The Chalk Pit

By: Elly Griffiths

Narrated by: Jane McDowell

In the ninth Ruth Galloway mystery, Ruth and Nelson investigate a string of murders and disappearances deep within the abandoned tunnels hidden far beneath the streets of Norwich.

Norwich is riddled with old chalk-mining tunnels, but no one's sure exactly how many. When Ruth is called in to investigate a set of human remains found in one of them, she notices the bones are almost translucent - a sign they were boiled soon after death. Once more she finds herself at the helm of a murder investigation.

Meanwhile, DCI Nelson is hunting for a missing homeless woman, Barbara, who he hears has gone "underground". Could she have disappeared into the labyrinth? And if so, is she connected to the body Ruth found?

As Ruth, Nelson, and the rest of their team investigate the tunnels, they hear rumors of secret societies, cannibalism, and ritual killings. When a dead body is found with a map that appears to be of The Underground, they realize their quest to find the killer has only just begun - and that there may be more bodies underfoot.

©2017 Elly Griffiths (P)2017 Quercus Editions Limited

Great story line, but....

I love the story. It is well written and keeps one guessing as to where it will take you next. The only issue I have is that the reader often swallows and smacks lips quite often to the point of irritation. Normally, that does not bother me, but it is loud, intrusive, and is done more than in other books.

Another great Ally Griffiths novel

I am addicted to Ms Griffiths storytelling. I love the characters. I can't wait to begin the next book.

They get better and better!

This series just got better and better! Awesome characters and awesome mysteries! I actually want to visit Norwich (all the way from California lol!).

Love the Ruth Downie Series!

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

I have been following the series since the beginning and I what I have found most enjoyable is learning what is happening in the lives of the characters. Elly Griffith's has a magical way of developing her characters. I want to know what is going to happen next, and just when I think everything is going to go like I want things to go, I get another surprise. Well done EG!

What other book might you compare The Chalk Pit to and why?

I would compare this book and the others in the Ruth Galloway series to the books in the Louise Penny Inspector Gamache series. Both of these authors get their readers invested in the lives of their characters. Both authors produce amazing books that touch on historical events and both authors are quite amazing.

What about Jane McDowell’s performance did you like?

Jane McDowell really makes the story come to life. She has been the narrator from the beginning, so listening is like settling in with old friends and glimpsing the next stages of their lives.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Seriously, Michelle?

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for the next one...

Surprised

I had listened to all the other Ruth Galloway books but had avoided downloading this one because I thought the synopsis on audible was just too creepy since it mentioned boiled human bones. Because I had a long road trip and because Jane McDowell is such a wonderful narrator, I bought it. I am so glad I did because it is an amazing part of the series. The boiled bones element was a very tiny part of it, and the focus on homeless people was a moving portrait. Despite my initial reluctance it is one of my favorite of the whole series.