Jericho, New England. Carla James has joined the archaeology department of Jericho University, emigrating from England to try and rebuild her life following the death of her husband. She wasn’t expecting on her first day to be called to a murder site, in case she can spot something about the debris scattering about the body.

As Carla settles into life in Jericho, she can’t shake the feeling that there is more to the death than the police think. There have been a number of deaths of women in recent months, but as the victims weren’t connected and there was no indication of murder, that means that it’s all just coincidence. Doesn’t it? Carla doesn’t think so – and you’ll never guess what? She’s right!

Not sure if this is a standalone or the start of a new series from Sarah Ward. Sarah has always had an interest in the supernatural, as evidenced by her books written under her pseudonym Rhiannon Ward, but this is the first time (if I recall correctly)where it significantly becomes a plot point, as a witch’s symbol starts to become more and more prevalent around the town, in particular with regards to the various dead bodies.

It’s an interesting theme and strand to focus on. The serial killer novel needs something to lift it, otherwise it can become something of a drag, so the mystery behind the killer’s motivation – why is the importance of the symbols? – adds that extra necessary dimension to the story.

There are a few cliches here – the police, surprise, surprise, don’t believe Carla, meaning that she has to take matters into her own hands, for example – and I had a little trouble balancing the escalation of the killer’s plan with the motivation behind the whole thing. I know this is sort of the point but unless you believe… something, then it does seem a lot like over-compensating.

But this is still a cut above the majority of such books. Sarah’s writing and world-creating is top-notch, and the characters who could have just been cliches, namely the disbelieving police detectives, come across convincingly. Carla is an interesting lead, along with her colleague Erin, the pathologist, and I do hope this is the start of a series, as I would very much like to read more.

Death Rites is out now from Canelo Crime. Many thanks for the review copy.