The House at Sea’s End – Elly Griffiths

Okay, book three, The House at Sea’s End has finally made the Ruth Galloway series worth reading. The main characters are more multi-faceted. They seem to at least consider that their actions may have consequences, and there’s less body-shaming. The side characters also got filled out and have more depth.

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Ruth and Nelson continue their awkward dance, now with Kate as part of the mix. I don’t have any sympathy for their angst. Stick a hand into the fire, you’re going to get burned, etc etc. Neither of them are inherently bad people, but they’ve both made some bad decisions. As much as I dislike what’s going on, Ruth and Nelson’s flaws humanize them, and their introspection is very relatable.

While I didn’t guess who the murderer was, some aspects of the investigation were predictable and easy to figure out. Ruth took a few days with a word puzzle I solved as I read it, and I’m not particularly adept. The House at Sea’s End doesn’t utilize Ruth’s archeology skills throughout the novel. Still, she does provide Nelson with critical information, providing the first break in the case.

There was some foreshadowing for future books in the Ruth Galloway Series. For the first time in this series, I’m eager to see what happens next. After being infuriated with the first novel, the House at Sea’s End made me glad I stuck with the series. My fingers are crossed that the writing continues to improve!

Characters

Dr. Ruth Galloway – Archeologist and university professor at University of North Norfolk. Ruth has been seconded to the police to assist with forensic analysis on certain cases. Single mother to an infant. Ruth has a hard time relating to other people, usually preferring her own company.
Harry Nelson – Detective Chief Inspector. Surly, gruff, and generally just wants to cut to the chase. Has three daughters, and is married to Michelle.
Michelle Nelson – Harry’s wife, manager of an upscale hair salon.
Archie Whitcliffe – Member of the Home Guard, Harry’s boss’ grandfather.
Hugh Ansel – Member of the Home Guard
Buster Hastings – Captain of the Home Guard, Irene’s husband and Jack’s father
Jack Hastings – Local MEP, Jack lives in the house his grandfather built. The property has suffered massive erosion, which Jack is very upset about.
Clara Hastings – Jack’s daughter, in her early 20’s. Clara doesn’t yet know what she wants to do with herself.
Irene Hastings – Jack’s mother, quite elderly.
David Clough – Detective Sergeant
Judy Johnson – Detective Sergeant
Ted – known as “Irish Ted”, knows every pub in any vicinity. Part of the archeology team doing erosion analysis at Broughton Sea’s End.
Trace – girlfriend of David Clough. Part of the archeology team doing erosion analysis at Broughton Sea’s End.
Craig – Part of the archeology team doing erosion analysis at Broughton Sea’s End.
Steve – Part of the archeology team doing erosion analysis at Broughton Sea’s End.
Sandra – Ruth’s childminder
Cathbad – friend of Ruth, also works at the university. A practicing druid.
Phil – Head of Ruth’s department at University of North Norfolk.
Shona – Professor of English at the Unviversity of North Norholk, friend of Ruth’s.
Tatjana – old friend of Ruth’s from a university expedition.

Links

Other reviews for books in the Ruth Galloway Series:
#1 – The Crossing Places
#2 – The Janus Stone

thestorygraph
Elly Griffith’s website