Any time the announcement is made of new book by Elly Griffiths, it's a cause for rejoicing, so you know I did my patented happy dance when I learned of her next Dr. Ruth Galloway mystery. I'll be telling you more about the book, but since I've seen the covers of both the US and UK editions, this post will also double as a Cover-Off.
Let's get started!
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| Available in the US June 29, 2021! |
"Ruth is back as head of archaeology at the University of North Norfolk
when a group of local metal detectorists—the so-called Night
Hawks—uncovers Bronze Age artifacts on the beach. The night Ruth begins
her investigations, though, a body washes ashore with no identifying
marks, and then, one by one, the Night Hawks begin to fall ill and die.
Meanwhile, Detective Chief Inspector Nelson is conducting a side
investigation into the mysterious murder of a government scientist in a
deserted farmhouse that may actually be linked to the dying
detectorists. Then, Detective Nelson's wife falls ill and panic deepens.
Is the sickness linked to a Neolithic virus that wiped out the
ancients, as Ruth's annoying new colleague thinks? Or could it actually
be an ancient curse?"
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| UK release on February 4, 2021! |
The Night Hawk definitely sounds like another winner from Griffiths, doesn't it? I'm in a bit of a dither, though. Normally, I order the UK edition because I want to get my hands on it faster, but doing that has proved to be rather dicey during the pandemic. I think I'll wait a bit to see which way the wind blows...
Now for the Cover-Off. I'm going with the UK cover because it seems to tie in better with the plot of the book. The treasures are found on a beach. There's the beach on the cover. People start dying. The post the flotation device is hanging on almost looks like a cross. I also like the simplicity. Graphics, author's name, book title, and "A Dr. Ruth Galloway Mystery." The only things you need on this book cover.
I do find the US cover more pleasing to the eye, but it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the story, and it contains an error that I hope they correct before the release date: Griffiths is the winner of the CWA Dagger in the Library Award. If they had to have something in addition to the title and author's name, why couldn't they stick to "A Dr. Ruth Galloway Mystery"?
How many of you have The Night Hawk on your radar? Lots of you, I bet! And what do you think about the covers? Which one is better-- US? UK? Don't care for either one? Inquiring minds would love to know!
Oh, now I'm doing a happy dance, Cathy! It's always a good day when you hear about a new book from an author you love, and this is one them for me. Those covers are appealing, too (although I must say, if you do one of those side-by-side cover comparisons, I like the US cover better...
ReplyDeleteIt is more pleasing to the eye, but a tad generic...
DeleteOh, how coould they make that mistake on the cover with the CWA award? It would have taken two minutes of reearch.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, am torn about the covers. Either is OK with me.
But I'm intrigued by the setting and the story. So Ruth is back in Norfolk and Michelle is ill. The plot thickens! I can't wait until June to read this book. Impossible. It's like telling me there is a bakery around the corner and I have to wait almost a year to visit it.
They shouldn't tease us like this.
DeleteI'd probably make a better choice of cover after reading the book. Sometimes even small details make a difference. The premise sounds promising!
ReplyDeleteI usually make a decision without knowing a thing about the book, but with the synopsis right there, I couldn't help myself.
DeleteI'm sure you know (didn't I 'spoil' this post with a comment earlier? Ha!) that I'm excited about this book. As to the cover, I'll pick the UK cover too. The US one looks too much like a farm setting. And I suspect I might be ordering this one from the UK just because it's out earlier there. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI suspect the same thing will be happening here!
DeleteI went to look for this one on Netgalley and found another by the same author!
ReplyDeleteYes, I saw it, too. The Postscript Murders is one of her standalones. I love the way she writes.
DeleteMaybe they could have put a hawk on the cover, either one. The owl on the Horowitz book helps to create a feeling of menace.
ReplyDeleteWait until June? No way. My friend who said she got The Lantern Men immediately is perturbed these authors can't churn out a book a month. Not fair to wait until June.
Since the hawk refers to the name of a club for people with metal detectors, I don't think a graphic of a hawk would work as well on the cover.
DeleteWell, but metaphors, symbols and other word play often works.
ReplyDeleteTrue.
Delete