This is already the 25th book in the series, and even though I haven't read all of them yet, this reads nicely enough as a standalone, and you don't miss too much references. This book is well written, and I really hope there is a number 26 in the works!

Police procedural set in Devon,part of a series. Interesting and intriguing mystery with good characters.

Great book, I’ve read all Kate Ellis books and am always awaiting the next instalment. I like the journey through history this book takes you. I also love the setting, I live in the local area and it’s great to read about the local connections.

Another great book in the DI Wesley Peterson series by Kate Ellis.
The combination of the different timelines, the police investigation in to several suspicious deaths and the archaeological dig produce an intriguing mystery.
I have enjoyed all of this series so far and The Stone Chamber was no exception.

This was the 25th book in the series. I hadn't read any of the other one previously, but as I started this one it became clear it wasn't my type of book unfortunately.

I will in future re visit the other books in this series so maybe I would have enjoyed this one more once I knew the characters etc. a bit more. I felt I was missing something that had happened in previous books.

My thanks to Little, Brown Book Group U.K. /Piatkus for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Stone Chamber’ by Kate Ellis in exchange for an honest review. As it was already published I complemented my reading with its unabridged audiobook edition narrated by Gordon Griffin.

This is Book 25 in the DI Wesley Peterson series of police procedurals set in Devon. I have read most of the earlier books though Kate Ellis always provides background for readers new to the series.

On a summer evening Robert and Greta Gerdner are shot dead at their home in the Devon countryside. At first DI Wesley Peterson suspects that the murders might be linked to Robert’s past police career. Then evidence surfaces that suggests a link to others who have recently died in mysterious circumstances as well as to Darkhole Grange, a former asylum on Dartmoor with a chilling history.

On a nearby dig, Wesley’s friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, finds the skeleton of a woman buried in a sealed chamber that dates back to the fifteenth century. Wesley begins to wonder whether there might be a connection between the ancient cell and the tragic events at Darkhole Grange.

In ‘The Stone Chamber’ Ellis incorporates material on anchoresses and anchorites, those who willingly embraced a solitary spiritual life during the Middle Ages. In some cases this involved being walled up voluntarily.

In university Wesley had studied archeology alongside Neil. In each book Ellis utilises Neil’s latest project to connect present events with those of the past. Ellis finishes her novels with a Historical Note and I always feel as though I learn a little history when I read her novels.

As always this proved an intriguing police procedural with plenty of suspects and a satisfying resolution.

Another excellent Wesley Peterson murder mystery, I love this series. With an intricate story line and believable characters it is a great read.

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.
Masterfully written, this novel will reel you in and hold you enthralled as the layers of story are revealed.

Thank you NetGalley for access to this book.

I have enjoyed all of Kate Ellis’s book but this has to be one of the best ones!
The twists and turns were brilliantly written and exciting to read.
I always find it fascinating how Kate Ellis manages to weave connections between the past and the current time.

It was harrowing to read and realise that unmarried mothers and those deemed mentally unstable were treated how they were and until so recently.

I also enjoyed reading and learning about anchoresses and their devotion to God. It was particularly interesting to learn there is still a anchorite’s cell in Chester le Street which is very local to me in County Durham.

I can’t wait for the next one!

I've loved Kate Ellis's Wesley Peterson series, right from the very first book (The Merchant's House). I think it is the mix of a classic murder mystery with a historical backstory that does it for me. This one, the 25th in the series (25th!) is perhaps her best yet.

One 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. Others on this list have also died in mysterious circumstances. Meanwhile, archaeologist Neil Watson finds the skeleton of a woman buried in a sealed chamber dating back to the fifteenth century at a nearby dig. Is there a connection between the ancient cell and the chilling history of Darkhole Grange?

As always, Kate Ellis has written a brilliantly twisty, cleverly plotted story that is impossible to put down. Multiple characters and multiple threads somehow manage to all connect at the end (I don't know how she does it!), with a reoccurring motif of incarceration. I particularly loved all the spooky houses!

Although this story is the 25th in the series, it is possible to read it as a stand alone. However, there are a lot characters, both regular and new, and it might be easier to at least read the first book to help understand who everyone is.

On of my favourite reads this year, The Stone Chamber would suit anyone who loves classic murder mysteries and authors such as Elly Griffiths.


Thank you to Kate Ellis and Piatkus (Little, Brown Book Group) for my copy of this book, which I requested via NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.

The Stone Chamber is the latest book in the consistently excellent DI Wesley Peterson series by Kate Ellis and it is another very worthy addition.

The plotting and pacing are, as usual, excellent with many twists and turns throughout the book which is definitely recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and Kate Ellis for the chance to read this book

This is the 25th in the Wesley Petersen series and was one to wait for.

I have read several of the series so far though not quite all and it was great to catch up with Wesley, Neil and all the other characters that appear throughout the series.
I felt that this one was better than a few of it's predecessors. The story flowed better and held ones attention more.
I enjoy the historical aspect and the archaeological aspect that runs alongside the present day storyline.

I still get annoyed by the change of names of Devon resorts when its obvious what was intended but this seems to be something the author likes and runs throughout her books. It does add to the narrative trying to work out where she meant!!

I wont provide spoilers bit will say there are twists and turns and unexpected outcomes right to the end really.

Reading about the anchoress which was something I hadn't heard of was both interesting and makes one think about how awful it would be to be incarcerated in this way. The terrible way that 'fallen' women were treated in the 1950s and even later is horrifying in the extreme

A really good read I cannot wait for the next book in the series

I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for a review copy of The Stone Chamber, the twenty fifth novel to feature DI Wesley Peterson of the Devon police.

A couple are shot in their remote barn near Tradmouth, the fictional town in Devon where Wesley is based. The husband, Robert Gerdner, is a former police officer with the Met so the team wonder if revenge is the motive, but they soon discover a list of people who were anonymously sent tickets for a tour of Darkhole Grange, a former asylum.

I enjoyed The Stone Chamber, which is the usual mix of a present day investigation whose themes are reflected in the archaeological digs of Wesley’s friend Dr Neil Watson. In this case it is the treatment of women whose behaviour doesn’t conform to the societal mores of the day. This is explored in a sophisticated way by the 1956 diary extracts of a young woman who becomes fascinated with the story of a 15th century woman, the same woman who becomes part of Neil’s excavation. It is very neatly and cleverly done with a great final twist.

I actually liked the result of these historical parallels better than that of the modern day investigation. Don’t get me wrong, Wesley’s investigation is interesting and quite gripping in a quiet way with plenty of red herrings and associated crimes uncovered and I loved the way it was tied to the historical elements, but I found the solution a bit of a letdown in comparison with what had gone before. It’s clever, but not quite convincing.

The Stone Chamber is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Cause For Consternation….
In the twenty fifth book of the series an execution style killing gives DI Wesley Peterson much cause for consternation. Under pressure of time, the DI needs to solve the case but further investigations show links that are far different from those he originally suspected. With an engaging storyline, a well crafted cast of characters and a solid narrative this is a worthy addition to an excellent series.

This is the 25th book in the DI Wesley Peterson series set in the Dartmouth area of Devon. I originally started reading this series as I was drawn to the setting which is familiar to me and the location is a huge part of the series for me as Ellis really brings this area of Devon alive. In The Stone Chamber DI Peterson is investigating the execution style murders of retired police office Robert Gerdner and his wife Greta. Meanwhile how does this enquiry link with Peterson's archaeologist friend Neil Watson's discovery and a former asylum on Dartmoor ?
Ellis writes a gripping story, this series is an easy read but always compelling, full of plot leads and twists and a host of characters. I'd recommend reading the whole series but this works equally well as a standalone.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

The stone chamber by Kate Ellis.
Book 25 in the DI Wesley Peterson crime series.
On a summer evening, Robert and Greta Gerdner are shot dead at their home in the Devon countryside. Can DI Wesley Peterson find out who it is?.
I really enjoyed this book. Kept me reading. 4*.

DI Wesley Peterson crime series became one of my favorite after I read the first book and this one is amongst the best: riveting, entertaining, and gripping.
i read it in two sitting and it was hard to put it down as there's a lot of twists and it's one of those "one more chapter books.
Past and present mixes and the past affects the present.
I was glad to catch up with the cast of characters and the storytelling was excellent.
It's a fast paced, twisty, and solid mystery that surprised me till the last page (literally)
I can't wait to read the next novel.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A retired couple are shot dead in what looks like a gangland execution. It won't be the only odd death that Wesley Peterson has to investigate.

Meanwhile, his friend Neil Watson, discovers a fifteen century skeleton walled up in a sealed chamber on his latest archaeological dig.

Both of them will find out, in the course of their investigations, that appearances really do matter...

The latest instalment in this excellent series