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Ruth Galloway #15
The Last Remains
The discovery of a missing woman’s bones force Ruth and Nelson to finally confront their feelings for each other as they desperately work to exonerate one of their own in this not-to-be-missed Ruth Galloway mystery from USA Today bestselling author Elly Griffiths.
When builders discover a human skeleton during a renovation of a café, they call in archeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway, who is preoccupied with the threatened closure of her department and by her ever-complicated relationship with DCI Nelson. The bones turn out to be modern—the remains of Emily Pickering, a young archaeology student who went missing in 2002. Suspicion soon falls on Emily’s Cambridge tutor and also on another archeology enthusiast who was part of the group gathered the weekend before she disappeared—Ruth’s friend Cathbad.
As they investigate, Nelson and his team uncover a tangled web of relationships within the archeology group and look for a link between them and the café where Emily’s bones were found. Then, just when the team seem to be making progress, Cathbad disappears. The trail leads Ruth a to the Neolithic flint mines in Grimes Graves. The race is on, first to find Cathbad and then to exonerate him, but will Ruth and Nelson uncover the truth in time to save their friend?
When builders discover a human skeleton during a renovation of a café, they call in archeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway, who is preoccupied with the threatened closure of her department and by her ever-complicated relationship with DCI Nelson. The bones turn out to be modern—the remains of Emily Pickering, a young archaeology student who went missing in 2002. Suspicion soon falls on Emily’s Cambridge tutor and also on another archeology enthusiast who was part of the group gathered the weekend before she disappeared—Ruth’s friend Cathbad.
As they investigate, Nelson and his team uncover a tangled web of relationships within the archeology group and look for a link between them and the café where Emily’s bones were found. Then, just when the team seem to be making progress, Cathbad disappears. The trail leads Ruth a to the Neolithic flint mines in Grimes Graves. The race is on, first to find Cathbad and then to exonerate him, but will Ruth and Nelson uncover the truth in time to save their friend?
384 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2023
1242 people are currently reading
13931 people want to read
About the author
Elly Griffiths
74 books9,410 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 2,020 reviews
May 5, 2023
What a bittersweet experience to read The Last Remains, the final Ruth Galloway book. This series has been a favorite of mine. From the beginning, Ruth has been such a fully realized character I could see her clearly.
This time, a fully articulated skeleton is found during the renovation of an antique store. The skeleton is recent, given the metal plate in the ankle. It’s soon discovered that she was an archeology student who went missing in 2002. A woman that had ties to Cathbad.
More important to the story, Nelson and Ruth are trying to decide where their future lies. Nelson is finally separated. Ruth’s archeology department may be shut down due to budget constraints. Covid is still very much a part of everyone’s life. Cathbad is still recovering from his serious bout with it and seems to be exhibiting signs of long Covid.
This is one of those books I wanted to rush through to see how it ended while dreading it being over. I will admit to seeing Nelson in a new and not entirely favorable light this time. But the ending was totally satisfying. Griffiths makes sure to tie up loose ends and even brings in characters from past books. This definitely should not be read by anyone who hasn’t read the prior books.
This is the first time I’ve listened to a book in the series and I can’t say I was impressed by Jane McDowell. But I’m thinking part of that is having such a firm idea of Ruth and Nelson in my head, including their voices.
This time, a fully articulated skeleton is found during the renovation of an antique store. The skeleton is recent, given the metal plate in the ankle. It’s soon discovered that she was an archeology student who went missing in 2002. A woman that had ties to Cathbad.
More important to the story, Nelson and Ruth are trying to decide where their future lies. Nelson is finally separated. Ruth’s archeology department may be shut down due to budget constraints. Covid is still very much a part of everyone’s life. Cathbad is still recovering from his serious bout with it and seems to be exhibiting signs of long Covid.
This is one of those books I wanted to rush through to see how it ended while dreading it being over. I will admit to seeing Nelson in a new and not entirely favorable light this time. But the ending was totally satisfying. Griffiths makes sure to tie up loose ends and even brings in characters from past books. This definitely should not be read by anyone who hasn’t read the prior books.
This is the first time I’ve listened to a book in the series and I can’t say I was impressed by Jane McDowell. But I’m thinking part of that is having such a firm idea of Ruth and Nelson in my head, including their voices.
May 29, 2023
Undecided. 2-3 stars. Too many social distancing and covid guidelines. I stuck with it because of the druid.😀
June 11, 2023
If this does turn out to be the final book in the series then it is the perfect finish.
Another buried skeleton turns up and Ruth discovers it is a modern death, and the police begin an investigation. Poor Cathbad becomes involved at probably the worst time for him as he is still trying to recover fully from his battle with Covid. Poor Ruth is about to lose her job at the same time as Michelle returns and moves back in with Nelson. What else could go wrong?
The answer is a lot of things but the author does an excellent job of fixing it all, and the ending is just right. I must say that this series is so good I even managed to overcome my pet hate of books being written in the present tense. It niggled me occasionally but I have enjoyed the characters so much through the whole series I just had to ignore it.
One last question - why has this series not been made into a TV series? I think it would be perfect.
Another buried skeleton turns up and Ruth discovers it is a modern death, and the police begin an investigation. Poor Cathbad becomes involved at probably the worst time for him as he is still trying to recover fully from his battle with Covid. Poor Ruth is about to lose her job at the same time as Michelle returns and moves back in with Nelson. What else could go wrong?
The answer is a lot of things but the author does an excellent job of fixing it all, and the ending is just right. I must say that this series is so good I even managed to overcome my pet hate of books being written in the present tense. It niggled me occasionally but I have enjoyed the characters so much through the whole series I just had to ignore it.
One last question - why has this series not been made into a TV series? I think it would be perfect.
February 18, 2025
For anyone who has followed this series, it is almost like being at home with the characters. You feel like you know them. You watch the kids grow up. The relationships ups and downs.
The Ruth Galloway series is a different sort of police procedural with forensic archaeology, because Ruth (our main protagonist) is an archaeologist.
She is an academic who is now head of her university department.
She has been consulting with the police whenever bones are found.
