The Janus Stone (Ruth Galloway Mystery #2) by Elly Griffiths

When a child’s remains are found at a demolition site—a former children’s home in Norwich—forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway is called in to examine the bones. She quickly notes that the skull is missing. Is this a Roman-era ritual sacrifice, or is the killer closer at hand?

 

Ruth and DCI Nelson seek out the priest who served as the home’s operator. Father Hennessey reports that two children had gone missing there, about forty years earlier. They were never found. Is this one of them, finally unearthed? Or another child altogether? Ruth is drawn into the case, but soon it becomes clear that someone is trying very hard to put her off the trail by frightening her, and her unborn child, half to death.

 Series: Ruth Galloway Mysteries #2 | Publisher: Mariner | Genre: Mystery  | Source: Publisher  | Rating: 3.5

Roman artifacts, headless skeletons, and mysterious disappearances take center stage in the second installment in the Ruth Galloway Mysteries.  

When the skeleton of a child is found on a demolition site, DCI Nelson is called in to investigate and Ruth Galloway has been called into examine the bones. Upon research, it’s soon discovered the site housed a former children’s home founded and operated by Father Hennessey, who had two of his young residents go missing. As Ruth tires to determine the age of the bones and excavate the site, she becomes the target of someone with a vast knowledge of the Roman Empire. With herself and her unborn child in danger—and a possible romance on the rise—Nelson needs to figure out how to protect Ruth as well as forge some sort of roll in her life and that of their child.

I picked this one up as part of my personal finish-the-series challenge. It’s been on my shelf for what seems like ages and I’ve been eager to get back into this series. I started this one then had to go back and re-read the first book as I couldn’t recall the details and felt like I needed a refresher before moving forward. Once I finished my re-read, I was able to jump straight into this one and found myself enjoying the mystery.

The mystery—or mysteries, rather—were intriguing. There’s three, there’s the headless skeleton found under the door jam, which could possibly be an ancient sacrifice to Janus. Then there’s the mystery of the two missing children (a brother and sister). We also have a Roman Empire fanatic targeting Ruth.

It was very easy to get swept up into the investigation as well as the archaeological dig that was unearthing both evidence and historical finds. What I found a little irksome was the ease in which I could sort out the mysteries. I don’t want to say too much as I’m afraid that I’ll give it away but I would have liked a bit more ambiguity.

The characters in the series are fantastic. Ruth is trying to come to terms with her pregnancy as well as the fact Nelson, the father of her child, is married. She’s determined to do this on her own and she’s not about to ask for help. While Nelson’s married, and seemingly not wanting to rock the boat in regards to his marriage, there’s something between him and Ruth and he’s wanting to support Ruth and his child he’s just not sure how to go about do so.

Max, an archaeologist on the dig, is a new addition to team and seems to have taken a shine to Ruth. While there’s something a bit mysterious about him, there’s an attraction that they both share and I was a bit sad this wasn’t developed further as they were so good together and had so much in common.

Overall, I enjoyed this one even though the mysteries were a bit obvious. I enjoyed the history that was combined with the mystery. There’s also the craziness that comes in the form a hippie/druid Cathbath that adds an interesting layer to the story. I’m eager to see where the characters end up as the series progresses.