The Bone Garden by Kate Ellis is the 5th book in her Wesley Peterson series of detective novels. Each of the books is set against an archaeological background and combines a very old mystery with modern murder. In this outing skeletons have been found in the ruins of the old gardens at Earlsacre Hall. These gardens are in the process of being restored. The old bones can be dated back to the early 1700s, but meanwhile two recent murders seem to be connected in some way to this old manor house.

Wesley, along with his boss, Gerry Heffernan and other members of the team are stymied in their investigation as they can’t get a proper identification on one of the bodies. Eventually, they put all the pieces together and realize that both the historical murders and the modern murders are wrapped up in identity fraud and once the bodies have been properly identified, the case becomes clear and the murderer revealed.

This author excels in blending both the old and the new together and I thought The Bone Garden was very well presented. With each book a little more information about the characters is revealed giving the reader a better understand of the motivations that drives the narrative. I enjoyed The Bone Garden and look forward to reading more from this author. ( )

Another solid instalment, well-plotted with the historical/archaeological mystery mirroring the present-day one. It is irritating the way Pam is expected to bear the brunt of the childcare and housework, despite the fact that both she and Wesley have jobs... ( )

The series has really settled into a high quality bedtime read. The stories are linked to quasi historical clips at the beginning of each chapter. These help to lead the reader towards the solution (sometimes, of course, red herrings!).

Kate Ellis has an interesting way of getting around the aging of her detective. Each book is set within a few months of its predecessor. I presume that, as one gets further into the series (this end is now twenty years old) new technology will seamlessly make its appearance. ( )

Great book with good characters. I really loved that the story from centuries ago was almost happening again but it wasn't until almost the end of the book before I and Wesley realized it. One of their own is almost killed and it is a race to find her. Very good book with a really good storyline or two. I did not have this one figured out. ( )

Cleverly plotted story which echoes events of the late 17th century, when the Duke of Monmouth's rebellion was crushed and Judge Jeffries held his bloody Assizes in the west country and the rebels either e ecuted or transported to slavery. An unknown murder victim is found in a caravan and police are also called to an archeological site where bones are found with the two events surprisingly linked. Interesting historical background. ( )