A Dying Fall Book Summary - A Dying Fall Book explained in key points

A Dying Fall summary

Brief summary

A Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths is a gripping mystery that follows forensic archaeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway as she uncovers dark secrets and dangerous truths while solving a murder that hits close to home.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    A Dying Fall
    Summary of key ideas

    Uncovering a Mysterious Death

    In A Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths, we are introduced to Ruth Galloway, a forensic archaeologist who is drawn into a murder investigation when her old university friend, Dan Golding, dies in a house fire. Ruth is shocked by the news and becomes even more suspicious when she receives a letter from Dan, written just before his death, expressing fear for his life and hinting at a significant archaeological discovery.

    Curious and concerned, Ruth travels to Lancashire to investigate Dan's death and the mysterious archaeological find. She teams up with DCI Harry Nelson, with whom she shares a complicated history, and the two begin to unravel the secrets surrounding Dan's death and the discovery he was working on.

    Unearthing Ancient Secrets

    As Ruth and Nelson delve deeper into the case, they discover that Dan was working on a project related to King Arthur, a figure from British folklore. The project involved the excavation of a site believed to be linked to the legendary king. The bones found at the site are believed to be those of King Arthur himself, a discovery that could rewrite history.

    However, the bones go missing, and the team faces mounting pressure to solve the case. Ruth and Nelson must navigate through a web of lies, deceit, and personal agendas to uncover the truth. They also have to deal with their own complicated relationship, which is further complicated by the presence of Nelson's wife, Michelle, who is also involved in the investigation.

    A Race Against Time

    As the investigation progresses, Ruth and Nelson find themselves in a race against time. They must not only find the missing bones but also identify Dan's killer. The case takes a dangerous turn when another murder occurs, and it becomes clear that someone is willing to go to great lengths to keep the truth buried.

    Amidst the chaos, Ruth also has to deal with personal challenges, including her feelings for Nelson and the complexities of co-parenting their daughter, Kate. Despite the odds, Ruth remains determined to see the case through to the end, driven by her passion for archaeology and her commitment to seeking justice for her friend.

    The Final Revelation

    In the final act of A Dying Fall, Ruth and Nelson finally uncover the truth behind Dan's death and the missing bones. They confront the culprit, who is revealed to be someone close to Dan and driven by a personal vendetta. The revelation shocks everyone involved, but it also brings closure to the case.

    As the dust settles, Ruth reflects on the events that have unfolded and the impact they have had on her life. She acknowledges the dangers of her profession but also finds solace in the knowledge that her work has the power to uncover ancient truths and shed light on the mysteries of the past.

    In conclusion, A Dying Fall is a gripping mystery that combines elements of archaeology, history, and personal drama. It takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, ultimately delivering a satisfying conclusion to the complex case at its heart.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is A Dying Fall about?

    A Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths is a gripping mystery novel that follows forensic archaeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway as she investigates a series of deaths with possible connections to an ancient legend. Set in the atmospheric backdrop of Norfolk, England, the book delves into themes of history, mythology, and the complexities of human relationships.

    A Dying Fall Review

    A Dying Fall (2013) by Elly Griffiths takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with mystery and suspense. Here's why this book is worth adding to your reading list:

    • With its complex characters and intricate plot, the story keeps you hooked from start to finish, leaving you eager to uncover the truth.
    • The book masterfully weaves together history, archaeology, and crime, making it a unique blend of genres that caters to different interests.
    • Through its rich descriptions and atmospheric setting, the book transports you to the dramatic landscapes of the Norfolk coast, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

    Who should read A Dying Fall?

    • Readers who enjoy mystery novels with a touch of archaeology and forensic science
    • Those who appreciate well-developed and complex characters
    • People who like stories set in atmospheric and evocative locations

    About the Author

    Elly Griffiths is a British author known for her mystery and crime novels. She has created several successful series, including the Ruth Galloway series, which follows the adventures of a forensic archaeologist, and the Brighton Mysteries series, set in the 1950s. Griffiths' books are praised for their atmospheric settings, intricate plots, and well-developed characters. With a background in publishing and a passion for history, Griffiths brings a unique perspective to her storytelling. Some of her other notable works include "The Crossing Places" and "The Janus Stone."

    Categories with A Dying Fall

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    37 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Get started

    A Dying Fall FAQs 

    What is the main message of A Dying Fall?

    The main message of A Dying Fall is discover the truth amidst a web of lies and betrayal.

    How long does it take to read A Dying Fall?

    The reading time for A Dying Fall varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is A Dying Fall a good book? Is it worth reading?

    A Dying Fall is a gripping mystery that keeps you guessing till the end. Definitely worth a read!

    Who is the author of A Dying Fall?

    Elly Griffiths is the author of A Dying Fall.

    What to read after A Dying Fall?

    If you're wondering what to read next after A Dying Fall, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
    • Incognito by David Eagleman
    • God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
    • A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
    • The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
    • Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
    • Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
    • Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
    • The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
    • Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks