The Ghost Fields, Volume 7 - Elly Griffiths

nRuth is a terrific character: unglamorous, smart, down-to-earth and completely believable. -- San Jose Mercury News n Readers will look forward to learning more about Ruth Galloway]. -- USA Today n n It's a blazing hot summer in Norfolk when a construction crew unearths a downed American fighter plane from World War II with a body inside.

Forensic archeologist Ruth Galloway determines that the skeleton couldn't possibly be the pilot, and DNA tests identify the man as Fred Blackstock, a local aristocrat long presumed dead -- news that seems to frighten his descendants. 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 the Blackstocks have converted into a pig farm. As production begins, Ruth notices a mysterious man loitering at Fred Blackstock's memorial service.

Then human bones are found on the family's pig farm and the weather quickly turns. Can the team outrace a looming flood to find the killer? n nRuth Galloway is a captivating amateur sleuth -- an inspired creation.

I identified with her insecurities and struggles, and cheered her on. -- Louise Penny n n An uncommon, down-to-earth heroine whose acute insight, wry humor, and depth of feeling make her a thoroughly engaging companion. -- Erin Hartn