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  • The Chalk Pit

  • The Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteies, Book 9
  • By: Elly Griffiths
  • Narrated by: Jane McDowell
  • Length: 9 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,833 ratings)
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The Chalk Pit cover art

The Chalk Pit

By: Elly Griffiths
Narrated by: Jane McDowell
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Summary

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.

©2017 Elly Griffiths (P)2017 Quercus Editions Limited

Critic reviews

"My favourite current crime series... a pleasure from start to finish." (Val McDermid)

What listeners say about The Chalk Pit

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Best yet

I enjoy the 'cosy crime' feel of the Ruth Galloway books - cosy crime with an interesting archeological theme and some good long-running characters. This one stood out for me with its compassionate view on homelessness - and an interesting 'twist' on that theme also towards the end in which one of the more downtrodden characters turns up very strong.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great to hear better production values

What made the experience of listening to The Chalk Pit the most enjoyable?

Good story - very well performed. Loving the improved production values - distance for telephone conversations, intro music, etc.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Many of the homeless people were very well written. I loved their stories and the fact that the author is helping us to see them as 'real' people.

Which character – as performed by Jane McDowell – was your favourite?

I'm so pleased to have Elly Griffiths books performed by Jane McDowell. Her ability to carry accents and male voices make this a much more enjoyable book to listen to.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant as ever

This latest part of the DI Nelson series is as compelling as all of the others. Set in Norfolk it offers a snapshot of the county alongside a fantastic plot complete with the drama of daily life and relationships of the characters who feel like old friends.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

the Ruth and Harry story continues

another great story from Elly developing thr characters nicely with a couple of surprises/ shocks .

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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  • 01-03-17

Excellent

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

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

I listened to this in 2 days.,carrying around in my pocket as I moved around the house. I totally loved it. It was very well read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant series

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, intelligent well written, always a good twist, and characters I really like and can relate too . Uses interesting settings and love the archeology focus.

Have you listened to any of Jane McDowell’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Has great tone of voice, and another excellent performance.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed out loud once a twice and shed a few tears

Any additional comments?

Have read the complete series and can't wait for number 10

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of my favourite series

Brilliant as always a different perspective on the rough sleepers
But oh when will they get together?

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love this...

.. but I've marked down the performance because the new style phone calls really jar. I don't suppose that was Jane McDowell's idea though & won't put me off next one!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

another great story

A riveting story which was superbly narrated. Ellie Griffiths is a superb story teller and plot creator.

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