The Shining Skull is the eleventh book in Kate Ellis’ Wesley Peterson Murder Mystery series. If readers like police procedurals that combine a contemporary crime with a historical one, I don’t think they’ll be disappointed. It does take a little while to get used to Ellis’ use of various viewpoints, but, so far at least, I’m happy to say she doesn’t force us to read from the killer’s view. There are twenty-nine books in the series, though, so I might be surprised. But, I can juggle DI Wesley Peterson’s point of view, along with archaeologist Neil Watson, and that of a member of the police department. In addition, there are historical letters or diaries that pertain to the historical mystery.

Ellis quickly establishes storylines in The Shining Skull. In 1976, a kidnapper calls Anna Fallbrook, claiming to have her son. Thirty years later, a man claiming to be Marcus Fallbrook returns to the childhood home, now owned by Marcus’ half-brother. The police are brought in to try to find the original kidnapper and learn where Marcus has been for thirty years. That same week teen music sensation Leah Wakefield is kidnapped. Her parents assume it was one of Leah’s pranks until they get a ransom call. The police department in Devon, England are already dealing with a case involving “the Barber”, a man who picks up blondes in a car that appears to be a taxi, takes them to remote locations, and cuts off their hair before taking them to their original destination.

While Wesley and his boss, DCI Gerry Hefferman, assign officers and deal with some of the investigations themselves, Peterson’s college friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, has his own puzzle. While exhuming graves to move them, one coffin falls open, revealing two skeletons inside. Neil identifies one as a woman who died in 1815. Why is there a second skeleton in her coffin?

These investigations are happening simultaneously. Wesley’s long hours are not always good for his marriage and family life. And, he also doesn’t have time to get involved in Neil’s mystery, although he’s intrigued. He has enough on his plate, though. Readers won’t be surprised to find the cases link together.

Kate Ellis’ mysteries bring together some of my favorite interests, mystery and history. Add archaeology and the puzzles uncovered in that field, and I’m hooked. Her main characters are appealing. She focuses on different police and their personal lives in different books. There are changes in the lives and relationships of Wesley and his wife, along with their friend Neil. Peterson’s boss, DCI Hefferman also has changes in his life. As Jeff Meyerson mentioned in a comment the other day, it’s refreshing to see Wesley work amicably with his boss. That’s rare in police procedurals.

I would suggest readers start with the first in the series, The Merchant’s House, but for those not obsessed with starting at the beginning, The Shining Skull is an excellent sample of Kate Ellis’ work.

The Shining Skull by Kate Ellis. Platkus, 2007. 272p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I bought a copy of the book years ago.