The Frozen People by Elly Griffiths

THE FROZEN PEOPLE by Elly Griffiths is the start of a new mystery series which features Ali Dawson who has the extraordinary capability to travel in time. She leaves the modern day to go to 1850 London in an attempt to find out whether the ancestor of a government official is guilty of murder. But, something goes wrong, and she is trapped there while a modern-day murder results in her son being arrested. Ali’s colleagues frantically try to return her so that she can apply her crime-solving skills to her son’s case. This series is quite different from the historical mysteries and police procedurals that Griffiths’ fans have come to enjoy, but it does convey a dark feeling of menace and readers will be engaged. Kirkus says, “Murder on several time planes is a fascinating premise enhanced by an enthralling look at Victorian London.” Griffiths herself notes, “Even though the plot is somewhat fantastical, I wanted to make the details as convincing as possible.” Her research and clever writing shine through.

The Last Remains by Elly Griffiths

THE LAST REMAINS by Elly Griffiths (The Locked Room) is another (actually book 15) in the Ruth Galloway series.  Here, the archeologist and sometimes forensic consultant is called upon when a skeleton is found behind an added wall in a local pub. Events of twenty years ago, including some archeological studies and potentially inappropriate relationship between a professor and student, feature in the efforts to verify the identity and motive for a young woman’s disappearance. Ruth’s employment situation and her relationship with DCI Harry Nelson also are moving towards a resolution of sorts and mixed feelings play out in contrast to long ago events when even Ruth’s Druid friend, Cathbad, was involved. Griffiths has succeeded in tying up a number of loose ends … but will they unravel in the next book?  THE LAST REMAINS received well-deserved starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly.

The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths

I have recommended several other titles by Elly Griffiths: The Postscript Murders; The Stranger Diaries; and The Dark Angel. Her latest is titled THE LOCKED ROOM and again features Ruth Galloway, a forensic archeologist based in Norfolk, England. In this story, Ruth and her daughter, eleven-year-old Kate, bring several concerns to the police unit run by Harry Nelson, Kate’s father and Ruth’s sometimes lover. This is one of the first books that I have read which directly addresses the 2020 COVID lockdown experience and Griffiths does an excellent job of weaving in points about social distancing, mask wearing, Zoom breakout rooms, and “clapping for the carers” as well as the physical and emotional dangers of the disease. The plot is intricate and includes details about suspicious suicides, unmarried mothers, abuse, kidnapping, rumors of a ghost called The Grey Lady of Tombland, and, of course, an ancient skeleton. Yet, there also is a sense of community and comfort. THE LOCKED ROOM reads quickly – it is entertaining and suspenseful and received a starred review from Booklist.

The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths

THE POSTSCRIPT MURDERS by Elly Griffiths is everything a diverting murder mystery should be: clever play on words, likeable characters, humorous incidents, and plenty of twists and turns in a puzzling story. Award-winning author Griffiths has crafted a stand-alone mystery - although I would be happy to see a reprise of the amateur detectives Benedict (a former monk), Natalka (a caregiver), and Edwin (retired from the BBC) in the future. Together with Detective Sargeant Harbinder Kaur, they investigate the sudden death of an old age pensioner, Peggy Smith, who also advertised as a “murder consultant.” Often acknowledged by mystery writers for her help, Peggy dies shortly after spotting some suspicious men outside her own apartment complex. Motivated by friendship for Peggy and learning to trust each other, Benedict, Natalka, and Edwin travel to a literary festival in Aberdeen, Scotland where yet another death occurs and romance blossoms. Booklist gave THE POSTSCRIPT MURDERS a starred review. Enjoy!

The Last Word by Elly Griffiths

THE LAST WORD by Elly Griffiths is the fourth in a series involving detective Harbinder Kaur (start with the first, Stranger Diaries for a great read). Once again, Kaur suggests involving private detectives Natalka (energetic and Ukrainian-born) and Edwin (in his eighties, but still a great contributor) with help from Natalka’s boyfriend, Benedict who runs a coffee stand. Readers will come to know the personalities and motives of each of these three as they look into the death of a local romance writer. Turns out that there seem to be several writers who died recently and they are linked to Battle House where Edwin and Benedict register for a writers’ retreat seminar as they continue sleuthing. THE LAST WORD is a fun read with plenty of twists. And some of the best comments are cultural references like, “It's the same with Duolingo, which he started during lockdown. … he's not going to lose his streak.”  THE LAST WORD received starred reviews from Booklist (“Griffiths is one of the most engaging writers in the business.”) and Library Journal (“satisfyingly twisty cozy”). Enjoy!

Hunter's Heart Ridge by Sarah Stewart Taylor

HUNTER'S HEART RIDGE by Sarah Stewart Taylor (Agony Hill) is the second in a mystery series featuring state police detective Frank Warren and his neighbor Alice Bellows set in 1965 Vermont. It is the start of deer season when Warren and his assistant, Pinky Goodrich, are called to the Ridge Club, an exclusive hunting club, due to what is first presumed to be an accidental shooting death. Soon an early blizzard arrives, and the two police officers are marooned at the club, with plenty of likely suspects (diplomats, soldiers, and businessmen who have known each other for over twenty years) and even more weapons. Although Warren seems out of his depth at times and his questioning of suspects is rather repetitive, Taylor adds suspense due to the dangerous storm, discovery of another body, and an unexpected childbirth. She clearly cares for these characters, flaws included, and their tense, edgy adventures are likely to appeal to readers who enjoy works by Elly Griffiths, Ann Cleeves, and Jane Harper.

Marple: Twelve New Mysteries

MARPLE: TWELVE NEW MYSTERIES is a new story collection with Agatha Christie’s iconic character Miss Jane Marple at the center. The twelve who-dun-its are written by a variety of award-winning and best-selling authors, including Leigh Bardugo, Lucy Foley, Karen McManus, and Kate Mosse. While there are many references to the tiny village of St. Mary Mead, Ruth Ware (“Miss Marple’s Christmas”) and Val McDermid (“The Second Murder at the Vicarage”) actually set their tales there. Others choose to pursue a rather unexpected twist and imagine Miss Marple as an international traveler: Alyssa Cole transports her to New York (“Miss Marple Takes Manhattan”), Jean Kwok to Hong Kong (“The Jade Empress”) and Elly Griffiths to rural Italy (“Murder at the Villa Rosa”). Rounding out the dozen stories are selections from Naomi Alderman, Natalie Haynes, and Dreda Say Mitchell. Each suspenseful choice is a reminder of Christie’s skills in developing characters and also a portrayal of the other crime writers’ ability to craft a puzzling tale. Mystery fans will find much to enjoy; MARPLE: TWELVE NEW MYSTERIES has a beautiful cover and received a starred review from Booklist.