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

[Cynthia]

Aah it says 'spoiler' and you see 'teaser'.

I've finished and (view spoiler)[ it wasn't Granny. I would never have guessed it was Craig, but I did think the key was the gardener's shed. It would help if I had known Craig was the gardener. Was that mentioned early on and I missed it? (hide spoiler)]

All in all a good mystery but it wasn't 4+, more like 3+ so I'll give it 3 stars.

[Laura]

prologue
(view spoiler)[
wow. Michelle obviously doesn't know the baby is Nelson's. I am guessing Nelson knows it is his. ( as he tells the vacationers that he has 3 daughters and Michelle corrects him and says 2.)
(hide spoiler)]

chapter 2
(view spoiler)[
I think Griffith does an excellent job of portraying Ruth's feelings about going back to work. That is exactly how I felt.. Guilty, relieved, excited. (hide spoiler)]

[Rebecca]

About Ruths baby - (view spoiler)[ I wonder if Michelle is going to find out this book that the baby is Nelson's. He's going to want to see her and help out and I wonder if Michelle is going to catch on. I'm curious to see how that goes. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

RebeccaS wrote: "About Ruths baby - [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[
me too Rebecca! Very interested to see where Griffith is going with this (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

chapter 10
(view spoiler)[
Clough is always eating!
(hide spoiler)]

[Rebecca]

I can't decide what to think about Clough. (view spoiler)[ He seems like a nice guy, but sometimes his attitude annoys me. Hopefully he will grow up a little bit. (hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

I don't really think of him much. He's not a full character, like Shona or Judy, or Cathbad. To me he's just a character that's there to say lines that wouldn't sound right coming from someone else.

There's always the chance he'll have a more prominent role in upcoming books, though.

[Laura]

I agree, he is a minor character, annoying at times like Rebecca said but he does make me laugh. Shona is the character I do not like.

[Cynthia]

Shona is so unlike Ruth. I'm surprised they're so close. I've often wondered if it's just proximity, and the lack of other options. Shona's already there. I don't think Shona and I would have survived the Erik business.

[Laura]

Cynthia wrote: "Shona is so unlike Ruth. I'm surprised they're so close. I've often wondered if it's just proximity, and the lack of other options. Shona's already there. I don't think Shona and I would have survi..."

I agree Cynthia, Shona and I definitely would not have survived the Erik business.

[Laura]

Finished
(view spoiler)[
I guess I knew it was coming that Nelson and Ruth would sleep together again.

I did not see Craig as the killer.
Griffith's endings are always a little suspenseful with Ruth nearly dying. I like that Nelson went to try and save her yet this time he doesn't.

Was Cathabad really there?

Finally Michelle may have some suspicious about her husband and Ruth. That certainly took a long time.

Looking forward to the next book!
(hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

@ Laura - Yes! Finally! (view spoiler)[ I was beginning to think Michelle was all looks and no brains. I'm sure Nelson has changed in many subtle ways, and maybe it's just an accumulation of those that finally opened her eyes. I swear I want to get onto the next book just to see what happens with this triangle. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Cynthia wrote: "@ Laura - Yes! Finally! [spoilers removed]"

Me too Cynthia, I will pick my copy up Monday after work:)

[Cynthia]

I probably won't get to start Monday. I have 7 other buddy reads, and 2 leftover from this week to finish.

I also just realized that I'm 1/4 on the hold list for and I still haven't read !! How did I let that happen??!?!

[Laura]

I can wait ( hopefully) I have other buddy reads to read also:)

[Rebecca]

Though Chapter 15

I like how (view spoiler)[ we are getting more of Ruth's personal life mixed in with the mystery at hand. I loved the naming ceremony and am surprised that Nelson was able to go with his wife and not give himself away. It is shocking that Cathbad is the only one who know about Ruth and Nelson, especially since Kate looks like him. I also think its sweet that Ruth gave Kate her middle name to honor a child that meant so much to Nelson in the past, even though he didn't seem to feel the same way.

I am a little confused about the mystery part. We know (or think we do) that these German soldiers were killed and probably by the Home Guard. Is there really more to it other than the fact that they were invading German soldiers? I suspect yes, but I have no ideas.

I am confused about Ruth's "friend" staying with her. There's definitely something strange going on there. I can't imagine how awkward it must be for Ruth to have her staying with her. (hide spoiler)]

[Rosina]

RebeccaS wrote: "Though Chapter 15

I like how we are getting more of Ruth's personal life mixed in with the mystery at hand. I loved the naming ceremony and am surprised that Nelson was able to go with his wife ..."

I am just getting ready to start chapter 16 as well. I agree with what you said about the naming ceremony. I really quite enjoyed that.

[Rebecca]

OKay last night I read through Chapter 24 and eventually made myself stop so I could go to sleep.

(view spoiler)[ Poor Ruth and Nelson! Poor Kate!! I hope they don't continue using Kate in danger as a way to add drama to the books because it reallllly stresses me out. Also, Ruth and Nelson are obviously not completely over their fling and if everytime Kate is in danger they sleep together... they're in for a long fling. I hope maybe they figure out what to do with their relationship soon.

Also, I'm not sure what to think about Clara. I think she did kill Deiter, but not the older gentlemen making this a red-herring. However, I have no good theories as to who killed them unless there is an unknown third person. Or it could be Irene, but I don't know how she'd get to them without anyone noticing. (hide spoiler)]

[Rebecca]

Finished!! Now I can go through everyone's spoilers.

Here are my thoughts on the ending
(view spoiler)[ There were so many suspects in this one that I had no idea Craig was the killer. None at all and barely recognized him as a main character in this one. I love the way everything slowly came together until it all made sense.

Again Ruth's life is in danger and is saved. It seems that will be a theme in all the books.

I am disappointed that Judy did get married. I really liked the idea of her and Cathbad together!!

Also, it seems like Michelle will finally figure out that Nelson is Kate's father. I really had hoped that Nelson would tell her first, but hopefully something comes together in the next one. (hide spoiler)]

[Rosina]

Awesome Rebecca I plan on finishing tonite...I am at Chapter 23....

just love the writing and the story....cant wait to start #4

[Rebecca]

I have 2 short books to read before I can get to the next one. I just feel so attached to these characters now and I'm so invested, it's hard for me to read other things!

[Laura]

A Room Full of Bones

only a chapter and a bit in... can't wait to read more and see where it all goes.
(view spoiler)[
Nelson seems a little frustrated that Ruth is on scene when the body is found (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

chapter 2
(view spoiler)[
Michelle finally laid down the law and forbid Nelson to see the baby and Ruth!!
(hide spoiler)]

chapter 3
(view spoiler)[
As much as I didn't like the affair that Nelson had with Ruth I don't like that he bailed on her and Kate. I get that he is trying to save his marriage. Now I am really interested to see what happens with the Ruth/Nelson relationship!
(hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

chapter 9
(view spoiler)[
I'm hoping Cathabad isn't involved in this somehow

(hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

chapter 13
(view spoiler)[ another dead body

Not quite sure who is the murderer but my suspicions right now are leaning toward Randolph (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

chapter 21
(view spoiler)[
Ruth just slept with Max, I think she is lonely
(hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

chapter 28

Rebecca and Cynthia I can't wait until you are ready to read it!
(view spoiler)[
The last half of the book is definitely fast paced. I love that Griffiths has changed it up and instead of Ruth being in trouble its Clough and Judy. (hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

Let me get a ways into Broken Harbour and I'll catch up.

[Laura]

Cynthia wrote: "Let me get a ways into Broken Harbour and I'll catch up."

Sounds good and I'll start Broken Harbour tonight or tomorrow!

[Laura]

Finished
(view spoiler)[
I was completely wrong about Randolph! He in fact saved Clough and Judy and then called into the police about the snake that his mom and her group sent to Cathabad. I liked that he is starting to pull his life together at the end of the book and take on some responsibility.

I wonder what is going to happen with Ruth and Max and their new relationship. I think Nelson is jealous. I am happy that he is going to play a bigger role in Kate's life. (hide spoiler)]

I have the next 2 books on hold at the library but may not get them because of the holidays.

[Sheila]

Is anyone up to: The Outcast Dead ? I would like to do a buddy read of that one if anyone is to that point.

[Steven]

I need to get started on book three!!!

[Laura]

Sheila wrote: "Is anyone up to: The Outcast Dead ? I would like to do a buddy read of that one if anyone is to that point."

I have one more Shelia before I get there! Getting closer.

[Sheila]

Great Laura.

[Rebecca]

I need to start book 3, but I have loaded my plate pretty full for January. I am really going to try to read it in the next month.

[Steven]

RebeccaS wrote: "I need to start book 3, but I have loaded my plate pretty full for January. I am really going to try to read it in the next month."

Good, I'll have someone to discuss it with!!!

[Laura]

I can always come back and discuss it with you both Steven and Rebecca!

[Steven]

Laura wrote: "I can always come back and discuss it with you both Steven and Rebecca!"

Excellent! :D

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Just started The Janus Stone (only 2 chapters in) and there have already been at least 3 references to Ruth's weight and I'm not sure I'm going to be able to cope if this continues. I kind of had enough in the first book.
(view spoiler)[And I think it is complete B.S that Harry would be able to guess she is 3 months pregnant, especially if she is overweight.... (hide spoiler)]

anyhow, I continue on and hope for the best! :D

[Michelle]

I'm starting Janus Stone tonight, Karen. I'll be back to chat!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Great :)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Chapter 12
The Janus Stone

I was surprised to see (view spoiler)[ Cathbad back in the story. I guess that means he will be a continuing character. I wonder if he will become more important to Ruth over time?
I'm not sure about Max and what is going to happen there. I don't like the idea of dating someone without letting them know you are pregnant. That's kind of life changing and he should know... as for telling Harry.. oh how messy is that going to get!! (hide spoiler)]

[Cynthia]

Laura wrote: "
chapter 3.."

I've made it through Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[
I'm very disappointed in Michele for forcing Nelson to choose between his child and his marriage. I can absolutely understand her not wanting him to see Ruth, but it's awful to forbid him to see Kate. I thought she was better than that. (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

RebeccaS wrote: "What does anyone think about the passage in-between passages? It could be someone from the past who burred the child in the church yard, or a present day person. I have no idea, but I'm excited to read more..."
The Janus Stone

I'm not sure about these passages. They kind of read like a child, but I'm sure that isn't the case. Interesting how the author has decided to use that same style again.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

The Janus Stone
Rosina wrote: "Funny bit was when Ruth (view spoiler)[[ went for her first ultrasound and she saw in the records that she was considered elderly. She's not yet forty and is considered elderly, I guess in terms of child bearing that's elderly" (hide spoiler)]

I had my child at 36, and in hospital and for all the tests I was recorded as a "geriatric mother". apparently that is the term they use for anyone over 35! I certainly didn't (and still don't) feel geriatric ;)

[Laura]

Cynthia wrote: "Laura wrote: "
chapter 3.."

I've made it through Chapter 5


(view spoiler)[
agree!
(hide spoiler)]
I think I liked the last 1/2 of the book more than the 1st half

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

The Janus Stone


Chapter 27

I still have no idea who the murderer is! Ack! I'm so bad at mysteries. (view spoiler)[ and I don't understand who is trying to scare Ruth... unless Nelson's wife Michelle actually knows what is happening and is trying to create trouble. But from what we know of her character that doesn't quite fit. I can't stop reading as I'm so intrigued as to what is going on as I have no clue! :o (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

The Janus Stone


The End

I'm not sure how I feel about this one. It was an easy read and I was pretty engaged throughout and didn't guess the murderer. (view spoiler)[ But then the whole idea of the murderer was kind of odd, wasn't it? Why kill a child as a teen, but then not again for over 60 years? I'm still not sure that works for me. And then going after Ruth? Hmmm.
I like that Ruth and Nelson are not together and he is contemplating telling his wife. I wonder if that will be in the next book? I guess I will continue with the series, but I would hope for a better plot in the next one. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Karen wrote: "The Janus Stone


The End

I'm not sure how I feel about this one. It was an easy read and I was pretty engaged throughout and didn't guess the mur..."

Hi Karen , this is the one I am still waiting for so I haven't read this or I would be discussing it with you.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

No worries. I can chat with you when you start ;)