The Flesh Tailor
Wesley Peterson Series – Book XIV

By Kate Ellis

        Most people seem to agree that Dr James Dalcott was a good man, but somebody has shot him dead in his cottage. Gradually Wesley uncovers facts about him that show he has rather a lot of skeletons in his closet. Meanwhile archaeologist Neil Watson is excavating skeletons in the grounds of nearby Tailors Court; this bears out the stories of a 16th century body snatcher but when a more recent child’s body is also found the police are brought in. During the Second World War evacuees were sent to live at Tailor’s Court, but what does this have to do with Dr Dalcott?

One thing you can be sure of – perhaps even in the manner of death and taxes but a good deal more pleasant – is that a jolly good tale lurks between the pages of a Kate EllilsEllis novel. They aren’t big books that double as doorstops, but they do contain a big story, some likeable series characters, links between past and present and a frisson of eeriness. All this adds up to a treat, as bit by bit the mystery is unraveledunravelled and the conclusion is anything but simple or commonplace. I didn’t guess it all, and new clues and plot twists seem to appear on virtually every page. As an inhabitant of Devon I can also applaud Ms Ellis’ very accurate portrayal of the county; second homeowners, deluded Londoners, optimistic holidaymakers, unemployment and all. If you want an exciting police procedural that is miles away from what is normally meant by the term then dig into this series; it is a rare gem.

An Hallowed Grave #3
The Bone Garden #5
A Perfect Death #13
The Flesh Tailor #14
The Shadow Collector #17
The Shroud Maker #18
House of Eyes #20
The Mechanical Devil #22