The Night Hawks (Ruth Galloway Mysteries #13) by Elly Griffiths

Nov 22, 2020 Paromjit rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery, netgalley, crime-fiction

Elly Griffiths's archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway series set in Norfolk is always a delight and this new addition gives us the opportunity to catch up with our much loved characters once again. Ruth has returned to her beloved cottage in Norfolk, having relinquished her prestigious post as a Cambridge lecturer, broken up with Frank, and with Phil Trent's retirement is now head of department at the University of North Norfolk. The eponymous Night Hawks are metal detectorists who go out hunting at n Elly Griffiths's archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway series set in Norfolk is always a delight and this new addition gives us the opportunity to catch up with our much loved characters once again. Ruth has returned to her beloved cottage in Norfolk, having relinquished her prestigious post as a Cambridge lecturer, broken up with Frank, and with Phil Trent's retirement is now head of department at the University of North Norfolk. The eponymous Night Hawks are metal detectorists who go out hunting at night in search of ancient treasures such as Bronze Age coins and other artefacts the area is well known for. On one such excursion they make some interesting finds that include coins, in Cley at Blakeney Point. However, at the same time a dead body is found on the beach and DCI Harry Nelson of Norfolk Police Serious Crimes Unit and his team think it might be an asylum seeker.

An excited Ruth is called in to excavate an ancient body buried with the detectorists finds, accompanied by a recent appointment she has made in her department, David Brown, a man she is finding irritating and who refuses to recognise her position as head of department. The dead body with its distinctive tattoo of the Norfolk Sea Serpent turns out to be a local man recently released from prison, Jem Taylor. Nelson finds himself called out in the middle of the night when the Night Hawks call the police after hearing gunshots at the Black Dog Farm, reputed to be haunted, according to East Anglian folklore and legend, by a giant spectral dog, the Black Shuck, with eyes of hellfire, that appears to people prior to their death. In a narrative with a high body count, at the farm the police discover what appears to be the murder-suicide of research scientist Dr David Noakes and his wife, Linda, a primary school teacher.

The best part of this series are always the characters, such as the offbeat druid, Cathbad, Ruth's dad Arthur, living in Eltham in London, planning to get married again to Gloria, and Ruth's 11 year old daughter, Kate, is going to be a bridesmaid. Nelson is being harassed by Superintendent Jo Archer to take early retirement, something he refuses to consider, although he worries that DI Judy Johnson might leave if there is no possibility of promotion for her. The complicated relationship between Ruth and Nelson continues to play out amidst the grave dangers they find themselves in. This is another terrific addition to what is a favourite series, it is an entertaining and engaging read, although you will need to suspend your sense of disbelief at some of what occurs. Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC. ...more

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Feb 07, 2021 Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2021, crime, 2021-netgalley-challenge, detective-fiction, family-drama, 4-star, contemporary-fiction, suspense, favourite-author, murder-mystery

EXCERPT: It's not until there's a shout of 'Tide!' that they realise the waters are almost upon them. Then there's another cry, coming from Troy, a young hawk stationed at the mouth of one of the estuaries winding back inland. His comrades splash over to him, taking care to keep their machines above water.

'There's something . . .' says Troy. 'I almost fell over it.' He's very young, still a teenager, and his voice wavers and breaks.

Alan, an older detectorist, reaches out in the dark to touch h ...more

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Jan 02, 2021 Carolyn rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley, 2021, netgalley-2021, murder-mystery

In this thirteenth book of the series, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway has returned to the Norfolk fens that she loves so much. With her refusal of marriage to American historian Frank Barker, she has left Cambridge and taken over as Head of Archaeology from her old boss Phil Trent who has retired. She and her daughter Kate, now ten, are alone again living back in her little cottage on the coast. It's not long however before Kates father, DCI Harry Nelson calls her in to examine some bones In this thirteenth book of the series, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway has returned to the Norfolk fens that she loves so much. With her refusal of marriage to American historian Frank Barker, she has left Cambridge and taken over as Head of Archaeology from her old boss Phil Trent who has retired. She and her daughter Kate, now ten, are alone again living back in her little cottage on the coast. It's not long however before Kates father, DCI Harry Nelson calls her in to examine some bones found on the beach near the body of a young man.

The best feature of this series is the on-going development of the characters. Ruth is the star with her unconventional independence and her snarky but witty thoughts about people. Nelson is still conflicted by his love for Ruth and his devotion to his wife and family and is doggedly ignoring Super Jo, (his superintendent) and her strong suggestions that he should retire now he has completed thirty years of service. He loves nothing better to be involved in a case but fears DI Judy Johnson will look for promotion elsewhere if he doesn't leave. Judith's husband Cathbad, the Druid is also a star of this series with his knowledge of Norfolk myths and legends and calming influence on all. New archaeology Lecturer David Brown initially annoys Ruth with his enthusiasm, but she has warmed to him by the end of the book and it will be interesting to see where he will find his place in the series.

As further deaths occur to muddy the waters, the plot is very much aided by the strength of the characters Following the discovery of the body on the beach, a research scientist and his wife are found dead in their home. The Night Hawks, a group of licensed metal detectorists who look for ancient relics on the fens at night are very much at the centre of the murder investigation with multiple connections between them and the dead. For me the plot felt a little weak, as we are told the scientist was involved in illegally testing a drug or vaccine, but this was never really elaborated on (view spoiler) Despite that quibble, there are lots of interesting background details that all come together to make this an entertaining read. Such as the local legend of a large black dog with hellfire eyes, the Black Schuck, a harbinger of death. Also the bones and archaeological relics found on the beach, possibly belonging to a group of European invaders called the Beakers, who may have brought a virus with them that caused the disappearance of the local inhabitants. 4.5★

With many thanks to Quercus Books and Netgalley for a copy of the book ...more

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Jan 11, 2021 Nilufer Ozmekik rated it really liked it

OMG! This is well written another book ( actually 13th freaking one) of this fast pacing, intriguing series and foolish me haven’t read the previous 12 books! Yes! What a shame!
But interesting fact is the author did a spectacular job by introducing us the characters and summarized their back stories so adroitly! You can catch everything in few pages and you also get connected with the characters, becoming friendly around them because writing style is so realistic, smartly described, genuine, p OMG! This is well written another book ( actually 13th freaking one) of this fast pacing, intriguing series and foolish me haven’t read the previous 12 books! Yes! What a shame!
But interesting fact is the author did a spectacular job by introducing us the characters and summarized their back stories so adroitly! You can catch everything in few pages and you also get connected with the characters, becoming friendly around them because writing style is so realistic, smartly described, genuine, profound starting with dear Dr. Ruth Calloway: snarky, sarcastic, smart, badass forensic archeologist Ruth Galloway.

As far as we learn she left Cambridge, rejected marriage proposal of Frank, returning back to Norfolk hens with her ten years old daughter Kate where Kate’s biological father DI Harry Nelson lives.

The character analysis of the novel is so good! You want to read more about their stories. Cathbad is one of the most interesting characters I’ve introduced. His knowledge about Norfolk myths and legends picked my interest from my beginning. I also loved DI Harry Nelson, his loyalty to his wife, his children ( two of them are adults) , his undeniably love for Ruth and their daughter. He also deals with his big boss Super Jo and does not have any intention to go without fight, rejecting to retire!

The ongoing mystery didn’t attract my attention because the investigation process has a little plot holes. But the dark and haunted atmosphere of Norfolk was so deliciously intriguing, interesting. Especially the story of Black Schuck : a large black dog with hellfire which is harbinger of death. Of course when DI Judy mentioned the black dog curse her colleague Nelson directly rejects to believe in the idea of it!

The story starts with appearance of Night Hawks who are bunch of metal detectorists to search buried treasures of Norfolk at night time. They recently find a dead body as they search through nearby beaches. DI Nelson and team involved with the investigation and he also calls Ruth who finds another ancient skull at the crime scene with her obnoxious colleague David who tangled up with her.

Then another murder-suicide incident of the middle aged couple happens at Black Dog Farm. One of the victims leaves a suicide note says he is buried in the garden. Later Ruth finds a giant dog buried in the garden which revives black shack legend again. Maybe the dog was the last thing they saw before they took their last breath. Spooky, isn’t it! And interesting fact: the Night Hawks called the police and inform them about the gun shouts which helped them to find bodies!
What’s the connection between crimes and Night Hawks and why everything about the crime is connected with the eerie, bleak Black Dog Farm. Even though Ruth is a true badass, she should have second thoughts to go back there to dig more. But eventually she returns there, doesn’t she?

Four fascinating characters, riveting plot, dark, haunting atmosphere stars!

I think I have to read more books of the series ASAP! The characters and Norfolk myths definitely grew on me!

Special thanks to Netgalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts. ...more

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Jan 06, 2021 Pat (not getting friend updates currently) rated it really liked it

Ruth Galloway is now back in Norfolk and heads up the archaeology department following Phil’s retirement from the job. She has appointed Daniel Brown to lecture in her former role but Ruth finds him a bit confronting and irritating. He seems to want to insert himself into everything. He also a member of the local night hawks a group of ‘detectorists’ that like to go out at night with their metal detectors looking for buried treasure and artefacts. One night, while investigating a beach, they fin ...more

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Jan 30, 2021 Sarah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-2021, netgalley

It's always cause for celebration when a new Elly Griffiths novel comes out! The Night Hawks is the lucky thirteenth instalment in Griffiths' archaeologically-themed Dr. Ruth Galloway series, and is just as gripping as her legion of fans have come to expect.
A group of "Night Hawks", amateur but registered metal detectorists, come across the body of a young man, while searching for coins in the dunes of the Blakeney National Nature Reserve.
Dr. Ruth Galloway has returned from Cambridge to head up It's always cause for celebration when a new Elly Griffiths novel comes out! The Night Hawks is the lucky thirteenth instalment in Griffiths' archaeologically-themed Dr. Ruth Galloway series, and is just as gripping as her legion of fans have come to expect.
A group of "Night Hawks", amateur but registered metal detectorists, come across the body of a young man, while searching for coins in the dunes of the Blakeney National Nature Reserve.
Dr. Ruth Galloway has returned from Cambridge to head up the archaeology department at the University of North Norfolk, her former boss Phil Trent having retired. She's called in by D.C.I. Harry Nelson to consult when an apparently Bronze-age skeleton is unearthed, together with a hoard of ancient weapons, not far from the current crime scene. Within days, a police officer who was a first responder at Blakeney Head has died suddenly and an apparent murder-suicide occurs at a Norfolk farmhouse, two of the "Night Hawks" again happening on the scene. How are the deaths connected, or is the presence of the same witnesses purely coincidental?
Elly Griffiths' plotting is of a superlative standard, as usual. The Night Hawks has a complex, multi-layered plot with many seemingly separate narrative threads, all drawn cleverly together for a thrilling and satisfying conclusion. There's plenty of archaeological material for Ruth to get her trowel into, in addition to themes involving medical ethics, dysfunctional families and local legend.
The main character, Dr. Ruth Galloway, is well-developed and three-dimensional, balancing the challenges of single parenthood with a demanding career. In many ways, she's pleased to be back in familiar territory at UNN, albeit in a management role, with all that entails. She, 11-year-old Kate and Flint are all pleased to be living back at their Saltmarsh cottage. However, a new colleague is antagonising her and her relationship with D.C.I. Nelson, who's also Kate's father, continues to be somewhat prickly.
The wonderful Cathbad, Ruth's multi-talented druid / intuitive friend, plays an important supporting role throughout The Night Hawks, his personality leaping off the page in every scene in which he appears.
While The Night Hawks would be an engrossing read as a standalone, reading as a continuation of the series is especially rewarding, given the wonderful cast of recurring characters and their evolving relationships.
Highly recommended for all readers who enjoy intelligent character-based mysteries and psychological dramas.
My thanks to the author, Elly Griffiths, publisher Quercus Books and Netgalley, for the opportunity to read and review this title. ...more

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Jan 14, 2021 Marianne rated it it was amazing

The Night Hawks is the thirteenth book in the Ruth Galloway series by award-winning British author, Elly Griffiths. Now Head of Department at the University of North Norfolk, Dr Ruth Galloway is dismayed to find herself spouting the phrases about funding she abhorred when they came from her former boss. Her new hire, archaeologist David Brown, arrogant, smug and irritating, is the target of several.

How he manages to ride along to Blakeney Point when DCI Harry Nelson request-demands her input at The Night Hawks is the thirteenth book in the Ruth Galloway series by award-winning British author, Elly Griffiths. Now Head of Department at the University of North Norfolk, Dr Ruth Galloway is dismayed to find herself spouting the phrases about funding she abhorred when they came from her former boss. Her new hire, archaeologist David Brown, arrogant, smug and irritating, is the target of several.

How he manages to ride along to Blakeney Point when DCI Harry Nelson request-demands her input at the scene of a body washed up (an illegal alien?), she can’t quite understand. The Night Hawks, a group of metal detectorists who hunt for buried historical artefacts at night (nuisances, in Ruth’s opinion), stumbled over the body near a find of coins and weapons.

David Brown is excited by the likelihood that it’s Bronze Age, and the skeletal remains could be one of the European Beaker People whose virus, he theorises, wiped out Neolithic Britons. He envisages facial reconstructions and museum displays; Ruth fears for her departmental budget.

The next night, one of the Night Hawks alerts Police to a shooting at Black Dog Farm that looks like a murder-suicide: Cambridge researcher Dr Douglas Noakes and his wife Linda. Mention of a body in the suicide note has Ruth and her team digging up the garden, at which David Brown once again appears.

Certain anomalies see Nelson unconvinced that the scene was not staged, and the team are soon looking deeper into the family and associates, as well as the metal detectorists who seem to be on the spot. Diligent investigation by the team gradually reveals noteworthy connections and pertinent facts, but the list of suspects and possible motives seems to expand. And all the while, to the annoyance of his Super, Nelson inserts himself in the action when she feels he should be seriously considering retirement.

“Nelson thinks about retirement for about eight seconds and then dismisses the idea. The force needs his experience and know-how. There are some things you can only learn from years of actually doing the job.”

Meanwhile, the washed-up body is identified as a local; then a young policeman dies unexpectedly, and enquiries lead Nelson’s team to a Cambridge research lab: could there be something illegal going on? In the background to it all is the Norfolk legend of the Black Shuck, a harbinger of evil whose manifestation is making fleeting appearances, unnerving many.

Another murder, a shooting and a hostage taking are all part of the dramatic climax. Once again, Griffiths keeps the reader guessing right up to the final chapters with red herrings and misdirections, and, as always in these stories, she demonstrates how the solving of a crime depends very much on a team effort. In this instalment, the usually unspoken relationship between Ruth and Nelson gets more of an airing, and Cathbad plays a significant role. Clever, exciting and informative: more of Ruth, Nelson and co will be most welcome.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Quercus/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt publishers
...more

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Nov 21, 2020 Roman Clodia rated it really liked it · review of another edition

While Griffiths' plotting may not be the best in class, her story-line is never more than a skeleton (haha!) on which to hang her real strengths: her eccentric bunch of characters, the complications of their entangled lives, and the marvellous, witty writing which has just the right amount of snark to be funny while remaining good-natured.

In this one there is an unusually high body count and some intriguing plot points that never get fully explored: (view spoiler) ...more

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Feb 05, 2021 Vanessa Menezes rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2021-netgalley-challenge, uno-2021, netgalley

The Night Hawks, a group of metal detectorists, are searching for buried treasure when they find a body on the beach in North Norfolk.

The dead man might be an asylum seeker but he turns out to be a local boy, Jem Taylor, recently released from prison. Nelson at first thinks that Taylor's death is accidental drowning, but a second death suggests murder.

Dr Ruth Galloway is called to investigate a hoard of Bronze Age weapons found by local metal detectorists. But the search takes a sinister turn w ...more

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Feb 22, 2021 Erin Clemence rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-reads, kindle

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: June 29, 2021

“The Night Hawks” is the thirteenth novel in the “Ruth Galloway” series by writer Elly Griffiths. Although I highly recommend reading all Galloway novels, it is not necessary to read them all (or even read them in order!) to be able to follow along with the plot and characters.

The Night Hawks are a group of amateur metal d Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: June 29, 2021

“The Night Hawks” is the thirteenth novel in the “Ruth Galloway” series by writer Elly Griffiths. Although I highly recommend reading all Galloway novels, it is not necessary to read them all (or even read them in order!) to be able to follow along with the plot and characters.

The Night Hawks are a group of amateur metal detectorists, who enjoy spending their nights scouring local haunts for buried treasure. On one such night, they make an unusual discovery-some Bronze Age artifacts alongside a dead body. Due to the age of the artifacts, archeologist Ruth Galloway is called in, along with her newly hired professor, David Brown, and the two join the investigative team lead by DCI Nelson. When more “night hawks” stumble across the aftermath of a murder-suicide, Nelson and Galloway begin to wonder if its more than just coincidence that are leading this group of amateurs to undiscovered crime scenes.

Ruth Galloway is the Temperance Brennan/Kathy Reichs’ character that is instantly likable. Not only is she tough yet aloof, raising a young daughter on her own, but she is also brilliant and educated, the best in her field. Again, I have only read two of Griffiths’ novels where Galloway appears, but I took an instant liking to her.

“The Night Hawks” has the right amount of adventure and exploration, mixed in with police action and even some love triangle drama. Griffiths builds suspense perfectly, ebbing and flowing at just the right places, leaving the reader guessing right from the start.

This novel has a large cast of characters (particularly all of the Night Hawks members) and it is difficult initially to determine who is whom, and who has connections to whom. Once sorted out, each and every cast member becomes a suspect, and it isn’t until the final pages when the truth is finally revealed. The ending surprised me, in a good way, but the amount of twists and turns with each and every possible character to get to the end was a lot to sift through.

Griffiths has developed a great character in Ruth, and I hope to see more of her. I love Ruth’s brilliance and her humanity, and her dedication to Kate, her young daughter. With some careful concentration, the plot is entertaining and suspenseful, and although the characters are plentiful, I loved Griffiths’ pulse-pounding conclusion.
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Feb 09, 2021 Veronique rated it really liked it

Shelves: r2021, mystery

4.25*

It was with pure delight that I dived into this latest instalment in the Dr Ruth Galloway series. Do I even have to say that Griffiths delivers?

Ruth is back in her beloved cottage, having left her prestigious position at Cambridge, and once more working at the University of North Norfolk, but this time as the Head of the Archeology Department. Dealing with the demands of the new job is not plain sailing, especially when dealing with the new lecturer, David Brown, a particularly irritating p ...more

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Dec 13, 2020 Gary rated it really liked it

This is the 13th book in the Ruth Galloway series by author Elly Griffiths and was is an excellent addition.All the usual characters are here and they do get better with every read. Interesting plot and plenty going on to make this another entertaining read.

The Night Hawks are a group of metal detectorists and they are searching for buried treasure in North Norfolk. While searching the nearby beaches they find a dead body who the police initially think may be an asylum seeker. DCI Nelson is lead ...more

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Feb 04, 2021 Lou rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The Night Hawks is the thirteenth instalment in the Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries series and is an excellent and captivating addition to Griffiths' oeuvre. There’s nothing forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway hates more than amateur archaeologists, but when a group of them stumble upon Bronze Age artifacts alongside a dead body in North Norfolk, she finds herself thrust into their midst—and into the crosshairs of a string of murders circling ever closer. Ruth is back as head of archaeology at the U The Night Hawks is the thirteenth instalment in the Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries series and is an excellent and captivating addition to Griffiths' oeuvre. There’s nothing forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway hates more than amateur archaeologists, but when a group of them stumble upon Bronze Age artifacts alongside a dead body in North Norfolk, she finds herself thrust into their midst—and into the crosshairs of a string of murders circling ever closer. Ruth is back as head of archaeology at the University of North Norfolk when a group of local metal detectorists—the so-called Night Hawks—uncovers Bronze Age artifacts on the beach, alongside a recently deceased body, just washed ashore. Not long after, the same detectorists uncover a murder-suicide—a scientist and his wife found at their farmhouse, long thought to be haunted by the Black Shuck, a humongous black dog, a harbinger of death. The further DCI Nelson probes into both cases, the more intertwined they become, and the closer they circle to David Brown, the new lecturer Ruth has recently hired, who seems always to turn up wherever Ruth goes.

This is a scintillating, enthralling and engrossing mystery thriller from one of the best in the game at creating intense and atmospheric crime novels. Right from the opening pages you are immersed in the story and begin to really care about the characters as they fight to uncover the truth. It has a slow-burn feel, and a ripped from the headlines plot with plenty of drama, danger, twists and expert use of misdirection. The archeological aspects have been fully researched and it's clear Griffiths knows exactly what she's talking about, therefore, bringing an air of realism and authenticity to proceedings using this knowledge to pen a believable and compulsively readable tale; it's odd to admit this slant involving archaeologists just going about their work is compelling but i find that it really is. Action-packed, expertly plotted and entertaining from the very beginning, this is an adrenaline-pumping, plausible and gritty thrill ride I highly recommend to those who enjoy intelligent, exhilarating and intriguing stories rich in storycraft. Griffiths continues to craft beautifully woven mystery-thrillers and I am pleased the series is still going strong. ...more

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Feb 12, 2021 Susie Gunning rated it it was amazing

Really enjoyed catching up with Ruth and Nelson again. Good murder mystery with lots of myths woven into the story. Can’t wait for the next one already.

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Feb 17, 2021 Kate rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favourites-read-in-2021, out-in-2021-and-read

I adore this series and I adore Ruth Galloway. I also love the setting on the Norfolk coast. There is such a wonderful atmosphere, despite the murders and nasty goings on. Everything is fabulously mysterious. The Night Hawks is every bit as good as the others in the series. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.

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Feb 05, 2021 Lizzie Hayes rated it it was amazing

Searching for buried treasure in North Norfolk a group of metal Detectorists known as The Night Hawks discover a body. Called to the site, at first DCI Nelson thinks that the dead man may be an illegal immigrant as there have been reports of migrant boats coming this way. However, the metal detectorists are excited by a find close by, and Nelson calls Ruth Galloway.

Ruth has now left her job at a Cambridge college and returned to the Fens and the University of North Norfolk, and the door of the Searching for buried treasure in North Norfolk a group of metal Detectorists known as The Night Hawks discover a body. Called to the site, at first DCI Nelson thinks that the dead man may be an illegal immigrant as there have been reports of migrant boats coming this way. However, the metal detectorists are excited by a find close by, and Nelson calls Ruth Galloway.

Ruth has now left her job at a Cambridge college and returned to the Fens and the University of North Norfolk, and the door of the coveted corner office on the archaeology corridor now bears the plaque Dr Ruth Galloway. Head of Archaeology. No longer will Ruth be subjected to Phil Trent’s control, as Phil has taken early retirement, and now Ruth has the top job. But all is not perfect, as her replacement David Brown is beginning to irritate her. When she takes the telephone call from Nelson, she finds that somehow David Brown is accompanying her in her car – uninvited. No, everything is not perfect.

After a day dodging his Superintendent, who keeps raising the subject of his retirement, Nelson is called out to Black Dog Farm where shots have been heard. It’s not unusual to hear shots in rural areas but in a house is a different matter. As he drives there, he muses on how long he can avoid the retirement question. He’s done 33 years of service, but is determined not to go without a fight, although he is aware that while he remains in situ he is blocking the promotion of DI Judy Johnson. Entering the house, they find the bodies of a man and a woman. Possibly a murder -suicide says Judy.

When Ruth receives permission to evacuate the site uncovered by the metal detectorists, Judy says Cathbad will be interested in joining them. Cathbad - Kate’s druid Godfather is now married to Judy. Interestingly Cathbad, who in the early books I was rather suspect about, is now a marvellous character in this series. Indeed, he has proved to be a good friend to Ruth, and indeed to Nelson.

Black Dog Farm proves to be a creepy place, which according to local legend is a place where a Black Shuck, a spectral hound appears to people before they die. Nelson is sceptical of legends local or otherwise. But the news the next morning that a young PC has unexpectedly dies takes them all by surprise.

Apart from providing a fascinating mystery, the writer incorporates that wonderful, Jane Austen subtle tongue-in-cheek humour, in several places. My favourite in this book was Ruth driving home with daughter Kate and feeling safe and happy as she listens to Radio 4 and Farming Today, despite the face that she knows nothing about agriculture beyond what she gleans from The Archers (mostly silage, modern slavery and surrogate parenting). But is there danger waiting for Ruth at Black Dog Farm?

There are several strands to this story which the writer skilfully draws together providing yet another compelling and intriguing mystery. Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
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Dec 13, 2020 Gary rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This is the 13th book in the Ruth Galloway series by author Elly Griffiths and was is an excellent addition.All the usual characters are here and they do get better with every read. Interesting plot and plenty going on to make this another entertaining read.

The Night Hawks are a group of metal detectorists and they are searching for buried treasure in North Norfolk. While searching the nearby beaches they find a dead body who the police initially think may be an asylum seeker. DCI Nelson is lead ...more

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Dec 28, 2020 4cats rated it really liked it

Night Hawks is the 13th in the Ruth Galloway series and. as always there are all of the regular characters appearing to back her up. Part of the joy of the Ruth Galloway is to engage with Ruth and the team of regulars who populate the novel. The Night Hawks are a group of metal detectorists who discover a body on a beach, Nelson calls her in as the body is next to a Bronze Age hoarde. Without saying too much the plot develops and Ruth finds herself involved in a far more dangerous situation.

Thes ...more

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Feb 08, 2021 Kathy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorite-covers, highly-recommend, england, mystery, series, crime-thriller, favorites, archaeology, e-books, favorite-authors

Review to follow

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Jan 23, 2021 Vikki rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle, crime, netgalley

Thanks to NetGalley & Quercus for an advance copy of this book to review.

I've been a fan of Elly Griffith's Dr Ruth Galloway series for a few years and this book didn't disappoint. This is the 13th book in the series. It was nice to be back in the familiar Norfolk setting.

