What do you think?
Wesley Peterson #30
The Chapel of Bones: The brand new page-turning mystery in the DI Wesley Peterson series
Million-copy bestselling author Kate Ellis returns with the brand new mystery in the DI Wesley Peterson crime series.
'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times
'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times
- GenresMystery
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2026
About the author
Kate Ellis
123 books634 followersKate Ellis was born and brought up in Liverpool and she studied drama in Manchester. She worked in teaching, marketing and accountancy before first enjoying writing success as a winner of the North West Playwrights competition. Crime and mystery stories have always fascinated her, as have medieval history and archaeology which she likes to incorporate in her books. She is married with two grown up sons and she lives in North Cheshire, England, with her husband. Kate was awarded the CWA DAGGER IN THE LIBRARY award in 2019
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 24, 2026
3.0 / 5.0
Personally this book is ok, it was too far fetched and historical for my liking. The first half of the book is solid, but when the historical letters, and influx of names are introduced it make it a lot harder to understand. It was always playing catch up on names, people and places that the book felt short and too convoluted for me to understand. And because of that the ending didn’t have that punch like it normally would.
DI Wesley Peterson and his team receive a call about a mummified body discovered behind a wall during the renovation of the nearby Sycamore House. The body is that of Dr Alaric Donnal, an academic with a special interest in Devon’s medieval history. Donnal was last seen over a decorate ago, around the time the house belonged to a new age commune who believed that the house occupied an ancient sacred site. While Wesley is seeking potential suspects for Donnals murder, dr Neil Watson is investigating the ruins of an ancient chapel nearby - a building once decorated with grotesque carvings of mythical creatures. As Wesley team work on one of their most baffling cases yet, a new murder occurs in a nearby village - could the crimes be linked? Wesley needs to separate truth from myth in order to solve this mystery
Overall it’s an ok book, but it felt as though too many names were mentioned that I lost track and didn’t manage to follow through. It’s a well written book, and very much catered to those that enjoy thrillers mixed in with history but it wasn’t for me.
Personally this book is ok, it was too far fetched and historical for my liking. The first half of the book is solid, but when the historical letters, and influx of names are introduced it make it a lot harder to understand. It was always playing catch up on names, people and places that the book felt short and too convoluted for me to understand. And because of that the ending didn’t have that punch like it normally would.
DI Wesley Peterson and his team receive a call about a mummified body discovered behind a wall during the renovation of the nearby Sycamore House. The body is that of Dr Alaric Donnal, an academic with a special interest in Devon’s medieval history. Donnal was last seen over a decorate ago, around the time the house belonged to a new age commune who believed that the house occupied an ancient sacred site. While Wesley is seeking potential suspects for Donnals murder, dr Neil Watson is investigating the ruins of an ancient chapel nearby - a building once decorated with grotesque carvings of mythical creatures. As Wesley team work on one of their most baffling cases yet, a new murder occurs in a nearby village - could the crimes be linked? Wesley needs to separate truth from myth in order to solve this mystery
Overall it’s an ok book, but it felt as though too many names were mentioned that I lost track and didn’t manage to follow through. It’s a well written book, and very much catered to those that enjoy thrillers mixed in with history but it wasn’t for me.
August 16, 2026
Excellent, as usual.
August 24, 2026
In one of my recent reviews, I wrote about my guilt in how long it had taken me finally to get round to reading one of Barbara Nadel’s acclaimed novels – and now I have to admit the same about Kate Ellis. If my counting is accurate, ‘The Chapel of Bones’ is the 30th novel in her series featuring DI Wesley Peterson, the first of which was published in 1998. Better late than never, as I believe they say. The wait has certainly been worth it.
A mummified body is found concealed behind a wall during renovations at Sycamore House in Devon. It is identified as that of Dr Aleric Donnal, a generally solitary academic whose research focussed on the medieval history of Devon. He had not been seen for over a decade during which time the house was occupied by a hippy commune who believed that the site had sacred properties. The leader of the commune, now dead, was related to the Fontescues, a wealthy local family. As Peterson starts to investigate Donnal’s death, Dr Neil Watson (an archaeologist) is informed by the house’s new owner that she has found stonework suggestive of an ancient chapel in the grounds. Watson and his university students start a dig.
Before long a murder takes place. It is of an apparently inoffensive widow who is well-liked by everyone and whose main activities are flower arranging in the church, singing in the choir and taking part in medieval re-enactments (she was about to be an ale-wife). There seems to be no reason for her death. As Peterson looks into her murder he is forced to wonder whether it is linked to that of Donnal. As the investigation proceeds, the backgrounds of both murdered people are revealed as more complex. Donnal’s research at the time of his death concerned the representation of animals in medieval literature, with bestiaries a particular interest. An intemperate local artist who specializes in paintings of grotesque animals comes under suspicion, as do goings-on past and present at a rather down-at-heel local zoo. Kidnappings of local dogs are also taking place, one of them involving a pet belonging to the family of one of Peterson’s team. Ransoms are involved.
There is another strand to the novel. Excerpts from Donnal’s notebooks, not yet found by Peterson’s team, are quoted from time to time. Initially we are aware that Donnal had stumbled on details of Brother Anselm, a monk and spy for the Lancastrian side in the 15th century, whilst he was looking for attitudes towards strange beasts in the medieval religious mind. Anselm mentions ‘secrets he would rather the penitent did not share.’ Donnal wonders what these secrets are as well as the identity of the penitent.
Needless to say, Peterson’s investigation gradually reveals more and more about the past of local families as he and his colleagues work towards a satisfying conclusion. When I say that ‘The Chapel of Bones’ is an easy read, this is most certainly not a criticism – quite the opposite. Ellis skilfully marshals all her threads in a thoroughly engaging style. Short chapters keep the action moving swiftly along.
Another of the many merits of the novel, as far as this reviewer is concerned, is that Peterson’s team is refreshingly free of the back stories, jealousies and relationships (amatory or otherwise) that so often take over in series. They may keep readers keen to know what happens in the next instalment, but they can sometimes seem rather to overshadow the plot. ‘The Chapel of Bones’ concentrates on a highly complex investigation which is run by an apparently well-adjusted and supportive group of detectives who don’t appear to be neurotic, alcoholic, suffering from broken relationships or otherwise badly scarred by what life has thrown at them. Hurray, says this reviewer!
And in case you haven’t yet got the message, I am very happy to recommend this highly enjoyable novel.
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Reviewer: David Whittle
for Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
A mummified body is found concealed behind a wall during renovations at Sycamore House in Devon. It is identified as that of Dr Aleric Donnal, a generally solitary academic whose research focussed on the medieval history of Devon. He had not been seen for over a decade during which time the house was occupied by a hippy commune who believed that the site had sacred properties. The leader of the commune, now dead, was related to the Fontescues, a wealthy local family. As Peterson starts to investigate Donnal’s death, Dr Neil Watson (an archaeologist) is informed by the house’s new owner that she has found stonework suggestive of an ancient chapel in the grounds. Watson and his university students start a dig.
Before long a murder takes place. It is of an apparently inoffensive widow who is well-liked by everyone and whose main activities are flower arranging in the church, singing in the choir and taking part in medieval re-enactments (she was about to be an ale-wife). There seems to be no reason for her death. As Peterson looks into her murder he is forced to wonder whether it is linked to that of Donnal. As the investigation proceeds, the backgrounds of both murdered people are revealed as more complex. Donnal’s research at the time of his death concerned the representation of animals in medieval literature, with bestiaries a particular interest. An intemperate local artist who specializes in paintings of grotesque animals comes under suspicion, as do goings-on past and present at a rather down-at-heel local zoo. Kidnappings of local dogs are also taking place, one of them involving a pet belonging to the family of one of Peterson’s team. Ransoms are involved.
There is another strand to the novel. Excerpts from Donnal’s notebooks, not yet found by Peterson’s team, are quoted from time to time. Initially we are aware that Donnal had stumbled on details of Brother Anselm, a monk and spy for the Lancastrian side in the 15th century, whilst he was looking for attitudes towards strange beasts in the medieval religious mind. Anselm mentions ‘secrets he would rather the penitent did not share.’ Donnal wonders what these secrets are as well as the identity of the penitent.
Needless to say, Peterson’s investigation gradually reveals more and more about the past of local families as he and his colleagues work towards a satisfying conclusion. When I say that ‘The Chapel of Bones’ is an easy read, this is most certainly not a criticism – quite the opposite. Ellis skilfully marshals all her threads in a thoroughly engaging style. Short chapters keep the action moving swiftly along.
Another of the many merits of the novel, as far as this reviewer is concerned, is that Peterson’s team is refreshingly free of the back stories, jealousies and relationships (amatory or otherwise) that so often take over in series. They may keep readers keen to know what happens in the next instalment, but they can sometimes seem rather to overshadow the plot. ‘The Chapel of Bones’ concentrates on a highly complex investigation which is run by an apparently well-adjusted and supportive group of detectives who don’t appear to be neurotic, alcoholic, suffering from broken relationships or otherwise badly scarred by what life has thrown at them. Hurray, says this reviewer!
And in case you haven’t yet got the message, I am very happy to recommend this highly enjoyable novel.
-----------
Reviewer: David Whittle
for Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Chapel of Bones was another fascinating mystery with a historical twist by Kate Ellis.
D I Wesley Peterson is called to Sycamore House as a mummified body has been discovered during renovations. The body turns out to be that of an academic, Dr Aleric Donnal, who hasn’t been seen for 10 years and was presumed to have moved abroad. There is very little to help Wesley and his team solve this murder but then another, seemingly unrelated murder takes place in a nearby village. Could these murders, ten years apart, be connected?
As usual in this series we also have archaeologist Neil Watson who is excavating a chapel in the grounds of Sycamore House which links to the work that Dr Donnal was doing ten years before.
The answers to the mystery lie in the past and Wesley and his team have to track down the people who were living there in a form of commune at the time. The task is made harder by the fact that none of them were using their real names at the time. As always with her novels, the mystery is brilliantly plotted and there are plenty of twists and a couple of red herrings to keep Wesley’s team and the reader fully occupied.
I always enjoy the Wesley Peterson mysteries with their historical element and this one was no exception. The historical connection wasn’t as obvious as it has been in some of the previous novels but I liked seeing how Dr Donnal’s diaries gradually threw light on the modern murder investigation.
The Chapel of Bones is the 29th book in this series but the author certainly hasn’t run out of steam yet and this was just as good as any of the previous books. There are a couple of references to the previous mystery but I don’t think that prevents this from being able to be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel.
My thanks as always to Net Galley and the publishers Little Brown Group UK for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
D I Wesley Peterson is called to Sycamore House as a mummified body has been discovered during renovations. The body turns out to be that of an academic, Dr Aleric Donnal, who hasn’t been seen for 10 years and was presumed to have moved abroad. There is very little to help Wesley and his team solve this murder but then another, seemingly unrelated murder takes place in a nearby village. Could these murders, ten years apart, be connected?
As usual in this series we also have archaeologist Neil Watson who is excavating a chapel in the grounds of Sycamore House which links to the work that Dr Donnal was doing ten years before.
The answers to the mystery lie in the past and Wesley and his team have to track down the people who were living there in a form of commune at the time. The task is made harder by the fact that none of them were using their real names at the time. As always with her novels, the mystery is brilliantly plotted and there are plenty of twists and a couple of red herrings to keep Wesley’s team and the reader fully occupied.
I always enjoy the Wesley Peterson mysteries with their historical element and this one was no exception. The historical connection wasn’t as obvious as it has been in some of the previous novels but I liked seeing how Dr Donnal’s diaries gradually threw light on the modern murder investigation.
The Chapel of Bones is the 29th book in this series but the author certainly hasn’t run out of steam yet and this was just as good as any of the previous books. There are a couple of references to the previous mystery but I don’t think that prevents this from being able to be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel.
My thanks as always to Net Galley and the publishers Little Brown Group UK for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 25, 2026
It's hard to believe that The Chapel of Bones is the thirtieth book in Kate Ellis's series-- and that I've read them all. By now, the entire cast feels like a beloved part of my (fictional) family. If you have yet to sample this excellent blend of crime, history, and archaeology, I urge you to do so. Due to the character development, it would be best to begin at the beginning (The Merchant's House). If thirty books feel daunting, start anywhere you like, but don't be surprised if you find yourself looking for the rest.
There's the usual catch-up with the characters. Wesley's boss, Gerry Heffernan, is still being pressured by higher-ups to retire. Neil Watson feels a twinge of jealousy when he's not unearthing an ancient chapel, and-- to his horror-- he has a groupie following him. Wesley and his wife, Pam, may be getting the hang of dealing with troublesome mother-in-law, Della, which pleased me to no end. As you can see, this series is perfect for character-driven readers.
As much as I love the characters, I think my favorite part of this series is how Ellis blends a current crime with local history. I've learned a lot in the most enjoyable way from reading these books, and The Chapel of Bones is no exception. In this investigation, Wesley and his team are hampered by the difficulty in identifying both victims and suspects. One thing that could help is tracking the previous owners of Sycamore House, but even that proves difficult. (How would you like to trace the owners of a property that is hundreds of years old and has undergone several name changes?)
The Chapel of Bones is another strong entry in this long-running series. I'm looking forward to Wesley's next investigation.
There's the usual catch-up with the characters. Wesley's boss, Gerry Heffernan, is still being pressured by higher-ups to retire. Neil Watson feels a twinge of jealousy when he's not unearthing an ancient chapel, and-- to his horror-- he has a groupie following him. Wesley and his wife, Pam, may be getting the hang of dealing with troublesome mother-in-law, Della, which pleased me to no end. As you can see, this series is perfect for character-driven readers.
As much as I love the characters, I think my favorite part of this series is how Ellis blends a current crime with local history. I've learned a lot in the most enjoyable way from reading these books, and The Chapel of Bones is no exception. In this investigation, Wesley and his team are hampered by the difficulty in identifying both victims and suspects. One thing that could help is tracking the previous owners of Sycamore House, but even that proves difficult. (How would you like to trace the owners of a property that is hundreds of years old and has undergone several name changes?)
The Chapel of Bones is another strong entry in this long-running series. I'm looking forward to Wesley's next investigation.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have read some but not all of the books in the Wesley Peterson series. This is book 30 - and it really doesn’t matter. Perhaps it did with earlier books when things were happening and Wesley’s family were younger.
This follows the rest of the series, Wesley and the police team including Gerry - the ‘boss - solve contemporary crimes and Neil the archaeologist finds a parallel crime but set in history. History this time was medieval and involved The War of the Roses and the coming together of the Houses of Lancaster and York.
This time we have murder, hippy communes, badly kept Zoos and broken family dynamics as well as Medieval Bestiaries.
I had worked out the perpetrator before the end but not all the whys and wherefores.
A mummified body, a medieval monk who passed messages to France to the King, mistaken identity and so much more. But not too much it was easy to work with all the strands.
I hesitated to say ‘follow’ as the eARC copy I had was formatted very oddly. One sentence would finish, a new paragraph would start but it didn’t follow the previous one. I got used to it but it was difficult to begin with. There were still chapters of course - just odd formatting in the middle of them.
As always the book was well written and well researched and although a police procedural and historical murder story it was a pleasure to read.
This follows the rest of the series, Wesley and the police team including Gerry - the ‘boss - solve contemporary crimes and Neil the archaeologist finds a parallel crime but set in history. History this time was medieval and involved The War of the Roses and the coming together of the Houses of Lancaster and York.
This time we have murder, hippy communes, badly kept Zoos and broken family dynamics as well as Medieval Bestiaries.
I had worked out the perpetrator before the end but not all the whys and wherefores.
A mummified body, a medieval monk who passed messages to France to the King, mistaken identity and so much more. But not too much it was easy to work with all the strands.
I hesitated to say ‘follow’ as the eARC copy I had was formatted very oddly. One sentence would finish, a new paragraph would start but it didn’t follow the previous one. I got used to it but it was difficult to begin with. There were still chapters of course - just odd formatting in the middle of them.
As always the book was well written and well researched and although a police procedural and historical murder story it was a pleasure to read.
August 29, 2026
3* Decent tale, but it dragged a bit. Veered into Tudor history, as well as the 60s, and at times it droned on, making me skim-read towards the last third.
I'm new to the series but there's enough info given that I wasn't lost. Unfortunately it had too many cooks in it, and too many trivial things, such as the owner of the house coming on to Neil, and him repeatedly bringing his gf into the conversation; the marital strife of the owners; even the journal in the end started to become boring.
It's a mystery. The killing gets solved. I think another person dies. I can't remember anything else and sorry, I can't do this review justice.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Little, Little Brown Books, for my reading pleasure.
I'm new to the series but there's enough info given that I wasn't lost. Unfortunately it had too many cooks in it, and too many trivial things, such as the owner of the house coming on to Neil, and him repeatedly bringing his gf into the conversation; the marital strife of the owners; even the journal in the end started to become boring.
It's a mystery. The killing gets solved. I think another person dies. I can't remember anything else and sorry, I can't do this review justice.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Little, Little Brown Books, for my reading pleasure.
August 7, 2026
.The Chapel of Bones is everything I love about the DI Wesley Peterson series beginning with the historical thread that is just enough to add a fascinating twist. And that's before I even begin to think about: another ingenious mystery, The mystery kept me guessing right to the end, with plenty of twists, red herrings and satisfying reveals. The atmospheric Devon setting is just part of of web of setting, character and plot that makes me jump up and down with glee when I realise there's a new Kate Ellis book coming out. What can I say - I'm a huge fan of her writing and this episode doesn't disappoint.
August 10, 2026
3.5 stars (rounded up)
I have read all of Ellis' Wesley Peterson novels, and this one does not depart from her tried and tested formula. All the expected characters are here (though there is not quite as much of the irritating Pam and Della as usual, thankfully).
I'm never sure how to review these: they are formulaic, there's little or no character development, and the police station and its inhabitants are extremely twee.
BUT: the plots are always intricate and well thought out, and this one is no exception. The history is always fascinating, the writing is very engaging and I always enjoy them.
Basically, if you liked the others in the series, you'll like this one.
I have read all of Ellis' Wesley Peterson novels, and this one does not depart from her tried and tested formula. All the expected characters are here (though there is not quite as much of the irritating Pam and Della as usual, thankfully).
I'm never sure how to review these: they are formulaic, there's little or no character development, and the police station and its inhabitants are extremely twee.
BUT: the plots are always intricate and well thought out, and this one is no exception. The history is always fascinating, the writing is very engaging and I always enjoy them.
Basically, if you liked the others in the series, you'll like this one.
August 24, 2026
Not read any in this series before, which did not seem to be an issue as Ellis explains character connections and the plot is standalone. This was a good read but it was a bit slow and prolonged.
There is a historical medieval aspect to this which I liked and it offered something else on interest. However, I am also not sure all of it was needed. The modern day crime that forms the basis of the plot is gruesome with an interesting set of characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little for an advance copy.
There is a historical medieval aspect to this which I liked and it offered something else on interest. However, I am also not sure all of it was needed. The modern day crime that forms the basis of the plot is gruesome with an interesting set of characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little for an advance copy.
August 7, 2026
A good mystery, set in Devon, with an interesting historical twist and featuring Wesley Peterson. The book was well researched and well written with steady pacing. I liked the mix of police procedural and historical facts but at times I found my concentration wandering just a little bit. Although it is book 29 in the popular series, it can easily be read on it's own. A good addition to the series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I usually read books in order so I was a bit dubious when I realised this was book 30 in a series. I really liked the sound of it though so decided to give it a try. And I am so glad I did! I absolutely loved the mix of police investigation and archaeology. It was fascinating. And now I have 29 new books to add to my must read pile. I say that's a win win situation.
August 15, 2026
The discovery of a mummified body within the walls of a house during renovation starts an investigation into a 10 year old murder but questions are soon raised following a further murder.
With interesting characters, plenty of twists and despite the slightly slow start to the plot, I found this to be a satisfyingly absorbing read.
With interesting characters, plenty of twists and despite the slightly slow start to the plot, I found this to be a satisfyingly absorbing read.
September 24, 2026
As expected an excellent read!
As usual an engaging and interesting read, in true Kate Ellis fashion.
An interesting mix of historical and modern. I do hope Wesley and the team are not put out to grass for a long time!
As usual an engaging and interesting read, in true Kate Ellis fashion.
An interesting mix of historical and modern. I do hope Wesley and the team are not put out to grass for a long time!
August 29, 2026
Great series
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I look forward to the next one.
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I look forward to the next one.
September 2, 2026
This was one of the best, most integrated of all the “double” plots of current murder and ancient archaeology. Really a fun read!!
September 12, 2026
Ok read
September 23, 2026
medieval, history, fun
Just excellent. I really enjoyed it. But all her books good,if you like series.
Kate Ellis is a prolific writer and so,so good. Enjoy!
Just excellent. I really enjoyed it. But all her books good,if you like series.
Kate Ellis is a prolific writer and so,so good. Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews