Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
No one blends history and mystery quite like Kate Ellis, and if you love Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves, you need to at least sample Ellis's Wesley Peterson mysteries. That's what I did, and I've been with her characters for twenty-eight books now. Now... if the thought of beginning such a long series scares you, never fear. You can start with this one and not feel lost. (But don't be surprised if you find yourself looking for the other books!)
Ellis ties Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries, the mythical land of Lyonesse, and even bellringing in with a modern-day murder investigation filled with excellent misdirection. But Coffin Island isn't all about the mystery. I doubt I would've stuck with this series if that's all there was to it. No, I also love this series for its cast of characters. Wesley, his wife Pam, their growing children, and Wesley's pain-in-the-neck mother-in-law. Archaeologist Neil Watson, his own relationships, and his fascinating digs into history. And-- of course-- Wesley's boss, DCI Gerry Heffernan, an old-fashioned copper with an irreverent sense of humor. ("I've yet to meet a homicidal cleaning lady" or "I'll never think of getting plastered in the same way again.") I feel as though I've been a part of these characters' lives, and it's been an absolute pleasure.
If you like character-driven series filled with history as well as mystery, you can't go wrong with Kate Ellis's Wesley Peterson.
Ellis ties Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries, the mythical land of Lyonesse, and even bellringing in with a modern-day murder investigation filled with excellent misdirection. But Coffin Island isn't all about the mystery. I doubt I would've stuck with this series if that's all there was to it. No, I also love this series for its cast of characters. Wesley, his wife Pam, their growing children, and Wesley's pain-in-the-neck mother-in-law. Archaeologist Neil Watson, his own relationships, and his fascinating digs into history. And-- of course-- Wesley's boss, DCI Gerry Heffernan, an old-fashioned copper with an irreverent sense of humor. ("I've yet to meet a homicidal cleaning lady" or "I'll never think of getting plastered in the same way again.") I feel as though I've been a part of these characters' lives, and it's been an absolute pleasure.
If you like character-driven series filled with history as well as mystery, you can't go wrong with Kate Ellis's Wesley Peterson.
