Walking by Night by Kate Ellis is a mystery novel that blends modern police procedural with a touch of the supernatural. Set in a city with a rich history, the story follows Detective Inspector Joe Plantagenet as he investigates a perplexing case that begins with a ghostly sighting and a missing body.
The book opens with a bang—or rather, a glimpse. A teenage girl, taking a shortcut home beneath the ruins of an old abbey, claims to have stumbled upon a body and seen a mysterious nun-like figure watching from the shadows. However, when the police arrive, there’s no trace of either. Is it just the hallucination of an inebriated teenager with a troubled past, or something more sinister? Either way, it’s the kind of story that would make a great opening scene for a ghost-hunting reality show.
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Enter our protagonist, DI Joe Plantagenet. Unlike his skeptical colleagues, Joe is inclined to believe the girl’s story. His instincts—a recurring theme throughout the book—tell him there’s more to this case than meets the eye. Joe’s instincts are so sharp that you half expect him to pull out a magnifying glass and say, “Elementary, my dear Watson,” at any moment. As Joe digs deeper, the disappearance of a woman and a provocative theatre production of “The Devils” add layers of complexity to the investigation.
Reading Walking by Night reminded me of classic British detective series. It blends contemporary crime-solving with historical intrigue. Ellis weaves together multiple threads—a missing woman, a centuries-old tragedy involving a young nun, and a controversial play filled with religious and violence.
Joe Plantagenet is a likable protagonist, though at times his reliance on instinct can be frustrating. There are several moments when Joe senses something is amiss but doesn’t act on his hunches. It’s a character trait that adds tension but occasionally left me wanting to give Joe a gentle nudge to take action.
One of the book’s strengths is its atmospheric setting. The foggy city with its ancient abbey ruins provides a perfect backdrop for a mystery tinged with supernatural elements. Ellis excels at creating a sense of place that’s almost a character in itself.
However, while the book starts strong, it doesn’t quite maintain its initial momentum. What begins as a thrilling, potentially supernatural mystery settles into a more traditional police procedural. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but readers expecting a full-blown thriller might find the pacing a bit slow in places.
Ellis does an admirable job of throwing red herrings into the mix, keeping readers guessing about the true culprit. Mystery aficionados might spot the culprit earlier than casual readers, but there are enough twists to keep most people engaged until the end.
One aspect that fell a bit flat for me was the development of secondary characters. Debby Telerhaye, the witness to the initial incident, and Emily lack depth. Debby, in particular, makes some questionable decisions, repeatedly putting herself in danger in ways that strained credibility.
Despite these minor quibbles, Walking by Night is a solid entry in the mystery genre. It’s a book that will appeal to fans of British police procedurals, especially those who enjoy a dash of historical intrigue and hints of the supernatural in their mysteries.
If this blend of modern detective work and historical mystery piques your interest, you might want to give Walking by Night a try. While it may not revolutionise the genre, it offers an entertaining read with an intriguing premise and a likeable protagonist. Just don’t be surprised if you start double-checking dark corners for lurking nuns.
Rating: 3.5 muse points - because nothing says a good night sleep like solving a ghostly murder before bed.
About the Author
Kate Ellis is an acclaimed British author known for her crime novels. She has written several series, including the Wesley Peterson novels and the Joe Plantagenet mysteries, which includes Walking by Night. Ellis is known for blending modern crime fiction with historical elements. Her atmospheric mysteries skilfully bridge the past and present.
