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  • The Lantern Men

  • The Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries, Book 12
  • By: Elly Griffiths
  • Narrated by: Jane McDowell
  • Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,557 ratings)

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The Lantern Men cover art

The Lantern Men

By: Elly Griffiths
Narrated by: Jane McDowell
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Summary

Everything has changed for Dr Ruth Galloway.

She has a new job, home and partner and is no longer North Norfolk police's resident forensic archaeologist. That is, until convicted murderer Amyas March offers to make DCI Nelson a deal. Nelson was always sure that March killed more women than he was charged with. Now March confirms this and offers to show Nelson where the other bodies are buried - but only if Ruth will do the digging.

Curious, but wary, Ruth agrees. March tells Ruth that he killed four more women and that their bodies are buried near a village bordering the fens, said to be haunted by the Lantern Men, mysterious figures holding lights that lure travellers to their deaths.

Is Amyas March himself a lantern man, luring Ruth back to Norfolk? What is his plan, and why is she so crucial to it? And are the killings really over?

©2020 Elly Griffiths (P)2020 Quercus Editions Limited

Critic reviews

"My favourite current series." (Val McDermid)

What listeners say about The Lantern Men

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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Story
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  • M
  • 13-02-20

NARRATION

I like these books from Elly Griffiths and this one didn't disappoint. They are original, I suppose it's called an archaeological bent, forensically and with a leaning to the new age. Normally not for me, however the stories and characters have become familiar and I am looking forward to the next. Disappointment was in the loud music intro and close and some sudden loud narration but the distant, electronic telephone conversations, which sadly I didn't catch, are irritating. I do like a good, even straightforward narration.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful series of novels.

Always excellent. Always I drop easily back into the characters’ lives. Always look forward hopefully to another book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A good tale but..

Not terribly much Archaeology going on, or local history. I felt like there was something missing from this one, and no I dont mean the dragging on and on and on of the Nelson/Galloway soap opera. Kind of bored with that now. Cathbad wasnt in evidence, and nor was any real police work. The danger at the end was muted because lets face it, we all knew what was going to happen. Sorry Elly, take a break from Ruths dodgy love life and give Nelson a break.. send him back to Blackpool for a bit and write something without Nelson in!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Re readable

A fabulous series x the characters are so believable x I read / listened to all x

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another great twisting tale

I feel like I know all the characters so well now. Another great listen and a good twisting plot line that keeps you guessing.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

She gets better every time

I love the characters Elly creates. And the way her books grow with them. In my opinion this is the best one to date.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • h
  • 13-02-20

Another great Ruth book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Life has moved on for Ruth but somethings don't change

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A few more twists and turns ..

Great story with excellent characters, read very well. Worth listening to all in the series!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Things have changed but not so very much,

Ruth goes on a writers retreat. The woman that runs the house is the ex wife of a convicted killer. Thus the story starts. Relationships grow, bend and change. bones are found, women are dead, and story involving all the old crew and one or two new ones unfolds. Nelson is his brusque self, Judy, Tania, Cathbad, Michelle et al, giving their tuppence worth and giving excellent support to the main the action, which is mostly centred around Norfolk, but Cambridge has a little of the limelight and there are cyclists, and artists and the lantern men of old folk legend. I really enjoyed it.
A well crafted and enjoyable book, for all that there are several dead women and a serial killer in the mix.
The narration is generally good but there are times when you can hear her swallowing which is irritating and intrusive.
I recommend this series is read in order to avoid spoilers and to see the character progression in the right order.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

always excellent

elly griffiths always delivers a super story and an ongoing back story which keeps you wanting more.

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