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Death Rites
Fresh, original and utterly compelling' Marion ToddA calculated killer. A town under threat. An unfinished pattern...
Archaeology professor Carla James is reeling following the death of her husband. Desperate for a change of scene, she takes a job at an elite New England college. On her first day, Carla is asked to represent the department at a murder site. She initially believes there is nothing notable about the scattered debris that surrounds the body, but there is more to the case than meets the eye.
This victim is just the latest in a series of unsolved deaths. Nothing obvious links them but Carla is convinced there is a methodical killer operating in the shadows.
Can she uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim?
A dark and tense crime thriller. Perfect for fans of Kathy Reichs and Elly Griffiths.
Praise for Death Rites 'A clever and compelling crime thriller' Woman's Weekly
'A gripping, atmospheric page-turner of a novel. If you like Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway series, you'll love this!' Sheila Bugler
'Different, eerie and completely engrossing' Kate Griffin
'A compulsive page-turner of a thriller, rich in the atmosphere and folk mythology of New England' Philip Gwynne Jones
'I could not put it down! Sarah Ward captures the claustrophobia of a small town perfectly and the characterisation was outstanding' Rachel Lynch
'Strongly atmospheric... A fast and moody read with a determined heroine and an evocative setting' Crime Time
'Gripping and had me on the edge of my seat I adored Carla!' Reader review
'I loved how the characters developed through the story All the subplots are woven together to form a dramatic conclusion' Reader review
'A strong start to the Carla James Crime Thrillers series suspenseful and kept me guessing' Reader review
'A good story well-written with well developed characters' Reader review
'Gripping from the very first page reminiscent of Elly Griffith's Ruth Galloway novels in that the main protagonist is an archaeologist and Carla is every bit as plucky and intelligent as Ruth!' Reader review
Archaeology professor Carla James is reeling following the death of her husband. Desperate for a change of scene, she takes a job at an elite New England college. On her first day, Carla is asked to represent the department at a murder site. She initially believes there is nothing notable about the scattered debris that surrounds the body, but there is more to the case than meets the eye.
This victim is just the latest in a series of unsolved deaths. Nothing obvious links them but Carla is convinced there is a methodical killer operating in the shadows.
Can she uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim?
A dark and tense crime thriller. Perfect for fans of Kathy Reichs and Elly Griffiths.
Praise for Death Rites 'A clever and compelling crime thriller' Woman's Weekly
'A gripping, atmospheric page-turner of a novel. If you like Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway series, you'll love this!' Sheila Bugler
'Different, eerie and completely engrossing' Kate Griffin
'A compulsive page-turner of a thriller, rich in the atmosphere and folk mythology of New England' Philip Gwynne Jones
'I could not put it down! Sarah Ward captures the claustrophobia of a small town perfectly and the characterisation was outstanding' Rachel Lynch
'Strongly atmospheric... A fast and moody read with a determined heroine and an evocative setting' Crime Time
'Gripping and had me on the edge of my seat I adored Carla!' Reader review
'I loved how the characters developed through the story All the subplots are woven together to form a dramatic conclusion' Reader review
'A strong start to the Carla James Crime Thrillers series suspenseful and kept me guessing' Reader review
'A good story well-written with well developed characters' Reader review
'Gripping from the very first page reminiscent of Elly Griffith's Ruth Galloway novels in that the main protagonist is an archaeologist and Carla is every bit as plucky and intelligent as Ruth!' Reader review
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2024
About the author
Sarah Ward
158 books67 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Did Not Finish
March 13, 2026Carla James #1. She's an archaeology professor starting a new job. I just couldn't get into this character. Also I had a very early flash of insight as to who the killer might be.
I decided not to continue, so dnf and no rating.
I decided not to continue, so dnf and no rating.
March 24, 2026
This is a 3.5 star book.
In the first chapter, the person who has just strangled a 62 year old woman is placing objects around the body. The killer is aware of everything in her house because she has posted so much online.
Erin Collins is the medical examiner. Carla James is the new archaeology professor who Erin is mentoring. Carla is called to the next body found to see if she can spot any type of pattern the killer might be utilizing. Carla takes it upon herself to dig much deeper into the murders.
The writing is solid. Interspersed chapters describe the thinking by the killer. I found myself looking for clues. This is the first time I've ever seen an archaeologist in this situation. When I think of this profession, I think of digging up bones and other items so discerning patterns was a bit strange to me. But I learned a lot about "witch bottles" and "daisy wheels". Quite a few pages are devoted to these subjects. I had a problem distinguishing between the males employed at the university. I don't think they were distinct enough for me. I did feel some suspense toward the end of the story.
I received a Kindle copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
In the first chapter, the person who has just strangled a 62 year old woman is placing objects around the body. The killer is aware of everything in her house because she has posted so much online.
Erin Collins is the medical examiner. Carla James is the new archaeology professor who Erin is mentoring. Carla is called to the next body found to see if she can spot any type of pattern the killer might be utilizing. Carla takes it upon herself to dig much deeper into the murders.
The writing is solid. Interspersed chapters describe the thinking by the killer. I found myself looking for clues. This is the first time I've ever seen an archaeologist in this situation. When I think of this profession, I think of digging up bones and other items so discerning patterns was a bit strange to me. But I learned a lot about "witch bottles" and "daisy wheels". Quite a few pages are devoted to these subjects. I had a problem distinguishing between the males employed at the university. I don't think they were distinct enough for me. I did feel some suspense toward the end of the story.
I received a Kindle copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews