Book Review: The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths

The Outcast Dead
Author: Elly Griffiths
Series: Ruth Galloway (Book 6)
Publication: Mariner Books; Reprint edition (March 11, 2014)

Description: 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.

My Thoughts: This episode has Ruth unearthing the body of a notorious Victorian murderer. Mother Hook was convicted of murdering children in her care and selling their bodies to men looking to sell the corpses to medical schools. This discovery excites her boss who is always looking for ways to gain funding and publicity for the archaeology department. 

Soon Ruth finds herself appearing in a television show title Women Who Kill which wants to focus on Mother Hook. While the presenter is determined to vilify the woman, Ruth and the show's historian who happens to be an attractive American scholar are more inclined to want to prove that she was wrongly portrayed. 

Meanwhile, Nelson is also involved in cases involving children. The first is the case of a woman who has had her three children all die in her care in infancy. While some of his officers especially Judy view her as the victim of unimaginable tragedy, Nelson wonders whether the deaths were caused by the woman. 

Nelson is also involved in two kidnappings. The first resolves with a happy ending when the child is returned to her parents unharmed. The second involves the kidnapping of the one-year-old son of one of his officers. Judy is the one who was so sure that the first mother could not have been responsible because she knows how much she loves her own baby. 

I liked the way the two plot threads intertwined. I also liked learning more about characters who are regulars in this series. Cathbad's and Judy's relationship looks like it reaches some resolution whereas Ruth and Nelson's in still to be determined. 

Fans of the series will enjoy this latest episode. New readers will find intriguing mysteries and characters to care about. 

Favorite Quote:

"Children are the most important things in the world," says Shona passionately. "They're so innocent and pure."

As she says this, there is a loud cry from Kate. Louis has jumped on her sandcastle and is in the process of attacking her with his spade.

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