'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times__________________Serpent's Point in South Devon is the focus of local legends. The large house on the headland is shrouded in an ancient tale of evil, and when a woman is found strangled on the coastal path, DI Wesley Peterson is called to investigate.The woman had been house-sitting at Serpent's Point and Wesley is surprised to discover that she was conducting an investigation into unsolved missing person cases. Could these enquires have led to her murder?While the case takes Wesley to Yorkshire and the Cotswolds, archaeologist Neil Watson is making a dramatic discovery of his own in the fields near the house.When a skeleton is uncovered, the pressure rises to find a killer, and Wesley and Neil realise that Serpent's Point holds more secrets than anyone could have imagined.Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph*Don't miss the new mystery in the DI Wesley Peterson series, The Killing Place*

Detective Wesley Peterson and archaeologist Dr Neil Watson return to solve a mystery surrounding a grand estate in the Devon countryside. Can they catch a killer before they strike again?'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' THE TIMESNovember. With the tourist season over in South Devon, Detective Inspector Wesley Peterson is looking forward to a quieter month in the CID. But when a man is shot dead on Bonfire Night, he finds he has a complex murder case on his hands. The body of Patrick North was found in woodland connected to Nesbaraton Hall, a grand estate dating back to the eighteenth century. The Smithson family, who own the estate, are away on holiday. However, when an anonymous letter threatening to abduct the Smithson son is uncovered, Wesley fears North's death might have been collateral damage in a sinister kidnap plot.Meanwhile, archaeologist Dr Neil Watson discovers a hidden grotto in a developer's field - land that was once part of the Nesbaraton estate. Evidence of past rituals and the discovery of a skeleton buried next to the grotto raise questions about strange occurrences, past and present, on the estate. Then, just when Wesley's team seem to be making progress in their investigation, a resident of the nearby village is killed in a near identical shooting. A race is on to find a ruthless killer, before they strike again . . .Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for million-copy-bestselling author Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times__________________On a summer evening, Robert and Greta Gerdner are shot dead at their home in the Devon countryside.DI Wesley Peterson suspects the execution-style murders might be linked to Robert's past police career - until Robert's name is found on a list of people who've been sent tickets anonymously for a tour of Darkhole Grange, a former asylum on Dartmoor.Wesley discovers that other names on the list have also died in mysterious circumstances and, as he is drawn into the chilling history of the asylum, he becomes convinced that it holds the key to the case.When his friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, finds the skeleton of a woman buried in a sealed chamber dating back to the fifteenth century at his nearby dig, Wesley wonders whether there might be a connection between the ancient cell and the tragic events at Darkhole Grange.With the clock ticking, Wesley must solve the puzzle, before the next person on the list meets a terrible end . . .Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The TimesWhen Darren Hatman first reports his daughter missing, DI Wesley Peterson isn't too concerned. Leanne Hatman is an aspiring model, keen to leave Devon for the bright lights of London.But Wesley realises something very sinister is going on when Darren is found murdered in the grounds of Eyecliffe Castle, the hotel where Leanne works. Could Leanne have met a similar fate to her father? But, if so, where is her body?Wesley begins to suspect a connection between recent events and the disappearance of two girls in the 1950s, at a mysterious ruin called the House of Eyes.As he tries to solve the puzzle, Wesley must face alarming revelations rooted in centuries of evil - as well as deal with a nightmare of his own . . .Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves.PRAISE FOR KATE ELLIS:'I loved this novel . . . a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'Unputdownable' Bookseller'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'A gripping read' Best'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

A complex case . . .When DI Wesley Peterson is summoned to investigate a killing, he assumes that the case is a routine matter. But soon dark secrets and deadly deceptions start to emerge from the victim's past, and Wesley begins to realise that a simple incident of cold-blooded murder is altogether more calculated and complicated that he could ever imagine. Tracing back through time . . .Meanwhile, archaeologist Neil Watson is pulled from the historic Paradise Court to a ruined village from the First World War. Even with the help of the attractive and enigmatic Lucy, Neil cannot shake the feeling that something is missing from his explorations: a cryptic clue that might have been lost when Sandrock tumbled into the sea many years ago. A clue that could help Wesley solve his most puzzling case to date. DI Wesley Peterson is standing on the edge . . . As more victims fall prey to a faceless killer, Wesley sees the investigation affecting him more personally than ever before. And when his precious family becomes a target, Wesley has no time to lose. Just like the fallen village of Sandrock, Wesley will have to stand tall if he is to withstand the coming storm . . .

'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The TimesMost assumed that literary legend Wynn Staniland stopped writing because of his wife's tragic suicide. Yet writer Zac Wilkinson hopes to reveal the true story to the world in his upcoming biography of Staniland.When Zac is found brutally murdered, DI Wesley Peterson finds that Staniland is a link between Zac's death and an unexplained poisoning of a couple in a local caravan park. He suspects that the killings are a grim re-enactment of the murder of Mary Field, which inspired Staniland's best-known novel.As Wesley begins to unravel decades of deception, he discovers that someone close to him is involved - and the truth proves almost too much to bear . . .Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves.PRAISE FOR KATE ELLIS:'I loved this novel . . . a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'Unputdownable' Bookseller'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'A gripping read' Best'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Secrets never stay buried for long . . . When archaeologist Neil Watson unearths a long-buried mechanical figure in a Dartmoor field, he is determined to discover the truth behind the bizarre find.Soon, however, the sleepy village becomes the focus of press attention for another reason when two people with no apparent connection to each other are found shot dead in nearby Manor Field, seemingly victims of an execution-style double murder.DI Wesley Peterson is called in to investigate, but the two murders aren't his only problem. The daughter of a local MP has gone missing and the pressure is on to find her, especially when it's revealed that she has a connection to one of the murder victims. And Wesley's own life is thrown into turmoil when a woman he helped on a previous investigation finds herself subjected to a campaign of terror . . .Is there a link between the double murder and the accidental death of a young history student in Manor Field twenty years ago? And just what is the true identity of the Mechanical Devil?The compelling twenty-second mystery in the bestselling Wesley Peterson series, by acclaimed crime writer Kate Ellis: 'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The TimesWhat readers are saying about The Mechanical Devil:'An excellent read with lots of interesting twists and turns and a historic mystery woven through it' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'Another superb story from Kate Ellis . . . One of my favourite writers' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'This series is my all time favourite - superb . . . Intelligent and exciting stories' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'Kate Ellis never disappoints' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'Brilliant book, thoroughly enjoyed it' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'I really enjoy the Wesley Peterson books . . . they keep you guessing right to the end . . . a fantastic series' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'One of my favourites . . . Incredibly skilled plotting . . . fans of Elly Griffiths and traditional murder mysteries will love this one' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'Fascinating historical plot line and twists and turns all the way through' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'Very entertaining . . . Another great book from my favourite author' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars

'One of the finest murder mystery series out there'When archaeologist Neil Watson unearths a long-buried mechanical figure in a Dartmoor field, he is determined to discover the truth behind the bizarre find.Soon, however, the sleepy village becomes the focus of press attention for another reason when two people with no apparent connection to each other are found shot dead in nearby Manor Field, seemingly victims of an execution-style double murder.DI Wesley Peterson is called in to investigate, but the two murders aren't his only problem. The daughter of a local MP has gone missing and the pressure is on to find her, especially when it's revealed that she has a connection to one of the murder victims. And Wesley's own life is thrown into turmoil when a woman he helped on a previous investigation finds herself subjected to a campaign of terror . . .Is there a link between the double murder and the accidental death of a young history student in Manor Field twenty years ago? And just what is the true identity of the Mechanical Devil?

Some paths lead only to the grave . . . Strangefields Farm is notorious for its sinister history ever since artist Jackson Temples lured young women there to model for disturbing works of art. Some of those girls never left the house alive.Now, decades later, Strangefields is to be transformed into a holiday village, but the developer's hopes of its dark history being forgotten are dashed when a skull is found on the site. And when a local florist is found murdered in an echo of Temples' crimes, DI Wesley Peterson fears that a copy-cat killer is at large. Especially when another brutal murder in a nearby village appears to be linked.As Wesley's friend, archaeologist Dr Neil Watson, uncovers the secrets of Strangefields' grisly past, it seems that an ancient tale of the dead returning to torment the living might not be as fantastical as it seems. And Wesley must work fast to discover who's behind the recent murders . . . before someone close to him is put in danger.The latest gripping mystery in the DI Wesley Peterson crime series from Kate Ellis, the award-winning author of the 2019 CWA Dagger in the Library.What readers are saying about Kate Ellis:'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times'Kate Ellis has got to be one of my favourite authors' Reader review, 5 stars'I loved this novel . . . a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Another brilliant book that keeps you gripped' Reader review, 5 stars'Haunting' Independent'Kate has you spellbound' Reader review, 5 stars'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph'Unputdownable' Bookseller

A skeleton discovered. A murder to be solved . . . On a stormy night in December, a tree is blown down on an isolated Devon farm. When the fallen tree is dragged away, a rucksack is found caught amongst the roots - and next to it is a human skeleton.The discovery of the body and the rucksack revives memories for DI Wesley Peterson. A young hitchhiker who went missing twelve years ago was last seen carrying a similar backpack. Suddenly a half-forgotten cold case has turned into a murder investigation.Meanwhile, in the nearby village of Petherham, a man is found dead in suspicious circumstances whilst staying at a local guesthouse. Wesley's friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, is studying Petherham's ancient mill and uncovering the village's sinister history. Could the string of mysterious deaths in Petherham over a hundred years ago be connected to the recent killings? As Wesley digs deeper into the case, it seems that the dark whisperings of a Burial Circle in the village might not be merely legend after all . . .Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect, gripping mystery if you love reading Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves.PRAISE FOR KATE ELLIS:'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times'I loved this novel' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'Unputdownable' Bookseller'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

When workmen converting former girls' boarding school, Chadleigh Hall, into a luxury hotel discover a skeleton in a sealed room, DI Wesley Peterson and his boss, Gerry Heffernan are called in to investigate. But within minutes they have a second suspicious death on their hands: a team of marine archaeologists working on a nearby shipwreck have dragged a woman's body from the sea. And it becomes clear that her death was no accident. The dead woman's husband may be linked with a brutal robbery of computer equipment but Wesley soon discovers that the victim had secrets of her own. As he investigates Chadleigh Hall's past and the woman's violent death, both trails lead in surprising directions and matters are further complicated when a man wanted for a murder in London appears on the scene, a man who may know more about Wesley's cases than he admits...

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...

Never has DI Wesley Peterson witnessed such a bizarre crime scene. The victim, Charles Marrick, has been murdered, his body drained of blood. Described by those who knew him as 'evil', it seems that Wesley isn't going to have any shortage of suspects - until a popular local vet is murdered in an identical fashion...and a third body is discovered many miles away.And when Wesley's archaeologist friend, Neil Watson, starts getting disturbing anonymous letters written in gory detail about macabre events at a medieval abbey - which Neil fears are being sent by the killer Wesley is looking for - Wesley wonders whether there could be a connection between all these deaths and Neil's letters. And could Neil himself be in danger? As the sinister truth unfolds, both Wesley and Neil are forced to face tragedy and shocking revelations...and a killer who bears the scars of past sins.

When Kirsten Harbourn is found strangled and naked on her wedding day, DI Wesley Peterson makes some alarming discoveries. Kirsten was being pursued by an obsessed stalker and she had dark secrets her doting fianc, Peter, knew nothing about. But Kirsten's wasn't the only wedding planned to take place that July day in South Devon. At Morbay register office a terrified young girl makes her wedding vows. And a few days later her bridegroom is found dead in a seedy seaside hotel. As Wesley investigates he suspects that his death and his bride's subsequent disappearance might be linked to Kirsten's murder. Meanwhile the skeleton of a young female is found buried in a farmer's field - a field that once belonged to the family of Ralph Strong, an Elizabethan playwright whose play, 'The Fair Wife of Padua' is to be performed for the first time in four hundred years. Is this bloodthirsty play a confession to a murder committed in the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1? Or does it tell another story, one that might cast light on recent mysteries?

An excavation at the lost gardens of Earlsacre Hall is called to a halt when a skeleton is discovered under a 300 year old stone plinth, a corpse that seems to have been buried alive. But DS Wesley Peterson has little time to indulge in his hobby of archaeology. He has a more recent murder case to solve. A man has been found stabbed to death in a caravan at a popular holiday park and the only clue to his identity is a newspaper cutting about the restoration of Earlsacre. Does local solicitor Brian Willerby have the answer? He seems eager to talk to Wesley but before he can reveal his secret he is found dead during a 'friendly' game of village cricket, apparently struck by a cricket ball several times with some force. If Wesley is looking for a demon bowler this appears to let out most of the village side. But what is it about Earlsacre Hall that leads people to murder?

The brutal massacre of the Harford family at Potwoolstan Hall in Devon in 1985 shocked the country and passed into local folklore. And when a journalist researching the case is murdered twenty years later, the horror is reawakened. Sixteenth century Potwoolstan Hall, now a New Age healing centre, is reputed to be cursed because of the crimes of its builder, and it seems that inheritance of evil lives on as DI Wesley Peterson is faced with his most disturbing case yet. As more people die violently, Wesley needs to discover why a young woman has transformed a dolls house into a miniature reconstruction of the massacre scene. And could the solution to his case lie across the Atlantic Ocean, in the ruined remains of an early English settlement in Virginia USA? When the truth is finally revealed, it turns out to be as horrifying as it is dangerous...

Little Marcus Fallbrook was kidnapped in 1976 and when he never returned home, his grieving family assumed the worst. Then, thirty years later, teenage singing star Leah Wakefield disappears and DI Wesley Peterson has reason to suspect that the same kidnapper is responsible. And another abductor is at work in the area - a man who tricks blonde women into a bogus taxi and cuts off their hair. Has Leah fallen prey to the man the newspapers call 'The Barber' or has she suffered a more sinister fate? But then Marcus Fallbrook returns from the dead. And when DNA evidence confirms his identity, the investigation takes a new twist. Meanwhile, archaeologist, Neil Watson's gruesome task of exhuming the dead from a local churchyard yields a mystery of its own when a coffin is found to contain one corpse too many - a corpse that may be linked to a strange religious sect dating back to Regency times. Wesley has his hands full elsewhere - slowly, Marcus Fallbrook begins to recover memories that Wesley hopes will lead him to cunning and dangerous murderer. But he is about to discover that the past can be a very dangerous place indeed.

Teenager Lewis Hoxworthy discovers a disturbing painting in a medieval barn; a fine which excites archaeologist Neil Watson. But when former rock star Jonny Shellmer is found shot through the head in Lewis's father's field and Lewis himself goes missing, it is Neil's friend, Detective Inspector Wesley Peterson, and his boss, Gerry Heffernan, who face one of their most intriguing cases yet.It seems that the Devon village of Derenham is full of secrets, ancient and modern. As Neil uncovers the story of Derenham's medieval past, it becomes clear that the Doom - a 500-year-old painting of hell and judgement - holds the key to the mystery. And as events reach a terrifying climax, Wesley Peterson has to act swiftly if he is to save a young life . . .

The first mystery in the bestselling DI Wesley Peterson crime series set on the windswept Devon coast, by million-copy bestselling author Kate Ellis.'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' THE TIMES'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' ANN CLEEVES'Haunting' INDEPENDENT__________________DS Wesley Peterson, newly arrived in the West Country town of Tradmouth, has his hands full when a child goes missing and a young woman is brutally murdered on a lonely cliff path. Then his old friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, unearths the skeletons of a woman and a newborn baby in the cellar of an ancient merchant's house nearby.As they begin to investigate the murders, Wesley starts to suspect that these deaths, centuries apart, may be linked by age-old motives of jealousy and sexual obsession. And the pressure is on if he is going to prevent a further tragedy . . .Discover your new favourite crime series. This is the perfect mystery for fans of Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths, which will have you gripped until the final page.__________________What readers are saying about The Merchant's House :'I couldn't stop turning the pages . . . Something about this book just hooked me!' Goodreads Review, 5 stars'Superb . . . Five stars' Reader review, 5 stars'If you like Ian Rankin, LJ Ross, Elly Griffiths and James Oswald, you will enjoy Kate Ellis' Reader review, 5 stars'Gripping . . . Love how the past and present bring the story together' Reader review, 5 stars'You'll fall in love with coastal England and find yourself walking the cobbled lanes in your imagination . . . Do not miss this series!' Reader review, 5 stars'The first in an outstanding series of contemporary crime fiction' Reader review, 5 stars'Fantastic read' Reader review, 5 stars'Compelling . . Kept you guessing from start to finish. I would highly recommend it' Reader review, 5 stars'Loved it!!' Reader review, 5 stars'Kate Ellis has certainly got a talent for story telling which can grab the imagination from the start' Reader review, 5 stars'Really unputdownable' Reader review, 5 stars'Gripping. Kate Ellis is my new favourite author' Reader review, 5 stars'A page-turner' Reader review, 5 stars

'A powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann CleevesWhen archaeologist Neil Watson finds the body of an American veteran of the D-Day landings in the ruins of an old chapel, he turns to his old friend DS Wesley Peterson for help.Both men are researching an invading force: Wesley, a group of American veterans on a sentimental journey to their wartime base; and Neil, a group of Spaniards killed by outraged locals as they limped from the wreckage of the Armada.Four hundred years apart, two strangers in a strange land have died violently. Could the same motives of hatred, jealousy and revenge be at work? Wesley is running out of time to find out . . .The second gripping installment in the DI Wesley Peterson series by awad-winning crime writer Kate Ellis. Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering the Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect mystery if you love reading Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves.Why readers love Kate Ellis:'I hardly put this novel down from the moment I picked it up. Oh yes, and as with all great crime novels, I would never have guessed 'whodunnit'!' Reader review, 5 stars'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times'Kate Ellis and Wesley Peterson have done it again. Strong characters, strong plotting, no detail escapes Kate Ellis' Reader Review, 5 stars'Haunting' Independent'Enjoyed the first in the series but through this was even better!' Reader Review, 5 stars'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'It's fast paced with twists and turns guaranteed to keep you hooked right until the final page' York Evening Press'A cracking multi-layered mystery with red-herrings a-plenty...an outstanding read. Highly recommended!' In Search of the Classic Mystery Novel

'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The TimesWhen a woman is burned to death in Grandal Field in Devon, it looks like it could be a case of mistaken identity. Until DI Wesley Peterson learns of a legend involving a woman who died in similar circumstances in the thirteenth century. It seems clear that there is a link between the mysterious legend and the recent murder when Wesley discovers that records of a previous site excavation have vanished, and two archaeologists involved in the dig died tragically. The case echoes a story of twisted love and obsession from many centuries ago, and Wesley realises that edging closer to the truth brings unexpected danger . . .Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves.PRAISE FOR KATE ELLIS:'I loved this novel . . . a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'Unputdownable' Bookseller'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'A gripping read' Best'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

The brand new mystery in the bestselling DI Wesley Peterson crime series!'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times__________________On a summer evening, Robert and Greta Gerdner are shot dead at their home in the Devon countryside. DI Wesley Peterson suspects the execution-style murders might be linked to Robert's past police career - until Robert's name is found on a list of people who've been sent tickets anonymously for a tour of Darkhole Grange, a former asylum on Dartmoor. Wesley discovers that other names on the list have also died in mysterious circumstances and, as he is drawn into the chilling history of the asylum, he becomes convinced that it holds the key to the case. When his friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, finds the skeleton of a woman buried in a sealed chamber dating back to the fifteenth century at his nearby dig, Wesley wonders whether there might be a connection between the ancient cell and the tragic events at Darkhole Grange. With the clock ticking, Wesley must solve the puzzle, before the next person on the list meets a terrible end . . . Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths. PRAISE FOR KATE ELLIS:'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

The unmissable new mystery in the bestselling DI Wesley Peterson crime series'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times__________________Serpent's Point in South Devon is the focus of local legends. The large house on the headland is shrouded in an ancient tale of evil, and when a woman is found strangled on the coastal path DI Wesley Peterson is called in to investigate.The woman had been house-sitting at Serpent's Point and Wesley is surprised to discover that she was conducting an investigation into unsolved missing persons cases. Could these enquires have led to her murder?While the case takes Wesley to Yorkshire and the Cotswolds, archaeologist Neil Watson is making a dramatic discovery of his own in the fields near the house.When a skeleton is uncovered, the pressure rises to find a killer, and Wesley and Neil realise that Serpent's Point holds more secrets than anyone could have imagined.Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Million-copy bestselling author Kate Ellis returns with the brand new book in the DI Wesley Peterson crime series.'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' THE TIMESNovember. With the tourist season over in South Devon, Detective Inspector Wesley Peterson is looking forward to a quieter month in the CID. But when a man is shot dead on Bonfire Night, he finds he has a complex murder case on his hands. The body of Patrick North was found in woodland connected to Nesbaraton Hall, a grand estate dating back to the eighteenth century. The Smithson family, who own the estate, are away on holiday. However, when an anonymous letter threatening to abduct the Smithson son is uncovered, Wesley fears North's death might have been collateral damage in a sinister kidnap plot.Meanwhile, archaeologist Dr Neil Watson discovers a hidden grotto in a developer's field - land that was once part of the Nesbaraton estate. Evidence of past rituals and the discovery of a skeleton buried next to the grotto raise questions about strange occurrences, past and present, on the estate. Then, just when Wesley's team seem to be making progress in their investigation, a resident of the nearby village is killed in a near identical shooting. A race is on to find a ruthless killer, before they strike again . . .Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Million-copy bestselling author Kate Ellis returns with the gripping new book in the DI Wesley Peterson crime series.'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' THE TIMESDespite many years living in South Devon, DI Wesley Peterson has never visited the tiny island of St Rumon's. That is until erosion from a storm reveals three bodies buried outside the local churchyard.Two are ancient skeletons, but one is far more recent, and Wesley realises he has uncovered a case of murder. But whose remains are they? And who killed them?The island has only a small number of inhabitants. Yet one resident keeps cropping up in Wesley's investigation: the author and self-styled academic, Quentin Search.Meanwhile Wesley's friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, becomes fascinated by the remains of the island's old priory. His discovery of a journal, written by a sixteenth century cleric, reveals an eerie tale of strange rituals and disturbing deaths.As Wesley begins to wonder whether the past might be repeating itself, another murder occurs . . . There is a calculated killer on the island - one whose grip is as deadly as the rising tide.Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' THE TIMESDespite many years living in South Devon, DI Wesley Peterson has never visited the tiny island of St Rumon's. That is until erosion from a storm reveals three bodies buried outside the local churchyard.Two are ancient skeletons, but one is far more recent, and Wesley realises he has uncovered a case of murder. But whose remains are they? And who killed them?The island has only a small number of inhabitants. Yet one resident keeps cropping up in Wesley's investigation: the author and self-styled academic, Quentin Search.Meanwhile Wesley's friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, becomes fascinated by the remains of the island's old priory. His discovery of a journal, written by a sixteenth century cleric, reveals an eerie tale of strange rituals and disturbing deaths.As Wesley begins to wonder whether the past might be repeating itself, another murder occurs . . . There is a calculated killer on the island - one whose grip is as deadly as the rising tide.Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Million-copy bestselling author Kate Ellis returns with the brand new mystery in the DI Wesley Peterson crime series.When a body is discovered in a picturesque South Devon village, DI Wesley Peterson is called in to investigate. The victim, Barry Brown, is a celebrity ghostwriter and the theft of his laptop suggests that the motive for murder may lie in his work.While Wesley investigates Barry's famous clients, Wesley's teenage son Michael joins family friend, Dr Neil Watson, on an intriguing excavation of a crashed World War Two plane on Dartmoor. The plane was used to ferry secret agents into Europe during the war and, when three skeletons are discovered nearby, it seems the wreckage might hold more secrets than they could ever have imagined.Wesley's case leads him to the same area and he discovers a sinister history surrounding the moor and the nearby village of Moor Barton.With four unexplained deaths, can Wesley solve the mystery before anyone else is put in danger?Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Million-copy bestselling author Kate Ellis returns with the new mystery in the DI Wesley Peterson crime series.When a body is discovered in a picturesque South Devon village, DI Wesley Peterson is called in to investigate. The victim, Barry Brown, is a celebrity ghostwriter and the theft of his laptop suggests that the motive for murder may lie in his work.While Wesley investigates Barry's famous clients, Wesley's teenage son Michael joins family friend, Dr Neil Watson, on an intriguing excavation of a crashed World War Two plane on Dartmoor. The plane was used to ferry secret agents into Europe during the war and, when three skeletons are discovered nearby, it seems the wreckage might hold more secrets than they could ever have imagined.Wesley's case leads him to the same area and he discovers a sinister history surrounding the moor and the nearby village of Moor Barton.With four unexplained deaths, can Wesley solve the mystery before anyone else is put in danger?Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Million-copy bestselling author Kate Ellis returns with the brand new mystery in the DI Wesley Peterson crime series.South Devon is returning to its usual calm after the summer tourist season when DI Wesley Peterson and his team receive a disturbing call. A mummified body has been discovered, hidden behind a wall, during the renovation of nearby Sycamore House.The body is that of Dr Aleric Donnal, an academic with a special interest in Devon's medieval history. Donnal was last seen over a decade ago, around the time that Sycamore House belonged to a new age commune who believed that the house occupied an ancient sacred site. While Wesley is seeking potential suspects for Donnal's murder, Dr Neil Watson is investigating the ruins of an ancient chapel nearby; a building once decorated with grotesque carvings of mythical creatures.As Wesley's team work on one of their most baffling cases yet, a new murder occurs in a nearby village. Could the two crimes be linked? Wesley needs to separate truth from myth in order to solve this mystery.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times__________________Serpent's Point in South Devon is the focus of local legends. The large house on the headland is shrouded in an ancient tale of evil, and when a woman is found strangled on the coastal path, DI Wesley Peterson is called to investigate.The woman had been house-sitting at Serpent's Point and Wesley is surprised to discover that she was conducting an investigation into unsolved missing person cases. Could these enquires have led to her murder?While the case takes Wesley to Yorkshire and the Cotswolds, archaeologist Neil Watson is making a dramatic discovery of his own in the fields near the house.When a skeleton is uncovered, the pressure rises to find a killer, and Wesley and Neil realise that Serpent's Point holds more secrets than anyone could have imagined.Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph*Don't miss the new mystery in the DI Wesley Peterson series, The Killing Place*

Detective Wesley Peterson and archaeologist Dr Neil Watson return to solve a mystery surrounding a grand estate in the Devon countryside. Can they catch a killer before they strike again?'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' THE TIMESNovember. With the tourist season over in South Devon, Detective Inspector Wesley Peterson is looking forward to a quieter month in the CID. But when a man is shot dead on Bonfire Night, he finds he has a complex murder case on his hands. The body of Patrick North was found in woodland connected to Nesbaraton Hall, a grand estate dating back to the eighteenth century. The Smithson family, who own the estate, are away on holiday. However, when an anonymous letter threatening to abduct the Smithson son is uncovered, Wesley fears North's death might have been collateral damage in a sinister kidnap plot.Meanwhile, archaeologist Dr Neil Watson discovers a hidden grotto in a developer's field - land that was once part of the Nesbaraton estate. Evidence of past rituals and the discovery of a skeleton buried next to the grotto raise questions about strange occurrences, past and present, on the estate. Then, just when Wesley's team seem to be making progress in their investigation, a resident of the nearby village is killed in a near identical shooting. A race is on to find a ruthless killer, before they strike again . . .Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for million-copy-bestselling author Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times__________________On a summer evening, Robert and Greta Gerdner are shot dead at their home in the Devon countryside.DI Wesley Peterson suspects the execution-style murders might be linked to Robert's past police career - until Robert's name is found on a list of people who've been sent tickets anonymously for a tour of Darkhole Grange, a former asylum on Dartmoor.Wesley discovers that other names on the list have also died in mysterious circumstances and, as he is drawn into the chilling history of the asylum, he becomes convinced that it holds the key to the case.When his friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, finds the skeleton of a woman buried in a sealed chamber dating back to the fifteenth century at his nearby dig, Wesley wonders whether there might be a connection between the ancient cell and the tragic events at Darkhole Grange.With the clock ticking, Wesley must solve the puzzle, before the next person on the list meets a terrible end . . .Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The TimesWhen Darren Hatman first reports his daughter missing, DI Wesley Peterson isn't too concerned. Leanne Hatman is an aspiring model, keen to leave Devon for the bright lights of London.But Wesley realises something very sinister is going on when Darren is found murdered in the grounds of Eyecliffe Castle, the hotel where Leanne works. Could Leanne have met a similar fate to her father? But, if so, where is her body?Wesley begins to suspect a connection between recent events and the disappearance of two girls in the 1950s, at a mysterious ruin called the House of Eyes.As he tries to solve the puzzle, Wesley must face alarming revelations rooted in centuries of evil - as well as deal with a nightmare of his own . . .Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves.PRAISE FOR KATE ELLIS:'I loved this novel . . . a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'Unputdownable' Bookseller'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'A gripping read' Best'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

A complex case . . .When DI Wesley Peterson is summoned to investigate a killing, he assumes that the case is a routine matter. But soon dark secrets and deadly deceptions start to emerge from the victim's past, and Wesley begins to realise that a simple incident of cold-blooded murder is altogether more calculated and complicated that he could ever imagine. Tracing back through time . . .Meanwhile, archaeologist Neil Watson is pulled from the historic Paradise Court to a ruined village from the First World War. Even with the help of the attractive and enigmatic Lucy, Neil cannot shake the feeling that something is missing from his explorations: a cryptic clue that might have been lost when Sandrock tumbled into the sea many years ago. A clue that could help Wesley solve his most puzzling case to date. DI Wesley Peterson is standing on the edge . . . As more victims fall prey to a faceless killer, Wesley sees the investigation affecting him more personally than ever before. And when his precious family becomes a target, Wesley has no time to lose. Just like the fallen village of Sandrock, Wesley will have to stand tall if he is to withstand the coming storm . . .

'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The TimesMost assumed that literary legend Wynn Staniland stopped writing because of his wife's tragic suicide. Yet writer Zac Wilkinson hopes to reveal the true story to the world in his upcoming biography of Staniland.When Zac is found brutally murdered, DI Wesley Peterson finds that Staniland is a link between Zac's death and an unexplained poisoning of a couple in a local caravan park. He suspects that the killings are a grim re-enactment of the murder of Mary Field, which inspired Staniland's best-known novel.As Wesley begins to unravel decades of deception, he discovers that someone close to him is involved - and the truth proves almost too much to bear . . .Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves.PRAISE FOR KATE ELLIS:'I loved this novel . . . a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'Unputdownable' Bookseller'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'A gripping read' Best'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Secrets never stay buried for long . . . When archaeologist Neil Watson unearths a long-buried mechanical figure in a Dartmoor field, he is determined to discover the truth behind the bizarre find.Soon, however, the sleepy village becomes the focus of press attention for another reason when two people with no apparent connection to each other are found shot dead in nearby Manor Field, seemingly victims of an execution-style double murder.DI Wesley Peterson is called in to investigate, but the two murders aren't his only problem. The daughter of a local MP has gone missing and the pressure is on to find her, especially when it's revealed that she has a connection to one of the murder victims. And Wesley's own life is thrown into turmoil when a woman he helped on a previous investigation finds herself subjected to a campaign of terror . . .Is there a link between the double murder and the accidental death of a young history student in Manor Field twenty years ago? And just what is the true identity of the Mechanical Devil?The compelling twenty-second mystery in the bestselling Wesley Peterson series, by acclaimed crime writer Kate Ellis: 'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The TimesWhat readers are saying about The Mechanical Devil:'An excellent read with lots of interesting twists and turns and a historic mystery woven through it' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'Another superb story from Kate Ellis . . . One of my favourite writers' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'This series is my all time favourite - superb . . . Intelligent and exciting stories' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'Kate Ellis never disappoints' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'Brilliant book, thoroughly enjoyed it' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'I really enjoy the Wesley Peterson books . . . they keep you guessing right to the end . . . a fantastic series' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'One of my favourites . . . Incredibly skilled plotting . . . fans of Elly Griffiths and traditional murder mysteries will love this one' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'Fascinating historical plot line and twists and turns all the way through' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'Very entertaining . . . Another great book from my favourite author' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars

'One of the finest murder mystery series out there'When archaeologist Neil Watson unearths a long-buried mechanical figure in a Dartmoor field, he is determined to discover the truth behind the bizarre find.Soon, however, the sleepy village becomes the focus of press attention for another reason when two people with no apparent connection to each other are found shot dead in nearby Manor Field, seemingly victims of an execution-style double murder.DI Wesley Peterson is called in to investigate, but the two murders aren't his only problem. The daughter of a local MP has gone missing and the pressure is on to find her, especially when it's revealed that she has a connection to one of the murder victims. And Wesley's own life is thrown into turmoil when a woman he helped on a previous investigation finds herself subjected to a campaign of terror . . .Is there a link between the double murder and the accidental death of a young history student in Manor Field twenty years ago? And just what is the true identity of the Mechanical Devil?

Some paths lead only to the grave . . . Strangefields Farm is notorious for its sinister history ever since artist Jackson Temples lured young women there to model for disturbing works of art. Some of those girls never left the house alive.Now, decades later, Strangefields is to be transformed into a holiday village, but the developer's hopes of its dark history being forgotten are dashed when a skull is found on the site. And when a local florist is found murdered in an echo of Temples' crimes, DI Wesley Peterson fears that a copy-cat killer is at large. Especially when another brutal murder in a nearby village appears to be linked.As Wesley's friend, archaeologist Dr Neil Watson, uncovers the secrets of Strangefields' grisly past, it seems that an ancient tale of the dead returning to torment the living might not be as fantastical as it seems. And Wesley must work fast to discover who's behind the recent murders . . . before someone close to him is put in danger.The latest gripping mystery in the DI Wesley Peterson crime series from Kate Ellis, the award-winning author of the 2019 CWA Dagger in the Library.What readers are saying about Kate Ellis:'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times'Kate Ellis has got to be one of my favourite authors' Reader review, 5 stars'I loved this novel . . . a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Another brilliant book that keeps you gripped' Reader review, 5 stars'Haunting' Independent'Kate has you spellbound' Reader review, 5 stars'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph'Unputdownable' Bookseller

A skeleton discovered. A murder to be solved . . . On a stormy night in December, a tree is blown down on an isolated Devon farm. When the fallen tree is dragged away, a rucksack is found caught amongst the roots - and next to it is a human skeleton.The discovery of the body and the rucksack revives memories for DI Wesley Peterson. A young hitchhiker who went missing twelve years ago was last seen carrying a similar backpack. Suddenly a half-forgotten cold case has turned into a murder investigation.Meanwhile, in the nearby village of Petherham, a man is found dead in suspicious circumstances whilst staying at a local guesthouse. Wesley's friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, is studying Petherham's ancient mill and uncovering the village's sinister history. Could the string of mysterious deaths in Petherham over a hundred years ago be connected to the recent killings? As Wesley digs deeper into the case, it seems that the dark whisperings of a Burial Circle in the village might not be merely legend after all . . .Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect, gripping mystery if you love reading Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves.PRAISE FOR KATE ELLIS:'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times'I loved this novel' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'Unputdownable' Bookseller'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

When workmen converting former girls' boarding school, Chadleigh Hall, into a luxury hotel discover a skeleton in a sealed room, DI Wesley Peterson and his boss, Gerry Heffernan are called in to investigate. But within minutes they have a second suspicious death on their hands: a team of marine archaeologists working on a nearby shipwreck have dragged a woman's body from the sea. And it becomes clear that her death was no accident. The dead woman's husband may be linked with a brutal robbery of computer equipment but Wesley soon discovers that the victim had secrets of her own. As he investigates Chadleigh Hall's past and the woman's violent death, both trails lead in surprising directions and matters are further complicated when a man wanted for a murder in London appears on the scene, a man who may know more about Wesley's cases than he admits...

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...

Never has DI Wesley Peterson witnessed such a bizarre crime scene. The victim, Charles Marrick, has been murdered, his body drained of blood. Described by those who knew him as 'evil', it seems that Wesley isn't going to have any shortage of suspects - until a popular local vet is murdered in an identical fashion...and a third body is discovered many miles away.And when Wesley's archaeologist friend, Neil Watson, starts getting disturbing anonymous letters written in gory detail about macabre events at a medieval abbey - which Neil fears are being sent by the killer Wesley is looking for - Wesley wonders whether there could be a connection between all these deaths and Neil's letters. And could Neil himself be in danger? As the sinister truth unfolds, both Wesley and Neil are forced to face tragedy and shocking revelations...and a killer who bears the scars of past sins.

When Kirsten Harbourn is found strangled and naked on her wedding day, DI Wesley Peterson makes some alarming discoveries. Kirsten was being pursued by an obsessed stalker and she had dark secrets her doting fianc, Peter, knew nothing about. But Kirsten's wasn't the only wedding planned to take place that July day in South Devon. At Morbay register office a terrified young girl makes her wedding vows. And a few days later her bridegroom is found dead in a seedy seaside hotel. As Wesley investigates he suspects that his death and his bride's subsequent disappearance might be linked to Kirsten's murder. Meanwhile the skeleton of a young female is found buried in a farmer's field - a field that once belonged to the family of Ralph Strong, an Elizabethan playwright whose play, 'The Fair Wife of Padua' is to be performed for the first time in four hundred years. Is this bloodthirsty play a confession to a murder committed in the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1? Or does it tell another story, one that might cast light on recent mysteries?

An excavation at the lost gardens of Earlsacre Hall is called to a halt when a skeleton is discovered under a 300 year old stone plinth, a corpse that seems to have been buried alive. But DS Wesley Peterson has little time to indulge in his hobby of archaeology. He has a more recent murder case to solve. A man has been found stabbed to death in a caravan at a popular holiday park and the only clue to his identity is a newspaper cutting about the restoration of Earlsacre. Does local solicitor Brian Willerby have the answer? He seems eager to talk to Wesley but before he can reveal his secret he is found dead during a 'friendly' game of village cricket, apparently struck by a cricket ball several times with some force. If Wesley is looking for a demon bowler this appears to let out most of the village side. But what is it about Earlsacre Hall that leads people to murder?

The brutal massacre of the Harford family at Potwoolstan Hall in Devon in 1985 shocked the country and passed into local folklore. And when a journalist researching the case is murdered twenty years later, the horror is reawakened. Sixteenth century Potwoolstan Hall, now a New Age healing centre, is reputed to be cursed because of the crimes of its builder, and it seems that inheritance of evil lives on as DI Wesley Peterson is faced with his most disturbing case yet. As more people die violently, Wesley needs to discover why a young woman has transformed a dolls house into a miniature reconstruction of the massacre scene. And could the solution to his case lie across the Atlantic Ocean, in the ruined remains of an early English settlement in Virginia USA? When the truth is finally revealed, it turns out to be as horrifying as it is dangerous...

Little Marcus Fallbrook was kidnapped in 1976 and when he never returned home, his grieving family assumed the worst. Then, thirty years later, teenage singing star Leah Wakefield disappears and DI Wesley Peterson has reason to suspect that the same kidnapper is responsible. And another abductor is at work in the area - a man who tricks blonde women into a bogus taxi and cuts off their hair. Has Leah fallen prey to the man the newspapers call 'The Barber' or has she suffered a more sinister fate? But then Marcus Fallbrook returns from the dead. And when DNA evidence confirms his identity, the investigation takes a new twist. Meanwhile, archaeologist, Neil Watson's gruesome task of exhuming the dead from a local churchyard yields a mystery of its own when a coffin is found to contain one corpse too many - a corpse that may be linked to a strange religious sect dating back to Regency times. Wesley has his hands full elsewhere - slowly, Marcus Fallbrook begins to recover memories that Wesley hopes will lead him to cunning and dangerous murderer. But he is about to discover that the past can be a very dangerous place indeed.

Teenager Lewis Hoxworthy discovers a disturbing painting in a medieval barn; a fine which excites archaeologist Neil Watson. But when former rock star Jonny Shellmer is found shot through the head in Lewis's father's field and Lewis himself goes missing, it is Neil's friend, Detective Inspector Wesley Peterson, and his boss, Gerry Heffernan, who face one of their most intriguing cases yet.It seems that the Devon village of Derenham is full of secrets, ancient and modern. As Neil uncovers the story of Derenham's medieval past, it becomes clear that the Doom - a 500-year-old painting of hell and judgement - holds the key to the mystery. And as events reach a terrifying climax, Wesley Peterson has to act swiftly if he is to save a young life . . .

The first mystery in the bestselling DI Wesley Peterson crime series set on the windswept Devon coast, by million-copy bestselling author Kate Ellis.'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' THE TIMES'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' ANN CLEEVES'Haunting' INDEPENDENT__________________DS Wesley Peterson, newly arrived in the West Country town of Tradmouth, has his hands full when a child goes missing and a young woman is brutally murdered on a lonely cliff path. Then his old friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, unearths the skeletons of a woman and a newborn baby in the cellar of an ancient merchant's house nearby.As they begin to investigate the murders, Wesley starts to suspect that these deaths, centuries apart, may be linked by age-old motives of jealousy and sexual obsession. And the pressure is on if he is going to prevent a further tragedy . . .Discover your new favourite crime series. This is the perfect mystery for fans of Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths, which will have you gripped until the final page.__________________What readers are saying about The Merchant's House :'I couldn't stop turning the pages . . . Something about this book just hooked me!' Goodreads Review, 5 stars'Superb . . . Five stars' Reader review, 5 stars'If you like Ian Rankin, LJ Ross, Elly Griffiths and James Oswald, you will enjoy Kate Ellis' Reader review, 5 stars'Gripping . . . Love how the past and present bring the story together' Reader review, 5 stars'You'll fall in love with coastal England and find yourself walking the cobbled lanes in your imagination . . . Do not miss this series!' Reader review, 5 stars'The first in an outstanding series of contemporary crime fiction' Reader review, 5 stars'Fantastic read' Reader review, 5 stars'Compelling . . Kept you guessing from start to finish. I would highly recommend it' Reader review, 5 stars'Loved it!!' Reader review, 5 stars'Kate Ellis has certainly got a talent for story telling which can grab the imagination from the start' Reader review, 5 stars'Really unputdownable' Reader review, 5 stars'Gripping. Kate Ellis is my new favourite author' Reader review, 5 stars'A page-turner' Reader review, 5 stars

'A powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann CleevesWhen archaeologist Neil Watson finds the body of an American veteran of the D-Day landings in the ruins of an old chapel, he turns to his old friend DS Wesley Peterson for help.Both men are researching an invading force: Wesley, a group of American veterans on a sentimental journey to their wartime base; and Neil, a group of Spaniards killed by outraged locals as they limped from the wreckage of the Armada.Four hundred years apart, two strangers in a strange land have died violently. Could the same motives of hatred, jealousy and revenge be at work? Wesley is running out of time to find out . . .The second gripping installment in the DI Wesley Peterson series by awad-winning crime writer Kate Ellis. Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering the Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect mystery if you love reading Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves.Why readers love Kate Ellis:'I hardly put this novel down from the moment I picked it up. Oh yes, and as with all great crime novels, I would never have guessed 'whodunnit'!' Reader review, 5 stars'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times'Kate Ellis and Wesley Peterson have done it again. Strong characters, strong plotting, no detail escapes Kate Ellis' Reader Review, 5 stars'Haunting' Independent'Enjoyed the first in the series but through this was even better!' Reader Review, 5 stars'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'It's fast paced with twists and turns guaranteed to keep you hooked right until the final page' York Evening Press'A cracking multi-layered mystery with red-herrings a-plenty...an outstanding read. Highly recommended!' In Search of the Classic Mystery Novel

'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The TimesWhen a woman is burned to death in Grandal Field in Devon, it looks like it could be a case of mistaken identity. Until DI Wesley Peterson learns of a legend involving a woman who died in similar circumstances in the thirteenth century. It seems clear that there is a link between the mysterious legend and the recent murder when Wesley discovers that records of a previous site excavation have vanished, and two archaeologists involved in the dig died tragically. The case echoes a story of twisted love and obsession from many centuries ago, and Wesley realises that edging closer to the truth brings unexpected danger . . .Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves.PRAISE FOR KATE ELLIS:'I loved this novel . . . a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'Unputdownable' Bookseller'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'A gripping read' Best'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

The brand new mystery in the bestselling DI Wesley Peterson crime series!'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times__________________On a summer evening, Robert and Greta Gerdner are shot dead at their home in the Devon countryside. DI Wesley Peterson suspects the execution-style murders might be linked to Robert's past police career - until Robert's name is found on a list of people who've been sent tickets anonymously for a tour of Darkhole Grange, a former asylum on Dartmoor. Wesley discovers that other names on the list have also died in mysterious circumstances and, as he is drawn into the chilling history of the asylum, he becomes convinced that it holds the key to the case. When his friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, finds the skeleton of a woman buried in a sealed chamber dating back to the fifteenth century at his nearby dig, Wesley wonders whether there might be a connection between the ancient cell and the tragic events at Darkhole Grange. With the clock ticking, Wesley must solve the puzzle, before the next person on the list meets a terrible end . . . Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths. PRAISE FOR KATE ELLIS:'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

The unmissable new mystery in the bestselling DI Wesley Peterson crime series'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times__________________Serpent's Point in South Devon is the focus of local legends. The large house on the headland is shrouded in an ancient tale of evil, and when a woman is found strangled on the coastal path DI Wesley Peterson is called in to investigate.The woman had been house-sitting at Serpent's Point and Wesley is surprised to discover that she was conducting an investigation into unsolved missing persons cases. Could these enquires have led to her murder?While the case takes Wesley to Yorkshire and the Cotswolds, archaeologist Neil Watson is making a dramatic discovery of his own in the fields near the house.When a skeleton is uncovered, the pressure rises to find a killer, and Wesley and Neil realise that Serpent's Point holds more secrets than anyone could have imagined.Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Million-copy bestselling author Kate Ellis returns with the brand new book in the DI Wesley Peterson crime series.'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' THE TIMESNovember. With the tourist season over in South Devon, Detective Inspector Wesley Peterson is looking forward to a quieter month in the CID. But when a man is shot dead on Bonfire Night, he finds he has a complex murder case on his hands. The body of Patrick North was found in woodland connected to Nesbaraton Hall, a grand estate dating back to the eighteenth century. The Smithson family, who own the estate, are away on holiday. However, when an anonymous letter threatening to abduct the Smithson son is uncovered, Wesley fears North's death might have been collateral damage in a sinister kidnap plot.Meanwhile, archaeologist Dr Neil Watson discovers a hidden grotto in a developer's field - land that was once part of the Nesbaraton estate. Evidence of past rituals and the discovery of a skeleton buried next to the grotto raise questions about strange occurrences, past and present, on the estate. Then, just when Wesley's team seem to be making progress in their investigation, a resident of the nearby village is killed in a near identical shooting. A race is on to find a ruthless killer, before they strike again . . .Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Million-copy bestselling author Kate Ellis returns with the gripping new book in the DI Wesley Peterson crime series.'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' THE TIMESDespite many years living in South Devon, DI Wesley Peterson has never visited the tiny island of St Rumon's. That is until erosion from a storm reveals three bodies buried outside the local churchyard.Two are ancient skeletons, but one is far more recent, and Wesley realises he has uncovered a case of murder. But whose remains are they? And who killed them?The island has only a small number of inhabitants. Yet one resident keeps cropping up in Wesley's investigation: the author and self-styled academic, Quentin Search.Meanwhile Wesley's friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, becomes fascinated by the remains of the island's old priory. His discovery of a journal, written by a sixteenth century cleric, reveals an eerie tale of strange rituals and disturbing deaths.As Wesley begins to wonder whether the past might be repeating itself, another murder occurs . . . There is a calculated killer on the island - one whose grip is as deadly as the rising tide.Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' THE TIMESDespite many years living in South Devon, DI Wesley Peterson has never visited the tiny island of St Rumon's. That is until erosion from a storm reveals three bodies buried outside the local churchyard.Two are ancient skeletons, but one is far more recent, and Wesley realises he has uncovered a case of murder. But whose remains are they? And who killed them?The island has only a small number of inhabitants. Yet one resident keeps cropping up in Wesley's investigation: the author and self-styled academic, Quentin Search.Meanwhile Wesley's friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, becomes fascinated by the remains of the island's old priory. His discovery of a journal, written by a sixteenth century cleric, reveals an eerie tale of strange rituals and disturbing deaths.As Wesley begins to wonder whether the past might be repeating itself, another murder occurs . . . There is a calculated killer on the island - one whose grip is as deadly as the rising tide.Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Million-copy bestselling author Kate Ellis returns with the brand new mystery in the DI Wesley Peterson crime series.When a body is discovered in a picturesque South Devon village, DI Wesley Peterson is called in to investigate. The victim, Barry Brown, is a celebrity ghostwriter and the theft of his laptop suggests that the motive for murder may lie in his work.While Wesley investigates Barry's famous clients, Wesley's teenage son Michael joins family friend, Dr Neil Watson, on an intriguing excavation of a crashed World War Two plane on Dartmoor. The plane was used to ferry secret agents into Europe during the war and, when three skeletons are discovered nearby, it seems the wreckage might hold more secrets than they could ever have imagined.Wesley's case leads him to the same area and he discovers a sinister history surrounding the moor and the nearby village of Moor Barton.With four unexplained deaths, can Wesley solve the mystery before anyone else is put in danger?Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Million-copy bestselling author Kate Ellis returns with the new mystery in the DI Wesley Peterson crime series.When a body is discovered in a picturesque South Devon village, DI Wesley Peterson is called in to investigate. The victim, Barry Brown, is a celebrity ghostwriter and the theft of his laptop suggests that the motive for murder may lie in his work.While Wesley investigates Barry's famous clients, Wesley's teenage son Michael joins family friend, Dr Neil Watson, on an intriguing excavation of a crashed World War Two plane on Dartmoor. The plane was used to ferry secret agents into Europe during the war and, when three skeletons are discovered nearby, it seems the wreckage might hold more secrets than they could ever have imagined.Wesley's case leads him to the same area and he discovers a sinister history surrounding the moor and the nearby village of Moor Barton.With four unexplained deaths, can Wesley solve the mystery before anyone else is put in danger?Whether you've read the whole series, or are discovering Kate Ellis's DI Wesley Peterson novels for the first time, this is the perfect page-turner if you love reading Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Million-copy bestselling author Kate Ellis returns with the brand new mystery in the DI Wesley Peterson crime series.South Devon is returning to its usual calm after the summer tourist season when DI Wesley Peterson and his team receive a disturbing call. A mummified body has been discovered, hidden behind a wall, during the renovation of nearby Sycamore House.The body is that of Dr Aleric Donnal, an academic with a special interest in Devon's medieval history. Donnal was last seen over a decade ago, around the time that Sycamore House belonged to a new age commune who believed that the house occupied an ancient sacred site. While Wesley is seeking potential suspects for Donnal's murder, Dr Neil Watson is investigating the ruins of an ancient chapel nearby; a building once decorated with grotesque carvings of mythical creatures.As Wesley's team work on one of their most baffling cases yet, a new murder occurs in a nearby village. Could the two crimes be linked? Wesley needs to separate truth from myth in order to solve this mystery.Praise for Kate Ellis . . .'A beguiling author who interweaves past and present' The Times'Clever plotting hides a powerful story of loss, malice and deception' Ann Cleeves'Haunting' Independent'The chilling plot will keep you spooked and thrilled to the end' Closer'Unputdownable' Bookseller'A fine storyteller, weaving the past and present in a way that makes you want to read on' Peterborough Evening Telegraph