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Book Review of The Last Remains (Ruth Galloway, Bk 15)

The Last Remains (Ruth Galloway, Bk 15)
cathyskye avatar reviewed on + 2307 more book reviews


Through fifteen books, devoted fans have felt a part of the extended family of Dr. Ruth Galloway, DCI Harry Nelson, and their friends and co-workers. It's sad-- and even a bit traumatic-- to see a cherished series end, but if it has to, it should end on the sort of note that The Last Remains does.

All the bases are covered here. Life during the pandemic and the NHS phone app that told users when they had to stay home because they'd been in the same place as someone with Covid. Ruth's very real possibility of losing her beloved archaeology department and her job. Nelson's boss constantly harping at him to retire. Cathbad's slow recovery from Covid and his mystifying disappearance. New faces, like a detective constable named Lucy. Ruth's daughter Kate growing up so fast. And-- of course-- a first-rate mystery to solve.

The mystery surrounding archaeology student Emily Pickering's disappearance and death is excellent and kept me guessing every step of the way. And while the characters were hard at work trying to solve that mystery, author Elly Griffiths was busy tying up loose ends. If there are no further investigations for Ruth and Nelson, I will be sad... yet happy with the way The Last Remains ends. But a little part of me will always hope for Just. One. More.