Series Read: Griffiths, Elly - Ruth Galloway Series; Informal Buddy Read: Starts November 24, 2014

[Steven]

I really liked the bit at the end about Gaia the earth mother. I can't say more because I can't do spoiler tags on my phone lol

[Cynthia]

Steven wrote: "I am still only 15% into Paper Magician :P"

Paper Magician was a slog for me, especially in the middle. Don't feel bad! Glass Magician was faster, or it felt like it because it's practically a novella.

The Ruth Galloway books are so well paced, and so well written that I don't mind when the killer is easily pegged. Although I am torn because I like Nelson and Ruth, but not a big fan of the infidelity.

[Steven]

Cynthia I agree completely about Nelson and Ruth!

[Cynthia]

Is anyone reading yet? I started today, but I'll hold off a bit if I'm the only one.

[Rebecca]

I'm still waiting on the library.

[Rosina]

Cynthia wrote: "Is anyone reading yet? I started today, but I'll hold off a bit if I'm the only one."

I started and I am at chapter 3

[Cynthia]

I'm on Chapter 6, not very far on the murder investigation so I don't have an 'I think it's XYZ post' yet.

[Rosina]

Cynthia wrote: "I'm on Chapter 6, not very far on the murder investigation so I don't have an 'I think it's XYZ post' yet."

I'm home today called in sick....hope to get to it...trying to make a dent in

I find Elly Griffiths books are a fast read for me....I am really enjoying the series aside from the infidelity, will be interested to see in upcoming books how that plays out

[Cynthia]

They are, they're quick reads and very satisfying (to me at least). I like Ruth so much, and I envy her little house on the Saltmarsh, if not the cold weather. (I'm always saying that I wouldn't mind cold weather if I had the proper clothes for it, but I suspect that isn't true).

My goal for today is to make a significant dent in , which doesn't read quick as quickly for me as the Outlander series books.

[Rosina]

Cynthia wrote: "They are, they're quick reads and very satisfying (to me at least). I like Ruth so much, and I envy her little house on the Saltmarsh, if not the cold weather. (I'm always saying that I wouldn't mi..."

I still have to start The Bronze Horseman but think I will wait until I finish my time with Jamie....

As far as cold weather I have lived on the west coast and it can be brutal at times but I did love it....

[Steven]

Oh, we're starting book three already? Guess I need to get it from my library then!!! X)

[Cynthia]

We don't have to start it now, but I have a little gap to fill and I'm in the mood for Ruth.

[Steven]

Feel free to go ahead :) I need to figure out how to work it into my plan, but wouldn't want to hold anyone back! As long as we come back here and discuss it soon, you can still get points for buddy reading it for tower teams -- so I say go ahead if you have the hankering!

[Michelle]

Hi everyone! Just now starting this series.
. Should I discuss the first book here or go to the BOM thread?

[Cynthia]

You're probably more likely to get someone to talk about it with you here.

[Michelle]

The Crossing Places
I like it so far, but the present tense takes some getting used to.
Transferring my thoughts from the BOM thread. I'll spoiler everything!
Chapters 1-7 Discussion Questions:
(view spoiler)[
1. What do you think of the writing style.
I am having a hard time with the present tense. It isn't a fast read for me so far.

2. Is anyone as excited as I am to learn about some archaeology?
Yes, I love archaeology and it's the reason I bought the book.

3. There seems to be a juxtaposition in the book between science and religion. On the one hand we have Ruth's Born Again Christian parents. Then on the other hand we have atheist Ruth, who is all about carbon dating and scientific facts. And even on another hand we have some sort of ancient sacrificial ritualistic iron age religion thing going on. Any thoughts on all this?
It's definitely heavy-hitting on Ruth's beliefs vs. her parents.

4. Any ideas on what the title The Crossing Places might mean?
I thought it was a nod to the marshlands and the ancient rituals of sending the dead on to the next place.

5. What are your thoughts on the little interludes right before chapter 4 starts and right after chapter 7? Is/was it Lucy? Is it Scarlet - still alive?

I'm not sure. My thought was it was Lucy and we were getting a flashback of some kind.

6. Ruth plays the "latest Springsteen album" on her way back from her parent's home and she loves having "the musical taste of a sixteen year old boy". I had a look and the book was published in 2009, and the album prior to then was released in September 2007, Magic. Does this music suit what you know of Ruth? What kind of music do you like listening to on a long drive?

I grew up on Springsteen. It seems like an odd choice for Ruth, though. I love classic rock on a long road trip. It's the best while winding down the road.

7. Nelson and Ruth seem to be developing a mutual respect and liking for each other. Do you think they will make good friends?

They have an odd relationship. I think he's not used to people who aren't awed by his position with the CID.

8. How about Erik's reaction on the phone to Ruth when she mentioned Nelson. Is he jealous? Scared of police? (involved in the disappearances somehow?!)

I thought Erik's reaction was strange. I think he might be involved somehow, but time will tell!

9. Thoughts on David? Possible love interest?

I hope so! He seems like he might be a good fit for Ruth.

10. I liked that Ruth went to the neighbours NYE party. It reminded me a little of Yes Man ; getting yourself out of your comfort zone and the habit of saying "no". Are you like Ruth, or do you love saying yes to invitations?

I look for excuses to turn them down, just like Ruth! I laughed a lot when she said that, actually. It's so me.
(hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Chapter 9. No. Just no.
(view spoiler)[Cannot believe the cat was killed! I'm not sure if I can get through this. :(
Also, I have lots of guesses for the bad guy. David seems suspicious since he quickly knew the way out of the salt marsh. Cathbad is another suspect, so it's probably not him! And I think Erik is acting suspicious, but I have no clue how he would be guilty since he lives out of the country.
(hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Up through Chapter 28!
(view spoiler)[I suspected that David was guilty, but didn't put together that Lucy was in the bird blind! Even when Ruth went in there I didn't put it together. I thought Erik might have been guilty, but didn't suspect he had an affair with Shona and thought them writing the letters after all of these years was overly complicated.

And I have a real issue with Ruth sleeping with Nelson. I didn't think they had chemistry and infidelity sucks. But we'll see how I feel as I finish in a little bit. (hide spoiler)]
I already bought the next few books, so I hope I want to continue.

[Cynthia]

Michelle, I'm on the 3rd book, and I still haven't gotten over (view spoiler)[ Ruth and Nelson sleeping together. I don't know why, but I want both of them to be better than that. I understand the circumstances, and they're not perfect but still! I want them to be perfect! (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Cynthia, yes! (view spoiler)[ I agree. I was disappointed in both of them. I hope it was a one-time mistake to help Ruth better understand her friend Shona. Infidelity is a real sore spot for me (although I don't know anyone who likes it!) and it's a good thing I like archaeology a lot or I might not be able to continue. (hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

Do keep on. I love the series. Ruth is a real woman, not some beautiful superwoman that can take down the biggest toughest man without losing her high heels or messing up her fabulous hair. I love reading about her. Usually it's just the cozies that have real women, and I don't care for cozies.

Another series with a real woman is Stuart MacBride's Logan McRae books. The first one is . They're set in Scotland, and the main character is of course Logan, but one of his superiors is a woman I've grown to love. I'm on the 8th book now.

[Michelle]

Thanks for the series recommendation! I haven't heard of it before but I will definitely check it out.

One thing that is bugging me is (view spoiler)[ Ruth is down on herself--her weight, her clothes, comparing herself to Shona--but she seems to have no problem attracting men! I guess I think you can be overweight and still be attractive, and Ruth definitely has that attractiveness factor. Peter came running back to her even after she was the one who broke it off, and Nelson ran right to her bed. I say own it, girl! Just don't break up a marriage. Not cool. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Cynthia wrote: "Do keep on. I love the series. Ruth is a real woman, not some beautiful superwoman that can take down the biggest toughest man without losing her high heels or messing up her fabulous hair. I love ..."

I will check this recommendation out as well . Thanks!

[Laura]

Michelle wrote: "Thanks for the series recommendation! I haven't heard of it before but I will definitely check it out.

One thing that is bugging me is [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[
I think we are so bombarded by messages from society( tv, magazines, etc) that the slim, tall woman is attractive when in actual fact there are lots of beautiful people of all races, color and size.

Lots of people have said they didn't like Ruth's comments about herself, that she is down on herself but there are lots of women who speak this way. I hear lots of girlfriends who are constantly talking about their weight so this didn't bother me in the least. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Michelle wrote: "Up through Chapter 28!
I suspected that David was guilty, but didn't put together that Lucy was in the bird blind! Even when Ruth went in there I didn't put ..."

