‘The Last Word’ by Elly Griffiths

Published by Quercus,
18 July 2024.
ISBN: 978-1-5294-3347-0 (PB)

Private detectives Edwin and Natalka are approached by the daughters of a local romance writer, Melody Chambers, who they are convinced was murdered by her new, much younger husband. Edwin becomes aware that Melody is one of a growing number of writers who have died in the last few years, and they all appear to be linked to a writers’ retreat which takes place in Battle House. Edwin accompanied by Natalka’s boyfriend, Benedict, decide to pose as wannabe writers and sign up to attend the next workshop along with the half dozen others who have all attended previous events. During the retreat another murder occurs.

Elly Griffiths is a prolific author and what I find interesting is how she adopts a completely different writing style for each of her different series. The Last Word is written in the present tense and the story is told through the eyes of the three main characters – Natalka, a Ukrainian refugee who runs a care business; Edwin, a spry, gay eighty-four-year-old; and Benedict, an ex-monk who now runs a coffee shack on the beach.

The most delightful aspect of this novel for me is the characters. My particular favourites are Edwin, who is still not too old to fall in love, and the shy, introspective Benedict. I also developed a soft spot for DS Liv Brennan through whom Elly Griffins highlights the problems of women, especially those of colour trying to advance in an environment dominated by an old-school prejudiced, white male boss.

Another strand in the story brings us sharply back to the realities of today’s world involves Natalka. Her refugee mother has recently arrived from Ukraine and finds it hard to adjust to living in a new country. They are both concerned about Natalka’s brother who has returned to fight for his country especially when they have not heard from him for several weeks.

I enjoyed the novel immensely and found it a compulsive read. I have no hesitation in recommending it.
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Reviewer: Judith Cranswick  

Elly Griffiths is the author of a series of crime novels set in England’s Norfolk County and featuring forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway. The first in the series, Crossing Places, earned a good deal of praise both in Griffiths’ native country, England, and in the U.S. The Literary Review termed it “a cleverly plotted and extremely interesting first novel, highly recommended.  Since then, Elly has written fifteen further novels in the series.  Recently she has written a second series set in Brighton in the 1950’s featuring magician Max Mephisto and DI Stephens. There are six books in the new series, and a seventh scheduled to be published October 2023.

www.ellygriffiths.co.uk

Judith Cranswick was born and brought up in Norwich. Apart from writing, Judith’s great passions are travel and history. Both have influenced her two series of mystery novels. Tour Manager, Fiona Mason takes coach parties throughout Europe, and historian Aunt Jessica is the guest lecturer accompanying tour groups visiting more exotic destinations aided by her nephew Harry. Her published novels also include several award-winning standalone psychological thrillers. She wrote her first novel (now languishing in the back of a drawer somewhere) when her two children were toddlers, but there was little time for writing when she returned to her teaching career. Now retired, she is able to indulge her love of writing and has begun a life of crime! ‘Writers are told to write what they know about, but I can assure you, I've never committed a murder. I'm an ex-convent school headmistress for goodness sake!’ Her most recent book is Passage to Greenland

 http://judithcranswick.co.uk/