‘Fresh, original and utterly compelling’ Marion Todd

A calculated killer. A town under threat. An unfinished pattern...

Archaeology professor Carla James is reeling following the death of her husband. Desperate for a change of scene, she takes a job at an elite New England college. On her first day, Carla is asked to represent the department at a murder site. She initially believes there is nothing notable about the scattered debris that surrounds the body, but there is more to the case than meets the eye.

This victim is just the latest in a series of unsolved deaths. Nothing obvious links them but Carla is convinced – there is a methodical killer operating in the shadows.

Can she uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim?

A dark and tense crime thriller. Perfect for fans of Kathy Reichs and Elly Griffiths.

Praise for Death Rites

‘A clever and compelling crime thriller’ Woman''s Weekly

‘A gripping, atmospheric page-turner of a novel. If you like Elly Griffiths'' Ruth Galloway series, you''ll love this!’ Sheila Bugler

‘Different, eerie and completely engrossing’ Kate Griffin

‘A compulsive page-turner of a thriller, rich in the atmosphere and folk mythology of New England’ Philip Gwynne Jones

‘I could not put it down! Sarah Ward captures the claustrophobia of a small town perfectly and the characterisation was outstanding’ Rachel Lynch

‘Strongly atmospheric... A fast and moody read with a determined heroine and an evocative setting’ Crime Time

‘Gripping and had me on the edge of my seat… I adored Carla!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

‘I loved how the characters developed through the story… All the subplots are woven together to form a dramatic conclusion’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

‘A strong start to the Carla James Crime Thrillers series… suspenseful and kept me guessing’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

‘A good story… well-written with well developed characters’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

‘Gripping from the very first page… reminiscent of Elly Griffith’s Ruth Galloway novels in that the main protagonist is an archaeologist and Carla is every bit as plucky and intelligent as Ruth!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review