A new Elly Griffiths, hooray! I long ago gave up reading this series for the mystery content, which varies somewhat in quality (for what it's worth, I thought the police investigation central to this book was weaker than the previous ones), but come back for the human drama. The characters all feel like old friends, and seeing what Ruth, Cathbad, Judy and the rest are up to is always a treat, and this book was no exception. I was also pleased to see that someone has obviously encouraged Griffiths to research what academics get up to outside of term time (Ruth's endless summer holidays always being a sticking point for this reader, who is married to an academic and friends with plenty more, and therefore knows full well you can barely get them to take a day of annual leave over the summer, so busy are they with writing, fieldwork and conferences!). A great read; perhaps not quite up to the high standards of the previous two in the series, but it's always lovely to spend time with these characters regardless.

Honestly I think I'm in love with Ruth, there I've said it ;) great plot great character development and that ending !!!

This is my first foray into the depths of the Ruth Galloway series written by Elly Griffiths. Whilst I would say that, obviously, the books in the series would be better read in chronological order for continuity, and greater character understanding, I still found that jumping in at book twelve did not prevent me from enjoying the story immensely.

This is a wonderfully woven crime mystery set in a stunning location in Norfolk, England. From the opening pages, the sense of menace never eases up and the story unfolds like an uncoiled spring.

In this twelfth instalment featuring forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway and DCI Harry Nelson of the Norfolk Police, Ivor March, an artist and tutor, has just been convicted of killing two women. DCI Nelson is convinced that March has killed a further two women. Upon questioning, March says he will reveal their locations if Ruth is prepared to carry out the necessary excavations. Ruth is wary but agrees, finding that the location offers up more than she expected. The area, near a village bordering the fens, is said to be haunted by the Lantern Men, mysterious figures holding lights that lure travellers to their deaths.

The book is a great example of a classic style murder mystery with an element of local legend and myth. The story keeps me guessing as to whom is responsible for the murders and their actual motives. Yet, for me, the main strengths in this police procedural are Elly Griffiths' wonderful bunch of characters, even though coincidences were required to bring them all together.

The Lantern Men is a neatly plotted and elegantly told mystery and I have been inspired to read the other books in the series, beginning with The Crossing Paces. I am looking forward to seeing where Elly Griffiths takes Ruth next.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Quercus via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

Number 12 of the Ruth Galloway Series and this certainly didn’t disappoint. I’m not sure I can say any more about this series that I haven’t already. They are my comfort read, each is a stand alone police procedural but the reader will get so much more from the book if they know the character dynamics.
With each new book I expect that I’d be disappointed and the series will grow stale but every time I’m pleasantly surprised with a little something to keep me wondering of the new direction next time.
Now what patiently for number 13.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.

I am really enjoying this series and this book did not disappoint. It had not grpiped till the last page and I'm looking forward to what happens next.

Dr Ruth Galloway has left behind her beloved Saltmarsh and is now teaching at St. Jude’s College, Cambridge, where she is now living with her daughter, Kate, and partner, Frank. Norfolk pulls her back, though, after convicted murderer Ivor March tells DCI Nelson that he will reveal the whereabouts of the bodies of two missing women, but only if Ruth can do the dig. Reluctantly, she agrees, conducting the dig in a place said to be haunted by the Lantern Men, figures who lure people to their deaths. As the case progresses, more questions begin to be asked: Why was March so insistent that Ruth be the one doing the digging and is, like Cathbad believes, March actually innocent of the crimes he has been convicted of?

It is fair to say that Elly Griffiths is one of my favourite authors and so The Lantern Men was one of the books on my most anticipated list for 2020. Ruth, Nelson, Cathbad and the rest of the characters in this wonderful series have become like old friends, and I could not wait to see what has happened to them since the previous book, The Stone Circle. Well, it’s safe to say that a lot has changed! Ruth has left her job, taking up a new appointment in Cambridge and living with her partner, Frank. We also find Clough working with another police force and Nelson enjoying being a father again, to his two-year-old son, George. It’s not long, though, before Elly Griffiths ‘gets the band together again’, as they investigate the deaths of the women.

Although Ivor March has been convicted of the murders of two of the women, doubt is soon cast as to his involvement when there is a new development. Ivor was definitely a charismatic, unnerving character, but was he a murderer? There were certainly plenty of people (mainly women) keen to see his conviction quashed, and Elly Griffiths has done a great job in introducing a smorgasbord of potential suspects, each one of them connected to March through his involvement with a local artistic commune. These characters were all suspicious in their own right, and I spent the book trying to figure out who, if any of them, were involved.

One of the things I enjoy most about this series is how archaeology and modern police forensics work hand in hand and this is certainly apparent is The Lantern Men. I love how archaeologist Ruth appears to be at her happiest when up to her knees in soil, yet worries about her appearance whenever Nelson is around! The relationship between these two characters is as complex as ever and with more and more people seemingly aware of their connection, this leads to some uncomfortable moments for them both.

I had no doubt that I would enjoy this book, but The Lantern Men managed to exceed my already high expectations. Heart-stopping in moments, this is an excellent addition to an already superb series. I look forward to seeing where Elly Griffiths takes Ruth next.

This 12th book in the Ruth Galloway series finds Ruth living in Cambridge with her partner Frank and of course daughter Kate.
Although Ruth has her new job teaching at St Judes college and has finished her latest book she misses the saltmarshes, her old job at UNN and of course DCI Harry Nelson ( Kates father).
Harry is pursuing a confession from a convicted killer Ivor March as to the whereabouts of two missing women.
March who always claimed he was innocent agrees to reveal where the bodies are buried if Dr Galloway is involved in their exhumation.
Ruth jumps at the chance to be involved in the case.
She uncovers not just two womens remains but three.
All enquiries point towards a local retreat and a group of friends who lived and worked there with Ivor March.
The sinister legend of the lantern men who lured people to their death on the marshes at night is woven into this murder mystery which also has humour and brings back the cast of characters that make the Ruth Galloway series so special.
The Lantern Men is a great read and I have no hesitation recommending it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Quercus books for the chance to read this as an ARC.

This is the latest in the Ruth Galloway series from Elly Griffiths and I have found it to be the most sinister. Despite her move to Cambridge, when she is identified as the best person to oversee an archeaological dig for bodies, she is drawn back to her beloved Norfolk. A dysfunctional hippy community, disappearing girls and a legend of deceptive lights in the misty half light of the fens all combine to create a real page turner.

Having drifted in and out of Elly Griffiths’ Dr Ruth Galloway series, I wasn’t sure whether or not ‘The Lantern Men’ would be a satisfying read. However, over the years it seems as if Griffiths’ characters, whether police or civilians, have developed into three-dimensional, entirely credible beings. This is a thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery, especially if you have a fondness for North Norfolk and the Fens. Be warned: if you incline towards pedantry, much of the writer’s depiction of the geography of this area is inaccurate. However, she captures the spirit of the place extremely effectively.
So, onto the very well-crafted plot: serial killer Ivor March, artist, guru, free spirit, has been convicted of murdering two young women. Two more of his ‘type’ have gone missing and DI Harry Nelson is convinced that March has killed them. The latter tells Nelson that he will reveal their burial ground if, and only if, he can meet Ruth Galloway, respected forensic archaeologist, now working at Cambridge University. Ruth, former lover of Nelson with whom she has a nine-year-old daughter, agrees. Not two but three bodies are uncovered.
As the plot thickens and we are introduced to more and more characters who have connections with Grey Walls artists’ retreat, originally set up by March and his wife, there is a suggestion that he may well not be the serial killer, especially when a sixth girl is found dead on the saltmarsh – yet another blond-haired, beautiful cyclist. Most readers will be hard pushed to uncover the murderer much before the final reveal as Griffiths makes sure that we are furnished with plenty of suspects. Just as interesting is the running thread of Ruth Galloway’s emotional life. She has a delightful, considerate, handsome and helpful partner nowadays so why is she experiencing panic attacks when thinking of her future with him? To be continued – we hope!
My thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.

I’m a big fan of Griffiths’ Dr Ruth Galloway novels and this is one of the best in the series. Well-plotted, compelling and featuring all the characters we know and love.
Ruth and daughter Kate have moved to Cambridge so that Ruth can accept a job at the university.
But it’s not long before a series of murders leads detective Harry Nelson back to Ruth’s door.
The murders centre around a local retreat and call into question the conviction of murderer Ivor March. But what links his tight group of friends and how will Nelson’s daughter and Ruth herself be drawn into danger?
I’m sure you could happily read this novel on its own but I’ve enjoyed reading the series and seeing the characters develop in each one.
This one is set over two years after the last and sees Ruth living with boyfriend Frank.
Recommended, especially for Ruth Galloway fans like me.

Having only previously read The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths I was really looking forward to The Lantern Men. The novel might be read as a stand-alone however I believe it would be more beneficial to read the previous books in Dr Ruth Galloway series.

The Lantern Men is well crafted crime mystery focusing on police procedurals. When a man has been convicted of killing two young women and burying their bodies in his girlfriend’s garden, the police is convinced he is responsible for the disappearance of two more girls. But it’s not long until another woman is found murdered.

The book is a great example of a classic style murder mystery with an element of local legend and myth. The story keeps you guessing who’s responsible for the murders and their true motive but for me it somehow lacked the crucial twist that I am so used to now.

It was my first time reading a book in the series I struggled a little bit. I couldn’t keep up with the characters and their relationship. Although the author did an excellent job reintroducing them to the reader I still felt like I’ve missed on previous novels to fully understand their development. Nonetheless I’ve found the book to be really comforting which I believe is due to the excellent and likeable characters.

I strongly believe the book is a great addition to the series and without a doubt would be appreciated by many. For me it was an enjoyable read that wants me to catch up with the previous novels.

The Lantern Men by Elly Griffiths is the 12th instalment in the Ruth Galloway series. Ivor March has been convicted of killing two women and DCI Harry Nelson of the Norfolk Police is convinced that he is also responsible for the deaths of two more women who are currently missing. March agrees to reveal the location of the bodies, but only if forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway is brought in to uncover them.

The investigation which follows is a really interesting combination of good old-fashioned detective work mixed with supernatural elements and local folklore. A series of historic murders is connected to the story of The Lantern Men, who lure people to their deaths on the Cley and Salthouse Marshes at night.

Having only previously read the standalone novel The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to jump straight in to the 12th Ruth Galloway story, but I was really drawn to the interesting characters and unique setting of the book. There were a few references to the past relationships between some of the main characters and also some references to older cases, but there was enough information to get the general idea about what had happened.

This was a really unusual plot, hugely atmospheric with some great characters and it kept me guessing right until the end. My only quibble was that after building the story right up until the last few chapters, the revelation about how various characters were involved seemed to come from nowhere and didn’t get a full explanation for me. Having said that, I thought it was a really enjoyable read and I am looking forward to going back to read the others in the series.

It was a good book in the Ruth Galloway series. I think the series started well, and a few books in the middle just felt a bit repetitive, especially when it comes to the heroine's personal relationships, or the secondary characters. I liked that this one explored a new setting, it brought a bit of change to the story. The plot itself was good - it kept me guessing until the end, and I was surprised when I fnished it because it didn't go where I expected it to. Overall, a really good, entertaining thriller.

The Lantern Men, like the rest of Elly Griffiths’ outstanding Ruth Galloway books, is a stand-alone, finely detailed mystery. However, if you have read the others in the series, you will be reintroduced to the cast of characters that make Griffiths’ thrillers unique.

A serial killer has been at work in the marshes of Norfolk. DI Harry Nelson is relieved that Ivor March, an artist and former hippie, has been convicted of the murders of two young women. Nelson does not rest easy for long. March, proclaimed innocent by his former wives and girlfriend, offers to reveal the location where two more missing women are buried but there is a catch. He wants Dr. Ruth Galloway, Nelson’s former lover and mother of his daughter Kate, to lead the excavation. Ruth has accepted a teaching position at Cambridge and moved into a house there with her lover Frank. She has done this to avoid contact with Nelson and he, after the birth of his son, is trying to mend his marriage to Michelle. New developments weaken March’s seemingly iron clad conviction and Nelson and his team race to solve new crimes linked to past relationships. Ruth has questions of her own and is near a solution when a breathtaking conclusion takes her by surprise.

As usual, Elly Griffiths’ plot is sprinkled with folklore and myth. The story of the Lantern Men and jack o’ lanterns is a colorful addition. The underlying story here is the unfulfilled, tense relationship between Ruth and Nelson. The passage where they share a pub meal to discuss the case is so perfectly written that you can feel their hearts beating as they speak. Elly Griffiths’ talent ranks her with Val McDermid and Tana French as a top British mystery series author. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Quercus Books and Elly Griffiths for this ARC.

The Lantern Men, the latest Ruth Galloway book by the fabulous @ellygriffiths is out today. It's a worthy addition to the series. Great storyline, lots of suspense, and Ruth is as kick-ass as ever! What's not to like? Definitely one to read!

One of the better ones in this series. The story was good and plausible and the cast of characters excellent, although I had to try remember who was who from previous books. A really good read

Elly Griffiths is one of my favourite crime writers and I was thrilled to receive an early copy of The Lantern Men - the latest in the author's popular Ruth Galloway series. You don't need to read these books in order but it is helpful if you do, because the same characters reappear.

In this story Ruth has moved away from her cottage on the Saltmarsh and is no longer Norfolk police's resident forensic archaeologist. Instead, she is living in Cambridge with her new partner. Meanwhile, DCI Harry Nelson has learnt that charismatic murderer Ivor March has finally been found guilty of murdering two women. Before Harry can close the case, he needs Ivor to admit to two other murders and tell him where the bodies are buried, but Ivor says he will only confess if Ruth agrees to take charge of the dig...

