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The Chalk Pit

The Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries 9

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The Chalk Pit

By: Elly Griffiths
Narrated by: Jane McDowell
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'My favourite current crime series . . . a pleasure from start to finish' Val McDermid

Boiled human bones have been found in Norwich's web of underground tunnels. When forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway discovers the bones aren't as old as originally thought, it's time for DCI Nelson to launch a murder inquiry. What was initially just a medieval curiosity has taken a much more sinister nature...

Meanwhile, DS Judy Johnson is investigating the disappearance of a local rough sleeper. The only trace of her is the rumour that she's gone 'underground'. This might be a figure of speech, but with the discovery of the bones and the stories both Ruth and the police have heard of a vast community of rough sleepers living in the old chalk-mining tunnels under Norwich, the clues point in only one direction. Local academic Martin Kellerman knows all about the tunnels and their history - but can his assertions of cannibalism and ritual killing possibly be true?

As the weather gets hotter, tensions rise. A local woman goes missing and the police are under attack. Ruth and Nelson must unravel the dark secrets of The Underground and discover just what gruesome secrets lurk at its heart - before it claims another victim.

(P)2017 Quercus Editions Limited©2017 Elly Griffiths Amateur Sleuths Cosy Detective Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Fiction Exciting Heartfelt
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Critic reviews

The Chalk Pit is the most intriguing case written by the prolific Elly Griffiths to date. A five-star thriller
Griffiths has become a dab hand at plotting and cranking up the tension. The murders, and the muddled humanity of the characters, keep us turning the pages
Crime that doesn't sacrifice good writing and clever characterisation for the sake of the plot
Elly Griffiths writes ever-more ingenious detective stories with a powerful sense of place and a varied cast of sympathetic and unusual characters. Her heroine is a winner
Griffiths weaves superstition and myth into her crime novels, skilfully treading a line between credulity and modern methods of detection
Ruth Galloway is one of the most engaging characters in modern crime fiction (Kate Mosse)
Griffiths has mastered the art of combining bizarre plots with contemporary relationship issues beautifully
A spooky and gripping read
Proof that thrillers can increase the pulse rate while tackling more serious issues
The Chalk Pit is the most intriguing case written by the prolific Elly Griffiths to date. A five-star thriller
Griffiths' great strength lies in her creation of a cast of returning characters that readers can and do care about
Excellent writing, excellent plotting, some utterly riveting detail and always a banging good story
Griffiths is a top drawer crime novelist, and Ruth Galloway is the most believable and likeable protagonist in modern crime fiction
Griffiths has become a dab hand at plotting and cranking up the tension. The murders, and the muddled humanity of the characters, keep us turning the pages
Crime that doesn't sacrifice good writing and clever characterisation for the sake of the plot (Sarra Manning)
Elly Griffiths writes ever-more ingenious detective stories with a powerful sense of place and a varied cast of sympathetic and unusual characters. Her heroine is a winner
Griffiths weaves superstition and myth into her crime novels, skilfully treading a line between credulity and modern methods of detection
All stars
Most relevant
I was much looking forward to a new Ruth Galloway tale and this one didn't disappointment. The tale was a tiny bit far fetched and the ending straggled on a bit but but this was still a highly enjoyable listen. Brought to life as always remarkably well by Jane McDowell our favourite characters are all there with Judy playing a significant role in this investigation. I do hope that Elly Griffiths continues with this series and the endlessly intriguing relationship between Ruth and Nelson. I am fascinated that the author can have created such a splendid series as this and missed the mark so soundly with the Stephens and Mephisto books which I have found terribly disappointing.

One of my favourite series

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I do hope this isn't the last of the Ruth Galloway books. Really enjoyed the whole story.

Of the narration: some of the phrasing jars occasionally but still enjoyable.

Best of the nine

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im sorry but this readers breathing is really putting me off these books an i love the storys

brilliant story but cant stand the reader

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love it ! can't wait for the next book.....PLEASE say there will be another book.

Excellent

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yet another gripping book by this amazing author, a perfect match with the narrator creates a blend of talents not to be missed

brilliant!

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