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Inspector Ravenscroft #3
The Ledbury Lamplighters
On Christmas Eve, 1888, a mysterious stranger arrives in the small Herefordshire market town of Ledbury, intent on a curious mission. A few days later, as the Ledbury Lamplightersyear by extinguishing the town's lamps, a prominent local businessman is murdered in full view of partygoers. Detective Inspector Samuel Ravenscroft is once again reunited with his old friend and colleague, Constable Tom Crabb. As they embark upon their most dangerous adventure yet, they gradually unravel a sequence of events that threatens the very political and social stability of the country. Meanwhile, the man known as the Whitechapel murderer returns from exile to carry out one final assignment for his new masters.
8 pages, Audio CD
First published January 1, 2009
255 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Tombs
25 books66 followersKerry Tombs was born in Smethwick in 1945, and after a career in teaching in both England and Australia, moved to Malvern in 1982, where he became a genealogist, lecturer and bookseller. He has set THE MALVERN MURDERS in a variety of Malvern locations including St.Ann's Well, Malvern College, British Camp and Priory Church - and in the nearby villages of Colwall and Mathon and town of Ledbury. Kerry moved to Brittany in 2005.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 15, 2021
Yuck. Nominated by other people in my book club, I jumped into this pedestrian, poorly written period detective novel featuring a cliche of a protagonist without much of a personality, and a host of stock characters from a rejected script from Christie, or perhaps the British version of Murder She Wrote set in Victorian England. There's a market for this, but I'm not in it.
May 12, 2021
I have been enjoying this series, and this books is probably the best so far. Inspector Ravenscroft is seeing in the New Year at the local ball, only to find the bank manager dies suddenly. He is then drawn into two murders surrounding his old adversary Monk once more.
Fairly gentle but a gripping read.
Fairly gentle but a gripping read.
December 5, 2020
In book 3, Inspector Samuel Ravenscroft has married Lucy and settled into a new home in Ledbury. Another murder mystery soon presents itself to him and his assistant, Constable Tom Crabb. Nathaniel Montacute is poisoned at the annual New Year's celebration in the town. Later, a second murder is committed outside of town when a stranger is killed. Are these two murders related? What is in the secret packet that the stranger left in the care of lawyer, Midwinter, before his death? This is another great mystery in the Inspector Ravenscroft series. I like that Mr. Tombs takes an obscure pice of real history and threads a fictional mystery around it. I am enjoying these books very much.
February 26, 2020
The Ledbury Lamplighters
Samuel Ravenscroft has married Lucy and is settled in Ledbury. At the New Year's Eve Lamplighters Ball a local business man is poisoned and Ravenscroft and Crabbe are on the case.
This really has been the best book in the series so far and the ending ties up the events of the previous two books.
I already have the next book in the series and I look forward to seeing what is next for our heroic detective.
Samuel Ravenscroft has married Lucy and is settled in Ledbury. At the New Year's Eve Lamplighters Ball a local business man is poisoned and Ravenscroft and Crabbe are on the case.
This really has been the best book in the series so far and the ending ties up the events of the previous two books.
I already have the next book in the series and I look forward to seeing what is next for our heroic detective.
February 1, 2022
PROOFREADER NEEDED
Mr Tombs, I am a retired teacher. I have a lot of time on my hands. I'll gladly proofread any further works of yours gratis if only to spare your readers the irritant of egregious comma errors. I'd also throw in a crash course on semi-colons, which you repeatedly ignore or misuse.
Mr Tombs, I am a retired teacher. I have a lot of time on my hands. I'll gladly proofread any further works of yours gratis if only to spare your readers the irritant of egregious comma errors. I'd also throw in a crash course on semi-colons, which you repeatedly ignore or misuse.
February 9, 2014
Kept me guessing until the very end. Loved it. I really appreciate the fact that each of the regular characters is given quality time in the series. Its not just about solving the crime but lets us see the importance of an enriched life with family and friends.
