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The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths

The Crossing Places

A Ruth Galloway Mystery

by Elly Griffiths
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  • First Published:
  • Jan 5, 2010, 320 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Sep 2010, 288 pages
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Reviews

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There are currently 19 reader reviews for The Crossing Places
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Joyce S. (Dyersburg, TN)

Hard to put down yet comfy read
I will definitely read any future books in this series. The archeological significance of this coastal England setting is key to the identity and presence of the characters involved. Fortyish Ruth, single, reclusive, college professor, is pulled into the investigation of a murder/disappearance of two little girls. Her fusty specialty in ancient bones is no proper preparation for dealing with colleagues and friends who turn out to be different than she thought and her self acknowledged lack of fitness is a serious handicap in some most unpleasant forays into an inhospitable landscape. I liked the character, the plot and the writing style.
Janalee G. (West Palm Beach, FL)

The Crossing Places
Strangely enough, I had ordered this book from the UK before it came up on the review list--a very good read! The mystery itself isn't difficult to sort out--there are a limited number of possible suspects. The beauty of the book comes from the depiction of the landscape, the archaeology, and the characters who react to both. I especially enjoyed the main character--and her changes in respect to her life and the people around her.
Anne B. (Fredonia, WI)

Chills and Thrills
I love archeology which drew me to this book in the first place. And it didn't disappoint, but then, there is the mystery, and the fact that the archeologist is the key in helping solving the mystery pulls me in even further. The discovery of bones, the sudden disappearance of a child and the discovery of a murdered pet keeps me guessing and wanting more.
Tricia L. (Auburn, WA)

Irresistible setting and premise; somewhat predictable
I really love the protagonist for this series. That alone will keep me reading the series, but I would love for the author to be braver in how she executes the high-pitched dramatic moments. I skipped some pages. But if you love British mysteries, this series looks to be promising.
Susan H. (Loudon, TN)

The Crossing places
Ruth Galloway, the main character in this mystery, is a welcome addition to a growing list of female sleuths. Ruth is a person to whom most people can relate; a bit overweight, with a wry sense of humor and with a realistic view of life. The author blends ancient archaeology nicely with contemporary events and keeps the reader interested. During the course of the story, the author provides a number of "red herrings" and the identity of the murderer was in doubt until the end. I look forward to reading more Ruth Galloway mysteries in the near future.
Randi H. (Bronx, NY)

Gripping Mystery
Crossing Places is an engaging mystery set in England. The main character, Ruth, is an archaeologist and professor. I found myself really liking Ruth as well as the setting, which was a desolate area of Norfolk. The story kept me in suspense and wondering at the outcome until the very end.

I look forward to what I hope will be many more books in this series by Elly Griffiths.
Jill M. (Petaluma, CA)

Rreview of The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths
I enjoyed reading The Crossing Places. Most of the characters I met I'm anxious to get to know better and some really bad ones won't be back! I look forward to the Ruth Galloway series. I enjoy reading the Louise Penny and Julia Spencer-Fleming series and expect Elly Griffiths' series will be as great. The ending was a real shocker and I can't wait for the next in the series to see how things develop.
Margaret R. (, GA)

The Crossing Places
This book was a very good read.I found it to be an engrossing mystery. The main characters were well drawn and so diverse - from a police detective to scholarly archeologists to new age followers. Also, the landscape of the Saltmarshes around Norfolk was so well depicted. Ruth Galloway, who is the amateur detective in this book, is one I am looking forward to reading more about in future books.
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Beyond the Book:
  The Norfolk Coast

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