Description

‘ONE OF MY FAVOURITE CURRENT CRIME SERIES’ Val McDermid
‘A FIVE-STAR THRILLER’ Daily Express
‘GOOD WRITING AND CLEVER CHARACTERISATION’ Red Magazine

Boiled human bones have been found in Norwich’s web of underground tunnels. When Dr Ruth Galloway discovers they were recently buried, DCI Nelson has a murder inquiry on his hands. The boiling might have been just a medieval curiosity – now it suggests a much more sinister purpose.

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 rumours both Ruth and the police have heard that the network of old chalk-mining tunnels under Norwich is home to a vast community of rough sleepers, 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.

Publisher Review

Griffiths is a top drawer crime novelist, and Ruth Galloway is the most believable and likeable protagonist in modern crime fiction * Crimesquad * Excellent writing, excellent plotting, some utterly riveting detail and always a banging good story * Liz Loves Books * A well-written, eerie thriller * Sun * A spooky and gripping read * Woman * Griffiths has mastered the art of combining bizarre plots with contemporary relationship issues beautifully * Sussex Life * Ruth Galloway is one of the most engaging characters in modern crime fiction -- Kate Mosse Griffiths weaves superstition and myth into her crime novels, skilfully treading a line between credulity and modern methods of detection * Sunday Times * Elly Griffiths writes ever-more ingenious detective stories with a powerful sense of place and a varied cast of sympathetic and unusual characters. Her heroine is a winner * The Times * Crime that doesn't sacrifice good writing and clever characterisation for the sake of the plot * Red Magazine * Griffiths has become a dab hand at plotting and cranking up the tension. The murders, and the muddled humanity of the characters, keep us turning the pages * Independent * The Chalk Pit is the most intriguing case written by the prolific Elly Griffiths to date. A five-star thriller * Daily Express *