Ruth Galloway uncovers the bones of what might be a notorious
Victorian child murderess and a baby snatcher known as "The Childminder"
threatens modern-day Norfolk in this irresistible mystery from Elly
Griffiths.
The service of the Outcast Dead is held annually in Norwich,
commemorating the bodies in the paupers' graves. This year's proceedings
hold special interest for forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway, who has
just unearthed the notorious Mother Hook, hanged in 1867 at Norwich
Castle for killing multiple children. Now Ruth is reluctantly starring
in a TV special, working alongside the alluring historian Dr. Frank
Barker. Nearby, DCI Harry Nelson is investigating the case of three
children found dead in their home when another child is abducted. A
kidnapper dubbed the Childminder claims responsibility, but is the
Childminder behind the deaths too? The team races to find out--and after
a child close to everyone involved disappears, the stakes couldn't be
higher.
"An uncommon, down-to-earth heroine whose acute insight, wry humor, and
depth of feeling make her a thoroughly engaging companion."--Erin Hart,
Agatha- and Anthony Award-nominated author of Haunted Ground and Lake
of Sorrows
Elly Griffiths's Ruth Galloway novels have been praised as "gripping"
(Louise Penny), "highly atmospheric," (New York Times Book Review),
and "must-reads for fans of crime fiction" (Associated Press). She is
the winner of the 2010 Mary Higgins Clark Award.
