When it comes to blending mystery, history, and an engaging ensemble cast, few authors are better than Kate Ellis. I have been a fan of this series since 1998's The Merchant House, and I eagerly await each new installment.

One of the things I always enjoy is the historical/archaeological element Ellis weaves into her stories, and I've learned a lot about English social history as a result. That said, I do have to admit that the historical element in The Killing Place is not one of my favorites. The eighteenth-century owner of Nesbaraton Hall was one of those entitled snobs who believed he was above the law and should be allowed to do anything he wanted: weird rituals, drinking to excess, and any other sort of debauchery with his chosen chums-- up to and including murder. This is modeled after the Hellfire Club in Buckinghamshire during the same period.

Although the historical element may not have been my cup of tea, there was still plenty to like about this latest installment of a favorite long-running series. The mystery was a strong one, as usual, and it is always a pleasure to catch up with the lives of this engaging ensemble cast. It is definitely a case of diverse personalities coming together to work to solve crimes. Peterson and his team never give up until they've solved the case.

If you happen to be a fan of Elly Griffiths' Dr. Ruth Galloway series, I highly recommend this one to you. If the thought of starting at the beginning of a twenty-seven-volume series scares the pudding out of you, jump in anywhere. In fact, The Killing Place has enough backstory for the characters that you shouldn't feel lost. Give it a try! ( )