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Content snapshot
Flag an inaccuracy →What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.
Violence
A lot
A serial killer claiming more victims from prison; the investigation involves excavating murder sites; psychological manipulation
Language
Some
Some strong language
Sexual Content
Barely any
Mild romantic content; Ruth's personal situation shifts significantly
Substance Use
Barely any
Mild content
Emotional Intensity
A lot
The specific danger of working with a killer who has made himself necessary; the folklore of the fens as a meditation on the dangers of following a light in the darkness
What this book is about
Convicted murderer Ivor March makes a deal: he will reveal the locations of more bodies — but only if Ruth Galloway is the archaeologist. Ruth, who has taken a new position at Cambridge, returns to Norfolk and begins excavating sites March names. The case is complicated by Ruth's new colleague and by the Norfolk fens themselves, where the Lantern Men of local folklore are said to lure travelers to their deaths. Elly Griffiths's eleventh Ruth Galloway mystery is the most folklore-rich of the series, and the tension between March's intelligence and Ruth's determination to use him without being used by him drives the book.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
eleventh of the Ruth Galloway series
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