Elly Griffiths writes exactly the kind of murder mysteries I love to read: fully rounded characters I really care about, combined with a fiendishly tricky mystery to solve. I thought I'd sussed out the murder's identity this time but no, I was wrong again! My favourite characters are Harry (he's such a dinosaur) and Cathbad the druid. I think I enjoy this series because the stories have a touch of warmth to them, missing in many crime novels. I also love the subtle humour! In this book, as a spooky bonus, the sinister legend of the Lantern Men has been woven into the story. The quirky forensic details are great too. I don't think I will ever look at nettles in the same way again!

The Lantern Men would suit fans of classic/traditional-style murder mysteries and authors who mix archaeology and crime, such as Kate Ellis. Although Elly has done a great job in explaining who-is-who and what-is-what in a very subtle way for new readers, to receive the most enjoyment I'd recommend at least starting with the first book in the series (The Crossing Places) before diving into this one.


Thank you to Elly Griffiths and Quercus for my copy of this book, which I requested via NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.

I swear each book in this series gets better and better, no mean feat considering this is book number twelve in the Ruth Galloway series! I have to admit having been a little dismayed at the start to find that everything has changed for Ruth since the last book. She and daughter Katie are living with Frank in a Cambridge town house and has taken a more prestigious job at the University there. No longer is she North Norfolk police's resident forensic archaeologist, although if she were honest she would have to admit the lure of the Saltmarsh and DCI Harry Nelson (Katie's father) has never truly gone away. The story starts with the conviction of Ivor March for the murder of two young women, although Nelson has always been convinced he was also responsible for the deaths of two more. Since Ruth had already moved away, it was her former boss Phil who was instrumental in unearthing the bodies and evidence that were crucial to March's arrest and imprisonment. While Phil receives a strange message on a postcard, Nelson gets a very tempting offer - March will reveal the whereabouts of two more corpses but only if Ruth does the excavating this time. Ruth is tempted by the chance to do some good and also break up her rather mundane existence, and agrees to speak to March who tells her that the bodies are buried near a village bordering the fens. A place said to be haunted by the Lantern Men, ghostly figures who lure travellers to their deaths with their lights. It is one of the very many tales told about the area that seem to be widely known and even believed by some people, but could it be that there also be some very real and human Lantern Men? As Ruth joins forces with detectives Nelson, Judy and Tanya, the plot thickens with each new discovery. Niggling doubts grow that they might have got the wrong man and the killings may not be over at all. Ruth becomes drawn deeper into the legend and many old secrets are revealed in a dramatic finale. Not even knowing who she can trust any more, she must rely on her instincts and her old friends in order to emerge from this unscathed. The author has excelled in bringing all the old gang back together and even Cloughie, who has moved away to Cambridgeshire to run his own team as a DI, gets in on the action! The Ruth Galloway series is definitely best read in order, although every book is hugely enjoyable in its own right, and for me it is like coming home to old friends. In my opinion the author never fails to deliver and has maintained the consistently high standards of all the previous novels All the old favourite characters such as Judy and Cathbad feature in a brilliantly told and compulsive read. I can't recommend these books enough!

The Dr Ruth Galloway series from Elly Griffiths reaches book number number 12 with The Lantern Men which is a well constructed crime novel.

The full cast of characters re-appear along with a long list of victims and possible suspects.

The story itself is good without reaching the heights of previous books in this series. To me it felt a little bit disjointed and without giving anything away more of a transition novel.

Compared to some other books this is still a good series and I will still keep an eye out for book 13 when it is published

I did enjoy being a part of Ruth and Nelson's world for a little while. It's always good to catch up with familiar characters and see what they are currently up to.
This has an interesting plot. A serial killer, Ivor March, currently awaiting sentencing for his crimes, and when he lets Nelson know that he will reveal the burial place of his final two victims on the proviso that Ruth is the forensic archaeologist on-site, a strange story starts to unfold. Woven into the plot is the strange and haunting local legend of the Lantern Men, the treacherous salt marshes of the Norfolk coast, a group of local artists and their entwined relationships with the aforementioned Ivor which makes for some creepy situations and plenty of red herrings. The only criticism I would have is that <spoiler> Ruth had to end up in a situation that requires Nelson to rescue her</spoiler>.
I love all the banter between Nelson and his colleagues as well as his thoughts about Ruth and Frank and it's these touches that will keep me coming back for more in the series.

My thanks go to the publishers and Net Galley for the advance copy in return for an honest review.