Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I love this author and eagerly await all her novels and this one was worth waiting for. Highly recommend.

Whilst I did start to read this novel, I just could not find myself drawn to it and have had to leave to try again for another day

In similar circumstances to a previous discovery years before, bones are discovered on the salt marsh. Bones both ancient and modern. Children's bones.

While getting to the bottom of the discoveries, the personal lives of Ruth, Nelson and their families and friends become more complicated

Another brilliant addition to the series

I may have squealed a little bit when my copy of The Stone Circle arrived on my kindle earlier this year and that's because, like many others, I've been sucked wholeheartedly into the Ruth Galloway series of books by Elly Griffiths. If you are unfamiliar with them, where have you been? Here's a quick catch-up should you need it: Ruth is an archaeologist working at the university in Norfolk and due to the nature of her career, has managed over the course of 11 books to become involved in many police cases that have involved the unearthing of human bones, be they both modern and ancient. She has also managed to strike up a relationship between herself and DCI Harry Nelson, a brusk northerner who is already married to the beautiful Michelle and father to two children of his own though he now also has a daughter with Ruth. Other characters in the stories have also struck up relationships with one another during the course of these books, and for many the most pressing question in this novel is about who the father of Michelle Nelson's baby is - her husband Harry or that of her lover Tim who tragically passed away saving her life in the last book?

Anyway, I digress. The remains of a body are unearthed on the Saltmarsh and they are identified as those of a young girl who disappeared one sunny day during a street party some thirty years ago just after Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer. Many of those involved in the case are still in the surrounding area today and DCI Nelson reopens the case in the hope that today there can be some closure for Margaret's family; after all someone has kept quiet about killing her all this time, can there be some shred of evidence that helps the police to finally catch her murderer?

The story interweaves parts of the Scarlett Henderson killing into play (which were featured in the first book of the series The Crossing Places) and Ruth and Nelson are once again drawn together both in and out of work. For many readers it is not just the crime element of these books that holds its legion of fans gripped, but the complex relationships of the characters themselves. I had many questions I wanted to throw out there once I'd finished the book (but won't put on here for fear of spoiling the book for others) but Elly Griffiths has a way of ending the books with the reader asking as many questions at the end of the book as they have at the beginning. And now we have to wait for novel 12. I for one don't think I can!!!

A perfect story; all the ingredients here to ensure another Ruth Galloway book is well received.
First the reveal. What skin tone is Michelle’s baby?
Secondly, Frank dropping in and doing Nelson’s head in. “I’ll deport him”. Love that Flint has not taken to Kate’s Dad.
Finally, everyone gets a chance to shine it isn’t just the Ruth and Nelson show.
Hard to imagine this is the 11th instalment of this originally conceived as a ‘10’ book series. Elly’s imagination is not waning as she draws in the past to present a thrilling mystery.
Another archaeological dig; Eric’s son involved. An unsolved incident, a missing child from many years ago; echoes of letters to the Police and re-opening of a cold case.
That the author can balance these characters and advance their stories against the background of child abduction shows her range of skills and sensitivity as a writer.
In this novel Michelle’s ache for Tim is sharp and love for her husband evident. As a new Mum time is given to that experience making friends and gaining confidence. Nelson adores all his children and grows tired of hiding the truth desiring to be open and honest. This is both well written and structured. He is both a lapsed Catholic and a bloke trying not to appear too emotionally open. His love for Ruth is often subtle; but at times shows open hostility to her suitors and his feelings are clear in a touching scene and conversation with Judy.
All this drama could get in the way or the crime investigation and become the story. But there is a razor-sharp plot, a wider police procedural. Development here also of the DS’s who respect and follow Nelson’s lead.
The book is not sentimental, but the hard parts of life are addressed and Nelson the policeman in touch with his parental side is a revelation.
Fans will debate if he’ll ever leave Michelle. Elly plays this aspect of the saga with extreme care and a wide grin as both scenarios drift in and out of focus.
What is certain book 12 is a done deal and that is the best reveal. This series has captured the imaginations of countless readers and won Elly deserved plaudits. Ruth is safe in her hands and while fans press her for spoilers only Book 12 will reveal. Her novels are treasured because we can identify with her characters and the crimes advanced are true to life and equally real.

After being such a fan of these books, I’m beginning to feel that the author has slowly lost her way with these books. They’re beginning to feel like 80% recap on who is who, who is connected to who and what has happened on previous cases…. I’m massively disappointed with this book. It literally is just a repeat of everything that has happened at some point in previous books. Unfortunately, the writing and flow didn’t live up to previous standards either. Yet, I still found myself liking Ruth and Nelson’s odd yet strangely comforting connection. It definitely felt like catching up with old friends, but with a hint of awkwardness attached to it… Sadly, I think this will be mine and Ruth’s parting of ways.

Elly Griffith's Ruth Galloway books are always a thing to be enjoyed. The Stone Circle brings the series right back to the beginning when Ruth first met Harry Nelson & became the police 'go to' archaeology expert.

Nelson has received some anonymous letters. They are not exactly threatening but they do refer back to an earlier case. Ruth & Nelson had met during a dig. Their paths cross again when the bones of a young girl are found inside a stone circle. Further investigation reveal that she had not died there but had been reburied. What has this to do with the sudden appearance of the son of the archeologist in charge of the case where they met?

The characters in these books are the driving force behind their appeal, although I do enjoy the mix in of archaeology. It was a very satisfying five star read. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

Follow Dr. Ruth Galloway as she helps solve a mystery in Norfolk. Although this is the eleventh book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Ruth is a forensic archaeologist and her skills are vital in getting to the truth.

I have enjoyed reading the Dr. Ruth Galloway series and the usual cast of characters return to this novel. This gives a very cosy reading experience as it is very much like watching the latest series of Cold Feet on ITV1 television. All the characters are well developed and grow older together. The whole feel of this book is one of friends and family with a work/life balance nicely woven into the story.

I like how Elly uses real locations in her books, it adds so much to the story. Not only do we have real locations but also local culture and legends to enhance her tale. For example…

‘It’s an old Norfolk tradition,’ says Tom Henty, the desk sergeant who has been at the station for as long as anyone can remember. ‘Three knocks on the door and, when you go to answer it, there’s nobody there but Jack Valentine has left a present, usually in a brown paper bag.’ ‘I’ve never heard of that tradition,’ says Clough, halfway through his second breakfast of the day, ‘and I was born and brought up in Norfolk.’ ‘It’s an east Norfolk thing,’ says Tom. ‘I was born in Yarmouth.’

Elly is a master at how she sets a scene and is very descriptive, making you imagine that you are there. For example…

Ruth’s cottage is one of three at the very edge of the marshes. Her only neighbours are an itinerant Indigenous Australian poet and a London family who only visit for the occasional weekend. The road is often flooded in winter and, when it snows, you can be cut off for days.
The Saltmarsh is a bird sanctuary and, in the autumn, you can see great flocks of geese coming in to hibernate.

I found The Stone Circle to be a cosy mystery which has some soft humour along the way. For example…

At least she has arranged to meet Cathbad and his son, Michael, and, after their swim, the children play in the circle of hell known as the Soft Play Area and the adults drink something frothy which may or may not contain coffee.

The Stone Circle was a GOOD read for me and having read other books in the series, felt like a session on Facebook catching up with friends and family. I found it warm, awfully British and very easy to relate to. The Stone Circle was a comfortable read and gets 4 stars from me.

Elly Griffiths’ The Stone Circle is the tenth in the series featuring forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway and DCI Harry Nelson, and the first I’ve read. It’s written in the present tense, which is unusual for a crime novel and something I struggled with for the first part of the book, though when I got used to it it wasn’t a problem.

The plot centres on the discovery of the remains of a missing girl on an archaeological site in Norfolk — a hangover from a previous unsolved case — and on a series of notes to the investigating team in the style of a previous character who’s now dead. I found myself more than a little confused by the references to what seems to be an earlier book in the series, which is probably what you expect if you come in quite late rather than beginning with book one, but I have a lurking fear that I may have missed a few things as I wasn’t entirely sure of the ins and outs of the previous investigation.

Griffiths also has a lot of characters and several points of view and it took me a while to keep track of who was who and why they were there, especially given that several of the relationships were extremely complicated with partners and ex-partners, sibling and half-siblings and so on. There’s a short section at the back with mini-biographies of some of the characters and I would have found that really helpful up front (preferably with a few more characters included).

All of the cast of characters were believable too, though I found Ruth and Nelson’s on-off romance (he’s married with a new baby) a little irritating. In fairness, I suspect that’s also my problem rather than the author’s, because coming in late to the series means I’ve missed a lot of the character development and the back story.

It’s a beautifully written book — at times introspective but I liked that — and its evocation of the landscape of North Norfolk is compelling. These two were the book’s great strengths for me, and I felt transported to the bleak coastal landscape. And although it wasn’t always pacy, the suspense at the end when a baby went missing left me on the edge of my seat.

My gut reaction was that this wasn’t an easy book to read. Is that really a problem? I don’t think so at all — I like a book that rewards effort and this one certainly did. It’s so well done that I would certainly persevere with future books and go back to catch up on earlier ones in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Quercus Books for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

I so look forward in reading Elly Griffith’s books.
Dr Galloway and DCI Nelson are throw together again for the 11th book. The Stone Circle.
As the story unfolds the past and present come together that answers some questions that we’re left.
I throughly enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down.
Elly's books never disappoints they get better . If I could give this book more than 5stars I would.

Thanks to the publisher and to nettgalley for giving me the book to read and review. All my thoughts are me own .

Reviewed for Crime Review:

It’s hard to believe that Elly Griffiths is now 11 books into her archaeological series which, despite two minor missteps, feels as fresh as the day university lecturer Dr Ruth Galloway set eyes on grumpy cop DCI Harry Nelson, and much murder, mayhem and romantic confusion ensued.

In the wrong hands, this series could have turned into a soap opera, with over the top characters and their complicated love lives, set amidst the bleak scenery of the East Anglian coast. But Griffiths continues to flesh out an always convincing cast – and, most importantly, characters the reader can care about and who can still surprise us.

I mentioned that – perhaps inevitably – the series has had a couple of books that didn’t quite work. Both had what felt like a charabanc of characters taken out of their comfort zone (OK, Norfolk), and transported to Lancashire and then Italy. It confirmed for me that part of what makes this series so compelling is the setting, which ranges from small towns to a fairly obscure university to Ruth’s remote coastal cottage.

And that setting is absolutely dead-centre in The Stone Circle, which has strong echoes back to The Crossing Place, the first book in the series. Ruth is called to the discovery of bones on the site that holds so many memories for her. And there’s a particularly unsettling blast from the past when she sees one of the archaeologists working on the site. Meanwhile, Nelson is receiving bizarre letters that hark back to a previous case.

Griffiths is at her adept best when it comes to juggling the crime element that harks back to a missing girl from 1981, complex family trees and the tangled private lives of the cast. Sometimes it feels that the only character not getting their end away is Ruth’s cat Flint!

But these characters aren’t static – Griffiths has used the series to weave new people and passions in and out of the genre plots. So there’s a new baby for Nelson and his wife Michelle, as well as another appearance for Ruth’s would-be suitor Frank. Amidst this, Ruth and Nelson’s daughter Kate, the result of a one-night stand, continues to grow up serenely unaware of her parents’ lingering angst. Cathbad (who, in other hands would definitely be a hippy-dippy cliché) and his eminently sane police officer partner Judy also play a key role in the book. And there are more fleshed-out appearances for Nelson’s two grown-up daughters, and for Cathbad’s journalist daughter Maddie.

Aside from a slightly too quick and convenient reveal to one plot element, The Stone Circle is Griffiths back on imperious form. She had me mithering over the characters, as well as squeaking my way through a particularly harrowing scene in thick fog at Stanton Drew stone circle in Somerset, followed by a drive back to Norfolk in pelting rain – trust me, Griffiths does weather and louring atmosphere better than anyone.

There are some useful and amusing potted biographies at the end of the book that will clue in newcomers. But I wouldn’t bother starting here – go back to the beginning and enjoy the intricate ride. That way you’ll end up where I am – twitching nervously as to what will happen next as Griffiths leaves one intriguing strand dangling. Just so long as it all happens out east, I’ll be happy!

Dr Ruth Galloway is working on an archaeological dig at an old burial site when she discovers not just the expected ancient remains but also much more recent bones. These turn out to belong to Margaret Lacey who went missing in 1981.
The findings point to the bones not being at this site the whole time and Ruth sets about trying to find out where they were originally buried while DCI Harry Nelson re-examines the old investigation to find out what happened to Margaret. Meanwhile Nelson’s wife Michelle is about to give birth and he has started receiving strange letters very similar to ones he received during a previous enquiry but that was Erik and he is dead. Are they relevant or just a misdirection?
Was Margarets killer the local “stone man” the police suspected of abduction at the time or is it someone closer to Margaret.
There were no violent confrontations, just a very sad story about a girl who disappeared and the effect it had on her family. and I personally feel this was the right way to tell this story.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.* I feel I should start with the fact that I am a huge fan of Elly Griffith's work in general and this series in particular. 'The Stone Circle' is the 11th book in the series focussing on academic DI Ruth Galloway and DI Harry Nelson. As with the previous 10 books, this novel is a delicious mix of mystery, history, archaeology, intrigue and hints of unrequited love. The book looks at two different mysteries - one historical and one in the present day - that are somehow interlinked. I am hesitant to give much more away, for fearing of providing plot spoilers. I will add that all is revealed regarding Michelle's baby. If you have not read the previous 10 books, do so now, then grab 'The Stone Circle'.

I loved the latest instalment in the Dr Ruth Galloway series. Ruth is back on top form and we get some answers from previous books!

EXCERPT: 12 February 2016

DCI Nelson,
Well, here we are again. Truly our end is our beginning. That corpse you buried in your garden, has it begun to sprout? Will it bloom this year? You must have wondered whether I, too, was buried deep in the earth. Oh ye of little faith. You must have known that I would rise again.

You have grown older, Harry. There is grey in your hair and you have known sadness. Joy too, but that also can bring anguish. The dark nights of the soul. You could not save Scarlet but you could save the innocent who lies within the stone circle. Believe me, Harry, I want to help.

The year is turning. The shoots rise from the grass. Imbolc is here and we dance under the stars.

Go to the stone circle.

In peace.

ABOUT THIS BOOK: Dr Ruth Galloway returns to north Norfolk in her latest chilling adventure.

DCI Nelson has been receiving threatening letters. They are anonymous, yet somehow familiar. They read like the letters that first drew him into the case of The Crossing Places, and to Ruth. But the author of those letters is dead. Or are they?

The past is reaching out for Ruth and Nelson, and its grip is deadly.

MY THOUGHTS: I can honestly say that The Stone Circle is the best book of the Ruth Galloway series that I have read so far. And the others have been good. Very good, obviously, because otherwise I wouldn't still be reading this series.

There's something about Elly Griffiths writing that draws me in, makes me feel a part of the plot, not just a reader. I love and look forward to my annual visit with Ruth and Nelson and their families, Cathbad (it's impossible not to like Cathbad) and Judy, Shona, although we don't see so much of her this visit, and Clough. The only character I have never really warmed to is Nelson's wife, Michelle, and I really don't know why.

Griffiths introduces an interesting new character in this book, Leif Andersson, son of her old mentor Erik Andersson. I hope that we have not seen the last of him.

The storyline puts me a little in mind of Scrooge's three ghosts of Christmas. But instead of ghosts, we have skeletons. There is the skeleton of the past, a bronze age skeleton of a young girl; the skeleton of the present, well maybe not quite the present, but certainly a more contemporary skeleton, again that of a young girl; and the possibility of a skeleton of the future with the abduction of a baby girl.

Elly Griffiths has written a compelling read, one that had me frantically turning the pages into the early hours of the morning. I can't wait for the next installment in this brilliant series.

💖💖💖💖💖

THE AUTHOR: Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway novels take for their inspiration Elly's husband, who gave up a city job to train as an archaeologist, and her aunt who lives on the Norfolk coast and who filled her niece's head with the myths and legends of that area. Elly has two children and lives near Brighton. Though not her first novel, The Crossing Places was her first crime novel.

DISCLOSURE:Thank you to Quercus Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Stone Circle by Elly Griffiths for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

The latest book in this series deals with the discovery, at a local dig, of the remains of a teenage girl, This reopens a cold case for the team and brings back memories of other cases (which I think it helps to have read). Leif Andersson is the son of Erik who featured in another story and is quite creepy in this. Did he write the letters Nelson has received that are reminiscent of the ones his father wrote in the past? Or is there someone else who knew about the letters?

The criminal case,, however, seems overshadowed by the relationships in the story. Nelson’s wife gives birth and we learn more about his daughters. Naturally, there is no resolution to any of this as the series probably couldn’t survive it!

#TheStoneCircle #NetGalley I do love this series! As always, I found I was drawn in very quickly to the world of Ruth and Nelson and the various plots and crimes that they are drawn into. This has to be my favourite of the Ruth Galloway series...……...so far! Elly Griffiths style is very easy to read and I read this book in virtually one sitting. Nelson has a great team, and their characters are becoming so well developed that they really enhance the storyline. The love triangle between Ruth, Nelson and Michelle continues, although I find the acceptance of Michelle, Laura and Rebecca of Ruth and Kate a little unrealistic but maybe that can happen! The only minor niggle I have (and it is so very very minor in the grand scheme of things!) is the spelling of hello as hallo. It has irritated me in all of the books but I don't really know why! Nevertheless, it does not stop me giving a well deserved 5 star rating and I look forward to further books in this series.

Gutted to not have been able to read this book. I requested it close to archive day and didn't download it fast enough. I do apologise. I was about to read it and am now unable. I love this series and am sure it is a perfect addition.

I've been a fan of Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway books since the beginning, and The Stone Circle is a really strong addition to the series. The ongoing saga of Nelson and Ruth continues to be complicated and verging on soap opera, but this book moves it forward in several key ways. Meanwhile, the central mystery - encompassing a cold case from the early 1980s, anonymous letters that recall those sent to Nelson in the first book of the series, and a missing child - is strong. As always, the real star of the show is the Norfolk setting and I was pleased to be back here after an excursion to Italy in the previous book. More please, Elly!

Just absolutely loved reading this book, Elly Griffiths caught all the magic of bringing Ruth and Nelson back to us in a spectacular way around the top part of Norfolk and Kings Lynn. A lovely part of the coast where the books started. Very fitting that we are back to a circle of stones and someone from both of their pasts. Have they risen from the ashes? Come back to haunt us?

I definitely wasn't disappointed. And the baby......read it and find out!