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Joe Plantagenet #1
Seeking the Dead
When Carmel Hennessy begins a new job in North Yorkshire, she finds the historic city of Eborby gripped by fear. A killer is on the prowl - a killer who binds and asphyxiates his victims before leaving their naked bodies in isolated country churchyards. The press are calling him the Resurrection Man.
Tragic events from the past link Carmel with new-kid-on-the-block DI Joe Plantagenet, who, with his new boss, DCI Emily Thwaite, faces the unenviable task of identifying the killer before he claims another victim. The victims appear to have nothing in common but the manner of their deaths, but as Joe's investigations lead him to a pub with a sinister history, he is forced to consider that the case may have occult connections. Then Carmel becomes aware of a malevolent presence in her new flat and, when she starts to receive mysterious threats, it is Joe she turns to first. And that is when Joe is forced to get into the mind of a cunning - and scarily ruthless - killer.
Tragic events from the past link Carmel with new-kid-on-the-block DI Joe Plantagenet, who, with his new boss, DCI Emily Thwaite, faces the unenviable task of identifying the killer before he claims another victim. The victims appear to have nothing in common but the manner of their deaths, but as Joe's investigations lead him to a pub with a sinister history, he is forced to consider that the case may have occult connections. Then Carmel becomes aware of a malevolent presence in her new flat and, when she starts to receive mysterious threats, it is Joe she turns to first. And that is when Joe is forced to get into the mind of a cunning - and scarily ruthless - killer.
330 pages, Hardcover
First published January 6, 2011
177 people are currently reading
837 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 89 reviews
June 3, 2021
I have been enjoying a good number of books by this author from her Wesley Peterson series so I thought I ought to try the other series she wrote featuring cop Joe Plantagenet. This dates back to somewhere around 2008 I think. Keeping that in mind, I may read others but am not in a rush. The character is ok and his considerate treatment of his female boss is admirable but the way the investigation was handled could have ended up with another dead girl. Not the swiftest of procedures, and the topic was goths/satanic rituals and a creepy murderer who really was not profiled well. Thus...not really believable. I won't run to read another but may do so in future.
October 15, 2016
Seeking the Dead is the first Joe Plantagenet book I've read. It's also the first in the series. I've read several of her Wesley Peterson series. These mix crime and archaeology in interesting ways. The Plantagenet series is more about history and ghosts mixed with crime and a touch of the supernatural, but it is an interesting mix. I think I'm partial to the first series perhaps because I've read more of them, plus I'm not a particular fan of ghost stories.
This first novel introduces DI Joe Plantaganet who is working with a new superintendent, Emily Thwaite, who has moved to Eborby from Leeds. Joe is a widower who spent a year studying to become a priest. He is also a non native, having moved to Eborby to start a new life after his partner is killed.
Eborby is a thinly disguised version of York. I'm not sure why the author didn't set the novels in York other than the fact that she says she prefers to have the freedom to invent. Anyone who has visited York, though, will recognize the description of the streets, the York Minster and, in particular, The Shambles, a street where all of the butchers once had their shops. I remember the hooks were still there from when they used to hang the meat for their customers to view.
The book opens with Carmel Henessey who is starting a new job in the Archeological Center. It turns out she is the daughter of Joe's partner and was a young teen at the time of her father's death. Her mother has asked Joe to keep an eye on her, something that embarrasses Carmel a little. Her mother is concerned about the Resurrection Man, the name for a serial killer who kills his victims in a horrific way.
Carmel is renting a flat in a building owned by her boss, Peta, who tells her that the last tenant left very suddenly owing Peta rent and leaving her belongings behind. Carmel is puzzled by the bedroom because she hears a voice or sees moving shadows. She is sure it's her imagination until she learns the legend of the room: a young woman was locked in the house and starved to death despite being the only member of her family who didn't have the plague. Nobody was willing to go near the house to give her food, and she was not allowed to leave for fear of spreading the plague.
The Resurrection Man is very good at covering his/her tracks and soon has Carmel in his sights.
This was an interesting book with a few red herrings thrown in the reader's way. It's definitely a series worth visiting.
This first novel introduces DI Joe Plantaganet who is working with a new superintendent, Emily Thwaite, who has moved to Eborby from Leeds. Joe is a widower who spent a year studying to become a priest. He is also a non native, having moved to Eborby to start a new life after his partner is killed.
Eborby is a thinly disguised version of York. I'm not sure why the author didn't set the novels in York other than the fact that she says she prefers to have the freedom to invent. Anyone who has visited York, though, will recognize the description of the streets, the York Minster and, in particular, The Shambles, a street where all of the butchers once had their shops. I remember the hooks were still there from when they used to hang the meat for their customers to view.
The book opens with Carmel Henessey who is starting a new job in the Archeological Center. It turns out she is the daughter of Joe's partner and was a young teen at the time of her father's death. Her mother has asked Joe to keep an eye on her, something that embarrasses Carmel a little. Her mother is concerned about the Resurrection Man, the name for a serial killer who kills his victims in a horrific way.
Carmel is renting a flat in a building owned by her boss, Peta, who tells her that the last tenant left very suddenly owing Peta rent and leaving her belongings behind. Carmel is puzzled by the bedroom because she hears a voice or sees moving shadows. She is sure it's her imagination until she learns the legend of the room: a young woman was locked in the house and starved to death despite being the only member of her family who didn't have the plague. Nobody was willing to go near the house to give her food, and she was not allowed to leave for fear of spreading the plague.
The Resurrection Man is very good at covering his/her tracks and soon has Carmel in his sights.
This was an interesting book with a few red herrings thrown in the reader's way. It's definitely a series worth visiting.
August 3, 2023
First of the Joe Plantagenet series sees him investigating a series of murders linked to the occult. A few twists and turns, I had an inkling who the murderer was, but not bad all in all.
March 3, 2016
First Sentence: Things that frighten the devil away.
Carmel Hennessy’s small flat in the house owned by her boss at the Archeology Center. She also feels it has a ghost and wonders if it’s connected to the Ghost Tour that always stops and points to her bedroom. She turns to DI Joe Plantagenet, former partner of her father who was killed, when she starts receiving anonymous threats. The naked body of a woman is found in the churchyard. Rather than newly dead, it is realized she had been stunned, stripped, and kept for some time in an place where she suffocated, before being left outside. DI Joe Plantagenet is leading the investigation into the murder, which soon becomes only the first in a hunt to uncover a killer, and find out what his new boss, DCI Emily Thwaite, is trying to hide.
Ellis immediately captures the reader’s attention with a highly intriguing opening. So much so, that one may even find oneself adding to the character’s list. Even though the town of Eborby is fictional and based mainly on York, we are provided with a sense of the area’s history. Ellis is so good at establishing a sense of place—“As she emerged from the crazy maze of ancient streets on to the cathedral square, she turned her head to stare up at the towers, intricately carved in pale-gold stone, soaring up to the heaven like arms outstretched I prayer.”
Although one isn’t tempted to let the book go, the writing and dialogue are a bit clunky at times, and having so many characters, many of whom are not well-developed, one can lose track of who is whom.
The structure of the plot is interesting as we learn of event from a number of different characters, not the least being the killer. We are taken along parallel paths until events slowly start to merge and the pace accelerates. Although there is good tension at the end, one may feel oneself rather separate from it.
“Seeking the Dead” is a decent read, and this is the first book in this series. It does hold you to the end and, in spite of the clues, it wasn’t until very near the end that the killer’s identity is suspected. However, it is disappoint to find it not up to the standard set by Ellis’ Wesley Peterson series.
SEEKING THE DEAD: A JOE PLANTAGENET MURDER MYSTERY (Pol Proc-Joe Plantagenet-England-Contemp) – Okay
Ellis, Kate – 1st in series
Piatkus - 2008
Carmel Hennessy’s small flat in the house owned by her boss at the Archeology Center. She also feels it has a ghost and wonders if it’s connected to the Ghost Tour that always stops and points to her bedroom. She turns to DI Joe Plantagenet, former partner of her father who was killed, when she starts receiving anonymous threats. The naked body of a woman is found in the churchyard. Rather than newly dead, it is realized she had been stunned, stripped, and kept for some time in an place where she suffocated, before being left outside. DI Joe Plantagenet is leading the investigation into the murder, which soon becomes only the first in a hunt to uncover a killer, and find out what his new boss, DCI Emily Thwaite, is trying to hide.
Ellis immediately captures the reader’s attention with a highly intriguing opening. So much so, that one may even find oneself adding to the character’s list. Even though the town of Eborby is fictional and based mainly on York, we are provided with a sense of the area’s history. Ellis is so good at establishing a sense of place—“As she emerged from the crazy maze of ancient streets on to the cathedral square, she turned her head to stare up at the towers, intricately carved in pale-gold stone, soaring up to the heaven like arms outstretched I prayer.”
Although one isn’t tempted to let the book go, the writing and dialogue are a bit clunky at times, and having so many characters, many of whom are not well-developed, one can lose track of who is whom.
The structure of the plot is interesting as we learn of event from a number of different characters, not the least being the killer. We are taken along parallel paths until events slowly start to merge and the pace accelerates. Although there is good tension at the end, one may feel oneself rather separate from it.
“Seeking the Dead” is a decent read, and this is the first book in this series. It does hold you to the end and, in spite of the clues, it wasn’t until very near the end that the killer’s identity is suspected. However, it is disappoint to find it not up to the standard set by Ellis’ Wesley Peterson series.
SEEKING THE DEAD: A JOE PLANTAGENET MURDER MYSTERY (Pol Proc-Joe Plantagenet-England-Contemp) – Okay
Ellis, Kate – 1st in series
Piatkus - 2008
December 31, 2016
4.5 Stars. This is the first book in a new series and by a new author for me, but it won't be the last. I found the book to be very enjoyable and very readable with plenty to hold your interest and get you involved in the story. The lead character, Joe Plantagenet, was training to be a priest before he dropped out and became a police man. He makes for a good detective and I look forward to getting to know him better in future books in the series. It is pleasing to see an author that gives you enough details to get you involved in the story and to give you a real chance of working out who is behind the serial killing in this book. I thought the whole plotting was very good and I like the way everything was pulled together in the end. If I had one constructive piece of advice I'd like to see a bit more in depth questioning in the book at times, at least in my humble opinion. That said I would heartily recommend the series and author and look forward to continuing the series.
March 29, 2014
This is the first in the Joe Plantagenet mystery series. I read the second by mistake previously. It didn't affect my enjoyment of this story at all. The series is set in Yorkshire and DI Plantagenet is an ex-priest (or more correctly, he was in training for priesthood but fell in love and left it) who is involved trying to solve the Resurrection Man murders. A new DCI, Emily Thwait, adds to the story. It's an interesting, very involved mystery, which goes in different directions. Joe also is looking out for Carmel Hennessy, the daughter of his ex-partner from his Liverpool days and Carmel has her own issues. The story involves Satanism, terrifying murder and many other interesting story lines. I enjoyed very much.
August 7, 2024
2.5 rounded down
Over the years I have heard regularly about this author and her crime novels but this is my first foray into her work with this, the first in her Plantagenet series. Although I found this an okay read I was a little disappointed. I appreciate this was published in 2011 but it felt older, or perhaps uneven given the use of CCTV and mobile phones the essential police knowledge re history, people etc. was very much old fashioned research and asking around. I struggled a little with the coincidences and the ultimate reveals and explanations - they all seemed a little far fetched. As too did the occult/goth themes. And of course a romance or two thrown in as well! It all felt a bit clunky and I didn't form a connection with any of the characters who felt somewhat one dimensional.
Given the author's popularity and the overall rating of this book I will try another of her works, although I wont rush to do so. Perhaps the other series?
Over the years I have heard regularly about this author and her crime novels but this is my first foray into her work with this, the first in her Plantagenet series. Although I found this an okay read I was a little disappointed. I appreciate this was published in 2011 but it felt older, or perhaps uneven given the use of CCTV and mobile phones the essential police knowledge re history, people etc. was very much old fashioned research and asking around. I struggled a little with the coincidences and the ultimate reveals and explanations - they all seemed a little far fetched. As too did the occult/goth themes. And of course a romance or two thrown in as well! It all felt a bit clunky and I didn't form a connection with any of the characters who felt somewhat one dimensional.
Given the author's popularity and the overall rating of this book I will try another of her works, although I wont rush to do so. Perhaps the other series?
December 7, 2025
While the complex character map made it a 3-star read for me, it was a solid start to the series and a book I’d recommend to fans of atmospheric British crime even if it’s set in a fictional City of York! sorry Eborby .
Rating: 3.5 (rounded down) out of 5 Stars
Seeking the Dead is the first book in Kate Ellis’s Joe Plantagenet mystery series, introducing DI Joe Plantagenet as he investigates a disturbing series of ritualistic murders in the historic city of Eborby.
Overall, I liked the story quite a bit. Ellis creates a solid mystery, blending procedural elements with darker, almost occult, undertones. The pacing was engaging, and I found myself keen to follow the case to its conclusion.
A major positive for me was the core cast. I liked the detective, Joe Plantagenet, and a few of the supporting characters that were introduced. There is definitely enough depth and intrigue with them to make me want to read the next book and see how they develop.
However, the book's main challenge for me was the sheer number of named people and connections introduced. It became difficult to keep track of everyone, though that might say more about my mental juggling ability than the writing itself! I also confess I would have preferred the setting to be explicitly York, which the fictional Eborby is clearly based on—a minor detail, but one that would have enhanced the atmosphere for me.
Rating: 3.5 (rounded down) out of 5 Stars
Seeking the Dead is the first book in Kate Ellis’s Joe Plantagenet mystery series, introducing DI Joe Plantagenet as he investigates a disturbing series of ritualistic murders in the historic city of Eborby.
Overall, I liked the story quite a bit. Ellis creates a solid mystery, blending procedural elements with darker, almost occult, undertones. The pacing was engaging, and I found myself keen to follow the case to its conclusion.
A major positive for me was the core cast. I liked the detective, Joe Plantagenet, and a few of the supporting characters that were introduced. There is definitely enough depth and intrigue with them to make me want to read the next book and see how they develop.
However, the book's main challenge for me was the sheer number of named people and connections introduced. It became difficult to keep track of everyone, though that might say more about my mental juggling ability than the writing itself! I also confess I would have preferred the setting to be explicitly York, which the fictional Eborby is clearly based on—a minor detail, but one that would have enhanced the atmosphere for me.
May 19, 2018
A highly enjoyable police procedural. I guessed who the killer was, but the reason why was a real surprise.
January 9, 2023
Different but good
Love Kate Ellis other series, this one has a different ,darker twist on her historical! Mysteries but that said ,its still a good read. Look forward to where Joe and Emily go next.
Love Kate Ellis other series, this one has a different ,darker twist on her historical! Mysteries but that said ,its still a good read. Look forward to where Joe and Emily go next.
August 11, 2019
Very good mystery with supernatural overtones
I have enjoyed Kate Ellis’ Wesley Peterson series and this one set in York (although its name has been change to Eborby in the book) is just as enjoyable. There are some differences (almost role reversals) between the two series beyond the locale: the DI, Joe Plantagenet, is single and his DCI is a woman, Emily Thwaite. Whereas in the Wesley Peterson books, Wesley’s marital ups and downs are prominent and his DCI is a rather disheveled man with romance woes of his own, in this series it is Emily who is married, although the marriage has seen its rocky times and Joe is the lonely widower although he strikes up a romance with Maddy early in the book.
There are supernatural overtones, much stronger than in any Wesley Peterson book I have read thus far. This was hinted at in the Publisher’s Review of the book and apparently the supernatural will continue to be a part of future books in the Joe Plantagenet series.
The mystery is a very good one—a killer, nicknamed the Resurrection Man, kills people in a grisly way and leaves their bodies in churchyards. What is the connection between the four murdered persons? Are they related to a Satanist cult? And what about the raving woman in the psychiatric wing of the local hospital who has tried to kill a man twice because she is sure he wants to steal her soul?
Ellis gives plenty of hints throughout the book as to who the murderer could be but I was unsure of his identity until he was actually unveiled. All of the hints were enjoyable, none frustrating.
All in all, a very satisfying mystery, only a tad bit grisly. And I enjoyed reading about Eborby/York. Although I have only passed through York in my travels, I do remember Theakstone’s Old Peculiar beer with great fondness from my days living in digs in London in the 1970s.
I have enjoyed Kate Ellis’ Wesley Peterson series and this one set in York (although its name has been change to Eborby in the book) is just as enjoyable. There are some differences (almost role reversals) between the two series beyond the locale: the DI, Joe Plantagenet, is single and his DCI is a woman, Emily Thwaite. Whereas in the Wesley Peterson books, Wesley’s marital ups and downs are prominent and his DCI is a rather disheveled man with romance woes of his own, in this series it is Emily who is married, although the marriage has seen its rocky times and Joe is the lonely widower although he strikes up a romance with Maddy early in the book.
There are supernatural overtones, much stronger than in any Wesley Peterson book I have read thus far. This was hinted at in the Publisher’s Review of the book and apparently the supernatural will continue to be a part of future books in the Joe Plantagenet series.
The mystery is a very good one—a killer, nicknamed the Resurrection Man, kills people in a grisly way and leaves their bodies in churchyards. What is the connection between the four murdered persons? Are they related to a Satanist cult? And what about the raving woman in the psychiatric wing of the local hospital who has tried to kill a man twice because she is sure he wants to steal her soul?
Ellis gives plenty of hints throughout the book as to who the murderer could be but I was unsure of his identity until he was actually unveiled. All of the hints were enjoyable, none frustrating.
All in all, a very satisfying mystery, only a tad bit grisly. And I enjoyed reading about Eborby/York. Although I have only passed through York in my travels, I do remember Theakstone’s Old Peculiar beer with great fondness from my days living in digs in London in the 1970s.
February 4, 2017
Joe Plantagenet is newly transferred to the police dept of Eborby. He gave up his post in London after the death of his long-time partner and friend and has come to Eborby for a calmer life.
However, life in Eborby is anything but safe at the moment as a serial killer -- the Resurrection Man -- is on the loose. The killer binds and asphyxiates his victims before leaving their naked bodies to be found in isolated church graveyards.
The book was well-written with a fast pace and interesting characters. Our group identified the killer fairly early on but even that didn't spoil the read.
Rating: 4 Stars
However, life in Eborby is anything but safe at the moment as a serial killer -- the Resurrection Man -- is on the loose. The killer binds and asphyxiates his victims before leaving their naked bodies to be found in isolated church graveyards.
The book was well-written with a fast pace and interesting characters. Our group identified the killer fairly early on but even that didn't spoil the read.
Rating: 4 Stars
December 31, 2016
Seeking The Dead by Kate Ellis
Joe Plantagenet Series Book #1
4.5★'s
From The Book:
When Carmel Hennessy begins a new job in North Yorkshire, she finds the historic city of Eborby gripped by fear. A killer is on the prowl - a killer who binds and asphyxiates his victims before leaving their naked bodies in isolated country churchyards. The press are calling him the Resurrection Man.
Tragic events from the past link Carmel with new-kid-on-the-block DI Joe Plantagenet, who, with his new boss, DCI Emily Thwaite, faces the unenviable task of identifying the killer before he claims another victim. The victims appear to have nothing in common but the manner of their deaths, but as Joe's investigations lead him to a pub with a sinister history, he is forced to consider that the case may have occult connections. Then Carmel becomes aware of a malevolent presence in her new flat and, when she starts to receive mysterious threats, it is Joe she turns to first. And that is when Joe is forced to get into the mind of a cunning and scarily ruthless killer.
My Thoughts:
I've been a long time fan of Ellis's Wesley Peterson series and had only read one or two from this one. I do believe that I have enjoyed this series as much or more than the Peterson series....which came as a bit of a surprise to me. The characters seem to have more substance and the plots moves along at a quicker pace. The structure of the plot is interesting and we learn of events from a number of different characters, including the killer. We are taken along parallel paths until events slowly start to merge and the killer is more easily identified. Great series and I would recommend it to all Kate Ellis fans or just someone that enjoys a good who-done-it.
Joe Plantagenet Series Book #1
4.5★'s
From The Book:
When Carmel Hennessy begins a new job in North Yorkshire, she finds the historic city of Eborby gripped by fear. A killer is on the prowl - a killer who binds and asphyxiates his victims before leaving their naked bodies in isolated country churchyards. The press are calling him the Resurrection Man.
Tragic events from the past link Carmel with new-kid-on-the-block DI Joe Plantagenet, who, with his new boss, DCI Emily Thwaite, faces the unenviable task of identifying the killer before he claims another victim. The victims appear to have nothing in common but the manner of their deaths, but as Joe's investigations lead him to a pub with a sinister history, he is forced to consider that the case may have occult connections. Then Carmel becomes aware of a malevolent presence in her new flat and, when she starts to receive mysterious threats, it is Joe she turns to first. And that is when Joe is forced to get into the mind of a cunning and scarily ruthless killer.
My Thoughts:
I've been a long time fan of Ellis's Wesley Peterson series and had only read one or two from this one. I do believe that I have enjoyed this series as much or more than the Peterson series....which came as a bit of a surprise to me. The characters seem to have more substance and the plots moves along at a quicker pace. The structure of the plot is interesting and we learn of events from a number of different characters, including the killer. We are taken along parallel paths until events slowly start to merge and the killer is more easily identified. Great series and I would recommend it to all Kate Ellis fans or just someone that enjoys a good who-done-it.
May 1, 2020
First in the series. Pacy plot, well drawn characters, plenty of red herrings to keep us guessing- I'm going straight on to the next one.
April 26, 2010
Okay, I seem to be on a Crime reading odyssey at the moment:-) Seeking the Dead is set in the fictional city of Ebory which is based on York, it was fun trying to guess the areas of York where the book was set, as having lived there for two years I'm fairly familiar with the area, and you get a real feelling of place in this novel.
Joe Plantagenet is a DI in Ebory working on a murder investigation of a possible serial killer who the local press have dubbed The Resurrection Man, after his habit of leaving his victim's dead bodies in churchyards. The story covers some of the less salubrious practices in the tourist city, satanism, rituals, and the Seeker who tells the Killer who is to be the next victim, which evil person needs to be removed next. Qute creepy. Joe comes across as a personable man, sympathetic to his colleagues and protective of the daughter of his ex-partner Keith who was shot whilst he was on duty in an incident that left Joe injured, Carmel is new to Ebory and as chance would have it is living in the flat once occupied by the Resurrection Man's latest victim.
I will certainly be looking out for other Joe Plantagenet books, and I have a couple of other Kate Ellis books in her Wesley Peterson series on my TBR.
Joe Plantagenet is a DI in Ebory working on a murder investigation of a possible serial killer who the local press have dubbed The Resurrection Man, after his habit of leaving his victim's dead bodies in churchyards. The story covers some of the less salubrious practices in the tourist city, satanism, rituals, and the Seeker who tells the Killer who is to be the next victim, which evil person needs to be removed next. Qute creepy. Joe comes across as a personable man, sympathetic to his colleagues and protective of the daughter of his ex-partner Keith who was shot whilst he was on duty in an incident that left Joe injured, Carmel is new to Ebory and as chance would have it is living in the flat once occupied by the Resurrection Man's latest victim.
I will certainly be looking out for other Joe Plantagenet books, and I have a couple of other Kate Ellis books in her Wesley Peterson series on my TBR.
January 17, 2017
Seeking the Dead by Kate Ellis is set in a fictional town in Yorkshire and is billed as a "Joe Plantagenet mystery". But after reading it is didn't feel I really knew Joe or any of the other characters any better than at the start. All I can really recall is that Joe Plantagenet likes Chinese food, red wine and lives in a nice flat in a trendy part of fictional Eborby.
The plot focuses on a serial killer who is dumping dead bodies in local churchyards, and there's some occult or black magic connection...take your pick!
My main problem though with this story is that Joe and his bumbling colleagues don't actually do much detecting - they never seem to work anything out, make deductions or develop investigatory theories. Stuff happens around them and they just react and that's about it. I felt that if the Women's Institute or Girl Guides had been in charge of the investigation, they would have done just as well as Joe & Co.!
I worked out the killer's identity, but that was no thanks to any logical clues or realistic plot development. Like Eborby CID, I just stumbled across it.
This was an undemanding read in most ways.
© Koplowitz 2017
The plot focuses on a serial killer who is dumping dead bodies in local churchyards, and there's some occult or black magic connection...take your pick!
My main problem though with this story is that Joe and his bumbling colleagues don't actually do much detecting - they never seem to work anything out, make deductions or develop investigatory theories. Stuff happens around them and they just react and that's about it. I felt that if the Women's Institute or Girl Guides had been in charge of the investigation, they would have done just as well as Joe & Co.!
I worked out the killer's identity, but that was no thanks to any logical clues or realistic plot development. Like Eborby CID, I just stumbled across it.
This was an undemanding read in most ways.
© Koplowitz 2017
February 6, 2017
This was my first Kate Ellis book but it won't be my last. I found her writing to be very enjoyable and I loved her research about the city of York. Sounds like a very unique place to visit in the future. Her characters were very well-drawn and interesting. The plot was good with unexpected twists that kept the pages flying. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future and highly recommend her books to those who love historical mysteries.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
December 31, 2016
This was an entertaining mystery. Joe Plantegenet's a pretty cool guy. Not so fond of his boss, who is not the most honest person in the world and a little unstable, I think. Good characterization, in general. I did figure it out pretty easily, and wonder how intriguing upcoming stories will be. Love the setting, as I've been to Yorkshire once, and I have a bit of a "real" picture in the back of my mind.
April 18, 2013
I finally got around to starting this series and am so glad I did. I found this a highly engaging police procedural that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Joe Plantagenet is a very appealing lead and I enjoyed he occult overtones to the story.
Joe Plantagenet is a very appealing lead and I enjoyed he occult overtones to the story.
May 22, 2024
This is the first Kate Ellis book I've read and also the first in the DI Joe Plantagenet series and I found it a bit long. It kept me guessing almost until the end of the book but it dragged in spots still a good read and worth the time, and I will be reading more from this author as she has another series as well also a British Detective series The small English town of Eborby is home to ghost tours, and a string of grisly murders by The Resurrection Man bodies of both men and women are found naked in churchyards around the town and Joe Plantagenet and is new DCI Emily Thwaite must figure out who is doing the killings and why....Emily has a secret she doesn't want known but Joe might just ferret it out before she has a chance to tell him and explain....In the meantime....Carmel Hennessey the daughter of Joe's old partner Kevin moves to town and soon becomes into the killer's sights...Joe will stop at nothing to catch this madman before Carmel becomes his next body
February 15, 2024
And they are found.
A five star triumph. Joe Plantagenet is a very different policeman from Kate Ellie's other creation, Wesley Peterson, but just as good. We are in an ancient cathedral town, Eborby, or York by any other name. The cathedral is a leading player. Our thoughtful, rather sad detective is faced with a serial killer. Are his victims random or linked? Add to that Joe's female boss has troubles she is not sharing. He, who once spent a year studying to be a minister is sympathetic. There are hints of occult practices, mental health issues. A seemingly quiet respectable man is nearly killed by a mad woman he had in his car. She claims he was after her soul. Great stuff, nail-biting finish. Thoroughly recommended. Looking forward to the next in the series.
A five star triumph. Joe Plantagenet is a very different policeman from Kate Ellie's other creation, Wesley Peterson, but just as good. We are in an ancient cathedral town, Eborby, or York by any other name. The cathedral is a leading player. Our thoughtful, rather sad detective is faced with a serial killer. Are his victims random or linked? Add to that Joe's female boss has troubles she is not sharing. He, who once spent a year studying to be a minister is sympathetic. There are hints of occult practices, mental health issues. A seemingly quiet respectable man is nearly killed by a mad woman he had in his car. She claims he was after her soul. Great stuff, nail-biting finish. Thoroughly recommended. Looking forward to the next in the series.
April 25, 2021
Everyone has a past, including the houses.
This is a near-perfect start to a new series, with characters who have room to grow and a sense of place you can feel in your nostrils.
My big quarrel with it is the tired device of having a mentally ill person do the killing. Don’t authors know that people with mental illness are much more likely to be the victims of crime than the perpetrators? It helps a little that the actual killer is being manipulated by a supposedly sane person—and it is just chilling when that manipulation nearly causes the death of a completely unintentional victim. Still, I hope the series moves away from that approach.
This is a near-perfect start to a new series, with characters who have room to grow and a sense of place you can feel in your nostrils.
My big quarrel with it is the tired device of having a mentally ill person do the killing. Don’t authors know that people with mental illness are much more likely to be the victims of crime than the perpetrators? It helps a little that the actual killer is being manipulated by a supposedly sane person—and it is just chilling when that manipulation nearly causes the death of a completely unintentional victim. Still, I hope the series moves away from that approach.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2023
I had a slow start on this book but, once I sank my teeth in, I could not put the book down.
This being the first instalment in a series has me looking forward for the other books. So, in this first instalment, we are introduced to Joe Plantagenet,a former theology student turned police officer and those around him.
The story moves around strange ritual killings that baffle the police and keeps them wondering until the denouement of whom the culprits are and why certain people were targeted. Along the story there’s also mention of the history of the house where one of the killer’s victim resides.
Overall, the characters and plot are well written and there’s no confusion to be had.
This being the first instalment in a series has me looking forward for the other books. So, in this first instalment, we are introduced to Joe Plantagenet,a former theology student turned police officer and those around him.
The story moves around strange ritual killings that baffle the police and keeps them wondering until the denouement of whom the culprits are and why certain people were targeted. Along the story there’s also mention of the history of the house where one of the killer’s victim resides.
Overall, the characters and plot are well written and there’s no confusion to be had.
January 11, 2024
Steady read from a good author whose previous books I have enjoyed. Set in Eborby (York) Joe Plantagenet is investigating 2 strange murders with similar features with his new superior Emily ( who is new in her role), too. He's also been asked to keep an eye on Carmel Hennessy as a favour to her mother. Carmel's new home is a little creepy not only with threatening telephone messages and notes for its previous tenant but, according to the Ghostwalk actor, has a well-known ghost in residence. Finding the link between not only the first 2 victims but the subsequent ones means a classic police procedural with some extra occult on the side.
May 18, 2019
A disappointing book.
I've enjoyed some of Kate Ellis's "Wesley Peterson" books in the past so thought this would be worth a read.
It wasn't really. Which is a shame as it could have been a good story if it wasn't padded with repetition (saying the same things over & over, just in a slightly different way) & far too much superfluous information about the characters & the environment (it felt like Ms Ellis's philosophy was why use one word when you can use half a dozen).
The 330 pages could easily be cut in half & still tell the story.
I've enjoyed some of Kate Ellis's "Wesley Peterson" books in the past so thought this would be worth a read.
It wasn't really. Which is a shame as it could have been a good story if it wasn't padded with repetition (saying the same things over & over, just in a slightly different way) & far too much superfluous information about the characters & the environment (it felt like Ms Ellis's philosophy was why use one word when you can use half a dozen).
The 330 pages could easily be cut in half & still tell the story.
May 28, 2022
Joe Plantagenet seems like a nice bloke. An ex priest he now works as a DI in the historic city of York, sorry I mean Eborby. Plantagenet has to find a serial killer called the Resurrection Man. His investigation involves the occult, ghosts and seemingly unconnected victims. He also has to protect the daughter of his late police partner, in a clichéd plot that only happens in books about police detectives. The book goes along at pace with plenty of red herrings and clues pointing towards several suspects. Fun to read but adds nothing new to the murder mystery genre.
November 5, 2023
First in the Joe Plantagenet series (but not that different from Ellis' Wesley Peterson series in all honesty) set in Yorkshire and featuring former theology student (a year of priestly training unlike former archaeologist Peterson) Joe Plantagenet. The daughter of his late colleague has found herself a job in the local museum and starts to receive threatening messages for the former resident of her flat as a serial killer known as The Resurrection Man stalks the streets.
Highly engaging, and a very quick read.
Highly engaging, and a very quick read.
February 28, 2021
I have enjoyed books in the Wesley Peterson series, but it looks like Joe Plantagenet is not going to pull me in like Wesley Peterson did. Seeking the Dead is more of a thriller than a police procedural. Portions of the book are told through the point of view of an obviously mentally ill killer which gives the reader a big hint on who does the killing. Of course that is not the whole story behind the bizarre ritual murders of people who appear to have no connection with each other.
January 13, 2019
Read for a book group. Thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Loved how easy it was to read yet kept be enthralled with its story. Did not confuse or complicate. I don’t like series of books but I may be tempted to read the next one! Couldn’t fault any of it and it was set in Yorkshire. Perfect!
July 14, 2019
I wanted to like this series, I really liked the premise, but I really struggled to get into this book. I didn't particularly like any of the characters - I didn't particularly dislike them either - I just didn't feel like I got to know any of them. So, at the end of the book, I didn't care about them enough to continue.
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