The Locked Room

Ruth Galloway Mysteries

By: Elly Griffiths

Narrated by: Jane McDowell

Pandemic lockdowns have Ruth Galloway feeling isolated from everyone but a new neighbor—until Nelson comes calling, investigating a decades-long string of murder-suicides that’s looming ever closer, in USA Today Elly Griffiths’ penultimate novel in the beloved series.

Three years after her mother’s death, Ruth is finally sorting through her things when she finds a curious relic: a decades-old photograph of her own Norfolk cottage—before she lived there—with a peculiar inscription on the back. Ruth returns to the cot­tage to uncover its meaning as Norfolk’s first cases of Covid-19 make headlines, leaving her and Kate to shelter in place there. They struggle to stave off isolation by clapping for frontline workers each evening and befriending a kind neighbor, Zoe, from a distance.

Meanwhile, Nelson is investigating a series of deaths of women that may or may not be suicide. When he links a case to an archaeological dis­covery, he breaks curfew to visit Ruth and enlist her help. But the further Nelson investigates the deaths, the closer he gets to Ruth’s isolated cot­tage—until Ruth, Zoe, and Kate all go missing, and Nelson is left scrambling to find them before it’s too late.

PRAISE FOR ELLY GRIFFITHS AND THE RUTH GALLOWAY SERIES

Winner of the Edgar Award for Best Novel

Winner of the Mary Higgins Clark Award

Winner of the CWA Dagger in the Library Award

“Galloway is an everywoman, smart, successful and a little bit unsure of herself. Readers will look forward to learning more about her.” —USA Today

“Elly Griffiths draws us all the way back to prehistoric times . . . Highly atmospheric.” —New York Times Book Review

“Forensic archeologist and academic Ruth Galloway is a captivating amateur sleuth—an inspired creation. I identified with her insecurities and struggles, and cheered her on.” —Louise Penny

©2022 Elly Griffiths (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

Better and better

I picked up the first Ruth Galloway book without much enthusiasm because my local library had few new titles I was interested in. I enjoyed it more than I expected, but considered light fare. with each new novel the characters grew in depth and the plots tightened. This last title had me almost sobbing at the end. The evocation of the early days of COVID-19 is spot on. And the narration is excellent!

Another great Ruth Galloway book

It’s a delight to have a new Ruth Galloway book, and this one did not disappoint. Familiar friends, interesting new characters and a story both creepy and compelling. The UK early pandemic setting felt very authentic, taking me back to the early days without being heavy handed or moralizing. I couldn’t put it down, and now I’m sad that it’s over!

Best pandemic Mystery Series:

The narrator was spot on as Ruth might say. I love everything about this mystery series: Ruth the archeologist, Nelson the detective, and all the lovable characters in Ruth’s life. I discovered this mystery series at the start of pandemic at each book unravels into a fascinating look at ancient archeology and the ebb and flow of human relationships.

another excellent entry

wonderful writing, wonderful narration. This book contains same characters and a great mystery as in previous books in the series, but it isn't the same thing all over again as so many books in a series tend to do. The mystery goes differently each book and the characters age and and I learn a bit more about archeological digs, bones, and British history each book. This was a great way to spend most of my Thursday.

The Locked Room

I have loved every single one of the books in this series and am about to listen to the last one. I am waiting for audible to put the first two of this series up for for we fans to enjoy, Can’t Wait!!!!

loved it

I have loved every book in this series its hard to say this was my favorite it is a great story can't wait for the next one ❤️

Great timely addition

Great addition to series with a sensitivity to a post covid society. Seriously wondering what Michelle wants to talk about!

A very satisfying conclusion to the series!

I thoroughly enjoyed what is possibly the last in the Ruth stories. The author did a wonderful job calling back so many fond memories and leaving the people we’ve come to love in a positive place. While also accurately and sympathetically describing the events of the early Covid pandemic. I don’t think that I could have read this novel two years ago. The crisis was still too raw. Now, this story acts as a balm.

Did not disappoint

A big fan of the series. It was another great tale.

Now I wait for the next one.

One of the Best

I have eagerly anticipated this book 14 and it was perfect! It has all the mystery, suspense and a good plot while Including the characters I am most interested in. I also like the way past events are woven in. I love the romantic relationship between Ruth and Nelson. I also could appreciate them living in the beginnings of our Covid World. I just hated it to end!!! I can’t wait for the next.