June 22, 2023
The Wrong Focus
Inspector Ravenscroft returns in his third episodic mystery set in Victorian England during the reign of Jack the Ripper, and while it continues to delight in its representation of the evidence-light detective work of that era, this is the weakest novel so far. I love the series because I enjoy Ravenscroft and his personal life, but this glosses over major life events. Additionally, the choice of narrator POVs resulted in a less interesting mystery, as the reader knew far too much.
Ravenscroft married Lucy Armitage at the end of the previous novel. While she’s his wife, Lucy has gotten less screen time than Tom Crabb, and remains ill-characterized in The Ledbury Lamplighters. Her son doesn’t even appear in this one! Ravenscroft has also left London behind, though the author handwaves how he did so and what is his present role. I want to see his character development and his move to Ledbury / Worcester / Malburn, not just have his (twice) temporary Inspector status magically become the status quo.
On the other hand, where we got too much detail was via antagonist POVs. The back of the book introduces two mysteries, and the Inspector is attempting to unravel the result. Unfortunately, a lot of Ravenscroft’s decisions were predicated on assumptions, ones readers know to be false due to the antagonist POV sections. As such, despite being unable to solve the mystery with the evidence provided, I was also unable to enjoy following the Inspector’s train of thought. It’s really the worst of both worlds.
I consider this series to be a Slice of Life-style novel, where one pretends that it’s a documentary of life in 1880s and nothing more. Unfortunately, both the mystery and the character development let me down. The Ledbury Lamplighters isn’t filler, but it’s not satisfying.
Recommended with reservations.
Inspector Ravenscroft returns in his third episodic mystery set in Victorian England during the reign of Jack the Ripper, and while it continues to delight in its representation of the evidence-light detective work of that era, this is the weakest novel so far. I love the series because I enjoy Ravenscroft and his personal life, but this glosses over major life events. Additionally, the choice of narrator POVs resulted in a less interesting mystery, as the reader knew far too much.
Ravenscroft married Lucy Armitage at the end of the previous novel. While she’s his wife, Lucy has gotten less screen time than Tom Crabb, and remains ill-characterized in The Ledbury Lamplighters. Her son doesn’t even appear in this one! Ravenscroft has also left London behind, though the author handwaves how he did so and what is his present role. I want to see his character development and his move to Ledbury / Worcester / Malburn, not just have his (twice) temporary Inspector status magically become the status quo.
On the other hand, where we got too much detail was via antagonist POVs. The back of the book introduces two mysteries, and the Inspector is attempting to unravel the result. Unfortunately, a lot of Ravenscroft’s decisions were predicated on assumptions, ones readers know to be false due to the antagonist POV sections. As such, despite being unable to solve the mystery with the evidence provided, I was also unable to enjoy following the Inspector’s train of thought. It’s really the worst of both worlds.
I consider this series to be a Slice of Life-style novel, where one pretends that it’s a documentary of life in 1880s and nothing more. Unfortunately, both the mystery and the character development let me down. The Ledbury Lamplighters isn’t filler, but it’s not satisfying.
Recommended with reservations.
January 13, 2022
I have given this only two stars, although I think I rated the first two books more highly (although not much more highly). My two stars seem to indicate that I didn't like the book, which is not quite true. Broadly speaking, this series ticks all the boxes for me - almost cosy historical mystery, with likeable characters and not too many anachronisms. However, while the books are generally quite good, they do not bear close inspection. Firstly, the main protagonist, Inspector Ravenscroft seems to be nothing but a lump of clay in the hands of the author, which he moulds and reshapes as and when expedient. Inspector Ravenscroft has no real character to speak of because the author seems to change his persona to fit the storyline, rather than have the story worked around the 'character' of the character. For example, when required (such as in the London scenes in the first two books), Ravenscroft is a bumbling, inept, flatfoot of a policeman - diffident, timid and constantly hampered by his chronic asthma . However the minute he takes up a case outside London, he suddenly morphs into the complete opposite - confident, self-assured and infinitely capable. No mention is made or explanation given for this amazing character metamorphosis, nor for the sudden reversion when he gets back to London. In another example, having settled permanently in Worcestershire, our newly efficient and astute Inspector unaccountably reverts to buffoon mode when attempting to spring a trap for a suspect, resulting in the escape of the prisoner and the wounding of Crabbe.
Also, was there ever another such detective for picking solutions from thin air? He goes off investigating, picking up red herring after red herring and getting nowhere fast, then, out of a clear blue sky, he suddenly comes up with the solution to the case. "We're getting nowhere, Crabbe" he states despondently, then two minutes later, with absolutely no new events or information to consider, he suddenly comes up with the answer. And don't get me started on the absolutely farcical denouement where Ravenscroft gets all his suspects into one room and regurgitates his case against each one before fingering the culprit. A common detective story trope indeed, but the scene in this book has to be the worst of the sort I have read.
These and other intrinsic flaws serve to make this book a rather exasperating read, but as long as one doesn't look too closely, it is enjoyable enough.
Also, was there ever another such detective for picking solutions from thin air? He goes off investigating, picking up red herring after red herring and getting nowhere fast, then, out of a clear blue sky, he suddenly comes up with the solution to the case. "We're getting nowhere, Crabbe" he states despondently, then two minutes later, with absolutely no new events or information to consider, he suddenly comes up with the answer. And don't get me started on the absolutely farcical denouement where Ravenscroft gets all his suspects into one room and regurgitates his case against each one before fingering the culprit. A common detective story trope indeed, but the scene in this book has to be the worst of the sort I have read.
These and other intrinsic flaws serve to make this book a rather exasperating read, but as long as one doesn't look too closely, it is enjoyable enough.
October 27, 2025
4.25 stars! I truly love this series!! I love the duo of Ravenscourt and Crabb. I love the sub-plot that arced throughout the first three books. I also love each cast of characters introduced and the stories of their lives and town in each book. And, of course, I enjoy the quick pace and the whodunit guesswork.
My only constructive feedback is regarding a large revelation in the final chapter about Rupert’s biological father that one would think warrants a big response from Rupert, who has experienced a lifetime of hatred from the man he thought was his father.
The scene was written with no response from Rupert whatsoever. He spoke within a minute of the revelation but it was to simply offer a cheeky retort of a different statement about his false father.
The way the scene is written makes no mention of Rupert’s SHOCK of realizing he endured abuse under another man while his real father was right there in town…or perhaps shock that his mother cheated on his perceived father….or sudden loss of identity thinking he was one person but is really another…or excitement to have another chance at having a father who actually likes him….or to just yell out a statement that would roughly translate to “Who the hell did you just say is my dad???”
I was so shocked it wasn’t even lightly addressed by the character who had the loosest lips of any character.
My only constructive feedback is regarding a large revelation in the final chapter about Rupert’s biological father that one would think warrants a big response from Rupert, who has experienced a lifetime of hatred from the man he thought was his father.
The scene was written with no response from Rupert whatsoever. He spoke within a minute of the revelation but it was to simply offer a cheeky retort of a different statement about his false father.
The way the scene is written makes no mention of Rupert’s SHOCK of realizing he endured abuse under another man while his real father was right there in town…or perhaps shock that his mother cheated on his perceived father….or sudden loss of identity thinking he was one person but is really another…or excitement to have another chance at having a father who actually likes him….or to just yell out a statement that would roughly translate to “Who the hell did you just say is my dad???”
I was so shocked it wasn’t even lightly addressed by the character who had the loosest lips of any character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2024
The Ledbury Lamplighters is the 3rd book in the Ravenscroft series and without doubt with each one they are getting better and better. In this novel Ravenscroft has moved to Ledbury to live with his new wife Lucy in Church Lane. At a New Year celebration the tradition of the lamplighters entering the hall and extinguishing the lights before relighting them to welcome the new year gives the opportunity for someone to out poison into the glass of Nathanael Montacute, a local business man and well esteemed citizen of Ledbury. Thus Ravenscroft and Crabb begin to investigate.
Tombs creates a gentle narrative that evokes the charm of a bygone era along with atmospheric settings and while this is a completely different novel to the previous two a subtle thread links all of them through the enigmatic character of Major Monk who seems to weave through the stories as an impenetrable presence, leaving the reader with the ultimate question of could Major Monk be the infamous Whitechapel Murderer?
As with the previous novels the period details are well researched and included in a seamless style that makes the reader feel they are walking the streets with Ravenscroft and Crabb. I am really looking forward to reading the next novel and would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys historical murder mysteries.
Tombs creates a gentle narrative that evokes the charm of a bygone era along with atmospheric settings and while this is a completely different novel to the previous two a subtle thread links all of them through the enigmatic character of Major Monk who seems to weave through the stories as an impenetrable presence, leaving the reader with the ultimate question of could Major Monk be the infamous Whitechapel Murderer?
As with the previous novels the period details are well researched and included in a seamless style that makes the reader feel they are walking the streets with Ravenscroft and Crabb. I am really looking forward to reading the next novel and would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys historical murder mysteries.
March 30, 2020
Wonderful depiction of provincial Victorian England, with its secrets and claustrophobia. Respectability exists near, grinding poverty, reversals of fortune seems to be a hazard of the time. A murder takes place at a New Years Eve gathering in a Herefordshire town in 1888. Connections are soon made with murders in Whitechapel. Also interwoven into the plot is the tale of a stranger who arrives at a local solicitor's office, deposits a package which he insists must remain sealed for the security of the realm. These diverse threads fit together well. Because the writer feels such an affinity with the Malverns region, a huge amount of local detail is added , but never detracts from the story. Most enjoyable.
November 22, 2023
يعود المفتش رافنسكروفت والشرطي توم كراب لخوض أخطر مغامراتهما على الإطلاق...
يصل شخص غريب غامض إلى بلدة سوق هيريفوردشاير الصغيرة ليدبيري. يعرض على المحامي أنتوني ميدوينتر مبلغًا سخيًا لرعاية طرد له حتى الربيع، دون طرح أي أسئلة. يحذر الغريب من أنه يجب أن يظل مغلقًا وإلا فإن استقرار إنجلترا ذاته سيتعرض للتهديد.
يحتفل فريق مشعلي القناديل بحفل عام بإطفاء مصابيح المدينة، وهو تقليد محلي. قُتل رجل أعمال محلي بارز بوحشية على مرأى ومسمع من المحتفلين. يجتمع مفتش المباحث صامويل رافنسكروفت مجددًا مع صديقه القديم وزميله، الشرطي توم كراب. إنهم يكشفون عن سلسلة من الأحداث التي تهدد الاستقرار السياسي والاجتماعي للبلاد.
يصل شخص غريب غامض إلى بلدة سوق هيريفوردشاير الصغيرة ليدبيري. يعرض على المحامي أنتوني ميدوينتر مبلغًا سخيًا لرعاية طرد له حتى الربيع، دون طرح أي أسئلة. يحذر الغريب من أنه يجب أن يظل مغلقًا وإلا فإن استقرار إنجلترا ذاته سيتعرض للتهديد.
يحتفل فريق مشعلي القناديل بحفل عام بإطفاء مصابيح المدينة، وهو تقليد محلي. قُتل رجل أعمال محلي بارز بوحشية على مرأى ومسمع من المحتفلين. يجتمع مفتش المباحث صامويل رافنسكروفت مجددًا مع صديقه القديم وزميله، الشرطي توم كراب. إنهم يكشفون عن سلسلة من الأحداث التي تهدد الاستقرار السياسي والاجتماعي للبلاد.
February 16, 2025
I think inspector Ravenscroft has been hit over the head one too many times. That's the only way to explain why he is so incredibly stupid in this book. It was like reading about the Keystone Cops. Just AWFUL. I'm being incredibly generous to give this mess 2 stars.
Lol I just noticed these get worse as they go along. I rated the first one 4 stars, the second 3 stars and now this one, a very generous 2 stars. I have the 4th one and I'm about to read it. Adjusting my expectations for a 1 star reading experience.
Lol I just noticed these get worse as they go along. I rated the first one 4 stars, the second 3 stars and now this one, a very generous 2 stars. I have the 4th one and I'm about to read it. Adjusting my expectations for a 1 star reading experience.
April 16, 2025
The mystery plot was great - I really enjoyed it. Big conspiracy combined with small town dynamics, set in late 19th century, that's definitely one of my favorite combinations.
If, like me, you are reading and thinking - you are correct. It was nice to have that little suspicion confirmed at the end.
What I didn't enjoy so much this time are the characters. Ravenscroft is fine; he's now married and his wife is just... kinda basic, and annoying. And the worst is their collective crappy outlook on poor people. I can't tell if the author is trying to convey that even our heroes are the products of their time and this is how people of Ravenscroft's social status would see the poor - I mean, they occasionally try to help - or if the author actually feels the same way. The less fortunate are consistently portrayed in extremely unflattering light and after a while, that left a bad taste in my mouth.
If, like me, you are reading and thinking - you are correct. It was nice to have that little suspicion confirmed at the end.
What I didn't enjoy so much this time are the characters. Ravenscroft is fine; he's now married and his wife is just... kinda basic, and annoying. And the worst is their collective crappy outlook on poor people. I can't tell if the author is trying to convey that even our heroes are the products of their time and this is how people of Ravenscroft's social status would see the poor - I mean, they occasionally try to help - or if the author actually feels the same way. The less fortunate are consistently portrayed in extremely unflattering light and after a while, that left a bad taste in my mouth.
December 20, 2019
Christmas Eve, 1888. An unnamed stranger leaves a package with Ledbury solicitor, Anthony Midwinter. To look after the package until May 1st.
On New Year's Eve at the Lamplighters Ball, a death occurs. But this is not the last death that Inspector Ravenscroft with the help of Constable Crabb will investigate.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters.
On New Year's Eve at the Lamplighters Ball, a death occurs. But this is not the last death that Inspector Ravenscroft with the help of Constable Crabb will investigate.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters.
June 11, 2023
The least plausible of the series so far. However I enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot. I like how characters and story lines have been carried over from previous books. I did wonder why Lucy's son didn't appear in the story at all - do they just stuck him in a room upstairs all of the time? It doesn't reflected how much Lucy supposedly loves him. As they've just got married it would have been natural to have a scene with the whole family. Look forward to the next book in the series.
January 9, 2025
All the action takes place in this exciting book between Christmas Eve 1888 and Jan 10, 89: Not quite as good as the first two books in the series it is still an enjoyable historical police procedural thriller. What spoiled it was the way the inspector got everyone in a room in the hope that a confession would be gained. This was too much like and ending to a Poirot story. The three books come together as one in this novel. A very good read.
July 27, 2025
Anotha one — and of course like the others, the way it ended you know I’m reading numba 4. I actually expected more from the ending — I thought that plot was gonna go further. The hints dropped made the ending a little predictable. Same stuff tho Ravenscroft and his partner Tom kicking ass (not really, there is no ass kicking more like some arguing maybe) and taking names, solving mystery like they eat them for breakfast.
January 18, 2020
A very good read.
This is the first book I have read in this series and it was very well done. It kept me interested and kept me reading far too late at night. At times it could be difficult to keep all of the characters straight but they were interesting and the plot was well thought out. I look forward to reading another book by this author.
This is the first book I have read in this series and it was very well done. It kept me interested and kept me reading far too late at night. At times it could be difficult to keep all of the characters straight but they were interesting and the plot was well thought out. I look forward to reading another book by this author.
March 16, 2020
Ravenscroft is Back
I am really enjoying the Ravenscroft series. Book three was highly entertaining as Ravenscroft is seeking a poisoner. But there is also mayhem involving a secret society and the fate of a nation at stake.
With his friend and colleague Crabb, they must find the answers to several questions. But will they both get through it unscathed???
I am really enjoying the Ravenscroft series. Book three was highly entertaining as Ravenscroft is seeking a poisoner. But there is also mayhem involving a secret society and the fate of a nation at stake.
With his friend and colleague Crabb, they must find the answers to several questions. But will they both get through it unscathed???
January 22, 2025
More good spirited Victorian sleuthery based in Herefordshire.
Ravenscroft investigates the poisoning of local ledbury banker and the murder of a stranger found in the woods. We are knee deep in local suspects meanwhile the mysterious Major Monk weaves in and out of the plot commissioned by shadowy masons to retrieve an important manuscript.
Ravenscroft investigates the poisoning of local ledbury banker and the murder of a stranger found in the woods. We are knee deep in local suspects meanwhile the mysterious Major Monk weaves in and out of the plot commissioned by shadowy masons to retrieve an important manuscript.
January 3, 2020
Another exciting read.
I have enjoyed all 3 books in this series. As there was a continuing theme I hate to think book 3 is the last. Hoping the characters return in a new series. Very entertaining!
I have enjoyed all 3 books in this series. As there was a continuing theme I hate to think book 3 is the last. Hoping the characters return in a new series. Very entertaining!
January 19, 2020
Excellent historical mystery
I really liked the main characters. There was more than one mystery to be solved and there were many twists. The setting was very good and the story was interesting.
I really liked the main characters. There was more than one mystery to be solved and there were many twists. The setting was very good and the story was interesting.
June 5, 2020
The Ledbury Lamplighters
This was a marvelous story that went on and on...lots of twists and turns and secrets one on top of another...I actually feel worn out as though I was apart of the chase to catch all the evil creatures in this madhouse of drama!
This was a marvelous story that went on and on...lots of twists and turns and secrets one on top of another...I actually feel worn out as though I was apart of the chase to catch all the evil creatures in this madhouse of drama!
August 24, 2020
Apparently, Ravenscroft never learns anything. Something that he did was that was obviously a mistake in a earlier book, he does again. Nor does he listen, he just forms an opinion and runs with it trying to cram facts into his theory.
Eventually events prove him wrong.
Eventually events prove him wrong.
September 8, 2020
Love this series
Ravenscroft and Crabb solve a complicated case again. These books keep you in suspense until the very end. Also like the secondary plot that has run through the first three books in this series. On to the next book.
Ravenscroft and Crabb solve a complicated case again. These books keep you in suspense until the very end. Also like the secondary plot that has run through the first three books in this series. On to the next book.
November 28, 2020
A Kerry Tombs Ledbury mystery
Inspector Ravenscroft investigates the murder of a local bigwig which occurs at a traditional Victorian evening party . Lots of twists and turns with historical detail. An excellent read.
Inspector Ravenscroft investigates the murder of a local bigwig which occurs at a traditional Victorian evening party . Lots of twists and turns with historical detail. An excellent read.
January 13, 2023
A mystery well done
Though one might say Ravenscroft is not the hero he seems. The mystery “brother” was interesting. The bad guy got cocky. The “oh yes honey you are absolutely right, I should make you some more tea” is really annoying. (If accurate).
Though one might say Ravenscroft is not the hero he seems. The mystery “brother” was interesting. The bad guy got cocky. The “oh yes honey you are absolutely right, I should make you some more tea” is really annoying. (If accurate).
September 17, 2023
Excellent
All Kerry's Detective Ravenscroft books are wonderful and really transport you back in time. Would thoroughly recommend. These books are read by the wife of the account holder rather than the account holder himself!
All Kerry's Detective Ravenscroft books are wonderful and really transport you back in time. Would thoroughly recommend. These books are read by the wife of the account holder rather than the account holder himself!
January 15, 2020
Quick enjoyable read
Good intrigue, interesting characters. Easy to read. It is fun to have story linked to actual events from England’s history
Good intrigue, interesting characters. Easy to read. It is fun to have story linked to actual events from England’s history
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews