Books > The Ruth Galloway Novels

The Outcast Dead

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Historical crimes involving a Victorian child killer may hold the key to several contemporary deaths in this macabre outing for Dr Ruth Galloway, forensic archaeologist.

Ruth has excavated a body from the grounds of Norwich Castle, which was once a prison. The body may be that of Victorian murderess Jemima Green. Called Mother Hook for her claw-like hand, Jemima was hanged for the murder of five children.

DCI Harry Nelson has no time for long-ago killers. Investigating the case of three infants found dead, one after the other, in their King’s Lynn home, he’s convinced that their mother is responsible.

Then a child goes missing. Could the abduction be linked to the long-dead Mother Hook? Ruth is pulled into the case, and back towards Nelson.

Shortlisted for the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year 2014.

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Reviews

  • “Told with a deepening sense of unease, seasoned with a touch of the occult, it is no surprise that BBC television are developing it as a series.”

    The Daily Mail on The Outcast Dead

  • “If forensics, history, detectives, romance and some psychologically impaired individuals are your bag, this novel delivers them all … The twist at the end will have you in a spin.”

    The Sun on The Outcast Dead

  • “A compassionate novel that raises questions about parental love and guilt.”

    The Sunday Times on The Outcast Dead