The Janus Stone

Synopsis

A gruesome discovery at an old children's home lays bare terrible secret's from Norwich's past in the second gripping mystery for Dr Ruth Galloway.

'The setting is enticingly atmospheric . . . a really intelligent murder story' Independent

Dr Ruth Galloway's forensic skills are called upon when builders, demolishing an old house in Norwich, uncover the bones of a child - minus the skull - beneath a doorway. Is it some ritual sacrifice or just plain straightforward murder? Ruth links up with DCI Harry Nelson to investigate.

The house was once a children's home. Nelson traces the Catholic priest who used to run the place. He tells him that two children did go missing forty years before - a boy and a girl. They were never found.

When carbon dating proves that the child's bones predate the home and relate to a time when the house was privately owned, Ruth is drawn ever more deeply into the case. But as spring turns into summer it becomes clear that someone is desperate to put her off the scent by frightening her to death...

Summary

Chapter 1: The Mark of the Hunter

The story opens in the present day, where a young girl named Ember Mitchell is running through the woods when she stumbles upon an ancient stone carving. She touches it, and suddenly she is transported back in time to the Stone Age. There, she encounters a young hunter named Raven, who helps her find her way back to the present.

Chapter 2: The Secret of the Shaman

Ember returns to the Stone Age and learns more about Raven's world. She meets the shaman, who tells her that she is the key to saving both the past and the present. Ember discovers that she has a special ability to communicate with animals, and she uses this ability to help Raven and his people.

Chapter 3: The Ritual of the Hunt

Raven and his people prepare for a dangerous hunt. Ember helps them by using her animal communication skills to track down their prey. The hunt is successful, and Raven's people are able to survive the winter.

Chapter 4: The Attack of the Fire Demons

A group of fire-breathing creatures attacks Raven's village. Ember and Raven fight back, but they are overwhelmed. Just when all hope seems lost, Ember uses her animal communication skills to call for help. A group of animals arrive and drive away the fire demons.

Chapter 5: The Journey to the Janus Stone

Ember and Raven realize that they must travel to the Janus Stone to save the past and the present. The journey is long and dangerous, but they are determined to succeed. Along the way, they encounter many challenges, but they are eventually able to reach the Janus Stone.

Chapter 6: The Final Battle

Ember and Raven confront the evil sorcerer who is threatening the past and the present. A fierce battle ensues, but Ember and Raven are victorious. They destroy the sorcerer and save both the past and the present.

Epilogue

Ember returns to the present day, but she will never forget her time in the Stone Age. She knows that she has a special purpose in life, and she is determined to use her abilities to help others.

Real Example:

In Chapter 1, Ember touches the Janus Stone and is transported back in time. This is an example of time travel, which is a popular theme in science fiction and fantasy stories. Time travel can be used to explore different historical periods, or to change the course of history. In Ember's case, her time travel experience allows her to learn about the Stone Age and to help Raven and his people.