She also has an “interesting” relationship with officer, DCI Nelson – who also happens to be her daughter’s father, another major character.
Ruth has also written successful books and made television appearances.
In this book, we see not only another cold case that needs to be addressed, but the possibility of Ruth’s department being closed down, and some resolution with her relationship with Nelson (considering he has been married on and off with his wife Michelle).
What makes this book even more “emotional” for us die-hard followers, is understanding that the author has intended that this book, “The Last Remains” is to be the last in her series of Ruth Galloway mysteries. Which means, walking in to it, we already know that whatever happens to the characters that we have been reading through the years…this will be the last time we will probably be turning these pages for – so whatever happens, we can only hope ––
1) she doesn’t kill them off,
2) she won’t give them an unhappy ending,
Or…
3) she provides us readers with something we can be satisfied with for each of the characters.
I do believe, the author does justice, furthering the stories not only of Ruth and Nelson, but also Kate, Cathbad, Judy, Cloughie, Tanya…and even a surprise character from an earlier story (Kleenex, may be needed).
But, I won’t tell you how.
I think as readers, that is your adventure to enjoy.
Regardless of the case, we can appreciate that it was a very satisfying finale indeed. Enjoy.
The Ruth Galloway series is a different sort of police procedural with forensic archaeology, because Ruth (our main protagonist) is an archaeologist.
She is an academic who is now head of her university department.
She has been consulting with the police whenever bones are found.
She also has an “interesting” relationship with officer, DCI Nelson – who also happens to be her daughter’s father, another major character.
Ruth has also written successful books and made television appearances.
In this book, we see not only another cold case that needs to be addressed, but the possibility of Ruth’s department being closed down, and some resolution with her relationship with Nelson (considering he has been married on and off with his wife Michelle).
What makes this book even more “emotional” for us die-hard followers, is understanding that the author has intended that this book, “The Last Remains” is to be the last in her series of Ruth Galloway mysteries. Which means, walking in to it, we already know that whatever happens to the characters that we have been reading through the years…this will be the last time we will probably be turning these pages for – so whatever happens, we can only hope ––
1) she doesn’t kill them off,
2) she won’t give them an unhappy ending,
Or…
3) she provides us readers with something we can be satisfied with for each of the characters.
I do believe, the author does justice, furthering the stories not only of Ruth and Nelson, but also Kate, Cathbad, Judy, Cloughie, Tanya…and even a surprise character from an earlier story (Kleenex, may be needed).
But, I won’t tell you how.
I think as readers, that is your adventure to enjoy.
Regardless of the case, we can appreciate that it was a very satisfying finale indeed. Enjoy.
December 21, 2022
I’m a big Elly Griffiths fan and when I read that this book was going to be the last one in the Ruth Galloway series I was devastated. It was going to be like saying goodbye to an old friend. I’ve read all the books in order after they were recommended by a good friend several years ago and they’ve all been excellent. The last book was brilliant, set in the early days of the pandemic and this one carries on in the same vein although matters have improved as lockdowns are now over.
Nelson and Ruth are investigating the discovery of a body blocked up behind the wall of a cafe. However the corpse is not an ancient burial but that of a young student who went missing in 2002.
When Cathbad who is still recovering from Covid disappears, after admitting he knew the dead girl, things do not look good.
The mystery at the heart of the story is cleverly plotted as always but the main focus of the book is what will happen to our beloved central characters. Will Ruth end up with Nelson or will he move up North to be near his ex who has returned to Blackpool with his young son. Ruth’s department at the university is threatened with closure and it is not clear until the final pages whether Ruth’s campaign to save it will be successful or whether she will have to move away to find another job.
Change is afoot and the book is so brilliantly written that the reader does not guess the outcome until the very end.
This is a fitting finale for Ruth, Nelson and all the wonderful characters imagined by this excellent author. I am just hoping that Elly Griffiths sees fit to pick up their story again one day in the future.
A massive five stars from me both for this book and the whole wonderful series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus for my review copy.
Nelson and Ruth are investigating the discovery of a body blocked up behind the wall of a cafe. However the corpse is not an ancient burial but that of a young student who went missing in 2002.
When Cathbad who is still recovering from Covid disappears, after admitting he knew the dead girl, things do not look good.
The mystery at the heart of the story is cleverly plotted as always but the main focus of the book is what will happen to our beloved central characters. Will Ruth end up with Nelson or will he move up North to be near his ex who has returned to Blackpool with his young son. Ruth’s department at the university is threatened with closure and it is not clear until the final pages whether Ruth’s campaign to save it will be successful or whether she will have to move away to find another job.
Change is afoot and the book is so brilliantly written that the reader does not guess the outcome until the very end.
This is a fitting finale for Ruth, Nelson and all the wonderful characters imagined by this excellent author. I am just hoping that Elly Griffiths sees fit to pick up their story again one day in the future.
A massive five stars from me both for this book and the whole wonderful series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus for my review copy.
May 23, 2023
Well after many years, this series will end, ready or not. I'll miss Cathbad, I just love that spiritual druid. Such an interesting, unique and likable character. Will miss Kate, the mysteries, the archaeological finds and storylines that result from those finds. Been many years since we were first introduced to these characters and in a way they feel like neighbors, friends. Never really felt that Ruth and Nelson matched, or for that matter Judy and Cathbad, but strange pairings happen in real life so there's that. There were quite a few times that I felt like smacking Nelson or yelling at Ruth, telling her not.to be such a doormat. Guess I need to.find another series where I can he'll at the characters. Good way to let out my frustrations.
March 6, 2024
Thank you Ms Griffiths for the delightful 15-installment series. I’ve loved Ruth from the beginning and if this is the end of my time with her and her Norfolk friends and family, then you have given her the ending she deserves. (5th star for the last few chapters!)
I won’t beg or plead, but I will say, if it’s not the end, I look forward to the new mysteries that await!!
Such a great way to bring so many story lines and character arcs to resolution so perfectly.
( Reviewed 6/27/23)
I won’t beg or plead, but I will say, if it’s not the end, I look forward to the new mysteries that await!!
Such a great way to bring so many story lines and character arcs to resolution so perfectly.
( Reviewed 6/27/23)
December 17, 2022
I was thrilled when I was approved for an eARC of the latest Ruth Galloway book. If you're new to the series, The Last Remains is perhaps not the best book to begin with. Each book has a new case, so it is possible to read them separately. As there is so much history, I suggest starting at the beginning (take it from me, I'm a pro at starting series later on and having to go back to the beginning).
Ruth, Nelson, Cathbad (my favourite), and all the other characters are back, and this case is going to get very personal for them. The story captivated me from the beginning. Griffiths writes in a way that will make you want to keep reading. There are also books in which the characters' personal lives take precedence over the case. In this series, however, everything that happens in the lives of the characters is just as entertaining. It's a great book and I loved the ending.
Ruth, Nelson, Cathbad (my favourite), and all the other characters are back, and this case is going to get very personal for them. The story captivated me from the beginning. Griffiths writes in a way that will make you want to keep reading. There are also books in which the characters' personal lives take precedence over the case. In this series, however, everything that happens in the lives of the characters is just as entertaining. It's a great book and I loved the ending.
April 29, 2025
3.5 stars
Author Elly Griffiths has announced that this 15th book in the 'Ruth Galloway' mysteries is the last in the series.
In this novel, Ruth helps the police investigate the cold case murder of a college co-ed. The book could work as a standalone but will be more satisfying to people familiar with the characters.
*****
Dr. Ruth Galloway - a member of the Archaeology Department at England's University of North Norfolk (UNN) - loves her job, which involves teaching, doing research, and writing books.
So Ruth is taken aback when she reads on Twitter that UNN is planning to eliminate the Archaeology Department because of budget concerns. Ruth joins her co-workers in mounting protests, appealing to the public on television, and soliciting supportive letters from colleagues, but she has little faith these tactics will save the department.
Thus Ruth worries about supporting her 12-year-old daughter Kate, who was conceived during Ruth's affair with Detective Chief Inspector Harry Nelson, a married man.
Ruth and Nelson have had an on-again, off-again romance for 14 years, and now that Nelson's wife Michelle is getting a divorce, there might be a chance Ruth, Harry, and Kate - as well as Ruth's cat Flint and Nelson's dog Bruno - can form a real family.
Meanwhile, renovations of an old Norfolk café, with the aim of re-opening as a fashionable tea room, reveal a skeleton hidden behind a wall.
Archaeologist Ruth Galloway is called to view the bones, and she observes a surgical plate used to fuse a broken ankle. So Ruth determines the skeleton is modern, and DCI Harry Nelson and his team begin a murder inquiry.
The investigators learn the murder victim was Emily Pickering, an archaeology student at Cambridge University, who disappeared twenty years ago. Just before Emily vanished, she was on a field trip with her mentor, Professor Leo Ballard and other students and teachers.
As it happens, Ruth's druid friend Cathbad (real name Michael Malone), who was 36-years-old at the time, was on the outing with Ballard and the undergraduates.
Emily Pickering's parents believed Professor Ballard was responsible for Emily's disappearance, and Ballard even sued them for slander. Now that Emily's body has turned up, the Pickerings insist Ballard killed her, and Ballard does behave squirrelly when the police question him.
However, the police find that Emily was involved with several men, so there are plenty of suspects......possibly including Cathbad. This is significant to the cops because Cathbad's life partner Judy is a detective on Nelson's team, and must be recused from the investigation.
Shortly after Emily's body is found, Cathbad disappears. This may or may not be significant, because the druid tends to wander around visiting prehistorical sites, old graves, places with mystical significance, and so on. Still, Judy is terribly concerned because the druid almost died from Covid, and may have long Covid amnesia.
Since there's a dearth of forensic evidence, most of the police investigation involves interviewing people, looking at photos, observing CCTV footage, and mulling over their findings. Ruth doesn't have a big part in the inquiries, and it's DCI Nelson's inspiration that eventually solves the case.
As the story unfolds, there are 'Easter Egg' references to people and events in previous books, which is a nice treat for fans. It's also fun to hear Nelson regularly use his favorite expression, "Jesus Wept."
The novel's finale is satisfying, and leaves room for more books if the author decides to continue the series at some point.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
April 27, 2023
This is the 15th in the Ruth Galloway series; it is the first I have read. How have I missed this author? The book worked well as a standalone and although the author did a good job of filling in background information, I wished I had read some of the earlier stories to know more about the characters’ histories.
Taking place just after the worst of the Covid pandemic, archeologist Ruth Galloway is called in to assist on a case when a skeleton is found encased behind a wall in a shop being renovated. Her life is complicated as the university where she teaches announces they are going to close the archeology department while she is also trying to her figure out her relationship with DCI Nelson. When the bones are identified as belonging to a young woman who went missing twenty years earlier, they lead to links within the world of archeology and a close friend of Ruth’s.
This was a well written, engrossing read. I didn’t want to put it down. I enjoyed all the richly drawn characters in this well plotted and quite atmospheric novel, as well as some of the folklore from the Norfolk area.
I have read that this may well be the last book in this series. While loose ends were tied up at the conclusion of the book, I hope that there will be more! Ruth is a strong, intelligent, capable female main character. I’m sorry it took so long for me to meet her!
Thanks to #netgalley and #marinerbooks
Taking place just after the worst of the Covid pandemic, archeologist Ruth Galloway is called in to assist on a case when a skeleton is found encased behind a wall in a shop being renovated. Her life is complicated as the university where she teaches announces they are going to close the archeology department while she is also trying to her figure out her relationship with DCI Nelson. When the bones are identified as belonging to a young woman who went missing twenty years earlier, they lead to links within the world of archeology and a close friend of Ruth’s.
This was a well written, engrossing read. I didn’t want to put it down. I enjoyed all the richly drawn characters in this well plotted and quite atmospheric novel, as well as some of the folklore from the Norfolk area.
I have read that this may well be the last book in this series. While loose ends were tied up at the conclusion of the book, I hope that there will be more! Ruth is a strong, intelligent, capable female main character. I’m sorry it took so long for me to meet her!
Thanks to #netgalley and #marinerbooks
March 17, 2023
Waivered between 3 stars and 4 stars for this one. I loved being back with these characters, I love the Norfolk connection (where I live) and I love the folk lore and folk tales that are weaved into the mysteries. I've grown to love these characters and enjoy the humour, the setting and the mystery of this series of this page turning series.
As always with this series there are problematic elements
I found the university storyline quite boring and although I enjoyed the introduction of Zoe in the last book she seemed to have no part in this story.
I enjoyed the details of local areas such as Thetford forest and Grimes caves and of the folktales such as the green children and the fairy cow that were very much parts of my childhood.
3.5 stars
As always with this series there are problematic elements
I found the university storyline quite boring and although I enjoyed the introduction of Zoe in the last book she seemed to have no part in this story.
I enjoyed the details of local areas such as Thetford forest and Grimes caves and of the folktales such as the green children and the fairy cow that were very much parts of my childhood.
3.5 stars
April 14, 2023
The Last Remains is the fifteenth and latest in Elly Griffiths’ series featuring archaeologist Ruth Galloway. It's another engrossing mystery with plenty of ongoing character storylines and fascinating historical content.
Ruth is called in when a skeleton of a young woman is found bricked into a wall cavity in a building undergoing refurbishment in Kings Lynn. She quickly determines that the bones are only a couple of decades old and are therefore of little interest in an archaeological sense, however their discovery reignites a cold case concerning the disappearance of Cambridge archaeology student Emily Pickering in March 2002.
Emily disappeared following an overnight field trip to the Neolithic archaeological site known as Grimes Graves, located near Thetford, Norfolk. The site is a UK scheduled monument extending over an area of 37 hectares and containing at least 433 shafts and a network of underground tunnels constructed for the purpose of flint mining between 2600 and 2300 BCE. Not unexpectedly, Grimes Graves becomes the setting for a series of high-tension scenes in the closing chapters of The Last Remains.
DI Harry Nelson’s Kings Lynn-based Serious Crime Team investigate leads into Emily's last movements, also calling on Nelson's former offsider DI Dave Clough, who's now based in Cambridge, to assist with several interviews. Suspects include Leo Ballard, Emily's creepy tutor at St Jude’s College, Cambridge, Mark Oldbury, then a junior lecturer, several other students who were present at the camp, and the surviving members of the family who formerly ran the Green Child Café – the building where Emily’s remains were discovered. Also coming under scrutiny is Ruth and Nelson’s Druid friend Cathbad, who was not only present at Grimes Graves with the archaeological group in 2002 but had had a sexual relationship with Emily and was also associated with the proprietor of the café. Because of Cathbad’s involvement as a witness and potential suspect, his partner DS Judy Johnson must take a back seat in the investigation.
Meanwhile, Ruth is facing the potential closure of her department by the University of North Norfolk and is considering whether her professional future may lie further afield. Nelson's wife Michelle has officially left him and now lives in Blackpool with their youngest child. He's keen to put his relationship with Ruth on a more permanent footing, especially if it means that he, Ruth and their daughter Kate, who's now at secondary school in Kings Lynn, can live together as a family. Ruth’s not sure she’s ready to give up her hard-fought independence, but developments that occur over the course of the story bring matters to a head.
The Last Remains is a multi-layered, perfectly paced and enthralling read, which builds to a nail-bitingly dramatic conclusion involving several major characters. The subplots relating to the characters’ private lives are as engaging as readers have come to expect of this series. I found the side excursions to several historical religious sites in Norfolk and the incorporation of some curious stories from local folklore fascinating, too.
I'd thoroughly recommend The Last Remains to existing readers of the Ruth Galloway series and, while I'm sure it would prove an engaging standalone read for those new to the series, my feeling is that the reading experience is much enhanced by familiarity with the substantial character arcs and backstories contained within the previous instalments. I'm currently in the process of re reading the entire series in consecutive order and am enjoying it all the more the second time around!
Ruth is called in when a skeleton of a young woman is found bricked into a wall cavity in a building undergoing refurbishment in Kings Lynn. She quickly determines that the bones are only a couple of decades old and are therefore of little interest in an archaeological sense, however their discovery reignites a cold case concerning the disappearance of Cambridge archaeology student Emily Pickering in March 2002.
Emily disappeared following an overnight field trip to the Neolithic archaeological site known as Grimes Graves, located near Thetford, Norfolk. The site is a UK scheduled monument extending over an area of 37 hectares and containing at least 433 shafts and a network of underground tunnels constructed for the purpose of flint mining between 2600 and 2300 BCE. Not unexpectedly, Grimes Graves becomes the setting for a series of high-tension scenes in the closing chapters of The Last Remains.
DI Harry Nelson’s Kings Lynn-based Serious Crime Team investigate leads into Emily's last movements, also calling on Nelson's former offsider DI Dave Clough, who's now based in Cambridge, to assist with several interviews. Suspects include Leo Ballard, Emily's creepy tutor at St Jude’s College, Cambridge, Mark Oldbury, then a junior lecturer, several other students who were present at the camp, and the surviving members of the family who formerly ran the Green Child Café – the building where Emily’s remains were discovered. Also coming under scrutiny is Ruth and Nelson’s Druid friend Cathbad, who was not only present at Grimes Graves with the archaeological group in 2002 but had had a sexual relationship with Emily and was also associated with the proprietor of the café. Because of Cathbad’s involvement as a witness and potential suspect, his partner DS Judy Johnson must take a back seat in the investigation.
Meanwhile, Ruth is facing the potential closure of her department by the University of North Norfolk and is considering whether her professional future may lie further afield. Nelson's wife Michelle has officially left him and now lives in Blackpool with their youngest child. He's keen to put his relationship with Ruth on a more permanent footing, especially if it means that he, Ruth and their daughter Kate, who's now at secondary school in Kings Lynn, can live together as a family. Ruth’s not sure she’s ready to give up her hard-fought independence, but developments that occur over the course of the story bring matters to a head.
The Last Remains is a multi-layered, perfectly paced and enthralling read, which builds to a nail-bitingly dramatic conclusion involving several major characters. The subplots relating to the characters’ private lives are as engaging as readers have come to expect of this series. I found the side excursions to several historical religious sites in Norfolk and the incorporation of some curious stories from local folklore fascinating, too.
I'd thoroughly recommend The Last Remains to existing readers of the Ruth Galloway series and, while I'm sure it would prove an engaging standalone read for those new to the series, my feeling is that the reading experience is much enhanced by familiarity with the substantial character arcs and backstories contained within the previous instalments. I'm currently in the process of re reading the entire series in consecutive order and am enjoying it all the more the second time around!
January 31, 2023
When Elly Griffiths revealed that book 15 of the Ruth Galloway series was to be the last, we wailed, and gnashed our teeth, but generally realised that all good things would come to an end. There’s been a huge build-up for this last release, and I succumbed to a hardcover pre-order. The bonus was a special edition of the first book, The Crossing Places, which I reread in the autumn. I think that was a brilliant idea. It put everything into context and reminded me of things from the start that I’d forgot, or at least shelved in the cobwebbed cupboards of my mind.
And the starting point is important for the end. Not vital. You would enjoy the story, but miss the subtleties. At the heart of this book is a fine crime drama, with mystery, suspense, twists, blind alleys, and red herrings. But it all becomes heart-aching as the characters involved are people you know, trust and maybe love a little. Not just Ruth and Nelson. Not even just Cathbad. If I was starting on this book I would be bewildered by the huge cast of characters, some of whom are important to Ruth and Nelson, some to the plot. Many to both.
Norfolk plays its role to the full. What a character Norfolk is, and how much I miss its wide open spaces. I’m so glad I visited some of the tourist spots as well as more of the hidden spaces while I lived there. Elly’s description of Grimes Graves is good. But I doubt anyone who hasn’t seen such a weird landscape as this neolithic flint mine site would really appreciate it, and the atmosphere it creates.
As for the writing, well, Elly has upped her game. Several phrases she used made me stop in my tracks, they were so apt and evocative. This is an excellent read, which had me on the edge of my seat many times, for different reasons. It makes an entirely satisfying conclusion to the series, although Elly did add to her comment it was the last Ruth book ‘for now’. Well, there’s always the odd short story you want to write about your favourite characters, isn’t there?
And the starting point is important for the end. Not vital. You would enjoy the story, but miss the subtleties. At the heart of this book is a fine crime drama, with mystery, suspense, twists, blind alleys, and red herrings. But it all becomes heart-aching as the characters involved are people you know, trust and maybe love a little. Not just Ruth and Nelson. Not even just Cathbad. If I was starting on this book I would be bewildered by the huge cast of characters, some of whom are important to Ruth and Nelson, some to the plot. Many to both.
Norfolk plays its role to the full. What a character Norfolk is, and how much I miss its wide open spaces. I’m so glad I visited some of the tourist spots as well as more of the hidden spaces while I lived there. Elly’s description of Grimes Graves is good. But I doubt anyone who hasn’t seen such a weird landscape as this neolithic flint mine site would really appreciate it, and the atmosphere it creates.
As for the writing, well, Elly has upped her game. Several phrases she used made me stop in my tracks, they were so apt and evocative. This is an excellent read, which had me on the edge of my seat many times, for different reasons. It makes an entirely satisfying conclusion to the series, although Elly did add to her comment it was the last Ruth book ‘for now’. Well, there’s always the odd short story you want to write about your favourite characters, isn’t there?
May 14, 2023
Love the Ruth Galloway-series!
May 4, 2023
I am grateful to Elly Griffiths for concluding the mystery series. Though the books have been my favorite mysteries and I enjoy all her other books, this one was weak. The constant referral to what has happened to explain what is happening becomes dreary after a while. Since I have read all of the books, I know what has happened so this is boring repetition and not an amusing addition to the plot. Also, Ruth's constant considering of what she should do regarding her love life and her career became tedious and not an addition to an interesting exposition of the plot. Good luck Ruth Galloway - your story is over done.
September 25, 2023
I can't believe this series is over!! It's probably my favorite mystery series and I will miss the characters as if they were people I truly knew. That being said, I was very satisfied with the ending, and hope the author will change her mind and keep it going after all!
February 15, 2023
Is this a good series? No.
Is Ruth a likable protagonist? Nope.
Did I still read every single book in the series? Yes.
Am I glad it is presumably over? DEFINITELY
Is Ruth a likable protagonist? Nope.
Did I still read every single book in the series? Yes.
Am I glad it is presumably over? DEFINITELY
February 6, 2023
*gulp*
This is it. The last book in Elly Griffiths ‘Dr. Ruth Galloway’ series. Fifteen books. Spanning 2009 to 2023. Oh, sure - Griffiths is being very gentle in adding “for now,” whenever she discusses this as the final book in the series … but her publisher Quercus is advertising it as “the final instalment in the Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries,” and it does indeed read with finality. A lovely goodbye.
There’s a body found bricked up in a wall of what was once a cafe of “folklore Friday” gatherings - and that’s the mystery that kicks things off.
But more important is where we last left Ruth and DCI Nelson in ‘The Locked Room,’ Nelson was having a heart-to-heart with himself and choosing between his wife Michelle, or pursuing the romance he’s been puttering around with archeologist Ruth, that was lengthened and strengthened by Ruth getting pregnant with their daughter, Kate, after one of their flings.
At this point, Ruth and Nelson have been 14-years in this painful dance. And in this, the final instalment, it’s time to put up or shut up.
I will say Nelson always frustrates the heck outta me (and Ruth) and he’s keeping to form even in the last book. I think I mostly side with Ruth’s recently discovered half-sister Zoe in her assessment of Nelson. But I also acknowledge that Griffiths deliberately keeps Nelson and Ruth away from each other in this instalment, to ratchet up the tension (and I’ve gotta admit, the ending surprised even me who very much thought the writing was on the wall.)
I wish this being the final, we’d had more of Ruth, Nelson and Kate together. Especially since we hear a lot about how they spent much of 2020 and lockdown finally resembling more of a family. It’s tough when even in the last book, it feels like we’re being teased with something that’s still out of reach … BUT; if Griffiths does decide on more instalments I am willing to say I’d love to follow a grown-up Kate. Or else I’d love to see another semi-surrogate child of Ruth and Nelson who appears in this novel, in a really beautiful full-circle that had me tearing up.
It’s an odd feeling, spending so much time in layered fictional worlds only to have them wind up and wind down, draw the curtain and come to ‘The End.’ However satisfying (and this is!) it’s a hard thing to just tuck these beloved characters away and comfort yourself with the thought that they’re going on in their imaginary lives, only without your eyes on them. It’s sad. I’m sad. Especially because I binged these books in lockdown, and they became a comfort and lodestone.
Well. Here’s me stacking the stones and placing ‘The Last Remains,’ atop that beloved pile of books. Thank you, Elly Griffiths. Thank you, yes - even you! - Nelson. But most of all, thank you Ruth - for being a very different crime-fiction heroine and one I came to greatly admire and care for.
This is it. The last book in Elly Griffiths ‘Dr. Ruth Galloway’ series. Fifteen books. Spanning 2009 to 2023. Oh, sure - Griffiths is being very gentle in adding “for now,” whenever she discusses this as the final book in the series … but her publisher Quercus is advertising it as “the final instalment in the Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries,” and it does indeed read with finality. A lovely goodbye.
There’s a body found bricked up in a wall of what was once a cafe of “folklore Friday” gatherings - and that’s the mystery that kicks things off.
But more important is where we last left Ruth and DCI Nelson in ‘The Locked Room,’ Nelson was having a heart-to-heart with himself and choosing between his wife Michelle, or pursuing the romance he’s been puttering around with archeologist Ruth, that was lengthened and strengthened by Ruth getting pregnant with their daughter, Kate, after one of their flings.
At this point, Ruth and Nelson have been 14-years in this painful dance. And in this, the final instalment, it’s time to put up or shut up.
I will say Nelson always frustrates the heck outta me (and Ruth) and he’s keeping to form even in the last book. I think I mostly side with Ruth’s recently discovered half-sister Zoe in her assessment of Nelson. But I also acknowledge that Griffiths deliberately keeps Nelson and Ruth away from each other in this instalment, to ratchet up the tension (and I’ve gotta admit, the ending surprised even me who very much thought the writing was on the wall.)
I wish this being the final, we’d had more of Ruth, Nelson and Kate together. Especially since we hear a lot about how they spent much of 2020 and lockdown finally resembling more of a family. It’s tough when even in the last book, it feels like we’re being teased with something that’s still out of reach … BUT; if Griffiths does decide on more instalments I am willing to say I’d love to follow a grown-up Kate. Or else I’d love to see another semi-surrogate child of Ruth and Nelson who appears in this novel, in a really beautiful full-circle that had me tearing up.
It’s an odd feeling, spending so much time in layered fictional worlds only to have them wind up and wind down, draw the curtain and come to ‘The End.’ However satisfying (and this is!) it’s a hard thing to just tuck these beloved characters away and comfort yourself with the thought that they’re going on in their imaginary lives, only without your eyes on them. It’s sad. I’m sad. Especially because I binged these books in lockdown, and they became a comfort and lodestone.
Well. Here’s me stacking the stones and placing ‘The Last Remains,’ atop that beloved pile of books. Thank you, Elly Griffiths. Thank you, yes - even you! - Nelson. But most of all, thank you Ruth - for being a very different crime-fiction heroine and one I came to greatly admire and care for.
March 3, 2023
Through fifteen books, devoted fans have felt a part of the extended family of Dr. Ruth Galloway, DCI Harry Nelson, and their friends and co-workers. It's sad-- and even a bit traumatic-- to see a cherished series end, but if it has to, it should end on the sort of note that The Last Remains does.
All the bases are covered here. Life during the pandemic and the NHS phone app that told users when they had to stay home because they'd been in the same place as someone with Covid. Ruth's very real possibility of losing her beloved archaeology department and her job. Nelson's boss constantly harping at him to retire. Cathbad's slow recovery from Covid and his mystifying disappearance. New faces, like a detective constable named Lucy. Ruth's daughter Kate growing up so fast. And-- of course-- a first-rate mystery to solve.
The mystery surrounding archaeology student Emily Pickering's disappearance and death is excellent and kept me guessing every step of the way. And while the characters were hard at work trying to solve that mystery, author Elly Griffiths was busy tying up loose ends. If there are no further investigations for Ruth and Nelson, I will be sad... yet happy with the way The Last Remains ends. But a little part of me will always hope for Just. One. More.
All the bases are covered here. Life during the pandemic and the NHS phone app that told users when they had to stay home because they'd been in the same place as someone with Covid. Ruth's very real possibility of losing her beloved archaeology department and her job. Nelson's boss constantly harping at him to retire. Cathbad's slow recovery from Covid and his mystifying disappearance. New faces, like a detective constable named Lucy. Ruth's daughter Kate growing up so fast. And-- of course-- a first-rate mystery to solve.
The mystery surrounding archaeology student Emily Pickering's disappearance and death is excellent and kept me guessing every step of the way. And while the characters were hard at work trying to solve that mystery, author Elly Griffiths was busy tying up loose ends. If there are no further investigations for Ruth and Nelson, I will be sad... yet happy with the way The Last Remains ends. But a little part of me will always hope for Just. One. More.
May 18, 2023
I have to give this four stars bc the pages do keep turning and there is one character in here I love so much and care about several others. I don’t read for the mystery, I read for the characters.
Re the way the soap opera storyline was wound up. MAJOR SPOILERS for the series:
Anyway. I enjoyed the setting, characters, humor and writing in this, but the main theme mentioned in the spoiler always got under my skin, and I don’t understand the readers who wanted this series to wind up as it did,
Anyway, end rant. I did read this series to the end even though with the first book, I found the setup for the soap opera storyline totally improbable. I love British literature and settings, and as I said there is one character in here who is so real to me (and also quite realistic as well)……I totally adore him. So I stayed with it. Glad I finished the series and I’m also glad it’s over.
Re the way the soap opera storyline was wound up. MAJOR SPOILERS for the series:
Anyway. I enjoyed the setting, characters, humor and writing in this, but the main theme mentioned in the spoiler always got under my skin, and I don’t understand the readers who wanted this series to wind up as it did,
Anyway, end rant. I did read this series to the end even though with the first book, I found the setup for the soap opera storyline totally improbable. I love British literature and settings, and as I said there is one character in here who is so real to me (and also quite realistic as well)……I totally adore him. So I stayed with it. Glad I finished the series and I’m also glad it’s over.
May 28, 2023
It was with a trace of sadness that I began this novel, knowing that it was probably the final installment of one of the most original and engrossing series I’ve encountered in the past decade. However, Elly Griffiths has managed to pack Ruth Galloway’s final outing with almost non-stop action from start to finish.
It is rather fitting for a series based on archæology that this final episode centres around activities at Grime’s Graves, a prehistoric flint mine near Thetford and, probably, the most famous archæological site in Norfolk. The story begins with builders discovering a skeleton behind a wall in an old building in King’s Lynn which used to be called the Green Child Cafe. Thinking the skeleton is ancient, the builder calls Ruth to examine it, but she soon determines that, rather than being prehistoric, the skeleton dates from this century. Then, of course, Nelson gets involved and we get the latest installment of his on-off relationship with Ruth, which has been the romantic leitmotif of the entire series. The skeleton is soon identified as Emily Pickering, an archæological student who went missing in 2002 after a field trip at Grime’s Graves.
Of course, no Ruth Galloway adventure would be complete without an appearance from Cathbad. We’re well served here, as he plays a sizeable and significant role in the investigation. Not only did he know Emily and was on her last field trip, but he disappears midway through the investigation.
All in all, this is a very fitting end to the series with a sense of uncertainly pervading the entire novel. Many covid restrictions and precautions are still in place, the Archæology Department at University of North Norfolk is threatened with closure, plus, of course, the “will they, won’t they?” concerning Ruth and Nelson. They will be much missed.
It is rather fitting for a series based on archæology that this final episode centres around activities at Grime’s Graves, a prehistoric flint mine near Thetford and, probably, the most famous archæological site in Norfolk. The story begins with builders discovering a skeleton behind a wall in an old building in King’s Lynn which used to be called the Green Child Cafe. Thinking the skeleton is ancient, the builder calls Ruth to examine it, but she soon determines that, rather than being prehistoric, the skeleton dates from this century. Then, of course, Nelson gets involved and we get the latest installment of his on-off relationship with Ruth, which has been the romantic leitmotif of the entire series. The skeleton is soon identified as Emily Pickering, an archæological student who went missing in 2002 after a field trip at Grime’s Graves.
Of course, no Ruth Galloway adventure would be complete without an appearance from Cathbad. We’re well served here, as he plays a sizeable and significant role in the investigation. Not only did he know Emily and was on her last field trip, but he disappears midway through the investigation.
All in all, this is a very fitting end to the series with a sense of uncertainly pervading the entire novel. Many covid restrictions and precautions are still in place, the Archæology Department at University of North Norfolk is threatened with closure, plus, of course, the “will they, won’t they?” concerning Ruth and Nelson. They will be much missed.
May 1, 2023
Much like the last several books, this one disappointed. Elly Griffiths created such strong, well-defined characters and deep plots. The first ten or so books were amazing. But the characters started fading when Ruth moved to Cambridge, and ever since then it’s like Griffiths has been going through the motions with the series. This finale felt like she was trying to force a happy ending, and it just felt throwaway. The Zoe character has never seemed authentic, and the chemistry between Nelson and Ruth is gone. Why did Michelle leave? Why didn’t Nelson miss her, or his son? Why did Judy and Cathbad bow to convention? This series is one of two that I actually purchase rather than get from the library, so I am pretty invested in it. I would much rather have seen a more realistic ending than a contrived one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2023
Brilliant Elly Griffiths as always! Loved the local Norfolk and Suffolk references, Grimes Graves, the Green Children of Woolpit. Great story, I had no clue as usual! Lots of loose ends tied up regarding Ruth and Nelson, but is this the last book of the series?? All good things come to an end and this one seemed very final, but I really hope not!
November 29, 2024
This was #15 and the end of the Ruth Galloway series. As always, I loved it and was in the edge of my seat waiting to see who the murderer was. Each book has enough red herrings thrown in to really throw you off! I always happy with the ending!
I’m going to have to start on Elly Griffiths other series’ now!
I’m going to have to start on Elly Griffiths other series’ now!
March 15, 2023
Incredibly boring. Drags on for ever - only read it because I wanted to find out what happened to the two main characters and to Cathbad. Constant references to covid, (not interested,) and the comments made by characters which bear no relevance to the story but are the authors views (which I didn’t agree with) brought this book down. At least a certain section of London got off lightly this time. Talk about bring something down. In her last book, apparently everyone who lives in this part wants to live in a different part - no they don’t. Maybe the author did and that’s fine but it makes it a bit of an eye roll session for me. Not much at all happened and huge chunks could have been left out. Also it was so slow….
May 12, 2023
The 15th--and supposedly final book--in Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway series is basically perfect in every way. I say it in every review of these books, but I find these characters completely beloved, with their own unique expressions and personalities. (I can just picture DCI Nelson exclaiming, "Jesus wept!") We've grown along with Ruth, Nelson, their daughter Kate, Nelson's team, Ruth's druid friend Cathbad, and so many more near and dear characters.
"She feels that she has been fighting things - Covid, the university, her own feelings - for too long."
Things come full circle in REMAINS, with mentions of cases from previous books, along with historical sites Nelson and Ruth have visited (read: been trapped at and/or found someone murdered at) before. It seems like one giant Easter egg for readers, and it's wonderful. We find Ruth at a crossroads, with her university department being shut down. A body is found in a nearby cafe, and when she's called in to excavate, the bones are recent, so she and Nelson must work together once again. The young woman's remains are identified as Emily Pickering, who disappeared in 2002. And we soon learn she knew Cathbad, who is still reeling from having Covid.
The mystery of Emily's murder--and how she was walled up in a cafe--keeps you guessing. It pulls in Cathbad and his partner Judy. Reading about these familiar and loved characters makes me feel so happy and content. And, of course, I love Nelson and Ruth and their attempts to figure out their own complicated relationship. REMAINS is nuanced and detailed--dark at times, but humorous at others (oh Nelson). Its ending was just perfect, and I cried at the end (and again when I read Griffiths note about her dear late cat, Gus). I adore this series and cannot recommend it enough!!
"She feels that she has been fighting things - Covid, the university, her own feelings - for too long."
Things come full circle in REMAINS, with mentions of cases from previous books, along with historical sites Nelson and Ruth have visited (read: been trapped at and/or found someone murdered at) before. It seems like one giant Easter egg for readers, and it's wonderful. We find Ruth at a crossroads, with her university department being shut down. A body is found in a nearby cafe, and when she's called in to excavate, the bones are recent, so she and Nelson must work together once again. The young woman's remains are identified as Emily Pickering, who disappeared in 2002. And we soon learn she knew Cathbad, who is still reeling from having Covid.
The mystery of Emily's murder--and how she was walled up in a cafe--keeps you guessing. It pulls in Cathbad and his partner Judy. Reading about these familiar and loved characters makes me feel so happy and content. And, of course, I love Nelson and Ruth and their attempts to figure out their own complicated relationship. REMAINS is nuanced and detailed--dark at times, but humorous at others (oh Nelson). Its ending was just perfect, and I cried at the end (and again when I read Griffiths note about her dear late cat, Gus). I adore this series and cannot recommend it enough!!
July 11, 2023
A satisfying ending to the Ruth Galloway series. The forensic archeology introduced in this series was new to me and I found it so interesting. A plus was the atmospheric setting of Norfolk and the Saltmarsh.
June 27, 2025
A fitting conclusion? An hiatus in Norfolk?
For the many loyal fans of Dr Ruth Galloway. Can there ever be a line drawn in the sand? Or is it just a liminal zone, between the land and the sea?
I have read all these mysterious in order from the very first book in this series. It has been a journey, rich in location and archeological significance. Crime procedurals with a deep resonance with the place, historical sites and buildings, overlaid with sacred stories and ancient traditions. An amazing balance between legal procedure, academic process and a Druid. It is these interdependent relationships that enhance and enrich these novels and why, so many readers rush to read each new book. Desperate to learn about these interesting characters that include adults, children and their pets.
This book takes you on a valedictory tour of places and cases that mean things to Ruth and special locations that author Elly Griffiths identifies with, in earlier stories and in the publication journey of these wonderful novels. I especially liked the many independent book outlets mentioned, including the brilliant Toppings bookshop in Ely. Reminding me of a special book event with Elly in Ely. Organised by Toppings in the local library one evening that I attended.
In addition to the serious murder investigation which Nelson and Ruth work on in “The Last Remains” there is the drama over their future and Cathbad’s state on mind. Amid all the fears and anxiety the author’s sense of humour and her lightness of writing comes to the forefront of the text.
“Why would anyone pay to listen to an author talking about their books? thinks Tanya. People really are weird.” Love it Elly.
But this isn’t a closed group of Griffiths’ fans. Elly’s books are easy to read; harsher than ‘cosy crime’ and tackle real issues and the darker aspects of life, and death.
I warmly recommend this latest and perhaps last book in this series. New to this author? Reader beware! The writing is simple storytelling where people count for something and the words flow into wonderful thoughts and pictures and suddenly you’re halfway through the book and hooked.
For the many loyal fans of Dr Ruth Galloway. Can there ever be a line drawn in the sand? Or is it just a liminal zone, between the land and the sea?
I have read all these mysterious in order from the very first book in this series. It has been a journey, rich in location and archeological significance. Crime procedurals with a deep resonance with the place, historical sites and buildings, overlaid with sacred stories and ancient traditions. An amazing balance between legal procedure, academic process and a Druid. It is these interdependent relationships that enhance and enrich these novels and why, so many readers rush to read each new book. Desperate to learn about these interesting characters that include adults, children and their pets.
This book takes you on a valedictory tour of places and cases that mean things to Ruth and special locations that author Elly Griffiths identifies with, in earlier stories and in the publication journey of these wonderful novels. I especially liked the many independent book outlets mentioned, including the brilliant Toppings bookshop in Ely. Reminding me of a special book event with Elly in Ely. Organised by Toppings in the local library one evening that I attended.
In addition to the serious murder investigation which Nelson and Ruth work on in “The Last Remains” there is the drama over their future and Cathbad’s state on mind. Amid all the fears and anxiety the author’s sense of humour and her lightness of writing comes to the forefront of the text.
“Why would anyone pay to listen to an author talking about their books? thinks Tanya. People really are weird.” Love it Elly.
But this isn’t a closed group of Griffiths’ fans. Elly’s books are easy to read; harsher than ‘cosy crime’ and tackle real issues and the darker aspects of life, and death.
I warmly recommend this latest and perhaps last book in this series. New to this author? Reader beware! The writing is simple storytelling where people count for something and the words flow into wonderful thoughts and pictures and suddenly you’re halfway through the book and hooked.
June 19, 2023
Very popular series makes for a very long wait for a free library loan, but I finally got to read this 15th book. I see other reviewers seem to accept that this is the last of the Galloway series, but I would not know about that. I simply read it start to finish, liking most and disliking some parts as I usually do. Early on it is announced that Ruth's archaeology department will no longer be funded so change is in the air from the start. There is a cold case murder mystery to be solved and many of the regular characters are connected to the circumstances.
Library Loan
Library Loan
April 1, 2023
ik vind het helemaal niet leuk dat het nu afgelopen is 😥😢🥺😭
over de afloop heb ik nog geschreven in de Heldenreis Nieuwsbrief van april 2023
wel met SPOILER ALERT!
over de afloop heb ik nog geschreven in de Heldenreis Nieuwsbrief van april 2023
wel met SPOILER ALERT!
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