I Did It For You - Amy Engel

I Did It For You is Amy Engel's new stand alone novel. 

Fourteen years ago, Greer's sister Eliza, and her boyfriend were murdered in their small town of Ludlow, Kansas. The murderer was caught and punished. Greer couldn't cope and fled the town for big city life. But fourteen years on, there's been another murder that is eerily similar to that first one. Did did they convict the wrong person? And it is this that drives Greer back home to Ludlow.

Engel has penned an interesting mystery. The book is character driven, exploring many themes - grief, guilt, loss, friendship, relationships, anger, love and more. Much of this through the three main characters. Greer, Ryan and Cassie have been friends from a young age. Their banter and easy manner with each other is well drawn. But Greer isn't warmed back by a number of people, who wonder why she's digging up old troubles. 

I enjoyed picking out clues from conversations, memories, interactions, behaviors and more, coming up with my own answer for whodunit. I had my suspicions, but was caught off guard from a late reveal. And not what I expected at all. Well done! 

I quite enjoyed I Did It For You and this introduction to a new to me author. See for yourself - read an excerpt. 

The Chalk Pit - Elly Griffiths

Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway mysteries are hands down one of my favourite series. The ninth entry is The Chalk Pit.

The series takes place in the Norfolk area of Britain. The area is home to lots of history - and bones. (I find I always learn a little something reading these books.) Ruth Galloway is a forensic archaeologist. She is a lecturer at the university, but is often called by the police for assistance. This time 'round, Ruth is called in when bones are found in an old chalk mine tunnel that an entrepreneur is turning into an underground restaurant. DCI Nelson and his team are also busy - a number of 'rough sleepers' have disappeared - amongst rumours that they may have gone 'underground'.

Griffiths' blending of historical fact with a mystery is always fascinating. Her plotting is excellent and always captures my interest. But what brings me back, book after book, are the characters. I have become so engaged in their lives. As I've said before.."Griffiths has created a wonderful protagonist in Ruth. I just really like her. She's decidedly unique and different. She is a single mother at forty plus, overweight, messy, introverted, but highly intelligent and curious. Griffiths has not endowed her with super sleuth abilities, rather she comes off as an actual person - unabashedly and happily herself." The supporting cast is just as interesting and engaging. Cathbad, the enigmatic, self proclaimed Druid is a perennial favourite of mine.  For those that also follow this series and taking care not to spoil things....Griffiths provides some surprising twists in the lives of Ruth....and Harry. I can't wait to see what transpires next!

This is the first time I've chosen to listen to one of the series. I always find that I become more immersed in a book through listening. And it depends on the narrator doesn't it? Well, reader Jane McDowell did an excellent job of interpreting Griffiths' work. My mental image of Ruth didn't change - it was only enhanced by McDowell's voice. She provides different tones and inflections for other supporting characters. Her voice is easy and pleasant to listen to. I think I would chose to listen to the upcoming tenth novel as well. The Dark Angel, due out mid 2018.

The Chalk Pit is wholeheartedly recommended! (As is the entire series - do yourself a favbour and start at the beginning with The Crossing Places) Listen to an excerpt of The Chalk Pit.