Devil’s Table by Kate Rhodes
A MISSING CHILD
St Martin’s is shrouded in bitterly cold fog when Jade Minear and her twin brother, Ethan, are attacked in a field, late at night. Ethan manages to return home but the shocking events of Jade’s disappearance have rendered him mute.
A LONG-HELD GRUDGE
On a small island where there are few places a child can hide, DI Ben Kitto must battle the elements to search for Jade. When his investigation reveals that the Minear family have many enemies on the island, Kitto grows increasingly worried that Jade is in danger.
A KILLER HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT . . .
Meanwhile, someone on the island knows exactly where the girl is. Someone with a deep-seated hatred of Jade's family. To find the truth, Kitto must investigate the lives of the people he has known all of his life. Because one of them is lying – and it isn’t long until a body is found . . .
About the author
Kate Rhodes is a bestselling British crime writer. Her latest books are the acclaimed ISLES OF SCILLY MYSTERIES, which have been optioned for TV. Kate has been passionate about the islands since holidaying there as a child, and still returns regularly to research her books. Kate's books have been nominated for the Crime Novel of the Year award, and the Library Dagger award.
Kate was born in south London, but now lives in Cambridge with her husband. She did a wide range of jobs including working in bars, being a theatre usherette, and teaching at a liberal arts college in Florida, before focusing on her writing. She works part-time as a Creative Writing Fellow at Cambridge University.
Review
‘Devil’s Table’ is a delicious locked island mystery that I devoured in one sitting! This is the fifth book in the ‘Isles of Scilly Mysteries’ but it can definitely be read as a standalone, however, I do recommend the whole series. Ben Kitto is one of my favourite detectives out there at the moment. Plus, you have the amazing setting of the Isles of Scilly to boot.
When policeman Ben Kitto is woken up on his day off by an early morning phone call he knows it can't be good news. It's a local mother, Gemma Minear, calling to say that her daughter Jade has gone missing. They live on the tiny island of St Martin’s so Ben is hopeful of finding her. But as the day progresses she isn't anywhere to be found. Her twin Ethan clearly knows something but isn't saying anything as he has returned to being unable to speak. The Minear family own the largest flower farm in the area and Scott, Jade’s father, is universally hated throughout the island. He has anger issues, creates feuds at the drop of the hat and is abusive towards his family. Gemma drinks to cope with her life but also has strained relationships with a lot of her family. When a body is found on the ‘Devil’s Table’ Ben soon realises that he is battling an intelligent killer!
I do love a locked mystery and the Isles of Scilly are a perfect location for these. A small population means a tiny suspect pool and the weather can always be used to make sure no one can travel to or from the islands! Plus, there is the added complication that everyone knows one another and Ben has to investigate people whom he is friends with. The premise of the story was very intriguing, especially with all the complicated family dynamics. I must say I fell in love with wee Ethan. Wish I could just give him a hug and tell him that everything is going to be fine!
Ben seemed different in this book. He has developed into a more mature man, especially when it comes to dealing with his boss but also with his personal relationships. I really like Nina and I am looking forward to seeing how their relationship progresses in the next two books.
‘Devil’s Table’ is an atmospheric and at times claustrophobic read! It was extremely well-paced, suspenseful and intricately plotted. I definitely didn't work this mystery out and it's a great whodunnit!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
