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DI Ben Kitto #8
Deadman's Pool
Winter storms lash the Isles of Scilly when DI Ben Kitto ferries the islands' priest to St Helen's. Father Michael intends to live as a pilgrim in the ruins of an ancient church on the uninhabited island, but an ugly secret is buried among the rocks. Digging frantically in the sand, Ben's dog, Shadow, unearths the emaciated remains of a young woman.
The discovery chills Ben to the core. The victim is Vietnamese, with no clear link to the community - and her killer has made sure that no one will find her easily. The storm intensifies as the investigation gathers pace. Soon Scilly is cut off by bad weather, with no help available from the mainland. Ben must look beyond the islands to find a vicious killer. He knows they are waiting to kill again - and at unimaginable cost.
The discovery chills Ben to the core. The victim is Vietnamese, with no clear link to the community - and her killer has made sure that no one will find her easily. The storm intensifies as the investigation gathers pace. Soon Scilly is cut off by bad weather, with no help available from the mainland. Ben must look beyond the islands to find a vicious killer. He knows they are waiting to kill again - and at unimaginable cost.
- GenresCrimeMysteryProcedural
Audible Audio
Published September 25, 2025
43 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Kate Rhodes
37 books352 followersKate Rhodes is a bestselling UK crime writer. Her latest books are the acclaimed ISLES OF SCILLY MYSTERIES, which have been optioned for TV. Kate has been nominated for the Crime Novel of the Year award and a Library Dagger.
Kate did many different jobs including working as a theatre usherette, a cocktail waitress, and an English tutor at a liberal arts college in Florida. She was born in London but now lives in Cambridge with her husband Dave, and works part-time at Cambridge University, as a creative writing fellow.
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Kate did many different jobs including working as a theatre usherette, a cocktail waitress, and an English tutor at a liberal arts college in Florida. She was born in London but now lives in Cambridge with her husband Dave, and works part-time at Cambridge University, as a creative writing fellow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 16, 2025
4.0 / 5.0
Great book from start to finish, unpredictable and kept me on my toes throughout. However, this book does touch upon topics that include SA, violence, abuse, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. I’m baffled at how well the book managed to hide the culprit, it’s almost like the rug was pulled under the feet moment. As well as that, this time round in this book was a see alittle more character development of Ben Kitto, as he navigates and balances his personal responsibilities with his professional life. It’s also worth noting that the book deals with events of the previous books or mentions of.
The book centres around DI Ben Kitto as he helps ferries the islands priest to St. Helens- as Father Michael intend to live as a pilgrim in the ruins of an ancient church on an inhibited island. However both stumble upon a grave partially buried. Shadow, bens dog unearths the emancipated remains of a young woman. The discovery frightens Ben has there is no record of the remains in the island. A storm intensifies as the investigation gathers pace, and soon the storm cuts off Scilly with no help from the mainland. The killer is hiding in plain sight and wanting to kill again at an unimaginable cost.
It’s a great book from start to finish, once you start it’s hard to drop the book downs. Definitely got my eyes peeled for the next series!
Great book from start to finish, unpredictable and kept me on my toes throughout. However, this book does touch upon topics that include SA, violence, abuse, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. I’m baffled at how well the book managed to hide the culprit, it’s almost like the rug was pulled under the feet moment. As well as that, this time round in this book was a see alittle more character development of Ben Kitto, as he navigates and balances his personal responsibilities with his professional life. It’s also worth noting that the book deals with events of the previous books or mentions of.
The book centres around DI Ben Kitto as he helps ferries the islands priest to St. Helens- as Father Michael intend to live as a pilgrim in the ruins of an ancient church on an inhibited island. However both stumble upon a grave partially buried. Shadow, bens dog unearths the emancipated remains of a young woman. The discovery frightens Ben has there is no record of the remains in the island. A storm intensifies as the investigation gathers pace, and soon the storm cuts off Scilly with no help from the mainland. The killer is hiding in plain sight and wanting to kill again at an unimaginable cost.
It’s a great book from start to finish, once you start it’s hard to drop the book downs. Definitely got my eyes peeled for the next series!
September 25, 2025
Ben Kitto is back and what a case to return to. I'm just going to put it out there, but I think this may well be the darkest and most heinous investigation yet. Whilst not graphic in anyway, there are certain elements of this story that will definitely be upsetting to some people, so bear this in mind when picking up this book. The themes centre around human trafficking, particularly that of younger children, and of abuse and it makes this not only a hard hitting and stomach churning kind of case, but all the more shocking when the full truth of the whole matter is revealed. It's one of those kinds of stories that had me glued to the page, partly because I felt I needed to see justice done - and as this is a Ben Kitto story, I knew this would be coming - but also because, much like our protagonist, I found it so hard to imagine such darkness and depravity happening on Scilly. And this is in spite of the fact Kate Rhodes has kept them stocked up with plenty of murder victims over the years already.
If you have read the preceding books, you will know that Ben's life is in a pretty sweet place. Newly married, with a wonderful young son to amuse him and remove any hope of a decent night's sleep, it seems that, for once, crime on the islands seems to be rather pedestrian too. You know from the start of the book that cannot last, but noone, not even Ben could predict how the situation would turn faster than the inclement atlantic weather. Shipping the local Priest, Father Michael, to the isolated island of St Helen's for a sabbatical, neither man expected to uncover a recently dug grave of the remains of a young woman. Neither, it seems, did the killer, events on that fateful trip setting off a series of shocking revelations that will have neighbours eyeing each other with suspicion, as the teenagers of the islands share rumours of an evil and twisted conspiracy. And it seems no-one, not even Ben's superiors, are safe from accusation.
This is a very difficult subject but handled with care by Kate Rhodes. The perspective from the novel is predominantly that of Ben as he navigates the islands, literally, and the case, struggling to come to terms with the fact that such evil could exist on the islands. His investigations lead him, and us, to all manner of characters, some we know from previous cases, and many who are new to us all, creating waves of suspicion as the credibility of guilt moves firmly from oe to another. It really is hard to figure out who the guilty party could be for whilst each man - and we do know the perpetrator is a man - seems to be hiding something, they each seemingly have alibis or credible stories that cast doubt upon their guilt.
Kate Rhodes has played a canny game here, keeping the mystery and suspense rolling throughout and keeping the bad guy well hidden until the very end of the book, making the shockwave from the reveal even greater. It is a tense story, and a dark one too, reflected in the weather, casting shadow on the beauty of the island location. It also plays out through Ben's frustration and anger at being unable to get to the truth, with a real ticking clock feel to the story driven by the fact that he, and we, know there is another potential victim out there somewhere.
And it is that second victims point of view that makes up the other part of the narrative. Although it is very hard to hear from them, theirs is a very important perspective, and I liked how Kare Rhodes has woven this into the story. Whilst this is a really tough and depraved tale, hearing from the second victim made me even more invested in her fate. I liked her determination and defiance even in the face of such overwhelmingly poor odds and such adire situation. She is focused on one thing, one factor that gives her strength and heart when others might just have given up, and it is this that actually creates that sense of urgency in the book, particularly for the police, in locating her whereabouts.
For fans of the series, many of our favourite characters are back, including Ben's loyal wolfhound, Shadow, who comes to play a very important part in this story - something we are very used to. There are some very emotional moments, and a many surprising ones too, with the whole story leading us to a conclusion that feels like it might be a step towards something a bit different for the next book. It's definitely not the kind of story that can leave no mark on the residents of Scilly, but it is more than that, for reasons I won't go into here. But, one thing that has no changed is the way in which the author uses pitch perfect pacing, portraying that oh so authentic sense of community that exists on the islands, and using that almost against the residents to heighten the shock of the truth when it lands. And with the case taking a very personal turn for Ben, it's one of those moments when I felt myself drawn to the edge of my seat, leaning forward into my kindle to try and force some kind of positive resolution in the face of overwhelming odds. I love it when a book can do that, don't you?
So, yes, this is perhaps the darkest story in the series yet but oh so relevant and current. It hasn't put me off visiting Scilly mind, with the author painting such a vivid picture of the islands that, even if they do seem more dangerous than Midsomer, you can still feel the passion and love for the setting, so much so that it just makes me want to be there to experience this community for myself. Tense, pacy and set to send shockwaves across the whole of Scilly, and the Ben Kitto reading community if we're being honest, I was drawn in from the very first page and held rapt until the shocking and nail biting conclusion. Fans of the books will love/hate it, and I cannot wait to see where Kate Rhodes takes this series next given all that comes to light in this novel. Definitely recommended.
If you have read the preceding books, you will know that Ben's life is in a pretty sweet place. Newly married, with a wonderful young son to amuse him and remove any hope of a decent night's sleep, it seems that, for once, crime on the islands seems to be rather pedestrian too. You know from the start of the book that cannot last, but noone, not even Ben could predict how the situation would turn faster than the inclement atlantic weather. Shipping the local Priest, Father Michael, to the isolated island of St Helen's for a sabbatical, neither man expected to uncover a recently dug grave of the remains of a young woman. Neither, it seems, did the killer, events on that fateful trip setting off a series of shocking revelations that will have neighbours eyeing each other with suspicion, as the teenagers of the islands share rumours of an evil and twisted conspiracy. And it seems no-one, not even Ben's superiors, are safe from accusation.
This is a very difficult subject but handled with care by Kate Rhodes. The perspective from the novel is predominantly that of Ben as he navigates the islands, literally, and the case, struggling to come to terms with the fact that such evil could exist on the islands. His investigations lead him, and us, to all manner of characters, some we know from previous cases, and many who are new to us all, creating waves of suspicion as the credibility of guilt moves firmly from oe to another. It really is hard to figure out who the guilty party could be for whilst each man - and we do know the perpetrator is a man - seems to be hiding something, they each seemingly have alibis or credible stories that cast doubt upon their guilt.
Kate Rhodes has played a canny game here, keeping the mystery and suspense rolling throughout and keeping the bad guy well hidden until the very end of the book, making the shockwave from the reveal even greater. It is a tense story, and a dark one too, reflected in the weather, casting shadow on the beauty of the island location. It also plays out through Ben's frustration and anger at being unable to get to the truth, with a real ticking clock feel to the story driven by the fact that he, and we, know there is another potential victim out there somewhere.
And it is that second victims point of view that makes up the other part of the narrative. Although it is very hard to hear from them, theirs is a very important perspective, and I liked how Kare Rhodes has woven this into the story. Whilst this is a really tough and depraved tale, hearing from the second victim made me even more invested in her fate. I liked her determination and defiance even in the face of such overwhelmingly poor odds and such adire situation. She is focused on one thing, one factor that gives her strength and heart when others might just have given up, and it is this that actually creates that sense of urgency in the book, particularly for the police, in locating her whereabouts.
For fans of the series, many of our favourite characters are back, including Ben's loyal wolfhound, Shadow, who comes to play a very important part in this story - something we are very used to. There are some very emotional moments, and a many surprising ones too, with the whole story leading us to a conclusion that feels like it might be a step towards something a bit different for the next book. It's definitely not the kind of story that can leave no mark on the residents of Scilly, but it is more than that, for reasons I won't go into here. But, one thing that has no changed is the way in which the author uses pitch perfect pacing, portraying that oh so authentic sense of community that exists on the islands, and using that almost against the residents to heighten the shock of the truth when it lands. And with the case taking a very personal turn for Ben, it's one of those moments when I felt myself drawn to the edge of my seat, leaning forward into my kindle to try and force some kind of positive resolution in the face of overwhelming odds. I love it when a book can do that, don't you?
So, yes, this is perhaps the darkest story in the series yet but oh so relevant and current. It hasn't put me off visiting Scilly mind, with the author painting such a vivid picture of the islands that, even if they do seem more dangerous than Midsomer, you can still feel the passion and love for the setting, so much so that it just makes me want to be there to experience this community for myself. Tense, pacy and set to send shockwaves across the whole of Scilly, and the Ben Kitto reading community if we're being honest, I was drawn in from the very first page and held rapt until the shocking and nail biting conclusion. Fans of the books will love/hate it, and I cannot wait to see where Kate Rhodes takes this series next given all that comes to light in this novel. Definitely recommended.
January 3, 2026
Ah, how wonderful to be back on the Isles of Scilly with Ben, Shadow and the wonderful cast of Deadman’s Pool the eighth instalment of this extraordinarily good series.
It’s winter and the author has created a new story set on the Isles of Scilly using her extremely impressive writing skills that make you feel like you are riding every wave, feeling every gust of wind, every drop of rain as you’re transported back across the sea into the world of D I Ben Kitto. It’s a dark yet beautiful world where you can smile at the heartwarming moments that have been so wonderfully interwoven into the mystery surrounding that of a teenager’s body found by Kitto’s faithful companion Shadow on St Helen’s where he was transporting Father Michael to his pilgrimage.
Now a father Ben takes this grisly find to heart and pours every ounce of energy into the investigation. It soon becomes apparent that the teenager is related to someone else on the Isles and that takes the investigation to an incident years before involving Ben’s boss and possible child trafficking.
Ben puts his heart and soul into the investigation which means that a discussion about the future is being put off. He knows that can’t continue but for now he’s just too busy and too focused.
Throughout the book is a haunting, melancholic voice of a girl in a heartbreaking and disturbing situation. Is it the past speaking or is this happening now?
There are teenagers who are fascinated with St Helen’s and its history. Rumours are spreading about several adults being involved in terrible things. Yet these inquisitive individuals may have information about what is happening Ben has to filter out what it myth and what is the truth.
The investigation brings several suspects to light. Ben is looking for that particular clue, that piece of information or evidence that will tell him who the killer is when something else happens, something more personal and terrifying than he could ever imagine!
Deadman’s Pool is absolutely fantastic – the setting, the atmosphere, the characters are beautifully crafted alongside a storyline that is so compelling, absolutely riveting. What a story Kate Rhodes has written!
This series simply gets better with each new book and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
It’s winter and the author has created a new story set on the Isles of Scilly using her extremely impressive writing skills that make you feel like you are riding every wave, feeling every gust of wind, every drop of rain as you’re transported back across the sea into the world of D I Ben Kitto. It’s a dark yet beautiful world where you can smile at the heartwarming moments that have been so wonderfully interwoven into the mystery surrounding that of a teenager’s body found by Kitto’s faithful companion Shadow on St Helen’s where he was transporting Father Michael to his pilgrimage.
Now a father Ben takes this grisly find to heart and pours every ounce of energy into the investigation. It soon becomes apparent that the teenager is related to someone else on the Isles and that takes the investigation to an incident years before involving Ben’s boss and possible child trafficking.
Ben puts his heart and soul into the investigation which means that a discussion about the future is being put off. He knows that can’t continue but for now he’s just too busy and too focused.
Throughout the book is a haunting, melancholic voice of a girl in a heartbreaking and disturbing situation. Is it the past speaking or is this happening now?
There are teenagers who are fascinated with St Helen’s and its history. Rumours are spreading about several adults being involved in terrible things. Yet these inquisitive individuals may have information about what is happening Ben has to filter out what it myth and what is the truth.
The investigation brings several suspects to light. Ben is looking for that particular clue, that piece of information or evidence that will tell him who the killer is when something else happens, something more personal and terrifying than he could ever imagine!
Deadman’s Pool is absolutely fantastic – the setting, the atmosphere, the characters are beautifully crafted alongside a storyline that is so compelling, absolutely riveting. What a story Kate Rhodes has written!
This series simply gets better with each new book and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
October 18, 2025
Enjoyed this one although a little bit confusing at times.
December 27, 2025
Deadman's Pool is the eighth instalment in Kate Rhodes' Isles of Scilly Mysteries series but the first I've read; I can see why she has so many fans though – I absolutely loved this book and have a new favourite detective in DI Ben Kitto.
Although I have obviously missed out on seeing how Ben's character has developed over the course of the series, I was given an excellent sense of the man, his love for the Isles of Scilly and the contentment he has found since returning there, which persists even though he is drawn into a harrowing case that results in him suspecting the worst of many of his friends and neighbours. Ben is imbued with authenticity – he has experienced tragic losses, and he and his wife, Nina have to contend with the pressures of his job while negotiating their hopes for the future they share with their infant son, Noah – but he isn't tormented by his past, it's just part of who he is.
Ben offers to ferry the current Roman Catholic priest of the Scilly's, Father Michael Kerrigan to the uninhabited island St Helen's for his annual pilgrimage. Although nobody lives on St Helen's now, as the medieval settlement of St Elidius, it is a sacred site to Christians. Ben can't help feeling unsettled by the island, particularly as it is also the site of an eighteenth century plague hospital, known as the Pest House. Scores of men infected with cholera, typhus or the plague were effectively imprisoned there, with many succumbing to their illnesses before being buried in the overcrowded graveyard – or in the case of several of the plague victims, cast into a stretch of water which became known as Deadman's Pool. It's a far more recent burial, uncovered by his dog, Shadow, which concerns Ben, however, and he is deeply troubled by the discovery of the emaciated body of a young woman.
The opening chapter of the book introduces a young Vietnamese woman called Mai who is being held prisoner in a freezing basement by an older man who furiously beat her when she became pregnant, despite him being the father. It is clear her dreadful plight is connected to Ben's investigation into the murdered girl and as the two storylines are gradually woven together, Kate Rhodes empathetically ensures the grim statistics around people trafficking become more than shocking numbers and are humanised by poor Mai's horrendous ordeal.
It is already known that the islands have a problem with smuggling of contraband but while some are ready to believe strangers lie behind the murder, Ben isn't convinced and suspects the perpetrator is closer to home. When one of St Mary's local teenagers tells him of a powerful network of influential islanders who are running drugs and smuggling humans, he is initially inclined to believe her words are a conspiracy theory but as this gripping thriller proceeds, he begins to question whether there is some truth behind her claims. If so, Ben doesn't know who he can trust and he goes head-to-head with some of the most respected figures on St Mary's as the tension rises inexorably after a second disturbing discovery on St Helen's suggests another life could be in danger.
Kate Rhodes cleverly calls into question the behaviour of a number of the island's stalwarts, who all seem to be acting suspiciously. Is one of them a cold-hearted killer or could they be working together? Despite dealing with some dark themes, the beauty of the Isles of Scilly is captured throughout and even the intense storms which pummel the islands are saturated with atmospheric majesty. Likewise, the fierce sense of community is apparent throughout the book. The cast of characters is equally as vibrant, with the caustic Liz Gannick, Cornwall's chief forensics officer, the troubled but determined teen, Sinead and Ben's wolfdog, Shadow all making an especially strong impression, alongside the compassionate, driven Ben Kitto and the terrified yet courageous Mai.
The final chapters of Deadman's Pool become almost unbearably tense as the case becomes more personal than ever for Ben and his desperate race against time finds him challenged both mentally and physically by the elements and his own fears, as well as the ruthless killer. The truth as to their identity isn't revealed until late in proceedings which means this terrifically pacy book is irresistibly compelling. Beautifully written from start to finish, Deadman's Pool is an exciting, shocking and heartbreaking read – I almost inhaled this evocative and riveting thriller and cannot recommend it highly enough!
Although I have obviously missed out on seeing how Ben's character has developed over the course of the series, I was given an excellent sense of the man, his love for the Isles of Scilly and the contentment he has found since returning there, which persists even though he is drawn into a harrowing case that results in him suspecting the worst of many of his friends and neighbours. Ben is imbued with authenticity – he has experienced tragic losses, and he and his wife, Nina have to contend with the pressures of his job while negotiating their hopes for the future they share with their infant son, Noah – but he isn't tormented by his past, it's just part of who he is.
Ben offers to ferry the current Roman Catholic priest of the Scilly's, Father Michael Kerrigan to the uninhabited island St Helen's for his annual pilgrimage. Although nobody lives on St Helen's now, as the medieval settlement of St Elidius, it is a sacred site to Christians. Ben can't help feeling unsettled by the island, particularly as it is also the site of an eighteenth century plague hospital, known as the Pest House. Scores of men infected with cholera, typhus or the plague were effectively imprisoned there, with many succumbing to their illnesses before being buried in the overcrowded graveyard – or in the case of several of the plague victims, cast into a stretch of water which became known as Deadman's Pool. It's a far more recent burial, uncovered by his dog, Shadow, which concerns Ben, however, and he is deeply troubled by the discovery of the emaciated body of a young woman.
The opening chapter of the book introduces a young Vietnamese woman called Mai who is being held prisoner in a freezing basement by an older man who furiously beat her when she became pregnant, despite him being the father. It is clear her dreadful plight is connected to Ben's investigation into the murdered girl and as the two storylines are gradually woven together, Kate Rhodes empathetically ensures the grim statistics around people trafficking become more than shocking numbers and are humanised by poor Mai's horrendous ordeal.
It is already known that the islands have a problem with smuggling of contraband but while some are ready to believe strangers lie behind the murder, Ben isn't convinced and suspects the perpetrator is closer to home. When one of St Mary's local teenagers tells him of a powerful network of influential islanders who are running drugs and smuggling humans, he is initially inclined to believe her words are a conspiracy theory but as this gripping thriller proceeds, he begins to question whether there is some truth behind her claims. If so, Ben doesn't know who he can trust and he goes head-to-head with some of the most respected figures on St Mary's as the tension rises inexorably after a second disturbing discovery on St Helen's suggests another life could be in danger.
Kate Rhodes cleverly calls into question the behaviour of a number of the island's stalwarts, who all seem to be acting suspiciously. Is one of them a cold-hearted killer or could they be working together? Despite dealing with some dark themes, the beauty of the Isles of Scilly is captured throughout and even the intense storms which pummel the islands are saturated with atmospheric majesty. Likewise, the fierce sense of community is apparent throughout the book. The cast of characters is equally as vibrant, with the caustic Liz Gannick, Cornwall's chief forensics officer, the troubled but determined teen, Sinead and Ben's wolfdog, Shadow all making an especially strong impression, alongside the compassionate, driven Ben Kitto and the terrified yet courageous Mai.
The final chapters of Deadman's Pool become almost unbearably tense as the case becomes more personal than ever for Ben and his desperate race against time finds him challenged both mentally and physically by the elements and his own fears, as well as the ruthless killer. The truth as to their identity isn't revealed until late in proceedings which means this terrifically pacy book is irresistibly compelling. Beautifully written from start to finish, Deadman's Pool is an exciting, shocking and heartbreaking read – I almost inhaled this evocative and riveting thriller and cannot recommend it highly enough!
October 10, 2025
Though this is my first book by this author, I’ve learned that this is actually the eighth book in the Isles of Scilly Mysteries.
DI Ben Kitto unearths the body of a young Vietnamese girl buried near ruins on the island of St Helen’s. With no connection to anyone on the “tiny archipelago with less than two thousand souls,” Ben suspects that she may have been the victim of human trafficking. As Ben and his team investigate and try to find the person responsible, they come to believe that there may be another girl being held captive somewhere, so locating her adds extra urgency.
Most of the novel focuses on Ben’s perspective. The reader follows the investigation from his point of view and sees his struggles: foul weather, an antagonistic supervisor, and people keeping secrets. We also learn about Ben’s home life with his wife Nina and their one-year-old son Noah. Though there are some tensions, it is home that provides Ben with stability and a respite from his work. His love for Nina and Noah is very evident.
There are also brief interludes from the point of view of Mai, a sixteen-year-old Vietnamese girl who has been held captive by a man for six years. She has recently given birth to a son Lao whom the man has taken away. I found her sections a harrowing read though her descriptions of all she has endured ensure that the reader becomes invested in her fate. She emerges as an amazingly strong person. Her parents taught her about kien, a word meaning “strength and resilience, the ability to survive disasters” and she certainly proves to possess those traits. In the end what is also impressive is her choice to put the protection of others ahead of her own safety.
Not having encountered Ben before, I enjoyed learning about him. He’s obviously intelligent and skilled at his job, but what stands out is his determination; “I need to know exactly what happened or her image will stain my memory forever.” He admits that he likes to do things at his own pace, but it’s
clear that he will let nothing stand in his way. His boss is demanding and not especially supportive, but Ben perseveres. When he needs to question the islands’ power holders, he doesn’t hesitate. I also appreciated Ben’s comment about his “blunt communication style.”
The book has the reader playing detective along with Ben and his team. Because we are given Mai’s perspective, we know a bit about the perpetrator (such as his claim that music gives his life balance) and the type of place where she is being held captive, so as each man is questioned and his property searched, I asked myself whether he could be the one holding Mai captive. Of course there are several men whose musical interests are mentioned and almost everyone has an old shed or cellar or access to an abandoned building that could serve as a hiding spot. Several men behave suspiciously but then they have seemingly credible explanations. Teenagers spread rumours about a cabal of influential people involved in human trafficking. So there are many potential suspects. About three-quarters of the way through the novel, I had strong suspicions - which proved to be correct - but I wasn’t convinced and was strongly motivated to continue to the end. I appreciate when an author follows the fair play doctrine.
The book is a page turner. With the discovery of the body at the beginning, my interest was captured and it never waned thereafter. I was concerned for Mai’s fate as soon as she was introduced, but suspense ramped up when the case takes a personal turn for Ben and there really is a race against time.
I love touring islands. I love Canada’s Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine; Croatia’s islands such as Pag, Krk, and Korčula; Ireland’s Inis Mór and Skellig Michael; Holland’s Texel; Scotland’s Skye and Iona; and Denmark’s Faroe Islands. The author paints such a vivid picture of the Isles of Scilly and their sense of community that they have been added to my bucket list of places to visit.
I will have to backtrack and read the first seven Isles of Scilly books when time allows, but I will definitely read any books that continue the series.
Note: Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) or substack (https://doreenyakabuski.substack.com/) for over 1,200 of my book reviews.
DI Ben Kitto unearths the body of a young Vietnamese girl buried near ruins on the island of St Helen’s. With no connection to anyone on the “tiny archipelago with less than two thousand souls,” Ben suspects that she may have been the victim of human trafficking. As Ben and his team investigate and try to find the person responsible, they come to believe that there may be another girl being held captive somewhere, so locating her adds extra urgency.
Most of the novel focuses on Ben’s perspective. The reader follows the investigation from his point of view and sees his struggles: foul weather, an antagonistic supervisor, and people keeping secrets. We also learn about Ben’s home life with his wife Nina and their one-year-old son Noah. Though there are some tensions, it is home that provides Ben with stability and a respite from his work. His love for Nina and Noah is very evident.
There are also brief interludes from the point of view of Mai, a sixteen-year-old Vietnamese girl who has been held captive by a man for six years. She has recently given birth to a son Lao whom the man has taken away. I found her sections a harrowing read though her descriptions of all she has endured ensure that the reader becomes invested in her fate. She emerges as an amazingly strong person. Her parents taught her about kien, a word meaning “strength and resilience, the ability to survive disasters” and she certainly proves to possess those traits. In the end what is also impressive is her choice to put the protection of others ahead of her own safety.
Not having encountered Ben before, I enjoyed learning about him. He’s obviously intelligent and skilled at his job, but what stands out is his determination; “I need to know exactly what happened or her image will stain my memory forever.” He admits that he likes to do things at his own pace, but it’s
clear that he will let nothing stand in his way. His boss is demanding and not especially supportive, but Ben perseveres. When he needs to question the islands’ power holders, he doesn’t hesitate. I also appreciated Ben’s comment about his “blunt communication style.”
The book has the reader playing detective along with Ben and his team. Because we are given Mai’s perspective, we know a bit about the perpetrator (such as his claim that music gives his life balance) and the type of place where she is being held captive, so as each man is questioned and his property searched, I asked myself whether he could be the one holding Mai captive. Of course there are several men whose musical interests are mentioned and almost everyone has an old shed or cellar or access to an abandoned building that could serve as a hiding spot. Several men behave suspiciously but then they have seemingly credible explanations. Teenagers spread rumours about a cabal of influential people involved in human trafficking. So there are many potential suspects. About three-quarters of the way through the novel, I had strong suspicions - which proved to be correct - but I wasn’t convinced and was strongly motivated to continue to the end. I appreciate when an author follows the fair play doctrine.
The book is a page turner. With the discovery of the body at the beginning, my interest was captured and it never waned thereafter. I was concerned for Mai’s fate as soon as she was introduced, but suspense ramped up when the case takes a personal turn for Ben and there really is a race against time.
I love touring islands. I love Canada’s Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine; Croatia’s islands such as Pag, Krk, and Korčula; Ireland’s Inis Mór and Skellig Michael; Holland’s Texel; Scotland’s Skye and Iona; and Denmark’s Faroe Islands. The author paints such a vivid picture of the Isles of Scilly and their sense of community that they have been added to my bucket list of places to visit.
I will have to backtrack and read the first seven Isles of Scilly books when time allows, but I will definitely read any books that continue the series.
Note: Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) or substack (https://doreenyakabuski.substack.com/) for over 1,200 of my book reviews.
November 14, 2025
What makes this series such a pleasure is not just the setting of the Isles of Scilly, but the interaction of the characters with their environment and each other.
You can expect fine descriptions of the rugged beauty of the islands, how can there not be, but also the reader is given a sense of their isolation. They may be a mere 24 miles from the mainland, but in bad weather they are essentially cut off. The action scoots across the islands, with boat trips, van and motorcycle rides and Ben running behind his dog Shadow, taking in the beauty spots and traditional buildings along the way. With so few cars around, the narrative bristles with frustrations and the need for urgency, but nothing can be hurried. It's like a dream where you are being chased but are wearing heavy boots and can’t get away.
For me the most enjoyable aspect of the series and what makes it unique, is how the author has captured life on the islands. It’s a small, isolated community that for many years had a precarious subsistence style existence, heavily reliant upon the weather and the vagaries of the cruel sea (which claimed Ben’s father’s life.) These are people who have learned to live harmoniously with the environment, taking from it only what they need. It may sound idyllic, but it was a hard existence, one where people did more than one job, developed self-reliance but also gave support to the community. Modernity hasn’t totally passed it by, but it retains its character and community spirit unlike many other small, isolated communities. As Ben observes one of the characters being dressed too poshly for island life; one that is measured by your commitment and contribution to it rather than how you look. This is the overriding vibe of the story, togetherness.
The story is heart rendering, in particular reading the thoughts of the imprisoned Mai, and touching in turn. People trafficking is a serious contemporary issue and is handled with just the right amount of tact and humanity within the confines of a thriller. A clever thriller it is too, with a gradual build up as Ben tries to get the locals to open up, before the chapters suddenly shorten in length and things get frantic and dangerous. This is one thriller that does deliver, with plenty of danger and jeopardy. The addition of the conspiracy theory is a masterstroke. The easiest way to quell uncomfortable questions is to brand them a conspiracy theory and treat them with ridicule. In a community where everyone must get along, Ben must upset influential people in his search for answers, not placing complete trust in those he normally would, which introduces a nice element of conflict.
Domestic friction is there for Ben and wife Nina, a seemingly perfect couple. Nina wants another child, but Ben fears losing her as her first pregnancy put her life in danger. She also wonders if Noah’s future would be brighter on the mainland.
Many of the long-standing characters figure, making it a delight with the comfort of familiarity, though one provides a major shock. Shadow gets a starring role this time around, but it is Liz Gannick the disabled forensics expert who unexpectedly provides the heartwarming moment. The cantankerous, arrogant and stern Liz lets her guard slip when she visits Ben and Nina for dinner and is captivated by Noah. A nice touch to balance a bleak story.
You can expect fine descriptions of the rugged beauty of the islands, how can there not be, but also the reader is given a sense of their isolation. They may be a mere 24 miles from the mainland, but in bad weather they are essentially cut off. The action scoots across the islands, with boat trips, van and motorcycle rides and Ben running behind his dog Shadow, taking in the beauty spots and traditional buildings along the way. With so few cars around, the narrative bristles with frustrations and the need for urgency, but nothing can be hurried. It's like a dream where you are being chased but are wearing heavy boots and can’t get away.
For me the most enjoyable aspect of the series and what makes it unique, is how the author has captured life on the islands. It’s a small, isolated community that for many years had a precarious subsistence style existence, heavily reliant upon the weather and the vagaries of the cruel sea (which claimed Ben’s father’s life.) These are people who have learned to live harmoniously with the environment, taking from it only what they need. It may sound idyllic, but it was a hard existence, one where people did more than one job, developed self-reliance but also gave support to the community. Modernity hasn’t totally passed it by, but it retains its character and community spirit unlike many other small, isolated communities. As Ben observes one of the characters being dressed too poshly for island life; one that is measured by your commitment and contribution to it rather than how you look. This is the overriding vibe of the story, togetherness.
The story is heart rendering, in particular reading the thoughts of the imprisoned Mai, and touching in turn. People trafficking is a serious contemporary issue and is handled with just the right amount of tact and humanity within the confines of a thriller. A clever thriller it is too, with a gradual build up as Ben tries to get the locals to open up, before the chapters suddenly shorten in length and things get frantic and dangerous. This is one thriller that does deliver, with plenty of danger and jeopardy. The addition of the conspiracy theory is a masterstroke. The easiest way to quell uncomfortable questions is to brand them a conspiracy theory and treat them with ridicule. In a community where everyone must get along, Ben must upset influential people in his search for answers, not placing complete trust in those he normally would, which introduces a nice element of conflict.
Domestic friction is there for Ben and wife Nina, a seemingly perfect couple. Nina wants another child, but Ben fears losing her as her first pregnancy put her life in danger. She also wonders if Noah’s future would be brighter on the mainland.
Many of the long-standing characters figure, making it a delight with the comfort of familiarity, though one provides a major shock. Shadow gets a starring role this time around, but it is Liz Gannick the disabled forensics expert who unexpectedly provides the heartwarming moment. The cantankerous, arrogant and stern Liz lets her guard slip when she visits Ben and Nina for dinner and is captivated by Noah. A nice touch to balance a bleak story.
October 15, 2025
When I've looked back through my reading lists, I've found that I first read Kate Rhodes in 2014, over ten years ago. I haven't read all of her books, and I've certainly not read them in order (naughty!), but I've always enjoyed her style of writing. Deadman's Pool is the latest in the Isles of Scilly mysteries and it is outstanding. I have loved every single page of it. Even if you've not read any of the others in the series, this one is so well written that I assure you, you won't get lost!
From the very first page it pulls you straight into the salt-tinged world of DI Ben Kitto; this time, facing perhaps his most emotionally wrenching case yet.
The novel opens with the discovery of the body of a young girl. Buried on the shore of the island of St Mary's. No child has been reported as missing, Ben and his team have no idea how the body got there.
Almost at the same time, a newborn baby is left on the steps of the police station, bundled carefully in a blanket, with no note, no clue, nothing. Ben feels that the two events feel somehow connected, though how, he can’t yet see.
As the investigation deepens, whispers begin to surface about illegal migrant workers and conspiracy theories believed by the young people of the islands. Mai is a young Vietnamese woman whose story runs parallel to Ben's investigation. Her chapters are some of the most haunting and powerful in the book. The author gives her a voice full of fear and fierce determination as she endures captivity and dreams of freedom.
What unfolds is a story about control, exploitation, and survival, but also about compassion and community and about how far people will go to protect one another, even in the darkest of times.
Kate Rhodes paints the Isles of Scilly beautifully. You feel the pull of the tides, the clatter of rain on windows, the creeping unease when the power goes out. It’s both gorgeous and menacing.
Ben Kitto is a detective that I really like, he is decent, a man wrestling with duty and the ghosts of past cases. His home life with Nina and baby Noah adds real heart; he’s not a brooding loner, but a man constantly trying to balance love and justice.
The author juggles the whodunit intrigue with social relevance, making this more than just a murder mystery; it’s a story about people who fall through the cracks, and those who refuse to look away.
Deadman’s Pool is dark, and at times brutal, but it’s also tender and deeply humane. The contrast between Mai’s desperate plight and Ben’s quiet determination is what gives the book its power. By the end, I was emotionally drained; the best kind of crime novel experience.
From the very first page it pulls you straight into the salt-tinged world of DI Ben Kitto; this time, facing perhaps his most emotionally wrenching case yet.
The novel opens with the discovery of the body of a young girl. Buried on the shore of the island of St Mary's. No child has been reported as missing, Ben and his team have no idea how the body got there.
Almost at the same time, a newborn baby is left on the steps of the police station, bundled carefully in a blanket, with no note, no clue, nothing. Ben feels that the two events feel somehow connected, though how, he can’t yet see.
As the investigation deepens, whispers begin to surface about illegal migrant workers and conspiracy theories believed by the young people of the islands. Mai is a young Vietnamese woman whose story runs parallel to Ben's investigation. Her chapters are some of the most haunting and powerful in the book. The author gives her a voice full of fear and fierce determination as she endures captivity and dreams of freedom.
What unfolds is a story about control, exploitation, and survival, but also about compassion and community and about how far people will go to protect one another, even in the darkest of times.
Kate Rhodes paints the Isles of Scilly beautifully. You feel the pull of the tides, the clatter of rain on windows, the creeping unease when the power goes out. It’s both gorgeous and menacing.
Ben Kitto is a detective that I really like, he is decent, a man wrestling with duty and the ghosts of past cases. His home life with Nina and baby Noah adds real heart; he’s not a brooding loner, but a man constantly trying to balance love and justice.
The author juggles the whodunit intrigue with social relevance, making this more than just a murder mystery; it’s a story about people who fall through the cracks, and those who refuse to look away.
Deadman’s Pool is dark, and at times brutal, but it’s also tender and deeply humane. The contrast between Mai’s desperate plight and Ben’s quiet determination is what gives the book its power. By the end, I was emotionally drained; the best kind of crime novel experience.
October 7, 2025
DI Ben Kitto's day takes a shocking turn when he ferries priest, Father Michael, to uninhabited St Helen's for a pilgrimage. As he frets about the priest's chances camping during the winter storms currently lashing the Isles of Scilly, Ben's dog unearths an emaciated corpse on the beach.
Forensic examination shows the body to belong to a young Vietnamese woman, who seems to have no connection to Scilly, but as the murder investigation gets underway Ben begins to suspect that there may actually be a killer living in one of the island communities where he has made his home...
Kate Rhodes is an exciting new signing to Orenda Books, where her Isles of Scilly mysteries, featuring DI Ben Kitto, have found a new home with book eight, Deadman's Pool. I have not read any of the earlier instalments in this series, so embarking on an adventure with Ben Kitto did involve some picking up the threads of a fair bit of backstory, but the mystery itself is largely self-contained so I had no problem reading this as a new-comer.
Flipping back and forth between the narrative of a young Vietnamese woman called Mai, and a murder investigation from Ben's perspective, Rhodes draws you into a mystery that grips you like a vice from the very first page. Mai's account of years of abuse at the hands of an unidentified captor is utterly heartrending, and her fear feeds elegantly into the slow-burn police procedural elements of the search for a murderer driven by Ben's own despair - especially when he realises that the man they are looking for must be hiding in plain sight.
Rhodes really knows how to keep you guessing, lining up a set of highly suspicious candidates for the role of guilty party, and mixing in the whisper of conspiracy to cloud your judgement. As the action gathers in pace, I really did not know who to trust, and the heart-pounding tempo builds relentlessly into the most beautifully choreographed climax that has danger coming much too close to Ben's own family for comfort.
I absolutely loved the way this story is set against the wind and wuthering of storm season, which heightens the tension, and feelings of isolation and desperation. Unpredictable weather, and fragmented communities separated by the capricious sea stand as characters in their own right, creating an atmosphere to quite literally die for. And there are glorious themes for you to get your teeth into around people trafficking, family ties, and the difficulties faced by island communities in terms of economy and environment.
My first Kate Rhodes, but definitely not my last!
Forensic examination shows the body to belong to a young Vietnamese woman, who seems to have no connection to Scilly, but as the murder investigation gets underway Ben begins to suspect that there may actually be a killer living in one of the island communities where he has made his home...
Kate Rhodes is an exciting new signing to Orenda Books, where her Isles of Scilly mysteries, featuring DI Ben Kitto, have found a new home with book eight, Deadman's Pool. I have not read any of the earlier instalments in this series, so embarking on an adventure with Ben Kitto did involve some picking up the threads of a fair bit of backstory, but the mystery itself is largely self-contained so I had no problem reading this as a new-comer.
Flipping back and forth between the narrative of a young Vietnamese woman called Mai, and a murder investigation from Ben's perspective, Rhodes draws you into a mystery that grips you like a vice from the very first page. Mai's account of years of abuse at the hands of an unidentified captor is utterly heartrending, and her fear feeds elegantly into the slow-burn police procedural elements of the search for a murderer driven by Ben's own despair - especially when he realises that the man they are looking for must be hiding in plain sight.
Rhodes really knows how to keep you guessing, lining up a set of highly suspicious candidates for the role of guilty party, and mixing in the whisper of conspiracy to cloud your judgement. As the action gathers in pace, I really did not know who to trust, and the heart-pounding tempo builds relentlessly into the most beautifully choreographed climax that has danger coming much too close to Ben's own family for comfort.
I absolutely loved the way this story is set against the wind and wuthering of storm season, which heightens the tension, and feelings of isolation and desperation. Unpredictable weather, and fragmented communities separated by the capricious sea stand as characters in their own right, creating an atmosphere to quite literally die for. And there are glorious themes for you to get your teeth into around people trafficking, family ties, and the difficulties faced by island communities in terms of economy and environment.
My first Kate Rhodes, but definitely not my last!
September 15, 2025
It seems like ages since I caught up on the Isle if Silly Mysteries, but Ben Kitto is back and this time the investigation has a real sense of urgency and becomes personal. With a race against time and a whole host of suspects is this going to be the case that gets the better of him.
Ben Kitto started his day in what he thought would be a simple taxi service to the island of St Helens, that is until his dog Shadow unearths the remains of a young girl. Clearly this is a recent burial but as there has been no reports of any missing people on the islands, her identity is as much a mystery as the reason for her murder. As ever Ben is being micromanaged by his boss, and he feels that his investigation is being hampered by the fact that every detail must be run past him.
Ben has been getting used to his personal life, but the death of this young girl seems to have really got under his skin, and he is working himself to exhaustion to solve the case quickly. When a small baby is left at the station it is soon clear that although there is a familial match to the dead girl the baby is not hers, so the race is on to find the mother. Thankfully he has the complete backing of his team who are also giving 100%.
Most of the book is told from Ben’s point of view so it is through his eyes that we see the reactions of the islanders that come under suspicion and the group of youngsters who are convinced there is a conspiracy on the island. Whilst I would not doubt the accounts of events as they are happening it is the small chapters that detail the life of one of the victims that really hold your attention. You can feel the desperation of their situation but also the hope that they will survive, if only to be reunited with their child. The interactions with their unknown captor are quite disturbing but only add to the tension that builds throughout the book.
I love the dynamic between Ben and his team; they clearly trust each other and work well together. Whilst I have never been a fan of his boss, in this book I did feel some sympathy towards him as he is clearly suffering but refuses to take any help as he sees it as a sign of weakness. The book tackles several darker themes, but all are dealt with sensitively and as ever the starkness of the Scilly Isles and its very temperamental weather add that extra dimension to the story, making sure that the pressure never lets up. With the ending not one I was expecting I can’t wait to see how the very close-knit community deal with the repercussions of what has taken place.
Ben Kitto started his day in what he thought would be a simple taxi service to the island of St Helens, that is until his dog Shadow unearths the remains of a young girl. Clearly this is a recent burial but as there has been no reports of any missing people on the islands, her identity is as much a mystery as the reason for her murder. As ever Ben is being micromanaged by his boss, and he feels that his investigation is being hampered by the fact that every detail must be run past him.
Ben has been getting used to his personal life, but the death of this young girl seems to have really got under his skin, and he is working himself to exhaustion to solve the case quickly. When a small baby is left at the station it is soon clear that although there is a familial match to the dead girl the baby is not hers, so the race is on to find the mother. Thankfully he has the complete backing of his team who are also giving 100%.
Most of the book is told from Ben’s point of view so it is through his eyes that we see the reactions of the islanders that come under suspicion and the group of youngsters who are convinced there is a conspiracy on the island. Whilst I would not doubt the accounts of events as they are happening it is the small chapters that detail the life of one of the victims that really hold your attention. You can feel the desperation of their situation but also the hope that they will survive, if only to be reunited with their child. The interactions with their unknown captor are quite disturbing but only add to the tension that builds throughout the book.
I love the dynamic between Ben and his team; they clearly trust each other and work well together. Whilst I have never been a fan of his boss, in this book I did feel some sympathy towards him as he is clearly suffering but refuses to take any help as he sees it as a sign of weakness. The book tackles several darker themes, but all are dealt with sensitively and as ever the starkness of the Scilly Isles and its very temperamental weather add that extra dimension to the story, making sure that the pressure never lets up. With the ending not one I was expecting I can’t wait to see how the very close-knit community deal with the repercussions of what has taken place.
September 22, 2025
It’s always a treat to read a new Kate Rhodes book in her island of Scilly series featuring DI Ben Kitto. Deadman’s Pool is the latest book, and Ben faces perhaps one of the darkest cases, with the highest stakes of his career. This time round, Ben’s son, Noah, is a year old, and Ben is faced with a heartbreaking case, with the discovery of the body of a young woman on the Holy Island of St Helen’s. The case touches a topic frequently in the news today, that of human trafficking, and as Ben investigates the young woman’s murder, he finds himself in even more danger than he’s ever been in before.
It is clear to see how much Ben’s world has changed in the last few books in this series. His work as a police officer and his volunteer work are causing some friction in his marriage to Nina. She feels he should be spending more time with them, and her frustration does come through in her dialogue, particularly early on in the novel, as well, after Ben discovers the body of the young woman. But I could understand why Nina was feeling this way and I felt great sympathy for her. She is terrified of something happening to Ben, but is Ben prepared to give up his career for his family?
Throughout the novel, we also hear from the point of view of a young Vietnamese woman called Mai. Mai’s chapters were incredibly compelling and haunting. I could feel the pain and the terror she was going through, and her voice really comes through on the page. The tension surrounding her captors is there as well, which definitely heightens the stakes and I felt as though time was running out for Ben to bring them to justice.
I couldn’t stop turning the pages as I raced towards the end of the book. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but Kate Rhodes really does up the tension for Ben. Part of me couldn’t bear to find out what was going to happen, but I also knew I had to read on. You’ll know what I mean once you get to this part of the novel.
Deadman’s Pool is definitely one of my favourite books in this series. I’m so excited to see where Kate Rhodes takes Ben Kitto next.
It is clear to see how much Ben’s world has changed in the last few books in this series. His work as a police officer and his volunteer work are causing some friction in his marriage to Nina. She feels he should be spending more time with them, and her frustration does come through in her dialogue, particularly early on in the novel, as well, after Ben discovers the body of the young woman. But I could understand why Nina was feeling this way and I felt great sympathy for her. She is terrified of something happening to Ben, but is Ben prepared to give up his career for his family?
Throughout the novel, we also hear from the point of view of a young Vietnamese woman called Mai. Mai’s chapters were incredibly compelling and haunting. I could feel the pain and the terror she was going through, and her voice really comes through on the page. The tension surrounding her captors is there as well, which definitely heightens the stakes and I felt as though time was running out for Ben to bring them to justice.
I couldn’t stop turning the pages as I raced towards the end of the book. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but Kate Rhodes really does up the tension for Ben. Part of me couldn’t bear to find out what was going to happen, but I also knew I had to read on. You’ll know what I mean once you get to this part of the novel.
Deadman’s Pool is definitely one of my favourite books in this series. I’m so excited to see where Kate Rhodes takes Ben Kitto next.
October 1, 2025
Jumping into a series on the eighth book isn’t something I’d usually do. But - full admission here - I didn’t realise that this book was part of a series when I asked to join the blog tour. I was nervous about starting a series so late and worried I’d feel lost or find it hard to connect with the characters. But Kate Rhodes made it easy by crafting a story that is expertly paced and plotted and richly drawn characters that she brings the reader up to speed on the backstories of so that we never feel out of the loop.
A winter storm rages on the Isles of Scilly and DI Ben Kitto makes a shocking discovery: a child’s body wrapped in a shroud and buried in the sand. Evidence shows that the victim was kept in a dark place for years. Things take another chilling turn when a newborn baby is left in a box outside the police station. How could a child be kept captive and a pregnancy hidden in such a small, close-knit community? As links between the two cases are confirmed, Ben and his team must battle the elements to find the baby’s mother and to stop a killer before they have the chance to kill again.
Atmospheric, dark, intense and unpredictable, this had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. A vivid sense of place and character makes the islands and their inhabitants come alive and made me lose myself in this small community and the hunt for a depraved killer and vulnerable new mother. DI Ben Kitto is a likeable protagonist who obviously cares a lot about his job and his home and I was behind him at every step. The inclusion of Mai’s story added an extra layer of tension that made the stakes even higher and her emotions were palpable. I was on tenterhooks with my heart racing, unable to put the book down as I desperately needed to know if they would find her before it's too late. Rhodes provided multiple possible culprits, planting seeds of doubt that could have been clues or read herrings that kept me guessing right up until the shocking truth was unveiled.
Nerve-shredding and totally superb, I’m so glad that I finally discovered this series and can’t wait to read the backlist. Highly recommended.
A winter storm rages on the Isles of Scilly and DI Ben Kitto makes a shocking discovery: a child’s body wrapped in a shroud and buried in the sand. Evidence shows that the victim was kept in a dark place for years. Things take another chilling turn when a newborn baby is left in a box outside the police station. How could a child be kept captive and a pregnancy hidden in such a small, close-knit community? As links between the two cases are confirmed, Ben and his team must battle the elements to find the baby’s mother and to stop a killer before they have the chance to kill again.
Atmospheric, dark, intense and unpredictable, this had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. A vivid sense of place and character makes the islands and their inhabitants come alive and made me lose myself in this small community and the hunt for a depraved killer and vulnerable new mother. DI Ben Kitto is a likeable protagonist who obviously cares a lot about his job and his home and I was behind him at every step. The inclusion of Mai’s story added an extra layer of tension that made the stakes even higher and her emotions were palpable. I was on tenterhooks with my heart racing, unable to put the book down as I desperately needed to know if they would find her before it's too late. Rhodes provided multiple possible culprits, planting seeds of doubt that could have been clues or read herrings that kept me guessing right up until the shocking truth was unveiled.
Nerve-shredding and totally superb, I’m so glad that I finally discovered this series and can’t wait to read the backlist. Highly recommended.
October 3, 2025
‘Deadman’s Pool’ is a harrowing and tense read that highlights how little we truly know about others. This is one of my favourite series, and I’m delighted to see the author is now with my favourite publisher, Orenda Books. This is book eight of ‘The Isles of Scilly Mysteries’, but it can be read as a stand-alone. I do recommend the previous books as they are brilliant. However, don’t blame me if you get a sudden desire to visit the Isles of Scilly!
This is the darkest of the series so far, and at some points, I think I forgot to breathe. The tension was palpable and it rippled off the page like an oncoming storm. It does deal with heavy topics— human trafficking, the abuse of underage girls, and their captivity. It is raw and visceral. Whilst it may not be overly graphic, it does make you stop and consider these heinous crimes. Things are set to become even more fractious when Ben’s baby son is taken from their home!
The author has always been great at presenting a story with more than one POV, but in this book, it goes to another level. It is clear from the start that the second POV is one of the young girls, and it was harrowing to see what was happening to her. However, she is what my Glaswegian Gran would call ‘a wee tough cookie’, and it is that resilience that shines through. She is determined and has such strength that bizarrely, her personality radiated hope.
I flew through this book and I could not put it down! I know that can be read as one of those cliché review phrases, but in this case, it is true. The short chapters, multiple voices, terrific pacing, and the urgency of finding the victims mean that you just wanted to get to the end. And boy, what an ending! I truly was shocked by it. I was blindsided to such an extent that I had to go back and reread the revelation section. Brilliant move from left field on that bad guy! But it means there are going to be huge shockwaves throughout the Isles, and nothing will be the same. I honestly can’t wait for the next instalment of this fantastic series!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
This is the darkest of the series so far, and at some points, I think I forgot to breathe. The tension was palpable and it rippled off the page like an oncoming storm. It does deal with heavy topics— human trafficking, the abuse of underage girls, and their captivity. It is raw and visceral. Whilst it may not be overly graphic, it does make you stop and consider these heinous crimes. Things are set to become even more fractious when Ben’s baby son is taken from their home!
The author has always been great at presenting a story with more than one POV, but in this book, it goes to another level. It is clear from the start that the second POV is one of the young girls, and it was harrowing to see what was happening to her. However, she is what my Glaswegian Gran would call ‘a wee tough cookie’, and it is that resilience that shines through. She is determined and has such strength that bizarrely, her personality radiated hope.
I flew through this book and I could not put it down! I know that can be read as one of those cliché review phrases, but in this case, it is true. The short chapters, multiple voices, terrific pacing, and the urgency of finding the victims mean that you just wanted to get to the end. And boy, what an ending! I truly was shocked by it. I was blindsided to such an extent that I had to go back and reread the revelation section. Brilliant move from left field on that bad guy! But it means there are going to be huge shockwaves throughout the Isles, and nothing will be the same. I honestly can’t wait for the next instalment of this fantastic series!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
October 9, 2025
Deadman’s Pool starts off with an absolute chiller of a prologue and with a mysterious narrator whose harrowing experiences sets the tone for the whole of the story and which had me quickly turning to the first chapter already eager to discover more.
When the remains of a young girl are discovered buried on the remote island of St Helen’s, DI Ben Kitto and his investigative team have the difficult task of identifying her especially as there are very few clues left at the scene. As the investigation gets underway it throws up more questions than there are answers and with each new revelation Ben begins to question everything he ever knew about the islanders and the place he calls home. There’s quite a dark subject at the core of the book which the author describes with her usual skill for tackling difficult scenarios but does so with a fine eye for detail and a sensitive approach towards all of her characters.
I think this Scilly Isle setting has to be one of my favourites of any thriller I’ve read as not only do the isles become a character in their own right but also its people come vibrantly to life especially those who have been in the series since the beginning. With each successive story, this is now the eighth in the series, I grow to like and admire Ben Kitto more. His personal journey is very much part of the narrative but it is also his utter commitment to any investigation and the natural bond he has with the place of his birth which makes each story so compelling. And of course there is also Shadow, such a wonderful character, who is a league of his own when it comes to keeping a close watch over everyone, and when he sets off to find the perpetrators it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
Beautifully written, Deadman’s Pool is a deeply chilling and complex thriller by an author who knows how to hold the reader in the palm of her hand. I was so engrossed in the story, and blown away by the conclusion, that I kept reading long after I should have put the book down to do something else.
August 5, 2025
Discover the locations in the novel here
Oh I loved this! An instalment in the Scilly Isles series now snapped up by Orenda Books and I am not surprised! This is a great series- lots of drama, twists, great characters and ultimate scene setting. There's always something unusual about the stories as well- something eerie or harking back to the past, secrets bubbling under the surface etc. Kate Rhodes clearly loves the Scilly isles and you can tell. She has got under the skin...and as this is a crime novel, picked off the scab to find the blood within.
There is a body of a small child found, wrapped in a bag and buried deep on a remote island. Remnants of a bonfire sit nearby. This is an island where no one comes - so this is all very odd. And very sad. There's snippets of a girl being trapped in a cave somewhere. Someone watching, someone waiting. Jeez, don't read this if you are of a nervous disposition.
The way this drama plays out is very impressive. Lots of delicious scene setting detail. Wow, the weather and the natural landscape are characters in themselves. This is gloriously done. I was on that remote, raw island, open to the elements as well as a killer...
You don't find out how all the threads weave together until the end and ...yup, its a good 'un. But it was the journey getting there that was the most impressive for me. Sad, poignant with a sense of desperation and foreboding. This book , with its mix of history, legend and myth just blend with its criminal element, great characters and brilliant scene setting is everything you want from a gripping crime novel and more.
October 2, 2025
When I first started reading this series I hadn’t a clue where the Isles of Scilly were. Now I feel like I’ve visited every single one and know each of them intricately, by their unique geographical and climatical characteristics. Kate Rhodes has a superb talent for creating such beautiful and inspiring novels, each one breathtakingly unique, yet still conveying an emotional but tense crime story. I’ve had a soft spot for the main character of this series - DI Ben Kitto, for some time now and still find him very appealing. Shadow, his dog always steals the show and can always be relied upon to save the day.
“Deadman’s Pool” is book eight in the ‘Isles Of Scilly Mystery’ series and this time focuses on the sad reality of child trafficking. A heartbreaking theme that really does pull on the heartstrings, especially knowing that many thousands of minors are reportedly smuggled into the UK each year. The author’s traditional style of intermittent chapters between the ongoing story told by Ben and the victim/s first hand accounts keeps the reader engaged and allows you to really get inside their minds. Threaded among that plot line is Ben and Nina’s personal life, as they continue parenting their one year old child and Zoe’s ongoing motherhood issues. Although this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone but for continued character development, reading in order is always recommended.
As the tension mounts during the denouement, the chapters get shorter and the pace increases to a point you’re racing to turn the pages in order to keep up with the events unfolding. I was astounded at the revelations unveiled and this made for a very exciting conclusion.
“Deadman’s Pool” is perfect for fans of atmospheric crime dramas with endearing characters and timely storylines – it’s even being adapted for TV. Win win!
#Deadman’sPool - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Deadman’s Pool” is book eight in the ‘Isles Of Scilly Mystery’ series and this time focuses on the sad reality of child trafficking. A heartbreaking theme that really does pull on the heartstrings, especially knowing that many thousands of minors are reportedly smuggled into the UK each year. The author’s traditional style of intermittent chapters between the ongoing story told by Ben and the victim/s first hand accounts keeps the reader engaged and allows you to really get inside their minds. Threaded among that plot line is Ben and Nina’s personal life, as they continue parenting their one year old child and Zoe’s ongoing motherhood issues. Although this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone but for continued character development, reading in order is always recommended.
As the tension mounts during the denouement, the chapters get shorter and the pace increases to a point you’re racing to turn the pages in order to keep up with the events unfolding. I was astounded at the revelations unveiled and this made for a very exciting conclusion.
“Deadman’s Pool” is perfect for fans of atmospheric crime dramas with endearing characters and timely storylines – it’s even being adapted for TV. Win win!
#Deadman’sPool - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 6, 2025
Ben Kitto is the deputy chief of police on the Scilly Isles. When he takes Father Michael out to St Helen’s, the uninhabited (and sacred) island in the archipelago, Shadow, Ben’s dog, discovers human remains. The body is of a young female, and DNA tests reveal she was of Vietnamese origin. When she died, she was malnourished and emaciated.
Ben immediately suspects that she could have been a victim of human trafficking.
Then, a young baby boy is abandoned outside of the police station. The baby is half-Vietnamese, so was he related to the victim?
What is the significance of the Deadman’s Pool on the islands?
You’ll have to read this book for yourselves to find out.
I really enjoyed the idyllic location of the islands and the characters featured in this book. I find the story to start off slowly, but by the time I reached ‘Part 3’, I was racing through the pages. The book certainly picks up the pace as the investigation progresses.
I was intrigued by Mai’s story, and I was looking forward to reading the chapters, which were told from her point of view.
This book is set on the Scilly Isles, which on the surface appear picturesque, safe, and idyllic. However, the author conveys that evil can be found everywhere, even in the ‘perfect’ places. Sometimes, evil is hidden, and some people would do anything to keep their affairs hidden. Even commit murder.
This was my first encounter with Ben Kitto, but it won’t be my last. I plan on reading the previous works by this author.
Ben immediately suspects that she could have been a victim of human trafficking.
Then, a young baby boy is abandoned outside of the police station. The baby is half-Vietnamese, so was he related to the victim?
What is the significance of the Deadman’s Pool on the islands?
You’ll have to read this book for yourselves to find out.
I really enjoyed the idyllic location of the islands and the characters featured in this book. I find the story to start off slowly, but by the time I reached ‘Part 3’, I was racing through the pages. The book certainly picks up the pace as the investigation progresses.
I was intrigued by Mai’s story, and I was looking forward to reading the chapters, which were told from her point of view.
This book is set on the Scilly Isles, which on the surface appear picturesque, safe, and idyllic. However, the author conveys that evil can be found everywhere, even in the ‘perfect’ places. Sometimes, evil is hidden, and some people would do anything to keep their affairs hidden. Even commit murder.
This was my first encounter with Ben Kitto, but it won’t be my last. I plan on reading the previous works by this author.
October 5, 2025
This the last instalment in the Scilly Island series featuring Ben Kitto, reading earlier books adds depth to Ben Kitto’s personal journey and relationships.
If you enjoy layered character development, starting from Hell Bay might be worth it,but you won’t be lost if you begin with Deadman's Pool.
I discovered this series when I was on a readathon and thoroughly enjoyed Ben Kitto, Shadows and fell in love with the rugged beatury of the Scilly.
As for this story this is another gripping mystery from Kate Rhodes.
Deadman's Pool starts off peaceful but quickly turns into a tense race to catch a killer. The sea plays a big role again—beautiful but deadly, full of secrets.
The story is packed with twists, red herrings, and strong emotions like fear, envy, and obsession. It felt like a quest, with Ben Kitto pushing through danger to find the truth.
I couldn’t stop reading. Just like the other books in the series, it kept me guessing and on edge. I had fun, felt the tension, and loved every minute.
Highly recommended, cannot wait to read other story featuring Ben Kitto soon and I strongly advise to read this series.
Many thanks to Kate Rhodes and Orenda Books for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
If you enjoy layered character development, starting from Hell Bay might be worth it,but you won’t be lost if you begin with Deadman's Pool.
I discovered this series when I was on a readathon and thoroughly enjoyed Ben Kitto, Shadows and fell in love with the rugged beatury of the Scilly.
As for this story this is another gripping mystery from Kate Rhodes.
Deadman's Pool starts off peaceful but quickly turns into a tense race to catch a killer. The sea plays a big role again—beautiful but deadly, full of secrets.
The story is packed with twists, red herrings, and strong emotions like fear, envy, and obsession. It felt like a quest, with Ben Kitto pushing through danger to find the truth.
I couldn’t stop reading. Just like the other books in the series, it kept me guessing and on edge. I had fun, felt the tension, and loved every minute.
Highly recommended, cannot wait to read other story featuring Ben Kitto soon and I strongly advise to read this series.
Many thanks to Kate Rhodes and Orenda Books for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
October 6, 2025
Book 8 in The Isles of Scilly Mysteries Series and the first I’ve read so I can confirm it reads well as a stand-alone. The Isles of Scilly are not at their best in the winter with storms constantly rolling in from the Atlantic. Told mainly from the POV of Ben but partly from that of what is a second victim.
Briefly, DCI Ben Kitto takes the local priest by boat to the deserted island of St Helens where they, or more accurately Ben’s dog Shadow, discover the body of a young Vietnamese girl amongst the ruins of the church. At almost the same time a recently born baby is left on the steps of the police station. In what is a small community and nobody seemingly knowing anything Kitto and his team are desperate to start uncovering what is going on. With everyone suspect it seems the only people who know anything are too scared to say anything.
The truth behind the body is monstrous and whilst not graphic the theme could be upsetting for some. The storms and the desolation make for an atmospheric read. The identity of the killer is very well hidden, I’m usually pretty good at weeding them out, but not this time. A gripping thriller with a shocking discovery at the end.
Briefly, DCI Ben Kitto takes the local priest by boat to the deserted island of St Helens where they, or more accurately Ben’s dog Shadow, discover the body of a young Vietnamese girl amongst the ruins of the church. At almost the same time a recently born baby is left on the steps of the police station. In what is a small community and nobody seemingly knowing anything Kitto and his team are desperate to start uncovering what is going on. With everyone suspect it seems the only people who know anything are too scared to say anything.
The truth behind the body is monstrous and whilst not graphic the theme could be upsetting for some. The storms and the desolation make for an atmospheric read. The identity of the killer is very well hidden, I’m usually pretty good at weeding them out, but not this time. A gripping thriller with a shocking discovery at the end.
October 15, 2025
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I first fell in the with this series when I did a Blog Tour Read Along for every book in the series, I eagerly awaited being sent the next book because I was obsessed with reading more and more .
It’s not just the main character Ben Kitto that makes this series so special, it’s the whole island and its residents and not forgetting Shadow!.
This story was a really dark and haunting and one that was just filled with sadness but it also has so much joy as you get to know the tight knit community, what makes them tick and how they always have each others backs.
I loved being back with Ben and all the characters that make this series so powerful.
I really didn’t know who the culprit was as the sneaky author kept throwing red herrings my way all through the book.
Ben and Shadow are my favourite detective duo and yet again shadows heroic actions made me cry.
The book will have you eagerly turning page after page, especially part three which literally made me stand up to read it!.
I first fell in the with this series when I did a Blog Tour Read Along for every book in the series, I eagerly awaited being sent the next book because I was obsessed with reading more and more .
It’s not just the main character Ben Kitto that makes this series so special, it’s the whole island and its residents and not forgetting Shadow!.
This story was a really dark and haunting and one that was just filled with sadness but it also has so much joy as you get to know the tight knit community, what makes them tick and how they always have each others backs.
I loved being back with Ben and all the characters that make this series so powerful.
I really didn’t know who the culprit was as the sneaky author kept throwing red herrings my way all through the book.
Ben and Shadow are my favourite detective duo and yet again shadows heroic actions made me cry.
The book will have you eagerly turning page after page, especially part three which literally made me stand up to read it!.
November 4, 2025
I've been waiting for this to be published and downloaded it onto my Kindle as soon as I could. It's the latest Isles of Scilly mystery and definitely up to Kate Rhodes' usual high standards. DI Ben Kitto is accompanying the islands’ Catholic priest, Father Michael, to the uninhabited island of St. Helen’s, which is the site of an early medieval religious complex, and an abandoned isolation hospital that was once used to quarantine sailors with plague. The priest intends to spend two days there on a pilgrimage, living in the ruins of an ancient church. As the pair walk to the church, they discover the body of a young Vietnamese woman, buried on the shore. There's no clear link between the victim and the local community, so Kitto must look beyond the Scilly Isles to solve the crime. The plot is well-paced and the characters, locations and even the weather are so well described you can’t stop turning the pages.
Norfolk Gal, Oundle Crime
Norfolk Gal, Oundle Crime
December 7, 2025
It just so happened that I started reading the first book in the Ben Kitto series not very long ago . I have family connections in Cornwall and have visited Scilly so that is what first attracted me. Kate’s writing is so very good, I’ve raced through books 1-7 in 3 weeks and then boom 💥 book 8 Deadmans Pool was out! I am not usually a massive murder mystery fan, but I loved all of PD James books and Kate’s style reminds me a lot of her writing. Beautifully written and a great story with wonderful characters (Shadow the dog is my favourite!). It made it interesting having the human trafficking element, opposed to a serial killer. I do feel for Ben’s poor wife, never knowing if he will make it to key family moments! I’ve moved onto to Kate’s earlier Alice Quentin series, which is also excellent. Definitely worth reading, but start with book 1 if you are new to the series.
December 28, 2025
This is the eighth book in this police procedural series (eight books so far) set in the Scilly Isles and is the eighth book I have read. Most of the story is told in the first person by Detective Inspector Ben Kitto but several chapters are told in the third person (in a different typeface) featuring a young Vietnamese woman who is being held prisoner and abused. I find this series a bit frustrating because there are only a limited number of suspects and an even more limited number of police officers but the previous books were decent reads. However this story simply did not work for me as at the end Kitto (even making allowances for his personal involvement) acts like a bully and his confrontations with the villain just seemed silly. The sub-plot with the teenagers did not make sense either.
October 2, 2025
This is Book 8 of the DI Ben Kitto series but can be read as a standalone.
This was a really good read, full of suspense with a dark story unfolding as you read.
Told through different points of view the book is cleverly written and I didn’t know who the perpetrator was or how they linked to the characters on the isles, they was certainly lots of people to suspect but honestly I had no clue.
I bought some from this series a few years ago and reading this book has prompted me that I need to finish all the previous books.
Thank you @randomthingstours for having me on this tour.
#deadmanspool
@katerhodeswriter
#benkitto
#mysterybooks
@orendabooks
#BlogTour
#Series #EveryonelsASuspect
This was a really good read, full of suspense with a dark story unfolding as you read.
Told through different points of view the book is cleverly written and I didn’t know who the perpetrator was or how they linked to the characters on the isles, they was certainly lots of people to suspect but honestly I had no clue.
I bought some from this series a few years ago and reading this book has prompted me that I need to finish all the previous books.
Thank you @randomthingstours for having me on this tour.
#deadmanspool
@katerhodeswriter
#benkitto
#mysterybooks
@orendabooks
#BlogTour
#Series #EveryonelsASuspect
October 8, 2025
Found this in a small bookshop in Falmouth while on holiday in Cornwall – got a bit excited because, somehow, I ended up with a copy before it was even published. I hadn’t read anything by this author before but expected a scenic thriller set on the Scillies, which is exactly what it was: atmospheric, easy, and fine as a holiday read, but not much more. The main character is the usual “strong, good-looking loner who’s secretly perfect” type – they typically annoy me, and this one was no different.
September 27, 2025
The perfect audiobook….
Another fabulous Scilly isles mystery. I love listening to these. But hate when they keep me awake because I need to finish. This one is gritty, personal, and has lovely character progression from previous novels. Which I love. Looking forward to the next one already!
Another fabulous Scilly isles mystery. I love listening to these. But hate when they keep me awake because I need to finish. This one is gritty, personal, and has lovely character progression from previous novels. Which I love. Looking forward to the next one already!
October 22, 2025
It is nearly two years ago that I read the previous book in this wonderful series but it felt more recent. This is one of those series where I felt that I knew the characters that well it didn’t take me long to get to know them again. It could be read as a standalone, just about, but I would definitely recommend reading this series in order. Regular readers will know all of the characters who are connected to the police but the islanders are recurring characters too. The more that you know about them, and their connection and loyalty the better.
The Scilly Isles are somewhere I have never visited and I like to know an area. Fortunately I got the impression that the author does know her setting very well so this didn’t matter. I could appreciate the beauty, quietness but isolation when the weather was bad. I have heard accounts from various members of my family who lived off the mainland in another area of the UK and experienced this a few times.
This is an often harrowing investigation to read about. The subject matter is something that is on our news far too much but it is the first I’ve read in fiction. I really appreciated getting to know the victim, Mai, as well as the detail concerning those who were trying to solve the case connected to her.
Kitto is happy in his life. A wife he adores, a young son who runs rings everyone he meets and Shadow, his dog, who has the bigger personality than many in the novel. His work life is a lot less happy, increasingly annoyed by his boss Madron and his criticism and his colleagues have noticed. But this changes slightly when Madron’s health deteriorates suddenly. However, even though Kitto is concerned about him, he also has doubts about his private life. Doubts which I shared.
I loved everything about this novel. The commitment from Kitto and his team, the willingness from the islanders to help and the determination of the younger people to protect the vulnerable. But most of all the irritability from Gannick, brought into the area for her expertise and the huge shock towards the end where I nearly dropped my book. I am so relieved that there will definitely be another, I really need to read more. Hoping that I don’t have to wait two years.
The Scilly Isles are somewhere I have never visited and I like to know an area. Fortunately I got the impression that the author does know her setting very well so this didn’t matter. I could appreciate the beauty, quietness but isolation when the weather was bad. I have heard accounts from various members of my family who lived off the mainland in another area of the UK and experienced this a few times.
This is an often harrowing investigation to read about. The subject matter is something that is on our news far too much but it is the first I’ve read in fiction. I really appreciated getting to know the victim, Mai, as well as the detail concerning those who were trying to solve the case connected to her.
Kitto is happy in his life. A wife he adores, a young son who runs rings everyone he meets and Shadow, his dog, who has the bigger personality than many in the novel. His work life is a lot less happy, increasingly annoyed by his boss Madron and his criticism and his colleagues have noticed. But this changes slightly when Madron’s health deteriorates suddenly. However, even though Kitto is concerned about him, he also has doubts about his private life. Doubts which I shared.
I loved everything about this novel. The commitment from Kitto and his team, the willingness from the islanders to help and the determination of the younger people to protect the vulnerable. But most of all the irritability from Gannick, brought into the area for her expertise and the huge shock towards the end where I nearly dropped my book. I am so relieved that there will definitely be another, I really need to read more. Hoping that I don’t have to wait two years.
October 3, 2025
Kate Rhodes does it again
Such an unexpected twist! A great read.
Ben Kitto, Shadow the wolf dog and the islands’ youngsters work to solve this mystery involving trafficking and kidnap
Such an unexpected twist! A great read.
Ben Kitto, Shadow the wolf dog and the islands’ youngsters work to solve this mystery involving trafficking and kidnap
November 16, 2025
Nice to be transported back to the Scilly Isles which are less picture perfect in the middle of winter. There was quite a long stretch where nothing much happened and some of the plot development was puzzling and a bit messy, but it was an interesting tale and the new narrator did a fine job.
Read
September 20, 2025Reviewing for blog tour next month. My first Ben Kitto book and a good suspenseful read
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