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| Elly Griffiths |
This novel is the first in a series of six novels (so far) and it garnered our highest ever score! The average score by thirteen voters rated "The Crossing Places" 9.076 out of a possible ten points with twelve of the thirteen saying they would go on to read other novels in this series. (In fact several had already done so!)
Members claimed the writing and the characterization was addictive leaving the reader wanting MORE of the same.
Because we almost unanimously loved the book, the discussion was less lively than in other meetings with less debate and more smiles and head-nodding. Readers loved the character development in the novel -- especially that of Ruth Galloway who is a strong and clever female protagonist, with human fallibilities and a good sense of humor. Other characters were also well developed and distinct from one another.
The setting was vividly portrayed so that you could almost feel the cold and damp of the Norfolk marsh. The fact that the protagonist is an archaeologist was a nice touch with references to archaeology written in an interesting way which was not boring to the reader.
The writing was admired for its spare language which described people, places and actions in a way which painted a vivid picture for the reader while keeping the verbosity to a minimum. The prologue hooks the reader and doesn't let go until the end - which is the epitome of what we Whodunit members call a ''page turner". The action was fast paced and there was a masterful balance of serious scenes, humour and personal anecdotes. The use of red herrings was deployed, but in a way that tied into the plot in a sensible and not gratutious way.
High recommended by the Whodunit Book Club. Well done Elly Griffiths!
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| Titchwell Marsh, Norfolk, England |
The lucky winners of book giveaways this month were:
1. Nancy
2. Marlene
3. Jean
4. Lynne
5. Marilyn
During tonight's discussion several members expressed an interest in the website "Fantastic Fiction" as it is a valuable and reliable resource for readers who want to follow series fiction.
Next month (April 29th) we will discuss the German mystery novel "Snow White must die" by Nele Neuhaus.
