Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The Janus Stone, Elly Griffiths' second Ruth Galloway mystery, is a great whodunit for the most part. This was my introduction to the series, having not read her first installment The Crossing Places (Ruth Galloway), and can say I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery part of the story. My only issue is the author in trying to develop the characters in to more complex people strayed into almost turning it into a soap opera. There were a few times in the story where that got a bit annoying.
Galloway is a forensic archaeologist whose expertise is called upon when bodies turn up on digs. At these times she teams up with Detective Chief Inspector Harry Nelson to determine how old the bones are and who they belong to. For mystery fans there is a lot to like here. The author throws quite a few suspects out for our review without ever pointing the finger too strongly at one in particular. There are many twists and turns as someone tries to scare Galloway off the investigation. Finally when the culprit is revealed we are then treated to an exciting and somewhat satisfying ending. One thing I really like is the author does not just focus on Galloway and Nelson as the only two individuals smart enough to figure the mystery out. From the members of Nelson's team (Clough, July & Tanya), to Max Field (in charge of the dig), to a druid named Cathbad, all at times had revelations that led to solving the puzzle. It really makes it a fascinating and enjoyable read.
What is keeping me from rating this at five stars is, again, the soap opera feel that pops in too many times. Ruth Galloway is pregnant (revealed on page 18) and has not told the father who, of course, is married. Since she is single her parent's have all but disowned her. This theme runs in-and-out throughout the book with even the birth father's wife getting involved without realizing her husband is responsible. While this sub-plot is used as part of the exciting finale it still tends to push the story from mystery to romance at inopportune times. At times it takes away for the hard edge of the story, in my opinion.
Since I enjoyed the mystery immensely I plan to go back and read the first book and will at least look at her upcoming third installment, The House at Sea's End. Elly Griffiths. With a few minor reservation I would recommend this to those who love a good mystery.
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