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Ruined Stones
Surviving the 1941 Blitz and the predator in her small Shropshire village, policeman's daughter Grace Baxter moves to Newcastle-on-Tyne. Situated on the northern bank of the River Tyne, the ancient northeast city developed around the Roman settlement Pons Aelius-named for the Emperor Hadrian who built the famous wall right at the edge of the then civilized world. No matter its later history as a wool trade, then coal mining center, and the ship building that makes it a German bombing target, Newcastle's Roman past won't be ignored.
Grace is eager to explore city life. And she's turned professional with an official job in the city's constabulary. The war means women can find work, even if most men in the job discount if not actively resent her.
Grace's arrival coincides with the discovery of the body of a young woman, curiously difficult to identify, at the scanty ruins of a Roman temple situated across from a church. The bone-numbing cold, the fogs, and the Blitz, not to mention to peculiar behavior of some of the citizens and the hostility directed towards a woman in man's work, test Grace's resolve to be an effective officer. There are many potential leads, and much suspicious behavior to sort through. What role do ancient rituals play in the murder and what follows? What current misbehavior or crimes is someone, or someones, desperate to cover up? The investigation, carried out through fog and blackout and fear as well as the hostility of her colleagues, tests Grace's resolve to be an effective officer. Will it also endanger her life?
Grace is eager to explore city life. And she's turned professional with an official job in the city's constabulary. The war means women can find work, even if most men in the job discount if not actively resent her.
Grace's arrival coincides with the discovery of the body of a young woman, curiously difficult to identify, at the scanty ruins of a Roman temple situated across from a church. The bone-numbing cold, the fogs, and the Blitz, not to mention to peculiar behavior of some of the citizens and the hostility directed towards a woman in man's work, test Grace's resolve to be an effective officer. There are many potential leads, and much suspicious behavior to sort through. What role do ancient rituals play in the murder and what follows? What current misbehavior or crimes is someone, or someones, desperate to cover up? The investigation, carried out through fog and blackout and fear as well as the hostility of her colleagues, tests Grace's resolve to be an effective officer. Will it also endanger her life?
226 pages, Paperback
Published July 4, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 17, 2017
Meet Grace Baxter, the daughter of a policeman in a small Shropshire village. It's 1941 in England and the Blitz is hitting hard. Now that women are filling jobs that were previously for men only, Grace has moved to the Northeastern town of Newcastle-on-Tyne to become an official member of the constabulary. She's eager to learn her job and explore her new home. With a superior who is anti-women in the police and work force in general, she is put to work investigating the murder of a young woman whose body was found among the local ruins of an old Roman temple. The woman had no identification on her and of course between the blackout curtains, the constant threat of being bombed and the body numbing cold of the winter cold, no one in the neighborhood saw or heard anything. As Grace meets more of her neighbors, the suspect pool continues to expand until another murder occurs and her roommate, Mavis, is implicated. With Newcastle being an important coal mining and ship building port, the bombing raids are frequent, forcing the neighbors to spend nights in St. Mary's church crypt. Grace finds herself investigating Mavis and her blond Dutchman friend, a neighbor man who practices arcane rituals and a juvenile delinquent who hates the Germans because of his brother's death while serving in the army. Grace also discovers that the black market in rationed food is going strong in the neighborhood. Is there really anyone she can trust, including her superiors? As the sirens wail in the night air, everyone rushes to the church but no one is there to let them in. Then the church takes a direct hit and in the ensuing events Grace discovers the truth about the murders, the black marketeers, Mavis and her blond Dutchman, the juvenile delinquent and her superiors!
This is the second book featuring Grace and the first in this location. I intend to go back and read the first book that set Grace on her current path in life. The first book is set in Grace's home of Noddweir, Shropshire. The characters are well drawn and quite realistic. The World War II setting was quite compelling and pulled you into the heart of the story very quickly. I found this to be a dark and brooding setting that really highlighted the twisted story line. A mystery with dark and dangerous undercurrents that will keep you turning the pages. A "Must Read" for any serious fan of historical mysteries.
This is the second book featuring Grace and the first in this location. I intend to go back and read the first book that set Grace on her current path in life. The first book is set in Grace's home of Noddweir, Shropshire. The characters are well drawn and quite realistic. The World War II setting was quite compelling and pulled you into the heart of the story very quickly. I found this to be a dark and brooding setting that really highlighted the twisted story line. A mystery with dark and dangerous undercurrents that will keep you turning the pages. A "Must Read" for any serious fan of historical mysteries.
August 2, 2017
I find I am drawn lately to books about how people in different parts of the world were affected by WWI or WWII. We hear much about how those in London and Poland and here in the United States were affected, but they were world wars, after all. This is set in Newcastle-on-Tyne in northeast England, known for its shipbuilding and coal mining, and shows how life changed for its residents as they waited for bombs that might or might not come.
July 13, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up to 5
Ruined Stones combines two of my favourite genes – crime fiction and historical fiction. It’s set in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1941 during the Second World War, where Grace Baxter, who has recently moved from Shropshire, is working in the Women’s Auxiliary Police force in a small sub-station. As the young policemen have joined up, the police are recruiting women but their duties are restricted and they can’t make arrests.
The body of a young unidentified woman is found in the ruins of a Roman temple not far from the police station. Grace is assigned to interviewing the neighbours but no one admits to seeing or hearing anything suspicious during the night due to the blackout and the fog. The police initially think it could have been an accident or suicide, but why are the victim’s legs and arms arranged into the ancient symbol of the reverse of the Nazi swastika?
Grace comes from a line of ‘wise women’ and is sensitive to the remains of the Roman temple, sensing something unthinkably old and powerful in the pagan ruin. Then another body is found, implicating Mavis, Grace’s landlady, although there are number of other suspects as well. Mavis, is viewed with suspicion by her neighbours because of her friendship with a Dutch refugee, Hans, who some believe to be a German. When the murdered man is identified as Mavis’ husband, Grace finds her life in great danger as she investigates the mystery and finally discovers the culprit.
I enjoyed this mystery, with its convincing characters, set against the backdrop of the war, as the Germans repeatedly bomb Newcastle and the inhabitants seek shelter in the crypt of the local church, which takes a direct hit. It provides an interesting look at life during the war, complete with black marketeers and criminals taking advantage of the blackout, and the prejudice and fear shown to foreigners and strangers. I was also interested to see the attitudes to women and their work for the police during the war and the hostility towards them from the public and from police officers. And I also enjoyed the hint of the supernatural through Grace’s own background.
This is the second book featuring Grace Baxter – the first is The Guardian Stones, set in the remote Shropshire village of Noddweir, where Grace’s father was the village constable until he joined the armed forces at the start of the war.
‘Eric Reed’ is the pen name of husband and wife, Mary Reed and Eric Meyer. Mary spent her early life in Newcastle and the setting in this city is depicted as it was in 1941, apart from two imaginary streets. The temple ruins, dedicated to the local god Antenociticus, still exist – you can see a photo and information about it on the English Heritage site. There is a glossary of Geordie dialect words and phrases included in the novel at the end of the book.
Many thanks to the authors and Poisoned Pen Press for a review copy.
Ruined Stones combines two of my favourite genes – crime fiction and historical fiction. It’s set in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1941 during the Second World War, where Grace Baxter, who has recently moved from Shropshire, is working in the Women’s Auxiliary Police force in a small sub-station. As the young policemen have joined up, the police are recruiting women but their duties are restricted and they can’t make arrests.
The body of a young unidentified woman is found in the ruins of a Roman temple not far from the police station. Grace is assigned to interviewing the neighbours but no one admits to seeing or hearing anything suspicious during the night due to the blackout and the fog. The police initially think it could have been an accident or suicide, but why are the victim’s legs and arms arranged into the ancient symbol of the reverse of the Nazi swastika?
Grace comes from a line of ‘wise women’ and is sensitive to the remains of the Roman temple, sensing something unthinkably old and powerful in the pagan ruin. Then another body is found, implicating Mavis, Grace’s landlady, although there are number of other suspects as well. Mavis, is viewed with suspicion by her neighbours because of her friendship with a Dutch refugee, Hans, who some believe to be a German. When the murdered man is identified as Mavis’ husband, Grace finds her life in great danger as she investigates the mystery and finally discovers the culprit.
I enjoyed this mystery, with its convincing characters, set against the backdrop of the war, as the Germans repeatedly bomb Newcastle and the inhabitants seek shelter in the crypt of the local church, which takes a direct hit. It provides an interesting look at life during the war, complete with black marketeers and criminals taking advantage of the blackout, and the prejudice and fear shown to foreigners and strangers. I was also interested to see the attitudes to women and their work for the police during the war and the hostility towards them from the public and from police officers. And I also enjoyed the hint of the supernatural through Grace’s own background.
This is the second book featuring Grace Baxter – the first is The Guardian Stones, set in the remote Shropshire village of Noddweir, where Grace’s father was the village constable until he joined the armed forces at the start of the war.
