The Chalk Pit by Elly Griffiths

In the ninth novel in the series, archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway, is called to examine some buried bones in a chalk tunnel beneath the Guildhall in Norwich. Are they old bones or more recent? What about the indications that the bones were boiled before being buried?

Tests reveal the bones were recently buried, which means a murder investigation for the police.

DCI Harry Nelson already has his hands full with two murders, which targeted rough sleepers. When another goes missing, rumours suggest she’s gone underground. But with little to go on, DCI Harry Nelson and his team struggle to make much progress on any of the investigations.

Then more bones are unearthed.

It’s another original and intriguing murder mystery with an engaging and evolving backstory featuring the main characters. The Norfolk settings are beautifully portrayed, the pace is gentle with conflict and tension never far away, and the writing makes the story a joy to read.

While this can be read as a standalone, the series is so engaging and involving, you’ll miss out on so much if you don’t go back to the beginning.

One of my favourite series.

Description

Boiled human bones have been found in Norwich’s web of underground tunnels. When Dr Ruth Galloway discovers they were recently buried, DCI Nelson has a murder inquiry on his hands. The boiling might have been just a medieval curiosity – now it suggests a much more sinister purpose.

Meanwhile, DS Judy Johnson is investigating the disappearance of a local rough sleeper. The only trace of her is the rumour that she’s gone ‘underground’. This might be a figure of speech, but with the discovery of the bones and the rumours both Ruth and the police have heard that the network of old chalk-mining tunnels under Norwich is home to a vast community of rough sleepers, the clues point in only one direction. Local academic Martin Kellerman knows all about the tunnels and their history – but can his assertions of cannibalism and ritual killing possibly be true?

As the weather gets hotter, tensions rise. A local woman goes missing and the police are under attack. Ruth and Nelson must unravel the dark secrets of The Underground and discover just what gruesome secrets lurk at its heart – before it claims another victim.