The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths

4****

I want to start by saying this in one of my favorite series and the characters dear to me, because they have always come across as very real. The mystery aspect of the plot in the Ruth Galloway books is not their strong point, but I don't really care, I read them for my love of the characters. As for The Dark Angel, I really enjoyed a solid two thirds of the book and really sped through, though I had intended to pace myself and make it last. But then something happened, and though I won't say anything to spoil it, this really upset and disappointed me, because I not only felt it was unnecessary, but also a bit of a cop-out. Anyone who has read this book will know what I am referring to and I would love to know what you think! All in all, I still really like Ruth and would be happy to know her in real life, but the way the book ended was so disappointing I just cannot give it the five stars I had felt sure I would initially. Even four feels a bit of a stretch, but I have my loyalties. When you wait a whole year for the next installment in a beloved series and the book really lets you down, it almost feels personal. I am sure you know what I mean. It's been a few days since I finished this book, but had I written this review immediately after I turned the final page, I do not doubt it would have been downgraded to three stars, which makes me quite sad:-/