Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Night Hawks by Elly Griffiths Series: Ruth Galloway #13
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on June 29, 2021
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 352
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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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.
I’ve enjoyed the mysteries and the development of many characters in this Ruth Galloway series. I like the main character Ruth. She’s smart and interesting; she’s done really well with Kate even though she has little support from family, friends or Nelson. I would read the series in order to understand many different characters. Cathbad has turned out to be a real friend. Interestingly, she and Cathbad have taken similar approaches when they fell in love.
Nelson is a reasonably good man. He works very hard. But I am not very happy with him. He wants everything his way. I was fascinated by the opinions of Nelson’s mother, Maureen. They were unexpected,
I’m pleased to see Ruth is now the head of the department at UNN. She deserves to progress in her career. In earlier books, Ruth was always feeling like she was too heavy and it was great not to hear those inner put-downs this time. She still has men interested in her, and has had two marriage proposals since Kate was born. I appreciate Ruth making her own decisions for herself and Kate. I can’t help feeling it won’t be long before Kate asks one or both of her parents some tough questions.
The case this time was sad as they all are. It was also dangerous for Ruth which happens too often. Her new lecturer, David, was as annoying to me as to Ruth. He stuck his nose into everything. I’m not sure I will like him but it would be nice if his daughter and Kate are friendly.
I enjoy the setting, the archeological aspects, the murder cases, and the development of the characters. It was interesting to see Ruth and Michelle become closer. I wonder how things will continue to progress.
About Elly Griffiths
Elly Griffiths was born in London in 1963. Her first crime novel The Crossing Places is set on the Norfolk coast where she spent holidays as a child and where her aunt still lives. Her interest in archaeology comes from her husband, Andrew, who gave up his city job to retrain as an archaeologist. She lives in Brighton, on the south coast of England, with her husband and two children.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Winter
I know another blogger who loves the series. It seems like the romance aspect is a little up and down, though. I keep going back and forth about trying it out.
Yes I would not call it a romance series. It is more life fiction with mysteries. I like it.
That’s so great that you’re still enjoying this series so many books in. Sounds like it has a really nice balance between the mystery and the life of the protagonist.
Yes there is a good balance with well developed characters. It makes it more realistic and sometimes more frustrating. lol Because some people are petty or stupid or vain but that is authentic.
One of these days I’ll begin this series, especially since I’ve collected most of the books. Excellent review, Anne?
Thank you Jonetta. I did a binge read to catch up to here and it is twisty, fascinating, crazy and I hope you enjoy it too.