(view spoiler)[
I agree Michelle,
the letter writing was definitely overly complicated! (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Ending thoughts!
(view spoiler)[Well, I suspected David, but I thought Erik would be working with him somehow. Convenient that they both ended up dead. I did like that Lucy was saved in the end. But I still have no clue about David's motivation to kidnap anyone, or to kill Ruth's cat.

And the pregnancy?? That came out of nowhere. I hate that Ruth has met the wife and is semi-friendly with her. I hope the sex with Harry was a one time thing but I don't know where the author is going with all of this. Makes me dislike Ruth a bit, honestly. But I do have the next book and will be reading on sometime in the next few weeks. (hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

About Ruth's feelings about herself (I'll spoiler tag just in case someone hasn't read that yet) (view spoiler)[

I think Ruth has absolutely normal feelings about herself. I've been both thick and thin, currently quite a bit more than thick. When I was thin I had doubts about things other than my weight, but I still had image issues.

I was raised in a household where it was expected that I didn't come out of my room unless my was hair and makeup were done and I was dressed. And dressed meant dressed. It was so ingrained that I'm in my 40s and only recently felt comfortable going to the grocery store in sweatpants and no makeup. (My mother is horrified by this, but I think it's a step in the right direction for me). (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

About halfway through the book
(view spoiler)[
I'm glad that Ruth finally told Nelson about the baby because he deserved to know. But there was NO guilt on his part, as least not that I saw. What's up with that? Does he not care that his wife would be devastated if she knew. I also hate that he thinks of Michelle as more of a trophy wife than a true partner. I've lost all respect for Nelson.

I'm having a very difficult time connecting with this book. It's not just because of the pregnancy. There is some emotion or personality that Ruth is lacking in this book.

I think that one problem is I'm reading this at the same time as The Cold Dish and I am so in love with Walt Longmire's character. It highlights everything that I am missing in Ruth. (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

Finished
(view spoiler)[
I'm glad Max didn't turn out to be the killer. I was worried that it was starting to go that way. I like him a lot and I think he's good for Ruth.
I'm glad to see that Nelson is at least thinking of his family, even though he doesn't seem to have much guilt about his actions. (hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

Amanda, I thought (view spoiler)[ it would be Max also, and I didn't want that to be true. Even though I don't want Ruth getting involved with anyone just now. She needs to focus on herself and her situation. (hide spoiler)]

I've set aside for a bit until more of us are reading it. Plus, I like reading the mysteries without interruption, and I've got so many BRs right now.

[Steven]

I need to read book three!!! But I've got two buddy reads going on already lol

[Rebecca]

I'll probably read book 3 when I'm done my current book, so probably I'll start it in the next couple of days, if anyone else is interested.

[Rebecca]

So excited to re-unite with Ruth tomorrow morning in ! Is anyone else reading this now? or should I wait a little bit?

[Rosina]

I started Rebecca I am at Ch 7 but decided to wait until I had someone to chat with. So if you want to start go for it.

[Cynthia]

RebeccaS wrote: "So excited to re-unite with Ruth tomorrow morning in ! Is anyone else reading this now? or should I wait a little bit?"

Now! Now! I've been waiting for someone else to read it with, too. I just finished one of my other BRs and I've got a slot for it so Perfect Timing.

[Rebecca]

Ok awesome! I'll start today then.

[Rosina]

I am starting Chapter 14 and here are some of my thoughts.

(view spoiler)[ Nelson I think is wanting to be more with Ruth and Kate now. I wonder if a time will come where he leaves Michelle to be with Ruth and Kate. Although Ruth is all for independence a time may come when she wants Nelson more involved with Kate's life.

Soon Nelson and Michelle will be empty nesters. That is bound to change their relationship. I tend to think of Nelson as being in his 60's so I was surprised that Michelle is 40.

Ruth seems to be more maternal now that I thought she would be. When the babe falls asleep in her arms when she is cooking dinner for Tatijana.

There must be a reason why introducing Tatijana, not just a filler in the story. Theres something maybe she is a related to one of the men found.

The men turn out to be Germans and Ruth now knows the identity of them thanks to the visiting German. Not sure that is on the up and up yet.

Were there germans who landed on the north coast of Britain?
Here is a link I found for more info.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwar...

On to the two chaps who died? Mere coincidence because of their ages? I don't think so. Hugh died while on a stair lift mid stair. Someone must have stopped him because it didn't malfunction.

Who is Lucifer referencing? Is it the head of the home guard or is Lucifer perhaps the Germans?

Does anyone think Clough and Trace will become more permanent a couple or just a passing romance?

I was surprised that Phil left his wife and Shona kept her own place.

My favorite secondary character is Cathbad. I hope we get to see more of him in the series.
(hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

@ Rosina (view spoiler)[ I'm confused about Tatjana's role in the story also. I suppose she may have some insight about war crimes, or be Ruth's and Nelson's moral support. After all, the community won't like the idea that some of their own are being made out to be war criminals. It may ruin Whitcliffe's (Nelson's boss, whatever his name is) career.

(hide spoiler)]

[Jen]

I'm starting tonight! Can't wait to dive in!

[Rebecca]

Read through Chapter 6:

(view spoiler)[So we have 6 uncovered bodies. Ruth says their "recent", but I wonder how recent that really is. It might be interesting to have a mystery that is closer to the present, but then again the previous 2 mysteries were pretty unique and very interesting.

What does everyone think of the "MEP"? I have a feeling something strange is going on with him. Why does he live in a house that's falling into the sea? (hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

Through Chapter 19 (view spoiler)[
I can't say I'm surprised that Dieter was murdered. He was certainly stringing Clara along to gain access to her father/grandmother/house.

I think Dieter suspected someone at the MPE's house of the murder, and so do I. Sharpened scissors? Is Granny a killer? No, I think it has something to do with the gardener's shed that's locked up on the property. A gardener would have the tools to sharped scissors, and I think someone would have noticed if Granny was making weapons in the kitchen. (hide spoiler)]

Has anyone made an attempt to solve the riddle of the books? (view spoiler)[ I tried making a sentence using the first word of each title, but 'Hound' throws me a bit off. Sound's good up til that point. (hide spoiler)]

[Rebecca]

There is a riddle?? What's that about?

[Cynthia]

RebeccaS wrote: "There is a riddle?? What's that about?"
If you don't know about the list of books, then I don't want to ruin it for you. I can't remember what chapter it comes up in.

[Rebecca]

Oh my gosh brain freeze! I thought you meant the title of these different Ruth books.

Man I really need the weekend to come asap so my brain can recharge haha.

[Cynthia]

If you want to check out the list of books, they're in Chapter 16. (view spoiler)[

The Third Truth by Kurt Aust
Love Lies Bleeding by Edmund Crispin
Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie
The Fourth Assassin by Omar Yussef
One Step Behind by Henning Mankell
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sherlock Holmes (it doesn't say ACD)
Sea Change by Robert B. Parker
Lost Light by Michael Connelly

There's also a reading order given by the old man:
3,2,2,2,2,3,1,2

My decoding attempt is (view spoiler)[ Truth lies under fourth step of sea light. (hide spoiler)] I have no idea what that could mean. (hide spoiler)]

[Steven]

I'm not on this book yet, but Cynthia, is there a (view spoiler)[ lighthouse??? (hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

Steven wrote: "I'm not on this book yet, but Cynthia, is there a [spoilers removed]"
Yes, and (view spoiler)[ I shortly came to the part where Ruth decodes the message and Nelson informs me that a sea light is a light house.

I can't be held accountable! We don't do lighthouses down here. Our coast recedes too quickly for that to be practical. We have buoys. (hide spoiler)]

[Steven]

Haha, that's just the first thing I thought of when I saw how you'd worked out the riddle. :)

[Cynthia]

Aren't you a bad boy, reading spoilers! So far this isn't my favorite Ruth book. Good, but I'm not pulled into it the way I was with the first two. You know how it is with series. All the books can't be great.

[Steven]

Cynthia wrote: "Aren't you a bad boy, reading spoilers! So far this isn't my favorite Ruth book. Good, but I'm not pulled into it the way I was with the first two. You know how it is with series. All the books can..."

True. I can't help it. I see spoilers and I click them. I read spoilers for my favorite shows too X)