Kindle British Mystery Book Club discussion

I'm finding this not very interesting so far, and very slow going. Haven't developed any particular fondness or interest in any of the characters, and so far it's not clear to me why I should care about bones that might be hundreds of years old.

I'm also very unclear what's going on with the mysterious character who killed the cat, but he (she?) is not the sort of mystery character who draws my interest or curiosity.

Here's hoping it will get better -- I'm about a third of the way through so far. If others are liking it, I would love to know what you see in it. Maybe I am missing things.

David wrote: "Interesting that Everyman, I was about to download the book when I read your thoughts. I am now wondering if I should read the first Ruth Galloway book first."

Well, I have a pretty good idea of what happened in that book from the frequent mentions of it in this one.

I really liked this book. I read Crossing Places first and got a lot of the back story. I enjoy books with dialogue and character development. I will admit that there is a lot more going on with laying the foundation for Nelson and Ruth's future than with the actual crime. At the risk of sounding sexist I will say that this series probably has a greater appeal to women. It's a fast read and I look forward to reading #3 in the series.

Susie wrote: "I will admit that there is a lot more going on with laying the foundation for Nelson and Ruth's future than with the actual crime."

That was my feeling also. You know what they say about hockey, "I went to a fight a hockey game broke out." I felt much the same way here -- I read a Harlequin Romance and a mystery broke out.

I just picked up as well as The Janus Stone. I am going to read the books in order so I will probably not get to The Janus Stone until later this month.

The Janus Stone kept me interested until the end. I wish Ruth would move away from that desolate little house she lives in, and not just because of the baby. She is an interesting character, very unlike anyone I know. I will keep reading these.

Just finished the book and overall enjoyed it. I would read another book by this author. I typically prefer police procedurals so it was also good to get out of my rut. I did get a bit tired reading about Ruth's aches and pains but fortunately the plot kept moving along.

I wasn't very engaged by the first book - even though I am usually mesmerized by the topics. Something in the style simply was not enough to hold me.

I am really enjoying and as soon as I am done I will read this month's book.

I am glad that I am reading book one first as there seems to be a lot of time spent on character development and things that happened in the past.

David wrote: "Just finished.
The writing style for me was fine. What he book lacked was that capturing you and keeping you with the plot. It took far to long to get going and to decide that the bones they inital..."

Your view of it largely echoes my own. My wavering went down to 2 stars, but that's the main difference between us, except that I also felt that the writing was pedestrian and uninspired.

I read The Crossing Places and this book back to back and I have to say I quite enjoyed it and the series. I will definitely read more about Ruth. I liked the relationship sub plots and the archaeological aspects.

The development of the characters that seems purposeful. Ruth's mother as the born again Christian versus Cathbad. Ruth being pregnant vs. Shona who had abortions.

I did feel that David from The Crossing Places and Roderick from The Janus Stones were similar characters. Both managed to seem to function in the "real world", they were not criminal types. Both initially Ruth seemed to like or at least think were ok.

For some reason this series reminds me of

and they are similar in areas of theme but also tone and mood.

Sorry didn't think about the book covers not showing:

Raven Black,Red Bones, and White Nights

i find the book brings me a terrific sense of being near the sea, feel of her house , being in the trenches etc. . the whole world of ruth has a unique feel from landscape to past and present history. a lighter read I suppose-found very enjoyable.

Ann wrote: "The Crossing Place, which I got in a kindle sale, introduced me to this series and I am now well and truly hooked. As well as the Janus Stone I have read The House At Seas End and about to start A ..."

I'm totally with you Ann on this. I am looking forward to reading The House At Seas End.

jeff wrote: "i find the book brings me a terrific sense of being near the sea, feel of her house , being in the trenches etc. . the whole world of ruth has a unique feel from landscape to past and present hi..."

I agree it is very atmospheric! I can really imagine being in her cozy little house with her cat. I've never been to Norfolk and now I really want to see it for myself.

Since, I am the one who nominated the book I guess I should weigh in. (sorry was away on vacation with no access to interent & leaving on a business trip next week)
I guess this series is geared towards women more than to men, so I see where there is a disconnect for some of the readers.
I like the series mostly due to the atmosphere and sense of place. The characters are becoming more developed in this second book and I truly like Ruth and I feel for the dilemma she is in. She is a strong character who has faults just like all of us, but she persevers and I like that about her.
This series is mostly a cozy type read, which is good for a change from some of the more edgy thriller type mysteries that I read. It's a bit of escapism and I love that when I need a break.
I am so glad that many of you have fell in love with the series and feel bad that some of you have not, but that's what this is all about...trying new reads to see what is out there...not everyone has to agree.
For those of you that love this series I would also recommend a series by an author from my country, Canada, Louise Penny. The Gamache series is also very atmospheric and has great characters. You will get lost in Penny's Quebec as I have.
Thanks for reading my pick!!!!

I would also like to thank David for picking up the moderation of this pick for me during my time away and next week while I am once again away.

I think the atmosphere is what appeals to me so much. I assume that is why you either really like this series or you don't. What I read as: setting the tone and mood - the isolation of the salt marches, the feel of living near the sea, etc. - other people see as taking to long to get to the plot, etc.

Barbara wrote: "Since, I am the one who nominated the book I guess I should weigh in. (sorry was away on vacation with no access to interent & leaving on a business trip next week)
I guess this series is geared t..."

Louise Penny quickly became one of my very favorite authors. I'm
Reading in order and am up to ABrutal Telling and she gathers me in with every book and keeps me lockd in her world. Love them!

i found the Louise Penny series uneven. Certain books I really liked and at least one I struggled to finish. Similar to Dick Francis for me in that regard.

Last month I read The Crossing Places which is the first book in the Ruth Galloway series. I loved the book. So I was happy when the April read was The Janus Stone as I had already downloaded it to read.

I enjoyed The Janus Stone too. I read it fast as it was difficult for me to put down. I like the character of Ruth Galloway. She is individualistic and doesn't necessarily follow the norm. The location is wonderful. Elly Griffiths does a great job of developing an atmospheric mystery. The first book was stronger in an atmospheric location than The Janus Stone. I could almost feel the biting winds, strong rain and feel the remoteness of the grey barren location.

The solution to the mystery wasn't evident to me until near the end of the book. I liked most of the secondary characters that are appearing in the books. I am going to continue with the series as I like it very much.

I agree with Fanficfan44 that the books have a similar feel to Ann Cleeves Shetland Island series. I like that series too. The Ruth Galloways series is somewhat of a lighter read for me though.

Barbara wrote: "I guess this series is geared towards women more than to men, so I see where there is a disconnect for some of the readers."

I think that's true. There really isn't a very admirable male character in the book, is there? Certainly there was none that I could like or look up to.

Calista wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Since, I am the one who nominated the book I guess I should weigh in. (sorry was away on vacation with no access to interent & leaving on a business trip next week)
I guess this se..."

I'm glad you enjoyed Elly Griffith's series and that you have been reading The Gamache series, which is my favourite cozy style mystery series.

Happy reading!

Just read the third book in the series . I am really enjoying this series. The author is very good at setting and mood. You can feel the loneliness and isolation as you read the book.

Fanficfan44 wrote: "Just read the third book in the series. I am really enjoying this series. The author is very good at setting and mood. You can feel the loneliness and i..."

This is at the top of my to read list!

David wrote: "Yes I think it maybe is a book better suited to a woman and perhaps us men expect something more or different."

Perhaps it is the emphasis on mood, setting and relationships versus just a focus on plot?

I generally prefer dark, gritty police procedurals but I appreciate any novel with interesting characters and imagery. For me, the Janus Stone was just an easy, light read that took me out of my usual reading habits and it turned out I enjoyed it.

Mary wrote: "I generally prefer dark, gritty police procedurals but I appreciate any novel with interesting characters and imagery. For me, the Janus Stone was just an easy, light read that took me out of my us..."

Couldn't of said it any better Mary :-).