The Lantern Men - (Ruth Galloway Mysteries) by Elly Griffiths

About the Book

"Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway changed her life--until a convicted killer tells her that four of his victims were never found, drawing her back to the place she left behind"--

Book Synopsis

Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway changed her life--until a convicted killer tells her that four of his victims were never found, drawing her back to the place she left behind.

Everything has changed for Ruth Galloway. She has a new job, home, and partner, and she is no longer north Norfolk police's resident forensic archaeologist. That is, until convicted murderer Ivor March offers to make DCI Nelson a deal. Nelson was always sure that March killed more women than he was charged with. Now March confirms this and offers to show Nelson where the other bodies are buried--but only if Ruth will do the digging.

Curious, but wary, Ruth agrees. March tells Ruth that he killed four more women and that their bodies are buried near a village bordering the fens, said to be haunted by the Lantern Men, mysterious figures holding lights that lure travelers to their deaths.

Is Ivor March himself a lantern man, luring Ruth back to Norfolk? What is his plan, and why is she so crucial to it? And are the killings really over?

Review Quotes

Longlisted for the Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year "...takes the reader's breath away.... Once again expertly incorporating myth and folklore into the story--this time, it's the menacing Lantern Men, said to haunt the local fens and who may be responsible for the killings--Griffiths has delivered a perfect Halloween read."--Booklist, STARRED PRAISE FOR ELLY GRIFFITHS AND THE RUTH GALLOWAY SERIES Winner of the Mary Higgins Clark Award Winner of the CWA Dagger in the Library Award "Galloway is an everywoman, smart, successful and a little bit unsure of herself. Readers will look forward to learning more about her." --USA Today "Elly Griffiths draws us all the way back to prehistoric times...Highly atmospheric." --The New York Times Book Review "Forensic archeologist and academic Ruth Galloway is a captivating amateur sleuth-an inspired creation. I identified with her insecurities and struggles, and cheered her on. " --Louise Penny, author of the bestselling Armand Gamache series "These books are must-reads." --Deborah Crombie, author of the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series "[Ruth Galloway's] an uncommon, down-to-earth heroine whose acute insight, wry humor, and depth of feeling make her a thoroughly engaging companion." --Erin Hart, Agatha and Anthony Award nominated author of Haunted Ground and Lake of Sorrows "Ruth Galloway is a remarkable, delightful character...A must-read for fans of crime and mystery fiction." --Associated Press "Rich in atmosphere and history and blessed by [Griffith's] continuing development of brilliant, feisty, independent Ruth...A Room Full of Bones, like its predecessors, works its magic on the reader's imagination." --Richmond Times-Dispatch "Lovers of well-written and intelligent traditional mysteries will welcome [Griffith's] fourth book...A Room Full of Bones is a clever blend of history and mystery with more than enough forensic details to attract the more attentive reader." --Denver Post --

About the Author

ELLY GRIFFITHS is the author of the Ruth Galloway and Magic Men mystery series and the standalone novel The Stranger Diaries. She is the recipient of the Edgar Award, the Mary Higgins Clark Award, and the CWA Dagger in the Library Award.