The Ghost Fields

Locations
Call Number: Mystery / Griffiths, Elly, Adult Book / Fiction / Mystery / General / Griffiths, Elly
On Shelf At: Downtown Library, Malletts Creek Branch, Pittsfield Branch, Traverwood Branch, Westgate Branch

Location & Checkout Length	Call Number	Checkout Length	Item Status
Downtown 2nd Floor 4-week checkout	Mystery / Griffiths, Elly	4-week checkout	On Shelf
Downtown 2nd Floor 4-week checkout	Mystery / Griffiths, Elly	4-week checkout	On Shelf
Malletts Adult Books 4-week checkout	Adult Book / Fiction / Mystery / General / Griffiths, Elly	4-week checkout	On Shelf
Pittsfield Adult Books 4-week checkout	Adult Book / Fiction / Mystery / General / Griffiths, Elly	4-week checkout	On Shelf
Traverwood Adult Books 4-week checkout	Adult Book / Fiction / Mystery / General / Griffiths, Elly	4-week checkout	On Shelf
Westgate Adult Books 4-week checkout	Adult Book / Fiction / Mystery / General / Griffiths, Elly	4-week checkout	On Shelf

"Norfolk is suffering from record summer heat when a construction crew unearths a macabre discovery--a downed World War II plane with the pilot still inside. Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway quickly realizes that the skeleton couldn't possibly be the pilot, and DNA tests identify the man as Fred Blackstock, a local aristocrat who had been reported dead at sea. When the remaining members of the Blackstock family learn about the discovery, they seem strangely frightened by the news. Events are further complicated by a TV company that wants to make a film about Norfolk's deserted air force bases, the so-called Ghost Fields, which have been partially converted into a pig farm run by one of the younger Blackstocks. As production begins, Ruth notices a mysterious man lurking on the outskirts of Fred Blackstock's memorial service. Then human bones are found on the family's pig farm. Can the team outrace a looming flood to find a killer?"-- Provided by publisher.

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COMMUNITY REVIEWS

Mystery from WWII-Era Norfolk submitted by sdunav on June 12, 2015, 4:42pm Another mystery featuring archaeologist Ruth Galloway - but this time the archaeology plays a rather minor role. Most of the mystery revolves around an abandoned WWII air field, an abandoned plane from that era, a rather wealthy family, and a tv crew. Some interesting personal developments in the series story arc that surprised me. Nice use of DNA in story.

Another Home Run for Elly Griffiths submitted by Sara W on August 8, 2015, 8:31am Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway series started off strong with The Crossing Places and has continued to deliver on its promise, book after book. In her latest entry, The Ghost Fields, Griffiths escalates relationships she has explored in her earlier books, allowing her characters to grow but still seem familiar. She weaves in plenty of subplots and emotion involving her characters, without allowing them to overshadow the mystery at the center of the story.

The mystery opens with the discovery of a WWII plane uncovered during construction, and the revelation that the body of a pilot inside is related to a nearby aristocratic family. A history television program gets involved in dramatizing the story, while the family members each react differently to the discovery and the media attention. Things come to a head during a storm and ensuing flood that isolates the old family home, stranding Ruth and some family members - none of whom are exactly trustworthy.

Griffths continues to deal with the Ruth, Nelson, Michelle triangle with a deft hand, making everyone's perspective understandable and casting no one as the guilty party. The nuance with which she handles this complicated family dynamic is spectacular. Another highlight is the spotlight on Dave Clough, everyone's favorite human garbage disposal, who manages to retain his complete Clough-ness no matter the situation, and makes some strides as a detective and as an adult in this book.

A few things are wearing a bit thin - in each series entry three things typically occur: Ruth explains of the magic of carbon-14 dating, receives a confession from the cocky and slightly mad killer(s), and is placed in physical jeopardy. It's not ruining the experience, but you can see each of these things coming from a mile away. The characters, and Ruth's honest but unvoiced opinions, continue to make Elly Griffiths' novels something to look forward to.