My book review of 'The Night Hawks' by Elly Griffiths

by Elly Griffiths
The Night Hawks
by Elly Griffiths

This is the thirteenth in the series of murder mysteries set around the forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway, in Norfolk - and they just get better and better!

Ruth is now teaching at the university and has a new member of the team, David Brown, who is proving tiresome. He's challenging her authority and he's becoming a presence in all aspects of her life.

David is with Ruth when she is called to a police incident at Blakeney Point. 

Metal detectorists have been on the coast seeking buried treasure, and have discovered a body washed up by the sea. It appears to be murder. And a Bronze Age burial site.

Later, when DCI Nelson is called to an apparent murder-suicide at Black Dog Farm further along the coast, there are links to these detectorists, who call themselves the Night Hawks. And when the suicide note refers to a body buried in the garden, Ruth is called upon again.

Among the sinister goings-on is Black Shuck, the East Anglian myth of a big black dog with red eyes. And there is also an interestingly topical virus sub-plot.

I had to stop myself from reading this too quickly because I was enjoying it so much and didn't want to step away from Ruth and Nelson too soon. It was also lovely to picture the North Norfolk coast again. Though I'm sorry that a Norfolk scene wasn't used on the cover - isn't this Shingle Street in Suffolk!?

A great read. Loved it!

Date of this review: February 2021
Book publication date: 4th February 2021