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Wesley Peterson #8
The Plague Maiden
When a letter arrives at the police station addressed to a chief inspector Norbert, it causes quite a stir. Though Norbert has long since moved on, the letter claims to have evidence that the man convicted of murdering the Reverend Shipbourne during the course of a robbery in 1991 is innocent. Despite having a full case load—including investigating a series of vicious attacks on a local supermarket chain—detective Wesley Peterson is forced to follow up on the letter writer's claims. Meanwhile archaeologist Neil Watson is excavating a site in Pest Field when he discovers a mass grave that leads him to conclude that the site—earmarked for development—houses an ancient medieval plague pit. More disturbing is the discovery that the grave is home to a more recent resident.
362 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
126 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Kate Ellis
119 books603 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 87 reviews
February 14, 2023
This was my Mystery & Suspense group's March group read on LibraryThing. It's always fun with friends that have different opinions, but all agree that reading is loads of FUN!!! In all the books in this series a modern mystery is always investigated by DCI Wesley Peterson and the local police, while his friend Neil, sorts through a historic mystery that is tied to his local archeological work. Much of this book deals with a cold case for Wesley. The cold case was not unsolved, but new evidence comes to light when a witness provides a convincing alibi that may exonerated the man who had been imprisoned for the murder. One of the main strengths of this series is that there are almost always multiple on-going investigations. This one has someone who is poisoning food on the shelves of the local supermarket. The multiple investigations hold your interest and keep Wesley and crew busy, and the pacing is quick enough to keep you turning the pages. The premise of intertwining the historic mystery with the present-day mystery may be a gimmick, but hey, it works! This series is one that can be read out of order, but you see the growth of all the characters much better if you read them in order. My only negative comment is that someone needs to tell Rachel that her unprofessional romantic dithering is unprofessional and becoming tiring.
January 31, 2013
One of the best books of the series, where the author interweaves historical tragedies with modern crime.
Everything is interconnected in the world of the young black detective Wesley Peterson, who works for the CID of an imaginary town in Devon, England. While Wesley wrestles with the threat letters to a supermarket chain and unravels two twelve-year-old murders, he finds that the parallels between past and present are more than a mild curiosity. Sometimes the only clues that lead to a murderer reside in the esoteric archeological documents.
The hero is a charming and smart, overworked policeman. The tension comes from the routine in the police work: waiting. They are always waiting: for the lab results, for the outcome of a search, for the next suspect’s interview or for the public to come forward with information.
As usual for this series, the story background is brooding, full of introspection. The grim, sunless atmosphere of the approaching winter and unresolved conflicts is augmented by the writer’s mastery of descriptions:
The emotional honesty Ms. Ellis employs in her writing raises the novel from the mass of mediocre mysteries. When the protagonist admits to himself something not commonly considered ‘politically correct’, I sympathize. I understand his feelings and share them, and in the process of our bonding, he becomes alive:
What I find extraneous in all the books of this series is the author’s attempts to introduce personal stress into her detective plots. The passages about Wesley’s sexual interest in his coworker Rachel, or hers in him, or the strain between Wesley and his wife seem alien to the stories. They don’t add color or verisimilitude. Instead, they seem to clutter the narrative and blur its focus. Without those, I’d have given it 5 stars. As it is – 4 stars.
Definitely recommended.
Everything is interconnected in the world of the young black detective Wesley Peterson, who works for the CID of an imaginary town in Devon, England. While Wesley wrestles with the threat letters to a supermarket chain and unravels two twelve-year-old murders, he finds that the parallels between past and present are more than a mild curiosity. Sometimes the only clues that lead to a murderer reside in the esoteric archeological documents.
The hero is a charming and smart, overworked policeman. The tension comes from the routine in the police work: waiting. They are always waiting: for the lab results, for the outcome of a search, for the next suspect’s interview or for the public to come forward with information.
As usual for this series, the story background is brooding, full of introspection. The grim, sunless atmosphere of the approaching winter and unresolved conflicts is augmented by the writer’s mastery of descriptions:
If an artist had been painting the Dartmoor landscape the next morning, he or she would have made good use of the color grey: mid-grey for the vast sky; green-grey for the sodden earth; a dark brownish grey for the trees and bushes; and a cold, darker shade for the scattered rocks, walls and farm buildings.
The emotional honesty Ms. Ellis employs in her writing raises the novel from the mass of mediocre mysteries. When the protagonist admits to himself something not commonly considered ‘politically correct’, I sympathize. I understand his feelings and share them, and in the process of our bonding, he becomes alive:
Mental illness made him uncomfortable… but then it had that effect on many people.
What I find extraneous in all the books of this series is the author’s attempts to introduce personal stress into her detective plots. The passages about Wesley’s sexual interest in his coworker Rachel, or hers in him, or the strain between Wesley and his wife seem alien to the stories. They don’t add color or verisimilitude. Instead, they seem to clutter the narrative and blur its focus. Without those, I’d have given it 5 stars. As it is – 4 stars.
Definitely recommended.
December 26, 2014
5 Words: history, crime, murder, police, family.
I'm not sure if I like how Wesley is changing, but I guess it has to be that way.
This one kept me guessing longer than the last few have!
Although I didn't find this book as gripping and interesting as previous books in the series, and I don't like the way the characters seem to be changing (not for the best!) I found that I couldn't guess whodunnit. Every other book in the series I've managed it, but this one? Nope.
I liked the blend of history and modern crime, but I think it was because the "source" in the book was a recent diary it just didn't have the same feel.
I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the other books, but I still ordered the next one as soon as I'd finished it. There's definitely something about this series that s seriously addictive.
I'm not sure if I like how Wesley is changing, but I guess it has to be that way.
This one kept me guessing longer than the last few have!
Although I didn't find this book as gripping and interesting as previous books in the series, and I don't like the way the characters seem to be changing (not for the best!) I found that I couldn't guess whodunnit. Every other book in the series I've managed it, but this one? Nope.
I liked the blend of history and modern crime, but I think it was because the "source" in the book was a recent diary it just didn't have the same feel.
I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the other books, but I still ordered the next one as soon as I'd finished it. There's definitely something about this series that s seriously addictive.
March 7, 2021
This eighth in the Wesley Peterson series is again, another complex web of deceit and coverups over the years by residents of Tradmouth (a town based on Dartmouth) where Peterson lives and works as a Detective Inspector. We know from the last book that his wife is expecting their second child, and we know from the preceding books that the archaeologist Neil will play his role as former schoolmate of Wesley's and his wife, as well as showing up to work on a local dig. In this instance there is political pressure to proceed with the dig to allow for the building of a grocery store on the site. The grocery chain is targeted with threats of tainted goods that will kill patrons and put the store out of business. In fact, the blackmailer does succeed in placing a jar of jam laced with botulism on the shelf and then into a home where it does its deadly job killing an older battered woman.
The digging site turns out to be a plague burial site. Wesley has many challenges in this long tale of multiple deaths, illness of his young son, putting up with Neil lodging in his home after being injured from attack by a treasure hunter and many other social problems uncovered during investigations.
From author's notes: "I was surprised to discover in the course of my research that in the 1960s and 1970s Devon had indeed been sprayed with massive quantities of E. coli 162 and Bacillus globigii as part of secret germ ware fare tests."
"In June 1348 sailors from plague-ridden Gascony in France disembarked at the port of Melcombe in Dorset, only thirty miles away from the Devon border. As well as their cargo they brought with them the plague bacillus,...spread by rat fleas, and within eighteen months almost half the population of Britain would be dead."
Loan from Friend - Thank You!
The digging site turns out to be a plague burial site. Wesley has many challenges in this long tale of multiple deaths, illness of his young son, putting up with Neil lodging in his home after being injured from attack by a treasure hunter and many other social problems uncovered during investigations.
From author's notes: "I was surprised to discover in the course of my research that in the 1960s and 1970s Devon had indeed been sprayed with massive quantities of E. coli 162 and Bacillus globigii as part of secret germ ware fare tests."
"In June 1348 sailors from plague-ridden Gascony in France disembarked at the port of Melcombe in Dorset, only thirty miles away from the Devon border. As well as their cargo they brought with them the plague bacillus,...spread by rat fleas, and within eighteen months almost half the population of Britain would be dead."
