovery could present a possible murder inquiry. Naturally Ruth isn’t short of a male academic expert keen to share an opinion with her as is regaled with the stories of the supposed underground societies from UNN geology lecturer and Quentin Swan’s wife’s ex-husband, Dr Martin Kellerman. Might there be some truth to this speculation?
Meanwhile DCI Nelson may have seen the back of career policeman boss Gerry Whitcliffe but in his place has arrived formidable Superintendent Jo Archer, not only a woman but one with a balance ball, a yoga mat and an eye for strategy whom the team have swiftly dubbed “She Who Must Be Obeyed”. More pressing problems present themselves when ‘Aftershave Eddie’, a rough sleeper who often sleeps on the front porch of the police station and is familiar to the police team reports his concerns for the whereabouts and safety of a homeless woman called Barbara Murray. DS Judy Johnson canvasses the community of rough sleepers and drop-in centres and is given word that Barbara may have “gone underground”, but whether this is a figure of speech, an urban myth or really a series of underground thoroughfares, Nelson and his team struggle to ascertain. When Eddie is found stabbed in the heart on the steps of the police station and soon after Bilbo, another homeless sleeper who the team spoke to about Barbara, is found similarly stabbed, Nelson is forced to confront the prospect that there is something far more sinister afoot. With the presence of soda lime indicating that the two victims had been drugged prior to being murdered, someone is clearly intent on keeping a far darker secret hidden. When upwardly mobile mother of four Sam Foster-Jones mysteriously goes missing leaving her children alone Nelson’s team manage to connect her to Barbara and the murdered rough sleepers by way of their all having frequented a particular drop-in centre and the dedicated team begin to focus their efforts. Run by an ex-convict who has now found religion a subsequent disappearance raises the stakes and Nelson, Judy and Cloughie are forced to venture deeper.. but as danger looms can the team (with Ruth in tow) prevent another life being taken?
This series has lost none of its lustre and with Griffith’s eye for forcing her characters to evolve (even those that are secondary to the Ruth/Nelson/Michelle love triangle) and the promise of more to come, readers would be advised to stick tight! Griffiths adds more colour to the delicate domestic situation with Nelson and Michelle slowly recovering from Michelle’s near miss affair and the return of their twenty-four-year-old daughter, Laura. Kate is assuming greater significance and with Ruth called back to her home town of Eltham when her mother is taken ill she is surprised and heartened to note the similarities between her confident and vocal mother and her young daughter. Ruth seems to have resigned herself to staying single if she can’t have the man she really wants, even if the practicalities of such a situation would bring a plethora of complications with Radio 4 listening, feminist and Guardian reader Ruth being the very antithesis of Nelson’s wife! In this instalment more than any of the previous encounters I felt Griffiths really did tap into the unspoken feelings and private longing of both Nelson and Ruth. Although Cathbad’s is uncharacteristically subdued in The Chalk Pit this does allow for a greater focus on DS Dave Clough and plenty of opportunity for poking fun at the team’s new boss, officious Super Jo which brings its own positives.
Whilst the mystery element might not be the run of the mill and riddled with its own idiosyncrasies as befitting the tenuous archaeological connection this case in complex enough to keep crime fans satisfied. Although The Chalk Pit can be read as a stand-alone I personally would not recommend this as knowing the history of the characters and the relationship dynamics makes this series all the more rewarding. As ever, the humanity and social conscience of Elly Griffiths is in evidence and the compassion and honesty of her cast towards the community of rough sleepers is admirable. Humour, fun and frivolity, mixed with prescient archaeology details and combined with the dogged determination of a police procedural with lives at stake ensure that with each new addition to the series Elly Griffiths characters still surprise and delight in equal measure.
January 5, 2020
4.5 stars. Read as a buddy read with Lisa Vegan. We raced through this one, I think we have developed a Ruth Galloway addiction problem, we are already feeling restless for the next, maybe there's a help group we can go to. Luckily this author seems to have written other books that rate highly with my GR friends!
This mystery focuses on 3 missing women and 2 murdered men, the men are homeless and sleeping rough, one of the women are also in this situation but two of the missing women aren't, they have links to the others though and it was interesting thinking of reasons why these women could have been taken.
This is a great book to read as a buddy read as it was interesting to speculate on what was happening, what would happen and why, we both picked up on different things so it was interesting to try to piece together the evidence and be an extra member of Nelson's unit for the read! Lisa suspected the culprit early on but this kept us guessing and it's good how everyone in these mysteries comes across as quite likely to be hiding something so it keeps you guessing up to the end who is actually the guilty person.
This book's storyline revolved around the homeless community of Norwich and some underground passages and tunnels. It's great when a story weaves in real life events. This story was an interesting look at life on the streets and the services available and the problems rough sleepers face. The parts about the underground tunnels and the incident of the double decker bus disappearing down a sink hole in the road were based on fact, I remember this happening, as a child I lived very close to this incident in the centre of Norwich and as no one was hurt it did seem like a really fun news story.
As always the characters in this book were fun to come back to, it was good to have Judy back in the team with Cathbad being a stay at home dad. Oh dear Michelle is Nelson has a dog, this is a lovely addition to the characters and I hope we see more of Bruno. Kate is getting older and Ruth's mum suffers a setback.
There are a couple of downsides for me, The other thing is an unhealthy attitude to eating and health, Ruth and Kate's characters have not consumed a single portion of their 5 a day in all 9 books so far, they really have a lot of catching up to do. If you made a list of foodstuffs consumed between these two you could fill A4 sheets with meat, carbs and glasses of wine/cans of coke but not a single item of your 5 a day passes mother and daughter's lips, it's become an on going joke when we discuss the book! There is an unhealthy attitude to food in these books, Tim who is described as healthy and goes to the gym is often described eating nothing more than salad for lunch. No one goes for big gym sessions on lettuce leaves, there are plenty of healthy things to eat that give you protein and energy. Salad is a nice extra but is mainly water and not something you eat before you workout at the gym.
Downsides aside this was a really enjoyable mystery with some great characters, I really enjoy the way this author blends fact with fiction and makes all these characters loveable despite their weaknesses. Each book leaves me eager to continue with the next!
This mystery focuses on 3 missing women and 2 murdered men, the men are homeless and sleeping rough, one of the women are also in this situation but two of the missing women aren't, they have links to the others though and it was interesting thinking of reasons why these women could have been taken.
This is a great book to read as a buddy read as it was interesting to speculate on what was happening, what would happen and why, we both picked up on different things so it was interesting to try to piece together the evidence and be an extra member of Nelson's unit for the read! Lisa suspected the culprit early on but this kept us guessing and it's good how everyone in these mysteries comes across as quite likely to be hiding something so it keeps you guessing up to the end who is actually the guilty person.
This book's storyline revolved around the homeless community of Norwich and some underground passages and tunnels. It's great when a story weaves in real life events. This story was an interesting look at life on the streets and the services available and the problems rough sleepers face. The parts about the underground tunnels and the incident of the double decker bus disappearing down a sink hole in the road were based on fact, I remember this happening, as a child I lived very close to this incident in the centre of Norwich and as no one was hurt it did seem like a really fun news story.
As always the characters in this book were fun to come back to, it was good to have Judy back in the team with Cathbad being a stay at home dad. Oh dear Michelle is Nelson has a dog, this is a lovely addition to the characters and I hope we see more of Bruno. Kate is getting older and Ruth's mum suffers a setback.
There are a couple of downsides for me, The other thing is an unhealthy attitude to eating and health, Ruth and Kate's characters have not consumed a single portion of their 5 a day in all 9 books so far, they really have a lot of catching up to do. If you made a list of foodstuffs consumed between these two you could fill A4 sheets with meat, carbs and glasses of wine/cans of coke but not a single item of your 5 a day passes mother and daughter's lips, it's become an on going joke when we discuss the book! There is an unhealthy attitude to food in these books, Tim who is described as healthy and goes to the gym is often described eating nothing more than salad for lunch. No one goes for big gym sessions on lettuce leaves, there are plenty of healthy things to eat that give you protein and energy. Salad is a nice extra but is mainly water and not something you eat before you workout at the gym.
Downsides aside this was a really enjoyable mystery with some great characters, I really enjoy the way this author blends fact with fiction and makes all these characters loveable despite their weaknesses. Each book leaves me eager to continue with the next!
May 6, 2017
The Chalk Pit by Elly Griffiths is book nine in the Ruth Galloway series and I'm wondering if this series had done it's best for me and it's time to move on. It's a bit of a sad thought since I found the first books quite good, but this book and the one before has just not worked out so well for me.
The story in this book was not that bad, at first, for the first 40-50% of the book was it interesting to read about the murdered tramps and the missing women, but then the story started to drag and I found myself more and more annoyed with the characters in the book and their ignorance and intolerance. And, it hit me that I just don't like anyone except Cathbad and he was hardly in the story this time. There are so many times during the book's story that I find myself frustrated with the lack of religious understanding or plain ignorance. I don't even like Ruth Galloway especially much.
Then we have the ending that fell flat and was utterly boring. It is just not fun when you spend a day reading a book, and it feels like you have wasted the time. The archeology aspect was what drove me to start reading this book, but not even it feels interesting anymore. Now, I'm not even sure if it's worth reading future books and as I said before it's a bit sad when a series you have enjoyed just doesn't work anymore...
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
The story in this book was not that bad, at first, for the first 40-50% of the book was it interesting to read about the murdered tramps and the missing women, but then the story started to drag and I found myself more and more annoyed with the characters in the book and their ignorance and intolerance. And, it hit me that I just don't like anyone except Cathbad and he was hardly in the story this time. There are so many times during the book's story that I find myself frustrated with the lack of religious understanding or plain ignorance. I don't even like Ruth Galloway especially much.
Then we have the ending that fell flat and was utterly boring. It is just not fun when you spend a day reading a book, and it feels like you have wasted the time. The archeology aspect was what drove me to start reading this book, but not even it feels interesting anymore. Now, I'm not even sure if it's worth reading future books and as I said before it's a bit sad when a series you have enjoyed just doesn't work anymore...
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
April 2, 2017
I don't do well underground. I don't like the feeling it gives me. Californians don't really dig unless it's for gold. We don't even have many basements in the state. Norwich England is different. There is a tunnel system under the city that goes almost everywhere. It's been abandoned but it's there and a developer decides he wants to build a restaurant in one of them. As they develop the site, bones are found.
Ruth Galloway is called in to investigate and discovers the bones are relatively new and have been boiled. That's a sign of cannibalism and people become worried about what's going on in those tunnels. Then two homeless men are murdered and three women are abducted off the street and the police have their hands full. They discover there is a Brotherhood and secret societies using the tunnels and search is on for the missing women and the murderer.
All of the 9 Ruth Galloway books can be read as stand alones but they are so much richer if you know the characters and their relationships. This one ties up the story of Tim, a policeman who left the force in mysterious circumstances, the romance of Cloughie and Cassandra, Ruth's major life event and what Nelson's wife, Michelle, is up to now. I like her less and less every book. I was really more interested in what was happening with the characters than the actual mystery. Maybe this interesting story will inspire you to go back and read them all. They are all worthwhile.
I love this series and the Ruth Galloway character. It's not often you find such an intelligent and independent protagonist. I admire her and love the characters surrounding her. I can't recommend it more highly.
Ruth Galloway is called in to investigate and discovers the bones are relatively new and have been boiled. That's a sign of cannibalism and people become worried about what's going on in those tunnels. Then two homeless men are murdered and three women are abducted off the street and the police have their hands full. They discover there is a Brotherhood and secret societies using the tunnels and search is on for the missing women and the murderer.
All of the 9 Ruth Galloway books can be read as stand alones but they are so much richer if you know the characters and their relationships. This one ties up the story of Tim, a policeman who left the force in mysterious circumstances, the romance of Cloughie and Cassandra, Ruth's major life event and what Nelson's wife, Michelle, is up to now. I like her less and less every book. I was really more interested in what was happening with the characters than the actual mystery. Maybe this interesting story will inspire you to go back and read them all. They are all worthwhile.
I love this series and the Ruth Galloway character. It's not often you find such an intelligent and independent protagonist. I admire her and love the characters surrounding her. I can't recommend it more highly.
June 17, 2025
This is a book that was a joy to read for me. It helps that I am a committed fan of the author and her two crime series; but this novel is special for me as it places the realities of being homeless and a rough sleeper at the heart of the plot.
I know of no better example where this subject has been treated with compassion and understanding while being realistically fundamental to the storyline.
It is also opportune that I am also concurrently reading Beneath the Killing Fields: Exploring the Subterranean Landscapes of the Western Front by Matthew Leonard. In his book, he talks about WWI being the first major conflict that took the fight underground using tunnels to mine the enemy’s trenches but also to seek shelter from the barrage and killing above. Indeed, he mentions in passing that historically we've associated the burial of bodies under the earth. Yet, the irony on the western front was that men lay unburied, broken and dead in no man's land, while the living took shelter underground.
Elly Griffith's new book in her excellent Ruth Galloway series, The Chalk Pit, has its inspiration in the tunnels under Norwich. As a forensic archaeologist, she is call to a system of tunnels near the castle just under the city, when bones are discovered.
The theme thereafter is being underground, unseen, and Elly plays it for all its worth. This is one of the reasons reading her books is so much fun. The subject is treated seriously but she can't help references to the Jam's hit going underground and even has a character wearing a logo top with a lyric by Velvet Underground.
The story is initially about a homeless women who goes missing. Rather than spelling out that such a person was less valued or part of an underclass she lets the story reveal the facts. Firstly, it is some time before anyone realises she is missing (it seems such people drift in and out as part of their itinerant ways). Then it becomes difficult tracing next of kin or finding other hostel users to speak to the police. When a further couple of incidents occur in relation to two male rough sleepers it seems remarkable that no-one knows their real names or will miss them either. But they were friends of the missing woman and one thought she was 'going underground'.
Contrast this to what happens when further women disappear and the police response becomes more rapid and completely ranked up, with widespread publicity and deployment of resources.
Nothing is said but in passing it speaks of the differences perhaps society places on people's lives.
As I've stated, the author doesn't make a big play of this, it just happens in the telling of the story. However, in so doing she speaks again about a separate class of homeless individuals that would rather seek refuge in caves and tunnels, out of sight, rather than more structured living and the process of hostel stays into council accommodation, rarely of their choosing or close to people they know and understand.
I loved the fact that 'Charlie' trusted Cloughie because the detective had real conversations with him and treated him as a person. This is spot on, and is not reflective of most of us.
There is very little stereotyping of these characters and real development of the relationships we are aware of already eight books in.
It is so clever that Katie, Ruth's daughter is brought into this story as she is into drama and plays a young Alice in an adaptation of a Lewis Carroll classic but updated as "Alice's adventures underground".
A cracking mystery and police procedural that has at its heart the relationship between Ruth a single parent with Kate and DCI Harry Nelson (Kate's father). There is much to commend it and is neatly brought up to date with an informative epilogue. The characters' pen portrait were inspired and could be read without spoiling the story first by anyone new to Elly Griffiths. (Where have you been? She won the 2016 CWA Dagger in the Library). This is a wonderful writer at the height of her undoubted skill and powers. Val McDermid is a fan, she stops just short of calling this series a guilty pleasure. The best thing for me in the whole book was the care to write an Obituary for one of the homeless who lost their life in this fictional account. To me it shows that this subject was brought into focus by the author's research. When she describes the pauper funeral for the homeless man attended by just a few police officers involved in the case, it reminded me of a time in my first job at an unemployment benefit office. Those signing as NFA. No fixed abode, would have to sign in person to collect their giros one morning each week. The office smelt rank as so many unwashed bodies lined up for their money; but we became a constant in their lives. I was one of three who attended a funeral when one man sadly passed away. That was the 70's and thankfully much has changed in society since. However, rough sleeping remains an issue and this book in part raises that again like all good fiction can. The word used of them by Elly here is diffident, well said. A great read; this book is out later in February, please take time to read it. For our world should be and can be different - you and I can make that happen.
I know of no better example where this subject has been treated with compassion and understanding while being realistically fundamental to the storyline.
It is also opportune that I am also concurrently reading Beneath the Killing Fields: Exploring the Subterranean Landscapes of the Western Front by Matthew Leonard. In his book, he talks about WWI being the first major conflict that took the fight underground using tunnels to mine the enemy’s trenches but also to seek shelter from the barrage and killing above. Indeed, he mentions in passing that historically we've associated the burial of bodies under the earth. Yet, the irony on the western front was that men lay unburied, broken and dead in no man's land, while the living took shelter underground.
Elly Griffith's new book in her excellent Ruth Galloway series, The Chalk Pit, has its inspiration in the tunnels under Norwich. As a forensic archaeologist, she is call to a system of tunnels near the castle just under the city, when bones are discovered.
The theme thereafter is being underground, unseen, and Elly plays it for all its worth. This is one of the reasons reading her books is so much fun. The subject is treated seriously but she can't help references to the Jam's hit going underground and even has a character wearing a logo top with a lyric by Velvet Underground.
The story is initially about a homeless women who goes missing. Rather than spelling out that such a person was less valued or part of an underclass she lets the story reveal the facts. Firstly, it is some time before anyone realises she is missing (it seems such people drift in and out as part of their itinerant ways). Then it becomes difficult tracing next of kin or finding other hostel users to speak to the police. When a further couple of incidents occur in relation to two male rough sleepers it seems remarkable that no-one knows their real names or will miss them either. But they were friends of the missing woman and one thought she was 'going underground'.
Contrast this to what happens when further women disappear and the police response becomes more rapid and completely ranked up, with widespread publicity and deployment of resources.
Nothing is said but in passing it speaks of the differences perhaps society places on people's lives.
As I've stated, the author doesn't make a big play of this, it just happens in the telling of the story. However, in so doing she speaks again about a separate class of homeless individuals that would rather seek refuge in caves and tunnels, out of sight, rather than more structured living and the process of hostel stays into council accommodation, rarely of their choosing or close to people they know and understand.
I loved the fact that 'Charlie' trusted Cloughie because the detective had real conversations with him and treated him as a person. This is spot on, and is not reflective of most of us.
There is very little stereotyping of these characters and real development of the relationships we are aware of already eight books in.
It is so clever that Katie, Ruth's daughter is brought into this story as she is into drama and plays a young Alice in an adaptation of a Lewis Carroll classic but updated as "Alice's adventures underground".
A cracking mystery and police procedural that has at its heart the relationship between Ruth a single parent with Kate and DCI Harry Nelson (Kate's father). There is much to commend it and is neatly brought up to date with an informative epilogue. The characters' pen portrait were inspired and could be read without spoiling the story first by anyone new to Elly Griffiths. (Where have you been? She won the 2016 CWA Dagger in the Library). This is a wonderful writer at the height of her undoubted skill and powers. Val McDermid is a fan, she stops just short of calling this series a guilty pleasure. The best thing for me in the whole book was the care to write an Obituary for one of the homeless who lost their life in this fictional account. To me it shows that this subject was brought into focus by the author's research. When she describes the pauper funeral for the homeless man attended by just a few police officers involved in the case, it reminded me of a time in my first job at an unemployment benefit office. Those signing as NFA. No fixed abode, would have to sign in person to collect their giros one morning each week. The office smelt rank as so many unwashed bodies lined up for their money; but we became a constant in their lives. I was one of three who attended a funeral when one man sadly passed away. That was the 70's and thankfully much has changed in society since. However, rough sleeping remains an issue and this book in part raises that again like all good fiction can. The word used of them by Elly here is diffident, well said. A great read; this book is out later in February, please take time to read it. For our world should be and can be different - you and I can make that happen.
June 7, 2017
This is my favorite crime fiction series. It is one series that when it comes out, I purchase. I do not want to wait for a library book. So much has been said already in other reviews about the plot, that I just want to say what I like about this series so much.
It is the characters. I feel that I have grown to know them through the books. I want to catch up with their lives and see what it happening. I like every one of the repeating characters. Ruth is a special protagonist. She is intelligent and does the best she can raising her daughter Kate as a single parent. As readers, we are watching Kate grow up. It made me smile when she wanted to show off her petticoats. She is a bright lively child who is loved so much by Kate and Harry Nelson.
As a reader, I want to know how the Ruth, Nelson and Michelle relationship is going to be resolved. We learned more about Judy Johnson and what a caring person she can be. Clough showed his deep love for Cassandra.
This book featured chalk pits, rough sleepers (homeless people), disappearances and several murders. The clues all seem to lead back to going underground. Another reason I like this series so much is each plot is fresh and different from the last book. I feel the books should be read in order to appreciate the character development. They can be read as standalone books but I think the reader is missing out by doing this,
I did feel the solution to the mystery was somewhat unbelievable. I gave it five stars because I relished the read. It was so comfortable being back with the characters. I finished the book after 1:00 A.M. last night. I just had to find out how it was going to end. Now, I have to wait probably a year for the next book. Love this series!
It is the characters. I feel that I have grown to know them through the books. I want to catch up with their lives and see what it happening. I like every one of the repeating characters. Ruth is a special protagonist. She is intelligent and does the best she can raising her daughter Kate as a single parent. As readers, we are watching Kate grow up. It made me smile when she wanted to show off her petticoats. She is a bright lively child who is loved so much by Kate and Harry Nelson.
As a reader, I want to know how the Ruth, Nelson and Michelle relationship is going to be resolved. We learned more about Judy Johnson and what a caring person she can be. Clough showed his deep love for Cassandra.
This book featured chalk pits, rough sleepers (homeless people), disappearances and several murders. The clues all seem to lead back to going underground. Another reason I like this series so much is each plot is fresh and different from the last book. I feel the books should be read in order to appreciate the character development. They can be read as standalone books but I think the reader is missing out by doing this,
I did feel the solution to the mystery was somewhat unbelievable. I gave it five stars because I relished the read. It was so comfortable being back with the characters. I finished the book after 1:00 A.M. last night. I just had to find out how it was going to end. Now, I have to wait probably a year for the next book. Love this series!
April 28, 2017
4.5 stars
I'm trying to save 5 stars for classic books but I must say in the world of Ruth Galloway this is a 5 star classic.
All the characters make an appearance. Dr. Ruth Galloway is called in to look at some bones discovered while excavating for a new restaurant. Ruth is sure the bones will prove to be medieval. Meanwhile, Harry Nelson and his team begin investigating the disappearance of a homeless woman (rough sleeper in British) reported by another rough sleeper Eddie. The community of rough sleepers look out for each other and Eddie sleeps outside the police station so he is friendly with Nelson who takes Eddie's concerns seriously. Soon, other women start to disappear, and they are not rough sleepers, turning the case into a serious crime investigation.
Excellent addition to the Ruth Galloway series. Highly recommend.
I'm trying to save 5 stars for classic books but I must say in the world of Ruth Galloway this is a 5 star classic.
All the characters make an appearance. Dr. Ruth Galloway is called in to look at some bones discovered while excavating for a new restaurant. Ruth is sure the bones will prove to be medieval. Meanwhile, Harry Nelson and his team begin investigating the disappearance of a homeless woman (rough sleeper in British) reported by another rough sleeper Eddie. The community of rough sleepers look out for each other and Eddie sleeps outside the police station so he is friendly with Nelson who takes Eddie's concerns seriously. Soon, other women start to disappear, and they are not rough sleepers, turning the case into a serious crime investigation.
Excellent addition to the Ruth Galloway series. Highly recommend.
December 30, 2018
Another wonderful book in the series.
December 29, 2019
Buddy read with Hilary. We’re racing through this series. We’ve read the first 9 books in 2019, and started buddy reading them not too many books from the start. I’m hoping to make book 10 my first book finished in 2020. I have one other book to finish in 2019.
I am grateful that at the end of each book there is an author’s note where she explains what is real, what is changed, and what is completely made up with places & people, etc. The general settings are real and the characters seem so much like real people so I’m glad for this information.
I love these books. I love the characters and the relationships (though could do with less soap opera style content) and the humor is great. I love Kate and seeing her grow & change. I love the settings, though I know some of the uses of some of the ones in this book are made up for the story, but so much is real too. One reason it’s particularly fun reading with Hilary is that she is a local so she knows so many landmarks, towns, etc. that appear in these books.
I appreciate that these books are not too gory and that most violence is off the page or at least not over the top. I like that there are scary parts but they’re not too scary for my taste; I do scare easily. I always love coming back to the regular characters, and all of the new and/or temporary characters are also always interesting. I always enjoy not only the people but the dogs & cats in the stories too.
In this particular book I loved the inclusion of the storylines about rough sleepers (homeless people) and appreciated how they and the well-off people interacted and how each were depicted realistically and all with their faults and assets, problems and strengths. That was important to me and made for good stories.
My first guess/main guess(?) of the culprit was correct but there were several other candidates (as usual with the books in this series) and I really didn’t know until the reveal who did the murders and the kidnappings. As always, I had fun guessing.
Just as Ruth does with her cat Flint I also used to tell my dog exactly what time I would be back or how many hours I would be gone. I love it!
I am enjoying the identity of Nelson’s new boss.
Ruth seems like a good mother and her relationship with her daughter gets more interesting as Kate gets older. I do wish there was more of Kate in the books but I love what is there. I like how Ruth takes Kate seriously. Because Hilary first mentioned the poor food choices, I now almost laugh when I read about what Ruth feeds Kate, what Kate eats and Ruth often too, when specific foods are mentioned. I hope the nutritional quality of foods improves. The next book is partly set in Italy. Maybe there? They now have at least one person they know with a vegetable garden and a fruit tree so maybe they’ll get some of the harvest?
I hope Kate’s experience with a night terror does not become a regular event for her! I was wrong about its implications, but I like Kate and don’t like to think of her and Ruth suffering like that on any kind of regular basis. I think if Kate’s new interest remains an interest I will enjoy that.
There is one event in particular that happens at the end of this book that has me even more curious about and eager to go on and read book 10.
I like that this mystery was excellent. The mysteries have been improving as the series goes on. I still care most about the characters, settings, etc. I like how in this book there is quite a bit more of the story after the mystery is solved. I’m hoping that means the author feels as I do, that these aren’t only mysteries, but general fiction too.
I’ve been meaning to write the author or a mutual friend, someone I know on Goodreads who has gotten to know the author. (a couple tiny spoilers but one huge spoiler if readers haven’t read through book 9):
Wow! We read this one in only three days! 4-1/2 stars
I am grateful that at the end of each book there is an author’s note where she explains what is real, what is changed, and what is completely made up with places & people, etc. The general settings are real and the characters seem so much like real people so I’m glad for this information.
I love these books. I love the characters and the relationships (though could do with less soap opera style content) and the humor is great. I love Kate and seeing her grow & change. I love the settings, though I know some of the uses of some of the ones in this book are made up for the story, but so much is real too. One reason it’s particularly fun reading with Hilary is that she is a local so she knows so many landmarks, towns, etc. that appear in these books.
I appreciate that these books are not too gory and that most violence is off the page or at least not over the top. I like that there are scary parts but they’re not too scary for my taste; I do scare easily. I always love coming back to the regular characters, and all of the new and/or temporary characters are also always interesting. I always enjoy not only the people but the dogs & cats in the stories too.
In this particular book I loved the inclusion of the storylines about rough sleepers (homeless people) and appreciated how they and the well-off people interacted and how each were depicted realistically and all with their faults and assets, problems and strengths. That was important to me and made for good stories.
My first guess/main guess(?) of the culprit was correct but there were several other candidates (as usual with the books in this series) and I really didn’t know until the reveal who did the murders and the kidnappings. As always, I had fun guessing.
Just as Ruth does with her cat Flint I also used to tell my dog exactly what time I would be back or how many hours I would be gone. I love it!
I am enjoying the identity of Nelson’s new boss.
Ruth seems like a good mother and her relationship with her daughter gets more interesting as Kate gets older. I do wish there was more of Kate in the books but I love what is there. I like how Ruth takes Kate seriously. Because Hilary first mentioned the poor food choices, I now almost laugh when I read about what Ruth feeds Kate, what Kate eats and Ruth often too, when specific foods are mentioned. I hope the nutritional quality of foods improves. The next book is partly set in Italy. Maybe there? They now have at least one person they know with a vegetable garden and a fruit tree so maybe they’ll get some of the harvest?
I hope Kate’s experience with a night terror does not become a regular event for her! I was wrong about its implications, but I like Kate and don’t like to think of her and Ruth suffering like that on any kind of regular basis. I think if Kate’s new interest remains an interest I will enjoy that.
There is one event in particular that happens at the end of this book that has me even more curious about and eager to go on and read book 10.
I like that this mystery was excellent. The mysteries have been improving as the series goes on. I still care most about the characters, settings, etc. I like how in this book there is quite a bit more of the story after the mystery is solved. I’m hoping that means the author feels as I do, that these aren’t only mysteries, but general fiction too.
I’ve been meaning to write the author or a mutual friend, someone I know on Goodreads who has gotten to know the author. (a couple tiny spoilers but one huge spoiler if readers haven’t read through book 9):
Wow! We read this one in only three days! 4-1/2 stars
June 20, 2017
The Chalk Pit by Elly Griffiths.
This is the 9th in the Ruth Galloway series and my 9th. Where do I begin...how do I begin? Just to say 5 stars is not enough for this excellent addition to the R.G. series.
Norwich has underground tunnels throughout ...chalk tunnels to be precise. Ruth's assistance is needed in identifying bones found in one of these tunnels. If they are ancient Ruth may be taking her class on another excavation to find any other bones hidden in these tunnels. At the same time DCI Nelson has a missing homeless woman he's attempting to locate. Who she is and who knew her remains a puzzle.
The characters continue to evolve/grow in their personal relationships and their working relationships. A fantastic cast of characters that have brought great joy to this reader. I can't recommend this book and this marvelous series enough. ..not a dull page exists within.
*Please start the series from the first book.
This is the 9th in the Ruth Galloway series and my 9th. Where do I begin...how do I begin? Just to say 5 stars is not enough for this excellent addition to the R.G. series.
Norwich has underground tunnels throughout ...chalk tunnels to be precise. Ruth's assistance is needed in identifying bones found in one of these tunnels. If they are ancient Ruth may be taking her class on another excavation to find any other bones hidden in these tunnels. At the same time DCI Nelson has a missing homeless woman he's attempting to locate. Who she is and who knew her remains a puzzle.
The characters continue to evolve/grow in their personal relationships and their working relationships. A fantastic cast of characters that have brought great joy to this reader. I can't recommend this book and this marvelous series enough. ..not a dull page exists within.
*Please start the series from the first book.
June 15, 2022
Ruth Galloway’s lovelife still threatening to overtake the crime scene. But I’m still captured by the series and eagerly awaiting the next😀
January 4, 2024
A wonderful way to begin a New Year, reading an installment of one of my favourite series. I always enjoy Ruth Galloway's adventures. There's a lot of stuff going on here, many new convolutions for the characters to deal with. The mystery portion is a bit eccentric. Griffiths states in her acknowledgements that there really are chalk tunnels under Norwich, but no underground people. Nevertheless, it gave Ruth a new investigation to participate in.
Harry's wife may know that Kate is his child, but he's having difficulty telling his two older daughters. This despite the likelihood that the older girls would make a pet of Kate. But admitting that he's been unfaithful to their mother holds him back. I guess when you're a police officer, it's difficult to admit that you've broken trust.
Truly, it's the personal issues of the fairly large cast of characters that keeps me reading along happily. The archeology and police work are both engaging, but I want to know who gets married, how are the kids growing up, how are the careers progressing, all that kind of thing.
One book closer to the end of the series. I will be very sad when I reach the end of the line, but I have other Griffiths books to explore. However, I won't hurry my way to the conclusion. I'll enjoy the ride while it lasts.
Harry's wife may know that Kate is his child, but he's having difficulty telling his two older daughters. This despite the likelihood that the older girls would make a pet of Kate. But admitting that he's been unfaithful to their mother holds him back. I guess when you're a police officer, it's difficult to admit that you've broken trust.
Truly, it's the personal issues of the fairly large cast of characters that keeps me reading along happily. The archeology and police work are both engaging, but I want to know who gets married, how are the kids growing up, how are the careers progressing, all that kind of thing.
One book closer to the end of the series. I will be very sad when I reach the end of the line, but I have other Griffiths books to explore. However, I won't hurry my way to the conclusion. I'll enjoy the ride while it lasts.
May 31, 2017
The Chalk Pit by Elly Griffiths is ninth in the Ruth Galloway mystery series, I had no idea what to think when I went into this book. I had not read any of the previous novels and, truthfully, had never even heard of this series! I was a little bit worried it would be the same old police procedural style novel and I was ready to throw it into my DNF pile when this story completely sucked me.
Ruth Galloway, a forensic archeologist, is called to investigate a set of human remains found in an old chalk mining tunnels that runs underneath the city of Norwich. Meanwhile, DCI Nelson and his team are hunting for a missing woman. Could the two cases be connected? As Ruth investigates, she begins to discover signs of cannibalism on the remains and when rumors of secret societies and ritual killings begin swimming, they realize that their quest to find the killer has just begun….and he is just getting started.
I found myself, initially, very distracted by the narrative technique Griffiths’ chose to use in The Chalk Pit. The plot is told in third person present tense. I don’t know if it was because I am so used to reading first person narratives or third person past tense narratives, but I was hyper aware of all the wording within the first fifty pages; it was making me crazy! However, once I settled into the plot and the characters, I found it didn’t bother me as much. One of those quirky things, I guess!
The detectives working their case of multiple missing women happens in parallel with Ruth’s story as she is called in and out to consult and handle her own personal business. I didn’t find myself confused by any of the references into the first eight books in this series. Griffiths does a fine job at using memories to fill the gaps and other character perspectives to explain the backstory. In fact, Ruth’s personal life became one of my favourite parts of the book. Similar to how Tess Gerritsen creates colourful backstories for the protagonists of her Rizzoli and Isles series, Griffiths has a pretty interesting and scandalous personal live for Ruth Galloway. I am all about a little bit of scandal and juicy gossip mixed into my reading!
This one is considerably slower (especially if you are not one to indulge in a backstory of the characters and prefer to stick with the case) but once the plot gets moving, I’d say about half way through, I was intrigued enough to continue going. I did like that the author included an epilogue as the last chapter, which tied up any loose ends and it made so that the next book in the series could be a fresh start. I cannot say much more without giving away some spoilers, but I must say, I was pretty disappointed with the direction the plot chose to go.
Overall, I’d say if you enjoy a slow burning, police procedural style novel with a female protagonist, you might want to add this to your TBR pile. However, if you are looking for a fast paced, on the edge of your seat style of mystery, this would miss the mark. I gave it a 3/5 stars!
Ruth Galloway, a forensic archeologist, is called to investigate a set of human remains found in an old chalk mining tunnels that runs underneath the city of Norwich. Meanwhile, DCI Nelson and his team are hunting for a missing woman. Could the two cases be connected? As Ruth investigates, she begins to discover signs of cannibalism on the remains and when rumors of secret societies and ritual killings begin swimming, they realize that their quest to find the killer has just begun….and he is just getting started.
I found myself, initially, very distracted by the narrative technique Griffiths’ chose to use in The Chalk Pit. The plot is told in third person present tense. I don’t know if it was because I am so used to reading first person narratives or third person past tense narratives, but I was hyper aware of all the wording within the first fifty pages; it was making me crazy! However, once I settled into the plot and the characters, I found it didn’t bother me as much. One of those quirky things, I guess!
The detectives working their case of multiple missing women happens in parallel with Ruth’s story as she is called in and out to consult and handle her own personal business. I didn’t find myself confused by any of the references into the first eight books in this series. Griffiths does a fine job at using memories to fill the gaps and other character perspectives to explain the backstory. In fact, Ruth’s personal life became one of my favourite parts of the book. Similar to how Tess Gerritsen creates colourful backstories for the protagonists of her Rizzoli and Isles series, Griffiths has a pretty interesting and scandalous personal live for Ruth Galloway. I am all about a little bit of scandal and juicy gossip mixed into my reading!
This one is considerably slower (especially if you are not one to indulge in a backstory of the characters and prefer to stick with the case) but once the plot gets moving, I’d say about half way through, I was intrigued enough to continue going. I did like that the author included an epilogue as the last chapter, which tied up any loose ends and it made so that the next book in the series could be a fresh start. I cannot say much more without giving away some spoilers, but I must say, I was pretty disappointed with the direction the plot chose to go.
Overall, I’d say if you enjoy a slow burning, police procedural style novel with a female protagonist, you might want to add this to your TBR pile. However, if you are looking for a fast paced, on the edge of your seat style of mystery, this would miss the mark. I gave it a 3/5 stars!
July 28, 2017
I've enjoyed this series since "The Crossing Places" one of the most brilliant in the series. In my mind the highlights of this book revolved more around the characters and their relationships than the actual mystery.
Ruth Galloway, a forensic anthropologist, is pulled in on a dig where she finds the boiled bones of someone who was fairly recently deceased. The police are called in to continue the dig. In the meantime one of the towns rough sleepers tells a trusted policeman that another homeless person is missing. He ends up murdered and the police try to find the murderer as well as the missing woman.
I would recommend you start this series with "The Crossing Places" and read them in order as much of the action takes place in the relationships. Excellent writing, unforgettable characters that you will truly care for and storylines that are hard to beat!
Ruth Galloway, a forensic anthropologist, is pulled in on a dig where she finds the boiled bones of someone who was fairly recently deceased. The police are called in to continue the dig. In the meantime one of the towns rough sleepers tells a trusted policeman that another homeless person is missing. He ends up murdered and the police try to find the murderer as well as the missing woman.
I would recommend you start this series with "The Crossing Places" and read them in order as much of the action takes place in the relationships. Excellent writing, unforgettable characters that you will truly care for and storylines that are hard to beat!
November 27, 2022
This series gets better and better with time. It is just a delight to read Ruth Galloway! This time the sub plot is the homeless and the way Griffiths deals with it is sublime. She makes them the central part of the narrative and explores the misconceptions we all have about rough sleepers. I am certain that one of them (like in all of her books) will have a recurrent role in the series. Another sub plot is the relationship between Ruth and Harry and in this book (no spoilers) we are in for a few surprises.
I always feel good reading this series. It is always interesting, you do not feel like the author has a bias. Elly Griffiths is this generation mystery writer, fun, knowledgeable and so very good at this thing called writing.
I always feel good reading this series. It is always interesting, you do not feel like the author has a bias. Elly Griffiths is this generation mystery writer, fun, knowledgeable and so very good at this thing called writing.
June 29, 2017
I found this one weak on the forensic archeology aspects and more emphasis on the characters relationships, just didn't enjoy it quite as much as others in the series.
November 30, 2019
A little less drama and a lot more plot. Which is working fine for me. Definitely preferred this book to the last two, which seemed to be going toward a soap opera feeling, with so many love triangles, mostly involving married people, which is a sticking point for me and not something I gravitate toward.
Griffiths has created a bunch of characters I really like though, in a setting I love, and so will I continue with the series? That is a definite. The mysteries, for me, are always secondary to the character development, because I like or love all of the recurring characters. A new character is introduced to the police department in this volume. At first, I didn't really like the person, but as the story continued, I found myself curious to learn more. I should've trusted this author to create even an unlikable character worth following and changing my opinion toward.
There is a theme of homelessness throughout this novel, as two murder victims are "rough sleepers". Readers get little glimpses of several decent human beings who are now without permanent homes and, as an empath, I moved into their stories and experienced them. When it's cold outside, especially, this kind of thing hits home, and I was glad she explored it here. I was also glad she allowed us to get to know some of these characters, rather than them just being generic caricatures. Being homeless doesn't make someone any the less human, and the author's exploration highlighted that, for me.
So, as usual, this series makes me want to rush out and dive into the next one. My intention, however, is never to wait for the next one to be published. So I may have to wait a bit!
The audio performance was, once again, great. She changes voices and intonations convincingly, and the narration never gets in the way of the story. Five stars to the audiobook version.
Definitely a series to consider if you like mysteries with a little humor and light on the violence. The British countryside setting is, for me, a huge plus, and may be for you as well. Recommended.
Griffiths has created a bunch of characters I really like though, in a setting I love, and so will I continue with the series? That is a definite. The mysteries, for me, are always secondary to the character development, because I like or love all of the recurring characters. A new character is introduced to the police department in this volume. At first, I didn't really like the person, but as the story continued, I found myself curious to learn more. I should've trusted this author to create even an unlikable character worth following and changing my opinion toward.
There is a theme of homelessness throughout this novel, as two murder victims are "rough sleepers". Readers get little glimpses of several decent human beings who are now without permanent homes and, as an empath, I moved into their stories and experienced them. When it's cold outside, especially, this kind of thing hits home, and I was glad she explored it here. I was also glad she allowed us to get to know some of these characters, rather than them just being generic caricatures. Being homeless doesn't make someone any the less human, and the author's exploration highlighted that, for me.
So, as usual, this series makes me want to rush out and dive into the next one. My intention, however, is never to wait for the next one to be published. So I may have to wait a bit!
The audio performance was, once again, great. She changes voices and intonations convincingly, and the narration never gets in the way of the story. Five stars to the audiobook version.
Definitely a series to consider if you like mysteries with a little humor and light on the violence. The British countryside setting is, for me, a huge plus, and may be for you as well. Recommended.
May 28, 2017
With The Chalk Pit, Elly Griffiths adds another highly satisfying and intelligent installment to her Ruth Galloway series. The Chalk Pit is the 9th book, and the characters and plot line remain outstanding, likeably quirky and original. The Chalk Pit centers around Norwich’s hidden underground tunnels and the discovery of human bones. Initially the bones are thought to be medieval, but Ruth quickly determines that they are recent, and as a result, DCI Nelson and Ruth must work to solve a murder. Meanwhile, women are going missing and homeless men (rough sleepers as they are called in Norwich) are being murdered. As the story unfolds, Ruth, DCI Nelson and the rest of the crew work to figure out whether these incidents are related and attempt to solve the various crimes.
The characters in this book are simply fantastic. I love reading about them all and seeing them develop over time as the books continue. Ruth and DCI Nelson’s interactions are always interesting, and for a while I had high hopes that things might resolve themselves in a manner that I would like, but apparently that is for another book. However, that did not lessen my enjoyment of The Chalk Pit. Griffith’s portrayal of the homeless population is empathetic and kind, and the underground tunnels are an intriguing inclusion in the story.
I highly recommend this entire series and specifically The Chalk Pit. Thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The characters in this book are simply fantastic. I love reading about them all and seeing them develop over time as the books continue. Ruth and DCI Nelson’s interactions are always interesting, and for a while I had high hopes that things might resolve themselves in a manner that I would like, but apparently that is for another book. However, that did not lessen my enjoyment of The Chalk Pit. Griffith’s portrayal of the homeless population is empathetic and kind, and the underground tunnels are an intriguing inclusion in the story.
I highly recommend this entire series and specifically The Chalk Pit. Thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2021
This is the 9th book in the Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths with all the usual characters. This is another good read in what is becoming one of my favourite series.
Dr. Ruth Galloway help is once again requested by the local police when several bones are found in the underground chalk mine tunnels under the city of Norwich. The bones have been boiled showing strong hints toward cannibalism. Meanwhile a local man, Eddie O’Toole asks DCI Nelson to investigate the disappearance of Barbara Murray who hasn’t been seen for a while. Both Eddie and Barbara are rough sleepers and Nelson gives more credence to Eddie’s request when Eddie’s body is found stabbed to death. There are rumours and suspicions that an underground group could be responsible for the deaths in the old chalk mine tunnels.
What I especially like in this series are all the background character sub plots that carry on in the midst of the actual cases. The on off relationship between Ruth and Nelson, the peculiarities of Cathbad and many more interesting characters that support this series of novels.
Dr. Ruth Galloway help is once again requested by the local police when several bones are found in the underground chalk mine tunnels under the city of Norwich. The bones have been boiled showing strong hints toward cannibalism. Meanwhile a local man, Eddie O’Toole asks DCI Nelson to investigate the disappearance of Barbara Murray who hasn’t been seen for a while. Both Eddie and Barbara are rough sleepers and Nelson gives more credence to Eddie’s request when Eddie’s body is found stabbed to death. There are rumours and suspicions that an underground group could be responsible for the deaths in the old chalk mine tunnels.
What I especially like in this series are all the background character sub plots that carry on in the midst of the actual cases. The on off relationship between Ruth and Nelson, the peculiarities of Cathbad and many more interesting characters that support this series of novels.
August 25, 2017
4.5! This was the most engaging Ruth Galloway mystery yet. So many threads were introduced including the experience of living rough (or being homeless), gender issues in the workplace, broken marriages and affairs, motherhood, religion, the theater, etc.
Ruth is called in to examine bones found underground while Nelson is told about a missing woman who lived on the streets and the plot thickens. Is there truly an underground society or is it just a utopian dream? Why are the murders and disappearances growing in number? All is brought to a most satisfying conclusion by the end of the epilogue with room for future growth in the series.
I would recommend this book to mystery lovers, especially those with an interest in archaeology and/or police procedure.
Ruth is called in to examine bones found underground while Nelson is told about a missing woman who lived on the streets and the plot thickens. Is there truly an underground society or is it just a utopian dream? Why are the murders and disappearances growing in number? All is brought to a most satisfying conclusion by the end of the epilogue with room for future growth in the series.
I would recommend this book to mystery lovers, especially those with an interest in archaeology and/or police procedure.
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