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DI Ben Kitto #3
Kalt flüstern die Wellen
Über die wilde Schönheit der Scilly-Inseln legen sich dunkle Schatten – der dritte Fall für den charismatischen Ermittler Ben Kitto
Detective Inspector Ben Kitto hätte seinen 35. Geburtstag lieber mit seinen Freunden im Pub statt im Dienst verbracht. Doch an diesem Abend findet das traditionelle Feuerwerk zur Bonfire Night auf der Insel St. Agnes vor Cornwall statt, das Ben überwachen soll.
Unerwartet nehmen die Feierlichkeiten ein jähes Ende. In der Asche einer Feuerstelle werden menschliche Überreste gefunden. Ben Kitto stoppt sofort den Schiffsverkehr zu den Nachbarinseln und stellt die achtzig Bewohner von St. Agnes unter Hausarrest.
Denn der Täter befindet sich noch immer auf der Insel. Und seine Botschaft ist eindeutig: Alle Eindringlinge sind dem Tod geweiht ...
Detective Inspector Ben Kitto hätte seinen 35. Geburtstag lieber mit seinen Freunden im Pub statt im Dienst verbracht. Doch an diesem Abend findet das traditionelle Feuerwerk zur Bonfire Night auf der Insel St. Agnes vor Cornwall statt, das Ben überwachen soll.
Unerwartet nehmen die Feierlichkeiten ein jähes Ende. In der Asche einer Feuerstelle werden menschliche Überreste gefunden. Ben Kitto stoppt sofort den Schiffsverkehr zu den Nachbarinseln und stellt die achtzig Bewohner von St. Agnes unter Hausarrest.
Denn der Täter befindet sich noch immer auf der Insel. Und seine Botschaft ist eindeutig: Alle Eindringlinge sind dem Tod geweiht ...
448 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2020
117 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Kate Rhodes
38 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 130 reviews
November 19, 2023
Another trip to Midsomer for a completely bonkers story, poor or nonexistent characterisation but - at least - some great scenery. With the exception of the island location (St. Agnes this time) and some different - though equally quintessential Cornish - character names, I'm pretty sure this is exactly the same story as the second book in the series. And possibly the first, I can't remember. Basically 1) a body is found. 2) Within 10 minutes our existential crisis-ridden hero Ben Kitto has his arse handed to him by his boss for making zero progress with the investigation. 3) it gradually transpires that absolutely everyone on the island has a motive and could easily have done the murder. This is going to be somewhere between 50 and 100 people. 4) I don't recall the next 80% of the book. 5) the killer is revealed, and you couldn't care less by this point who it is. The many 4 and 5 star reviews suggest this is a winning formula, so clearly I am missing something...
August 3, 2019
Have you ever been on holiday and found the destination so enchanting that you keep going back there again and again? This year I've found myself making literary return visits to the Isles of Scilly, starting at Hell Bay, moving on to Ruin Beach and now at Burnt Island, the third novel in the DI Ben Kitto series.
The rugged detective strides across the equally rugged landscape of St Agnes in search of a sadistic killer. As in previous outings we meet his trusty hound, Shadow; his will-they-won't-they old schoolfriend, Zoe; and his stuffy boss, Madron. We also see more of his young sidekick, Eddie. The narrative seemed primed for him to have a bigger role in Book 4. Making her debut was tough cookie and head of forensics, Liz Gannick. Hopefully this story isn't the last we'll see of her.
I'd like to highlight the author's skill at keeping the series characters fresh while managing to fill in their backgrounds for newcomers to the series without boring those readers already familiar.
The murder in this novel was more graphic than in the previous books and there was a real sense that a psychopath was on the loose. (I guessed said psychopath early on but this isn't a criticism of the story. I hope it isn't a case of takes one to know one...)
I was delighted but unsurprised to read in the acknowledgments that the series has been optioned for TV. It's crying out for a place on the small screen as well as for many more books.
The rugged detective strides across the equally rugged landscape of St Agnes in search of a sadistic killer. As in previous outings we meet his trusty hound, Shadow; his will-they-won't-they old schoolfriend, Zoe; and his stuffy boss, Madron. We also see more of his young sidekick, Eddie. The narrative seemed primed for him to have a bigger role in Book 4. Making her debut was tough cookie and head of forensics, Liz Gannick. Hopefully this story isn't the last we'll see of her.
I'd like to highlight the author's skill at keeping the series characters fresh while managing to fill in their backgrounds for newcomers to the series without boring those readers already familiar.
The murder in this novel was more graphic than in the previous books and there was a real sense that a psychopath was on the loose. (I guessed said psychopath early on but this isn't a criticism of the story. I hope it isn't a case of takes one to know one...)
I was delighted but unsurprised to read in the acknowledgments that the series has been optioned for TV. It's crying out for a place on the small screen as well as for many more books.
October 9, 2023
“Burnt Island” is the third in the ‘Isle of Scilly’ series featuring DI Ben Kitto written by Kate Rhodes. I’ve been enjoying reading these in order to achieve the best possible way to enjoy character development, though each book can be read as a standalone and enjoyed equally as much.
I’ve really taken a shine to this truly wonderfully atmospheric series. I’ve formed a true affinity with the hauntingly wild but beautiful coastal setting and the rugged Poldark-esque Ben. However the real star of the show for me is Shadow, Ben’s adopted dog and it’s nice to see the relationship is now much more loving with a deep rooted respect for each other, since their first introduction.
Once again, Kate Rhodes has written a superb crime thriller with a simplistic storyline, proving the saying ‘less is more’ and with intermittent chapters between the current happenings and from the perspective of one of the characters, this keeps the pace flowing at an entertaining rate with an intriguing theme and murder.
I really do love this series, the untamed, rocky landscape is my ideal location and if you like your thrillers atmospheric with relatable characters and intriguing themes, then this series is for you for sure.
#BurntIsland - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve really taken a shine to this truly wonderfully atmospheric series. I’ve formed a true affinity with the hauntingly wild but beautiful coastal setting and the rugged Poldark-esque Ben. However the real star of the show for me is Shadow, Ben’s adopted dog and it’s nice to see the relationship is now much more loving with a deep rooted respect for each other, since their first introduction.
Once again, Kate Rhodes has written a superb crime thriller with a simplistic storyline, proving the saying ‘less is more’ and with intermittent chapters between the current happenings and from the perspective of one of the characters, this keeps the pace flowing at an entertaining rate with an intriguing theme and murder.
I really do love this series, the untamed, rocky landscape is my ideal location and if you like your thrillers atmospheric with relatable characters and intriguing themes, then this series is for you for sure.
#BurntIsland - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 18, 2020
Inhalt: Im dritten Teil der Reihe um DI Ben Kitto bekommt der sympathische Ermittler es mit einem besonders grausamen Mörder zu tun. Sein erstes Opfer, ein erst vor kurzem auf die kleine Scilly-Insel St. Agnes zugezogenen Wissenschaftler, wurde bei lebendigem Leib verbrannt.
Ben und sein junger Kollege Eddie suchen fieberhaft nach dem Mörder um weitere Verbrechen zu verhindern.
Meine Meinung: Der atmosphärische Krimi konnte mich völlig in seinen Bann ziehen. Die Autorin vermittelt einerseits gekonnt die ruhige, novembrige Stimmung auf der abgeschiedenen zu Cornwall gehörenden Inselgruppe im Atlantik, andererseits steigert sie langsam die Spannung je mehr der Leser die wenigen Inselbewohner kennen lernt.
Denn irgendwann scheint fast jeder ein mögliches Motiv oder Geheimnis zu haben oder macht sich durch auffälliges Verhalten verdächtig.
Als Leser tappt man genau wie Ben erst einmal im Dunkeln und folgt ihm in klassischer Krimimanier Schritt für Schritt bei seinen Ermittlungen und Erkenntnissen und ebenso auch auf die eine oder andere falsche Fährte.
Neben seinem Kollegen Eddie und dem eigenwilligen Hund Shadow steht Ben in diesem Teil die mutige Kriminaltechnikerin Liz Gannick zur Seite, die das Team auf den Inseln wunderbar ergänzt.
Nicht nur die Handlung, sondern auch der ansprechende Schreibstil hat mich vollkommen überzeugt.
Die gekonnte, eher ruhige Erzählweise trägt neben den interessanten Charakteren für mich einen großen Teil dazu bei, die Spannung kontinuierlich zu steigern und den Leser mitfiebern zu lassen.
Fazit: Ich freue mich bereits auf weitere, spannende Fälle mit Ben Kitto!
Ben und sein junger Kollege Eddie suchen fieberhaft nach dem Mörder um weitere Verbrechen zu verhindern.
Meine Meinung: Der atmosphärische Krimi konnte mich völlig in seinen Bann ziehen. Die Autorin vermittelt einerseits gekonnt die ruhige, novembrige Stimmung auf der abgeschiedenen zu Cornwall gehörenden Inselgruppe im Atlantik, andererseits steigert sie langsam die Spannung je mehr der Leser die wenigen Inselbewohner kennen lernt.
Denn irgendwann scheint fast jeder ein mögliches Motiv oder Geheimnis zu haben oder macht sich durch auffälliges Verhalten verdächtig.
Als Leser tappt man genau wie Ben erst einmal im Dunkeln und folgt ihm in klassischer Krimimanier Schritt für Schritt bei seinen Ermittlungen und Erkenntnissen und ebenso auch auf die eine oder andere falsche Fährte.
Neben seinem Kollegen Eddie und dem eigenwilligen Hund Shadow steht Ben in diesem Teil die mutige Kriminaltechnikerin Liz Gannick zur Seite, die das Team auf den Inseln wunderbar ergänzt.
Nicht nur die Handlung, sondern auch der ansprechende Schreibstil hat mich vollkommen überzeugt.
Die gekonnte, eher ruhige Erzählweise trägt neben den interessanten Charakteren für mich einen großen Teil dazu bei, die Spannung kontinuierlich zu steigern und den Leser mitfiebern zu lassen.
Fazit: Ich freue mich bereits auf weitere, spannende Fälle mit Ben Kitto!
September 7, 2020
Loving this series set in the Isles of Scilly. Read in the author's note at the end that it was to be a TV series.... can't wait, hope we will be able to get it down here in NZ. The books bring back wonderful memories of a holiday we had there with friends.... obviously no murders. 😁
April 27, 2020
Superficial characterisation, weak or ridiculous motives, boring writing and a very indecisive lead detective - the only interesting thing about this book was its setting.
April 12, 2025
wow, what an ending!!
April 27, 2020
I am such a huge fan of this series - love Ben, love his dog, love the absolutely gorgeous setting (whatever the weather) of the Scilly Isles. Burnt Island is every bit as good as the others and tells a story that is not only well-told, it's also extremely difficult to put down. A really enjoyable read. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
May 27, 2020
Ben Kitto, ehemaliger Undercover-Ermittler in London und neuer Deputy Commander der Isles of Scilly Police, hat im Fall eines zunächst unbekannten verbrannten Toten zu ermitteln. Es handelt sich um einen freundlichen Herrn, der erst seit kurzem auf der Insel lebte. Die zeitliche Parallele des Leichenfunds zur traditionellen Guy-Fawkes-Feier auf der Insel St. Agnes ist ein erster Hinweis, dass der Täter eine Botschaft zu überbringen hat. In Stein geritzte Botschaften tauchen nach und nach auf in kornischer Sprache, die nur noch von wenigen Einheimischen gesprochen wird. Wie der Täter den Brennstoff unbemerkt transportiert haben kann, fragt man sich spätestens nach einem Blick auf die Karte der Insel; denn einige Bewohner haben aus ihrem Haus einen weiten Blick über die Insel. Mit einem schwierigen, kontrollierenden Chef im Nacken fahnden Ben und sein junger Kollege Eddie Nickel nach einer Person, die eng mit der kornischen Kultur verbunden sein und eine Abneigung gegen neu zugezogene Inselbürger haben muss. Der Icherzähler Ben ist persönlich betroffen, weil er das Opfer und seine Frau kannte. Ben Kitto kann zwar seine Ortskenntnis und Verbindungen aus der gemeinsamen Schulzeit mit den Inselbewohnern nutzen. Von der Vehemenz der Konflikte um die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung der Insel überwältigt und unter dem Druck seines Chefs, scheint er sich jedoch zu Alleingängen gedrängt zu fühlen, die für einen so erfahrenen Ermittler wenig glaubwürdig wirken.
Der Kriminalfall, bei dem Ermittler, Verdächtige und Zeugen kurz vor Einsetzen der Winterstürme gemeinsam auf einer Insel festsitzen, funktioniert im dritten Band der Serie wieder gut. Auch ohne Kenntnis des zweiten Bands habe ich schnell in das Setting gefunden und konnte dem nicht gerade professionellen Ermittler bei der Arbeit über die Schulter schauen. Ben sollte wissen, dass in einer eingeschworenen Gemeinschaft die Wellen des Tratschs hoch schlagen können und dass er ein Kapitalverbrechen kaum mit Alleingängen und vorschnellen Urteilen aufklären wird. Sein Umgang mit dem behinderten Jim ist für einen erfahrenen Ermittler nicht gerade ein Glanzstück.
Stimmungsvolle Inselatmosphäre im November, ein spannender Plot und eine größere Prise Privatleben der Ermittler versöhnen mit der weniger glaubwürdigen Ermittlerfigur.
Den 4. Band hat Kate Penrose (d. i. Kate Rhodes) bereits angekündigt.
Der Kriminalfall, bei dem Ermittler, Verdächtige und Zeugen kurz vor Einsetzen der Winterstürme gemeinsam auf einer Insel festsitzen, funktioniert im dritten Band der Serie wieder gut. Auch ohne Kenntnis des zweiten Bands habe ich schnell in das Setting gefunden und konnte dem nicht gerade professionellen Ermittler bei der Arbeit über die Schulter schauen. Ben sollte wissen, dass in einer eingeschworenen Gemeinschaft die Wellen des Tratschs hoch schlagen können und dass er ein Kapitalverbrechen kaum mit Alleingängen und vorschnellen Urteilen aufklären wird. Sein Umgang mit dem behinderten Jim ist für einen erfahrenen Ermittler nicht gerade ein Glanzstück.
Stimmungsvolle Inselatmosphäre im November, ein spannender Plot und eine größere Prise Privatleben der Ermittler versöhnen mit der weniger glaubwürdigen Ermittlerfigur.
Den 4. Band hat Kate Penrose (d. i. Kate Rhodes) bereits angekündigt.
December 27, 2019
DI Ben Kitto initially came to the Scilly islands the place of his birth to take stock of his life after 10 years working for the murder squad in London. He is now the Deputy Chief of Police for the Scilly Isles.
When a charred body is discovered on the island of St Agnes when the community are preparing for their 5 November festivities Ben Kitto is certain the killer must be an islander, by the position of the body at the top of the hill and the effort involved to set a fire in that location. After telephoning Penzance for forensic assistance Ben hunkers down for the night on the rocky ground to preserve the murder scene. When daylight comes, he makes out markings on a nearby boulder and recognises some Cornish words which when translated exhibit a hatred of incomers to the island.
With a population of just 80 people, Ben has effectively 80 suspects, but who bears that much hate. And what of the recent additions to the island? Naomi Vine a sculptor of international reputation, who Ben learns wants to put her sculptures on the beach and is being fought by the islanders every step of the way. As Ben talks to people he thought he knew well, more animosity surfaces. And more threats appear – is anyone safe?
The story is rich in well-developed characters, many we have met in the two earlier books, DCI Madron, Ben’s boss, the one with the stick up his backside, Ben’s sergeant Eddie Nickell, and his old school friend Zoe, who could be more than a friend…..
The story is narrated in the first person by Ben Kitto, but there are also twenty-six short third person narratives from Islander Jimmy Curwen known as the Birdman who takes care of wounded birds but who can neither read nor write.
Fast paced and beautifully written this is a clever complex tale, and as the secrets emerged, I kept thinking I had identified the killer, but I was wrong every time.
Atmospheric and intriguing this is a ‘must read’. Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
When a charred body is discovered on the island of St Agnes when the community are preparing for their 5 November festivities Ben Kitto is certain the killer must be an islander, by the position of the body at the top of the hill and the effort involved to set a fire in that location. After telephoning Penzance for forensic assistance Ben hunkers down for the night on the rocky ground to preserve the murder scene. When daylight comes, he makes out markings on a nearby boulder and recognises some Cornish words which when translated exhibit a hatred of incomers to the island.
With a population of just 80 people, Ben has effectively 80 suspects, but who bears that much hate. And what of the recent additions to the island? Naomi Vine a sculptor of international reputation, who Ben learns wants to put her sculptures on the beach and is being fought by the islanders every step of the way. As Ben talks to people he thought he knew well, more animosity surfaces. And more threats appear – is anyone safe?
The story is rich in well-developed characters, many we have met in the two earlier books, DCI Madron, Ben’s boss, the one with the stick up his backside, Ben’s sergeant Eddie Nickell, and his old school friend Zoe, who could be more than a friend…..
The story is narrated in the first person by Ben Kitto, but there are also twenty-six short third person narratives from Islander Jimmy Curwen known as the Birdman who takes care of wounded birds but who can neither read nor write.
Fast paced and beautifully written this is a clever complex tale, and as the secrets emerged, I kept thinking I had identified the killer, but I was wrong every time.
Atmospheric and intriguing this is a ‘must read’. Highly recommended.
-------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
March 11, 2022
Burnt Island is book three in the DI Ben Kitto series by Kate Rhodes. A charred body mystery turned up on a small island called Burnt Island situated off St Agnes island with a threat written in old Cornish language. Firstly, Deputy Chief of Police Ben Kitto banned all travel between the islands to ensure the killer did not disappear. At the start of the investigation, Deputy Chief of Police Ben Kitto thought the killing was to stop newcomers who do not follow tradition. However, he changed his thoughts when another incident happened. The readers of Burnt Island will continue to follow Deputy Chief of Police Ben Kitto to find out what happens.
Burnt Island is another fantastic book by Kate Rhodes, and I had no problem engaging with the plot and the characters of this book. I enjoy how Kate Rhodes incorporates her twists into her book's plots. I love Kate Rhodes's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Burnt Island is well written and researched by Kate Rhodes. I like Kate Rhodes's description of the settings of Burnt Island that allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Burnt Island will learn about the old Cornish language that is slowly disappearing. Also, the readers of Burnt Island will learn about the devastation for law enforcement officers when their children go missing.
I recommend this book.
Burnt Island is another fantastic book by Kate Rhodes, and I had no problem engaging with the plot and the characters of this book. I enjoy how Kate Rhodes incorporates her twists into her book's plots. I love Kate Rhodes's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Burnt Island is well written and researched by Kate Rhodes. I like Kate Rhodes's description of the settings of Burnt Island that allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Burnt Island will learn about the old Cornish language that is slowly disappearing. Also, the readers of Burnt Island will learn about the devastation for law enforcement officers when their children go missing.
I recommend this book.
November 17, 2019
Absolutely fantastic . Love this series and can't wait for the next one .
October 22, 2020
Burnt island was literally a slow burner!
After a slow start it, the story grew and grew and turned out to be a real page Turner!
Great book 👍
After a slow start it, the story grew and grew and turned out to be a real page Turner!
Great book 👍
October 1, 2023
Burnt Island is the third book in Kate Rhodes brilliant, DI Ben Kitto series. One of the best things, in my opinion, about this series, and in this book, is that Kate Rhodes explores the setting further, especially with the use of Cornish language in her plot. The book kicks off with the horrific discovery of a body during the bonfire night celebrations on the island. And the killer has left behind a cryptic message written in Cornish, and this is what gives the book a really intense feeling. And this isn’t the only time the killer will strike, but what is their motive? It isn’t long before warnings, left by the killer, and written in Cornish, begin to appear and it becomes a race against time for Ben and his team to catch them.
I loved the mystery in this book, which Kate Rhodes pulls together really well as once again DI Ben Kitto, is forced to consider the prospect that there is a killer amongst them. There is a lot of suspicion surrounding one individual, as DI Ben Kitto’s investigation develops, which heightens the tension further, and some of the locals become very uptight, when Ben questions them on their movements around the time of the murder. I had no idea what turn the killer would take next, especially when it becomes clear that other members of the local community are in danger.
There are some really intriguing characters with fascinating backstories, who Kate Rhode’s explores as Ben Kitto starts to investigate suspects. Kate Rhodes does a fantastic job of raising your suspicions about different individuals. You know that the killer can only be one of the locals, so this seems to put Ben even more on edge, as this killer seems to be particularly dangerous, and there’s no knowing what they’ll do next. What I really liked as well in this book, was that Shadow, Ben’s dog seems to have more of a prominent role, especially in accompanying Ben when he is carrying out his investigations. Kate Rhodes uses Shadow brilliantly as well to up the tension, especially when Shadow can sense things Ben can’t, especially when danger is nearby.
Like always, Kate Rhodes excels at creating atmosphere. I liked the fact that she chose to set this book around Bonfire night, which on its own, adds an eerie atmosphere. You can picture the killer skulking in the shadows, biding their time, before they make their next move.
If you’re looking for an atmospheric, sinister crime novel with a brilliant setting, I highly recommend this series.
I loved the mystery in this book, which Kate Rhodes pulls together really well as once again DI Ben Kitto, is forced to consider the prospect that there is a killer amongst them. There is a lot of suspicion surrounding one individual, as DI Ben Kitto’s investigation develops, which heightens the tension further, and some of the locals become very uptight, when Ben questions them on their movements around the time of the murder. I had no idea what turn the killer would take next, especially when it becomes clear that other members of the local community are in danger.
There are some really intriguing characters with fascinating backstories, who Kate Rhode’s explores as Ben Kitto starts to investigate suspects. Kate Rhodes does a fantastic job of raising your suspicions about different individuals. You know that the killer can only be one of the locals, so this seems to put Ben even more on edge, as this killer seems to be particularly dangerous, and there’s no knowing what they’ll do next. What I really liked as well in this book, was that Shadow, Ben’s dog seems to have more of a prominent role, especially in accompanying Ben when he is carrying out his investigations. Kate Rhodes uses Shadow brilliantly as well to up the tension, especially when Shadow can sense things Ben can’t, especially when danger is nearby.
Like always, Kate Rhodes excels at creating atmosphere. I liked the fact that she chose to set this book around Bonfire night, which on its own, adds an eerie atmosphere. You can picture the killer skulking in the shadows, biding their time, before they make their next move.
If you’re looking for an atmospheric, sinister crime novel with a brilliant setting, I highly recommend this series.
September 27, 2023
Oh my the prologue is one that will stay with me for a while because of its gruesome nature, if this is foreshadowing the rest of the story, I’m in for a wild ride.
It Ben Kitto’s 35th birthday , he and Shadow are on St Agnes ,which is the wildest island in the Scillies, it doesn’t even have any cars and it’s only half a mile wide and 2 miles long. Ben thinks he’s just overseeing a fireworks display until something terrible
Is uncovered.
I’ll let you into a little a secret DI Ben Kitto is my favourite detective in a book series ever!
He just keeps on getting better and better, in this story we got to reunited with old friends and a few new ones that I hope to see more of and the typical island life of the Scillies that I’ve grown to love and hopefully visit one day.
This case was so interesting and horrific at some points but I didn’t even have a little inclination as to who the actual killer was, I was so shocked when i found out, that is a sign of how good the author Kate Rhodes is.
In this book was also get to see Ben being vulnerable and a little lonely and I hope he gets his happy ever after one day soon.
I can’t write this review without saying how much I loved Shadow and he got to be the hero that he is again.
Roll on the next book that I’ll be reading and reviewing very soon.
If you’re on the fence about this series of looking for an amazing series to read please start this one.
It Ben Kitto’s 35th birthday , he and Shadow are on St Agnes ,which is the wildest island in the Scillies, it doesn’t even have any cars and it’s only half a mile wide and 2 miles long. Ben thinks he’s just overseeing a fireworks display until something terrible
Is uncovered.
I’ll let you into a little a secret DI Ben Kitto is my favourite detective in a book series ever!
He just keeps on getting better and better, in this story we got to reunited with old friends and a few new ones that I hope to see more of and the typical island life of the Scillies that I’ve grown to love and hopefully visit one day.
This case was so interesting and horrific at some points but I didn’t even have a little inclination as to who the actual killer was, I was so shocked when i found out, that is a sign of how good the author Kate Rhodes is.
In this book was also get to see Ben being vulnerable and a little lonely and I hope he gets his happy ever after one day soon.
I can’t write this review without saying how much I loved Shadow and he got to be the hero that he is again.
Roll on the next book that I’ll be reading and reviewing very soon.
If you’re on the fence about this series of looking for an amazing series to read please start this one.
June 10, 2025
2.5 rounded up
Book Three in this series set on the Scilly Isles, this time St Agnes.
An okay read. I like a series where there is character development and there is some here, largely around DI Ben Kitto, the lead detective. That said the attitude of the Chief is becoming wearing although I note some explanation for his over critical nature at the end of this book so perhaps this will improve. My main struggle is with the formula - two story lines, one an islander somehow involved and a possible suspect and the other the investigation as told through Kitto. This is starting to become too predictable for me and on this occasion was verging on silly.
If I didn't already have book 4 checked out from the library I am not sure I would go ahead - we will see what the next instalment brings.
Book Three in this series set on the Scilly Isles, this time St Agnes.
An okay read. I like a series where there is character development and there is some here, largely around DI Ben Kitto, the lead detective. That said the attitude of the Chief is becoming wearing although I note some explanation for his over critical nature at the end of this book so perhaps this will improve. My main struggle is with the formula - two story lines, one an islander somehow involved and a possible suspect and the other the investigation as told through Kitto. This is starting to become too predictable for me and on this occasion was verging on silly.
If I didn't already have book 4 checked out from the library I am not sure I would go ahead - we will see what the next instalment brings.
September 22, 2023
Thrilling
February 2, 2023
Brilliant read love this series.
Great setting and a wonderful twist .
Great setting and a wonderful twist .
April 21, 2020
"Couldn't see the wood for the trees"
I spotted a reference to this trio of books on another well-known author's Facebook page. You know the sort of thing. "I've read all 'x's' books, who else is there I should give a try?" Several people pointed the lady in this direction, so I thought I'd follow. From the first few pages I knew it was a mistake. These books are wonderfully written. If you enjoy intricate word pictures that involve three hundred similes when describing a short boat trip from one island to another then good luck to you. I'm not a highly-educated person, and I recall struggling with Shakespeare and Chaucer at school. These books are as challenging to read as Old English. I couldn't see the wood for the trees. When I stripped away the layers of eloquent description I found flaws in what was at heart a fairly basic plot. In future, I think I'll stick to finding my own next book and concentrate on writers who get the story done in words that everyone can understand. When I completed all three books I wondered whether these belong in the same group as those that everyone claims to have read - when in reality they skipped through the word picture overload to discover whodunnit.
I spotted a reference to this trio of books on another well-known author's Facebook page. You know the sort of thing. "I've read all 'x's' books, who else is there I should give a try?" Several people pointed the lady in this direction, so I thought I'd follow. From the first few pages I knew it was a mistake. These books are wonderfully written. If you enjoy intricate word pictures that involve three hundred similes when describing a short boat trip from one island to another then good luck to you. I'm not a highly-educated person, and I recall struggling with Shakespeare and Chaucer at school. These books are as challenging to read as Old English. I couldn't see the wood for the trees. When I stripped away the layers of eloquent description I found flaws in what was at heart a fairly basic plot. In future, I think I'll stick to finding my own next book and concentrate on writers who get the story done in words that everyone can understand. When I completed all three books I wondered whether these belong in the same group as those that everyone claims to have read - when in reality they skipped through the word picture overload to discover whodunnit.
August 2, 2020
'Burnt Island' is the third book in the Ben Kitto crime series, set in the Scilly Isles, and it is easily as good as previous outings, if not better. A charred body has been found on the tiny island of St Agnes, population less than a hundred, and Ben is forced to restrict travel to and from the island until the sadistic killer is found. But who could've wanted to kill the victim in such an awful way and was the motivation a hatred of outsiders? The murderer is seemingly someone who cleaves to the old ways, and shuns foreigners, but is that real or just a clever feint? It's up to Ben to unravel the mystery before more names are added to the killer's death list.
I really enjoy all aspects of this series, especially the setting of the Scilly Isles, which the author manages to portray as both wonderfully carefree and faraway and yet oddly claustrophobic and sinister at the same time. Not an easy thing to pull off but Kate Rhodes has definitely succeeded. Ben is a fantastic lead and I must admit that I really enjoy the character of his dog! In short, this is a very strong and engaging read and I hope for many more to come.
I really enjoy all aspects of this series, especially the setting of the Scilly Isles, which the author manages to portray as both wonderfully carefree and faraway and yet oddly claustrophobic and sinister at the same time. Not an easy thing to pull off but Kate Rhodes has definitely succeeded. Ben is a fantastic lead and I must admit that I really enjoy the character of his dog! In short, this is a very strong and engaging read and I hope for many more to come.
August 30, 2020
I’m really struggling to read during this COVID-19 global pandemic of 2020. Normally reading is such a comfort, but I can’t lose myself in books the way I usually do. I’m not sure what impact this’ll have on my ratings.
Loved this instalment in the Ben Kitto series, always compelling and the Scully Isles location makes for a great claustrophobic backdrop.
My rating strategy:
5 stars = An all time favourite, I could tell you about this 10 years later.
4 stars = Loved this, really gripping/fun/exciting, will remember long term.
3 stars = Definitely enjoyed, might forget quickly though, but happy to read more by the author.
2 stars = Likely to have some goood points, but it didn't properly captivate me.
1 star = Not my cup of tea at all, wouldn't return to the author.
Loved this instalment in the Ben Kitto series, always compelling and the Scully Isles location makes for a great claustrophobic backdrop.
My rating strategy:
5 stars = An all time favourite, I could tell you about this 10 years later.
4 stars = Loved this, really gripping/fun/exciting, will remember long term.
3 stars = Definitely enjoyed, might forget quickly though, but happy to read more by the author.
2 stars = Likely to have some goood points, but it didn't properly captivate me.
1 star = Not my cup of tea at all, wouldn't return to the author.
July 7, 2020
Three stars may be a little generous. I saw a recommendation for this book in a Financial Times list of summer reading and gave it a try. The idea of a murder investigation on a remote island off the coast of Cornwall was intriguing. Unfortunately, plot structure and writing was only fair to middling. While the identity of the killer is well disguised, the initial and continuing focus on a suspect who clearly could not have committed the crime is baffling, and Kate Rhodes writing style is bit frantic.
I have just read the last of Deon Meyer's books and am looking for a new series. I will need to keep searching.
I have just read the last of Deon Meyer's books and am looking for a new series. I will need to keep searching.
October 20, 2024
I chose this book because it was set on the Isles of Scilly but it was very weak and disappointing. There was an abundance of plot holes, unnecessary repetition of obvious facts and lack of character development that made for a very dissatisfying and at times frustrating read. The author was mostly concerned with descriptions of the setting and lifestyle of the Scillies, in particular St Agnes which was the only thing done well in this novel. I will give credit for the fact that I did not work out who the murderer was before it was revealed.
August 23, 2022
I tried to struggle through to the end of this book, but finally gave up three quarters of the way through. It was far too slow for me, with a large cast of characters.
I did not find the characters in the investigating team had any interesting qualities, so there would be nothing to attract me to continue the series.
I appreciate that in real life police investigations can be slow and painstaking, but it doesn't work for me in a novel.
I did not find the characters in the investigating team had any interesting qualities, so there would be nothing to attract me to continue the series.
I appreciate that in real life police investigations can be slow and painstaking, but it doesn't work for me in a novel.
March 16, 2023
Really disappointed with this one. The plot hung on a two dimensional character with a lazy portrayal of learning difficulties and some tedious tropes around the eventual killer.
And even with the ridiculous stakes the pace was still pretty plodding.
And even with the ridiculous stakes the pace was still pretty plodding.
December 25, 2019
A brilliant and very clever mystery.
July 1, 2020
Well I didn’t see that coming!
December 19, 2020
Not my fave genre, but I did read it all. Well written, good sense of place and characters.
March 26, 2021
I like all her mysteries/police procedurals a lot...but don't believe her when she says that the ferry to the Isles of Scilly runs from Lands End...the ferry runs from Penzance...and it's a fun trip!
November 1, 2023
A dramatic start sets the tone and imagery for the novel. It’s the Fifth-of-November, the annual celebration of the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot to blow up parliament and King James I and thereby resorting a Catholic monarch. Ben Kitto is on hand to make sure everything is in order which it appears to be. The calm doesn’t last long though, as the local publican Steve Tregarron comes rushing to Ben to say he’s found a body. Ben dashes off with him and finds the gruesome remains of a man burned on a fire but partially covered with a sheepskin jacket. A cold night awaits Ben, exposed to the elements, guarding the body. He spots a strange inscription in a rock nearby written in old Cornish. Burnt Island literally becomes a burnt island and the two motifs of fire and the old Cornish language now weave throughout the storyline.
So, Ben faces another murder on another of the Scilly Isles, this one St Agnes is linked to the neighbouring island of Gugh accessible by a sand bar at certain times of the day. Familiar problems face Ben and he resorts to his tried and trusted methods, if you have read the first two books in the series you will know what to expect. An unkind view would be it is a formulaic retread, but it is merely reflecting the territory of the small islands, there can hardly be car chases and gun battles here. The investigation is merely the canvas for exploring human nature, the hopes and fears, desires and dreads of people in an isolated community which must rub along together, and in this novel it does this really well.
The Scilly Isles, like many small isolated and rural communities, faces an uncertain future. One problem is the retaining of the young inhabitants, giving them a realistic future so they don’t seek it on the mainland. But this means jobs and affordable housing. Farming and fishing can no longer support communities so new opportunities need to be developed. In summer tourism is a godsend to the economy but it is a delicate balance as too many buying holiday homes and lets will force up property prices. The real conundrum is how to preserve the old ways but also embrace the new. Incomers can invigorate the place, but their ways are different, often being artistic or professional, and they relocate once they are successful. All these conflicting viewpoints are skilfully drawn out and exposed in the story which results in several surprises.
The island is home to a mere eighty inhabitants, a tight knit and often reserved community, but this provides an opportunity to examine so many varying profiles as Ben sifts through his suspects. Here the suspects are given some real depth of character.
The existing central characters are developed beautifully as can be done in a series. We get to see more of policeman Eddie Nickell, his home life, fiancé and newborn daughter. In his eyes Ben is losing a little bit of sheen; his hero worship is starting to become normal respect. Zoe is back on a break from her job in India, picking November because Christmas was too expensive. There were few chances for the natural chemistry between Zoe and Ben to develop this time and Zoe drops a bombshell revelation.
Ben continues to adapt back to the island ways and put the past behind him, and he learns from two new characters this time around, Jimmy Curwen (aka Birdman) and Liz Gannick the disabled head of forensics. Liz is extraordinarily determined and Jimmy is surprisingly gentle and caring, both battle the immense difficulties they face but remind Ben of the importance of freedom and independence. Ben’s godmother Maggie Nancarrow gives him her father’s vintage Rolex which is inscribed ‘Time waits for no man’. A timely reminder in both senses but will Ben take heed?
After the initial shocking discovery, the tension is built up gradually, without revealing too much to the reader. The setting is perfect for this and the author excels at drawing out the concern, paranoia and seeds of mistrust amongst neighbours. Then later in the novel when the main danger and jeopardy is introduced, the pace is picked up considerable with shorter chapters and switching perspective being used to great effect. The set piece scene it builds up to is thrilling before a nicely judged denouement and ending.
So, Ben faces another murder on another of the Scilly Isles, this one St Agnes is linked to the neighbouring island of Gugh accessible by a sand bar at certain times of the day. Familiar problems face Ben and he resorts to his tried and trusted methods, if you have read the first two books in the series you will know what to expect. An unkind view would be it is a formulaic retread, but it is merely reflecting the territory of the small islands, there can hardly be car chases and gun battles here. The investigation is merely the canvas for exploring human nature, the hopes and fears, desires and dreads of people in an isolated community which must rub along together, and in this novel it does this really well.
The Scilly Isles, like many small isolated and rural communities, faces an uncertain future. One problem is the retaining of the young inhabitants, giving them a realistic future so they don’t seek it on the mainland. But this means jobs and affordable housing. Farming and fishing can no longer support communities so new opportunities need to be developed. In summer tourism is a godsend to the economy but it is a delicate balance as too many buying holiday homes and lets will force up property prices. The real conundrum is how to preserve the old ways but also embrace the new. Incomers can invigorate the place, but their ways are different, often being artistic or professional, and they relocate once they are successful. All these conflicting viewpoints are skilfully drawn out and exposed in the story which results in several surprises.
The island is home to a mere eighty inhabitants, a tight knit and often reserved community, but this provides an opportunity to examine so many varying profiles as Ben sifts through his suspects. Here the suspects are given some real depth of character.
The existing central characters are developed beautifully as can be done in a series. We get to see more of policeman Eddie Nickell, his home life, fiancé and newborn daughter. In his eyes Ben is losing a little bit of sheen; his hero worship is starting to become normal respect. Zoe is back on a break from her job in India, picking November because Christmas was too expensive. There were few chances for the natural chemistry between Zoe and Ben to develop this time and Zoe drops a bombshell revelation.
Ben continues to adapt back to the island ways and put the past behind him, and he learns from two new characters this time around, Jimmy Curwen (aka Birdman) and Liz Gannick the disabled head of forensics. Liz is extraordinarily determined and Jimmy is surprisingly gentle and caring, both battle the immense difficulties they face but remind Ben of the importance of freedom and independence. Ben’s godmother Maggie Nancarrow gives him her father’s vintage Rolex which is inscribed ‘Time waits for no man’. A timely reminder in both senses but will Ben take heed?
After the initial shocking discovery, the tension is built up gradually, without revealing too much to the reader. The setting is perfect for this and the author excels at drawing out the concern, paranoia and seeds of mistrust amongst neighbours. Then later in the novel when the main danger and jeopardy is introduced, the pace is picked up considerable with shorter chapters and switching perspective being used to great effect. The set piece scene it builds up to is thrilling before a nicely judged denouement and ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews