2G

Any thoughts of the animal (dog?) with red eyes that crossed the path of Ruth and Kate when when they drove home? Do you think this will lead to something happening?

I don't believe the dog is the Black Shuck. I do believe some big, black, stray dog may be living in the vicinity. But the combination of the dead bodies and fable about the dog portending death will fire up the locals.

I think it looks bad but is a false alarm. I don’t think it will lead to something else.

I don't believe there is an actual Black Shuck, Ruth did see something. a large wild dog?

Could well indicate something bad about to happen for someone Ruth knows in the book. We know it’s bunkum but doesn’t mean the author won’t use it.

>5 Andrew-theQM: Nice catch, Andrew, with Cathbad as a main character, Griffiths stories do tend towards magic and myth…
And as for the dog portending bad things or death - isn’t that the usual way Ruth’s life goes? I can’t remember a story where Ruth hasn’t been kidnapped, locked up, chased or at risk from an incoming tide, ☺️.

Again could it all be related to the scientific research angle? Or it could be used as suggested by Andrew.

No idea, but it’s a nice little plot point to add so we get more Cathbad in the book 😁

I'm leaning to the folklore angle, that Ruth saw something that could be the Black Shuck. Or at least her projection of this giant black dog because of the creepiness of the house.