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Wesley Peterson #25
The Stone Chamber
'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times
__________________
On a summer evening, Robert and Greta Gerdner are shot dead at their home in the Devon countryside.
DI Wesley Peterson suspects the execution-style murders might be linked to Robert's past police career - until Robert's name is found on a list of people who've been sent tickets anonymously for a tour of Darkhole Grange, a former asylum on Dartmoor.
Wesley discovers that other names on the list have also died in mysterious circumstances and, as he is drawn into the chilling history of the asylum, he becomes convinced that it holds the key to the case.
When his friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, finds the skeleton of a woman buried in a sealed chamber dating back to the fifteenth century at his nearby dig, Wesley wonders whether there might be a connection between the ancient cell and the tragic events at Darkhole Grange.
With the clock ticking, Wesley must solve the puzzle, before the next person on the list meets a terrible end . . .
Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.
Praise for Kate Ellis . . .
'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves
'Haunting' Independent
'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer
'Unputdownable' Bookseller
'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph
__________________
On a summer evening, Robert and Greta Gerdner are shot dead at their home in the Devon countryside.
DI Wesley Peterson suspects the execution-style murders might be linked to Robert's past police career - until Robert's name is found on a list of people who've been sent tickets anonymously for a tour of Darkhole Grange, a former asylum on Dartmoor.
Wesley discovers that other names on the list have also died in mysterious circumstances and, as he is drawn into the chilling history of the asylum, he becomes convinced that it holds the key to the case.
When his friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, finds the skeleton of a woman buried in a sealed chamber dating back to the fifteenth century at his nearby dig, Wesley wonders whether there might be a connection between the ancient cell and the tragic events at Darkhole Grange.
With the clock ticking, Wesley must solve the puzzle, before the next person on the list meets a terrible end . . .
Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.
Praise for Kate Ellis . . .
'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves
'Haunting' Independent
'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer
'Unputdownable' Bookseller
'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph
400 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2021
110 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Kate Ellis
120 books606 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 75 reviews
August 17, 2021
25th Wesley Peterson book, a series I have enjoyed this year. I don't want to spoil for others, so simply put there are a number of deaths, and finding the link and who is behind it takes up most of the book. The archaeology feature has some connections as usual, so Neil plays a role. Stories of enclosure/imprisonment connect from the ancient past to the more recent past. I did not find the historical thread terribly interesting in this latest offering. [Rachel update: married and pregnant]
Kindle book now available in US from Amazon
Kindle book now available in US from Amazon
February 22, 2023
Not worth me leaving a proper review. Sorry! It was slow and dull. Had a lot of premise but I just didn't enjoy it.
October 1, 2021
I love this series and this one was no exception. Absolutely brilliant.
June 12, 2022
The body count escalates early, tapers off, but the drama stays constant throughout.
*It just goes to show what terrible secrets are hidden throughout rural history*
*It just goes to show what terrible secrets are hidden throughout rural history*
March 30, 2022
DI Wesley Peterson crime series became one of my favorite after I read the first book and this one is amongst the best: riveting, entertaining, and gripping.
i read it in two sitting and it was hard to put it down as there's a lot of twists and it's one of those "one more chapter books.
Past and present mixes and the past affects the present.
I was glad to catch up with the cast of characters and the storytelling was excellent.
It's a fast paced, twisty, and solid mystery that surprised me till the last page (literally)
I can't wait to read the next novel.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
i read it in two sitting and it was hard to put it down as there's a lot of twists and it's one of those "one more chapter books.
Past and present mixes and the past affects the present.
I was glad to catch up with the cast of characters and the storytelling was excellent.
It's a fast paced, twisty, and solid mystery that surprised me till the last page (literally)
I can't wait to read the next novel.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
April 15, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for access to this book.
I have enjoyed all of Kate Ellis’s book but this has to be one of the best ones!
The twists and turns were brilliantly written and exciting to read.
I always find it fascinating how Kate Ellis manages to weave connections between the past and the current time.
It was harrowing to read and realise that unmarried mothers and those deemed mentally unstable were treated how they were and until so recently.
I also enjoyed reading and learning about anchoresses and their devotion to God. It was particularly interesting to learn there is still a anchorite’s cell in Chester le Street which is very local to me in County Durham.
I can’t wait for the next one!
I have enjoyed all of Kate Ellis’s book but this has to be one of the best ones!
The twists and turns were brilliantly written and exciting to read.
I always find it fascinating how Kate Ellis manages to weave connections between the past and the current time.
It was harrowing to read and realise that unmarried mothers and those deemed mentally unstable were treated how they were and until so recently.
I also enjoyed reading and learning about anchoresses and their devotion to God. It was particularly interesting to learn there is still a anchorite’s cell in Chester le Street which is very local to me in County Durham.
I can’t wait for the next one!
March 23, 2023
This is the first DI Wesley Peterson novel that I have read but I will definitely be reading more of them. We start with a death in an escape room which looks like carbon monoxide poisoning and go on to a double murder out at a remote farmhouse, throw in arson, a kidnapping, and a pregnant girl sent to an asylum in the 1950s and you have a cracking story to unravel.
June 16, 2024
This is one of my favorite books in the series.
Spoiler Alert.
I still wish that Ellis would let Lucy play a bigger part in the stories, however. Since she and Neil became an official couple, she's largely been absent.
Spoiler Alert.
I still wish that Ellis would let Lucy play a bigger part in the stories, however. Since she and Neil became an official couple, she's largely been absent.
January 22, 2025
I find these hard to rate as they are somehow both sedate yet fairly gripping at the same time.
On one hand I like the characters despite, or perhaps because of, their ordinariness. The author also gets the Devon feel of the books across quite well. I also liked the plot and how the detectives uncovered clues and links which led them towards solving the crime.
One of Ellis's USPs is also writing a historical diary/account sub story that goes alongside the main plot but is somehow linked to the murder - likely by happening in the same area many years ago. This is pretty unique and does add another dimension to the books, albeit they vary in terms of how much these enrich the novel. In this case it was a decent link which helped the narrative somewhat.
It's hard to put my finger on why but despite being a page turner as you uncover the plot, Ellis's writing style means that the climax isn't that gripping or dramatic. Perhaps it's that she's much stronger at writing intrigue and crafting mysteries than she is at writing climactic action. Also whilst I like the characters, and am intrigued for the mystery being uncovered, I never really worry for any of the main characters n their professional or personal lives. That emotional hook just isn't there.
These factors limit the book from going higher than 3 stars, but a good solid mystery and a unique style pushes it to 3 stars. When the plot is good, these books are well worth a read. The books with a weaker plot and more tenuously linked historical accounts not so much. 2.5 rounded to 3 stars.
On one hand I like the characters despite, or perhaps because of, their ordinariness. The author also gets the Devon feel of the books across quite well. I also liked the plot and how the detectives uncovered clues and links which led them towards solving the crime.
One of Ellis's USPs is also writing a historical diary/account sub story that goes alongside the main plot but is somehow linked to the murder - likely by happening in the same area many years ago. This is pretty unique and does add another dimension to the books, albeit they vary in terms of how much these enrich the novel. In this case it was a decent link which helped the narrative somewhat.
It's hard to put my finger on why but despite being a page turner as you uncover the plot, Ellis's writing style means that the climax isn't that gripping or dramatic. Perhaps it's that she's much stronger at writing intrigue and crafting mysteries than she is at writing climactic action. Also whilst I like the characters, and am intrigued for the mystery being uncovered, I never really worry for any of the main characters n their professional or personal lives. That emotional hook just isn't there.
These factors limit the book from going higher than 3 stars, but a good solid mystery and a unique style pushes it to 3 stars. When the plot is good, these books are well worth a read. The books with a weaker plot and more tenuously linked historical accounts not so much. 2.5 rounded to 3 stars.
May 3, 2022
My thanks to Little, Brown Book Group U.K. /Piatkus for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Stone Chamber’ by Kate Ellis in exchange for an honest review. As it was already published I complemented my reading with its unabridged audiobook edition narrated by Gordon Griffin.
This is Book 25 in the DI Wesley Peterson series of police procedurals set in Devon. I have read most of the earlier books though Kate Ellis always provides background for readers new to the series.
On a summer evening Robert and Greta Gerdner are shot dead at their home in the Devon countryside. At first DI Wesley Peterson suspects that the murders might be linked to Robert’s past police career. Then evidence surfaces that suggests a link to others who have recently died in mysterious circumstances as well as to Darkhole Grange, a former asylum on Dartmoor with a chilling history.
On a nearby dig, Wesley’s friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, finds the skeleton of a woman buried in a sealed chamber that dates back to the fifteenth century. Wesley begins to wonder whether there might be a connection between the ancient cell and the tragic events at Darkhole Grange.
In ‘The Stone Chamber’ Ellis incorporates material on anchoresses and anchorites, those who willingly embraced a solitary spiritual life during the Middle Ages. In some cases this involved being walled up voluntarily.
In university Wesley had studied archeology alongside Neil. In each book Ellis utilises Neil’s latest project to connect present events with those of the past. Ellis finishes her novels with a Historical Note and I always feel as though I learn a little history when I read her novels.
As always this proved an intriguing police procedural with plenty of suspects and a satisfying resolution.
This is Book 25 in the DI Wesley Peterson series of police procedurals set in Devon. I have read most of the earlier books though Kate Ellis always provides background for readers new to the series.
On a summer evening Robert and Greta Gerdner are shot dead at their home in the Devon countryside. At first DI Wesley Peterson suspects that the murders might be linked to Robert’s past police career. Then evidence surfaces that suggests a link to others who have recently died in mysterious circumstances as well as to Darkhole Grange, a former asylum on Dartmoor with a chilling history.
On a nearby dig, Wesley’s friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, finds the skeleton of a woman buried in a sealed chamber that dates back to the fifteenth century. Wesley begins to wonder whether there might be a connection between the ancient cell and the tragic events at Darkhole Grange.
In ‘The Stone Chamber’ Ellis incorporates material on anchoresses and anchorites, those who willingly embraced a solitary spiritual life during the Middle Ages. In some cases this involved being walled up voluntarily.
In university Wesley had studied archeology alongside Neil. In each book Ellis utilises Neil’s latest project to connect present events with those of the past. Ellis finishes her novels with a Historical Note and I always feel as though I learn a little history when I read her novels.
As always this proved an intriguing police procedural with plenty of suspects and a satisfying resolution.
July 2, 2023
Another instalment in the Devon-set series of crime stories featuring Wesley Peterson. This one starts with a man found dead in his own tourist attraction - an escape room, popular with stag and hen parties. He's checking the room after the latest party and finds himself shut in, and the police believe it's a case of negligence, as the CoD was carbon monoxide poisoning, presumably from a faulty boiler flue which was meant to have been fixed (a bit too much info about boilers in this case!). The police become more involved when the plumber who had done work on the boiler asks Wesley's boss, Gerry, for help as he could be facing a manslaughter charge. Meanwhile, a retired couple are shot dead in their home, the man was an ex Met police officer who had recently set himself up as a private investigator, so the police start to look into his past for a possible motive. Then an American woman visiting a local resort hotel goes missing, and it soon emerges that all these people had been sent an invitation (anonymously) to another attraction, a ghost tour set in a former mental hospital, which had a formidable and shameful history. When yet another victim, this time an elderly man, is shot dead, further links to all the cases begin to emerge. Coupled with this is a back story from the 1950s, of a young woman,a teenager, who is pregnant by a married man, and who is about to be banished to protect her wealthy family (and the man) from losing their public respectability. The young woman seems to just disappear, judging by the pages of her diary, and there is also a historical link, as usual, to the dig on which Wesley's friend Neil is working, which is excavating an old church, with a possible anchoress's cell (a woman who gives up her life to God, and is walled up into a small chamber for the rest of her life, normally next to a church). so a lot going on, and whilst the links and general direction that the plot is heading do become apparent, it was still a very densely plotted novel,with some good misdirection, even though some elements become clear after a while. But the author doesn't go down the obvious path, which was good, and this was another enjoyable read, although a bit dry at times. Some humour is provided, as usual, by Wesley's mother in law, the ever youthful Della, who inadvertently does help with the case. 7/10
January 20, 2024
At first glance the death of a man in an Egyptian themed escape room seemingly as a result of a faulty boiler and the deaths of a well off retired couple by shootings seem to have nothing in common. Then an American woman is abducted from her hotel and a business card of a private detective is found among her things. The man who was shot was a retired police officer who had started a detective agency.
Meanwhile Neil is in the midst of an exciting find: the remains of an entire medieval village including a church with an "anchor" cell is found. Anchors and anchoresses were people who were considered living saints who lived isolated lives of prayer while choosing not to join an established order. In this case it looks like it may not have been a choice of the anchoress but that she was walled in.
Interspersed with the chapters detailing the archaeological finds and the murder investigations are the letters of a 16 year old in the 1950's who is pregnant by a local man twice her age who has been forced by a tyrannical father to isolate herself as her pregnancy starts to show. Ellis weaves the idea of claustrophobia throughout the book, something the character, Wesley Peterson, suffers from. My claustrophobia isn't quite as bad as his: I'm not afraid of elevators although I do like it when they go quickly. I don't like small enclosed spaces though or underground caves and caverns.
This was, like her other books, absolutely fascinating and it seems as if I am nearly up to date on all of the books except two: the next one after this and the one that comes out later this year. As I always say after reading her books, this is the best one yet. It was certainly one of the most haunting to me personally.
Meanwhile Neil is in the midst of an exciting find: the remains of an entire medieval village including a church with an "anchor" cell is found. Anchors and anchoresses were people who were considered living saints who lived isolated lives of prayer while choosing not to join an established order. In this case it looks like it may not have been a choice of the anchoress but that she was walled in.
Interspersed with the chapters detailing the archaeological finds and the murder investigations are the letters of a 16 year old in the 1950's who is pregnant by a local man twice her age who has been forced by a tyrannical father to isolate herself as her pregnancy starts to show. Ellis weaves the idea of claustrophobia throughout the book, something the character, Wesley Peterson, suffers from. My claustrophobia isn't quite as bad as his: I'm not afraid of elevators although I do like it when they go quickly. I don't like small enclosed spaces though or underground caves and caverns.
This was, like her other books, absolutely fascinating and it seems as if I am nearly up to date on all of the books except two: the next one after this and the one that comes out later this year. As I always say after reading her books, this is the best one yet. It was certainly one of the most haunting to me personally.
April 6, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for a review copy of The Stone Chamber, the twenty fifth novel to feature DI Wesley Peterson of the Devon police.
A couple are shot in their remote barn near Tradmouth, the fictional town in Devon where Wesley is based. The husband, Robert Gerdner, is a former police officer with the Met so the team wonder if revenge is the motive, but they soon discover a list of people who were anonymously sent tickets for a tour of Darkhole Grange, a former asylum.
I enjoyed The Stone Chamber, which is the usual mix of a present day investigation whose themes are reflected in the archaeological digs of Wesley’s friend Dr Neil Watson. In this case it is the treatment of women whose behaviour doesn’t conform to the societal mores of the day. This is explored in a sophisticated way by the 1956 diary extracts of a young woman who becomes fascinated with the story of a 15th century woman, the same woman who becomes part of Neil’s excavation. It is very neatly and cleverly done with a great final twist.
I actually liked the result of these historical parallels better than that of the modern day investigation. Don’t get me wrong, Wesley’s investigation is interesting and quite gripping in a quiet way with plenty of red herrings and associated crimes uncovered and I loved the way it was tied to the historical elements, but I found the solution a bit of a letdown in comparison with what had gone before. It’s clever, but not quite convincing.
The Stone Chamber is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
A couple are shot in their remote barn near Tradmouth, the fictional town in Devon where Wesley is based. The husband, Robert Gerdner, is a former police officer with the Met so the team wonder if revenge is the motive, but they soon discover a list of people who were anonymously sent tickets for a tour of Darkhole Grange, a former asylum.
I enjoyed The Stone Chamber, which is the usual mix of a present day investigation whose themes are reflected in the archaeological digs of Wesley’s friend Dr Neil Watson. In this case it is the treatment of women whose behaviour doesn’t conform to the societal mores of the day. This is explored in a sophisticated way by the 1956 diary extracts of a young woman who becomes fascinated with the story of a 15th century woman, the same woman who becomes part of Neil’s excavation. It is very neatly and cleverly done with a great final twist.
I actually liked the result of these historical parallels better than that of the modern day investigation. Don’t get me wrong, Wesley’s investigation is interesting and quite gripping in a quiet way with plenty of red herrings and associated crimes uncovered and I loved the way it was tied to the historical elements, but I found the solution a bit of a letdown in comparison with what had gone before. It’s clever, but not quite convincing.
The Stone Chamber is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 10, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and Kate Ellis for the chance to read this book
This is the 25th in the Wesley Petersen series and was one to wait for.
I have read several of the series so far though not quite all and it was great to catch up with Wesley, Neil and all the other characters that appear throughout the series.
I felt that this one was better than a few of it's predecessors. The story flowed better and held ones attention more.
I enjoy the historical aspect and the archaeological aspect that runs alongside the present day storyline.
I still get annoyed by the change of names of Devon resorts when its obvious what was intended but this seems to be something the author likes and runs throughout her books. It does add to the narrative trying to work out where she meant!!
I wont provide spoilers bit will say there are twists and turns and unexpected outcomes right to the end really.
Reading about the anchoress which was something I hadn't heard of was both interesting and makes one think about how awful it would be to be incarcerated in this way. The terrible way that 'fallen' women were treated in the 1950s and even later is horrifying in the extreme
A really good read I cannot wait for the next book in the series
This is the 25th in the Wesley Petersen series and was one to wait for.
I have read several of the series so far though not quite all and it was great to catch up with Wesley, Neil and all the other characters that appear throughout the series.
I felt that this one was better than a few of it's predecessors. The story flowed better and held ones attention more.
I enjoy the historical aspect and the archaeological aspect that runs alongside the present day storyline.
I still get annoyed by the change of names of Devon resorts when its obvious what was intended but this seems to be something the author likes and runs throughout her books. It does add to the narrative trying to work out where she meant!!
I wont provide spoilers bit will say there are twists and turns and unexpected outcomes right to the end really.
Reading about the anchoress which was something I hadn't heard of was both interesting and makes one think about how awful it would be to be incarcerated in this way. The terrible way that 'fallen' women were treated in the 1950s and even later is horrifying in the extreme
A really good read I cannot wait for the next book in the series
August 7, 2022
One indication of how much I enjoy Kate Ellis's Wesley Peterson series is the fact that I stay caught up with it. Now that I've read and enjoyed The Stone Chamber, I'm ready for the next book to be released. This is a book-- and a series-- to be savored for its criminal investigations, for the history it uncovers, and for the ever-evolving lives of its characters.
In The Stone Chamber, we learn about anchoresses, devout women who willingly sealed themselves for life into a room attached to a church, although archaeologist Neil Watson and his team learn during their excavation that-- even in the fifteenth century-- there were exceptions to the rule. Readers also learn about the running of asylums in the 1950s, and this was a subject of particular interest to me since a close family member endured some of the same "advanced" treatment during her brief stay in a sanitarium. (Sounds better than asylum, doesn't it?)
I really enjoyed how there was more going on than what met the eye in both stories, while at the same time I worried about Wesley's sick child and wondered if his sergeant was ever going to give birth to her own child. Character-driven readers like me will enjoy this series precisely because there is an excellent cast to concern themselves with.
There were only two slight "head shakers" in The Stone Chamber. One, for the first half of the book, the author mentioned the characters' weight. A lot. (It had to be a lot for it to begin to annoy me.) And two, learning that "...the 1913 Mental Deficiency Act allowed unmarried mothers to be categorized as 'moral imbeciles' and confined in asylums." (I'll see them a moral imbecile and raise them a dozen pompous ignoramuses.)
If you love a book (and an entire series) with an excellent cast, first-rate mysteries to solve, and fascinating tidbits of history to learn, you can't do better than Kate Ellis's Wesley Peterson series. Although it's probably best to begin with the first book in the series, The Merchant's House, it shouldn't be any problem at all to jump in here with The Stone Chamber. You can always go back and read the others once you're hooked.
In The Stone Chamber, we learn about anchoresses, devout women who willingly sealed themselves for life into a room attached to a church, although archaeologist Neil Watson and his team learn during their excavation that-- even in the fifteenth century-- there were exceptions to the rule. Readers also learn about the running of asylums in the 1950s, and this was a subject of particular interest to me since a close family member endured some of the same "advanced" treatment during her brief stay in a sanitarium. (Sounds better than asylum, doesn't it?)
I really enjoyed how there was more going on than what met the eye in both stories, while at the same time I worried about Wesley's sick child and wondered if his sergeant was ever going to give birth to her own child. Character-driven readers like me will enjoy this series precisely because there is an excellent cast to concern themselves with.
There were only two slight "head shakers" in The Stone Chamber. One, for the first half of the book, the author mentioned the characters' weight. A lot. (It had to be a lot for it to begin to annoy me.) And two, learning that "...the 1913 Mental Deficiency Act allowed unmarried mothers to be categorized as 'moral imbeciles' and confined in asylums." (I'll see them a moral imbecile and raise them a dozen pompous ignoramuses.)
If you love a book (and an entire series) with an excellent cast, first-rate mysteries to solve, and fascinating tidbits of history to learn, you can't do better than Kate Ellis's Wesley Peterson series. Although it's probably best to begin with the first book in the series, The Merchant's House, it shouldn't be any problem at all to jump in here with The Stone Chamber. You can always go back and read the others once you're hooked.
August 24, 2021
Triple-layer mystery
You know exactly what you are getting with this author because the formula has remained the same for all 25 books in this Devon-set mystery series. The lead character - archeology-loving DI Wesley Peterson - is a little dull but nowadays it seems unusual to feature a cop who isn't a maverick with a disastrous home life. Ellis never skimps on the ingredients for her stories. There is always a mix of contemporary and historical mysteries.
In this one her detectives have to cope with a string of possibly linked murders and the disappearance of a woman from her hotel room. The two historical layers, which concern the grim fate of one young woman in the 14th century and another in the 1950s, are well integrated with the modern plot. This isn't the most plausible of murder mysteries but there are some good twists at the end of the story. The author's concern for women who were punished for breaking society's rules gives `The Stone Chamber' more depth than most of the books in this series.
You know exactly what you are getting with this author because the formula has remained the same for all 25 books in this Devon-set mystery series. The lead character - archeology-loving DI Wesley Peterson - is a little dull but nowadays it seems unusual to feature a cop who isn't a maverick with a disastrous home life. Ellis never skimps on the ingredients for her stories. There is always a mix of contemporary and historical mysteries.
In this one her detectives have to cope with a string of possibly linked murders and the disappearance of a woman from her hotel room. The two historical layers, which concern the grim fate of one young woman in the 14th century and another in the 1950s, are well integrated with the modern plot. This isn't the most plausible of murder mysteries but there are some good twists at the end of the story. The author's concern for women who were punished for breaking society's rules gives `The Stone Chamber' more depth than most of the books in this series.
April 14, 2022
I've loved Kate Ellis's Wesley Peterson series, right from the very first book (The Merchant's House). I think it is the mix of a classic murder mystery with a historical backstory that does it for me. This one, the 25th in the series (25th!) is perhaps her best yet.
One summer evening, Robert and Greta Gerdner are shot dead at their home in the Devon countryside. DI Wesley Peterson suspects the execution-style murders might be linked to Robert's past police career, until Robert's name is found on a list of people who've been sent tickets anonymously for a tour of Darkhole Grange - a former asylum on Dartmoor. Others on this list have also died in mysterious circumstances. Meanwhile, archaeologist Neil Watson finds the skeleton of a woman buried in a sealed chamber dating back to the fifteenth century at a nearby dig. Is there a connection between the ancient cell and the chilling history of Darkhole Grange?
As always, Kate Ellis has written a brilliantly twisty, cleverly plotted story that is impossible to put down. Multiple characters and multiple threads somehow manage to all connect at the end (I don't know how she does it!), with a reoccurring motif of incarceration. I particularly loved all the spooky houses!
Although this story is the 25th in the series, it is possible to read it as a stand alone. However, there are a lot characters, both regular and new, and it might be easier to at least read the first book to help understand who everyone is.
On of my favourite reads this year, The Stone Chamber would suit anyone who loves classic murder mysteries and authors such as Elly Griffiths.
Thank you to Kate Ellis and Piatkus (Little, Brown Book Group) for my copy of this book, which I requested via NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.
One summer evening, Robert and Greta Gerdner are shot dead at their home in the Devon countryside. DI Wesley Peterson suspects the execution-style murders might be linked to Robert's past police career, until Robert's name is found on a list of people who've been sent tickets anonymously for a tour of Darkhole Grange - a former asylum on Dartmoor. Others on this list have also died in mysterious circumstances. Meanwhile, archaeologist Neil Watson finds the skeleton of a woman buried in a sealed chamber dating back to the fifteenth century at a nearby dig. Is there a connection between the ancient cell and the chilling history of Darkhole Grange?
As always, Kate Ellis has written a brilliantly twisty, cleverly plotted story that is impossible to put down. Multiple characters and multiple threads somehow manage to all connect at the end (I don't know how she does it!), with a reoccurring motif of incarceration. I particularly loved all the spooky houses!
Although this story is the 25th in the series, it is possible to read it as a stand alone. However, there are a lot characters, both regular and new, and it might be easier to at least read the first book to help understand who everyone is.
On of my favourite reads this year, The Stone Chamber would suit anyone who loves classic murder mysteries and authors such as Elly Griffiths.
Thank you to Kate Ellis and Piatkus (Little, Brown Book Group) for my copy of this book, which I requested via NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.
August 10, 2021
The 25th installment of the Wesley Peterson series does not disappoint. "The Stone Chamber" is one of the best stories in the series, if not the best. I read the bulk of the series during lockdown, and I do admit to getting a bit bored, even though I've come to love the characters (even Della). I thought maybe the storylines were getting a bit worn out. However, Kate Ellis has knocked it out of the park with #25. Within the first few pages, I was absorbed back in the lives of our favorite Devon police and archeologists. Like seeing great friends again. The multi-layered plot woven together with two different time periods, all enriched with Ellis' meticulous research. If you're a fan, you are in for a treat.
March 21, 2022
I've read several in this series as well as others by Kate Ellis. I enjoy the historical settings and the evidence in the text that they are well researched. This is a good addition to the Wesley Peterson series. I can never quite get used to the fact that the author often uses not quite anagrams to disguise the actual name of a town so Totnes becomes Neston. I guess this is done to avoid readers endlessly contacting the author with complaints because there's some tiny detail that's not quite right. No matter a good read and an interesting subject for the historical background. The parallel story which she often uses worked well in this one I thought. I must confess I do sometimes ignore the subplot of the story behind the story.
August 19, 2021
Actually I wanted to give this one six stars. It is a wonderful, tightly written episode in the police procedural around Wesley Peterson. So many plots, that start wide apart and slowly but surely grow toward each other to mingle together in the end and show us how interconnected they all were. And of course, slowly but surely the characters keep developing, en keep gaining depth. It's one of those novels where you want to shout: next please, Mrs Ellis!
Do yourself a favour, and read this one. And if you're not familiar with the series: read them all. They're well written, tightly plotted and a pleasure to read.
Do yourself a favour, and read this one. And if you're not familiar with the series: read them all. They're well written, tightly plotted and a pleasure to read.
September 10, 2021
Kate Ellis is in my top five of mystery/detective writers and she can not churn out 'Wesley Peterson' novels quickly enough for me. I find every book interesting and steeped in History and Mystery. She makes me feel as if I have grown up with the people in her novels and as they are set in a place that is very dear to our family makes them even more enthralling.
This new venture exceeded all expectations and as ever she kept me guessing all the way through and, as ever, the ending was a total surprise.
If you are a lover of Detective novels she is a 'must' read, and has never let me down once in the 25 in this series.
This new venture exceeded all expectations and as ever she kept me guessing all the way through and, as ever, the ending was a total surprise.
If you are a lover of Detective novels she is a 'must' read, and has never let me down once in the 25 in this series.
March 13, 2022
I enjoy the Wesley Peterson novels for their combination of modern detective story interspersed with an historic tale with similar characteristics. In this book, Peterson and his colleagues investigate a set of murders where it appears the victims must be connected in some way, although the link isn't immediately apparent. The threads of the story eventually lead the team to a former asylum called Darkhole Grange, now reborn as a ghost-hunt experience. Somehow the murder victims are dead because of this place, but why ?
May 11, 2022
Old sins.
Another brilliant story which touches the past and present. This one has seemingly unrelated murders and an archaeological eugenics reveals an anchoress' cell and the life of two young women, one in the Ancient past, one in the near past. Both chose bad men and paid a heavy price for it. Throw in a sinister ex asylum in Dartmoor, A kidnapped American woman researching her family tree and our Wesley has a three-point problem. Which he solves. Well, did you doubt it? Thoroughly recommrnded.
Another brilliant story which touches the past and present. This one has seemingly unrelated murders and an archaeological eugenics reveals an anchoress' cell and the life of two young women, one in the Ancient past, one in the near past. Both chose bad men and paid a heavy price for it. Throw in a sinister ex asylum in Dartmoor, A kidnapped American woman researching her family tree and our Wesley has a three-point problem. Which he solves. Well, did you doubt it? Thoroughly recommrnded.
November 6, 2024
2.5 really. A reasonable book, though not the best of the set. For a senior policeman, Peterson certainly likes jumping to wildly unfoundedconclusions - as soon as he's told his son isn't feeling well he's imaging all sorts of fatal diseases. to be honest, his family are all getting to be very annoying. And, although Neil's story arc mirrors the main case very well, it adds nothing to the book papart from extra pages - you could easily skip every bit with Neil in and miss nothing of importance.Thank goodness I'm borrowing this hit-and-miss set from the library lately.
May 22, 2025
A pretty faultless crime thriller. The detectives focus on the series of murders without being pulled into irrelevant sideshows. Their characters are earthy and believable. The list of suspects grows longer and longer, but as you think you are beginning to guess what is coming there's another surprise in store. The twists just keep coming, both in the back stories of the historic characters and the contemporary villains.
Using the relationship between Wesley and his archaeologist friend, the author smoothly combines events from the past and from the present. A really good read.
Using the relationship between Wesley and his archaeologist friend, the author smoothly combines events from the past and from the present. A really good read.
June 2, 2022
25 books down the line, I know I'm guaranteed a great read with characters and locations I love and a captivating history/crime/archaeology blend. 'The Stone Chamber' is one of my favourites. Here we have Wesley and the team investigating a series of mysterious deaths with links to the evocatively named Darkhole Grange asylum and much further back in time, the chilling story of the C15th anchoress sealed unwillingly into her cell...
July 12, 2022
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.
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.
August 30, 2024
I tend not to write a review for these books because it’s difficult to summarise the plot without giving too much away.
The whole series is amazing for a reader like me who loves cosy crime, police procedural novels, history and, of course, South Devon. Set in towns I know very well, they help me wander the beloved streets of my spiritual home until I’m able to return each summer.
All that said, this was a particularly good one.
The whole series is amazing for a reader like me who loves cosy crime, police procedural novels, history and, of course, South Devon. Set in towns I know very well, they help me wander the beloved streets of my spiritual home until I’m able to return each summer.
All that said, this was a particularly good one.
December 22, 2024
I enjoyed this book, the second Wesley Paterson book I’ve read. It follows immediately on the one I just finished so I felt some continuity. This plot was pretty convoluted and I must say I’d completely forgotten about one of the characters by the time the person became significant again but that just added to my enjoy,ent. I’m not big on being able to guess who and why ahead of the author’s exposition. In this case, I figured out why but completely missed who.
February 7, 2025
DI Wesley Petersen #25. It's hard to believe this series has survived 25 instalments. Although there is a modicum of excitement, it is overwhelmed by the plodding formula. The author seems to just be going through the motions.
The main characters don't change or grow, and the plot lines are all the same.
There are always many characters, and twists in the ending, but this time, just when you thought all was resolved ...
Rating 2.9.
The main characters don't change or grow, and the plot lines are all the same.
There are always many characters, and twists in the ending, but this time, just when you thought all was resolved ...
Rating 2.9.
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