Book Review: The Armada Boy

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Armada Boy     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Kate Ellis
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural
Series: Wesley Peterson # 2
Dunne, Jul 2000, $22.95, 224 pp.

World War II veteran Norman Openheim accompanied by his wife Dorinda, returns to England for a reunion celebration. However, with his hearing aid broken and smoking his first cigarette in a decade, Norman never heard his killer approach him. County Archeology employee Neil Watson finds the corpse as he wanders the ruins of St. Dennis Chapel.

Detective Sergeant Wesley Peterson begins the inquiries and almost immediately is overwhelmed by leads and suspects. Could his spouse, who was having an affair be the killer? Could it be the pregnant girlfriend the victim left behind in 1944? Or is just related to an anti-American resentment left over form five decades ago? As Wesley investigates, he also begins to uncover another murder mystery from four centuries ago.

The second Ellis police procedural is a fabulous tale of revenge that will thrust relative newcomer Kate Ellis into the sub-genre's limelight. The story line is entertaining as the two mysteries keep reader attention at all times. Wesley remains a complex protagonist who will charm the audience. THE ARMADA BOY and its predecessor THE MERCHANT'S HOUSE are an excellent mingling of a historical tale with a modern day police procedural.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner