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Wesley Peterson #22
The Mechanical Devil
When archaeologist Neil Watson unearths a long-buried mechanical figure in a Dartmoor field, he is determined to discover the truth behind the bizarre find.
Soon, however, the sleepy village becomes the focus of press attention for another reason when two people with no apparent connection to each other are found shot dead in nearby Manor Field, seemingly victims of an execution-style double murder.
DI Wesley Peterson is called in to investigate, but the two murders aren't his only problem. The daughter of a local MP has gone missing and the pressure is on to find her, especially when it's revealed that she has a connection to one of the murder victims. And Wesley's own life is thrown into turmoil when a woman he helped on a previous investigation finds herself subjected to a campaign of terror . . .
Is there a link between the double murder and the accidental death of a young history student in Manor Field twenty years ago? And just what is the true identity of the Mechanical Devil?
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2018
299 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Kate Ellis
119 books603 followersKate Ellis was born and brought up in Liverpool and she studied drama in Manchester. She worked in teaching, marketing and accountancy before first enjoying writing success as a winner of the North West Playwrights competition. Crime and mystery stories have always fascinated her, as have medieval history and archaeology which she likes to incorporate in her books. She is married with two grown up sons and she lives in North Cheshire, England, with her husband. Kate was awarded the CWA DAGGER IN THE LIBRARY award in 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 14, 2018
First Sentence: The car was red, the colour of fresh blood.
Archeologist Neil Watson uncovers a long-buried mechanical figure in Dartmoor field. Who made this figure and what was its purpose? Is there more than one figure? Neil's friend, DI Wesley Peterson has more important things on his mind. Town resident Brenda Crillow claims someone is threatening her and wants Wesley to investigate it. Two people have been killed by rifle shot in Manor Field. The killings appear to be execution style, yet the bodies are in different locations and no apparent connection between the two individuals can be made. When the daughter of a local MP has gone missing, a link is made between her and one of the victims. Are these each separate issues, or is there a thread which ties them all together?
One can't complain of the story getting off to a slow start or of having to wait a long time for the murder to occur. Ellis gets your attention from the very start, having created multiple threads.
Ellis is very good at summarizing all the characters. One knows the members of the police, how they fit together, and a bit about their lives. She includes members of their families, and the victims as well and brings each to life.
The way in which Wesley and DCI Gerry Hefffernan conjecture on the connections of the victims and the missing girl is an interesting and realistic process. However, Wesley's callousness toward Brenda is disturbing, especially as his attitude changes when the threats extend to his wife—"Pam's had a threatening phone call. Number withheld. Whoever it was said they're watching her and they're coming to get her." In contrast, Gerry's low-key response is rather refreshing—"No points for originality."
Although it may be tempting to some, one should not skip over the medieval letters which serve to demark chapters. They may not seem relevant, but one can be assured that they are.
For those who enjoy archeology, this is a fascinating book, as are all of those by Ellis. Who'd have thought about archeological graffiti on a church roof, yet it makes sense when one remembers that everything, including the roof tiles, would have been handwrought. As always, the author notes are fascinating and shouldn't be overlooked.
The way in which Ellis slowly makes the connection between the distant past, the recent past, and the present is nicely done, and her ability to creating links between the characters is deft and admirable. Ellis takes a character who seems initially incidental only later to find they serve as a lynch-pin to the story.
One storyline is predictable. However, the identity of the killer was a complete surprise and related to both the past, the present, greed, and jealousy.
"The Mechanical Devil" is a very good, multi-thread mystery. Ellis excels at combining archeology and a murder in a police procedural.
THE MECHANICAL DEVIL (Pol Proc/Arch-DI Peterson/DCI Huffernan/Neil Watson-England-Contemp) – VG
Ellis, Kate – 22nd in series
Piatkus-April 2018
Archeologist Neil Watson uncovers a long-buried mechanical figure in Dartmoor field. Who made this figure and what was its purpose? Is there more than one figure? Neil's friend, DI Wesley Peterson has more important things on his mind. Town resident Brenda Crillow claims someone is threatening her and wants Wesley to investigate it. Two people have been killed by rifle shot in Manor Field. The killings appear to be execution style, yet the bodies are in different locations and no apparent connection between the two individuals can be made. When the daughter of a local MP has gone missing, a link is made between her and one of the victims. Are these each separate issues, or is there a thread which ties them all together?
One can't complain of the story getting off to a slow start or of having to wait a long time for the murder to occur. Ellis gets your attention from the very start, having created multiple threads.
Ellis is very good at summarizing all the characters. One knows the members of the police, how they fit together, and a bit about their lives. She includes members of their families, and the victims as well and brings each to life.
The way in which Wesley and DCI Gerry Hefffernan conjecture on the connections of the victims and the missing girl is an interesting and realistic process. However, Wesley's callousness toward Brenda is disturbing, especially as his attitude changes when the threats extend to his wife—"Pam's had a threatening phone call. Number withheld. Whoever it was said they're watching her and they're coming to get her." In contrast, Gerry's low-key response is rather refreshing—"No points for originality."
Although it may be tempting to some, one should not skip over the medieval letters which serve to demark chapters. They may not seem relevant, but one can be assured that they are.
For those who enjoy archeology, this is a fascinating book, as are all of those by Ellis. Who'd have thought about archeological graffiti on a church roof, yet it makes sense when one remembers that everything, including the roof tiles, would have been handwrought. As always, the author notes are fascinating and shouldn't be overlooked.
The way in which Ellis slowly makes the connection between the distant past, the recent past, and the present is nicely done, and her ability to creating links between the characters is deft and admirable. Ellis takes a character who seems initially incidental only later to find they serve as a lynch-pin to the story.
One storyline is predictable. However, the identity of the killer was a complete surprise and related to both the past, the present, greed, and jealousy.
"The Mechanical Devil" is a very good, multi-thread mystery. Ellis excels at combining archeology and a murder in a police procedural.
THE MECHANICAL DEVIL (Pol Proc/Arch-DI Peterson/DCI Huffernan/Neil Watson-England-Contemp) – VG
Ellis, Kate – 22nd in series
Piatkus-April 2018
August 8, 2021
In anticipation of reading the latest Wesley Peterson book released this month (Aug 2021) I had to circle back to read two I had missed, now just one. This book keeps Wesley very busy with a great deal to investigate after two murders whilst having to find help protecting his wife who is being threatened. The crimes are multi-layered and interesting with complex characters.
The archaeology aspect includes uncovering historical automaton and records of how it was used with criminal benefit by priests in the early 16th Century, echoing present-day practice of blackmail being conducted by a New Age guru type with a criminal history well hidden.
A very good read!
The archaeology aspect includes uncovering historical automaton and records of how it was used with criminal benefit by priests in the early 16th Century, echoing present-day practice of blackmail being conducted by a New Age guru type with a criminal history well hidden.
A very good read!
February 26, 2018
Good book, but story’s covering wide range like blackmail, kidnapping, stalking cold case. I do love this series of book but I felt this was rushed especially the ending to wrap it all up so it ends neatly. I’m glad I borrow these books so don’t buy them but have to say this is the first one out quite a number of books that I was disappointed so don’t let this put you off if you come across this author for first time
February 23, 2018
Another good read, with elements of a historical story (16th century) echoed in the modern cases (blackmail being one element) and the murder location the site of more than one old, hitherto unsolved/unknown crime. The mechanical devil of the story is a clockwork priest figure, discovered during a dig. Wesley also has a stalker to contend with, a distraction for him during the investigation of the other cases, and one with consequences for his family. Love the careful mirroring of the old and new parts, and only wish that it were possible for so many enlightening but unknown documents to remain to be discovered and shed light on past deeds. Perhaps it is!
March 6, 2018
I'm a huge fan of Kate Ellis and I've now read all her Wesley Peterson books. Although this one began a little bit slowly it soon raced along and is now one of my favourites.
The story starts with a shooting at the site of a medieval manor house, the two victims apparently unknown to each other. What links them and the death of a student twenty years earlier? And does it have anything to do with the strange wooden figure recently discovered in a coffin-like lead box?
The main characters are Detective Inspector Wesley Peterson and his boss DCI Gerry Heffernan, along with archaeologist Neil Watson. The stories often have a historical mystery at their heart and the occasional touch of humour. My favourite characters are Gerry and Neil, and I do wish someone would turn these books into a TV series.
As with all Kate Ellis's books the murders come along in quick succession and it is hard to work out how they can all be connected. In fact, I often don't bother to try - I just sit back and enjoy the incredibly skilled plotting! This time, however, I did work out the culprit behind the attacks on a woman living on her own, so I felt quite pleased about that, and also identity of the main villain - but only about half a page before Wesley!
A definite 5 star rating from me and I'm sure fans of Elly Griffiths and traditional murder mysteries will love this one too.
The story starts with a shooting at the site of a medieval manor house, the two victims apparently unknown to each other. What links them and the death of a student twenty years earlier? And does it have anything to do with the strange wooden figure recently discovered in a coffin-like lead box?
The main characters are Detective Inspector Wesley Peterson and his boss DCI Gerry Heffernan, along with archaeologist Neil Watson. The stories often have a historical mystery at their heart and the occasional touch of humour. My favourite characters are Gerry and Neil, and I do wish someone would turn these books into a TV series.
As with all Kate Ellis's books the murders come along in quick succession and it is hard to work out how they can all be connected. In fact, I often don't bother to try - I just sit back and enjoy the incredibly skilled plotting! This time, however, I did work out the culprit behind the attacks on a woman living on her own, so I felt quite pleased about that, and also identity of the main villain - but only about half a page before Wesley!
A definite 5 star rating from me and I'm sure fans of Elly Griffiths and traditional murder mysteries will love this one too.
April 12, 2018
I love these stories. There are a variety of different cases within this book and it also includes a bit of history. I lived in Devon for a number of years and although I loved the area and the people I an fully understand the point of including the issues of race and culture in the book. We lived in a suburb where everyone was white and for a long time my children had not seen anyone who was black. People are wary of Wesley at times and he is aware of this especially when his wife is targeted.
Unlike some books where there are multiple plots going on this was easy to follow and you did not have to keep looking back to try to make sense of the story. Well done - can't wait for the next one.
Unlike some books where there are multiple plots going on this was easy to follow and you did not have to keep looking back to try to make sense of the story. Well done - can't wait for the next one.
July 19, 2018
A man and a woman are found in a field...shot...and the last person to see the woman has gone missing.
With a double murder, and a missing person. DI Wesley Peterson really doesn't have time for a break-in at the home of a person he assisted the previous year. Perhaps he should have made the time...
Meanwhile, Dr Neil Watson is dealing with the discovery of a 16th century automaton, and then a much more recent death... which may tie into Wesley's cases.
A fantastically plotted tale of murder and madness.
A thoroughly delicious read.
With a double murder, and a missing person. DI Wesley Peterson really doesn't have time for a break-in at the home of a person he assisted the previous year. Perhaps he should have made the time...
Meanwhile, Dr Neil Watson is dealing with the discovery of a 16th century automaton, and then a much more recent death... which may tie into Wesley's cases.
A fantastically plotted tale of murder and madness.
A thoroughly delicious read.
February 18, 2018
Another great read. Lots of suspense that kept me wanting see Wes and Gerry solves some mystifying shootings. A slippery villain, a stalker and Wes' family being affected by his work. The setting is so lovely. Makes me want to visit Devon. I love the combination as in the other crime fiction where the families of the main characters are drawn as well. A very satisfying read.
May 19, 2019
Much better book than The Flesh Tailor, which was the last Wesley Peterson that I read. I think I have skipped over some books in the series but as this was the book that was in the ship’s library, this was the one I read. I will go back and read the others as this book refers to events that probably took place in previous books between this one, #22 in the series and published in 2018 and The Flesh Tailor which was #14.
The plot was very complex but each thread was well explained by the end of the book. The book begins with two murders. As the readers, we are fairly certain from the first few pages that the second murder was probably a result of the victim having witnessed the first murder but Wesley and Gerry, the two detectives, don’t and it takes them more than half the book to figure out who the primary victim was. Which impacts their investigations quite a bit; they spend that first half focusing on the wrong victim. But the why of the essential murder remained, for me, a mystery until the detectives solved it. I did see what was happening though with another thread of the story, the harassment of Wesley’s family by an unknown caller/stalker. I knew who it was as soon as a character was introduced about a quarter of the way in and, coincidentally as far as Wesley was concerned, the stalking began.
I didn’t find the medieval story that always occurs in the Wesley Peterson series that interesting. It is actually rather weird, about a mechanical monk doll that was used as a kind of healing talisman. Ellis explains at the end of the book, as she usually does, where she found the historical idea for it but I honestly didn’t pay that much attention to that part of the story as there were so many threads in the main, modern story that I found more absorbing.
I always enjoy Ellis’ description of the Devon countryside and I especially enjoyed it this time as I have just come from several days in England and her descriptions resonated quite vividly with me. Narrow country roads that even some English folk don’t like driving, yep, I know what she’s talking about!
The plot was very complex but each thread was well explained by the end of the book. The book begins with two murders. As the readers, we are fairly certain from the first few pages that the second murder was probably a result of the victim having witnessed the first murder but Wesley and Gerry, the two detectives, don’t and it takes them more than half the book to figure out who the primary victim was. Which impacts their investigations quite a bit; they spend that first half focusing on the wrong victim. But the why of the essential murder remained, for me, a mystery until the detectives solved it. I did see what was happening though with another thread of the story, the harassment of Wesley’s family by an unknown caller/stalker. I knew who it was as soon as a character was introduced about a quarter of the way in and, coincidentally as far as Wesley was concerned, the stalking began.
I didn’t find the medieval story that always occurs in the Wesley Peterson series that interesting. It is actually rather weird, about a mechanical monk doll that was used as a kind of healing talisman. Ellis explains at the end of the book, as she usually does, where she found the historical idea for it but I honestly didn’t pay that much attention to that part of the story as there were so many threads in the main, modern story that I found more absorbing.
I always enjoy Ellis’ description of the Devon countryside and I especially enjoyed it this time as I have just come from several days in England and her descriptions resonated quite vividly with me. Narrow country roads that even some English folk don’t like driving, yep, I know what she’s talking about!
August 16, 2025
4.5 rounded to a 5. I like all of the Wesley Peterson books but I thought this one was exceptionally good. Both the past and the present stories were interesting. And it’s always good to visit old friends and family. Neil and his digs always add an extra dimension to the case.
December 5, 2018
Very engaging latest book in the long running Wesley Peterson series. Glad to see that the Wesley/Rachel storyline has largely moved on and Wesley is firmly ensconced with Pam and the kids, as well as solving mysteries with Gerry. 'The Mechanical Devil' features the normal mix of the present and the past, with a particularly well crafted con man at the centre of things. I liked the sub plot of the 16th century mechanical little monk and the sad ending for the PhD student who nearly uncovered the truth but fell afoul of a modern day villain. Highly enjoyable book.
March 16, 2020
Enjoyable page-turner with Kate Ellis's trademark archaeological angles.
January 27, 2019
Another brilliant story from this Author, Still very fresh.
April 22, 2018
Wesley Peterson really is one of my favourite detectives and I love the historic context and interaction with the current day story. Kate Ellis is a really good writer and the story flows smoothly with the thoughtful Wesley interacting with the usual supporting cast. Wife Pam is recovering from her recent illness but is terrified at home and the investigation of these threats adds another dimension to the story.
Each year I look forward to the new novel though sad that my Dad isn't here to share it with me - we used to take it in turns to buy it. That's three with out you now, Dad, you would have really enjoyed this one.
Each year I look forward to the new novel though sad that my Dad isn't here to share it with me - we used to take it in turns to buy it. That's three with out you now, Dad, you would have really enjoyed this one.
April 26, 2018
Have read all of the books in the series. It is a mystery/police procedural series featuring Wesley Peterson. I enjoy the way Kate Ellis connects archaeology in the stories - through Wesley's friend Neil. Also enjoy how all of the characters' lives continue to advance, sometimes in surprising directions!
October 9, 2019
This is a long-running series that I have loved since the first book. Granted, a few books aren't as strong as the rest, but that's to be expected. I always learn something when I read a Wesley Peterson mystery. This time it was Neil Watson's search for medieval graffiti and early automatons. Scattered throughout the book are excerpts from the unfinished doctoral thesis of a history student who died twenty years ago. As always, these excerpts shed light on one of the mysteries. And while I'm thinking about it, make sure you read the Author's Note in the back of the book, especially if you're the type of reader who likes to know how writers come up with the ideas for their books.
There is some excellent misdirection in the main mystery, but I felt that there might have been too many subplots, in particular, the one involving Belinda Crillow, the woman Wesley helped in a previous investigation. It was all too easy to deduce what was going on, and the only thing it seemed to be good for was to show how overloaded Wesley was and how many demands there were on his time.
I'm almost caught up with this series, which makes me happy. I'm not sure how I got behind! There's been a long-running subplot about one of Wesley's team and her wedding that feels as if the planning and preparation have been ongoing for at least a decade. But on the whole, I love the cast of characters in this series. Otherwise, why would I have lasted through twenty-two books?
If you're thinking about trying this series but are daunted by its length, I think you can jump in with this book (or the previous two which are excellent) without feeling lost. But if you're a character-driven series reader who loves a bit of history thrown in with your mysteries, this is a wonderful series to read. Go for it!
There is some excellent misdirection in the main mystery, but I felt that there might have been too many subplots, in particular, the one involving Belinda Crillow, the woman Wesley helped in a previous investigation. It was all too easy to deduce what was going on, and the only thing it seemed to be good for was to show how overloaded Wesley was and how many demands there were on his time.
I'm almost caught up with this series, which makes me happy. I'm not sure how I got behind! There's been a long-running subplot about one of Wesley's team and her wedding that feels as if the planning and preparation have been ongoing for at least a decade. But on the whole, I love the cast of characters in this series. Otherwise, why would I have lasted through twenty-two books?
If you're thinking about trying this series but are daunted by its length, I think you can jump in with this book (or the previous two which are excellent) without feeling lost. But if you're a character-driven series reader who loves a bit of history thrown in with your mysteries, this is a wonderful series to read. Go for it!
August 8, 2019
As I mentioned in my review of The Mermaid's Scream, I'd read a few of Kate Ellis's Wesley Peterson novels, though not for some while, when Kate came to talk at our local library a few months ago. I went along for what turned out to be a most interesting evening.
What I love most about her books is the clever blend of contemporary and history. In The Mechanical Devil, (an extract of which Kate read to the assembled group) she again manages to bring an historical element to life and tie it neatly to the crime currently being investigated.
Her conduit for this in all her novels is Wesley's old friend, archaeologist and historian, Neil Watson. Neil's involvement in the story runs parallel with Wesley's investigation (in this case, the apparent random shootings of two people on the edge of a Dartmoor village). You know at some point the arcs of the two stories will somehow merge to form the solution to the mystery, which always creates a particularly satisfying conclusion.
As ever, a fascinating and entertaining read. I look forward to catching up with the rest of the series and tracking down the books I've not yet read.
What I love most about her books is the clever blend of contemporary and history. In The Mechanical Devil, (an extract of which Kate read to the assembled group) she again manages to bring an historical element to life and tie it neatly to the crime currently being investigated.
Her conduit for this in all her novels is Wesley's old friend, archaeologist and historian, Neil Watson. Neil's involvement in the story runs parallel with Wesley's investigation (in this case, the apparent random shootings of two people on the edge of a Dartmoor village). You know at some point the arcs of the two stories will somehow merge to form the solution to the mystery, which always creates a particularly satisfying conclusion.
As ever, a fascinating and entertaining read. I look forward to catching up with the rest of the series and tracking down the books I've not yet read.
January 8, 2021
Kate Ellis is a prolific writer. The Wesley Peterson series has been ongoing since 1998. Wesley Peterson is a Detective Inspector who studied archaeology at university but decided to become a police officer. There's always a mix of old and new. Wesley's old college friend, Neal, is now a county official in charge of archaeology and discovers an intriguing mechanical friar sealed in a lead coffin. It was used in prayer when people were ill or dying, a sort of extra comfort. Meanwhile, in the present, Wesley is involved in a missing daughter of a prominent politician and the murder of two people who didn't know one another. Ellis manages to bring these cases together and links the medieval case of the mechanical friar with the current murders and the death of a promising young archaeologist who apparently fell from a wall and suffered a fatal head injury. Of course nothing is simple and Ellis links all these cases together in a plausible and interesting way. I won't give the story away any further. Suffice it to say that his book was one that was a delightful puzzle.
August 8, 2019
A gruesome double murder, a missing girl and an apparent stalker but what is the link? Secrets, deceit and all manor of potential possibilities await DI Wesley Peterson and his team who have quite a task on their hands. A gritty, tense, intricate and chilling plot. With an intriguing historical element. I throughly enjoyed this book. The storyline is really well researched and perfectly paced. It had me guessing the whole way through. Lots of great characters that are well developed and give you the feeling of really knowing them. If you enjoy a great detective story then a Wesley Peterson murder mystery is a must.
May 11, 2023
First a teenage girl, daughter of a local MP, goes missing and then two people are found shot to death in Manor Field, a site rumoured to be cursed. While DI Wesley Peterson is involved with these investigations, he is also troubled when he and his family are threatened by a stalker. Meanwhile, his archaeologist friend Neil has found references to a Mechanical Devil said to have plagued the village just before the Reformation. Is it associated with Manor Field and the death of a young history student twenty years ago? An interesting piece of Medieval history serves as the hook for a complex story in this series which continues to be strong.
September 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this book - such an interesting and informative subject and thread through it. Great interweaving of the fictional hsitorical account. I also recommend reading the Authors note at the end as to why and how the book came about. I love writers who research and then write 2 stories in one - I enjoyed it so much, I want to read more of her books as well. I think I have read 1 or 2 but it was so well thought out and full of great and fun details. I like her practical yet whimsical writing and her protagonist - definitely worth a read and recommended.
September 28, 2019
Both the historical and contemporary mystery sides of the book are interesting. I did wish for fewer characters at a certain point, but managed to keep them all in my brain. The book begins with a double murder and the police don't get the correct sequence until quite late in the book, which I thought was kind of strange. Not sure they would just assume that the woman was first to die just because she was a noxious human being. Anyway, what forensics didn't help with at the start certainly helped at the end.
February 10, 2021
Over the last year or so, I've read this whole series and I love it. I'm so familiar now with the characters, the locations, the 'feel' of the series and the history/archaeology/crime combination that every book's a cosy read and cosy escapism is very welcome in these times. Thank you Kate Ellis! I only have one more to read now, sob! With this instalment, I didn't find the historical story as engaging as usual but the present day crime more than made up for that as it's a clever twisty mystery with several seemingly disparate intriguing plot lines and a very unexpected murderer!
July 31, 2022
#22 in Kate Ellis' Wesley Peterson series--one of my favorite series. When I need a great book boost, this is one of the places I come.
Another fascinating outing with Wesley and his archaeologist friend Neil. The late 16th century Mechanical Devil is an automaton find from Neil's work on a church close to the location of a double murder in a nearby field. The automaton was made in the form of a small friar which moved and spoke in prayer to calm seriously ill people. Over time there appeared to be a 'large' friar which would accompany the priest when he visited the sick or the dying with his automaton. There is a complex interrelationship between the actions in the past and the actions in the present, and Wesley and Gerry once again sort through all the criss-crossed issues to reach the proper conclusion on the murders, or I should say conclusions, as there is a lot going on.
Another fascinating outing with Wesley and his archaeologist friend Neil. The late 16th century Mechanical Devil is an automaton find from Neil's work on a church close to the location of a double murder in a nearby field. The automaton was made in the form of a small friar which moved and spoke in prayer to calm seriously ill people. Over time there appeared to be a 'large' friar which would accompany the priest when he visited the sick or the dying with his automaton. There is a complex interrelationship between the actions in the past and the actions in the present, and Wesley and Gerry once again sort through all the criss-crossed issues to reach the proper conclusion on the murders, or I should say conclusions, as there is a lot going on.
October 27, 2024
Far far too much going on for one coherent book -a missing girl, 3 murders, Pam's stalker, the mechanical monk and Belinda's plot line ( which is so blatantly obvious it was hardly worth doing). I'm also getting very tired of having Wesley's family inviolved in every book ( a few books ago his son was taken to a deserted village, then the same son steals from a dead body, Pam's cancer scare and now this one - give us a break fior goodness sake!). Honestly, if the next one doesn't improve I may have to say goodbye to this set, which are rapidly becoming far less interesting by the book.
June 27, 2018
Another terrific read from Kate Ellis. This one I especially liked because Neil Watson the archeologist takes centre stage. I love the history part of these books almost as much as I like the mysteries themselves. Ms Ellis does her research and it shows. If you haven't dipped into the Wesley Peterson series I highly recommend it. Once I started reading this book I stayed up until 2.00 a.m. just to finish and find out what happened.
January 8, 2020
Archeology and murder collide
Love reading Kate Ellis novels. Her ability to run two stories at the one time and then bring the two together at the end is one aspect of her writing I really enjoy and am fascinated by. Her characters are very everyday people you can relate too. There are twists and turns you don’t expect as she brings the story to a close. I spent all day reading as I couldn’t put it down.
Love reading Kate Ellis novels. Her ability to run two stories at the one time and then bring the two together at the end is one aspect of her writing I really enjoy and am fascinated by. Her characters are very everyday people you can relate too. There are twists and turns you don’t expect as she brings the story to a close. I spent all day reading as I couldn’t put it down.
November 19, 2023
In which Wesley Peterson completely ignores the threatening phone calls his wife has been receiving "just hang up dear, I've got to go."
WP is plenty interested in other women but can't be bothered to think about his own wife. I'd call this the low point of this book and this series.
If I can read any of the earlier ones I probably will. The stories are generally okay, even this one has its points of interest.
Rating 2.8.
WP is plenty interested in other women but can't be bothered to think about his own wife. I'd call this the low point of this book and this series.
If I can read any of the earlier ones I probably will. The stories are generally okay, even this one has its points of interest.
Rating 2.8.
April 2, 2024
Definitely one of my favorites so far, and I'm nearing the end of the series (or at least the series to date).
I would really like to read more about Neil and Lucy. I was greatly relieved to learn that she returned from Orkney and that they're still together, but there's been very little "story" about them together at home -- or together anywhere but work for that matter. I really like Neil and would love to read more about how he is as a partner.
I would really like to read more about Neil and Lucy. I was greatly relieved to learn that she returned from Orkney and that they're still together, but there's been very little "story" about them together at home -- or together anywhere but work for that matter. I really like Neil and would love to read more about how he is as a partner.
June 19, 2024
This was ok but didn’t really grab me. Perhaps it was because it was the 22nd book in the series but the first one I’d read. Readers of all the previous books may have been more familiar with and invested in the ongoing characters, but I couldn’t really make a connection with them. The story itself was reasonably enjoyable - usual sort of crime fiction with plot twists and red herrings along the way. There was just something missing for me. It felt very functional but lacked emotion.
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