The Janus Stone
The Janus Stone
Book Brief
Beta337
Novel • Fiction
Norwich, England • Contemporary
2011
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths, a forensic archaeologist, Dr. Ruth Galloway, investigates a child's skeleton found at a construction site. Her findings lead her into a complex web of ancient and modern mysteries involving Roman history and local legends. Galloway collaborates with police to uncover the truth.
Reviews & Readership
54,982 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elly Griffiths' The Janus Stone receives praise for its atmospheric settings, well-developed characters, and compelling plot twists. However, some readers find the pacing uneven and the resolution predictable. Overall, it offers an engaging mystery with a strong sense of place. Review: 350 characters
Who Should Read The Janus Stone?
Fans of forensic anthropology and gripping mystery narratives will relish Elly Griffiths’ The Janus Stone. Readers who enjoy the intricate character development and archaeological intrigue found in Kathy Reichs’ Deja Dead or the atmospheric settings of Ann Cleeves’ Raven Black will find this novel particularly engaging.
54,982 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The title, The Janus Stone, refers to Janus, the Roman god with two faces, symbolizing beginnings, transitions, and duality, which ties into the novel's themes of ancient and recent mysteries.
The series featuring Ruth Galloway is known for its blend of archaeology and crime-solving, and reflects Elly Griffiths' interest in history and archaeology, inspired partly by her husband who is an archaeologist.
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Elly Griffiths' real name is Domenica de Rosa, and she chose the pen name 'Elly Griffiths' to write the Ruth Galloway series, setting her mystery novels apart from her previous work in other genres.
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337
Novel • Fiction
Norwich, England • Contemporary
2011
Adult
18+ years
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