Loan from Friend - Thank You!
June 25, 2018
Another excellent book in the Wesley Peterson series. This one revolves around an excavation of a 14th century plague pit in the usual venue—Devon. Neil Watson, the recurring archaeologist character, is trying to discover the secret behind the pit while Wesley Peterson, the recurring DI character, has two murders to solve—who killed the young woman whose body is buried in the pit along with the 14th century bones and is it related to the murder of a vicar 10 years previously. The extra problem is that a man has been incarcerated for the past 10 years for that murder. Rightly or wrongly?
I didn’t guess the murderer, there were several last-minute twists that flummoxed me. In a less skillful writer, that could have annoyed me but I like how Ellis handles those twists. The only part of the series that bothers me is Detective Sergeant Rachel Tracey’s continuing (unrequited) crush on the married Wesley. If I read one more time about the “shy smiles” she directs at him or the pain she feels when Wesley’s wife is mentioned....
I didn’t guess the murderer, there were several last-minute twists that flummoxed me. In a less skillful writer, that could have annoyed me but I like how Ellis handles those twists. The only part of the series that bothers me is Detective Sergeant Rachel Tracey’s continuing (unrequited) crush on the married Wesley. If I read one more time about the “shy smiles” she directs at him or the pain she feels when Wesley’s wife is mentioned....
November 1, 2025
Again, past and present collide although not all too much in the past. I felt that this was a bit too much of a soap opera type plot and although there was a twist, I felt it was quite convoluted. There were a lot of characters involved and I found myself trying to remember who was who.
I did quite enjoy it but felt it was a bit too complicated. The historical information is always interesting and I do like the main characters.
I did quite enjoy it but felt it was a bit too complicated. The historical information is always interesting and I do like the main characters.
July 29, 2021
This was the darkest of the Wesley Peterson series that I have read so far. The medieval story line is about a plague that affected Devon in the 14th Century. The current day story involves biological experimentation that caused brith defects and miscarriages, poisoning and revenge. Parts of the biological experimentation are based on actual events.
December 5, 2025
4.5 stars
September 3, 2015
First Sentence: The intruder stood quite still and listened.
In 1991, a man was convicted of murdering the Reverend Shipbourne during the course of a robbery. Now, many years later, a letter appears at the police station addressed to the former Chief Inspector claiming there is evidence the man was innocent. The police already have one case on their hands of someone placing tampered, poisoned food on the shelves of the local supermarket, and another case where a quite recent body is found during the archaeological dig of a plague pit.
The story does open with a prologue—suspenseful, thrilling, and compelling without giving anything away or having been lifted from the middle of the story. Instead, it sets the stage and carries us willingly forward into the first chapter. At the same time, contrary as this seems, the book also could have done without it as the opening chapter also performs the same function.
Although the book is designated as a “Wesley Peterson murder mystery,” this really is an ensemble cast. What’s nice is that they are individuals, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, personal issues, and habits. In other words, they are very human. How can one not like a pathologist who insists on a cuppa and biscuit before discussing autopsy findings?
Ellis does have a very good ear for dialogue, adding just the right touch of wryness…”Perhaps we should have a word with ex-DCI Norbert, then.” “That’d be difficult unless you’re thinking of holding a séance…”
There are three threads, from three periods of time but all woven together in the present. The historical and archaeological information is fascinating, including the chapter-opening diary excerpts. The plot twists are very well done and the conclusion effective. Ellis has a remarkable ability to establish a feeling of empathy in the reader, even toward those who killed. She doesn’t ask us to excuse their crimes, but to understand them. Yet she then turns that emotion around with an act of complete heartlessness that is like a punch to the gut.
“The Plaque Maiden” is a very good, well plotted mystery of secrets, lies, human weaknesses and regrets.
THE PLAGUE MAIDEN (Pol Proc/Archeo-DI Wesley Peterson-England-Contemp) – VG
Ellis, Kate – 8th in series
Piatkus, 2004
In 1991, a man was convicted of murdering the Reverend Shipbourne during the course of a robbery. Now, many years later, a letter appears at the police station addressed to the former Chief Inspector claiming there is evidence the man was innocent. The police already have one case on their hands of someone placing tampered, poisoned food on the shelves of the local supermarket, and another case where a quite recent body is found during the archaeological dig of a plague pit.
The story does open with a prologue—suspenseful, thrilling, and compelling without giving anything away or having been lifted from the middle of the story. Instead, it sets the stage and carries us willingly forward into the first chapter. At the same time, contrary as this seems, the book also could have done without it as the opening chapter also performs the same function.
Although the book is designated as a “Wesley Peterson murder mystery,” this really is an ensemble cast. What’s nice is that they are individuals, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, personal issues, and habits. In other words, they are very human. How can one not like a pathologist who insists on a cuppa and biscuit before discussing autopsy findings?
Ellis does have a very good ear for dialogue, adding just the right touch of wryness…”Perhaps we should have a word with ex-DCI Norbert, then.” “That’d be difficult unless you’re thinking of holding a séance…”
There are three threads, from three periods of time but all woven together in the present. The historical and archaeological information is fascinating, including the chapter-opening diary excerpts. The plot twists are very well done and the conclusion effective. Ellis has a remarkable ability to establish a feeling of empathy in the reader, even toward those who killed. She doesn’t ask us to excuse their crimes, but to understand them. Yet she then turns that emotion around with an act of complete heartlessness that is like a punch to the gut.
“The Plaque Maiden” is a very good, well plotted mystery of secrets, lies, human weaknesses and regrets.
THE PLAGUE MAIDEN (Pol Proc/Archeo-DI Wesley Peterson-England-Contemp) – VG
Ellis, Kate – 8th in series
Piatkus, 2004
February 13, 2023
When a letter arrives at Tradmouth police station, addressed to a DCI Norbert it causes quite a stir. For though DCI Norbert has long since moved on, the letter claims to have evidence that the man convicted of murdering the Rev. Shipbourne, Vicar of Belsham, during the course of a robbery in 1991, is innocent. Despite having a full case load, including investigating a series of vicious attacks on a local supermarket chain, DI Wesley Peterson is forced to at least follow up on the letter writer's claims. Meanwhile archaelologist Neil Watson is excavating as site in Pest Field near Belsham church. He discovers a mass grave that leads him to conclude that the site - earmarked for development - is one of an ancient medieval plague pit. But, more disturbing, is the discovery that the grave is home to a more recent resident.
This is a blend of archaeological history and crime. It switches between the past and the present. It takes place in plague-ridden Devon in a spot where a lot of bodies were buried. Bodies from the past but one more body of a more recent death. It has a great cast of characters and a plot that has a twist at the end. Can't wait to read another book by Kate Ellis.
This is a blend of archaeological history and crime. It switches between the past and the present. It takes place in plague-ridden Devon in a spot where a lot of bodies were buried. Bodies from the past but one more body of a more recent death. It has a great cast of characters and a plot that has a twist at the end. Can't wait to read another book by Kate Ellis.
July 30, 2024
I just love that series with its multiple plots mixed together to end with the solution for all of the crimes being they modern or archeological.
This time, while Neil is excavating a field prior to getting construction going, Wesley and Gerry are dealing with a miscarriage of justice, food poisoning and the discovery of a contemporary corpse near Neil’s archeological dig and when past and present collide, every piece of the puzzle finds its place.
My peeves in this book is the nagging Pam who has the attitude of harpies and though I think that the Rachel character seems like a good police officer, her constant obsession with Wesley becomes an hindrance to fully enjoy the story. Whenever Pam is mentioned, I tend to cringe and wonder what bitchy things she will come up with to make Wesley feel guilty. As for Rachel, it would be time to get her daydreaming about Wesley out of the way and she should stop being such a prat about her mother trying to match her with someone; most of the time I’m thinking why doesn’t she stand her ground and get a move to get away if family life is so oppressive for her.
Overall, I find this series to be worth reading.
This time, while Neil is excavating a field prior to getting construction going, Wesley and Gerry are dealing with a miscarriage of justice, food poisoning and the discovery of a contemporary corpse near Neil’s archeological dig and when past and present collide, every piece of the puzzle finds its place.
My peeves in this book is the nagging Pam who has the attitude of harpies and though I think that the Rachel character seems like a good police officer, her constant obsession with Wesley becomes an hindrance to fully enjoy the story. Whenever Pam is mentioned, I tend to cringe and wonder what bitchy things she will come up with to make Wesley feel guilty. As for Rachel, it would be time to get her daydreaming about Wesley out of the way and she should stop being such a prat about her mother trying to match her with someone; most of the time I’m thinking why doesn’t she stand her ground and get a move to get away if family life is so oppressive for her.
Overall, I find this series to be worth reading.
July 13, 2020
Possibly the best in the series so far and a very well written book with great plot. As usual we have initially the diary of a vicar murdered some twelve years ago appearing in stage. The plot in the present revolves around the man convicted of killing him who now has an apparent new witness to prove he is in fact innocent.
I thought this was particularly good as the numerous strands of tales in the past of twelve years ago and a story from the fourteenth century when Plague hit the village and the search for the truth as to the death of the vicar all are explained in a convincing manner.
I thought this was particularly good as the numerous strands of tales in the past of twelve years ago and a story from the fourteenth century when Plague hit the village and the search for the truth as to the death of the vicar all are explained in a convincing manner.
May 30, 2022
Good story - the usual medieval + modern mystery.
I like the interweaving of medieval story & modern. Although it creates a formulaic series, as a lover of history,I enjoy it. I am tired of the Rachel/Wes "thing" and wonder why she is constantly giving him a "shy smile" - its repetitive and an annoyance. Same with Neil and Pam. I suppose it adds to the story for some readers, just not for me.
I like the interweaving of medieval story & modern. Although it creates a formulaic series, as a lover of history,I enjoy it. I am tired of the Rachel/Wes "thing" and wonder why she is constantly giving him a "shy smile" - its repetitive and an annoyance. Same with Neil and Pam. I suppose it adds to the story for some readers, just not for me.
May 1, 2023
Not as good as the rest I thought, but will keep going. Hopefully Rachel’s “shy smile” that was mentioned MULTIPLE times will not be quite as prevalent.
May 18, 2023
I've never read this series in order although I'm trying to get caught up. This one was published in 2004. Unlike other books, the diary that is featured is relatively recent - a vicar who was murdered. He agonizes about something he did for which he can't find forgiveness but, of course, we don't know until the end what it was.
The book opens with an archaeological dig being conducted by Wesley's friend, Neil. A mega supermarket will be built on the site but first the dig. Soon bodies are found which are medieval much to Wesley's relief. Neil think this was a place where victims of the plague were dumped when they literally ran out of space.
In the meantime a supermarket that is part of the chain that will be built on the plague site gets threatening letters and botulism planted in certain food jars. Two people die and two more get very sick before Wesley and his boss, Gerry, get their murderer.
Then another body is found in the archaeological site but this one means work for Wesley and the team because it's a modern one. Meanwhile a convicted murderer of the vicar has been exonerated and now they have to figure out who actually committed the crime.
Wesley's wife, Pam, is pregnant with their second child and the baby is due in a month. She's tired and Wesley feels guilty. This is typical Kate Ellis - lots of twists and turns and linking different crimes together. Another terrific Wesley Peterson book!
The book opens with an archaeological dig being conducted by Wesley's friend, Neil. A mega supermarket will be built on the site but first the dig. Soon bodies are found which are medieval much to Wesley's relief. Neil think this was a place where victims of the plague were dumped when they literally ran out of space.
In the meantime a supermarket that is part of the chain that will be built on the plague site gets threatening letters and botulism planted in certain food jars. Two people die and two more get very sick before Wesley and his boss, Gerry, get their murderer.
Then another body is found in the archaeological site but this one means work for Wesley and the team because it's a modern one. Meanwhile a convicted murderer of the vicar has been exonerated and now they have to figure out who actually committed the crime.
Wesley's wife, Pam, is pregnant with their second child and the baby is due in a month. She's tired and Wesley feels guilty. This is typical Kate Ellis - lots of twists and turns and linking different crimes together. Another terrific Wesley Peterson book!
December 31, 2024
In my opinion (it’s my review 😁) this is one of the best books in this series so far. The story was more complex & involved than previous books. The Historical Note at the back was particularly interesting & scandalous and as some of the true historical events re: germ warfare were not so long ago it seems some living residents of the area are still dealing with the consequences. Plus, I recall reading about the devastating effects of the plague in Devon when I was in Exeter a few years back. In the book I’m not sure why Ellis throws snippets in about Wesley’s possible attraction to Rachel. The smell of her perfume, her secret smiles across the room . . . Ellis also indicates that Wesley is sometimes reluctant to go home, but never actually states why that is the case. This thin sideline of a personal story seems unwarranted. Is Ellis setting up a narrative about Wesley’s marriage to suggest an upcoming divorce? Ellis also indicates in this book that Wesley’s friend, the archaeologist, Neil Watson, realises he still has feelings for Pam, Wesley’s wife & regrets he isn’t with her. Is this going to be an ongoing storyline? One last thought: Why does the nurse have to crumple up the note at the end and throw it in the bin? Why didn’t she pass it on to Wesley, as requested, or even read it? I can’t see why Ellis ended the book this way.
December 16, 2022
The 8th Wesley Peterson book and it did not disappoint. cleverly written so that the current crime mirrors a crime committed 100's of years ago, in this case the plague.
Archaeologist Neil Watson excavates a number of skeletons in a field, which turns out to be a plague pit. However one of the skeletons is not so old and a murder investigation begins.
The manager at a branch of "Huntings Supermarkets" receives a threatening letter and people begin to suffer food poisoning symptoms.
A woman turns up at the station, claiming that a man that was put away for the murder of a vicar back in the 70's was never guilty of the crime, but are all these crimes linked?
Wesley, Gerry and co have a lot of investigating to do, but they always to it so well. Oh and there is still that spark between Wesley and Rachel!
There are some very interesting true facts in the back of the book, including germ warfare, sprayed onto West Country fields in the 60's and 70's by DEFRA!
This author never ceases to amaze me with her brilliant writing. Whilst this was not my favourite book in the series, it was still enjoyable to read.
Archaeologist Neil Watson excavates a number of skeletons in a field, which turns out to be a plague pit. However one of the skeletons is not so old and a murder investigation begins.
The manager at a branch of "Huntings Supermarkets" receives a threatening letter and people begin to suffer food poisoning symptoms.
A woman turns up at the station, claiming that a man that was put away for the murder of a vicar back in the 70's was never guilty of the crime, but are all these crimes linked?
Wesley, Gerry and co have a lot of investigating to do, but they always to it so well. Oh and there is still that spark between Wesley and Rachel!
There are some very interesting true facts in the back of the book, including germ warfare, sprayed onto West Country fields in the 60's and 70's by DEFRA!
This author never ceases to amaze me with her brilliant writing. Whilst this was not my favourite book in the series, it was still enjoyable to read.
December 29, 2024
I started the book without my usual research so I didn't realise that it is #8 in the series. No great harm as such cos this can be read as a standalone. I think I can do justice to the review better this way instead of judging it as a whole.
Wesley and Heffernan are the stars for me, Wesley more so. I am not really sure I like Neil Watson all that much.
The other characters add abundance to the already rich narrative. Even the villainous ones are multifaceted, which is quite unusual.
It also struck me that all the characters are so realistic, as in they feel like the people you meet everyday and connect with. No overtly handsome, superheroic mcs or villains. It's like a glimpse into the lives of people existing in that world.
It took me longer than usual to finish it but I was in no hurry. I had a fun time unwrapping its mysteries and nuances. It was so unpredictable, kept me guessing and rethinking it all till the very end, soo brilliantly done. And the final twist, wow, I didn't see that coming at all.
How I do describe the feel of it all, the only thing that comes to mind is, eerily delightful. A 'must read' for mystery lovers.
Wesley and Heffernan are the stars for me, Wesley more so. I am not really sure I like Neil Watson all that much.
The other characters add abundance to the already rich narrative. Even the villainous ones are multifaceted, which is quite unusual.
It also struck me that all the characters are so realistic, as in they feel like the people you meet everyday and connect with. No overtly handsome, superheroic mcs or villains. It's like a glimpse into the lives of people existing in that world.
It took me longer than usual to finish it but I was in no hurry. I had a fun time unwrapping its mysteries and nuances. It was so unpredictable, kept me guessing and rethinking it all till the very end, soo brilliantly done. And the final twist, wow, I didn't see that coming at all.
How I do describe the feel of it all, the only thing that comes to mind is, eerily delightful. A 'must read' for mystery lovers.
December 19, 2025
Another reliably good mystery in a great series, although I got a bit lost with the multiple red herrings, confusing the suspects at times. Ellis does a good job of weaving in the personal developments in the lives of Detective Peterson, his colleagues and his archaeology pal Neil. Lots of investigative redirects to take in with the discovery of two bodies - one a recent death and another a medieval murder victim - both buried in an historic plague pit being excavated to make way for a supermarket. To keep the Tradmouth police force busier still, someone is poisoning products on the existing market's shelves, and a witness comes forward to vouch for a prisoner she claims was wrongly accused in a local murder years earlier. There are links, modern and ancient, but it's a bit dizzying for the team to eventually link and solve the complex cases. Well-plotted and with an additional shocker at the very end (no peeking).
October 22, 2022
Babies and bacteria do not mix well. And when you throw in ancient affairs, even more ancient plague based skulduggery, and a broken family in so many ways… well you have a murder mystery.
This was an enjoyable read, not for the prime cause which was dealt with by about two thirds through, but for disentangling the tangled webs of deception which stretched over decades.
The only little point I had with the book was the growth of Clostridium botulinum - the causative agent of botulism and an obligate anaerobic prokaryote - in the fridge of a sketchy house used as a squat. I thought that this was unfortunate and an incorrect fly in an otherwise good ointment.
However the final revelation that the driving premise of the book - the widespread delivery of officially harmless bacteria over Devon which turned out not to be - came as a real life tale was quite shocking.
This was an enjoyable read, not for the prime cause which was dealt with by about two thirds through, but for disentangling the tangled webs of deception which stretched over decades.
The only little point I had with the book was the growth of Clostridium botulinum - the causative agent of botulism and an obligate anaerobic prokaryote - in the fridge of a sketchy house used as a squat. I thought that this was unfortunate and an incorrect fly in an otherwise good ointment.
However the final revelation that the driving premise of the book - the widespread delivery of officially harmless bacteria over Devon which turned out not to be - came as a real life tale was quite shocking.
November 18, 2021
As always, Kate Ellis has written another great book in the DI Wesley Peterson series with the perfect blend of modern and historical moments mixed together to bring together a tale of murder and crime for Wesley to solve with his colleagues at the station.
Like her other books, I enjoyed the flow of the text which was easy to follow along with, I enjoyed the way that she takes a moment from history and has it connected to their present case in some sort of way, whether it be a large connection or small.
Even with reading the series out of order and missing some things, it’s still easy to pick all the information up without feeling too lost over something happening in a bother book yet to be read.
Like her other books, I enjoyed the flow of the text which was easy to follow along with, I enjoyed the way that she takes a moment from history and has it connected to their present case in some sort of way, whether it be a large connection or small.
Even with reading the series out of order and missing some things, it’s still easy to pick all the information up without feeling too lost over something happening in a bother book yet to be read.
November 20, 2021
The story and the plot weren't bad, but some of the characters, especially Wesley, Neil, and the lovesick Rachel, were not appealing at all. Why do authors feel the need to let the female coppers pine for their bosses? It really drags the story down from what could be a halfway decent police procedural to soap opera level. Then when you add a selfish 'friend' who plunks himself down in Wesley's clueless but often absent house presence, it gets worse. Wesley Peterson is no prize either, since he prefers to let someone take care of the tough tasks. He should have stayed in archaeology. He and Neil are selfish soul mates.
September 30, 2023
Pam and Wesley’s second child is almost due. Neil is attacked at night and recuperates at Wesley’s home. Della child sits her grandson often. Wesley must work with Gerry to solve a cold case in which a convicted murderer has been wrongly imprisoned, a body that has lain in the ground for only twenty years and numerous skeletons from the 14th century thrown into a plague pit that Neil has uncovered. In addition, a church tower has mysterious paintings that were covered and locked up by a murdered priest who has writings from prior years and has kept his own journal.
Sounds messy but it is a real page turner with hidden secrets and lies!
Sounds messy but it is a real page turner with hidden secrets and lies!
January 19, 2020
Love Kate Ellis's 'Wesley Peterson' series. I was recommended one by a private bookshop when I was on Holiday in Devon and fell in love with the easy to read style and the characters. The book I started on was 'The Mechanical Devil' which was book number 22, so I managed to order the first two in the series and I think the one which I have just finished is number eight, so thankfully I have many more hours of thorough indulgence to look forward to.
One of the best, modern, detective story writers I have come accross.
One of the best, modern, detective story writers I have come accross.
April 1, 2020
There's always much to enjoy in every book in this series and this one is no exception but this was probably my least favourite so far. To be fair, it might have something to do with the fact that I was reading this when the pandemic overwhelmed us causing a lot of distraction and the title is not exactly comforting in the circumstances. I didn't find the plot as interesting as usual and although I've become fond of all the characters, there was one point when Wesley really annoyed me and Neil was very irritating too! Totally addicted though so onto the next one :)
November 5, 2023
Wesley Peterson and his team are faced with an appeal from a convicted killer as a witness steps forward claiming he was with her on the night of the murder of a popular local vicar some twelve years previously. Long buried secrets are mixed with threats to a local supermarket chain which Ellis skilfully weaves together in an engaging tale of lies, cover ups and possible police corruption.
Highly entertaining mix of the past and present given that Peterson is a trained archaeologist and somehow the digging of his friend Dr Neil Watson unearths a modern mystery along with a historical one.
Highly entertaining mix of the past and present given that Peterson is a trained archaeologist and somehow the digging of his friend Dr Neil Watson unearths a modern mystery along with a historical one.
November 6, 2023
I have enjoyed a few from this series, and this one is no different. The characters are mostly likeable, with the exception of Neil Watson the archaeologist mate of DI Peterson.
The book is well plotted, and as usual, there are links between different crimes, creating confusion at first, followed eventually by enlightenment. Threads from the distant past intermingle with thos of the present.
The protagonists are human, and we follow incidents in their private lives as well, sometimes a little too much in my opinion.
Highly recommended, and my rating is 4.1.
The book is well plotted, and as usual, there are links between different crimes, creating confusion at first, followed eventually by enlightenment. Threads from the distant past intermingle with thos of the present.
The protagonists are human, and we follow incidents in their private lives as well, sometimes a little too much in my opinion.
Highly recommended, and my rating is 4.1.
January 20, 2019
This was a good read with the exception of a little obscene language - which is a shame because it will cause me to proceed with caution in reading others of Kate Ellis' books. I quite enjoy the characters as they set about, piece by piece, sorting thorough the evidence until it all falls into place.
November 26, 2021
Kate Ellis is an accomplished writer, and this is an excellent read:well plotted and with believable characters who either engage our sympathies or make us ponder their ulterior motives. The pairing of Peterson and Heffernan works admirably, and there are witty exchanges when the latter is involved. The historical background of plague-ridden Devon is a masterstroke, as intriguing as it is informative.
Congratulations and Thanks, Kate Ellis! Another triumph to add to your growing list.
Congratulations and Thanks, Kate Ellis! Another triumph to add to your growing list.
August 24, 2023
A page turner
Always enjoy ms.Ellis work,however I found this one especially interesting and well crafted. I like the way the author illustrates strengths and weaknesses of the main characters as they function together to form a team . it reminds me of the theory,it takes a village.
Always enjoy ms.Ellis work,however I found this one especially interesting and well crafted. I like the way the author illustrates strengths and weaknesses of the main characters as they function together to form a team . it reminds me of the theory,it takes a village.
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