The Chalk Pit cover art

The Chalk Pit

The Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries, Book 9

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The Chalk Pit

By: Elly Griffiths
Narrated by: Jane McDowell
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About this listen

Boiled human bones have been found in Norwich's web of underground tunnels. When forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway discovers the bones aren't as old as originally thought, it's time for DCI Nelson to launch a murder inquiry. What was initially just a medieval curiosity has taken a much more sinister nature....

Meanwhile, DS Judy Johnson is investigating the disappearance of a local rough sleeper. The only trace of her is the rumour that she's gone 'underground'. This might be a figure of speech, but with the discovery of the bones and the stories both Ruth and the police have heard of a vast community of rough sleepers living in the old chalk-mining tunnels under Norwich, the clues point in only one direction. Local academic Martin Kellerman knows all about the tunnels and their history - but can his assertions of cannibalism and ritual killing possibly be true?

As the weather gets hotter, tensions rise. A local woman goes missing and the police are under attack. Ruth and Nelson must unravel the dark secrets of The Underground and discover just what gruesome secrets lurk at its heart - before it claims another victim.

©2017 Elly Griffiths (P)2017 Quercus Editions Limited Amateur Sleuths Cosy Detective Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Fiction Exciting Heartfelt

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Critic reviews

"My favourite current crime series... a pleasure from start to finish." (Val McDermid)
Most relevant
I enjoy the 'cosy crime' feel of the Ruth Galloway books - cosy crime with an interesting archeological theme and some good long-running characters. This one stood out for me with its compassionate view on homelessness - and an interesting 'twist' on that theme also towards the end in which one of the more downtrodden characters turns up very strong.

Best yet

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What made the experience of listening to The Chalk Pit the most enjoyable?

Good story - very well performed. Loving the improved production values - distance for telephone conversations, intro music, etc.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Many of the homeless people were very well written. I loved their stories and the fact that the author is helping us to see them as 'real' people.

Which character – as performed by Jane McDowell – was your favourite?

I'm so pleased to have Elly Griffiths books performed by Jane McDowell. Her ability to carry accents and male voices make this a much more enjoyable book to listen to.

Great to hear better production values

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This latest part of the DI Nelson series is as compelling as all of the others. Set in Norfolk it offers a snapshot of the county alongside a fantastic plot complete with the drama of daily life and relationships of the characters who feel like old friends.

Brilliant as ever

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another great story from Elly developing thr characters nicely with a couple of surprises/ shocks .

the Ruth and Harry story continues

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love it ! can't wait for the next book.....PLEASE say there will be another book.

Excellent

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I listened to this in 2 days.,carrying around in my pocket as I moved around the house. I totally loved it. It was very well read.

Brilliant

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, intelligent well written, always a good twist, and characters I really like and can relate too . Uses interesting settings and love the archeology focus.

Have you listened to any of Jane McDowell’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Has great tone of voice, and another excellent performance.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed out loud once a twice and shed a few tears

Any additional comments?

Have read the complete series and can't wait for number 10

Brilliant series

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Brilliant as always a different perspective on the rough sleepers
But oh when will they get together?

One of my favourite series

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.. but I've marked down the performance because the new style phone calls really jar. I don't suppose that was Jane McDowell's idea though & won't put me off next one!

Love this...

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A riveting story which was superbly narrated. Ellie Griffiths is a superb story teller and plot creator.

another great story

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