Ruth Galloway Books in Order
Dr Ruth Galloway teaches archaeology at the fictional University of North Norfolk and lives on the edge of the Norfolk salt marshes. DCI Harry Nelson calls on her when the police find bones and need to know how old they are, how they were buried and what the site can tell them.
The murder cases change from book to book, but Ruth and Nelson keep turning up in each other’s lives, and the story between them continues in later books. Their lives do not reset when a case ends, so the books are best read in publication order.
Ruth’s story begins with The Crossing Places and reaches its fifteenth novel with The Last Remains. The short story Ruth’s First Christmas Tree fits between Books 4 and 5. Additional stories featuring Ruth and Nelson are included in The Man in Black: And Other Stories.
For Elly Griffiths’ other crime series and the books published under her real name, see Elly Griffiths Books in Order.
A printable book list is available below. You can print it or save it as a PDF.
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Ruth Galloway Novels and Short Stories in Order
The list below follows publication order, which is also the recommended reading order. The novels are numbered from 1 to 15, with Ruth’s First Christmas Tree placed at 4.5 because it takes place between A Room Full of Bones and Dying Fall.
- The Crossing Places, 2009
- The Janus Stone, 2010
- The House at Sea’s End, 2011
- A Room Full of Bones, 2012
- Ruth’s First Christmas Tree, 2012 (short story)
- Dying Fall, 2013
- The Outcast Dead, 2014
- The Ghost Fields, 2015
- The Woman in Blue, 2016
- The Chalk Pit, 2017
- The Dark Angel, 2018
- The Stone Circle, 2019
- The Lantern Men, 2020
- The Night Hawks, 2021
- The Locked Room, 2022
- The Last Remains, 2023
Ruth Galloway book reviewed on Mystery Sequels:
Ruth Galloway Short Stories and The Man in Black
Ruth’s First Christmas Tree was first published as a digital short story in 2012, after A Room Full of Bones and before A Dying Fall. On this page it sits at 4.5, between the two novels. You can skip it without losing anything essential from the main series.
The story was later collected in The Man in Black: And Other Stories in 2024. The collection includes several Ruth Galloway stories, some set after The Last Remains. If you do not want to know where Ruth and Nelson end up after the final novel, finish The Last Remains before reading the whole collection.
Ruth Galloway and the Ghost of Max Mephisto brings Ruth into a story connected to Max Mephisto from Griffiths’ Brighton Mysteries. It is a crossover short story rather than part of the main Ruth Galloway reading order.
Is The Tomb of the Raven King a Separate Ruth Galloway Book?
No. The Tomb of the Raven King was Elly Griffiths’ original title for the novel published as Dying Fall. Some editions of A Room Full of Bones included a preview under that earlier title before the publisher changed it.
If you have reached that preview, continue with Dying Fall, Book 5. There is no missing novel or second version to buy.
Forensic Archaeology in the Ruth Galloway Series
Forensic archaeology uses archaeological methods when buried remains or other evidence become part of a criminal investigation. Ruth studies the bones, the way they were buried and the ground around them. Sometimes she can tell immediately that remains are ancient; in other cases, dating and further examination show that Nelson has a modern death to investigate.
Ruth is often called to the place where the remains were found. She works on salt marshes, cliffs, building sites, tunnels and archaeological digs, and also encounters human remains in museums and churches. The location can tell her as much as the bones themselves: whether a grave has been disturbed, when it was made, what else was buried nearby and how the site was used. Nelson then has to work out who among the living is connected to what Ruth has found.
Griffiths has said that every Ruth novel features a particular archaeological discovery. The Crossing Places uses an Iron Age body and a Bronze Age henge; The Janus Stone involves Roman remains and foundation sacrifices; The House at Sea’s End turns to the Second World War and bodies exposed by coastal erosion; and A Room Full of Bones takes Ruth into a museum and the repatriation of human remains and artefacts.
More Books by Elly Griffiths
Elly Griffiths also writes the Brighton Mysteries, the books connected through Harbinder Kaur, the Justice Jones children’s mysteries and the time-travelling Ali Dawson series. See Elly Griffiths Books in Order for her complete catalogue and recommended reading order.
I have been hooked on Dr Ruth Galloway novels I can’t wait to read no 17 which I do hope is being written. I just love them 💕
I , by chance picked up the first Dr.Ruth Galloway story and was and still am totally hooked but I am desperately trying to find a paperback copy of “Ruth’s First Christmas Tree “ it just seems to be impossible . Is there anybody out there with any suggestions ?
I’ve tried the big stores and secondhand forums ,
I’ve found a Kindle version ( I don’t have a Kindle ) but I really like to read the old fashioned way by turning the paper pages .Thank you Tracey
I too enjoyed all the Ruth Galloway books.
You don’t necessarily need a Kindle – you can download the Kindle app to your phone or tablet (or both).
Ruth’s First Christmas Tree is one of the short stories in The Man in Black, a delightful set of short stories which also contains other Ruth Galloway stories.
I’m a great fan too.
Your books are so wonderful. I think I am like everyone else, I’m just so addicted to reading them. and I just love Dr. Ruth Galloway, her job, her life, her motherhood. She is so like real life problems and she is so funny. I’m trying to read them in order because I need to see her progression as mother and Nelson lover and Max lover. I don’t get anything done because I just can’t stop reading. Please keep on writing. Your books are the best mystery books that I have ever read and I have read a lot of mysteries. Thank you.
My daughter and I have read and enjoyed every Ruth Galloway book. Its so interesting to have characters with whom you can associate in every book.
I’ve only read Dying Fall which is a good mystery but not very well written and/or edited.
Including the daughter is a bit frustrating and is not necessary to tell the story.
I discovered the dr Ruth Galloway books as I was collecting all books by Rosa de Domenica, ( same author, different name)
I liked her style of writing, how she brings every character out in the pages and so I thought I’d give the series under her Elly Griffiths name a try. Read book 1 in four days, now ordered bus 2;3 and 4, I see there are 15. That should get me through the winter. I’m now wondering what the other series is like any one? The Brighton series . Great stuff can’t put books down
The only thing I don’t like about these books is when I get to the last page!!! I’m so hooked…Elly Griffins is a fabulous story teller and draws you in from the very beginning and keeps a tight hold until the last word’s read!!! I love her characters, so well developed and colorful! I love her writing, she’s brilliant. I’m on the fifth book in the Ruth series and so happy there are other series of hers to tap into. Thank you, Elly Griffins for being so prolific..so much to look forward to as I enjoy this series!
I bought one of your books from Waitrose and I was hooked. I have now read all the Ruth Galloway (13) and I am now waiting for the next book.
Once you pick them up you are unable to put them down. I sat up all night with one book I had to find out how it ended.
Keep it up.
Ah, after reading another 40 pages or so, I’ve found clough, but it still seems like a big time gap. Still, the books have been wonderful so far. I’ll keep reading!
It seems that there is a big time gap between the Stone Circle and Lantern Men, which I have just started. Did I miss a book in between? Ruth has moved to and been in Cambridge for two years. Judy’s been promoted. Where has a Louth gotten to? I feel as if I’m missing important chunks.
From one Sussex girl to another, BRILLIANT! I have loved all your books and am about to buy The Night Hawks.
Keep them coming Ellie! xx
@Elle I’ve seen both Audible and also Audio CD links on Amazon. Do you mean something else?
Why is the audio version of _Ghost Fields_ unavailable in the US?
So I’ve just finished A room full of bones and at the back there is a taster of “the next book” called The tomb of the Raven King, but I cannot find it anywhere in the list of Elly’s books or on Amazon etc. does anyone know if it exists ?
Totally hooked on Elly Griffiths!! Just finished Book 4, and now have to wait for my delivery to come to continue 😭 I live where these books are set and get so absorbed by the descriptions that I could almost believe it’s all real!
2 questions……1.What is the Tomb of the Raven king??…….2. Where can I buy a paperback copy of Ruth’s first Christmas tree?
I am a new reader. just getting started..
You will enjoy the series!
A lot of housework left undone in a lot of houses I suspect! It is so difficult to put these books down . I love the pervading atmosphere of the surrounding countryside. Now I realise that I am not alone in my appreciation and enjoyment of these books. Having started with Woman in Blue, I have now gone back and started from the beginning. …they are much better in order. Only trouble is, I am going through them far too fast! Please write some more.
Have just read the second of Elly,s books and couldn’t wait to finish it and start the next two that are sitting waiting on the bookshelf. The characters are all so appealing and the settings very real to a frequent Norfolk visitor. As other readers have said the stories are not too gruesome but totally believable and so enlightening historically. Love the characters and Ruth’s relationship with them. Being an overweight individual I can empathise with her.
Yes . LikE me totally hooked. I’ve all 9 books ready to read on 4/5 Ruth 1st christmas tree.
BrI’ll isn’t recommend to all. Living in Norton it’s as if your in the book. ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
I mean Brilliant and recommend all.
Living in Norfolk I know most places so it’s as if your in the book.☆☆☆☆☆☆
Recently discovered Ruth and her friends and am totally enthralled. Can’t stop reading the books and don’t want to use them up too fast. You are a brilliant writer. Nelson’s remarks to himself make me laugh out loud. Looking forward to your other series too. So many thanks for keeping me entertained throughout this difficult time.
Read the whole series. Now reading through for the fourth time! I just love the characters. Theyre like old friends. I feel I know them all. Ruth is amazing – so capable yet so vulnerable. Please write another one in thie series before too long!
I was so glad I discovered Elly Griffith’s Ruth Galloway series. Not only are the stories in each great but also well written. I loved too, that I am familiar with with the English East coast, although it is a long time, since I lived in England.
Ruth is such a likable, ordinary person; in the physical sense ; but intelligent, still having frailties and weaknesses, as we all do. The other main characters likable and not, are also quite real. Above all, she is a darned god read.
My other most liked Female Authors, Barbara Erskine, Debra Crombie and Kate Morton.
Thank you too, for listing them in order, so important, I now know, I have missed one, so will look for it. !
I have read and re-read all of the Ruth Galloway mysteries and I am now waiting eagerly for the next book; the one after “Woman in Blue”. I also like the Elly Griffiths has built up the relationship between Ruth and Nelson and intrigued as to whether they do get together.
Brilliant books.
Thank you for outlining the books in order. I tried to figure this out from the author’s website, but it was confusing.
I’ve read all the Ruth Galloway books and I want to know when the next one is coming out. They are interesting books Really like all of the characters!
Have just finished ‘The Ghostfields’ very good. Do we know when Ellue is producing the next Ruth Galloway story please?
suggest read zig zag girl 50<noir in brighton good read
suggest fans of elly read zig zag girl 50,s noir in brighton good read
I love the way Elly writes and there is no bad language
Definitely read in order. I love this series-the recurring characters, locales, new characters, history snd all else.
I have listened to all six of Elly Griffiths books on Audible. Brilliant. Now im going to listen again as they have spoilled me for anything else. Missing Ruth and the gang.
I can no longer see to read well but having discovered Elly Griffith’s Ruth Galloway series in audio format I am absolutely thrilled and working my way through them!
When is next book about Ruth coming out?
Next year in April. Title will be The Ghost Fields
I am so enjoying reading this series of books. I have just started ‘ A Room Full of Bones’. Thank you Elly/Donemica
Roisin from Belfast Northern Ireland
I agree about reading these books in order. It helps you to follow the characters as their relationships change.
I can read a book in one sitting ( they are so good ) but I ration myself.
I am halfway through dying fall so that means just 1 book left.
have been trying to find ‘The tower of the Raven King’ as previewed at the end of Room full of Bones.
Can’t find any references to it. Anyone help?
So have I and no luck. Glad I’m not the only one! If the Ghost fields is due out in April what has happened to “The Tower…”?
It was retitled dying fall.
The Tomb of the Raven King was published as Dying Fall. The publishers didn’t like my title – thought it was too historical/fantasy. Hope you enjoy the book. Elly
Thank you for that – My Husband bought me The Ghost fields and from then on I read backwards I have just finished A Room Full of Bones and got nothing done in the housework line as just couldn’t put it down, just about to start Dying Fall and was all confused with the titles etc. So glad that has been explained. Can’t wait to get onto the other series you have written, you are a fabulous writer (on a par with Linwood Barclay, although your language use is much cleaner). Thank you and keep writing.
What a shame! I much prefer your original title, “The Tomb of the Raven King”. Having read all of your books with the exception of The Ghost Fields I would just like to say “thank you”, particularly for “A Room Full of Bones” which helped me through a difficult personal time as it was so (darkly) funny. I love the vein of humour that runs through all of Ruths’ adventures. And being a total cat lover she has my vote. In agreement with other comments, it is refreshing to have a heroine who is by no means perfect, not a size 8, not beautiful at all times no matter what, quick to irritate, quirky, solitary, stubborn, although she has no shortage of admirers so must be doing something right! My only regret is that I didn’t read the books in order.
Elly Griffiths is one of the best English crime writers of our time. Gripping plots, not too ghoulish, has warmth and tenderness, but with gutsee interest. Love her stories of the Norfolk sea and sand dunes. If you know Norfolk and it’s coast, or you don’t, go check it out.
Many thanks for a few hours of getting lost in your books, keep writing Elly we love you.
Carole XX
Griffiths is my favorite writer of all. Love both series. I want to live in her house as well and bed friends with Cathbad. I love that her daughter calls him Daddy sometimes.
I love Ruth because she is so like me overweight loves the wrong kind of food cat lover solitary until her daughter popped up but now a loving mum I look forward to many more books from ellygriffiths please Nelsons s OK too
I read my first Elly Griffiths book with members of the Leigh Library Crime Reading Group. Since then I have read the other books in the series (best read in order). Have now got the latest book and can’t wait for more. The consensus of the whole group is brilliant writing.
Is that Leigh ,Lancs, I come from Atherton Lancs and have just got the first book but haven’t read it yet .
And now “the Outcast Dead” 2014. Can’t wait for the next.
I’m finishing the first book and loved it. Can’t wait to read more about lovable Ruth. It’s pleasantly hilarious how Ruth is described as overweight, not-too-exciting as a character, middle-aged and lives with two cats. However, she’s overwhelmed with admirers, e.g., Peter, Nelson, etc…Gosh, I wish I could be that overwhelmed by love. I love Ruth. Thanks Ms. Griffiths for creating such a wonderful character.
She’s a wonderful writer, isn’t she? I love the series as well!
Just reading the first one and hooked Now. Love it