The Crossing Places

Forensic archaeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway is pulled from her academic routine when human remains are unearthed on the desolate north Norfolk salt marshes. Detective Chief Inspector Harry Nelson asks for her expertise, hoping the discovery will bring closure to a decade-old missing persons case. However, Ruth quickly identifies the bones as an ancient burial near a prehistoric henge rather than a contemporary crime scene.

The situation takes a dark turn when another young girl disappears from the area. Nelson is taunted by anonymous letters filled with obscure references to ancient sacrifices, prompting him to rely on Ruth's academic background to decode the messages. Her involvement pulls her out of the laboratory and directly into the path of a dangerous predator.

As she attempts to untangle the historical clues from the modern tragedy, Ruth finds herself becoming a target. This atmospheric debut sets the stage for Elly Griffiths' celebrated mystery series, offering a compelling blend of archaeology and suspense that earned the CWA Dagger in the Library.