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Recent Review

‘The Chapel of Bones’ by Kate Ellis
Published by Constable, 6 August 2026.
ISBN: 978-0-349-44296-9 (HB)

In one of my recent reviews, I wrote about my guilt in how long it had taken me finally to get round to reading one of Barbara Nadel’s acclaimed novels – and now I have to admit the same about Kate Ellis. If my counting is accurate, ‘The Chapel of Bones’ is the 30th novel in her series featuring DI Wesley Peterson, the first of which was published in 1998. Better late than never, as I believe they say. The wait has certainly been worth it.

A mummified body is found concealed behind a wall during renovations at Sycamore House in Devon. It is identified as that of Dr Aleric Donnal, a generally solitary academic whose research focussed on the medieval history of Devon. He had not been seen for over a decade during which time the house was occupied by a hippy commune who believed that the site had sacred properties. The leader of the commune, now dead, was related to the Fontescues, a wealthy local family. As Peterson starts to investigate Donnal’s death, Dr Neil Watson (an archaeologist) is informed by the house’s new owner that she has found stonework suggestive of an ancient chapel in the grounds. Watson and his university students start a dig.

Before long a murder takes place. It is of an apparently inoffensive widow who is well-liked by everyone and whose main activities are flower arranging in the church, singing in the choir and taking part in medieval re-enactments (she was about to be an ale-wife). There seems to be no reason for her death. As Peterson looks into her murder he is forced to wonder whether it is linked to that of Donnal. As the investigation proceeds, the backgrounds of both murdered people are revealed as more complex. Donnal’s research at the time of his death concerned the representation of animals in medieval literature, with bestiaries a particular interest. An intemperate local artist who specializes in paintings of grotesque animals comes under suspicion, as do goings-on past and present at a rather down-at-heel local zoo. Kidnappings of local dogs are also taking place, one of them involving a pet belonging to the family of one of Peterson’s team. Ransoms are involved.

There is another strand to the novel. Excerpts from Donnal’s notebooks, not yet found by Peterson’s team, are quoted from time to time. Initially we are aware that Donnal had stumbled on details of Brother Anselm, a monk and spy for the Lancastrian side in the 15th century, whilst he was looking for attitudes towards strange beasts in the medieval religious mind. Anselm mentions ‘secrets he would rather the penitent did not share.’ Donnal wonders what these secrets are as well as the identity of the penitent.

Needless to say, Peterson’s investigation gradually reveals more and more about the past of local families as he and his colleagues work towards a satisfying conclusion. When I say that ‘The Chapel of Bones’ is an easy read, this is most certainly not a criticism – quite the opposite. Ellis skilfully marshals all her threads in a thoroughly engaging style. Short chapters keep the action moving swiftly along.

Another of the many merits of the novel, as far as this reviewer is concerned, is that Peterson’s team is refreshingly free of the back stories, jealousies and relationships (amatory or otherwise) that so often take over in series. They may keep readers keen to know what happens in the next instalment, but they can sometimes seem rather to overshadow the plot. ‘The Chapel of Bones’ concentrates on a highly complex investigation which is run by an apparently well-adjusted and supportive group of detectives who don’t appear to be neurotic, alcoholic, suffering from broken relationships or otherwise badly scarred by what life has thrown at them. Hurray, says this reviewer!

And in case you haven’t yet got the message, I am very happy to recommend this highly enjoyable novel.
———–
Reviewer: David Whittle

Signed first editions available from Goldboro Books