‘Eric Reed’ is the pen name of husband and wife, Mary Reed and Eric Meyer. Mary spent her early life in Newcastle and the setting in this city is depicted as it was in 1941, apart from two imaginary streets. The temple ruins, dedicated to the local god Antenociticus, still exist – you can see a photo and information about it on the English Heritage site. There is a glossary of Geordie dialect words and phrases included in the novel at the end of the book.
Many thanks to the authors and Poisoned Pen Press for a review copy.
June 23, 2017
Ruined Stones
Ruined Stones by Eric Reed will do little to educate your mind or edify your soul, but it will take you away for an adventure to another time and place for a little while. Now and again – just what you need.
The book is set during the 1941 Blitz with mysteries to be solved first of the death of an unidentifiable woman which leaves much speculation for a motive and then another of a man hated by enough people to create a cast of suspects. Both bodies are left in a backwards swastika formation. Are they related or is there a copycat in place?
Grace Baxter, new constable for Newcastle-on-Tyne, gets assignments that reflect the dismissive attitudes of her superiors toward a new rookie – and a woman at that – until she takes it on herself to start following leads.
Plenty of possibilities for the perpetrator exist with one man who is Dutch (or is he German?), one who works outside under cover of night while the rest of the village observes the blackout inside, and any of the group of people who are interested in the spirit world. The setting with a ruined Roman temple and a church in close proximity adds to the tension. Grace questions whether her own ability to sense the spirits of the dead, inherited from her grandmother, will help her find the culprit and wrestles with whether the murderer is the same for both victims.
I received this adventure that will be published on July 4 in an ARC from Net Galley and enjoyed a trip away and back in time. One helpful hint: Flip to the back matter before you begin reading to get an explanation of the Geordie dialect and definitions. While Reed writes with enough context to figure out the words he uses, knowing the terms will save some time and distraction.
Ruined Stones by Eric Reed will do little to educate your mind or edify your soul, but it will take you away for an adventure to another time and place for a little while. Now and again – just what you need.
The book is set during the 1941 Blitz with mysteries to be solved first of the death of an unidentifiable woman which leaves much speculation for a motive and then another of a man hated by enough people to create a cast of suspects. Both bodies are left in a backwards swastika formation. Are they related or is there a copycat in place?
Grace Baxter, new constable for Newcastle-on-Tyne, gets assignments that reflect the dismissive attitudes of her superiors toward a new rookie – and a woman at that – until she takes it on herself to start following leads.
Plenty of possibilities for the perpetrator exist with one man who is Dutch (or is he German?), one who works outside under cover of night while the rest of the village observes the blackout inside, and any of the group of people who are interested in the spirit world. The setting with a ruined Roman temple and a church in close proximity adds to the tension. Grace questions whether her own ability to sense the spirits of the dead, inherited from her grandmother, will help her find the culprit and wrestles with whether the murderer is the same for both victims.
I received this adventure that will be published on July 4 in an ARC from Net Galley and enjoyed a trip away and back in time. One helpful hint: Flip to the back matter before you begin reading to get an explanation of the Geordie dialect and definitions. While Reed writes with enough context to figure out the words he uses, knowing the terms will save some time and distraction.
July 15, 2017
With the men away at war, women took on many jobs traditionally held by men, including police work. Grace Baxter is a newly minted WPC just assigned to Newcastle-on-Tyne. As a woman, her capabilities are suspect, but every hand is needed. When an unknown prostitute’s body is discovered carefully arranged in the ruins of a Roman temple, Grace suspects murder. Her superior feels it is an accident, but is happy for Grace to occupy herself. The villagers are reluctant to share their secrets - even more so when a second body is found, that of Grace’s roommate’s ne'er do well husband. Complicating the murder inquiries are the village’s inherent suspicion of incomers and the fear and prejudice against refugees.
Grace’s inquisitiveness, as well as her good sense and ability to approach people, serve her well as a constable. But that doesn't mean she receives the same respect that a man would. On the other hand, women are more comfortable speaking with her, particularly about domestic issues. Ruined Stones is definitely a police procedural, even though it departs from the normal formula. It is fascinating to see the effect of the Blitz on village life and how it affects behaviors and attitudes. I enjoyed reading Ruined Stones and look forward to seeing what Eric Reed has in store for Grace next.
4 / 5
I received a copy of Ruined Stones from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Grace’s inquisitiveness, as well as her good sense and ability to approach people, serve her well as a constable. But that doesn't mean she receives the same respect that a man would. On the other hand, women are more comfortable speaking with her, particularly about domestic issues. Ruined Stones is definitely a police procedural, even though it departs from the normal formula. It is fascinating to see the effect of the Blitz on village life and how it affects behaviors and attitudes. I enjoyed reading Ruined Stones and look forward to seeing what Eric Reed has in store for Grace next.
4 / 5
I received a copy of Ruined Stones from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
June 4, 2017
The setting is a small village on the northern bank of the River Tyne during the 1941 Blitz. The protagonist, Grace Baxter, is not only a policeman’s daughter, she comes from a long line of ‘wise women’. While many of the menfolk have gone to fight in the war, women are hired for the auxillary program. Grace recently moves to the ‘big city’ from the country and is assigned to investigate the identity of a young ‘tart’ who is found dead in an old Roman ruin in the village. She sees what the other police officers do not, mainly due to her family history of ‘wise women’…a ritual aspect to the case.
With her one ally on the force, Wallace, Grace solves the crime! With the clear descriptions of the cold nights, the foggy streets, the German Blitz, the strange behavior of the citizens, use Geordie terms and dialect, the reader is left with the feeling of being there working the case with Miss Baxter!
The plot writing is fabulous. Lots of questions to answer and leads to unfold right up to the end.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
With her one ally on the force, Wallace, Grace solves the crime! With the clear descriptions of the cold nights, the foggy streets, the German Blitz, the strange behavior of the citizens, use Geordie terms and dialect, the reader is left with the feeling of being there working the case with Miss Baxter!
The plot writing is fabulous. Lots of questions to answer and leads to unfold right up to the end.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 18, 2018
Probably about 3.5 stars. Not quite my usual type of mystery; this one is darker. During the Second World War, Grace Baxter, a police constable, is assigned to Newcastle, where she finds herself less then welcome by most of her male colleagues. Just prior to her arrival, a woman's body was found by the ruins of a Roman temple of the edge of town. Grace is assigned to work on this case, interviewing neighbors, especially women, to see if she can find any clues. At first, it doesn't seem like she is getting anywhere, but then a second murder occurs, which offers new clues, along with another direction to look in. Interesting and atmospheric. Recommended.
April 14, 2017
4 stars
During WWII there were not enough men to populate the police force, so they hired women. No one it seems had more of a plan for them to do anything but type, answer phones and make tea. But Grace Baxter joins the force through the WAC Program and plans to make a difference.
Her first “case” is one of a woman who died in an old Roman ruin. Put down as an accident, the men on the force have more or less written it off. She immediately recognizes from the photos taken at the scene that there may be a ritual aspect to the case. She doesn’t believe that the woman’s death was an accident.
Some of the citizens she encounters are downright hostile and suspicious of her. Fighting sexism, mistrust and dismissiveness Grace fights to keep an even keel in her new job. Is someone seeking to cover their crime? What about the area in which she was found? Is that significant?
With little to no assistance from her colleagues, Grace solves the crime, but at some risk to herself.
This is a nicely written and plotted book. I enjoy reading period pieces from the WWII era. While the action is a little slow in places, it is still not too badly paced.
I want to thank Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read.
During WWII there were not enough men to populate the police force, so they hired women. No one it seems had more of a plan for them to do anything but type, answer phones and make tea. But Grace Baxter joins the force through the WAC Program and plans to make a difference.
Her first “case” is one of a woman who died in an old Roman ruin. Put down as an accident, the men on the force have more or less written it off. She immediately recognizes from the photos taken at the scene that there may be a ritual aspect to the case. She doesn’t believe that the woman’s death was an accident.
Some of the citizens she encounters are downright hostile and suspicious of her. Fighting sexism, mistrust and dismissiveness Grace fights to keep an even keel in her new job. Is someone seeking to cover their crime? What about the area in which she was found? Is that significant?
With little to no assistance from her colleagues, Grace solves the crime, but at some risk to herself.
This is a nicely written and plotted book. I enjoy reading period pieces from the WWII era. While the action is a little slow in places, it is still not too badly paced.
I want to thank Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read.
July 5, 2017
If it hadn’t been for the war, Grace Baxter would never have been able to be a police officer or a detective. But since all the able-bodied men are fighting the Germans, Baxter has a chance to follow in her father’s footsteps. In Ruined Stones, by Eric Reed, we see Baxter begin her career as a constable in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne with a tricky case involving Roman ruins, possible occult shenanigans, and a lot of intersecting motives...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
September 14, 2017
Featuring the sensible, stoic and possibly supernaturally gifted heroine of the Guardian Stones, the sequel is an engaging police procedural set in Birmingham during the darkest days of World War II.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews