The Janus Stone: A Mystery - Paperback

by Elly Griffiths (Author)

In this "chilling and entirely believable"* archaeological mystery, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway and DCI Harry Nelson investigate a set of remains buried in the foundations of an old country manor--but as soon as they get close to cracking the case, Ruth becomes the killer's next target.

*Richmond Times-Dispatch

When a child's remains are found at a demolition site--a former children's home in Norwich--forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway is called in to examine the bones. She quickly notes that the skull is missing. Is this a Roman-era ritual sacrifice, or is the killer closer at hand in this gripping British detective novel?

Ruth and DCI Nelson seek out the priest who served as the home's operator. Father Hennessey reports that two children had gone missing there, about forty years earlier. They were never found, creating a haunting cold case. Is this one of them, finally unearthed? Or another child altogether? Ruth is drawn into the case, but soon it becomes clear that someone is trying very hard to put her off the trail by frightening her, and her unborn child, half to death.

Back Jacket

In Elly Griffiths s second novel starring Ruth Galloway, the forensic anthropologist, now expecting a child, undertakes a battle of wits with a deadly nemesis . . . Her inner strength as she battles social stigma and the hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy wonderfully complement the starkly wild Norfolk coast of England where Griffiths s novels are set. USA Today
It s only been a few months since forensic archeologist Ruth Galloway found herself entangled in a missing-child case, barely escaping with her life. But when constructions workers demolishing a large old mansion to make way for a new development uncover the bones of a child beneath a doorway minus its skull Ruth is once again called upon to investigate. Is it a Roman-era ritual sacrifice, or is the killer closer at hand?
When carbon dating proves that the child s bones predate the home and relate to a time when the house was privately owned, Ruth is drawn more deeply into the case. But as spring turns into summer, it becomes clear that someone is trying very hard to put her off the trail by frightening her, and her unborn child, half to death.
Delightfully twisted . . . Griffiths is a talented writer and, like its predecessor The Crossing Places, The Janus Stone exhibits her skill at character development and her ability to create a chilling and entirely believable story Richmond Times-Dispatch
Elly Griffiths lives near Brighton, on the English coast. The Janus Stone is the second in her Ruth Galloway crime series.
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Author Biography

This is the second in her Ruth Galloway crime series.