Book Reviews

Review Rating

With the October 2004 review, we began rating the books on the basis of one to four trowels; 
one trowel= don’t bother, to four trowels= run right out to your local book store and buy the hard cover!

Back to all reviews

The Stone Chamber by Kate Ellis
Reviewed on: September 1, 2023

****

The Burial Circle by Kate Ellis
Reviewed on: April 1, 2022

***

Dead Man’s Lane by Kate Ellis
Reviewed on: May 1, 2020

***

The Mechanical Devil by Kate Ellis
Reviewed on: April 1, 2019

****

The Mermaid’s Scream by Kate Ellis
Reviewed on: March 1, 2018

****

The House of Eyes by Kate Ellis
Reviewed on: January 1, 2017

***

The Death Season by Kate Ellis
Reviewed on: July 1, 2016

****

The Shroud Maker by Kate Ellis
Reviewed on: August 1, 2015

****

The Shadow Collector by Kate Ellis
Reviewed on: October 1, 2013

****

The Cadaver Game by Kate Ellis
Reviewed on: January 1, 2013

***

The Jackal Man by Kate Ellis
Reviewed on: November 1, 2011

****

The Flesh Tailor by Kate Ellis
Reviewed on: April 1, 2011

****

The Blood Pit by Kate Ellis
Reviewed on: January 1, 2009

****

The Shining Skull by Kate Ellis
Reviewed on: November 1, 2008

****

The Plague Maiden by Kate Ellis
Reviewed on: September 1, 2004

The Merchant’s House by Kate Ellis
Reviewed on: November 1, 2003

Twenty Years in the Trenches: Archaeology in Fiction

William Gresens, longtime MVAC supporter and volunteer, has been writing reviews of archaeological fiction as MVAC’s book reviewer for twenty years.  In this interview Bill shares how he got started writing reviews for MVAC, how the genre has changed, highlights, and his thoughts looking forward. 

Bill Gresen’s Book Review 20th Anniversary

While Bill's reviews go back 20 years now, his relationship with MVAC goes back more than twice that long! The reviews capture some of the things we enjoy most about Bill-- he's perceptive, methodical, a clear thinker, and a whole lot of fun! We look forward to this relationship--and Bill's reviews!--continuing for many years to come.


The March 2021 review marks the 20th anniversary of reviews of archaeological fiction.  It has been my pleasure and great fun to while away the hours reading these books—for the most part, at least—and writing the reviews!  My thanks to MVAC allowing me to prattle on and I look forward to the years ahead.

Bill Gresens