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Wesley Peterson #29
Deadly Remains
Million-copy bestselling author Kate Ellis returns with the brand new mystery in the DI Wesley Peterson crime series.
When a body is discovered in a picturesque South Devon village, DI Wesley Peterson is called in to investigate. The victim, Barry Brown, is a celebrity ghostwriter and the theft of his laptop suggests that the motive for murder may lie in his work.
While Wesley investigates Barry's famous clients, Wesley's teenage son Michael joins family friend, Dr Neil Watson, on an intriguing excavation of a crashed World War Two plane on Dartmoor. The plane was used to ferry secret agents into Europe during the war and, when three skeletons are discovered nearby, it seems the wreckage might hold more secrets than they could ever have imagined.
Wesley's case leads him to the same area and he discovers a sinister history surrounding the moor and the nearby village of Moor Barton.
With four unexplained deaths, can Wesley solve the mystery before anyone else is put in danger?
When a body is discovered in a picturesque South Devon village, DI Wesley Peterson is called in to investigate. The victim, Barry Brown, is a celebrity ghostwriter and the theft of his laptop suggests that the motive for murder may lie in his work.
While Wesley investigates Barry's famous clients, Wesley's teenage son Michael joins family friend, Dr Neil Watson, on an intriguing excavation of a crashed World War Two plane on Dartmoor. The plane was used to ferry secret agents into Europe during the war and, when three skeletons are discovered nearby, it seems the wreckage might hold more secrets than they could ever have imagined.
Wesley's case leads him to the same area and he discovers a sinister history surrounding the moor and the nearby village of Moor Barton.
With four unexplained deaths, can Wesley solve the mystery before anyone else is put in danger?
- GenresMystery
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2025
50 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Kate Ellis
119 books603 followersKate Ellis was born and brought up in Liverpool and she studied drama in Manchester. She worked in teaching, marketing and accountancy before first enjoying writing success as a winner of the North West Playwrights competition. Crime and mystery stories have always fascinated her, as have medieval history and archaeology which she likes to incorporate in her books. She is married with two grown up sons and she lives in North Cheshire, England, with her husband. Kate was awarded the CWA DAGGER IN THE LIBRARY award in 2019
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 14, 2025
A good plot but the writing was off; 3.5 points
Ellis is great at plots. I’ve read every single one of her DI Wesley Peterson series and am anxiously awaiting her next Joe Plantagenet. But her editing skills—or her editor’s skills—are at times off and it bogs down an excellent story that had great twists. Case in point: 3/4 of the way through the book, she has Wesley present a rather long and convoluted genealogy for one of the characters but he gets the relationship wrong, starting by calling a great nephew a great uncle when it’s clear from the ensuring family tree on the same page that it’s the opposite. Was that Wesley’s slip up and something that someone might say? As it’s an important part of the story, getting it wrong stood out to me.
And, where once she used to describe one of the characters as having a “shy smile” multiple times in the first few books, she thankfully no longer does that. But she’s replaced that repetition with having Gerry’s office chair groaning under his weight—almost every single time he sits in it in the story. Please, mention it once but not every time with exactly the same phrase. I follow the plotting avidly so these things stick out for me as things that a really good writer doesn’t do. Personal opinion.
However, it is a really good storyline, one that, as usual, involves a decades-old journal with a modern mystery and several murders. Neil Watson is as usual on his archaeological dig and plays an integral role. And, now that Wesley’s son, Michael, is becoming an adolescent, he, too, plays an important role in this story.
This book would definitely be a four star but that big blooper about the genealogy—which is ironically corrected at the end of the book—really bothered me as genealogy is a strong hobby of mine.
Ellis is great at plots. I’ve read every single one of her DI Wesley Peterson series and am anxiously awaiting her next Joe Plantagenet. But her editing skills—or her editor’s skills—are at times off and it bogs down an excellent story that had great twists. Case in point: 3/4 of the way through the book, she has Wesley present a rather long and convoluted genealogy for one of the characters but he gets the relationship wrong, starting by calling a great nephew a great uncle when it’s clear from the ensuring family tree on the same page that it’s the opposite. Was that Wesley’s slip up and something that someone might say? As it’s an important part of the story, getting it wrong stood out to me.
And, where once she used to describe one of the characters as having a “shy smile” multiple times in the first few books, she thankfully no longer does that. But she’s replaced that repetition with having Gerry’s office chair groaning under his weight—almost every single time he sits in it in the story. Please, mention it once but not every time with exactly the same phrase. I follow the plotting avidly so these things stick out for me as things that a really good writer doesn’t do. Personal opinion.
However, it is a really good storyline, one that, as usual, involves a decades-old journal with a modern mystery and several murders. Neil Watson is as usual on his archaeological dig and plays an integral role. And, now that Wesley’s son, Michael, is becoming an adolescent, he, too, plays an important role in this story.
This book would definitely be a four star but that big blooper about the genealogy—which is ironically corrected at the end of the book—really bothered me as genealogy is a strong hobby of mine.
August 24, 2025
3.75 / 5.0
Another classic cozy series by Ellis, I’ve been following the series and have enjoyed my time reading this book. It’s cozy, it’s comforting and it just does what you need a book to do- fill up your time, have the readers having a blast of a time! I do have to admit that if anyone is reading this book the first time it probably will not make any sense. The characters are well seasoned and pulls from the last events. I can imagine it’s hard to fully get stuck into this book without having that knowledge prior. I can see readers picking up the book and stating how boring it is, but in my opinion that’s how I see the books unique POV. The book will always have two plots coinciding, one present and one in the past, I’ve found every time I read this book there’s something intriguing about the past, and this is coming from someone that has zero interest in the past/ history etc. Whenever I’ve had a disappointing read, I know that going to this series by Ellis is always a pick me up, it’s a cozy comforting read but one that keeps you on your toes. I find it unpredictable, there’s always an element of surprise!
The book once again centres around DI Wesley Peterson who is tasked with solving the murder to Barry Brown, a celebrity ghostwriter who was killed during the night. Whilst Wesley is investigating into the murders, his son Michael joins his friend Dr Neil Watson who is an archeologist working on the excavation of a crashed World War Two plan near Dartmoor. As Wesley investigates, he can’t help but notice the ties of the current investigation to the works of Watson nearby, almost as if the two are linked! It’s an exciting cozy read, if you’re up for a history lesson whilst solving a murder this is a good book to read!
Another classic cozy series by Ellis, I’ve been following the series and have enjoyed my time reading this book. It’s cozy, it’s comforting and it just does what you need a book to do- fill up your time, have the readers having a blast of a time! I do have to admit that if anyone is reading this book the first time it probably will not make any sense. The characters are well seasoned and pulls from the last events. I can imagine it’s hard to fully get stuck into this book without having that knowledge prior. I can see readers picking up the book and stating how boring it is, but in my opinion that’s how I see the books unique POV. The book will always have two plots coinciding, one present and one in the past, I’ve found every time I read this book there’s something intriguing about the past, and this is coming from someone that has zero interest in the past/ history etc. Whenever I’ve had a disappointing read, I know that going to this series by Ellis is always a pick me up, it’s a cozy comforting read but one that keeps you on your toes. I find it unpredictable, there’s always an element of surprise!
The book once again centres around DI Wesley Peterson who is tasked with solving the murder to Barry Brown, a celebrity ghostwriter who was killed during the night. Whilst Wesley is investigating into the murders, his son Michael joins his friend Dr Neil Watson who is an archeologist working on the excavation of a crashed World War Two plan near Dartmoor. As Wesley investigates, he can’t help but notice the ties of the current investigation to the works of Watson nearby, almost as if the two are linked! It’s an exciting cozy read, if you’re up for a history lesson whilst solving a murder this is a good book to read!
August 17, 2025
Brilliant. Love this series and this was no exception.
August 18, 2025
The discovery of a body sends DI Wesley Peterson to the picturesque village of Little Rockingham in South Devon. The body is identified as Barry Brown, a celebrity ghost writer. The cottage had been ransacked, and his laptop is missing. However, the sight of a Rolex watch clearly on view suggests to Wesley that the killing is not motivated by theft but may most probably lie in his work.
Wesley’s son Michael is now thirteen and has kept quiet to his classmates about his decision to take part in an archaeological dig over the summer vacation. It’s bad enough having a father who is a police inspector, without uncle Dr Neil Watson, an unconventional Indiana Jones figure as well. When he arrives at the dig, Neil gives a speech about the World War Two plane, a Lysander that had crashed there in September 1943. The pilot had escaped but later died. As Neil talks Michael studies his fellow diggers. As well as the students there were members of the archaeology society, who were mostly in their retirement years. Also, some well-built men who he guessed were former soldiers. Standing a little way from the rest was an elderly man wearing an old beige bucket hat. Micheal looked away, he looked the kind of man his parents used to warn him against when he was younger.
As with previous books interspersed with Wesley’s investigation there are several diary entries dating from May 1943 from the diary of Flight Officer John Carmody who flies in an unmarked black plane back and forth dropping and collecting secret agents in an isolated French field. In a later entry he records that only half of them seem to make a return journey and often wonders what happens to them. There are six diary entries from John Carmody, and I found them all very moving. Also, during that period there are entries from the diary of young Edith Tallow whose husband has turned out not to be the nice man she thought she had married.
When DCI Gerry Heffernan and Wesley attend the postmortem, they discover that it possibly wasn’t the head wound that killed Barry Brown, more likely poison but they won’t know for sure until the toxicology results come through.
As frequently happens at digs, people turn up interested to know what’s happening, one such is Ralph Gornay,
complete with silk cravat and silver-topped walking cane. Neil remembers him from the village meeting
expressing it disrespectful to dig up a crashed plane. And Michael is again aware that standing a little way off is the man in the bucket hat. Michael mentions it to Neil and a short walk in his direction takes them to a place where someone has been amateurly digging. For what? Neil is not happy. Even less so when human bones are discovered.
As Wesley looks deeper into the death of Barry Brown it becomes clear from the many empty files at Barry’s house that someone didn't want the book he was writing to be written. The book he was writing was linked to the crashed plane, and the possibility that the pilot wasn’t the only one on the plane when it crashed.
As Wesley continues to investigate, he discovers a sinister history surrounding the moor and the village of Moor Barton. Who was the passenger and what happened to them?
On the personal front, one of the girls with the group of students at the dig introduces herself to Michael . ‘I’m Harriet’. Come and join us she says. And DS Rachel Tracey, with her police career, a farm to help run and a baby who is close to celebrating his first birthday, is not getting out and about as much as she used to. Gerry aware of her circumstances is trying to make it easy for her and consequently instead of being out interviewing people with Wesley she is in the office most of the time. Not what Rachel wants. And let’s not forget, Della, Pam’s mother., she of the weird crazes and arty clothes that prove so embarrassing to her teenage grandson, and Wesley.
This intriguing ingeniously plotted, mystery gripped me from start to finish. A real page turner. Most highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
Wesley’s son Michael is now thirteen and has kept quiet to his classmates about his decision to take part in an archaeological dig over the summer vacation. It’s bad enough having a father who is a police inspector, without uncle Dr Neil Watson, an unconventional Indiana Jones figure as well. When he arrives at the dig, Neil gives a speech about the World War Two plane, a Lysander that had crashed there in September 1943. The pilot had escaped but later died. As Neil talks Michael studies his fellow diggers. As well as the students there were members of the archaeology society, who were mostly in their retirement years. Also, some well-built men who he guessed were former soldiers. Standing a little way from the rest was an elderly man wearing an old beige bucket hat. Micheal looked away, he looked the kind of man his parents used to warn him against when he was younger.
As with previous books interspersed with Wesley’s investigation there are several diary entries dating from May 1943 from the diary of Flight Officer John Carmody who flies in an unmarked black plane back and forth dropping and collecting secret agents in an isolated French field. In a later entry he records that only half of them seem to make a return journey and often wonders what happens to them. There are six diary entries from John Carmody, and I found them all very moving. Also, during that period there are entries from the diary of young Edith Tallow whose husband has turned out not to be the nice man she thought she had married.
When DCI Gerry Heffernan and Wesley attend the postmortem, they discover that it possibly wasn’t the head wound that killed Barry Brown, more likely poison but they won’t know for sure until the toxicology results come through.
As frequently happens at digs, people turn up interested to know what’s happening, one such is Ralph Gornay,
complete with silk cravat and silver-topped walking cane. Neil remembers him from the village meeting
expressing it disrespectful to dig up a crashed plane. And Michael is again aware that standing a little way off is the man in the bucket hat. Michael mentions it to Neil and a short walk in his direction takes them to a place where someone has been amateurly digging. For what? Neil is not happy. Even less so when human bones are discovered.
As Wesley looks deeper into the death of Barry Brown it becomes clear from the many empty files at Barry’s house that someone didn't want the book he was writing to be written. The book he was writing was linked to the crashed plane, and the possibility that the pilot wasn’t the only one on the plane when it crashed.
As Wesley continues to investigate, he discovers a sinister history surrounding the moor and the village of Moor Barton. Who was the passenger and what happened to them?
On the personal front, one of the girls with the group of students at the dig introduces herself to Michael . ‘I’m Harriet’. Come and join us she says. And DS Rachel Tracey, with her police career, a farm to help run and a baby who is close to celebrating his first birthday, is not getting out and about as much as she used to. Gerry aware of her circumstances is trying to make it easy for her and consequently instead of being out interviewing people with Wesley she is in the office most of the time. Not what Rachel wants. And let’s not forget, Della, Pam’s mother., she of the weird crazes and arty clothes that prove so embarrassing to her teenage grandson, and Wesley.
This intriguing ingeniously plotted, mystery gripped me from start to finish. A real page turner. Most highly recommended.
------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
September 28, 2025
I've read most of the books in this series and this is a good addition. I'm not a fan of the name changes, setting the action in a real place but swapping the letters of the town around. I guess it means readers can't complain if you write something about a town which is inaccurate but I'd much rather just have a statement at the beginning to the effect that the books are set in Dartmouth or wherever but some changes have been made for the sake of the story. Moaning over! It was a good read and I particularly appreciate the historical background. I also enjoy reading a series where the characters age, change and develop over time.
September 30, 2025
Wesley Peterson is investigating the murder of a writer, Barry Brown, in the cottage he was renting in a Devon village. Brown specialised in ghost writing for sports people and celebrities, but at the time of his death he appeared to be looking into something much more serious. Meanwhile, Wesley's best friend Neil Watson is supervising the excavation of a crashed world war two plane on Dartmoor. The plane's pilot died at the scene of the crash, so the search team are puzzled when three skeletons are located near the site of the wreck.
Are these deaths all connected ?
A well constructed and interesting plot, with fascinating flashbacks to the lives of people in world war two.
Are these deaths all connected ?
A well constructed and interesting plot, with fascinating flashbacks to the lives of people in world war two.
December 12, 2025
The body of Barry Brown – a ghostwriter for celebrities – is found in a Devon village and DI Wesley Peterson is on the case. Meanwhile, Wesley’s son is helping his dad’s friend, Neil, with an archaeological excavation on Dartmoor, where a WW2 plane that had been used to take SOE agents across to Europe has been discovered; and when three skeletons are found near to the crash site it seems the wreckage might be more significant than anyone imagined. This series always combines present-day mysteries with historical ones and this is another clever story that keeps you turning the pages.
Review by Norfolk Gal, Oundle Crime
Review by Norfolk Gal, Oundle Crime
September 15, 2025
Another outing for Wesley and co. The historical back story is interesting and the basic plot is believable, if a little convoluted.
However, although I enjoyed it, I do feel that this series is beginning to run out of steam. The police officers have become little more than caricatures (I'm looking at you, Gerry and Rachel!) and Pam continues to annoy. The whole thing felt a bit pedestrian.
I'm not sure if I will bother to read the next one.
However, although I enjoyed it, I do feel that this series is beginning to run out of steam. The police officers have become little more than caricatures (I'm looking at you, Gerry and Rachel!) and Pam continues to annoy. The whole thing felt a bit pedestrian.
I'm not sure if I will bother to read the next one.
October 9, 2025
It took me a while to get into this one, but I wound up liking it.
SPOILER ALERT
The thing that annoyed me the most is what's annoyed me about this series for a very long time: lack of development of Neil as a character. Given that he and Annabel got engaged at the end of the previous book, I was hoping for a lot of Neil-Annabel interaction in this one and maybe even a wedding. Why has Ellis not done more with Neil as a member of this ensemble? He is so likable and potentially interesting.
SPOILER ALERT
The thing that annoyed me the most is what's annoyed me about this series for a very long time: lack of development of Neil as a character. Given that he and Annabel got engaged at the end of the previous book, I was hoping for a lot of Neil-Annabel interaction in this one and maybe even a wedding. Why has Ellis not done more with Neil as a member of this ensemble? He is so likable and potentially interesting.
October 5, 2025
The best of the series!
The most involved and historically interesting book in this series. I found myself eager to get back into the story. I enjoyed the romance set in culturally difficult times for lovers not strictly "proper" and in restricted circumstance. Thank you for a good read and escape during our very difficult times.
The most involved and historically interesting book in this series. I found myself eager to get back into the story. I enjoyed the romance set in culturally difficult times for lovers not strictly "proper" and in restricted circumstance. Thank you for a good read and escape during our very difficult times.
November 10, 2025
Yes, very good. A while since I have read a Kate Ellis and her Wes Peterson books but this was well up to standard. As usual a satisfying story told slowly of events in Devon during the war and a series of murders in the present day.
August 27, 2025
Good read
September 7, 2025
Excellent, as always. I must admit that I don't like Pam.
August 18, 2025
I wait in anticipation for every new book in Kate Ellis's 'DI Wesley Paterson' series, because each one has the same main character,
who you feel you know personally, and although they take place in and around the same area, each story, plot, mystery, excavation is totally different.
She takes you from the current situation and each one is connected to or brought on by an archaeological excavation that is being worked on in the area. Her ability to connect the history with the modern is enthralling and sometimes, the discoveries at 'the dig' are more frightening that the current crime. I love her work and the extent of her research is quite amazing....the only trouble is that I read them too quickly, every book is undownloadable once it is started.
who you feel you know personally, and although they take place in and around the same area, each story, plot, mystery, excavation is totally different.
She takes you from the current situation and each one is connected to or brought on by an archaeological excavation that is being worked on in the area. Her ability to connect the history with the modern is enthralling and sometimes, the discoveries at 'the dig' are more frightening that the current crime. I love her work and the extent of her research is quite amazing....the only trouble is that I read them too quickly, every book is undownloadable once it is started.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews