What do you think?
Rate this book
DI Ben Kitto #5
Devil's Table
THE GRIPPING LOCKED-ISLAND MYSTERY # 5
'An absolute master of pace, plotting and character' ELLY GRIFFITHS
When a young child goes missing on the Isles of Scilly, the community rushes to help DI Ben Kitto and his team with the search. Her twin brother, Ethan, was there when she was taken. But the shocking events of her disappearance have rendered him mute.
Another person on the island knows exactly where the girl is. Someone with a deep-seated anger for Jade's family. To find the truth, Kitto must investigate the lives of the people he has known all of his life. People he trusts and respects. And he must do it quickly - because it isn't long until a body is found . . .
PRAISE FOR KATE RHODES:
‘Gripping, clever and impossible to put down. I’ve been a Kate Rhodes fan for years and in Ben Kitto she has created a detective who is just as complex and compelling as Kate’s elegant plotting and stunning prose. The claustrophobia and paranoia of the island are so brilliant evoked, I could almost feel the tide encroaching as time ran out to find the killer' ERIN KELLY
‘Absorbing and complex, Hell Bay kept me guessing until the final pages’ RACHEL ABBOTT
'A vividly realised protagonist whose complex and harrowing history rivals the central crime storyline' SOPHIE HANNAH
'Beautifully written and expertly plotted; this is a masterclass' GUARDIAN
'Expertly weaves a sense of place and character into a tense and intriguing story' METRO
'Rhodes does a superb job of balancing a portrayal of a tiny community oppressed by secrets with an uplifting evocation of setting' Jake Kerridge, SUNDAY EXPRESS
‘The whole book tingles with tension. I hope it does for the Scilly Isles what Ann Cleeves did for Shetland' MEL MCGRATH
'I love reading Kate's books in the way I love reading Sophie Hannah – a poet writing crime fiction is a great thing . . . It is at once a locked-room mystery, a story of the returning hero, and an examination of fear and abuse. It has the air of a twenty-first century Agatha Christie' JULIA CROUCH
'An absolute master of pace, plotting and character' ELLY GRIFFITHS
When a young child goes missing on the Isles of Scilly, the community rushes to help DI Ben Kitto and his team with the search. Her twin brother, Ethan, was there when she was taken. But the shocking events of her disappearance have rendered him mute.
Another person on the island knows exactly where the girl is. Someone with a deep-seated anger for Jade's family. To find the truth, Kitto must investigate the lives of the people he has known all of his life. People he trusts and respects. And he must do it quickly - because it isn't long until a body is found . . .
PRAISE FOR KATE RHODES:
‘Gripping, clever and impossible to put down. I’ve been a Kate Rhodes fan for years and in Ben Kitto she has created a detective who is just as complex and compelling as Kate’s elegant plotting and stunning prose. The claustrophobia and paranoia of the island are so brilliant evoked, I could almost feel the tide encroaching as time ran out to find the killer' ERIN KELLY
‘Absorbing and complex, Hell Bay kept me guessing until the final pages’ RACHEL ABBOTT
'A vividly realised protagonist whose complex and harrowing history rivals the central crime storyline' SOPHIE HANNAH
'Beautifully written and expertly plotted; this is a masterclass' GUARDIAN
'Expertly weaves a sense of place and character into a tense and intriguing story' METRO
'Rhodes does a superb job of balancing a portrayal of a tiny community oppressed by secrets with an uplifting evocation of setting' Jake Kerridge, SUNDAY EXPRESS
‘The whole book tingles with tension. I hope it does for the Scilly Isles what Ann Cleeves did for Shetland' MEL MCGRATH
'I love reading Kate's books in the way I love reading Sophie Hannah – a poet writing crime fiction is a great thing . . . It is at once a locked-room mystery, a story of the returning hero, and an examination of fear and abuse. It has the air of a twenty-first century Agatha Christie' JULIA CROUCH
Paperback
Published December 8, 2021
53 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Kate Rhodes
37 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.
.
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.
.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
July 27, 2022
In the latest addition to the DI Ben Kitto series by Kate Rhodes set in the Scilly Isles, I listened to the audio narrated by Stephen Perring, just over 8 hours long and read the book. This is a well paced mystery, with an intricate plot and a wide range of characters that comprise the tiny community of the island of St Martin's. St Martin’s is shrouded in bitterly cold fog when 11 year old Jade Minear and her twin brother, Ethan, are attacked in a field, late at night. Ethan who depends on Jade manages to return home but the shocking circumstances of Jade’s disappearance have rendered him mute. Ben is a content man, his relationship with Nina is good and he is determined not to lose her, even though he knows he is going to have learn to give up more of himself and talk, not something that is easy for him, if he is going to hold on to her.
It is Gemma Minear who calls him to tell him her daughter Jade is missing, something that doesn't initially worry him as it's common to go off on adventures as a child, as he himself had done, and that she will likely return. However, he sets off immediately, Scott Minear, the father is a powerful man on the islands who manages a flower farm business, his focus is solely on ensuring the picking of flowers, rather than his missing child. An unpopular man, there is hardly anyone who has a good word to say about him, there are rifts, and feuds aplenty, rumours of numerous affairs, a dominant man who maintains a strong grip on his family through abuse and his sheer force of will. Gemma drinks to cope with her life, she too has initiated family rifts that she refuses to back down from. In a complex investigation that involves the island being locked down, a murder victim ritually laid out on the Devil's Table and covered in flowers, Ben finds himself suspecting almost everyone, desperate to find Jade alive and uncover a killer.
Rhodes does a great job in the atmospheric picture she paints of St Martin's, the striking landscape and weather, and the nature of living as part of a small island community where everyone knows everyone. This involved the targeting of anyone who does not fit the norm such as Dave Carillion who creates his bottles with boats in them that he scatters throughout the island. Ben's dog Shadow is a star, a great judge of character, and acts as a therapy dog as he insists on staying with the traumatised Ethan. This is a tense, twisted and suspenseful crime read that had me engaged right up to the end, where the shocking truth is revealed. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
It is Gemma Minear who calls him to tell him her daughter Jade is missing, something that doesn't initially worry him as it's common to go off on adventures as a child, as he himself had done, and that she will likely return. However, he sets off immediately, Scott Minear, the father is a powerful man on the islands who manages a flower farm business, his focus is solely on ensuring the picking of flowers, rather than his missing child. An unpopular man, there is hardly anyone who has a good word to say about him, there are rifts, and feuds aplenty, rumours of numerous affairs, a dominant man who maintains a strong grip on his family through abuse and his sheer force of will. Gemma drinks to cope with her life, she too has initiated family rifts that she refuses to back down from. In a complex investigation that involves the island being locked down, a murder victim ritually laid out on the Devil's Table and covered in flowers, Ben finds himself suspecting almost everyone, desperate to find Jade alive and uncover a killer.
Rhodes does a great job in the atmospheric picture she paints of St Martin's, the striking landscape and weather, and the nature of living as part of a small island community where everyone knows everyone. This involved the targeting of anyone who does not fit the norm such as Dave Carillion who creates his bottles with boats in them that he scatters throughout the island. Ben's dog Shadow is a star, a great judge of character, and acts as a therapy dog as he insists on staying with the traumatised Ethan. This is a tense, twisted and suspenseful crime read that had me engaged right up to the end, where the shocking truth is revealed. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
August 18, 2023
Read this a while ago. A bit heartbreaking as it involves young children. And I must admit I am getting a little bit fed up with the narrator whom I have previously loved, but I thought this time he sounded a little bit too full of himself, too pleased with his own voice, I wonder if he needs new challenges?
November 13, 2021
Firstly let’s talk about Maps in Books! I personally love a map in the beginning of a book, it really makes the story so much more tangible when you can see where it’s based. Kates books in this series are all based on the Isles of Scilly just off the coast of Cornwall, and her maps are always brilliantly illustrated. More maps in books please Authors!
The beginning of the book is a brilliant depiction of something bad happening in a beautiful setting, and from the first page I was totally gripped by Devils Table, devouring it in 2 days and reading deep into the night!
Imagine a locked room mystery but on a small Island and you have the premise of the story. The setting is just sublime and the way Kate writes, I could feel the oppressive setting with the fog pressing down on me! Kates writing about the Scilly Isles is almost poetic at times and her love of them shines thru with each chapter!
The lead character DI Ben Kitto is brilliant, he is a gentle giant with a complex personality due to a tragedy in his youth, but above all he is a fearless Police Detective, who is fair minded and won’t give up the hunt for a killer until he has caught them! His trusty sidekick Shadow the dog, just adds to his story and I love Ben as a written character so much!
As always I never give the plot away, that’s for you to find out by reading the book! But I will say that it kept me invested with every page and I did not guess who the perpetrator was! Thats a great book right there when the reader is kept in the dark! Kate Rhodes is a master of writing a genuinely great storylines and her characters just jump off the page at you!
So I must give Devils Table a 5⭐️ read, as it was everything I hoped it would be! I’m so looking forward to finding out what’s in store for Ben in the next book!
The beginning of the book is a brilliant depiction of something bad happening in a beautiful setting, and from the first page I was totally gripped by Devils Table, devouring it in 2 days and reading deep into the night!
Imagine a locked room mystery but on a small Island and you have the premise of the story. The setting is just sublime and the way Kate writes, I could feel the oppressive setting with the fog pressing down on me! Kates writing about the Scilly Isles is almost poetic at times and her love of them shines thru with each chapter!
The lead character DI Ben Kitto is brilliant, he is a gentle giant with a complex personality due to a tragedy in his youth, but above all he is a fearless Police Detective, who is fair minded and won’t give up the hunt for a killer until he has caught them! His trusty sidekick Shadow the dog, just adds to his story and I love Ben as a written character so much!
As always I never give the plot away, that’s for you to find out by reading the book! But I will say that it kept me invested with every page and I did not guess who the perpetrator was! Thats a great book right there when the reader is kept in the dark! Kate Rhodes is a master of writing a genuinely great storylines and her characters just jump off the page at you!
So I must give Devils Table a 5⭐️ read, as it was everything I hoped it would be! I’m so looking forward to finding out what’s in store for Ben in the next book!
July 15, 2022
Another really good mystery from Kate Rhodes. As usual, the island it's set on is a main character akll by itself, and yet again I didn't guess who the killer was. A bit more information about ships in bottles would have been nice - I still don't know how they are done.
Read
January 20, 2025DI Ben Kitto #5. Set in the Scilly Isles. Seemed to me to be a bit too much emphasis on personalities. Things turned dark pretty quickly, and I just put it down, never to pick up again.
I don't think I will bother with any more from this series.
DNF, so no rating.
I don't think I will bother with any more from this series.
DNF, so no rating.
June 23, 2023
Devil's Table is book 5 in the DI Ben Kitto series by Kate Rhodes. DI Ben Kitto caught a case of a young child who went missing on the Isles of Scilly, and her twin brother Ethan is traumatised. Then young child's father died, and it was a race for DI Ben Kitto to find out who has so much hatred for the family of Jade. The readers of Devil's Table will continue to follow DI Ben Kitto to discover what happens.
Devil's Table is a fantastic addition to this excellent series by Kate Rhodes. Like the other books in this series, I engage with the story and the characters of Devil's Table from the first page. I love Kate Rhodes's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Devil's Table was well-written and researched by Kate Rhodes. I like how Kate Rhodes's description of living on a small remote island community allowed me to imagine living on the Island.
The readers of Devil's Table will learn about the consequences of not being accepted in a small isolated community. Also, the readers of Devil's Table will understand the effects of domestic violence on a family.
I recommend this book.
Devil's Table is a fantastic addition to this excellent series by Kate Rhodes. Like the other books in this series, I engage with the story and the characters of Devil's Table from the first page. I love Kate Rhodes's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Devil's Table was well-written and researched by Kate Rhodes. I like how Kate Rhodes's description of living on a small remote island community allowed me to imagine living on the Island.
The readers of Devil's Table will learn about the consequences of not being accepted in a small isolated community. Also, the readers of Devil's Table will understand the effects of domestic violence on a family.
I recommend this book.
February 17, 2022
You have to hope that real senior police officers are not this dense.
The writing and narration is very easy on the ear but the story is very very similar to the previous instalments- except this one features flower-growing and ships in bottles.
Bingo score card for book 5: artistic murder (yes), body left at local beauty spot (yes), dramatic weather (yes), island lockdown (yes), descriptions of boats (yes), DI Kitto marches around without a clue (yes), DI Kitto gazes at waves (yes), DI Kitto’s rugged appearance is mentioned (yes), Shadow runs around barking (yes), unlikely murderer revealed at the very last moment after everyone else has been accused but cleared (yes).
Yawn, I think I’ll give any further instalments a miss.
* Thanks to Libby *
The writing and narration is very easy on the ear but the story is very very similar to the previous instalments- except this one features flower-growing and ships in bottles.
Bingo score card for book 5: artistic murder (yes), body left at local beauty spot (yes), dramatic weather (yes), island lockdown (yes), descriptions of boats (yes), DI Kitto marches around without a clue (yes), DI Kitto gazes at waves (yes), DI Kitto’s rugged appearance is mentioned (yes), Shadow runs around barking (yes), unlikely murderer revealed at the very last moment after everyone else has been accused but cleared (yes).
Yawn, I think I’ll give any further instalments a miss.
* Thanks to Libby *
January 31, 2023
Just annoyed me tbh
July 20, 2025
Kate Rhodes is a master of creating a story that makes you feel you are at the actual location she is writing about. Her wonderful descriptive narrative of the Scilly Isles is rich in atmosphere and comes to life through the pages. Ben Kitto is a great character and he is once again ensconced in another 'locked room' mystery with suspects galore and time running out. Full of suspense, this dark and twisty story is well plotted and paced nicely. I loved the 'Ethan' chapters and thought the author did really well at portraying a traumatised child. Another solid read from Ms Rhodes
February 20, 2024
Kate Rhodes writing has improved in each book, Ive loved getting to know Ben Kitto and trying to figure out who did it and why. Can't wait to read the next book in the series
December 4, 2021
Ive read 4 out of 5 ben kitto books, the second one isnt on audible or storytel so i had to skip that one. I would, and have, recommended the series, though it doesnt quite stack up to the Shetland one, by Ann Cleeves. The reasons I am comparing them is because they are pretty similar. Native of Islands off the coast of Uk returns, becomes a police working on often isolated, small island communities. Most of the characters in the Scilly books are well written, interesting and memorable. The setting is nice and cozy.
What makes it a 3 star though, is the ”forced” romance. It takes up around a quarter of this book and is absolutely terrible. Its been appearing in the other books as well, and the more it is in there, the worse the book is. Its very shallow and surface level, always going on about how attractive the woman is, seldom speaking about her personality, only saying how mysterious she is. Really? After five books we still dont know her? Not to mention when *spoilers* she is almost dead and the detective thinks that bad things should come to her attacker if he ”damaged those perfect features”. So shes in hospital, pregnant, severely injured, his love of five books, and all he can think of is how she will look if she survives?
I found myself just wishing the character would be written off so I wouldnt have to read about it anymore. In the end, the overall writing gets a 4/5 and the uninteresting, bland romance, lowers it to a 3.
What makes it a 3 star though, is the ”forced” romance. It takes up around a quarter of this book and is absolutely terrible. Its been appearing in the other books as well, and the more it is in there, the worse the book is. Its very shallow and surface level, always going on about how attractive the woman is, seldom speaking about her personality, only saying how mysterious she is. Really? After five books we still dont know her? Not to mention when *spoilers* she is almost dead and the detective thinks that bad things should come to her attacker if he ”damaged those perfect features”. So shes in hospital, pregnant, severely injured, his love of five books, and all he can think of is how she will look if she survives?
I found myself just wishing the character would be written off so I wouldnt have to read about it anymore. In the end, the overall writing gets a 4/5 and the uninteresting, bland romance, lowers it to a 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2022
Another instalment from a very enjoyable series centred on the Scilly Isles. This time the action centres on St Martin's after previous books concentrating on other of the islands. Kate Rhodes obviously has a good knowledge and understanding of life in these western isles, and of course it makes a perfect setting for writing a crime story with a small number of characters/suspects.
The central character, Ben Kitto, is a likeable character but by and large seems to edge towards solving a case by chance rather than by deductive reasoning. This is the fifth book in this series and the real problem here is the general air of 'sameyness' with the previous books. The formula is beginning to feel a little tired, and one suspects Kate Rhodes may draw matters to a conclusion in a final sixth book as she did in the Alice Quentin series (also recommended).
Of course the real hero of the book is Shadow, Ben Kitto's dog, who is a really good judge of character!
The central character, Ben Kitto, is a likeable character but by and large seems to edge towards solving a case by chance rather than by deductive reasoning. This is the fifth book in this series and the real problem here is the general air of 'sameyness' with the previous books. The formula is beginning to feel a little tired, and one suspects Kate Rhodes may draw matters to a conclusion in a final sixth book as she did in the Alice Quentin series (also recommended).
Of course the real hero of the book is Shadow, Ben Kitto's dog, who is a really good judge of character!
September 30, 2022
Det började bra, men slutade sämre.
Det är visserligen så deckare brukar fungera, men jag blev nog ändå lite besviken, efter en rätt stämningsfull början.
Stämningen har förmodligen helt med miljön att göra (en är ju svag för vindpinade öar i Nordsjön), för varken karaktärerna eller relationerna dem emellan är särskilt trovärdiga. Eller så är de bara inte sympatiska nog för att jag ska försöka bry mig? Rhodes skriver helt okej och det funkar med förstapersonstilltalet, men jag vet inte riktigt hur hon valt sin huvudperson. Han är ... trist? Meningslös? Stereotyp vindpinad-ö-kille, liksom.
Nåja, det blir en trea på grund av miljön och på grund av att det finns sämre böcker som måste ges tvåor.
P.s Jag läste inte på tyska, men det är den enda versionen på Goodreads som anger sidantal. Det här med att man inte själv kan lägga till längre är riktigt dåligt :-( D.s.
Det är visserligen så deckare brukar fungera, men jag blev nog ändå lite besviken, efter en rätt stämningsfull början.
Stämningen har förmodligen helt med miljön att göra (en är ju svag för vindpinade öar i Nordsjön), för varken karaktärerna eller relationerna dem emellan är särskilt trovärdiga. Eller så är de bara inte sympatiska nog för att jag ska försöka bry mig? Rhodes skriver helt okej och det funkar med förstapersonstilltalet, men jag vet inte riktigt hur hon valt sin huvudperson. Han är ... trist? Meningslös? Stereotyp vindpinad-ö-kille, liksom.
Nåja, det blir en trea på grund av miljön och på grund av att det finns sämre böcker som måste ges tvåor.
P.s Jag läste inte på tyska, men det är den enda versionen på Goodreads som anger sidantal. Det här med att man inte själv kan lägga till längre är riktigt dåligt :-( D.s.
December 4, 2022
If you like a simple to follow story with limited characters this book will be for you. You get constant reminders of what the Detective has learnt to date which uses up a lot of the word count. A bit like “Previously on The Madam Blanc mysteries” just so you know whats gone on in case you couldn’t follow it. In fact if you are a fan of the Madam Blanc mysteries, then you’ll probably love this author. It has that same simple, uncomplicated characters, easy to follow storyline.
The synopsis sounded really interesting but found the book slow, the lead character reviews suspects like a shopping list and limited suspense. You could work out at least one character’s involvement early on.
I wouldn’t read another one unless I’m elderly where I need something that’s easy to read and mapped out for you so you can’t get lost!
The synopsis sounded really interesting but found the book slow, the lead character reviews suspects like a shopping list and limited suspense. You could work out at least one character’s involvement early on.
I wouldn’t read another one unless I’m elderly where I need something that’s easy to read and mapped out for you so you can’t get lost!
October 31, 2021
Another good one from Kate Rhodes in the Ben Kitto Scilly Isles murder mysteries.
Many years ago we were lucky enough to holiday there for two weeks, our base being a house right on the edge of the beach in Old Town on St Mary's. We visited all the islands and whilst loving Tresco, St Martin's was my favourite. This book brought it all back, the fields of flowers, the stunning white beaches and yes the fire station described in the book was exactly the same, more or less a shed, I even have a photo of it somewhere.
I can't wait for next the in the series.
If you enjoy character based books you'll love this series.
Many years ago we were lucky enough to holiday there for two weeks, our base being a house right on the edge of the beach in Old Town on St Mary's. We visited all the islands and whilst loving Tresco, St Martin's was my favourite. This book brought it all back, the fields of flowers, the stunning white beaches and yes the fire station described in the book was exactly the same, more or less a shed, I even have a photo of it somewhere.
I can't wait for next the in the series.
If you enjoy character based books you'll love this series.
May 15, 2023
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gripping novel
wow life on the isle of Scilly's sounds so exciting after read this book
a young girl jade goes missing whilst her twin brother ethan is so traumatised by the events of that night that he becomes mute and cant help with the investigation
with a heavy fog surrounding the isles DI ben kitto has his work cut out for him trying to investigate the disappearance and when a dead body is found time is running out
didnt suspect the perp at the end...but what an ending never saw it coming at all
cant wait for the next book in this series
wow life on the isle of Scilly's sounds so exciting after read this book
a young girl jade goes missing whilst her twin brother ethan is so traumatised by the events of that night that he becomes mute and cant help with the investigation
with a heavy fog surrounding the isles DI ben kitto has his work cut out for him trying to investigate the disappearance and when a dead body is found time is running out
didnt suspect the perp at the end...but what an ending never saw it coming at all
cant wait for the next book in this series
October 19, 2022
Devil's Table by by Kate Rhodes.
St Martin’s is shrouded in bitterly cold fog when Jade Minear and her twin brother, Ethan, are attacked in a field, late at night. Ethan manages to return home but the shocking events of Jade’s disappearance have rendered him mute.
A really good read. 4*.
St Martin’s is shrouded in bitterly cold fog when Jade Minear and her twin brother, Ethan, are attacked in a field, late at night. Ethan manages to return home but the shocking events of Jade’s disappearance have rendered him mute.
A really good read. 4*.
November 9, 2021
Brilliant . Love this series.
July 23, 2022
adore this writer, can't wait for her next book
January 22, 2024
‘Devil’s Table’ is a delicious locked island mystery that I devoured in one sitting! This is the fifth book in the ‘Isles of Scilly Mysteries’ but it can definitely be read as a standalone, however, I do recommend the whole series. Ben Kitto is one of my favourite detectives out there at the moment. Plus, you have the amazing setting of the Isles of Scilly to boot.
When policeman Ben Kitto is woken up on his day off by an early morning phone call he knows it can't be good news. It's a local mother, Gemma Minear, calling to say that her daughter Jade has gone missing. They live on the tiny island of St Martin’s so Ben is hopeful of finding her. But as the day progresses she isn't anywhere to be found. Her twin Ethan clearly knows something but isn't saying anything as he has returned to being unable to speak. The Minear family own the largest flower farm in the area and Scott, Jade’s father, is universally hated throughout the island. He has anger issues, creates feuds at the drop of the hat and is abusive towards his family. Gemma drinks to cope with her life but also has strained relationships with a lot of her family. When a body is found on the ‘Devil’s Table’ Ben soon realises that he is battling an intelligent killer!
I do love a locked mystery and the Isles of Scilly are a perfect location for these. A small population means a tiny suspect pool and the weather can always be used to make sure no one can travel to or from the islands! Plus, there is the added complication that everyone knows one another and Ben has to investigate people whom he is friends with. The premise of the story was very intriguing, especially with all the complicated family dynamics. I must say I fell in love with wee Ethan. Wish I could just give him a hug and tell him that everything is going to be fine!
Ben seemed different in this book. He has developed into a more mature man, especially when it comes to dealing with his boss but also with his personal relationships. I really like Nina and I am looking forward to seeing how their relationship progresses in the next two books.
‘Devil’s Table’ is an atmospheric and at times claustrophobic read! It was extremely well-paced, suspenseful and intricately plotted. I definitely didn't work this mystery out and it's a great whodunnit!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
When policeman Ben Kitto is woken up on his day off by an early morning phone call he knows it can't be good news. It's a local mother, Gemma Minear, calling to say that her daughter Jade has gone missing. They live on the tiny island of St Martin’s so Ben is hopeful of finding her. But as the day progresses she isn't anywhere to be found. Her twin Ethan clearly knows something but isn't saying anything as he has returned to being unable to speak. The Minear family own the largest flower farm in the area and Scott, Jade’s father, is universally hated throughout the island. He has anger issues, creates feuds at the drop of the hat and is abusive towards his family. Gemma drinks to cope with her life but also has strained relationships with a lot of her family. When a body is found on the ‘Devil’s Table’ Ben soon realises that he is battling an intelligent killer!
I do love a locked mystery and the Isles of Scilly are a perfect location for these. A small population means a tiny suspect pool and the weather can always be used to make sure no one can travel to or from the islands! Plus, there is the added complication that everyone knows one another and Ben has to investigate people whom he is friends with. The premise of the story was very intriguing, especially with all the complicated family dynamics. I must say I fell in love with wee Ethan. Wish I could just give him a hug and tell him that everything is going to be fine!
Ben seemed different in this book. He has developed into a more mature man, especially when it comes to dealing with his boss but also with his personal relationships. I really like Nina and I am looking forward to seeing how their relationship progresses in the next two books.
‘Devil’s Table’ is an atmospheric and at times claustrophobic read! It was extremely well-paced, suspenseful and intricately plotted. I definitely didn't work this mystery out and it's a great whodunnit!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
February 2, 2024
For once we start not with a body, but eleven-year-old twins, Ethan, and Jade, heading for the beach late at night being chased by somebody through the fields. They are split up, Ethan returns home, Jade does not. St. Martin’s like the rest of the islands is only small, there aren’t many places she could be. This is a matter of urgency and Ben sets up an island wide search for Jade. She could be hiding, kidnapped, lying injured or dead somewhere, the sooner she is found the better, but the task is difficult because the island is covered in a dense bank of fog that seems likely to hang around for days.
The twins’ father is a wealthy local landowner, a farmer growing flowers. He has become wealthy through being a ruthless bully, at the same time becoming a man of major influence on the island, but also very unpopular with many. The family home is dysfunctional too, manifesting in coercive control, aggression and excessive drinking. It soon becomes apparent that somebody has it in for them and his unpopularity means there is no shortage of candidates for the police to sift through.
There is a wonderful character dynamic created between Jade, Ethan, Nina, and Shadow. Through past trauma Ethan is mute and relies upon Jade for confidence and communication, so her disappearance has a profound effect on him. This incredibly tight bond is his lifeline to the outside world, so Ethan is now cut adrift with only his piccolo for solace. Ben asks Nina, who is almost qualified as a counsellor, to try to communicate with Ethan and get him to speak, to tell them what happened that night. This creates friction because Nina realises pushing too hard can damage his development. She is also frustrated by Ben’s reluctance to express himself regarding his past loss. Shadow quickly notices Nathan’s anguish and sticks with him, providing him protection and emotional support. All of this is deftly and sensitively covered as part of the story.
Extreme weather can be a godsend for an author and here it is fog, dense and lasting for days, making the search that much more difficult. It is also well used to cover identities, people suddenly appearing and Shadow’s distant howls adding another worldliness and an element of surprise. This brings a degree of tension to the storyline, with the constant prospect of shocks and disguises when the inevitable jeopardy arises.
The twins’ father is a wealthy local landowner, a farmer growing flowers. He has become wealthy through being a ruthless bully, at the same time becoming a man of major influence on the island, but also very unpopular with many. The family home is dysfunctional too, manifesting in coercive control, aggression and excessive drinking. It soon becomes apparent that somebody has it in for them and his unpopularity means there is no shortage of candidates for the police to sift through.
There is a wonderful character dynamic created between Jade, Ethan, Nina, and Shadow. Through past trauma Ethan is mute and relies upon Jade for confidence and communication, so her disappearance has a profound effect on him. This incredibly tight bond is his lifeline to the outside world, so Ethan is now cut adrift with only his piccolo for solace. Ben asks Nina, who is almost qualified as a counsellor, to try to communicate with Ethan and get him to speak, to tell them what happened that night. This creates friction because Nina realises pushing too hard can damage his development. She is also frustrated by Ben’s reluctance to express himself regarding his past loss. Shadow quickly notices Nathan’s anguish and sticks with him, providing him protection and emotional support. All of this is deftly and sensitively covered as part of the story.
Extreme weather can be a godsend for an author and here it is fog, dense and lasting for days, making the search that much more difficult. It is also well used to cover identities, people suddenly appearing and Shadow’s distant howls adding another worldliness and an element of surprise. This brings a degree of tension to the storyline, with the constant prospect of shocks and disguises when the inevitable jeopardy arises.
November 10, 2023
When Jade Minear, the eleven year old daughter of a local businessman, goes missing on one of the smaller of the Scilly Isles, DI Ben Kitto finds, once again, that there are far more questions than answers especially as the only probable witness to Jade’s disappearance is her twin brother, Ethan, and he isn’t speaking to anyone. The investigation is blighted by a lack of clues and the added confusion of a shifting fog which shrouds the island effectively cutting the place off so that the islanders find themselves placed under curfew, firstly by the weather and then with the unexpected discovery of a body at the aptly named Devil’s Table.
There’s something compelling about these stories which only gets better as the series progresses. Ben Kitto is very much part of island life and his position as Deputy Chief of Police for the Scilly Isles gives him the authority to investigate a collection of crimes but it is affinity with the islanders where the heart and soul of the stories lie. I enjoy the snippets of Ben’s past with stories of his childhood in the islands and enjoy how his methodical, and often unconventional, approach to crime investigation gets the results needed to see that justice is served.
Devil’s Table is a particularly complex investigation with lots of secrets to uncover and the added possibility that someone close to home is involved in Jade’s disappearance only makes the investigation all the more difficult. Tempers run high and old hurts are allowed to fester until they threaten to destroy the equilibrium of this peaceful place. There’s all the usual twists and turns in the plot which kept me turning the pages of Devil’s Table faster, and faster, until the ending which I didn’t see coming.
Devil’s Table is now the fifth book in this excellent crime series, each one more enjoyable than the last and as one book finishes I’m already looking forward to meeting again with DI Ben Kitto, and his amazing dog, Shadow, in The Brutal Tide, which is book number six in the Scilly Isles series.
There’s something compelling about these stories which only gets better as the series progresses. Ben Kitto is very much part of island life and his position as Deputy Chief of Police for the Scilly Isles gives him the authority to investigate a collection of crimes but it is affinity with the islanders where the heart and soul of the stories lie. I enjoy the snippets of Ben’s past with stories of his childhood in the islands and enjoy how his methodical, and often unconventional, approach to crime investigation gets the results needed to see that justice is served.
Devil’s Table is a particularly complex investigation with lots of secrets to uncover and the added possibility that someone close to home is involved in Jade’s disappearance only makes the investigation all the more difficult. Tempers run high and old hurts are allowed to fester until they threaten to destroy the equilibrium of this peaceful place. There’s all the usual twists and turns in the plot which kept me turning the pages of Devil’s Table faster, and faster, until the ending which I didn’t see coming.
Devil’s Table is now the fifth book in this excellent crime series, each one more enjoyable than the last and as one book finishes I’m already looking forward to meeting again with DI Ben Kitto, and his amazing dog, Shadow, in The Brutal Tide, which is book number six in the Scilly Isles series.
November 5, 2023
Ben Kitto has been called to investigate the disappearance of Jade Minear. He suspects that her twin brother Ethan knows something about what happened but the problem is that Ethan only usually comminicates via his sister and now he has totally shut down. Is it a case of a simple runaway or is there something more sinister going on?
Jade’s father is a big thing on the island of St Martin and he is in the middle of harvest season and does not have time to deal with his wayward daughter, but that does not stop him thowing his weight around demanding that Ben does his job. His wife Genna is clearly jittery making Ben wonder just what is going on in the Minear family When Scott is found murdered and his body left on Devils Table Ben has to juggle both cases and keep his boss off his back.
One thing about living on a small island it does cut the number of suspects down quite a bit but it also means that Ben is stuck investigating people he has known most of his life and it can sometimes cloud his judgement. Scott Minear has cleary rubbed several people up the wrong way but as more of his family are targeted his concern that Jade is no longer alive grows. Although the suspect pool is small Kate Rhodes still manages to keep you guessing the who and the why right to the end and neither were what I thought.
It was interesting to see things through the eyes of Ethan who is conviced that his sister is close by and he is determined to find her even when he gets threatened by an unknown figure. His interactions with Bens girlfriend Nina who is now training to be a counsellor see him slowly come out of his shell and allow him to find his voice in more ways than one.
The Scilly Isles lend themselves perfectly to this series as they are remote and beautiful with communities that have formed over time so when something bad happens there is that mix of wanting to find the perpetrator along side not wanting to cast doubt on friends and neighbours. I loved the fact that Ben’s personal life is finally looking up as he certainly could do with a constant in that area and as ever his unrully unofficial sidekick Shaddow with his knack of knowing just who needs his special brand of comfort always off sets his willfull disobdience whenever Ben tries to control him.
With only 2 more books for me to read before I have totally caught up with this series I am looking forward to what comes next and how Ben deals with what Kate Rhodes has in store for him
Jade’s father is a big thing on the island of St Martin and he is in the middle of harvest season and does not have time to deal with his wayward daughter, but that does not stop him thowing his weight around demanding that Ben does his job. His wife Genna is clearly jittery making Ben wonder just what is going on in the Minear family When Scott is found murdered and his body left on Devils Table Ben has to juggle both cases and keep his boss off his back.
One thing about living on a small island it does cut the number of suspects down quite a bit but it also means that Ben is stuck investigating people he has known most of his life and it can sometimes cloud his judgement. Scott Minear has cleary rubbed several people up the wrong way but as more of his family are targeted his concern that Jade is no longer alive grows. Although the suspect pool is small Kate Rhodes still manages to keep you guessing the who and the why right to the end and neither were what I thought.
It was interesting to see things through the eyes of Ethan who is conviced that his sister is close by and he is determined to find her even when he gets threatened by an unknown figure. His interactions with Bens girlfriend Nina who is now training to be a counsellor see him slowly come out of his shell and allow him to find his voice in more ways than one.
The Scilly Isles lend themselves perfectly to this series as they are remote and beautiful with communities that have formed over time so when something bad happens there is that mix of wanting to find the perpetrator along side not wanting to cast doubt on friends and neighbours. I loved the fact that Ben’s personal life is finally looking up as he certainly could do with a constant in that area and as ever his unrully unofficial sidekick Shaddow with his knack of knowing just who needs his special brand of comfort always off sets his willfull disobdience whenever Ben tries to control him.
With only 2 more books for me to read before I have totally caught up with this series I am looking forward to what comes next and how Ben deals with what Kate Rhodes has in store for him
November 20, 2023
The DI Ben Kitto series by Kate Rhodes really is addictive, and I can’t believe I’ve now finished book five, Devil’s Table. Kate Rhodes brilliantly continues to up the pace and tension in her writing. An intense investigation is about to begin for Ben, when a young girl, Jade, the daughter of one of the islands wealthiest inhabitants, goes missing, but it soon becomes clear that her father isn’t one of the most popular people on the island, and he certainly doesn’t come across as a nice person. But would someone, who has a grudge against him, really kidnap his daughter to get their own back?
I really wanted to know what was really going on with the family, after Jade’s disappearance. I can understand how parent’s facing this situation, can come across as aggressive, especially as they are desperate to find their child, but to me, her father stood out as really nasty. This revelation about his character, for DI Ben Kitto, really does open up the door to investigate possible suspects, but it may also prove really difficult in tracking down the person behind the crime, and time for Jade might be running out. And soon it isn’t just Jade who is in danger, someone is out for vengeance, and they’re not about to stop anytime soon.
There really is one star in this book, and that for me, was Ben’s dog, Shadow. I was really worried about him, after reading the end of the last book in the series, but I shouldn’t have been. Shadow really proves himself in this book, and definitely goes above and beyond to help. You can clearly see his desire to protect people, who really need to be protected, and Shadow has become such an important part of this series, and he is really important in Ben’s life.
I always enjoy my trips to the Scilly Isles whenever I pick up a book by Kate Rhodes. She does a brilliant job of making you feel as though you’re really there, and that’s what I really enjoy about the DI Ben Kitto series. I can’t wait to read the next book.
I really wanted to know what was really going on with the family, after Jade’s disappearance. I can understand how parent’s facing this situation, can come across as aggressive, especially as they are desperate to find their child, but to me, her father stood out as really nasty. This revelation about his character, for DI Ben Kitto, really does open up the door to investigate possible suspects, but it may also prove really difficult in tracking down the person behind the crime, and time for Jade might be running out. And soon it isn’t just Jade who is in danger, someone is out for vengeance, and they’re not about to stop anytime soon.
There really is one star in this book, and that for me, was Ben’s dog, Shadow. I was really worried about him, after reading the end of the last book in the series, but I shouldn’t have been. Shadow really proves himself in this book, and definitely goes above and beyond to help. You can clearly see his desire to protect people, who really need to be protected, and Shadow has become such an important part of this series, and he is really important in Ben’s life.
I always enjoy my trips to the Scilly Isles whenever I pick up a book by Kate Rhodes. She does a brilliant job of making you feel as though you’re really there, and that’s what I really enjoy about the DI Ben Kitto series. I can’t wait to read the next book.
January 3, 2024
“Devil’s Table” by Kate Rhodes is the fifth in her #DIBenKitto series, set on the Isles of Scilly. Once again the story opens with a truly atmospheric setting, this time on St Martin’s and a veil of fog surrounding the whole island. When a young girl goes missing, her twin who relies on her to communicate, struggles to convey what happened. The whole island is involved in her search but is any of those same islanders responsible for her abduction. Nobody can be trusted and it’s down to DI Ben Kitto to discover who and why, would want to target the island’s most prominent family.
I liked the intermittent chapters where we learn how Ethan, the remaining twin is coping and as is the author’s traditional writing style, we alternate between Ben’s viewpoint of the case and one of the victim’s side of the involvement.
As someone whose Grandfather made ships in bottles, I liked how this was a main theme to the story and could picture them clearly when mentioned. Once again Ben’s adopted dog, Shadow, plays his therapeutic duties perfectly and always finds himself the hero of the day.
These books have a real atmospheric bite to them, naturally and beautifully rugged but hiding a sinister foreboding and although the author always includes distressing themes and brutal murders, I always enjoy reading them and feel good when finished.
Another superbly written instalment in a satisfying series and I look forward to reading the next “The Brutal Tide”.
#DevilsTable - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 24, 2023
DI Ben Kitto investigates the disappearance of an 11-year-old girl, Jade Minear, on the island of St Martins. When Jade's father Scott, a wealthy landowner, is then found brutally murdered, Ben realises someone has a vendetta against the Minears.
Scott was resented by many of the islanders, including members of his close family, making Ben's investigation more difficult. More attacks follow, one of them placing someone close to Ben in danger.
Assisted by his colleagues Eddie Nickell and Isla Tremayne, Ben also has to contend with the dogmatic approach of their superior officer, DCI Madron.
As with the other books in this series, I found the storyline kept my interest throughout. I particularly enjoy reading about the landscape around the Scilly Isles and how this affects the narrative.
The story is also told from the perspective of Ethan Minear, Jade's twin brother who has a medical condition that prevents him from speaking. Ben's girlfriend Nina Jackson helps him and he is eventually able to find his voice.
I had a feeling who the murderer might be but, as always, Kate Rhodes manages to keep the reader guessing until the reveal. On this occasion, I was genuinely surprised by who was responsible.
For those new to the series, this can be read as a standalone book; however, I would recommend reading the previous stories to understand the background to some of the events mentioned in this book.
I look forward to reading more books in this excellent series.
Scott was resented by many of the islanders, including members of his close family, making Ben's investigation more difficult. More attacks follow, one of them placing someone close to Ben in danger.
Assisted by his colleagues Eddie Nickell and Isla Tremayne, Ben also has to contend with the dogmatic approach of their superior officer, DCI Madron.
As with the other books in this series, I found the storyline kept my interest throughout. I particularly enjoy reading about the landscape around the Scilly Isles and how this affects the narrative.
The story is also told from the perspective of Ethan Minear, Jade's twin brother who has a medical condition that prevents him from speaking. Ben's girlfriend Nina Jackson helps him and he is eventually able to find his voice.
I had a feeling who the murderer might be but, as always, Kate Rhodes manages to keep the reader guessing until the reveal. On this occasion, I was genuinely surprised by who was responsible.
For those new to the series, this can be read as a standalone book; however, I would recommend reading the previous stories to understand the background to some of the events mentioned in this book.
I look forward to reading more books in this excellent series.
February 21, 2024
Devil's Table is set on St Martins in the Scilly Isles. Twins Jade and Ethan are out late at night when they are attacked. Ethan manages to get away and home but without Jade. He depends on Jade for a lot, and this attack has caused him to be left mute. As events continue to worsen, Ben Kitto has his work cut out for him in this instalment.
Kate Rhodes always makes whichever island she is writing about seem like a character on its own. This time, St. Martins is shrouded in thick fog, and the chilling vibes that seemed to pour off the page, as I read, created an amazingly atmospheric read!
The characters all seem real to me as I read each book. It makes this series outstanding and creates a connection that is constant. Even Ben's dog, Shadow, is a character I appreciate so much. Kate Rhodes research is crystal clear through this whole series. Alongside the characters, this makes this series for me
Again,as with every other book precding this, I was really invested in finding out the culprit. It had me guessing to no avail and on the edge of my seat at times. Another belter from the mind of Kate Rhodes and one that I read so fast it was over too soon for me. Thankfully, I have the next book to read now!l
Thanks to Tracy Fenton and Orion Books for the gifted ebook to write my honest review.
Kate Rhodes always makes whichever island she is writing about seem like a character on its own. This time, St. Martins is shrouded in thick fog, and the chilling vibes that seemed to pour off the page, as I read, created an amazingly atmospheric read!
The characters all seem real to me as I read each book. It makes this series outstanding and creates a connection that is constant. Even Ben's dog, Shadow, is a character I appreciate so much. Kate Rhodes research is crystal clear through this whole series. Alongside the characters, this makes this series for me
Again,as with every other book precding this, I was really invested in finding out the culprit. It had me guessing to no avail and on the edge of my seat at times. Another belter from the mind of Kate Rhodes and one that I read so fast it was over too soon for me. Thankfully, I have the next book to read now!l
Thanks to Tracy Fenton and Orion Books for the gifted ebook to write my honest review.
February 8, 2025
2.5 Sterne.
Aufgerundet ist viel zu großzügig im Vergleich mit anderen Krimis, aber 2 Sterne scheint mir doch einen Ticken zu heftig.
Ich hatte mehrere Bücher dieser Reihe gleichzeitig aus der Bibliothek ausgeliehen, was der einzige Grund war, warum ich so viele davon gelesen habe.
Jedes Buch hat dieselbe Formel: Mord, Mörder*in hinterlässt Nachricht, viele verschiedene Verdächtige, aber am Ende ist es jemand komplett anderes gewesen. Die Mordmotive ergeben dabei keine Sinn, sind unlogisch (oder der*die Mörder*in schweigt sich dazu aus, wie praktisch...).
Wenn man diese Formel übrigens einmal bemerkt hat, weiß man dann auch, wer der*die Mörder*in sein wird (Motive sind natürlich trotzdem total unlogisch).
Dazu ist der Chef immer gleich nervig und die Entwicklung der Rahmengeschichte über die Bände hinweg hat ebenfalls Lücken. Nur ein Beispiel: Warum kommt in den folgenden Bänden Eddies Baby nicht mehr vor? Es ist immerhin Bens Patenkind und die Inseln sind doch so klein (wie die Autorin ja immer wieder schreibt). Es würden ja ein paar Sätze reichen oder zumindest eine Erwähnung, wie bspw. dass Eddie müde ist, weil das Baby die Nacht nicht durchgeschlafen hat.
Das einzig schöne ist die Location der Scilly Islands.
Ich rate klar von der Reihe ab. Und wer sie trotzdem lesen will, dem empfehle ich auf jeden Fall seeehr viel Abstand zwischen den Büchern.
Aufgerundet ist viel zu großzügig im Vergleich mit anderen Krimis, aber 2 Sterne scheint mir doch einen Ticken zu heftig.
Ich hatte mehrere Bücher dieser Reihe gleichzeitig aus der Bibliothek ausgeliehen, was der einzige Grund war, warum ich so viele davon gelesen habe.
Jedes Buch hat dieselbe Formel: Mord, Mörder*in hinterlässt Nachricht, viele verschiedene Verdächtige, aber am Ende ist es jemand komplett anderes gewesen. Die Mordmotive ergeben dabei keine Sinn, sind unlogisch (oder der*die Mörder*in schweigt sich dazu aus, wie praktisch...).
Wenn man diese Formel übrigens einmal bemerkt hat, weiß man dann auch, wer der*die Mörder*in sein wird (Motive sind natürlich trotzdem total unlogisch).
Dazu ist der Chef immer gleich nervig und die Entwicklung der Rahmengeschichte über die Bände hinweg hat ebenfalls Lücken. Nur ein Beispiel: Warum kommt in den folgenden Bänden Eddies Baby nicht mehr vor? Es ist immerhin Bens Patenkind und die Inseln sind doch so klein (wie die Autorin ja immer wieder schreibt). Es würden ja ein paar Sätze reichen oder zumindest eine Erwähnung, wie bspw. dass Eddie müde ist, weil das Baby die Nacht nicht durchgeschlafen hat.
Das einzig schöne ist die Location der Scilly Islands.
Ich rate klar von der Reihe ab. Und wer sie trotzdem lesen will, dem empfehle ich auf jeden Fall seeehr viel Abstand zwischen den Büchern.
September 29, 2025
Book 5 in this series which is set on the Isles of Scilly. It's a gripping murder mystery that’s full of believable and well-drawn characters. A young girl goes missing on St. Martin’s, a small island of less than one square mile with a tiny population of just 135 people. It’s a place where everyone knows everyone, which makes things complicated for DI Ben Kitto who arrives to lead the search and has known all of these people all of his life. Even then, it’s a battle to untangle the relationships, grudges and secrets as he tries to find the child. I loved the fact that an equally important character in this novel is the weather, which is described so well it becomes central to the story, and Kate Rhodes really gives the reader a sense of life on the islands. As a mystery it also kept me guessing until the last pages. This is the first of these books that I've read and I'm planning to read them all now.
Review by: Granny Weatherwax, Oundle Crime
Review by: Granny Weatherwax, Oundle Crime
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews