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Carla James Crime Thrillers #1
Death Rites (Carla James Crime Thrillers).
A calculated killer. A town under threat. An unfinished pattern... Professor Carla James is an archaeologist with an interest in more than just bones and stones. She wants to understand the emotions behind the sites she investigates.
Desperate for a change of scene following the death of her husband, Carla takes a job at Jericho, an elite New England college. On her first day, Carla is asked to represent the department at an unusual murder site. Although she initially believes there is nothing interesting about the debris that surrounds the body, there is more to the site than meets the eye.
This victim is just the latest in a series of unsolved deaths in Jericho. Although the deaths appear unlinked, Carla is there is a methodical and calculated killer is operating under the cover of darkness. Can she uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim?
A dark and tense crime thriller. Perfect for fans of Kathy Reichs and Elly Griffiths.
Desperate for a change of scene following the death of her husband, Carla takes a job at Jericho, an elite New England college. On her first day, Carla is asked to represent the department at an unusual murder site. Although she initially believes there is nothing interesting about the debris that surrounds the body, there is more to the site than meets the eye.
This victim is just the latest in a series of unsolved deaths in Jericho. Although the deaths appear unlinked, Carla is there is a methodical and calculated killer is operating under the cover of darkness. Can she uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim?
A dark and tense crime thriller. Perfect for fans of Kathy Reichs and Elly Griffiths.
352 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2024
33 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 13, 2025
3.5 stars
There were aspects I really liked such as witch bottles, hexafoils and so on. It’s good to have a different approach to an m/t via an archeological, historical perspective. New England university and town setting is great. However, pace is slow for most of the book and I’m not enamoured of Carla James!
There were aspects I really liked such as witch bottles, hexafoils and so on. It’s good to have a different approach to an m/t via an archeological, historical perspective. New England university and town setting is great. However, pace is slow for most of the book and I’m not enamoured of Carla James!
November 29, 2024
Release Date: 3rd October 2024
Professor Carla James an archaeologist, who's husband recently died, arrives at Jericho, an elite New England college to start her new job there, when she is asked to go take a look at a crime scene to give her opinion.
After attending the unusual murder scene Carla starts to believe there is more to this murder than they originally thought, especially as she learns more about the other recent unsolved murders in the area. The more Carla digs to uncover the truth, the more danger she is putting herself in.
This is a twisty, tense mystery delving into the fascinating world of Witch Bottles and Daisy Wheels. I really enjoyed the strong female characters in this book, and this angle of looking at a crime scene. I thought the pacing was good and this book kept me hooked until the end.
I had my suspicions of who was behind it, but not why and I enjoyed the twists and turns to get there, with plenty of intrigue.
Reviews also published on:
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Happy to make friends on all socials
Professor Carla James an archaeologist, who's husband recently died, arrives at Jericho, an elite New England college to start her new job there, when she is asked to go take a look at a crime scene to give her opinion.
After attending the unusual murder scene Carla starts to believe there is more to this murder than they originally thought, especially as she learns more about the other recent unsolved murders in the area. The more Carla digs to uncover the truth, the more danger she is putting herself in.
This is a twisty, tense mystery delving into the fascinating world of Witch Bottles and Daisy Wheels. I really enjoyed the strong female characters in this book, and this angle of looking at a crime scene. I thought the pacing was good and this book kept me hooked until the end.
I had my suspicions of who was behind it, but not why and I enjoyed the twists and turns to get there, with plenty of intrigue.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
November 18, 2024
My first introduction in the serial killer genre was a short story in one of my mother's French women's magazines. The killer was active during full moon nights and he was following a strict geographical pattern in the streets of Paris. It wasn't that difficult for the handsome policeman to snare a trap knowing exactly where and when the perpetrator would strike again. And while my 14 year old self might have been in awe at the ingenuity of the police and the strangeness of the killer, 40 years later I would expect more from a detective story but I feel that Death Rites is still in in that rather predictable lane.
The (many!) characters are all flawed and unlikable, but especially Carla - our heroin. She is like that new colleague who knows it all because everything at the previous job was so much better. She has just arrived in the charming town of Jericho and as an archaeologist she manages to step on everyone's toes without ever taking a shovel in her hands.
At the end of the day, this book just wasn't what I had expected.
Thank you NetGalley, Canelo Crime and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The (many!) characters are all flawed and unlikable, but especially Carla - our heroin. She is like that new colleague who knows it all because everything at the previous job was so much better. She has just arrived in the charming town of Jericho and as an archaeologist she manages to step on everyone's toes without ever taking a shovel in her hands.
At the end of the day, this book just wasn't what I had expected.
Thank you NetGalley, Canelo Crime and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2024
Ever since DC Connie Childs, Sarah Ward has been one of my favourite authors in the crime writing genre, and I always look forward to new books by her. I couldn’t wait to get stuck in to ‘Death Rites’ but I’m sad, and very surprised, to say that it just didn’t work for me.
To begin with, I had a hard time getting into this story. It never really hooked me, despite the witchy angle, which I normally always enjoy. The pace was too slow for me, and while I totally understand the need to set the scene at the start of a series, it just all seemed to drag on far too long.
I found the characters extremely unlikeable, some of them toxic even. It puzzled me enormously that the local police force seemed to care so little about solving murders in their small and tight-knit community. They came across as entirely incompetent and uninterested.
Call me silly, but when someone mentions an archeologist, I think of digging up remains or tools, and fascinating historical stories like from Pompeii. Not the kind of thing our main character gets involved in. I failed to see why she was invited to cast an eye on the investigation to begin with, since her first array is a very recent murder. Not a single brush required. It left me feeling utterly disappointed and slightly cheated.
As for the mystery surrounding the killer, I felt their identity was rather obvious. Pretty much the only reason I kept reading was to see if my theory proved to be correct, but I admit there was a lot of skimming.
Not the book for me then, I’m afraid. I will probably not continue this series, but that doesn’t mean I will not be looking forward to other stories from Ward.
To begin with, I had a hard time getting into this story. It never really hooked me, despite the witchy angle, which I normally always enjoy. The pace was too slow for me, and while I totally understand the need to set the scene at the start of a series, it just all seemed to drag on far too long.
I found the characters extremely unlikeable, some of them toxic even. It puzzled me enormously that the local police force seemed to care so little about solving murders in their small and tight-knit community. They came across as entirely incompetent and uninterested.
Call me silly, but when someone mentions an archeologist, I think of digging up remains or tools, and fascinating historical stories like from Pompeii. Not the kind of thing our main character gets involved in. I failed to see why she was invited to cast an eye on the investigation to begin with, since her first array is a very recent murder. Not a single brush required. It left me feeling utterly disappointed and slightly cheated.
As for the mystery surrounding the killer, I felt their identity was rather obvious. Pretty much the only reason I kept reading was to see if my theory proved to be correct, but I admit there was a lot of skimming.
Not the book for me then, I’m afraid. I will probably not continue this series, but that doesn’t mean I will not be looking forward to other stories from Ward.
May 8, 2025
now that was dark!!
September 19, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Sarah Ward for the ARC copy of this book. The opinions stated here are my own.
I liked the storyline and enjoyed the idea behind the book. I really wanted to like it, like really really wanted to like it but the pacing made it so slow that it was not enjoyable. I had such a hard time trudging through this book to get to the good part, which the last 60 or so pages.
All in all it is a great concept but it just needs something. More lore behind the hexafoils or maybe even different witchy stuff added in addition to it. The witch bottle parts had me intrigued but then was just thrown away and forgotten.
I liked the storyline and enjoyed the idea behind the book. I really wanted to like it, like really really wanted to like it but the pacing made it so slow that it was not enjoyable. I had such a hard time trudging through this book to get to the good part, which the last 60 or so pages.
All in all it is a great concept but it just needs something. More lore behind the hexafoils or maybe even different witchy stuff added in addition to it. The witch bottle parts had me intrigued but then was just thrown away and forgotten.
October 6, 2024
After her husband dies and to begin a new life, Carla James travels to New England to take up the position of professor of archaeology at Jericho College. She is asked to visit the murder site of a young woman where certain articles have been placed around her body. In the past there have been further unsolved deaths and as Carla’s curiosity gets the better of her, she discovers what she thinks is a link between them.
I read this story with my online book group on the Pigeonhole app, one stave a day over ten days. I very much enjoyed it. Like all good thrillers there are plenty of twists, turns and the odd red herring. I liked the witchy vibe and found the references to witch bottles, hexafoils etc fascinating. There are some strong characters, especially Carla and Erin, both feisty women. The plot is quite a dark and creepy one, but very intriguing and I was gripped from beginning to end. A good book to read on the run up to Hallowe’en! This the first in the Carla James Crime Thrillers and I look forward to reading the second in the series which is due out next year.
I read this story with my online book group on the Pigeonhole app, one stave a day over ten days. I very much enjoyed it. Like all good thrillers there are plenty of twists, turns and the odd red herring. I liked the witchy vibe and found the references to witch bottles, hexafoils etc fascinating. There are some strong characters, especially Carla and Erin, both feisty women. The plot is quite a dark and creepy one, but very intriguing and I was gripped from beginning to end. A good book to read on the run up to Hallowe’en! This the first in the Carla James Crime Thrillers and I look forward to reading the second in the series which is due out next year.
November 29, 2024
‘Death Rites’ is the first novel in a new series from Sarah Ward and features Carla James, a professor of archaeology. Following the distressing death of her husband and still young, she relocates from Oxford to take a post at Jericho, a prestigious college in New England. Almost immediately Carla is asked to attend the site of a murder. Her head of department is married to the local police lieutenant, and the police have made use of the department’s expertise in the past. They hope she can identify some significance in the items that were found scattered around the burnt body (Carla specializes in what she calls the archaeology of emotion). Initially everything appears random, but little by little Carla makes discoveries that lead her to suspect that a number of unsolved (and one apparently solved) murders are linked. Indeed, the reader’s suspicions are aroused in the very first chapter during the description of another killing, in which the dangers of putting too much of oneself on social media are exposed. We know something that the police do not.
Unfortunately for Carla, her suspicions are not welcomed by the local police given their failure, individually and collectively, to solve the cases. Jealousies within both the police and academic departments (and, indeed, between them) add to the air of mistrust that permeates the novel. Carla is not helped by being a recent arrival feeling her way into a new job and culture in what seems to be a fairly parochial community where ranks are readily closed. Her increasing obsession with pursuing leads means that there a lot of ruffled feathers. Other members of her department, including her mentor Erin Collins (the state medical examiner), appear to be generally supportive, but can she trust them? And what about local businessman James Franklin, whose influence extends all across Jericho?
Carla’s investigation increasingly revolves around the potential involvement of witchcraft in various guises. Witch bottles, protective charms, hexafoils, fire scaring away evil and witches’ ladders are amongst the subjects that come under consideration (‘a mishmash of imagery’ as it is described). A missing notebook raises other suspicions. At one point, when Carla seems to be identifying a pattern, she is warned off separately by her head of department and his police lieutenant wife. The reader also knows that the murderer has become aware that Carla is closing in and that she needs to be dealt with. The denouement is convincing.
This is a well-plotted, well-written and enjoyable start to a new series, and one which apparently leaves plenty of scope for further books. Carla’s back story is told in strategically placed snippets which one suspects may be developed. There are also a number of interesting characters and relationships which promise much. After her success in this novel one assumes that Carla will now be accepted more readily by the community – but perhaps that will not be the case. I shall look forward to the next in the series and, if you read this one (as I recommend), I am sure you will too.
------
David Whittle
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
Unfortunately for Carla, her suspicions are not welcomed by the local police given their failure, individually and collectively, to solve the cases. Jealousies within both the police and academic departments (and, indeed, between them) add to the air of mistrust that permeates the novel. Carla is not helped by being a recent arrival feeling her way into a new job and culture in what seems to be a fairly parochial community where ranks are readily closed. Her increasing obsession with pursuing leads means that there a lot of ruffled feathers. Other members of her department, including her mentor Erin Collins (the state medical examiner), appear to be generally supportive, but can she trust them? And what about local businessman James Franklin, whose influence extends all across Jericho?
Carla’s investigation increasingly revolves around the potential involvement of witchcraft in various guises. Witch bottles, protective charms, hexafoils, fire scaring away evil and witches’ ladders are amongst the subjects that come under consideration (‘a mishmash of imagery’ as it is described). A missing notebook raises other suspicions. At one point, when Carla seems to be identifying a pattern, she is warned off separately by her head of department and his police lieutenant wife. The reader also knows that the murderer has become aware that Carla is closing in and that she needs to be dealt with. The denouement is convincing.
This is a well-plotted, well-written and enjoyable start to a new series, and one which apparently leaves plenty of scope for further books. Carla’s back story is told in strategically placed snippets which one suspects may be developed. There are also a number of interesting characters and relationships which promise much. After her success in this novel one assumes that Carla will now be accepted more readily by the community – but perhaps that will not be the case. I shall look forward to the next in the series and, if you read this one (as I recommend), I am sure you will too.
------
David Whittle
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
October 23, 2024
“Death Rites” by Sarah Ward is a dark, atmospheric mystery that focuses on both crime and folklore to create a tense and twisty story, which felt very original and unique. The book follows Professor Carla James, an archaeologist who moves to the elite Jericho College in New England to start a new life after the death of her husband. Almost immediately, she is drawn into a series of unsolved murders, each more puzzling than the last, with connections to witch bottles, hexafoils, and other witchy elements.
The premise is compelling, with strong female characters driving the story forward. Carla James is a fascinating protagonist, and her involvement in the crime investigation, despite being an archaeologist, adds a unique twist to the usual detective story. Her perspective on the mysterious objects found at the crime scenes sets her apart and adds a layer of intrigue to the investigation.
The book’s strengths lie in its exploration of folklore and superstition, which lend a haunting and mysterious atmosphere to the story. The witchy elements, such as witch bottles and hexafoils, are intriguing and add depth to the storyline. I actually wanted more development of these elements as they were what set this book apart, and I found them incredibly intriguing. I wanted to know more about them. The pacing is another weak point with the story moving at a glacial speed that may test your patience. If you’re looking for a faster, more gripping mystery, then you may not like this one. The slow build-up, however, does help set the mood and develop the setting.
The character dynamics are also a mixed bag. Sometimes, the characters, particularly the female characters, were unlikable or even toxic, which made it difficult for me to connect with them and to enjoy the story. The interactions between the characters, especially the local police, can come across as frustratingly unprofessional, with the authorities seeming oddly indifferent to the murders happening in their small community. While this definitely tracks for a mystery book where usually the police aren’t able to help as much as they should, it was still a little odd how little they cared about the murders, especially in such a small community.
Despite these issues, the mystery at the heart of Death Rites is well-crafted, with plenty of twists and red herrings to keep you guessing. Even if the killer's identity might seem obvious, the underlying motivations and the connections between the murders are more complex, leading to a satisfying conclusion that ties the threads together.
Overall, “Death Rites” is a book with great potential as a slow-burning mystery. While it may not resonate with everyone, fans of atmospheric mysteries with a supernatural twist will find much to enjoy. Sarah Ward’s unique take on crime and folklore is definitely worth exploring.
The premise is compelling, with strong female characters driving the story forward. Carla James is a fascinating protagonist, and her involvement in the crime investigation, despite being an archaeologist, adds a unique twist to the usual detective story. Her perspective on the mysterious objects found at the crime scenes sets her apart and adds a layer of intrigue to the investigation.
The book’s strengths lie in its exploration of folklore and superstition, which lend a haunting and mysterious atmosphere to the story. The witchy elements, such as witch bottles and hexafoils, are intriguing and add depth to the storyline. I actually wanted more development of these elements as they were what set this book apart, and I found them incredibly intriguing. I wanted to know more about them. The pacing is another weak point with the story moving at a glacial speed that may test your patience. If you’re looking for a faster, more gripping mystery, then you may not like this one. The slow build-up, however, does help set the mood and develop the setting.
The character dynamics are also a mixed bag. Sometimes, the characters, particularly the female characters, were unlikable or even toxic, which made it difficult for me to connect with them and to enjoy the story. The interactions between the characters, especially the local police, can come across as frustratingly unprofessional, with the authorities seeming oddly indifferent to the murders happening in their small community. While this definitely tracks for a mystery book where usually the police aren’t able to help as much as they should, it was still a little odd how little they cared about the murders, especially in such a small community.
Despite these issues, the mystery at the heart of Death Rites is well-crafted, with plenty of twists and red herrings to keep you guessing. Even if the killer's identity might seem obvious, the underlying motivations and the connections between the murders are more complex, leading to a satisfying conclusion that ties the threads together.
Overall, “Death Rites” is a book with great potential as a slow-burning mystery. While it may not resonate with everyone, fans of atmospheric mysteries with a supernatural twist will find much to enjoy. Sarah Ward’s unique take on crime and folklore is definitely worth exploring.
October 2, 2024
I’m going to rave about this because I loved everything about it. I read it in nine staves with my book club The Pigeonhole, and couldn’t wait for the next one to be delivered. Death Rites has everything I love – murder, intrigue, witchy elements, strong female protagonists – what more could I ask for.
The book opens with the murder of a retired school teacher who was killed in her own home. The police are baffled. Why would anyone want to kill this seemingly harmless, elderly lady.
Professor Carla James has been widowed for three years and decides to leave the UK to start a new life in New England, USA, lecturing on the ‘archaeology of emotion’ at Jericho College. In her first week, two things happen. First she discovers that her office is still full of the things belonging to her predecessor Lauren, who took her own life. It’s all a bit unsettling. Secondly, she is asked to take a look at the site of a gruesome murder and see if anything strange stands out for her. Unfortunately, the ‘burnt’ body is still in situ. She meets pathologist Erin and they soon become friends.
This murder bears no resemblance to the previous one. There are no links, the victims didn’t know each other, there is no apparent motive, and the MOs are totally different. But Carla had spotted some random objects placed around the ‘burnt woman’ and wants to know if this has happened before.
And this is where it gets really interesting. Because she believes the objects are not random and have a meaning related to witch bottles, hexafoils and superstition. So she starts looking at other murders in Jericho, which has the police rattled as her suggestions start making them look incompetent.
I admit I did guess one possible link pointing to the killer, but not why, or who else might be involved, and there were so many red herrings that I kept questioning whether I was finding links that didn’t exist. A bit like Carla really.
I just adored this book, and the ending makes me think it’s not the last we are going to see of Carla and Erin. PLEASE make this a series. I can’t wait.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author, and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
The book opens with the murder of a retired school teacher who was killed in her own home. The police are baffled. Why would anyone want to kill this seemingly harmless, elderly lady.
Professor Carla James has been widowed for three years and decides to leave the UK to start a new life in New England, USA, lecturing on the ‘archaeology of emotion’ at Jericho College. In her first week, two things happen. First she discovers that her office is still full of the things belonging to her predecessor Lauren, who took her own life. It’s all a bit unsettling. Secondly, she is asked to take a look at the site of a gruesome murder and see if anything strange stands out for her. Unfortunately, the ‘burnt’ body is still in situ. She meets pathologist Erin and they soon become friends.
This murder bears no resemblance to the previous one. There are no links, the victims didn’t know each other, there is no apparent motive, and the MOs are totally different. But Carla had spotted some random objects placed around the ‘burnt woman’ and wants to know if this has happened before.
And this is where it gets really interesting. Because she believes the objects are not random and have a meaning related to witch bottles, hexafoils and superstition. So she starts looking at other murders in Jericho, which has the police rattled as her suggestions start making them look incompetent.
I admit I did guess one possible link pointing to the killer, but not why, or who else might be involved, and there were so many red herrings that I kept questioning whether I was finding links that didn’t exist. A bit like Carla really.
I just adored this book, and the ending makes me think it’s not the last we are going to see of Carla and Erin. PLEASE make this a series. I can’t wait.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author, and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
November 18, 2024
On the back of two successful crime series, author Sarah Ward is at it again.
Death Rites launches a new venture where Clara James, a professor of archeology becomes the investigating impetus to solve a few unsolved deaths where unexplained items appear as scattered debris around the latest victim.
Set in New England, Clara is new to her university role and struggles to adjust to the fresh start she seeks after her own personal loss and family trauma. The town of Jericho though is a closed community with family loyalties, where outsiders find it hard to settle and foreigners like Clara perhaps have less of a chance to be accepted.
Clara loves her job and is an excellent tutor.
Almost immediately she is called into this police case and her professional expertise places her at odds with the serving officers who dismiss her suggestions. However, she cannot set aside her growing concerns of a distinct pattern linking the deaths. She see something more sinister and feels it is all pointing to a misogynistic serial killer.
It is never easy in the first episode of a new series, introducing a fresh location and set of characters.
The mark of an accomplished writer and story teller is that the pages quickly pass and the reader feels comfortable in the new surroundings and warms to the characters.
I loved Clara and her mentor Erin, the depictions of college life and the closed community. I was at home in Jericho and wanting Clara to succeed from the start.
The plot is very original with no clear suspects. Clara finds no-one willing to take her seriously and the whole thing seems fanciful as there appears no motive here.
There is a running battle against the establishment and Clara has few allies she can turn to for help. As the killer finds Clara’s meddling too much and potentially threatening his plans her isolation leaves her vulnerable and ultimately endangers her life.
Real tension builds as the climax reaches a crescendo during an evening of trick and treating at Halloween.
A wonderful addition to the work of this important author.
Hopefully Clara is here to stay in beautiful New England.
Death Rites launches a new venture where Clara James, a professor of archeology becomes the investigating impetus to solve a few unsolved deaths where unexplained items appear as scattered debris around the latest victim.
Set in New England, Clara is new to her university role and struggles to adjust to the fresh start she seeks after her own personal loss and family trauma. The town of Jericho though is a closed community with family loyalties, where outsiders find it hard to settle and foreigners like Clara perhaps have less of a chance to be accepted.
Clara loves her job and is an excellent tutor.
Almost immediately she is called into this police case and her professional expertise places her at odds with the serving officers who dismiss her suggestions. However, she cannot set aside her growing concerns of a distinct pattern linking the deaths. She see something more sinister and feels it is all pointing to a misogynistic serial killer.
It is never easy in the first episode of a new series, introducing a fresh location and set of characters.
The mark of an accomplished writer and story teller is that the pages quickly pass and the reader feels comfortable in the new surroundings and warms to the characters.
I loved Clara and her mentor Erin, the depictions of college life and the closed community. I was at home in Jericho and wanting Clara to succeed from the start.
The plot is very original with no clear suspects. Clara finds no-one willing to take her seriously and the whole thing seems fanciful as there appears no motive here.
There is a running battle against the establishment and Clara has few allies she can turn to for help. As the killer finds Clara’s meddling too much and potentially threatening his plans her isolation leaves her vulnerable and ultimately endangers her life.
Real tension builds as the climax reaches a crescendo during an evening of trick and treating at Halloween.
A wonderful addition to the work of this important author.
Hopefully Clara is here to stay in beautiful New England.
September 11, 2024
This was a mystery thriller which was gripping from the very first page. At its centre is Professor Carla James, an archaeologist from England, who moves to Jericho, a small New England town. Looking for a fresh start after losing her husband, Carla hopes that Jericho College will be the place where she finds it.
However, on her first day she is asked to consult on a murder where ritual objects are placed around the victim and this leads to Carla investigating the case herself when the police take little interest in her subsequent theories. Erin, the local pathologist and her college mentor realises that Carla is not going to give up and helps her as much as she can. As Carla identifies the possibility of a serial killer in the town, the reader is treated to chapters from their point of view. Is it really someone Carla knows?
This compelling crime novel was reminiscent of Elly Griffith’s Ruth Galloway novels in that the main protagonist is an archaeologist and Carla is every bit as intelligent as Ruth!! I really liked reading about her theories of how the crimes were connected which related to witchcraft and magic symbolism , a theme. particularly relevant to Jericho’s New England setting. The town’s residents are obviously hiding a multitude of secrets but is one of them really a murderer? Carla stirs up a lot of trouble with her investigation and many people including her own colleagues and the police department are not too happy with her.
Carla is a plucky and intelligent heroine and I can see her featuring in further books. She is definitely looking for love after being on her own for three years. I’m really looking forward to a further novel set in Jericho as I’m keen to read more about Carla James and her new life!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
However, on her first day she is asked to consult on a murder where ritual objects are placed around the victim and this leads to Carla investigating the case herself when the police take little interest in her subsequent theories. Erin, the local pathologist and her college mentor realises that Carla is not going to give up and helps her as much as she can. As Carla identifies the possibility of a serial killer in the town, the reader is treated to chapters from their point of view. Is it really someone Carla knows?
This compelling crime novel was reminiscent of Elly Griffith’s Ruth Galloway novels in that the main protagonist is an archaeologist and Carla is every bit as intelligent as Ruth!! I really liked reading about her theories of how the crimes were connected which related to witchcraft and magic symbolism , a theme. particularly relevant to Jericho’s New England setting. The town’s residents are obviously hiding a multitude of secrets but is one of them really a murderer? Carla stirs up a lot of trouble with her investigation and many people including her own colleagues and the police department are not too happy with her.
Carla is a plucky and intelligent heroine and I can see her featuring in further books. She is definitely looking for love after being on her own for three years. I’m really looking forward to a further novel set in Jericho as I’m keen to read more about Carla James and her new life!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
September 20, 2024
I have read all of Sarah Ward’s books, except the ones she has written under a pseudonym. I was a fan of the DC Childs books and was delighted when Ward returned with the Mallory Dawson series after a five-year break. I have to say though that this book was a disappointment. It moved at such a glacial pace that by the end I no longer cared about the resolution, just about the book ending. I’ve been splitting my time between Boston and London for the last three years, and a specialist needs to fix some of the Britishisms of this book. For example: US hotels don’t have orangeries; some of the American characters used inappropriate words and phrasings like dog walkers (meaning owners walking their dogs in the UK and persons hired to walk dogs in the US), footpaths, “That suit?,” et cetera. If I can pick them out despite being a non-native English speaker (albeit one highly trained in writing), an author can do the research or at least hire someone. Last of all, Ward needs to get an education and read some Hazel Carby, an actual British academic transplant to New England. What kind of person wants to move to New England for the settler vibes?!??!?! Might as well tell me that you love genocide and colonialism. 3/5 stars, but that’s me being really fair. I’ll be giving this series a miss from now on.
October 10, 2024
Carla, a professor in archaeology has just started work at a new university in Jericho. Still trying to come to term with her husbands suicide, she is sensitive to nuances around her and feels that there is some kind of atmosphere around the faculty.
A murder happens and she is asked for her opinion on random objects found around the victim. Her assessment eventually leads to her pursuance of several other murders of many women, all cold cases except one where a suspect confessed. She feels her views are not welcomed by both her faculty fellows and the powers that be in the police department and she is warned to stop all investigation and not talk about her discoveries. Feeling that she is against a very twisted and clever killer who is killing according to a specific design and one which has bypassed the police who are looking for traditional clues. In this story hints of ancient beliefs, protection against evil spirits, elements of witchcraft are all brought into play adding a diversity to murder investigations.
Interesting twist to the story, I didn’t figure out who the probable murderer was at all.
A murder happens and she is asked for her opinion on random objects found around the victim. Her assessment eventually leads to her pursuance of several other murders of many women, all cold cases except one where a suspect confessed. She feels her views are not welcomed by both her faculty fellows and the powers that be in the police department and she is warned to stop all investigation and not talk about her discoveries. Feeling that she is against a very twisted and clever killer who is killing according to a specific design and one which has bypassed the police who are looking for traditional clues. In this story hints of ancient beliefs, protection against evil spirits, elements of witchcraft are all brought into play adding a diversity to murder investigations.
Interesting twist to the story, I didn’t figure out who the probable murderer was at all.
October 12, 2024
The first of a new series and if the rest is as good as this one we are all in for a real treat. Doctor Carla James has moved from Oxford, UK to Jericho in New England, USA. She is an Archaeology Professor and has decided to find a new life following the recent death of her husband. She is to be mentored by Dr Erin Collins who is the State Medical Examiner and like Carla, a bit of a maverick.
Briefly, on her first day Carla is asked by Erin to attend a murder site as Erin believes she may be able to assist using her expertise. Carla notices some strange items around the body but needs to look into it further. That investigation leads her into a murky world as she starts to link several recent deaths to each other. Is there a serial killer at large?
I really enjoyed this. There is a very strong cast of female characters, not least of all Carla and an interesting case with some witchy vibes, think daisy wheels/hexafoils. I did notice a lot of words usage that was British rather than American but it didn’t bother me although I’m sure it will for some. I thought it was a great thriller and a compelling read; I’ll be looking out for book 2.
Briefly, on her first day Carla is asked by Erin to attend a murder site as Erin believes she may be able to assist using her expertise. Carla notices some strange items around the body but needs to look into it further. That investigation leads her into a murky world as she starts to link several recent deaths to each other. Is there a serial killer at large?
I really enjoyed this. There is a very strong cast of female characters, not least of all Carla and an interesting case with some witchy vibes, think daisy wheels/hexafoils. I did notice a lot of words usage that was British rather than American but it didn’t bother me although I’m sure it will for some. I thought it was a great thriller and a compelling read; I’ll be looking out for book 2.
October 3, 2024
This is a great mystery crime novel and perfect has this builds up to halloween!
It's not just any crime story it is connected to witchcraft and ritual protections.
Carla has moved from England looking for a fresh start with a new job teaching archaeology in Jericho. Her mentor Erin, who's a pathologist, requests Carla's opinion to attend a murder scene.
There are several items left around the body, and this kicks off a theory Carla is trying to work out. Her predecessor had drowned, but did she? She learns there have been multiple women who have been murdered but there's no obvious link. She rubs most of the vip residents the wrong way and no one wants to hear her out until it's too late, she then is in danger herself has she's close to working out there is a serial killer and who they are. The town has many secrets, and no one is talking.
This was fascinating learning about a locations significance and theories looking at keeping away evil dating back to the 6th century. This is the perfect book to read before halloween!
It's not just any crime story it is connected to witchcraft and ritual protections.
Carla has moved from England looking for a fresh start with a new job teaching archaeology in Jericho. Her mentor Erin, who's a pathologist, requests Carla's opinion to attend a murder scene.
There are several items left around the body, and this kicks off a theory Carla is trying to work out. Her predecessor had drowned, but did she? She learns there have been multiple women who have been murdered but there's no obvious link. She rubs most of the vip residents the wrong way and no one wants to hear her out until it's too late, she then is in danger herself has she's close to working out there is a serial killer and who they are. The town has many secrets, and no one is talking.
This was fascinating learning about a locations significance and theories looking at keeping away evil dating back to the 6th century. This is the perfect book to read before halloween!
October 10, 2024
Still grieving the death of her husband, archeologist Carla James has accepted a position at a private college in New England. Her first day is full of surprises. She’s given the office of a recently deceased colleague with all her papers and research still in place. Then, after she meets her mentor, medical examiner and professor Erin Collins, she asked to come to the scene of a gruesome murder. As an archaeologist, Carla may see patterns in the ritualistic placement of items around the body. She does and we are off on the wild ride that is Death Rites, a compulsively readable mystery/thriller.
Death Rites has it all. Strong female characters, especially Carla, Erin and Viv, an interesting university location, archaeological information about “death rites” and a complex, fascinating plot. This is the first in a new series. I can’t wait for what comes next! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Canelo and Sarah Ward for this ARC.
Death Rites has it all. Strong female characters, especially Carla, Erin and Viv, an interesting university location, archaeological information about “death rites” and a complex, fascinating plot. This is the first in a new series. I can’t wait for what comes next! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Canelo and Sarah Ward for this ARC.
November 22, 2024
🔥 Death Rites begins with a murder and that’s just a starting point for the web of mysteries it weaves. The plot is excellent and the use of symbolism is intriguing. The novel excels because of its two strong female protagonists. Carla’s desire for a fresh start along with her tenacious curiosity keeps the reader’s attention. Her actions push the story forward in a way that makes the book difficult to put down. Medical examiner Erin Collins is a part-time professor at Jericho and is assigned to be Carla’s mentor. Erin plays a lesser role than Carla but is no less likeable.
👩🏫 The glimpses into the killer are a compelling aside. Those chapters give clues, but there is no shortage of suspects here. I’m not embarrassed to say my guess at who was behind the murders was wrong; I always find that a bonus and a compliment to the author.
📓 Some English phrases and terms was a out place given the American setting, but didn’t take away from an awesome story.
👩🏫 The glimpses into the killer are a compelling aside. Those chapters give clues, but there is no shortage of suspects here. I’m not embarrassed to say my guess at who was behind the murders was wrong; I always find that a bonus and a compliment to the author.
📓 Some English phrases and terms was a out place given the American setting, but didn’t take away from an awesome story.
October 3, 2024
Dr Carla James, an archaeology professor has moved from Oxford, England to a new job in a college town called Jericho, New England following the death of her husband, Dan! On her first day, her new Head of Department, Albert Kantz assigns a task of going to a crime scene to observe any peculiarities along with her new mentor Dr Erin Collins, M.E.. She is introduced to Detectives Baros and Perez, who have been assigned the latest mystery to solve. To begin with, Carla sees nothing concrete but she figures out there are similarities with other cases. Carla blithely follows where the leads take her without a thought for her safety. I loved how the characters developed through the story and how Carla and Erin became good friends. All the sub plots are woven together to form a dramatic conclusion. I hope there will be a second book.
October 3, 2024
This was an enjoyable read. The links to witchcraft and protective beliefs made interesting reading. The concept behind the murders was clever, it just seemed a bit too intricate and unnecessary for the reason to be revenge. It was just a bit too slow to be gripping. The characters weren't really all that likeable either, which didn't help me to engage with the story fully either. I felt I didn't really care about Carla as I just couldn't see why she would abandon everything and move to an obscure backwater in New England or why the police would allow her to view a crimescene (or anybody in the Archaeology department either).
Those who like a slower mystery may like this, but it it just didn't make me want to continue with the series. With thanks to the author and Pigeonhole for the opportunity.
Those who like a slower mystery may like this, but it it just didn't make me want to continue with the series. With thanks to the author and Pigeonhole for the opportunity.
December 15, 2024
The last thing Carla James expects, when she moves to a new job as professor of archaeology at a New England college, is to uncover the activities of a dangerous killer.
Still devastated by her husband's death, she is looking for a new start, and is not feeling entirely herself. So when Carla is sent out shortly after her arrival to help interpret the possibly ritualistic signs of evidence after a dead body is found, she is not prepared to discover herself at the centre of something much bigger. Something that only she seems to be able to link together.
This is an interesting and original story well told. Recommended for those who enjoy murder mysteries and are looking for something a little different. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Still devastated by her husband's death, she is looking for a new start, and is not feeling entirely herself. So when Carla is sent out shortly after her arrival to help interpret the possibly ritualistic signs of evidence after a dead body is found, she is not prepared to discover herself at the centre of something much bigger. Something that only she seems to be able to link together.
This is an interesting and original story well told. Recommended for those who enjoy murder mysteries and are looking for something a little different. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
September 26, 2024
3.5* rounded up
Death Rites is the opening to a new crime thriller series based around Archaeology professor Carla James and overall it was a highly enjoyable and easy to read crime thriller.
When newcome to town, Carla, is brought in to bring some potential insight into items found around a victim's body she becomes drawn into the case and becomes quickly convinced that a serial killer is hunting in their town.
The story is strong and intriguing and I really liked the addition of the allusions to witchcraft and old folk superstitions. I did knock it down a little because some of Carla's decisions aren't smart and read to me as aimed at padding the story a bit and the reasoning for Carla being brought in and involved is very thin. I did like the supporting cast of characters, especially Erin and Perez.
It took a little time for the pace to pick up but when it did and the story started to unfold with connections becoming clear and secrets being revealed, I was all in and really enjoyed the ride. Definitely enjoyed it enough to read the next in the series and I think fans of Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs will enjoy many elements of the story and characters.
Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for providing an eArc of "Death Rites" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
Death Rites is the opening to a new crime thriller series based around Archaeology professor Carla James and overall it was a highly enjoyable and easy to read crime thriller.
When newcome to town, Carla, is brought in to bring some potential insight into items found around a victim's body she becomes drawn into the case and becomes quickly convinced that a serial killer is hunting in their town.
The story is strong and intriguing and I really liked the addition of the allusions to witchcraft and old folk superstitions. I did knock it down a little because some of Carla's decisions aren't smart and read to me as aimed at padding the story a bit and the reasoning for Carla being brought in and involved is very thin. I did like the supporting cast of characters, especially Erin and Perez.
It took a little time for the pace to pick up but when it did and the story started to unfold with connections becoming clear and secrets being revealed, I was all in and really enjoyed the ride. Definitely enjoyed it enough to read the next in the series and I think fans of Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs will enjoy many elements of the story and characters.
Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for providing an eArc of "Death Rites" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
September 29, 2024
A good start to a new series which I look forward to seeing develop
Carla, an archaeologist, following the death of her husband, moves from the UK to Jericho to take up a post at Jericho University. You just know things won't go smoothly when she's given her deceased predecessor’s uncleared office!
An unusual take on a murder mystery, with strong female characters, a grumpy male detective, hidden secrets and one determined English professor. A witchy vibe with symbols and historical artefacts, (every day really is a school day, who knew about witch bottles? Not me!) gives a spooky feel and autumnal Jericho is the perfect backdrop for it.
An enjoyable original read with characters I'm looking forward to catching up with again.
Carla, an archaeologist, following the death of her husband, moves from the UK to Jericho to take up a post at Jericho University. You just know things won't go smoothly when she's given her deceased predecessor’s uncleared office!
An unusual take on a murder mystery, with strong female characters, a grumpy male detective, hidden secrets and one determined English professor. A witchy vibe with symbols and historical artefacts, (every day really is a school day, who knew about witch bottles? Not me!) gives a spooky feel and autumnal Jericho is the perfect backdrop for it.
An enjoyable original read with characters I'm looking forward to catching up with again.
October 1, 2024
I’ve just finished reading Death Rites by Sarah Ward, which I’ve been reading stave by stave with The Pigeonhole, an unusual crime thriller with a Gothic atmosphere set in New England. The protagonist is Professor Carla James, a British archaeologist, who focuses on emotions. When she starts a position teaching at Jericho College, she is asked to give her opinion on a murder site, not realising that it will lead to her involvement in a series of ritual killings. It was quite a ride, following the clues with Carla and her mentor/friend, Erin, a medical examiner, with a number of suspicious characters who could have been the killer. This is the first book in a series – I look forward to the next one.
October 1, 2024
Well written, well paced thriller with witchcraft and the 'archaeology of emotion' at the centre.
Set in Jericho, US we follow Carla, a widowed and newly arrived from England professor doggedly pursue the unsolved deaths of several women, having first been invited by the police lieutenant Viv Krantz to a murder site. Viv wants Carla's professional knowledge at the scene of the crime and henceforth Carla finds her embroiled in an investigation she is determined to see through to its end.
I can't say I am particularly fond of tales of witchcraft but nonetheless this is a readable, tense and sometimes quite dark thriller designed to keep the reader guessing to the very end.
With thanks to Pigeonhole, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book over the past 9 days.
Set in Jericho, US we follow Carla, a widowed and newly arrived from England professor doggedly pursue the unsolved deaths of several women, having first been invited by the police lieutenant Viv Krantz to a murder site. Viv wants Carla's professional knowledge at the scene of the crime and henceforth Carla finds her embroiled in an investigation she is determined to see through to its end.
I can't say I am particularly fond of tales of witchcraft but nonetheless this is a readable, tense and sometimes quite dark thriller designed to keep the reader guessing to the very end.
With thanks to Pigeonhole, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book over the past 9 days.
October 1, 2024
I really enjoyed reading Death Rites with The Pigeonhole digital book club: some reviewers mention the slow pace, but reading over nine days I didn’t find this a problem. I liked the slow reveal of each new piece of evidence and the gradual introduction of new characters - they were always clear and easy to remember. The writing was assured and the plotting clever - I couldn’t guess the murderer, as suspicion was cast first on one then another. The only weak point was the necessity for calling in an archaeologist to give an opinion on a live murder site - this was somewhat odd. Death Rites was my first book by Sarah Ward, and I have already purchased the first in the DC Childs series, and look forward to a second featuring Carla James.
January 13, 2025
I’ve enjoyed some of the author’s previous novels so was looking forward to Death Rites, the first in a new series about archeology professor Carla James, Grieving the death of her husband Carla takes a post at an elite New England college, she receives a fairly cold reception from her colleagues and is soon drawn into a local murder.
I liked the New England setting and the character of Erin, the medical examiner. I didn’t particularly warm to Carla and so found it hard to connect with her. It’s a well written novel with a strong plot but I felt that the pace was too slow and I began to lose interest half way through.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
3.5 stars
I liked the New England setting and the character of Erin, the medical examiner. I didn’t particularly warm to Carla and so found it hard to connect with her. It’s a well written novel with a strong plot but I felt that the pace was too slow and I began to lose interest half way through.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
3.5 stars
September 5, 2024
Archeology Professor Carla James moves from England to the New England town of Jericho searching a new start. On day one she is asked to consult on a murder scene. Not her area of expertise, but there is something ritualistic that catches her trained eye.
Carla sees patterns in several killings, but local police are skeptical. And, the more she investigates, the more she learns about the secrets of her new home town.
Death Rites is a different take on murder, mixing ritual and history with more modern motivations. The characters are interesting and, while the pace is slow in places, it is a good read with a well developed story arc.
Carla sees patterns in several killings, but local police are skeptical. And, the more she investigates, the more she learns about the secrets of her new home town.
Death Rites is a different take on murder, mixing ritual and history with more modern motivations. The characters are interesting and, while the pace is slow in places, it is a good read with a well developed story arc.
September 23, 2024
I liked the description of this book and the idea of witch bottles etc was something different for me. However the pace was just so slow it took quite a long time to get going and none of the interesting idea's really developed into anything. Also the character's didn't seem very pleasant or believable in some cases especially the police who seemed to be either inept or incompetent. I did finish it and it was interesting but such a hard slog to get to the good bits and the villain did seem fairly easy to spot from quite a small pool. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 2, 2024
After her husband's death Professor Carla James moved from England to lecture at a College in Jericho, New England. On her first day she is asked to consult on a murder where various objects have been placed around the victim. As there seems to be little interest in Carla's theories, she decides to investigate herself and discovers that several women have been murdered in the area. She also has doubts about her predecessor’s death which was certified as suicide. I enjoyed reading this book courtesy of The Pigeonhole and I liked Carla though she was her own worst enemy at times sharing her theories with all and sundry. It kept me guessing all the way through, wrongly as it turned out.
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