The Night Hawks (a group of metal detectorists) discover a body, then one member alerts the police to what appears to be a murder suicide. But all isn't quite what it seems at first glance. I enjoyed trying to work out the link ...more

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Dec 10, 2020 David Gilchrist rated it it was amazing

Thanks to Quercus for an early review copy of this book. My review of “The Night Hawks” by. Elly Griffiths…5*+

For me the best Ruth Galloway book to date. Full of Mystery , hooked me from the prologue. The story is intertwined with local folklore, Black Shuck , mermaids and Norfolk sea serpents too. With a full cast of character, with Nelson to the fore and in the thick of it, Ruth . Michelle and of course Cathbad plays his part. We have Judy and Clough too..Some new characters make an appearance ...more

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Dec 20, 2020 Graham rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the way the personal lives played out in the story - I have always wanted to read the next one to find out what happens in the Nelson/Ruth saga. And the Night Hawk story was a good read - better than some in the series. And the ending was unexpected. One of the better ones in the series - highly recommended. Thank you for the Advanced Copy

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Aug 12, 2020 Martina marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: next-reads, overdrive, mystery-crime, ebook, international, favorite-series

Ruth Galloway #13 from Elly Griffiths!!! Griffiths says the pub date will be February 2 or 4 or 6, 2021. I love the Ruth books.... Iron Age treasure trove and all the usual suspects!

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Jan 28, 2021 Kitty McIntosh rated it it was amazing

Shelves: british-culture, mystery

‘The Night Hawks’ by Elly Griffiths is the 13th story in a mystery series set in Norfolk, featuring forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway. It’s the first I’ve read and I loved it so much, I’m going to go back to the start and read them all. I had no problem jumping in at this point though, as the author made so much of the backstory clear, with little pieces of information here and there.

Ruth is Head of Archaeology at the University and dealing with her new responsibilities and her life as a ...more

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Dec 27, 2020 4cats rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Night Hawks is the 13th in the Ruth Galloway series and. as always there are all of the regular characters appearing to back her up. Part of the joy of the Ruth Galloway is to engage with Ruth and the team of regulars who populate the novel. The Night Hawks are a group of metal detectorists who discover a body on a beach, Nelson calls her in as the body is next to a Bronze Age hoarde. Without saying too much the plot develops and Ruth finds herself involved in a far more dangerous situation.

Thes ...more

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Feb 19, 2021 Päivi Metsäniemi rated it really liked it

Ruth Galloway -books are my guilty pleasure and I don't review it as I would any other literature. I just want to find out how Ruth and Nelson are doing. I cannot tell anything else without spoiling, so You just need to find out for yourself :D ...more

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Dec 21, 2020 Chris rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have read, and I believe written reviews, on all of the novels in the Ruth Galoway series and I always start my review by cautioning the reader that these mysteries, which I suppose could be read as stand-alone novels, really work best when the entire series is read in order. There is just too much looking backward and reading them out of order would create a multitude of spoilers. Ad I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have read, and I believe written reviews, on all of the novels in the Ruth Galoway series and I always start my review by cautioning the reader that these mysteries, which I suppose could be read as stand-alone novels, really work best when the entire series is read in order. There is just too much looking backward and reading them out of order would create a multitude of spoilers. Additionally, while they are separate mysteries, these novels are really mostly about Ruth, Cathbad, Nelson, and the other main characters, all of whom have slowly developed into three dimensional creations over the previous dozen installments. They have a lot of history together and regular readers of the series await the new installment just as much for the chance to catch up with old friends as for the current mystery. I would watch long running soap operas with my mother and she would point to a character and say “I remember when they were a child on this show.” Similarly, I get the feeling that I have watched Ruth’s daughter Kate (aka Katie aka Hecate) grow up like she was an actual person.

I don’t mean to downplay the actual mystery. Ruth #13 is a real action packed novel. More murders, more action, and a darker story line than usual but still within the comfort zone of those who enjoy this series. Ruth is as witty and charming as ever and just as prone to self-inflicted mishaps. I wish someone would break the 4th wall, just once, and ask her—“Ruth….seriously? Doesn’t this situation remind you of the even dozen other times you have rushed headlong into an obviously dangerous situation?” Oh well, we forgive her because she is one of the most entertaining protagonists in any current mystery series and she never disappoints.

If you have read the other novels, you need to get this one. The thriller aspect is ramped up a bit like in The Killing Fall and there is a delicious creepiness about the Black Dog House. Also, without giving anything away, there is a bit of a set up here that will make you hope that Elly Griffiths is already hard at work on #14 so you can see what happens next.

4 stars. Necessary reading for any Ruth Galloway fan.

Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for an advance copy of this novel. And thank you to Elly Griffiths for a really great series. ...more

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Jan 02, 2021 Anne - Books of My Heart rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2021, 7arcs, coyer

Review June 29

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Jan 15, 2021 Elaine Tomasso rated it it was amazing

I would like to thank Netgalley and Quercus Books for an advance copy of The Night Hawks, the thirteenth novel to feature forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway, set in Norfolk.

A group of metal dectorists, known as the Night Hawks, discover a body on a local beach. DCI Harry Nelson initially thinks he may be an illegal immigrant but soon discovers he is a local man. There is no obvious cause of death but a second similar death makes him think murder, although he doesn’t have much time to mull i I would like to thank Netgalley and Quercus Books for an advance copy of The Night Hawks, the thirteenth novel to feature forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway, set in Norfolk.

A group of metal dectorists, known as the Night Hawks, discover a body on a local beach. DCI Harry Nelson initially thinks he may be an illegal immigrant but soon discovers he is a local man. There is no obvious cause of death but a second similar death makes him think murder, although he doesn’t have much time to mull it over as he is called out to an apparent murder/suicide at a remote farm. Ruth is more interested in the Bronze Age burial site the detectorists uncover before the body, but still finds time to uncover a buried dog at the farmhouse where the suicide note hinted at a buried body.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Night Hawks which has a good mystery and more on the ongoing saga of Ruth and Nelson’s relationship. I don’t know if it is familiarity with the characters after so many novels or the author’s writing style but I always feel wrapped in warmth when I read this series, like a cosy comfort blanket.

I must admit that the murder investigation is not the main appeal of the series for me. I like the ramifications and developments in the will they, won’t they relationship between Ruth and Nelson and the fall out on their friends and family. The whole thing is keenly observed and very natural - I could see myself reacting in the same way as many of the characters. There are more developments in this novel and it ends in another cliffhanger with Nelson, once again, reassessing his life choices. I get it that this is the way of the world, one man choosing between two women, but it would be nice if, at least once, the choice wasn’t his to make.

I didn’t find this plot and the perpetrator as easy to guess as some of the novels. There is a lot going on and plenty of people to suspect, chiefly because there is no immediate, clear cut motive and the steps to uncover it aren’t taken as a priority. As an avid fan of police procedurals I found this mildly annoying. Nevertheless the story held my attention from start to finish and was itching to get back to it whenever I had to put it down.

The Night Hawks is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending. ...more

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Dec 14, 2020 Jessica Gilmore rated it it was amazing

I wasn’t always such a fan of Elly Griffiths Ruth Galloway books. They’re written in present tense, which I often find irritating to read, and I didn’t warm to Ruth herself at first. However, the combination of tense, twisty thriller with sometimes soap opera-ish (and I mean that in the very best way) development of regular characters and their lives kept me coming back for more. Also and just as importantly, I adore the setting. Over the last few years we’ve started to holiday on the North Norf I wasn’t always such a fan of Elly Griffiths Ruth Galloway books. They’re written in present tense, which I often find irritating to read, and I didn’t warm to Ruth herself at first. However, the combination of tense, twisty thriller with sometimes soap opera-ish (and I mean that in the very best way) development of regular characters and their lives kept me coming back for more. Also and just as importantly, I adore the setting. Over the last few years we’ve started to holiday on the North Norfolk coast where these books are set, drawn to the big skies and otherworldly landscapes. This setting is often used to great effect in these books and sometimes find myself choosing to visit places because I’ve read about them in the series.
Usually I save these books for when I’m on holiday, reading them within landscape adds an extra layer to the story. But I’m up to date with them, having glommed at least four on my last trip to Norfolk and couldn’t resist when I saw the Night Hawks on Net Galley. After a brief session in Cambridge, Ruth has returned to her beloved cottage on the marshes-and left the easy-going American academic behind. Her relationship with Nelson, her daughter’s father, is as complicated as ever and addition she is now head of Department, to her horror finding herself sympathising with her old boss as she juggles paperwork and bureaucracy and has to deal with a new and irritating member of staff. So it’s a relief when the body is unearthed at Blakeney Beach and she is called in to do what she does best, date the bones. But the body was discovered by a group of treasure hunters, the Night Hawks of the title, and they discover another body that night, one of much more recent vintage. When one of the Night Hawks is witness to a second murder, Nelson and Ruth find themselves working together once more to uncover their secrets and discover what really is buried at Black Dog farm.
The Night Hawks is both a page turning crime novel and another satisfying saga in the lives of the Norfolk murder squad and Ruth and Nelson. Enjoyable, chilling and very readable, I just hope the next one is out by the time I return to the endless skies.
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