The Lantern Men
Elly Griffiths
2020
3/5 stars
DCI Nelson has just seen a serial killer sentenced, one that he was responsible for arresting. While Nelson is completely satisfied with the case, March -- along with the three women in his life --continues to proclaim his innocence. March then tells Nelson that he will give the location of two more bodies, if forensic archeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway is in charge of the dig. Ruth agrees, and finds the two bodies, and another unexpected one. In the meantime, another victim is murdered in March's style and now Nelson must wonder if he really did catch the right man. Ruth, investigating in her own way, uncovers some vital evidence which puts her life in danger.
I have mixed feelings about this book. It is an engrossing, compelling read -- nearly impossible to put down -- with excellent characters and an intriguing plot. Unfortunately, I found the verb tense jarring (why didn't it affect me in the first eleven books??), the solution unsatisfying, and the continuing Nelson/Ruth personal drama wearing thin. That said, I still enjoyed it; I just wasn't as captivated by it as I have been with others in the series. (Note: this series must be read in order.)
