Ok, I've developed a real love-hate relationship with these books. And despite my conflicting opinions, I still keep enjoying the overall story and want to continue the series. 

This story is probably the most unrealistic of them all. In each book, Ruth seems to encounter people from her past, only for them to disappear after the main storyline has unfolded. 

I honestly cannot understand why Ruth would willingly put herself, and more importantly, her child, Kate, in such a dangerous situation. She knew there was a threat, she'd been warned and she still went to get involved in the case. 

And then, of course, Nelson just happened to have a holiday in Blackpool at the same time... please! [Insert eye roll here].

Ruth perpetuates the narrative of being a dull archaeologist who hasn't achieved much in her career, which is simply not true. Her life is far more exciting than that of any archaeologist I know and I can't understand why this narrative keeps on being perpetuated. 

But, and it's a big but, I honestly get sucked in by the dynamics of the characters. The people are flawed, multi-dimensional, and feel incredibly real. Cathdad is pure genius, and at one point, I thought I was going to throw the book and never read the series again because I couldn't bear the thought of Cathbad getting hurt. 

I guess I need to accept that the stories are becoming less and less realistic and simply appreciate them for what they are. Despite the flaws, I find myself continuing to read, now five books into the series and still wanting to find out what happends in the next installment.