Book Review: The House at Sea's End by Elly Griffiths

The House at Sea's End
Author: Elly Griffiths
Series: Ruth Galloway (Book 3)
Publication: Mariner Books; Reprint edition (January 10, 2012)

Description: In “a wonderful, atmospheric mystery” featuring forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway and DCI Harry Nelson, six bodies of men killed during World War II turn up in Brighton—bringing with them a long-buried, nefarious secret (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel).

Just back from maternity leave, forensic archeologist Ruth is finding it hard to juggle motherhood and work when she is called in to investigate human bones that have surfaced on a remote Norfolk beach. The presence of DCI Harry Nelson, the married father of her daughter, does not help. The bones, six men with their arms bound, turn out to date back to World War II, a desperate time on this stretch of coastland.

As Ruth and Nelson investigate, Home Guard veteran Archie Whitcliffe reveals the existence of a secret the old soldiers have vowed to protect with their lives. But then Archie is killed and a German journalist arrives, asking questions about Operation Lucifer, a plan to stop a German invasion, and a possible British war crime. What was Operation Lucifer? And who is prepared to kill to keep its secret?

My Thoughts: Dr. Ruth Galloway is juggling the care of her five-month-old daughter, her relationship with DCI Nelson, and bones discovered on an eroding seashore. These bones are found with tied wrists and gunshot wounds in the back of the neck. 

Testing determines that the bones are about 70 years old and from Germany which puts their deaths during World War II. That would be an interesting historical mystery if DCI Nelson doesn't have to investigate suspicious deaths of some of the very few remaining survivors who might know what happened to the men found buried. Someone clearly wants to cover up what happened when these Germans showed up on the coast. 

Ruth is also dealing with developing a routine for the care of her daughter Ruth and suffers from mother-guilt when she has to leave her in order to do her work as a forensic archaeologist. Ruth is also trying to find some balance with Nelson who wants to be a helpful caring father but doesn't want to blow up his marriage or ruin his relationship with his almost-grown daughters. It doesn't help the Nelson's wife wants to help Ruth whom she sees, rightly, as a woman a bit out of depth in raising a baby. 

This was a great story and entertaining mystery. I love the setting and the characters. 

Favorite Quote:

She has got her figure back after having the baby, which is a shame -- she was rather hoping to ger someone else's. 

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.