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Ruth Galloway #6
The Outcast Dead
Historical crimes involving a Victorian child killer may hold the key to several contemporary deaths in this macabre outing for Dr Ruth Galloway, forensic archaeologist. 'Told with a deepening sense of the unease, seasoned with a touch of the occult' Daily MailRuth has excavated a body from the grounds of Norwich Castle, which was once a prison. The body may be that of Victorian murderess Jemima Green. Called Mother Hook for her claw-like hand, Jemima was hanged for the murder of five children. DCI Harry Nelson has no time for long-ago killers. Investigating the case of three infants found dead, one after the other, in their King's Lynn home, he's convinced that their mother is responsible. Then a child goes missing. Could the abduction be linked to the long-dead Mother Hook? Ruth is pulled into the case, and back towards Nelson.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
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About the author
Elly Griffiths
75 books9,484 followersElly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway novels take for their inspiration Elly's husband, who gave up a city job to train as an archaeologist, and her aunt who lives on the Norfolk coast and who filled her niece's head with the myths and legends of that area. Elly has two children and lives near Brighton. Though not her first novel, The Crossing Places is her first crime novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,877 reviews
February 8, 2014
Julia sits down to write her review of The Outcast Dead. She has read all of the books in this series and enjoyed them. However she's torn about what to write about this instalment. The story worked well, encompassing two main plotlines, both centered on the relationships between mother and child. All the familiar characters made an appearance and somehow Cathbad seemed less annoying this time round.
And yet, something makes Julia hesitate. It's the way that Elly Griffiths writes all her books in the present tense. And keeps telling you what every character is thinking. Julia can't help feeling that the writing style should somehow disappear for the reader. That you should get caught up in the story and not notice the way that it's being told to you. She feels badly that she can't say this is the case.
Also, she feels that the book lost some of its momentum at the end. The mysteries were genuinely intriguing but the solutions were rushed and didn't feel entirely realistic.
(At this point Julia breaks away to look at her children and be reminded how much she loves them and how precious they are. Because if we're not told that frequently, we might think that perhaps she doesn't).
So in the end, Julia is torn. She feels that this was one of the best in the series, she read it quickly and enjoyed it, but there were also things about it that annoyed her.
And yet, something makes Julia hesitate. It's the way that Elly Griffiths writes all her books in the present tense. And keeps telling you what every character is thinking. Julia can't help feeling that the writing style should somehow disappear for the reader. That you should get caught up in the story and not notice the way that it's being told to you. She feels badly that she can't say this is the case.
Also, she feels that the book lost some of its momentum at the end. The mysteries were genuinely intriguing but the solutions were rushed and didn't feel entirely realistic.
(At this point Julia breaks away to look at her children and be reminded how much she loves them and how precious they are. Because if we're not told that frequently, we might think that perhaps she doesn't).
So in the end, Julia is torn. She feels that this was one of the best in the series, she read it quickly and enjoyed it, but there were also things about it that annoyed her.
June 30, 2021
God these books are compulsive.....
April 24, 2023
EXCERPT: 'And we ask your abundant blessing, Lord, on these, the outcast dead. . . '
There is a murmured response from the group gathered on the bank below the castle walls. But Ruth Galloway, standing at the back, says nothing. She is wearing the expression of polite neutrality she assumes whenever God is mentioned. This mask has stood her in good stead over the years and she sees no reason to drop it now. But she approves of the Prayers for the Outcast Dead. This brief ecumenical service is held every year for the unknown dead of Norwich: the bodies thrown into unmarked graves, the paupers, the plague victims, forgotten, unmourned, except by this motley collection of archeologists, historians, and sundry hangers on.
'Lord, you told us that not a sparrow falls without our Father in Heaven knowing. We know that these people were known to you, and loved by you. . .'
The Vicar has a reedy, hesitant voice that gets lost before it reaches Ruth. Now she can only hear Ted, one of the field archeologists, giving the responses in a booming baritone.
'We will remember them.'
She doesn't know if Ted has any religious beliefs. All she knows is that he was brought up in Bolton and may or may not be Irish. If he's Irish, he's probably a Catholic, like DCI Harry Nelson who, however hard he denies it, has a residual belief in heaven, hell, and all points in between. Thinking of Nelson makes Ruth uncomfortable. She moves away, further up the hill, and one of the people gathered around the vicar, a tall woman in a red jacket, turns and smiles at her. Janet Meadows, local historian and expert on the unnamed dead. Ruth first encountered Janet over a year ago when examining the bones of a medieval bishop believed to have miraculous powers. It was Cathbad who put Ruth in touch with Janet and, even now, Ruth can't believe that her Druid friend won't suddenly appear in the shadow of the castle, purple cloak fluttering, sixth sense on red alert. But Cathbad is miles away and magical powers have their limitations, as she knows only too well.
Words float towards Ruth, borne on the light summer breeze.
'Remember. . . lost. . . gone before. . . Heavenly Father. . . grace. . . forgiveness.'
So many words, thinks Ruth - as she has thought many times before - to say so little. The dead are dead and no words, however resonant, can bring them back.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Ruth Galloway uncovers the bones of what might be a notorious Victorian child murdress and a baby snatcher known as "The Childminder" threatens modern-day Norfolk in the latest irresistible mystery from Elly Griffiths.
Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway uncovers the bones of a Victorian murderess while a baby snatcher threatens modern-day Norfolk in this exciting new entry in a beloved series.
Every year a ceremony is held in Norwich for the bodies in the paupers' graves: the Service for the Outcast Dead. Ruth has a particular interest in this year's proceedings. Her recent dig at Norwich Castle turned up the body of the notorious Mother Hook, who was hanged in 1867 for the murder of five children. Now Ruth is the reluctant star of the TV series Women Who Kill, working alongside the program's alluring history expert, Professor Frank Barker.
DCI Harry Nelson is immersed in the case of three children found dead in their home. He is sure that the mother is responsible. Then another child is abducted and a kidnapper dubbed the Childminder claims responsibility. Are there two murderers afoot, or is the Childminder behind all the deaths? The team must race to find out-and the stakes couldn't be any higher when another child goes missing.
MY THOUGHTS: I loved The Outcast Dead, sixth book in the Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths. Because I have been reading the series out of order and so have read many of the later books before this one, I already knew the outcome. But instead of diminishing my pleasure, I think it was actually enhanced. I was able to concentrate more on the characters, their relationships, their foibles. I loved the way their beliefs are challenged, and the different ways that they all dealt with this.
That's not to say that I didn't enjoy the mystery, because I did, immensely. For although I knew the outcome, I didn't know the who, the how, or the why. And I really had no idea until all was revealed. There is not just one mystery, but several, several centuries apart. So while DCI Harry Nelson is busy working the cases of the dead children, and the abductions, Ruth is involved in solving a centuries old mystery.
Classic Elly Griffiths. And worth every one of the 💖💖💖💖💖 I have awarded it.
May 2023: I have just read this for the second time and enjoyed it every bit as much as the first time I read it.
THE AUTHOR: Elly Griffiths is the pen name of Domenica de Rosa (born 17 August 1963, in London), a British crime novelist. She has written two series as Griffiths to date, one featuring Ruth Galloway, the other featuring Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens and Max Mephisto. She has also recently published her first standalone novel, The Stranger Diaries.
DISCLOSURE: I listened to the audiobook of The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths, beautifully narrated by Clare Corbett and published by Quercus, via OverDrive. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
There is a murmured response from the group gathered on the bank below the castle walls. But Ruth Galloway, standing at the back, says nothing. She is wearing the expression of polite neutrality she assumes whenever God is mentioned. This mask has stood her in good stead over the years and she sees no reason to drop it now. But she approves of the Prayers for the Outcast Dead. This brief ecumenical service is held every year for the unknown dead of Norwich: the bodies thrown into unmarked graves, the paupers, the plague victims, forgotten, unmourned, except by this motley collection of archeologists, historians, and sundry hangers on.
'Lord, you told us that not a sparrow falls without our Father in Heaven knowing. We know that these people were known to you, and loved by you. . .'
The Vicar has a reedy, hesitant voice that gets lost before it reaches Ruth. Now she can only hear Ted, one of the field archeologists, giving the responses in a booming baritone.
'We will remember them.'
She doesn't know if Ted has any religious beliefs. All she knows is that he was brought up in Bolton and may or may not be Irish. If he's Irish, he's probably a Catholic, like DCI Harry Nelson who, however hard he denies it, has a residual belief in heaven, hell, and all points in between. Thinking of Nelson makes Ruth uncomfortable. She moves away, further up the hill, and one of the people gathered around the vicar, a tall woman in a red jacket, turns and smiles at her. Janet Meadows, local historian and expert on the unnamed dead. Ruth first encountered Janet over a year ago when examining the bones of a medieval bishop believed to have miraculous powers. It was Cathbad who put Ruth in touch with Janet and, even now, Ruth can't believe that her Druid friend won't suddenly appear in the shadow of the castle, purple cloak fluttering, sixth sense on red alert. But Cathbad is miles away and magical powers have their limitations, as she knows only too well.
Words float towards Ruth, borne on the light summer breeze.
'Remember. . . lost. . . gone before. . . Heavenly Father. . . grace. . . forgiveness.'
So many words, thinks Ruth - as she has thought many times before - to say so little. The dead are dead and no words, however resonant, can bring them back.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Ruth Galloway uncovers the bones of what might be a notorious Victorian child murdress and a baby snatcher known as "The Childminder" threatens modern-day Norfolk in the latest irresistible mystery from Elly Griffiths.
Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway uncovers the bones of a Victorian murderess while a baby snatcher threatens modern-day Norfolk in this exciting new entry in a beloved series.
Every year a ceremony is held in Norwich for the bodies in the paupers' graves: the Service for the Outcast Dead. Ruth has a particular interest in this year's proceedings. Her recent dig at Norwich Castle turned up the body of the notorious Mother Hook, who was hanged in 1867 for the murder of five children. Now Ruth is the reluctant star of the TV series Women Who Kill, working alongside the program's alluring history expert, Professor Frank Barker.
DCI Harry Nelson is immersed in the case of three children found dead in their home. He is sure that the mother is responsible. Then another child is abducted and a kidnapper dubbed the Childminder claims responsibility. Are there two murderers afoot, or is the Childminder behind all the deaths? The team must race to find out-and the stakes couldn't be any higher when another child goes missing.
MY THOUGHTS: I loved The Outcast Dead, sixth book in the Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths. Because I have been reading the series out of order and so have read many of the later books before this one, I already knew the outcome. But instead of diminishing my pleasure, I think it was actually enhanced. I was able to concentrate more on the characters, their relationships, their foibles. I loved the way their beliefs are challenged, and the different ways that they all dealt with this.
That's not to say that I didn't enjoy the mystery, because I did, immensely. For although I knew the outcome, I didn't know the who, the how, or the why. And I really had no idea until all was revealed. There is not just one mystery, but several, several centuries apart. So while DCI Harry Nelson is busy working the cases of the dead children, and the abductions, Ruth is involved in solving a centuries old mystery.
Classic Elly Griffiths. And worth every one of the 💖💖💖💖💖 I have awarded it.
May 2023: I have just read this for the second time and enjoyed it every bit as much as the first time I read it.
THE AUTHOR: Elly Griffiths is the pen name of Domenica de Rosa (born 17 August 1963, in London), a British crime novelist. She has written two series as Griffiths to date, one featuring Ruth Galloway, the other featuring Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens and Max Mephisto. She has also recently published her first standalone novel, The Stranger Diaries.
DISCLOSURE: I listened to the audiobook of The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths, beautifully narrated by Clare Corbett and published by Quercus, via OverDrive. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 1, 2020
I always enjoy the books in this series but I think this was the best one yet! The forensic archaeology aspect is always interesting but in The Outcast Dead we get that plus a whole lot more.
Ruth is engaged in digging up the remains of an historical reputed child killer and at the same time Nelson is running a case involving current day missing children. The two stories run parallel but with characters who cross over in different ways.
Many of the regular characters have larger roles than usual and some of the ongoing relationships are cemented and others broken. There were hints that Nelson might soon have some previously unsuspected issues of his own, which is not surprising considering he has a few too many females in his life.
Just who was abducting the children was hard to guess but with hindsight some of the clues were there all the time. This was an excellent book altogether and I am looking forward to the next one.
Ruth is engaged in digging up the remains of an historical reputed child killer and at the same time Nelson is running a case involving current day missing children. The two stories run parallel but with characters who cross over in different ways.
Many of the regular characters have larger roles than usual and some of the ongoing relationships are cemented and others broken. There were hints that Nelson might soon have some previously unsuspected issues of his own, which is not surprising considering he has a few too many females in his life.
Just who was abducting the children was hard to guess but with hindsight some of the clues were there all the time. This was an excellent book altogether and I am looking forward to the next one.
November 3, 2019
This book starts with a litany for the “outcast dead” - the poor, the unknown, the plague victims, the lepers. Ruth may not be religious, but she appreciates the sentiment behind a service for the unknowns.
Ruth is carrying out a new dig at the Norfolk Castle when she discovers bones that might possibly be Mother Hook, a Victorian childminder found guilty of murder and executed. The story attracts the attention of a tv show, and Ruth is featured on the show. Simultaneously, Nelson is investigating whether a mother is guilty of killing her little boy.
At the end of the last book, Cathbad had moved to Pence. But, he still becomes a meaningful part of this story. We also get to know his adult daughter who inserts herself into the action as well.
I felt the other books could be read as standalones. But the relationships between the characters play a very meaningful role here, so I really think this one requires the prior knowledge.
As always, the mysteries (both old and new) kept me in suspense. These are great stories, with a wonderful mix of characters, history and suspense.
December 20, 2020
This one was all about missing and dead children - no not in a gruesome way - and families and relationships. At a dig at Norwich Castle Ruth uncovers the body assumed to be that of Jemima Green, or Mother Hook (because she had lost a hand in an unfortunate industrial accident). She was hanged in 1867 for murdering some children in her care but the historian at the dig thinks she may have been innocent. Either way a production company wants to film some of the action at the dig for a show called Women Who Kill. The historian who, according to some of the women, looks a little like George Clooney seems to have taken a shine to Ruth. It will be interesting to see if this goes anywhere!
At the same time DCI Nelson is trying to decide whether a woman whose third son just died as a baby is guilty of murder or not. The first two died of sudden infant death syndrome but the coroner has some suspicions about this one. And then you start to wonder about the first two...
Also, a couple of young children are kidnapped by someone calling themselves the Childminder. As usual Ruth ends up in the thick of the action. Nelson has poached the young DS, Tim Heathfield, from Blackpool after the previous case had Ruth and Harry up north. Tim is very professional, efficient, willing and capable but the other sergeants in the team are taking a while to warm to him. The older campaigner, DS David Clough takes everything in his stride and Cathbad, who stayed in Lancashire with Pendle’s dog, Thing, makes a welcome return just when he is needed most. Maybe he really IS a Druid! So nothing too sinister in this episode, I’m expecting fireworks in the next book through. On to Number 7...
At the same time DCI Nelson is trying to decide whether a woman whose third son just died as a baby is guilty of murder or not. The first two died of sudden infant death syndrome but the coroner has some suspicions about this one. And then you start to wonder about the first two...
Also, a couple of young children are kidnapped by someone calling themselves the Childminder. As usual Ruth ends up in the thick of the action. Nelson has poached the young DS, Tim Heathfield, from Blackpool after the previous case had Ruth and Harry up north. Tim is very professional, efficient, willing and capable but the other sergeants in the team are taking a while to warm to him. The older campaigner, DS David Clough takes everything in his stride and Cathbad, who stayed in Lancashire with Pendle’s dog, Thing, makes a welcome return just when he is needed most. Maybe he really IS a Druid! So nothing too sinister in this episode, I’m expecting fireworks in the next book through. On to Number 7...
November 25, 2019
4-1/2 stars This one was extra hard to put down!!!
This is the sixth in the Ruth Galloway mystery series. I buddy read this one with Hilary. As is typical for us we read sections at the same time, even though our time zones are 8 hours apart.
I loved this particular book in the series. The mystery(ies) were good.
I love these characters.
I like many of the relationships but it is sort of a soap opera. I usually don’t like that and I hate love triangles but I love the relationships here anyway.
I love the settings. They’re wonderful.
I also enjoyed the mystery in this book.
I do wish Ruth would TELL Kate she loves her. She’s always thinking it. At least she kisses her good-bye, at the least. When Kate was first introduced she seemed to be slightly verbally advanced but in this book she’s not saying as much as the average 2-1/2 year old, at least not on the page. Entire conversations would not have to be on the page, just something like Kate chatted away about such and such all the way home or at a meal or whenever. Toward the book’s end I was glad to hear Kate talking in complete sentences. New in this 6th book: I also wish the author wouldn’t use the word imperiously or describe some of her motions in certain ways to describe how Kate talks. One GR friend thinks Kate is a brat and maybe that’s one reason why. Kate is just acting her age. If/when she becomes more verbal and that is shown in the storylines I am sure I will continue to love Kate.
I’m excited that there are 5 more books, soon to be 6 more books, in the series to read. I hope that I continue to love them. They’re definitely books I can pick up if I’m between books, at least the newest ones in which case I’ll expect a queue.
ETA: The humor is wonderful and I'm feeling about this series now the way I felt about Sue Grafton's: that it always feels like going home to be with these people again!
This is the sixth in the Ruth Galloway mystery series. I buddy read this one with Hilary. As is typical for us we read sections at the same time, even though our time zones are 8 hours apart.
I loved this particular book in the series. The mystery(ies) were good.
I love these characters.
I like many of the relationships but it is sort of a soap opera. I usually don’t like that and I hate love triangles but I love the relationships here anyway.
I love the settings. They’re wonderful.
I also enjoyed the mystery in this book.
I do wish Ruth would TELL Kate she loves her. She’s always thinking it. At least she kisses her good-bye, at the least. When Kate was first introduced she seemed to be slightly verbally advanced but in this book she’s not saying as much as the average 2-1/2 year old, at least not on the page. Entire conversations would not have to be on the page, just something like Kate chatted away about such and such all the way home or at a meal or whenever. Toward the book’s end I was glad to hear Kate talking in complete sentences. New in this 6th book: I also wish the author wouldn’t use the word imperiously or describe some of her motions in certain ways to describe how Kate talks. One GR friend thinks Kate is a brat and maybe that’s one reason why. Kate is just acting her age. If/when she becomes more verbal and that is shown in the storylines I am sure I will continue to love Kate.
I’m excited that there are 5 more books, soon to be 6 more books, in the series to read. I hope that I continue to love them. They’re definitely books I can pick up if I’m between books, at least the newest ones in which case I’ll expect a queue.
ETA: The humor is wonderful and I'm feeling about this series now the way I felt about Sue Grafton's: that it always feels like going home to be with these people again!
November 25, 2019
4.5 stars. This was such an unputdownable read! Read as a buddy read with goodreads friend Lisa Vegan, reading around 50 pages at a time, at the same time. I marked where we were going to read up to with a bookmark each time so I didn't go over, this was so absorbing, everytime I saw the bookmark I said an involuntary NO! realising I would need to stop!
In this Ruth Galloway mystery a family who have lost their three children to cot death are under suspicion and two other children go missing. Although bad things do happen in these books nothing gratuitous is described, if someone dies or is murdered it happens off the page. Although sad things do happen I don't find these books depressing in any way and I do find them to be good escapism.
I enjoy the archaeological aspects of the story, the main historical storyline in this book is fictitious but there were still historical facts that were interesting and I enjoy reading a book that is set where I live. Many local places that I love are mentioned, described and involved in the storyline.
The characters are still very enjoyable to be with and in this book we see the problems facing Cathbad, Judy and Darren come to a head. A television programme filming a discovery Ruth has made provides much humour with the annoying Phil trying to steal the limelight.
The only downside of this story for me was that the character of Kate wasn't as fun or realistic as she could have been. Children that age talk non stop but we heard very little from her. I can see this was meant as a comical observation that children like things sometimes that adults find tiring but Kate only reading or watching Dora the Explorer became tedious, Ruth is intelligent enough not to give her daughter a diet of one character. The other downside for me was after the vegetarian character in the last book eating sweet and sour pork, a vegan character in this book after having to be found a herbal tea in one scene grabs a hot chocolate and some croissants when passing a cafe in the next scene. That is very inconsistent and undermining of those values.
Minor downsides aside this was an enjoyable and absorbing read that had me on the edge of my seat! I 'm really looking forward to getting back to these characters in book 7.
In this Ruth Galloway mystery a family who have lost their three children to cot death are under suspicion and two other children go missing. Although bad things do happen in these books nothing gratuitous is described, if someone dies or is murdered it happens off the page. Although sad things do happen I don't find these books depressing in any way and I do find them to be good escapism.
I enjoy the archaeological aspects of the story, the main historical storyline in this book is fictitious but there were still historical facts that were interesting and I enjoy reading a book that is set where I live. Many local places that I love are mentioned, described and involved in the storyline.
The characters are still very enjoyable to be with and in this book we see the problems facing Cathbad, Judy and Darren come to a head. A television programme filming a discovery Ruth has made provides much humour with the annoying Phil trying to steal the limelight.
The only downside of this story for me was that the character of Kate wasn't as fun or realistic as she could have been. Children that age talk non stop but we heard very little from her. I can see this was meant as a comical observation that children like things sometimes that adults find tiring but Kate only reading or watching Dora the Explorer became tedious, Ruth is intelligent enough not to give her daughter a diet of one character. The other downside for me was after the vegetarian character in the last book eating sweet and sour pork, a vegan character in this book after having to be found a herbal tea in one scene grabs a hot chocolate and some croissants when passing a cafe in the next scene. That is very inconsistent and undermining of those values.
Minor downsides aside this was an enjoyable and absorbing read that had me on the edge of my seat! I 'm really looking forward to getting back to these characters in book 7.
July 27, 2024
The Dr Ruth Galloway series is always engaging with a likeable bunch of main characters and interesting plots.
This sixth novel in the series has a slightly darker tone with the theme of child death throughout.
Forensic archaeologist Galloway is involved with the excavation of Norwich Castle, one of the remains she uncovers was the infamous Jemima Green, who in the 19th century was convicted of murdering three children and dubbed 'Mother Hook' for her claw like hand.
Whilst at the same time DCI Harry Nelson is involved with the case concerning Liz Donaldson who accused of murdering her baby son.
I love the way this series explores history and adds a real darker sense of the novels setting.
The characters are flawed and complex whilst the mystery is engaging and keeps the reader guessing.
This sixth novel in the series has a slightly darker tone with the theme of child death throughout.
Forensic archaeologist Galloway is involved with the excavation of Norwich Castle, one of the remains she uncovers was the infamous Jemima Green, who in the 19th century was convicted of murdering three children and dubbed 'Mother Hook' for her claw like hand.
Whilst at the same time DCI Harry Nelson is involved with the case concerning Liz Donaldson who accused of murdering her baby son.
I love the way this series explores history and adds a real darker sense of the novels setting.
The characters are flawed and complex whilst the mystery is engaging and keeps the reader guessing.
March 26, 2014
A wonderful series that combines archeology, mystery and some amazing characters, one who has a delightful three year old. The personal relationships are almost as interesting as the storylines. Of course Cathbad, the druid, is one of my favorites. Also appreciate the author's not at the end, explaining what was true in history, the buildings, graveyards and churches as well as people, in this particular installment.
March 25, 2014
I love this series. The characters are (mostly) people I just really enjoy spending time with, and I don't much need the pretext of a plot. Which accounts for the 3 stars in this review, because otherwise this book is pretty thin.
It seems to mark a transition in the series story structure from local archaeological expedition/thematically related murder, which had been stretched a little farther than it could go, to Ruth being affiliated with a lurid-archaeology TV show, which allows for a wider scope of stories going forward. It's a good direction for the series, and as a novella, The Outcast Dead could've been a nice setup for the change. But there just isn't enough there there for a novel.
The archaeology is negligible, and includes an ill-justified professional-ethical lapse on Ruth's part, and the criminal case is a confusing muddle of multiple missing and/or dead children. The whodunit is unsatisfying and feels contrived, though clues were planted.
On the plus side, there's a major positive development for some of the characters, and, it's a pleasant evening spent with dear friends, even if they don't have a lot of news to relate this time out.
It seems to mark a transition in the series story structure from local archaeological expedition/thematically related murder, which had been stretched a little farther than it could go, to Ruth being affiliated with a lurid-archaeology TV show, which allows for a wider scope of stories going forward. It's a good direction for the series, and as a novella, The Outcast Dead could've been a nice setup for the change. But there just isn't enough there there for a novel.
The archaeology is negligible, and includes an ill-justified professional-ethical lapse on Ruth's part, and the criminal case is a confusing muddle of multiple missing and/or dead children. The whodunit is unsatisfying and feels contrived, though clues were planted.
On the plus side, there's a major positive development for some of the characters, and, it's a pleasant evening spent with dear friends, even if they don't have a lot of news to relate this time out.
October 4, 2022
#6 of the Ruth Galloway novels – a series of crime novels featuring a Norfolk based forensic archaeologist and of particular interest to me given my interests in both Norfolk and archaeology (see my review of “The Janus Stone”).
After the (for me) ill-advised outing to Blackpool (although is there any other type) this novel in the series thankfully returns to Norfolk, in particular centred on Norwich Castle (the main museum from my childhood).
Thankfully also, and just about for the first time in this series, the book does not rely on intimidation of any physical threats to Ruth (which for reasons I have outlined in other reviews of the series do not work on a number of levels).
This book feels like something of a resetting of the series in two ways which I can perhaps call - familial and fame.
Familial - Ruth (via her brother) and Cathbad (via his daughter) have more fleshed out families – with both also having significant potential relationship developments (Ruth via a TV producer, Cathbad with Judy).
Fame – Ruth’s archaeology career is expanded both into the book world (via a book she is due to publish based on the previous novel in the series) and into the TV world (
And to be honest these developments – presumably laying the ground work for future novels actually work better than the plot of the book which relies rather too much on an overlaboured concentration on potential crimes involving children.
Having : an archaeological dig featuring a notorious (but possibly unfairly so) Victorian child killer; a case of possible SIDS/possible infanticide; a seemingly deranged child abductor (styling themselves The Childminder); Nelson still remembering his failures in a much older child abduction case; Ruth remembering how she and Nelson first met professionally over two child abductions;
is a little too much particularly with the cases all highly overlapping and being mixed up with the relatively limited core cast of Nelson/Ruth/Judy/Cathbad.
I also did not care for the Psychic who seemed to help crack the case and there also seemed an oddity where something a policeman accidentally researched on the internet (a case based in Boston US rather than Lincolnshire) was suddenly switched to Ruth.
I did enjoy how Nelson’s character developed in this book – and his sense of ennui and disquiet throughout. And Tim (who we met in the last book) seems an interesting new character, with Clough finally moving away from walking cliché to character.
After the (for me) ill-advised outing to Blackpool (although is there any other type) this novel in the series thankfully returns to Norfolk, in particular centred on Norwich Castle (the main museum from my childhood).
Thankfully also, and just about for the first time in this series, the book does not rely on intimidation of any physical threats to Ruth (which for reasons I have outlined in other reviews of the series do not work on a number of levels).
This book feels like something of a resetting of the series in two ways which I can perhaps call - familial and fame.
Familial - Ruth (via her brother) and Cathbad (via his daughter) have more fleshed out families – with both also having significant potential relationship developments (Ruth via a TV producer, Cathbad with Judy).
Fame – Ruth’s archaeology career is expanded both into the book world (via a book she is due to publish based on the previous novel in the series) and into the TV world (
And to be honest these developments – presumably laying the ground work for future novels actually work better than the plot of the book which relies rather too much on an overlaboured concentration on potential crimes involving children.
Having : an archaeological dig featuring a notorious (but possibly unfairly so) Victorian child killer; a case of possible SIDS/possible infanticide; a seemingly deranged child abductor (styling themselves The Childminder); Nelson still remembering his failures in a much older child abduction case; Ruth remembering how she and Nelson first met professionally over two child abductions;
is a little too much particularly with the cases all highly overlapping and being mixed up with the relatively limited core cast of Nelson/Ruth/Judy/Cathbad.
I also did not care for the Psychic who seemed to help crack the case and there also seemed an oddity where something a policeman accidentally researched on the internet (a case based in Boston US rather than Lincolnshire) was suddenly switched to Ruth.
I did enjoy how Nelson’s character developed in this book – and his sense of ennui and disquiet throughout. And Tim (who we met in the last book) seems an interesting new character, with Clough finally moving away from walking cliché to character.
April 5, 2014
I think it is important to say before I start this review that I love Elly Griffiths. She has fast become one of my favourite authors and this book does nothing to change this. Elly Griffiths is that rare writing talent that can mix; historical fact, familiar character developments and a dame good thriller into one.
This book is one of the best I have read from her and as usual I find myself enthralled by the historical information which is passed throughout this book. The book also has a fair amount of dealing with familiar characters such as Cathbad, Ruth and Nelson. Whilst reading this story you find yourself investing in all the characters as you always have. I am as excited to know what happens to my favourites as I am to solve the mystery.
This mystery is as good as any others she has written. The story kept you guessing until the last minute and I found myself working out who was the culprit at exactly the same time as the lead characters. The story is harrowing in places and on more than one occasion I found a tear coming to my eye.
This is a brilliant read as a stand alone or if you are a fan like me.
This book is one of the best I have read from her and as usual I find myself enthralled by the historical information which is passed throughout this book. The book also has a fair amount of dealing with familiar characters such as Cathbad, Ruth and Nelson. Whilst reading this story you find yourself investing in all the characters as you always have. I am as excited to know what happens to my favourites as I am to solve the mystery.
This mystery is as good as any others she has written. The story kept you guessing until the last minute and I found myself working out who was the culprit at exactly the same time as the lead characters. The story is harrowing in places and on more than one occasion I found a tear coming to my eye.
This is a brilliant read as a stand alone or if you are a fan like me.
October 9, 2018
4.5 stars. Again a great mystery story starring Ruth Galloway (although she definitely wouldn't use the word 'starring' herself).
September 1, 2021
Halloween Bingo 2021
I really enjoy this series by Elly Griffiths and was delighted to be able to shoe horn a volume into my Halloween reading. I've been depleting my self restraint, trying not to binge read these books, to dole them out gradually and savour them.
Ruth Galloway is a very independent woman, despite her occasional longings for a male partner. She realizes that she probably couldn't live with her baby's father and she's sent her last male friend packing (much to her religious parents' dismay). In addition to her job as a forensic archeologist, she's got a book coming out and is involved in a TV program, so she can hardly be called unsuccessful. Her daughter, Kate, is as strong willed as her mom (and dad for that matter) so it's no surprise that donkeys seem to be Kate's spirit animal.
Griffiths takes the modern fear of a missing child and turns it into a gripping plotline. As a mother herself, she intuits how the affected parents would feel and react. To echo this modern crime, Ruth finds herself involved in a dig which has seemed to reveal the remains of a notorious woman, Jemima Green, who kept abandoned children, some of whom died in her care. An amputee, she is reviled as Mother Hook, the child killer. Now Ruth and the handsome American historian on the TV shoot have to determine whether Jemima was a horrible murderess or an unfortunate victim of injustice.
The only kind of off note is how beautifully the old and the new crimes interact. What are the chances of that kind of synchronicity in real life? I know the truth is stranger than fiction, but this correspondence was just a little too neat and perfect for me. However, I am delighted that Cathbad the druid has returned to Norfolk—he hasn’t been gone for long, but I missed him. This remains a favoured series for me and I'll look forward to my next visit with Ruth & Kate to see what they get up to next.
I really enjoy this series by Elly Griffiths and was delighted to be able to shoe horn a volume into my Halloween reading. I've been depleting my self restraint, trying not to binge read these books, to dole them out gradually and savour them.
Ruth Galloway is a very independent woman, despite her occasional longings for a male partner. She realizes that she probably couldn't live with her baby's father and she's sent her last male friend packing (much to her religious parents' dismay). In addition to her job as a forensic archeologist, she's got a book coming out and is involved in a TV program, so she can hardly be called unsuccessful. Her daughter, Kate, is as strong willed as her mom (and dad for that matter) so it's no surprise that donkeys seem to be Kate's spirit animal.
Griffiths takes the modern fear of a missing child and turns it into a gripping plotline. As a mother herself, she intuits how the affected parents would feel and react. To echo this modern crime, Ruth finds herself involved in a dig which has seemed to reveal the remains of a notorious woman, Jemima Green, who kept abandoned children, some of whom died in her care. An amputee, she is reviled as Mother Hook, the child killer. Now Ruth and the handsome American historian on the TV shoot have to determine whether Jemima was a horrible murderess or an unfortunate victim of injustice.
The only kind of off note is how beautifully the old and the new crimes interact. What are the chances of that kind of synchronicity in real life? I know the truth is stranger than fiction, but this correspondence was just a little too neat and perfect for me. However, I am delighted that Cathbad the druid has returned to Norfolk—he hasn’t been gone for long, but I missed him. This remains a favoured series for me and I'll look forward to my next visit with Ruth & Kate to see what they get up to next.
September 23, 2017
The Outcast Dead is the sixth book Ruth Galloway by Elly Griffiths and as usually I'm having a bit of a problem reading the book, because even though I often enjoy the stories in the books I just can't stand the characters. Well, I don't hate them, they just annoy me, things they say or thinks can make me mentally roll my eyes. So when I pick up and read a book by Elly Griffith will I know that Ruth will as usually always bring up in her mind how fat she is and how thin everyone else is. Nelson, the cop she has a baby with will constantly nag her about what's best for their daughter and so on...
But I keep coming back to the books for the stories, for the cases, for the archaeology, for the mix of the past and the present time. In this book, a woman gets accused of killing her own child and at the same time, Ruth has discovered the body of who they think is notorious Mother Hook who was hanged 1867 accused of killing children.
So the rating for the books is 3.5 stars with less annoying characters it would have gotten 4 stars.
But I keep coming back to the books for the stories, for the cases, for the archaeology, for the mix of the past and the present time. In this book, a woman gets accused of killing her own child and at the same time, Ruth has discovered the body of who they think is notorious Mother Hook who was hanged 1867 accused of killing children.
So the rating for the books is 3.5 stars with less annoying characters it would have gotten 4 stars.
April 10, 2016
I've been reading the Ruth Galloway series in order, and this one is my favorite so far! There is less emphasis on the archeology and history, although it is still present. And there is more emphasis on human relationships, and in particular, parent and child. I couldn't put this book down!
150 years ago, a childminder was hanged for murdering children in her care. In present time, two children are abducted. Another family has lost their children to SIDS. Through the weaving of the families into the storyline, the author has shown the emotions related to the loss of a child, whether temporary or permanent, and the repercussions over time.
All the usual characters are here, along with Ruth's brother and nephews, and an American TV production team. I really love spending time with Ruth and Kate, Nelson, Cloughie, Judy, and Cathbad. I love the progression of their relationships, and how they sometimes change over time.
There is one more book in this series, and another due out this year. I can hardly wait!
150 years ago, a childminder was hanged for murdering children in her care. In present time, two children are abducted. Another family has lost their children to SIDS. Through the weaving of the families into the storyline, the author has shown the emotions related to the loss of a child, whether temporary or permanent, and the repercussions over time.
All the usual characters are here, along with Ruth's brother and nephews, and an American TV production team. I really love spending time with Ruth and Kate, Nelson, Cloughie, Judy, and Cathbad. I love the progression of their relationships, and how they sometimes change over time.
There is one more book in this series, and another due out this year. I can hardly wait!
March 18, 2025
Book 6 in the Ruth Galloway series. This time, about a historic childminder with a hook for a hand and a TV company making a programme to prove her innocence. There is a historical story and a more contemporary story involving the kidnapping of 3 children. DCI Nelson is back with Clough consulting with a psychic to find who has taken his colleague Judys' child Michael. Cathbad is Michaels father, although Judy is married to Darren, her school sweetheart. I wanted to see more of Cathbad and his dog Thing. Kate, Ruth's child is now 2 and a half and is a developing character. I still throughly dislike the fat shaming, but the story itself is great. Plenty of themes, motherhood, being a single parent, mum guilt, childminders, love working, and even religion. Academics and police characters are so well developed. I will read more in the series, and the next one is already on order from the library. Fab stuff
February 19, 2020
This is a tricky series in that it is people centred in their ever changing and complex relationships. As usual the author takes just a few pages to bring her readers up to speed. What I find completely amazing is the ability of Elly to weave another original story from the perspective her previous novels in the series have left her.
The main character is a forensic archaeologist, a reserve and humble single mother, Ruth Galloway. Ruth isn't on every page; nor does she drive the investigation. However, because of her friendships and academic mind she remains the key person in this latest book. I can only admire the authors skill in creating this original story that remains fresh and full of tension.
Ruth is drawn into a TV series "Women who kill" when she uncovers the bones of a hanged woman, possibly Mother Hook a notorious child killer. TV fiction seems to mirror real life too closely and perhaps the spirit world is engaged in righting a historical miscarriage of justice or influencing modern day child killers.
Full of sorrow and despair but also wonderfully engaging as the plot develops with new twists. Uniquely the reader quickly learns more than the respective Police investigation can unravel and one can at times feel oneself shouting at the book for others, to make these connections. However, the author, the wonderfully talented Elly Griffiths has the final word as she entertainingly brings the whole thing together in a believable way that more than satisfies the readers attention and commitment to the story.
Elly is back at her best and one wonders how she can take these wonderful characters forward still further; there is talk of King Arthur or Richard III. Can fiction be more stranger than fact?
The main character is a forensic archaeologist, a reserve and humble single mother, Ruth Galloway. Ruth isn't on every page; nor does she drive the investigation. However, because of her friendships and academic mind she remains the key person in this latest book. I can only admire the authors skill in creating this original story that remains fresh and full of tension.
Ruth is drawn into a TV series "Women who kill" when she uncovers the bones of a hanged woman, possibly Mother Hook a notorious child killer. TV fiction seems to mirror real life too closely and perhaps the spirit world is engaged in righting a historical miscarriage of justice or influencing modern day child killers.
Full of sorrow and despair but also wonderfully engaging as the plot develops with new twists. Uniquely the reader quickly learns more than the respective Police investigation can unravel and one can at times feel oneself shouting at the book for others, to make these connections. However, the author, the wonderfully talented Elly Griffiths has the final word as she entertainingly brings the whole thing together in a believable way that more than satisfies the readers attention and commitment to the story.
Elly is back at her best and one wonders how she can take these wonderful characters forward still further; there is talk of King Arthur or Richard III. Can fiction be more stranger than fact?
January 27, 2022
I'm glad I enjoyed reading The Outcast Dead since I'll part from this series after this installment!
Despite the fact that I enjoy the historical part of the stories and some characters have a special place in my heart like Cachbad I have to be honest and say I can't stand the relationship between Ruth and Nelson!
I like them separately how they interact with friends and Ruth's relationship with her daughter but since I know how their will they won't they relationship develops I'm not interested to read further!
About the case in this book I have to say that it was intriguing and fast paced in contrary to previous installments! It was atmospheric and not much dependent on personal drama and that much that existed throughout the plot was essential to the main plot which I liked!
I liked the addition of Frank and Cachbad's daughter and I would be happy to read more about them in the next books but sadly Mrs. Griffiths depends to much on Ruth's and Nelson's feelings and relationship that is to my liking!
Maybe I'll change my mind at some point but until then...
Despite the fact that I enjoy the historical part of the stories and some characters have a special place in my heart like Cachbad I have to be honest and say I can't stand the relationship between Ruth and Nelson!
I like them separately how they interact with friends and Ruth's relationship with her daughter but since I know how their will they won't they relationship develops I'm not interested to read further!
About the case in this book I have to say that it was intriguing and fast paced in contrary to previous installments! It was atmospheric and not much dependent on personal drama and that much that existed throughout the plot was essential to the main plot which I liked!
I liked the addition of Frank and Cachbad's daughter and I would be happy to read more about them in the next books but sadly Mrs. Griffiths depends to much on Ruth's and Nelson's feelings and relationship that is to my liking!
Maybe I'll change my mind at some point but until then...
August 3, 2019
In one sense, this was another solid entry in the Ruth Galloway series. Yet, the modern mystery or mysteries were all over the place. I would have preferred a different way of tying the past with the present.
On the positive side, there was some needed closure on several character fronts... and for that this book earned a fourth star.
On to the next book.
PS- Anyone else peeved when there’s a mystery with no way of the reader being able to truly puzzle out the villain? Yeah, that happened here and slightly annoyed me.
On the positive side, there was some needed closure on several character fronts... and for that this book earned a fourth star.
On to the next book.
PS- Anyone else peeved when there’s a mystery with no way of the reader being able to truly puzzle out the villain? Yeah, that happened here and slightly annoyed me.
April 8, 2022
I can’t even tell you how much I love this book, and this series. Just outstanding. I love the archaeology, the history, the folklore, the setting, the plots, and the characters! Stellar job on this one.
December 23, 2025
The Outcast Dead is the sixth book in the Ruth Galloway series by award-winning British author, Elly Griffiths. The audio version is narrated by Clare Corbett. At a Norwich Castle dig, archaeologist Ruth Galloway and her team have uncovered the remains of what might have been Jemima Green, infamous as nineteenth Century child murderer, Mother Hook. Her boss, Phil Trent has attracted the interest of a TV series, Women Who Kill, whose producer is eager to include the find in their program.
Ruth hopes to stay in the background, but much to Phil’s chagrin, the woman is, unexpectedly, more inclined to put her in front of the camera. Also involved is an American historian, Frank Barker, and Ruth’s first encounter with him ends up with her car in a ditch, but they quickly find they have many interests in common, and enjoy spending time together. Frank has a provocative theory that Jemima Green was actually innocent.
Meanwhile, Nelson’s time is devoted to determining if Liz Donaldson has murdered her son, David. The eight-month-old is the third Donaldson child to have died in infancy, and while everyone who knows her insists that she could not possibly have done it, there are some signs the boy didn’t die naturally.
There’s pressure on Nelson from Cathbad to stop hassling Liz or expect karmic backlash, with Ruth and his daughter, Maddie also weighing in, and several on his team feel that Liz’s strange affect is due to shock or PTSD, that Nelson is being insensitive, but she remains the focus of his investigation. Until a more likely suspect comes to light…
New on Nelson’s team is “the only black policeman in Norfolk”, DS Tim Heathfield, imported from Blackpool, who is having little success connecting with his colleagues in a meaningful way, the new boy with everything to prove, but determined to do just that. DS Judy Johnson is coping well with motherhood and work, but Ruth can see that she misses Cathbad, now living in Lancashire, with the intention of allowing her marriage to Darren to flourish. The longing is apparently mutual.
Soon to be a published author, Ruth has proofs to check, celebrates her forty-third birthday with friends, and gets an unexpected visit from her older brother and his pre-teen sons. Then, a spate of missing children: the first, a false alarm; the second, mysterious, short-lived, with a benign outcome; the third, much too close to home, has all those with young children holding them more closely. DS Dave Clough is surprised to find himself consulting a psychic, and taking her advice seriously.
While the matter at hand is quite grim, Griffiths does provide some blackly funny dialogue. Ruth is astonished when Nelson says “Cathbad always just appears and things usually turn out alright if he’s here.” Much to Nelson’s annoyance, when things hot up, it’s Ruth, having deduced who has taken the child, in the middle of things, endangering, as he sees it, her life when she should be at home looking after Kate.
Griffiths keeps the reader guessing with a few misdirections and red herrings and, by the final pages there have also been some radical changes in relationship dynamics: it will be interesting to see how these develop in the seventh instalment, The Ghost Fields. Entertaining British crime fiction.
Ruth hopes to stay in the background, but much to Phil’s chagrin, the woman is, unexpectedly, more inclined to put her in front of the camera. Also involved is an American historian, Frank Barker, and Ruth’s first encounter with him ends up with her car in a ditch, but they quickly find they have many interests in common, and enjoy spending time together. Frank has a provocative theory that Jemima Green was actually innocent.
Meanwhile, Nelson’s time is devoted to determining if Liz Donaldson has murdered her son, David. The eight-month-old is the third Donaldson child to have died in infancy, and while everyone who knows her insists that she could not possibly have done it, there are some signs the boy didn’t die naturally.
There’s pressure on Nelson from Cathbad to stop hassling Liz or expect karmic backlash, with Ruth and his daughter, Maddie also weighing in, and several on his team feel that Liz’s strange affect is due to shock or PTSD, that Nelson is being insensitive, but she remains the focus of his investigation. Until a more likely suspect comes to light…
New on Nelson’s team is “the only black policeman in Norfolk”, DS Tim Heathfield, imported from Blackpool, who is having little success connecting with his colleagues in a meaningful way, the new boy with everything to prove, but determined to do just that. DS Judy Johnson is coping well with motherhood and work, but Ruth can see that she misses Cathbad, now living in Lancashire, with the intention of allowing her marriage to Darren to flourish. The longing is apparently mutual.
Soon to be a published author, Ruth has proofs to check, celebrates her forty-third birthday with friends, and gets an unexpected visit from her older brother and his pre-teen sons. Then, a spate of missing children: the first, a false alarm; the second, mysterious, short-lived, with a benign outcome; the third, much too close to home, has all those with young children holding them more closely. DS Dave Clough is surprised to find himself consulting a psychic, and taking her advice seriously.
While the matter at hand is quite grim, Griffiths does provide some blackly funny dialogue. Ruth is astonished when Nelson says “Cathbad always just appears and things usually turn out alright if he’s here.” Much to Nelson’s annoyance, when things hot up, it’s Ruth, having deduced who has taken the child, in the middle of things, endangering, as he sees it, her life when she should be at home looking after Kate.
Griffiths keeps the reader guessing with a few misdirections and red herrings and, by the final pages there have also been some radical changes in relationship dynamics: it will be interesting to see how these develop in the seventh instalment, The Ghost Fields. Entertaining British crime fiction.
September 27, 2020
I am now hooked on the Ruth Galloway series as if I were watching a favorite Masterpiece Mystery series with memorable characters, great plotting and fascinating historical details. These page-turning mysteries are a perfect escape for me. As I follow the lives and families of all the major characters and become invested in their stories, the books get better and better. The age of Ruth's daughter, Kate, is a good timeline. Kate is now three and a year has elapsed since the events of the previous book.
The Outcast Dead is an ambitious undertaking with three crimes to solve and a historical mystery concerning the guilt or innocence of a woman who was executed a hundred and fifty years ago. The outcast dead refers to paupers, prisoners and forgotten souls who were buried anonymously in common graves. The book begins with a memorial service to remember them. Similar services are held yearly on All Soul's Day in different cities in the world.
The historical fiction element concerns a woman named Jemima Green and referred to as Mother Hook because of the hook she has for a hand that she lost in a farming accident. Jemima was a child minder and issues surrounding her like body snatching, resurrection men and the death penalty in England at that time are addressed. Jemima was hung for a crime that she probably didn't commit because of circumstantial evidence and because of the way she looked. She was a large, ungainly woman with a hook for a hand. How many untold people have been executed because of the way they look - horrifyingly, too many to think about.
Elly Griffiths knows how to capture us by letting us become part of the lives of her characters. We want to know what is happening to them and what will happen next in their lives. She also knows how to write a great mystery with a hair-raising climax! Throw in a historical element and I am an entranced reader living in Ruth's Norwich.
The Outcast Dead is an ambitious undertaking with three crimes to solve and a historical mystery concerning the guilt or innocence of a woman who was executed a hundred and fifty years ago. The outcast dead refers to paupers, prisoners and forgotten souls who were buried anonymously in common graves. The book begins with a memorial service to remember them. Similar services are held yearly on All Soul's Day in different cities in the world.
The historical fiction element concerns a woman named Jemima Green and referred to as Mother Hook because of the hook she has for a hand that she lost in a farming accident. Jemima was a child minder and issues surrounding her like body snatching, resurrection men and the death penalty in England at that time are addressed. Jemima was hung for a crime that she probably didn't commit because of circumstantial evidence and because of the way she looked. She was a large, ungainly woman with a hook for a hand. How many untold people have been executed because of the way they look - horrifyingly, too many to think about.
Elly Griffiths knows how to capture us by letting us become part of the lives of her characters. We want to know what is happening to them and what will happen next in their lives. She also knows how to write a great mystery with a hair-raising climax! Throw in a historical element and I am an entranced reader living in Ruth's Norwich.
August 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am loving the “Ruth Gallloway” series, Elly Griffiths you definitely know how to capture your readings.
I am loving the “Ruth Gallloway” series, Elly Griffiths you definitely know how to capture your readings.
May 7, 2014
First Sentence: Every year a ceremony is held at Norwich Castle for the bodies in the paupers’ graves: the Service for the Outcast Dead.
Archeologist Ruth Galloway is on a dig at Norwich Castle when she uncovers the remains of a woman who may be Jemima Green, aka Mother Hook. She was a woman in the 1800s, thought to have taken in orphaned and abandoned children, only to murder and sell them to a resurrectionist. Her boss interests a television station in including the dig in their program, “Women who Kill,” but the show’s historian Professor Frank Barker, believes Mother Hook was innocent. DCI Harry Nelson, father to Ruth’s daughter, suspects a mother of recently killing her son. Did she also kill her two other children? And who is the “Childminder” who claims responsibility for newly abducted children?
It is from the opening of Ruth attending the Prayers for the Outcast Dead, a service to remember the buried unknown souls buried, that we learn the reasons why Ruth became an archeologist…”To find out about how ordinary people lived their lives. We are their recorders….”
Griffiths has created a wonderful assortment of characters. However, one criticism is that there are so many, they are hard to keep straight. Also, if one is new to the series, I suspect they might find it a bit challenging keeping straight those new to this story and those carried forward from the past, especially those only referenced but not actual participants. That said, one of the things most appreciated is that Griffiths not only presents the events happening to the characters, but lets us see inside them to their fears and insecurities. She also captures perfectly the one-upmanship that can occur amongst strangers in a social setting.
Although Ruth is a wonderful character—not young, not svelte, not gorgeous, somewhat insecure about her skills as a mother, but an excellent archeologist, and we learn about more about her immediate family, it is her friend Cathbad, a druid who believes in things unseen but also suffers from heartache, who quickly becomes a favorite. “…He could burn some herbs and try to meditate. …He sighs and goes to look up Judy’s house on Google Earth.”
“The Outcast Dead” was an enjoyable read but, sadly, not Ms. Griffiths best book. There were just too many characters and families with crossed lines to one another that made it difficult to follow. I like the series very much, but this needed to be pared back, perhaps to only one, or two story lines. Still, that doesn’t put me off looking forward to Ms. Griffiths next book.
THE OUTCAST DEAD (Lic Invest-Ruth Galloway-England-Contemp) – G+
Griffiths, Elly – 6th in series
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014
Archeologist Ruth Galloway is on a dig at Norwich Castle when she uncovers the remains of a woman who may be Jemima Green, aka Mother Hook. She was a woman in the 1800s, thought to have taken in orphaned and abandoned children, only to murder and sell them to a resurrectionist. Her boss interests a television station in including the dig in their program, “Women who Kill,” but the show’s historian Professor Frank Barker, believes Mother Hook was innocent. DCI Harry Nelson, father to Ruth’s daughter, suspects a mother of recently killing her son. Did she also kill her two other children? And who is the “Childminder” who claims responsibility for newly abducted children?
It is from the opening of Ruth attending the Prayers for the Outcast Dead, a service to remember the buried unknown souls buried, that we learn the reasons why Ruth became an archeologist…”To find out about how ordinary people lived their lives. We are their recorders….”
Griffiths has created a wonderful assortment of characters. However, one criticism is that there are so many, they are hard to keep straight. Also, if one is new to the series, I suspect they might find it a bit challenging keeping straight those new to this story and those carried forward from the past, especially those only referenced but not actual participants. That said, one of the things most appreciated is that Griffiths not only presents the events happening to the characters, but lets us see inside them to their fears and insecurities. She also captures perfectly the one-upmanship that can occur amongst strangers in a social setting.
Although Ruth is a wonderful character—not young, not svelte, not gorgeous, somewhat insecure about her skills as a mother, but an excellent archeologist, and we learn about more about her immediate family, it is her friend Cathbad, a druid who believes in things unseen but also suffers from heartache, who quickly becomes a favorite. “…He could burn some herbs and try to meditate. …He sighs and goes to look up Judy’s house on Google Earth.”
“The Outcast Dead” was an enjoyable read but, sadly, not Ms. Griffiths best book. There were just too many characters and families with crossed lines to one another that made it difficult to follow. I like the series very much, but this needed to be pared back, perhaps to only one, or two story lines. Still, that doesn’t put me off looking forward to Ms. Griffiths next book.
THE OUTCAST DEAD (Lic Invest-Ruth Galloway-England-Contemp) – G+
Griffiths, Elly – 6th in series
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014
March 10, 2021
This is the sixth book in the Ruth Galloway novels by Elly Griffith’s and is a really good cosy murder series. Really good characters, well written and plenty of back issues to keep the regular reader interested. This is one series I have read where I haven’t stuck rigidly to the book order. The books can be read as standalones and obviously some events make more sense reading in the correct order but I haven’t found this affects my enjoyment.
Ruth Galloway is a Forensic archaeologist working in Norfolk and she is regularly asked by the local police to help in their investigations. DCI Harry Nelson is emotionally linked to Ruth and had a daughter together following an extra marital affair. Harry is currently investigating the case of three children found dead in their home and is sure that the mother is responsible. Following the abduction of another child the kidnapper is dubbed the Childminder and claims responsibility. Could the ‘Childminder’ be responsible for both crimes or are there two murderers. Meanwhile Ruth Galloway uncovers the bones of a Victorian murderess Mother Hook who was hanged in 1867 for the murder of five children. Ruth becomes the reluctant star of the TV series Women Who Kill, working alongside the program’s alluring history expert, Professor Frank Barker.
I think the strength of this series is in the characters, interesting and quirky together with well crafted plots that are well written making this a very good series.
Ruth Galloway is a Forensic archaeologist working in Norfolk and she is regularly asked by the local police to help in their investigations. DCI Harry Nelson is emotionally linked to Ruth and had a daughter together following an extra marital affair. Harry is currently investigating the case of three children found dead in their home and is sure that the mother is responsible. Following the abduction of another child the kidnapper is dubbed the Childminder and claims responsibility. Could the ‘Childminder’ be responsible for both crimes or are there two murderers. Meanwhile Ruth Galloway uncovers the bones of a Victorian murderess Mother Hook who was hanged in 1867 for the murder of five children. Ruth becomes the reluctant star of the TV series Women Who Kill, working alongside the program’s alluring history expert, Professor Frank Barker.
I think the strength of this series is in the characters, interesting and quirky together with well crafted plots that are well written making this a very good series.
December 3, 2023
The plot gets lost in too many tangled threads from the past. Griffiths brings in minor characters from previous books — children at the time and now young adults — and weaves them into the current story. It made for a confusing and convoluted plot that dampened the central mystery. There are multiple changes of perspective, a risky gambit as the reader loses both focus and empathy for the central characters when asked to pay attention to so many at once. I find myself becoming more and more irritated by Cathbad with each book.
But the joy here remains catching up with Ruth, who catches the eye of a handsome and charming American historian, and Nelson, who just can't seem to quit her, and loves his little daughter to distraction.
Not my favorite plot, but I'm too addicted to these sweet characters to quit now.
But the joy here remains catching up with Ruth, who catches the eye of a handsome and charming American historian, and Nelson, who just can't seem to quit her, and loves his little daughter to distraction.
Not my favorite plot, but I'm too addicted to these sweet characters to quit now.
September 5, 2025
✨4 stars✨
Really liking this series…..
Really liking this series…..
November 6, 2016
After the highs of Dying Fall and Dr Ruth Galloway and her fantastic ensemble cast going "on tour" in Blackpool, The Outcast Dead is a thrilling and triumphant return to the Fens for everyone's favourite dysfunctional family! Introducing new characters to the party and serving up a whopping three mysteries into a single novel, this is once again an utter delight.
As Ruth discovers what looks to be the remains of the reputed body-farmer and child murderess Mother Hook, in the grounds of Norwich Castle, the past threatens to collide with modern-day Norfolk and for DCI Harry Nelson the memories of his failures on the Scarlet Henderson case pervade his thoughts. For Ruth's boss, the opportunity of publicity for the archaeology department of the University of North Norfolk sees Ruth featuring on a forthcoming cable TV show, chillingly entitled 'Woman Who Kill'. Despite Ruth's reluctance to face the camera, she is drawn into the filming as dishy American and Victorian history expert, Professor Frank Barker, interests her in his quest to exonerate Jemima Green, the woman dubbed Mother Hook and something of a local legend. Hanged in 1867 and now regarded as a body-farmer, is there fresh evidence to be discovered and will Ruth be a TV natural? As she hides from the cameras, events closer to home keep Ruth fully occupied, namely Kate, her forty-third birthday and a fleeting visit from her brother.
Alongside this DCI Nelson has more pressing problems of investigating the death of a child, the third child of now separated Liz and Bob Donaldson. Hot on the heels on their two older sons sudden and unexpected deaths, Nelson faces the rancorous media brigade as he investigates suspicions surrounding the mother. Whilst Judy is back on the job, her and DS Dave Clough have joined alliances in their suspicion of the new DS in the team, Tim Heathfield, fresh down from "up North". As Nelson tackles the only job that no one wants and questions Liz, a modern day child snatcher rears their head, ominously signing their notes as 'The Childminder'. Bringing the return of the much missed druid in the cloak in the form of Cathbad, it is a surprise that the gang find time to solve both of the current investigations and provide an answer for the longer standing question of Jemima Hook and her innocence.
Inherent to the success of this Dr Ruth Galloway novels are the characters that she brings to life for her readers, becoming as addictive as a soap opera for committed fans, yet Elly Griffiths never makes Ruth the sole focus of the dramas. Fundamental to readers enjoyment is that the supporting cast are all well drawn and believable personalities with their own lives and situations evolving alongside Ruth and Nelson. Full of gentle humour and brimming with feel-good moments, an opportunity to catch up with Ruth and company is pure manna from heaven! The Dr Ruth Galloway series continues to provide original and innovate plots, a satisfying mystery component and a cast who feel like family!
As Ruth discovers what looks to be the remains of the reputed body-farmer and child murderess Mother Hook, in the grounds of Norwich Castle, the past threatens to collide with modern-day Norfolk and for DCI Harry Nelson the memories of his failures on the Scarlet Henderson case pervade his thoughts. For Ruth's boss, the opportunity of publicity for the archaeology department of the University of North Norfolk sees Ruth featuring on a forthcoming cable TV show, chillingly entitled 'Woman Who Kill'. Despite Ruth's reluctance to face the camera, she is drawn into the filming as dishy American and Victorian history expert, Professor Frank Barker, interests her in his quest to exonerate Jemima Green, the woman dubbed Mother Hook and something of a local legend. Hanged in 1867 and now regarded as a body-farmer, is there fresh evidence to be discovered and will Ruth be a TV natural? As she hides from the cameras, events closer to home keep Ruth fully occupied, namely Kate, her forty-third birthday and a fleeting visit from her brother.
Alongside this DCI Nelson has more pressing problems of investigating the death of a child, the third child of now separated Liz and Bob Donaldson. Hot on the heels on their two older sons sudden and unexpected deaths, Nelson faces the rancorous media brigade as he investigates suspicions surrounding the mother. Whilst Judy is back on the job, her and DS Dave Clough have joined alliances in their suspicion of the new DS in the team, Tim Heathfield, fresh down from "up North". As Nelson tackles the only job that no one wants and questions Liz, a modern day child snatcher rears their head, ominously signing their notes as 'The Childminder'. Bringing the return of the much missed druid in the cloak in the form of Cathbad, it is a surprise that the gang find time to solve both of the current investigations and provide an answer for the longer standing question of Jemima Hook and her innocence.
Inherent to the success of this Dr Ruth Galloway novels are the characters that she brings to life for her readers, becoming as addictive as a soap opera for committed fans, yet Elly Griffiths never makes Ruth the sole focus of the dramas. Fundamental to readers enjoyment is that the supporting cast are all well drawn and believable personalities with their own lives and situations evolving alongside Ruth and Nelson. Full of gentle humour and brimming with feel-good moments, an opportunity to catch up with Ruth and company is pure manna from heaven! The Dr Ruth Galloway series continues to provide original and innovate plots, a satisfying mystery component and a cast who feel like family!
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