The Crossing Place

Ruth Galloway, a forensic archaeologist in Norfolk, England, assists Detective Chief Inspector Harry Nelson in investigating the disappearance of a young girl. The case bears similarities to an unsolved missing persons case from a decade earlier, leading the team to reexamine old evidence. The investigation centers on the Saltmarsh, a remote coastal area where ancient peoples once made ritual sacrifices. Ruth's expertise in prehistoric burial practices becomes crucial as she helps police understand the significance of new findings that connect both cases. The seaside setting plays a central role in the narrative, with its tides, marshlands, and archaeological sites creating an atmosphere of buried secrets. Ruth must navigate professional challenges and personal complications while racing to prevent another tragedy. This mystery explores themes of ritual, sacrifice, and how past practices echo into the present day. The intersection of modern crime-solving with ancient beliefs raises questions about human nature and what truly changes over time.

Readers praise the atmospheric Norfolk coast setting and the authentic archaeology details. Many note Ruth Galloway's character feels relatable as an academic who doesn't fit conventional heroine molds. The blend of folklore, mythology and modern police work appeals to mystery fans seeking something beyond standard procedurals. Common criticisms mention the present-tense writing style feels jarring and the pacing drags in the middle sections. Some readers find Ruth's insecurities and internal monologues repetitive. A portion of reviews note the ending feels rushed after the slower build-up. Average Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (47,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (3,800+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.0/5 (2,400+ ratings) "Perfect mix of archaeology, mythology and murder mystery" - Goodreads reviewer "The present tense narration took some getting used to" - Amazon reviewer "Character development outweighs actual mystery plot" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🦴 Author Elly Griffiths was inspired to write her Ruth Galloway series after her husband changed careers to become an archaeologist, and she learned about the fascinating mix of science and mythology in the field. 🌊 The saltmarshes of Norfolk, where the book is set, are constantly shifting landscapes that have claimed numerous lives throughout history, making them both beautiful and treacherous. 📚 Griffiths' real name is Domenica de Rosa, and she chose her pen name "Elly Griffiths" specifically for her crime fiction works, while continuing to write other genres under her birth name. ⚔️ The book incorporates elements of ancient Norse mythology and the legend of Woden's army, reflecting the deep Viking history of Norfolk's coastline. 🔍 The protagonist Ruth Galloway's expertise as a forensic archaeologist is based on real scientific techniques used to determine time and cause of death from skeletal remains.