The Dark Angel

By: Elly Griffiths

Narrated by: Jane McDowell

Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

It’s not every day that you’re summoned to the Italian countryside on business, so when archaeologist Angelo Morelli asks for Ruth Galloway’s help identifying bones found in the tiny hilltop town of Fontana Liri, she jumps at the chance to go, bringing her daughter along with her for a working vacation. Upon arriving, she begins to hear murmurs of Fontana Liri’s strong resistance movement during World War II and senses the townspeople are dancing around a deeply buried secret. But how could that be connected to the ancient remains she’s been studying?

Ruth is just beginning to get her footing in the dig when she’s thrown off-guard by the appearance of DCI Nelson. And when Ruth’s findings lead them to a modern-day murder, their holidays are both turned upside down, and they race to find out what darkness is lurking in this seemingly picturesque town.

©2018 Elly Griffiths (P)2018 Recorded Books

loved it

This story really sucked me in. Character development and excitement. Can't wait for the next installment.

Gripping Tale

Elly Griffith has written another wonderful novel. We learn a little about rural Italy, World War II, the Romans, and the complexity of policing no matter the location. The ongoing characters feel like family and I look forward to the next books.

My Favorite Elly Griffiths so far!

I’ve adored everything I’ve read by Elly Griffiths, but there is something I can’t quite put my finger on that makes this book my favorite. Maybe it’s the character development, which I’ve always appreciated in her work, that seems to reach a new level here. It may also be the way she presents Ruth’s opinion of evangelicals, juxtaposed to other religious/spiritual beliefs and practices. It’s both skeptical, respectful, and questioning.

Third time the charm

I am a huge fan of Griffiths’ Ruth Galloway productions and was invariably gripped from the beginning of every novel. I started this book twice, and switched to listen to different books. My problem wasn’t with Griffiths’ super writing, or with the narration in general, but a sense of dislocation. Although I love the country of Italy, I had favored this series for its British setting. Also , although I think Angelo’s Italian accent is accurate in pronunciation, it seems (to my ear) to be exaggerated and labored. Based
on the excellence of her earlier books, I gave it a third try, and became engrossed. I’m giving it five stars, mainly because the archeological theme is so rewarding. I had never heard of the Volsci people and so googled them, and as always with an Elly Griffiths’ Ruth Galloway story, I found a fascinating trove of information. I am eagerly awaiting the new book due out at the end of this month June 2021.

Good Entry in Series

I enjoy this series very much. and this entry is no different. But the decision to change the audio on phone calls within the book, i.e. making them sound as if they are down a well, is utterly idiotic.

Fairly Generic

It really tried to be a slow burn mystery, but it wasn't so much. There was a bit too much British emotionlessness and I wasn't exactly super interesting to hear about all the walking around and food and wine with people. There was a lot of interpersonal romantic drama that was really over the top that ultimately didn't seem to go anywhere. I was rather surprised in the end by the perpetrator, but the motives were really very weak.

Wonderful series!

I'm upset that the series is over! How can I go on without Ruth Galloway, Kate and Nelson??

The characters all seem real

I do like this series. As some say, they are not pure mystery, although generally a part of the plot is focused on trying to figure out how or why someone died - no matter when they died. The cast of characters includes interesting people, all with a wart of two. They are not great books, but they are good reads, they are informative and they are fun. When I am working hard - a good read is just the ticket.

Ruth Travels to Italy

Ruth goes to Italy for work/holiday. An unexpected occurrence brings Harry Nelson there also even though his wife is again pregnant. Who is the father? Kate, now 6 years old, enjoys the Italian beaches and public swimming pool. The narrator does an outstanding job with the Italian accent. Bravo!

Griffiths Tix All the Boxes

I love the characters in the this series. I can not help myself! Griffiths doesn't always satisfy in every single book but she ties up so many loose ends in, The Dark Angel. Whilst touching on current social problems of our era, she explores human nature from WWII, to Fascism, to present day Immigration, to racism encapsulated in a wonderful, full bodied plot that explores our changing moral compass and our shared human condition...don't miss it. It was a delightful read!