So sad to see the end of the Ruth Galloway series. It was easy to become invested in the lives of the main characters. However, the author has resolved all of their lives in a meaningful way that pleased at least this loyal reader.
It’s been a wonderful and rewarding journey.

This latest installment brings several nods to Ruth's past, with evocative descriptions of the Norfolk landscape and salt marshes.

While I grieve the end of Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway series, Last Remains is a fitting end. I always mention this series to colleagues who work in academia. It's incredibly relatable, especially for women working on a university campus.
This last novel in the series sees Ruth offered the chance to serve as Dean, and considering the pros and cons of this major shift. She also ponders the possible end of Cathbad (noooo!) and her future with Nelson. I truly appreciate the way in which Griffiths wrapped up each of these parts of the ongoing storyline. She acknowledges that nothing is black and white; that major life decisions are very hard(!); and that Ruth's tale can still come to a satisfying end.

The author says this is the last in the Ruth Galloway series at this time. Hopefully, there will be more since Elly Griffiths leaves several; options open. The return of previous characters and the mention of other characters and events occurring in earlier books was a surprise and very satisfying. Reading the book felt like visiting an old friend and catching up. An enthusiastic thumbs up! Definitely read the series in order to follow the developments in the personal lives of the characters.

"Cathbad would say it was all part of the great web."


Parting is such sweet sorrow. Don’t I know it. I have been privileged to read one of the best mystery/crime series ever written. I have had ten plus years of looking forward to a new Ruth Galloway mystery to read, and this year, 2023, is the last year for that guaranteed pleasure. But, I surprisingly find myself doing okay with this loss, and that’s all due to the brilliance of Elly Griffiths in giving this story the ending it needed. Of course, not all fans are going to agree on what’s the right ending, but the characters whom I’ve come to know and love have to do what’s best for their futures. The Last Remains is a story with lots of change and long-awaited answers. Every page is to be savored.



Lock-down for the pandemic is over, and life is beginning to open up again in 2021 when the academic school year is coming to a close and the summer solstice is near. Ruth’s professional world is being turned upside down with the announcement of the closure of the archeology department at University of North Norfolk. Ruth is head of this department and is working with fellow teacher David Brown to save the department, but even the fame Ruth has brought to the university with her archeological work doesn’t seem to sway the board. Without her job at UNN, Ruth will have to consider moving from Kings Lynn and her cottage by the marshes to find another teaching position. School selection for Ruth’s twelve-year-old daughter Kate is important in the decision making, too, as she begins secondary school. And, there’s Nelson. Spending more time with him and Kate having him in her life on a regular basis has been just what Ruth wanted. Nelson’s wife, Michelle, is living in Blackpool, so that’s allowed Nelson to focus on Ruth and Kate. And, yet, Ruth has avoided conversations with Nelson about them moving in together.



A case that will bring Ruth to work with Nelson has just come about. Builders renovating a café take down an inner brick wall and discover a full human skeleton behind the wall. Ruth is called in because, well, bones, and the police need to determine how old they are. Turns out that they are fairly recent in terms of bones found, around twenty years old, and being bricked up in a wall pretty much guarantees that the person who inhabited those bones didn’t get there by herself. Ruth suspects the skeleton is female, and science backs her up. So, a murder investigation begins, one which will involve Ruth's and Nelson's friend Cathbad as a person of interest.



Emily Pickering was a student of archeology twenty years ago at St. Jude's College in Cambridge, and one of the last things she did was to attend a weekend at Grimes Grave's, a local ancient burial site, where Cathbad was also an attendee. The professor in charge of the outing, Leo Ballard, was an associate of Cathbad’s and a mentor to some of the students, including Emily. Was Leo more than a mentor to his female students? Would that have been a factor in the young woman’s death? What about the last known sightings of Emily Pickering in Ely the morning the outing to Grime's Graves ended? What happened after that? Everyone at that weekend gathering must be questioned, and the relationships among them untangled. Cathbad, who seems to have lingering effects from his serious bout with Covid, disappears as the investigation progresses. Is he somewhere felled by his Covid-related problems, or did he run away from a murder investigation? His timing couldn’t be worse.



The Ruth Galloway series is remarkable in so many ways. The setting of North Norfolk is greatly accommodating to stories, with its salt marshes and rich history and archeological finds and fascinating folkore and interesting, quirky places to visit. The lantern men, the black shuck, and the grey lady of Tombland can all give a shiver when they show up in different books. The salt marshes where Ruth lives with Kate in their cottage is featured throughout the books, and it gives off an other-worldly ambiance, sometimes with lights. The ancient history of the Norfolk that goes back to the Bronze Age and the Iron Age--Nelson never could remember which was when--is included in the archeological findings of Ruth and others. The Seahenge was the first thing Ruth and Cathbad have in common. With Ruth being a forensic archeologist, her involvement in the police investigations always deals with the past and how it connects to the present. Elly Griffiths has taken this story-rich setting and a character cast second to none and entwined them into well-paced, suspenseful plots unique in their telling.



I can't emphasize enough how beloved the characters of the Ruth Galloway series are. I've saved my final words about the series for a farewell to them. Before I talk about the elephant in the room of character wrap-ups, that of Ruth and Nelson, I want to comment on a job well done by other characters. We readers have a die-hard investment in their well-being, as we've followed them through the years. The Druid who captured our affection so completely deserves some single-outed attention. Cathbad is larger than life, earning an equal footing with Ruth and Nelson, but his near magical existence sets him apart from any competition for affection. Almost losing him to Covid in the last book was a hard road for readers to travel. Elly Griffiths created something so special in this character that he has worked himself up to those mythical proportions running so wonderfully throughout the stories from Norfolk folklore and mythology. His given name of Michael Malone just didn't encapsulate his extraordinary spirit, and so Cathbad was born. He became the calm in the storm for the turmoil running through other characters’ lives and an integral part of Ruth’s and Nelson’s lives.



The police team working with Nelson have provided us with supporting cast gold. Judy Johnson's evolution from Nelson’s second in command and a good Catholic girl in a marriage with her high school sweetheart to becoming Cathbad’s life partner is a transformation that readers found themselves rooting enthusiastically for. Judy found freedom and love, and it was just such a lovely development, and, of course, she remains at the top of her game on the police force. Dave Clough's (Cloughie) popularity seemed a bit more unexpected, but he ended up imprinted on our hearts, too, and it was always a delight to see him show up, even after he transferred to Cambridgeshire and became a DI. Clough started in the series as an annoying blowhard, but he surprised readers and the other characters by becoming a friend to Judy and someone the team could depend on beyond his time in Kings Lynn. Prickly DS Tanya Fuller redeems herself in The Last Remains, becoming a part of the team effort and not worrying so much about her place in it. Judy’s absence on this case, due to Cathbad being a person of interest, provides the opportunity for Tanya to step up and not feel so competitive. We see some nice glimpses of DC Tony Zhang's personal life in The Last Remains and some interesting investigative work when he is isolated due to Covid exposure. Tony is an excellent investigator and sociably inclined, so, according to Nelson, "he always gets the personal stuff" from those he interviews. The newer team members of DC Bradley Linwood and DC Lucy Vanstone have good instincts and awareness of details. Lucy is on loan from Cambridgeshire and has a surprising connection to the area. All of these members of Nelson's team and Nelson bring their different strengths and personalities to make the police procedural part of the series fascinating.



From the beginning of the series, the complicated relationship between Dr. Ruth Galloway and DCI Harry Nelson has dominated character story-lines. Oh, how we readers have been put through the wringer with these two. The Last Remains, of course, follows that line of nothing ever being simple with them, but, oh dear readers, we do at last get resolution. Hopefully, it is the resolution you can be pleased with, as Ruth and Nelson don’t always follow the path of fairy-tales and Hallmark movies. The character of Ruth is such a force in these books and in the hearts of readers that we all want what’s best for her. I know that I have experienced one of the best character loves I ever will with Ruth Galloway. Of course, paying tribute to the characters wouldn’t be complete without a grand salute to the amazing creation of Ruth’s and Nelson’s love, their daughter Kate. She has been an absolute delight, certainly holding her own in an imperfect world. Kate conducts herself with a maturity and forbearance many adults fail to achieve. It’s Kate that I end up wondering the most about in what the future holds after this book.



There are more characters who readers have followed through the series, most notably Nelson's wife Michelle and his two oldest daughters, Laura and Rebecca. However, I'm going to abide by the maxim, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." I admit there is growth in these characters, and they are essential to the series. And, of course, if Elly Griffiths creates a character, it's going to be an interesting character, whether a reader likes them or not, or whether they're heroic or villainous. I was hoping to leave the series with a more positive outlook on these three women, but the Father's Day dinner in this book rather smacked of manipulation and deceit. It's always been Kate, sweet Kate, who has had to settle for less, with little or no thought for her feelings. And, I do realize that Nelson isn't innocent in letting his life be ruled by their expectations. I will say I am going to miss Flint and Thing and Bruno. The animals come from a place of love. Well, maybe Flint could have shown a little more love.



So, the end, at least for now, has come, and I haven’t been reduced to a despondent, grief-stricken shell of my former self. I will, of course, miss the characters who have become so alive to me and the stories that kept me on the edge of my seat. I love this series like a best friend, because it has brought such joy to my life. But, Elly Griffiths has given readers one last beautiful, amazing story that does this series proud, and I must thank her for that. OK, I’m crying just a little.



Thanks to Mariner Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Last Remains.

In this latest entry in a terrific series, Ruth faces the closing of the archaeological department at her university and Nelson is finally starting to seriously consider retirement. They are both at a crossroads personally and professionally. Then a body is found.

A full skeleton is found behind the wall in a building that is being renovated. The bones are identified as those of Emily Pickering, a university student who disappeared 15 years before. Her parents have always been convinced that her tutor, Leo Ballard, murdered her but several other people were with her the weekend that she disappeared, including Ruth and Nelson's friend Cathbad.

The characters continue to grow and develop in a way that is seldom seen in mystery series. Ruth and Nelson have known each other for 14 years and Griffiths allows her characters to change. The local color in each of the books makes place another important character in the book and Grime's Graves, a real location, is introduced to the reader in this one. Finally, the mysteries are always intricate and full of red herrings and suspense. The only reason I gave this four stars rather than five is that main character's being put in deadly danger happen a little too often in my opinion.
Otherwise, highly recommend.

Archaeologist Ruth Galloway is called in to consult on skeletal remains in a case being investigated by DCI Nelson, her daughter's father. As the investigation becomes more complicated, one of their friends becomes a possible suspect, and Galloway and Nelson realize they'll need to make some hard decisions about their relationship. Set against the backdrop of the COVID pandemic as it continued into 2021 (masks are worn, a character suffers from long COVID), the book provides a resolution for the couple's romance and a hopeful look toward the future, although fans may feel cheated by the author not describing any of the discussion or emotion leading up to the final scene.

So glad that I got to read this early. Great to visit with the characters. This seemed like it could be the last book in the series. ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

I devoured this book, and spent much of it wishing I could just shake some of the main characters! In the end I was in tears -- pick a reason, any reason: happy, sad, feeling bereft, feeling satisfied . . . In short, all the elements of a great read are present in the pages. Elly Griffiths really hit it out of the park with this installment. And while she says this is the last Ruth "for a while", I sincerely hope that it is ONLY for a little while. It seems like there are further (and maybe past?) stories to be told among these characters. If you haven't read the series, please do so before reading this book; your enjoyment will be greatly enhanced by beginning with book 1, The Crossing Places, and having the entire series experience. If you can't read them all, read at least the first and a few others in sequence.

When the skeletal remains of a young woman are found behind the wall of a renovated cafe, Ruth discovers that they belong to an archaeological student with ties to Cathbad, who’s been missing for 20 years.

A wonderful story, but also a sad one because it’s the last book in the series. Griffiths does settle a lot of questions readers might have, but it will still be hard to let go.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for making reading this possible in exchange for an honest review.

I don't want this series to end! Elly Griffiths has said this is not 100% the last Ruth Galloway book, but that it is the end for now. This series got me through a graduate degree and the pandemic, and this book is just as satisfying as the others in the series. Elly, please give us more of Ruth and the gang sooner rather than later!!

Great, as usual! I was lucky to receive an advance copy & am so glad I didn't have to wait to read this. Love Elly Griffiths!

Another excellent entry in the Ruth Galloway series. I was sad when I saw that this is the last book in the series but it was a satisfying conclusion and, perhaps, time to wrap up the story arc. Also, I could see possibilities for a new series with some of the new characters that were introduced. Still I will miss Ruth, Nelson, Cathbad and the rest. They are like old friends.

This book was a lovely way for the Ruth Galloway series to end. Author Elly Griffiths managed to give us an interesting mystery that involved our beloved cast of characters while at the same time wrapping the series up quite nicely. I will definitely miss my friends from these books and would be thrilled if the author decided to write about them again. But, this book is a fitting farewell to them.

My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

I have enjoyed every book in Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway series, so it is a little sad that we now have to say goodbye to Ruth, Nelson, Cathbad and all the other recurring characters. However, I think it was the right time. The cases Ruth and Nelson worked on during the last few books were getting repetitive, and their relationship was running its course. I've been annoyed with how all decisions about Ruth and Nelson have been made by Michelle Nelson, but nevertheless I was happy with the ending in The Last Remains.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this ARC.

Finding out this was to be the last in the series was like being made to move to a different school as a child. Over the years I have found these characters to be like a fictional family, full of quirks but you tolerate them all none the less cause you love them. Perhaps it is because this is the last in the series but I thought it was one of the best, It tied up so honestly and realistically that I didn't feel like I had to say goodbye but see you later and good luck. Truly one of the best series I have never gotten tired of and would happily consider rereading, Please pass along my thanks to Elly for creating this world to spend some time in.

Spoilers....

The reader can see from the cover that this is the final Ruth Galloway book. How sad! It's always hard to say goodbye to beloved characters. The mystery is good, but could have been more exciting and better developed if not a part of a goodbye novel. There was too much to wrap up for the main characters and while thankfully we were not short-changed there, something had to give and that was the development of the mystery. A good run, and a solid ending to a series I've very much enjoyed.

The Last Remains by Elly Griffiths.
What a journey. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher I received a copy of the Last Remains in exchange for an honest review. As a reader I hate jumping into a series. After discovering I owned a copy "The Crossing Places", book 1 in the Ruth Galloway series, I decided to have a quick read to get familiar with the characters. I had no idea what I started! Book 1, lead to book 2 and all of the rest. I devoured the entire series in the last 2 weeks.

The Last Remains begins with the discovery of a body that has been bricked over in a local cafe. Nelson soon discovers that Cathbad was one of the last people to see the victim before her disappearance twenty years ago. Nelson attempts to solve this mystery, protect Cathbad, and figure out his relationships with the returning Michelle and Ruth. Ruth has her own issues including the imminent closing of her beloved archaeology department. Maddening and endearing, Elly Griffiths gathers her well drawn characters (from past and present) to the final resolution. As Ruth concludes speaking not only for herself but also for the reader "One minute we are raised up, the next we are in the depths. The wheel is come full circle, I am here."

This was definitely a step up from the last Ruth Galloway book, which I was not as invested in. I liked how the story was more crime focused instead of focusing on the drama between the recurring characters.

5 STARS + I love this Ruth Galloway series and I have raced through this series over the past 3 years and I am going to miss Ruth with her self deprecating humor and her angst regarding how she is raising her daughter Kate. I do not want to give anything away to the readers but Elly Griffiths does a great job with this book. One of my favorite characters, Cathbad, plays a key role in a cold case disappearance from 20 years ago. This cold case comes to light when human bones are found and it is up to Ruth and the Norwich PD to try to solve the case. Besides keeping busy with this case, Ruth has to deal with the possibility of her department closing at her university ( a Covid casualty) and where she wants to go with her relationship with Nelson. There are many twists and turns in this book and the reader is kept guessing until the very end. It's very hard to say goodbye to Ruth and all the other wonderful characters in this series but well done Elly for creating and developing these characters throughout the length of this series.