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An English Village Mystery #3
Murder at Raven's Hollow
Beneath the ruins of a Victorian greenhouse, a skeleton is unearthed – and with it, years of buried secrets in Raven's Edge…
When decades-old human bones are discovered beneath the old glasshouse behind Foxglove & Hemlock, the local florist, DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor find themselves digging into Raven's Edge's murky past. As a frosty wind whips down the cobblestoned lanes of the village, the two detectives feel an ominous chill that has nothing to do with the weather…
The discovery coincides with the arrival of enigmatic novelist Iris Evergreen at Raven's Hollow, a gothic monstrosity of a mansion that's been sitting empty for years. Harriet is shocked to uncover a web of hidden secrets connecting the skeleton, Raven's Hollow and, most alarmingly, her own family history.
Just as Harriet begins to piece together the puzzle, a heavy snowfall blankets the village. And there, half-buried in a snowdrift outside Raven's Hollow, lies another body – this one still warm. As sirens wail in the distance, Harriet realises with a shiver that this killer is anything but history. The past and present have collided in Raven's Edge, will DS Harriet March be the one to pay the price?
Filled with buried plots, tangled romances and deadly intrigue, this cosy village mystery will keep readers guessing until the very last page. Perfect for fans of Fiona Leitch, Agatha Christie, and anyone who loves their murders with a side of charm!
When decades-old human bones are discovered beneath the old glasshouse behind Foxglove & Hemlock, the local florist, DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor find themselves digging into Raven's Edge's murky past. As a frosty wind whips down the cobblestoned lanes of the village, the two detectives feel an ominous chill that has nothing to do with the weather…
The discovery coincides with the arrival of enigmatic novelist Iris Evergreen at Raven's Hollow, a gothic monstrosity of a mansion that's been sitting empty for years. Harriet is shocked to uncover a web of hidden secrets connecting the skeleton, Raven's Hollow and, most alarmingly, her own family history.
Just as Harriet begins to piece together the puzzle, a heavy snowfall blankets the village. And there, half-buried in a snowdrift outside Raven's Hollow, lies another body – this one still warm. As sirens wail in the distance, Harriet realises with a shiver that this killer is anything but history. The past and present have collided in Raven's Edge, will DS Harriet March be the one to pay the price?
Filled with buried plots, tangled romances and deadly intrigue, this cosy village mystery will keep readers guessing until the very last page. Perfect for fans of Fiona Leitch, Agatha Christie, and anyone who loves their murders with a side of charm!
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2025
About the author
Louise Marley
18 books105 followersMost of my stories are set in small villages filled with quirky characters. These are partly inspired by the places I’ve lived in over the years, although the characters are straight out of my imagination! I currently live in Wales, close to a famous library and two ruined castles. My husband thinks we moved here by accident.
My first published novel was Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, which was a finalist in Poolbeg’s Write a Bestseller competition. As well as nine novels, I’ve written short stories for women’s magazines such as Take a Break and My Weekly. Before becoming a full-time writer, I worked as an administrative officer for the police.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy visiting big old houses, which I use as inspiration for the houses in my novels, and reading other people’s books when I ought to be writing my own…
Check out the Raven's Edge website here: https://ravens-edge.co.uk/
You can also find me on:
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/louisemarley...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseMarley...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisemarle...
** Be careful, there is another author with exactly the same name!**
My first published novel was Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, which was a finalist in Poolbeg’s Write a Bestseller competition. As well as nine novels, I’ve written short stories for women’s magazines such as Take a Break and My Weekly. Before becoming a full-time writer, I worked as an administrative officer for the police.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy visiting big old houses, which I use as inspiration for the houses in my novels, and reading other people’s books when I ought to be writing my own…
Check out the Raven's Edge website here: https://ravens-edge.co.uk/
You can also find me on:
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/louisemarley...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseMarley...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisemarle...
** Be careful, there is another author with exactly the same name!**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
January 4, 2025
I somehow managed to miss the second book in this series but I can still confirm that books one and three are seriously good. Cosy mysteries can vary amazingly in quality, but this is one of the good ones.
In Raven Hollow human bones are discovered under the ruin of a Victorian greenhouse. D.S.Harriet March and D.I. Ben Taylor have got themselves what at first appears to be a cold case, but in the end it comes very close to home for several local residents. There is a new character in the village, author Iris Evergreen, and she is fun. Her past is a very grey area and she seems rather too familiar with death.
Harriet plays a very big role in this book which is fine because she is such a solid character. She learns some amazing truths about her family, puts her life on the line for her job, and is on the cusp of a relationship if she can only let herself relax. Maybe in the next book.
Note to self - do not miss publication of book 4 and have a look for book 2 in the meantime. This is a series to follow for anyone who likes their cosy crime well written and entertaining.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
In Raven Hollow human bones are discovered under the ruin of a Victorian greenhouse. D.S.Harriet March and D.I. Ben Taylor have got themselves what at first appears to be a cold case, but in the end it comes very close to home for several local residents. There is a new character in the village, author Iris Evergreen, and she is fun. Her past is a very grey area and she seems rather too familiar with death.
Harriet plays a very big role in this book which is fine because she is such a solid character. She learns some amazing truths about her family, puts her life on the line for her job, and is on the cusp of a relationship if she can only let herself relax. Maybe in the next book.
Note to self - do not miss publication of book 4 and have a look for book 2 in the meantime. This is a series to follow for anyone who likes their cosy crime well written and entertaining.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 5, 2025
In this third installment of the English Village Mystery series, DS Harriet March takes center stage in her own captivating story. Cozy and intriguing, the narrative follows Harriet and her colleague DI Ben Taylor as they delve into a perplexing case involving the discovery of human remains. This unexpected finding unearths a cold case that delves deep into the troubled past of Raven’s Edge, a small village with a seemingly quiet history.
However, the discovery of a skeleton with a peculiar connection to Harriet’s own family history sends her on a whirlwind journey of self-discovery. As she grapples with the past, Harriet finds herself at a loss, her mind racing with questions and uncertainties.
The story unfolds through a clever dual timeline approach, gradually revealing the intricate web of events that connected Harriet to the discovery of the remains. As the past unfolds, the present day becomes increasingly intertwined, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
Beyond its compelling plot, the English Village Mystery series stands out as a unique blend of cozy mystery and police procedural elements. The addition of a Gothic edge further enhances the storytelling, infusing the narrative with a touch of mystery and suspense that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.
Many thanks to Storm Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
However, the discovery of a skeleton with a peculiar connection to Harriet’s own family history sends her on a whirlwind journey of self-discovery. As she grapples with the past, Harriet finds herself at a loss, her mind racing with questions and uncertainties.
The story unfolds through a clever dual timeline approach, gradually revealing the intricate web of events that connected Harriet to the discovery of the remains. As the past unfolds, the present day becomes increasingly intertwined, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
Beyond its compelling plot, the English Village Mystery series stands out as a unique blend of cozy mystery and police procedural elements. The addition of a Gothic edge further enhances the storytelling, infusing the narrative with a touch of mystery and suspense that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.
Many thanks to Storm Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 23, 2024
It took me a little time to feel the flow of this story. I always enjoy complicated stories with everyday characters who somehow end up in absolutely unforeseen
situations. There is a lot of that in this book. I love the British style of writing and
their style of living, along with the foods, vocabulary and moral views. Fiction is
well done in this story, with a good dose of the ways we, all of us, might become
secret keepers with all of the best intentions. While this book does take place
at Christmas time, it’s a great mystery to enjoy any time of the year.
While this is part of a series, if you have not read the other books, this one stands well on its own.
My thanks to Storm Publishing via NetGalley, for the download of this book
for review purposes.
situations. There is a lot of that in this book. I love the British style of writing and
their style of living, along with the foods, vocabulary and moral views. Fiction is
well done in this story, with a good dose of the ways we, all of us, might become
secret keepers with all of the best intentions. While this book does take place
at Christmas time, it’s a great mystery to enjoy any time of the year.
While this is part of a series, if you have not read the other books, this one stands well on its own.
My thanks to Storm Publishing via NetGalley, for the download of this book
for review purposes.
February 28, 2025
Murder at Raven's Hollow is the third book in the English Village Mystery series, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first two. It's a complex, intricate mystery with an interesting setting that feels very atmospheric. This is an engaging mystery that held my attention from beginning to end.
In this edition of the series, the author weaves a captivating story filled with intrigue and well written characters. I liked how this one focused more on Harriet, and we got to know more about her and her past. For Harriet, this case is both professional and personal. This adds another level to the story.
I truly feel like this could be read as a
standalone even though I do suggest reading the first two books as they are also excellent.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
In this edition of the series, the author weaves a captivating story filled with intrigue and well written characters. I liked how this one focused more on Harriet, and we got to know more about her and her past. For Harriet, this case is both professional and personal. This adds another level to the story.
I truly feel like this could be read as a
standalone even though I do suggest reading the first two books as they are also excellent.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 8, 2024
The story is well written with plenty of plot twists and turns to keep you from guessing the ending!! The descriptions of the characters and locations are well written. I will be recommending this book to my fellow readers.
Thank you to Louise Marley, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the arc of this book.
Thank you to Louise Marley, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the arc of this book.
January 12, 2025
Somehow did not discover this series until I stumbled upon this title which is the third entry in the series. The author did a great job of bringing the reader up to speed and missing the first two books in the series didn’t affect the quality of the plot. This was fabulous! I could not put it down. The development of the characters was outstanding and the plot kept me guessing until the end. The stories and mysteries within the overall plot were cleverly intertwined. Sometimes, authors have these stories within a story to create a red herring or two but then don’t tie it all up at the end in a realistic way. This was not the case here. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for review.
November 17, 2024
Murder at Raven’s Hollow by Louise Marley is a chilling and immersive addition to the An English Village Mystery series, offering an enthralling tale of buried secrets, generational sins, and small-town intrigue. Set in the enigmatic village of Raven’s Edge, this third installment stands strong as a standalone read, though fans of the series will undoubtedly appreciate the continuity.
The story begins with a gruesome discovery: human bones unearthed beneath a decaying glasshouse behind the flower shop, Foxglove & Hemlock. Detectives Harriet March and Ben Taylor are called in, and their investigation unveils a labyrinth of lies, family secrets, and untold truths about the village’s history.
As Harriet delves into the case, the arrival of Iris Evergreen—a reclusive novelist with a mysterious past—adds another layer of complexity. Taking up residence in Raven’s Hollow, a gothic mansion steeped in local folklore, Iris finds herself entangled in the investigation in unexpected ways. Her family’s dark legacy and the eerie happenings at the mansion are brilliantly woven into the plot, creating a palpable sense of foreboding.
Marley expertly alternates between the present-day investigation and glimpses of the past, slowly unraveling the secrets of the glasshouse bones. The story is further enriched by a new murder, which shakes the village and heightens the stakes. Harriet’s personal life is also intricately tied to the narrative, adding emotional depth as she confronts her own family’s entanglement in the unfolding mystery.
With atmospheric descriptions, complex characters, and expertly layered twists, Murder at Raven’s Hollow captures the essence of a classic British mystery while maintaining a fresh and modern appeal. The haunting village setting, coupled with the intertwining timelines, creates a vivid backdrop that keeps readers hooked until the last page.
This book is a must-read for fans of small-town mysteries and those who love their crime fiction with a touch of the macabre. Marley’s ability to blend suspense, history, and richly drawn characters is unparalleled, and readers will eagerly anticipate what’s next for Harriet March and Ben Taylor.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review
The story begins with a gruesome discovery: human bones unearthed beneath a decaying glasshouse behind the flower shop, Foxglove & Hemlock. Detectives Harriet March and Ben Taylor are called in, and their investigation unveils a labyrinth of lies, family secrets, and untold truths about the village’s history.
As Harriet delves into the case, the arrival of Iris Evergreen—a reclusive novelist with a mysterious past—adds another layer of complexity. Taking up residence in Raven’s Hollow, a gothic mansion steeped in local folklore, Iris finds herself entangled in the investigation in unexpected ways. Her family’s dark legacy and the eerie happenings at the mansion are brilliantly woven into the plot, creating a palpable sense of foreboding.
Marley expertly alternates between the present-day investigation and glimpses of the past, slowly unraveling the secrets of the glasshouse bones. The story is further enriched by a new murder, which shakes the village and heightens the stakes. Harriet’s personal life is also intricately tied to the narrative, adding emotional depth as she confronts her own family’s entanglement in the unfolding mystery.
With atmospheric descriptions, complex characters, and expertly layered twists, Murder at Raven’s Hollow captures the essence of a classic British mystery while maintaining a fresh and modern appeal. The haunting village setting, coupled with the intertwining timelines, creates a vivid backdrop that keeps readers hooked until the last page.
This book is a must-read for fans of small-town mysteries and those who love their crime fiction with a touch of the macabre. Marley’s ability to blend suspense, history, and richly drawn characters is unparalleled, and readers will eagerly anticipate what’s next for Harriet March and Ben Taylor.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review
November 14, 2024
When I read the description, this sounded like the perfect, cozy fall mystery! This is the first I've read in this series, but didn't feel like I missed much. There's a variety of characters and a couple mysteries in the village, starting with a skeleton in a garden. I enjoyed the coziness and felt for the characters and rooting for their happiness. I thought the story lagged a little and seemed drawn out, but I was happy with the conclusion. A great fall and winter read!
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy!
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy!
January 9, 2025
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Murder At Raven's Hollow' by Louise Marley.
This is the third book I have read by this author. It is also the third book in Louise's 'An English Village Mystery' series but can be read as a standalone. I have also read 'Murder At Raven's Edge' and 'Murder At Ravenswood House' which are the first two books in the series and I would also highly recommend them both. .
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that leave you hearing the chickens clucking, Jake barking and it most definitely leaves you wanting to visit!!! The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.
Yet another fantastic success Louise Marley!! Such an easy, fun and addictive cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!!
This book is yet another brilliant addition to Louise's absolutely addictive 'An English Village Mystery'!! i absolutely fell in love with this series after reading the first book which is called 'Murder At Raven's Edge'. Each of the books in this series can be read as a standalone and although I would not typically recommend reading books out of order there is a silver lining of doing so!! If you end up reading a later book in a series prior to the previous ones when you have finished it means you can go back and catch up on the previous books while waiting for the next book to come out! Louise has ticked every single box in this series from absolutely stunning locations to an isolated house, gorgeous cats to authors and book lovers, murder to romance, there is nothing more you could ask for when it comes to brilliant cosy mysteries! In this absolute page turner Louise transports us to the beautiful village of Raven's Edge where we meet DS Harriet March. Harriet lives in the apartment above the local florist Foxglove And Hemlock. She is enjoying a rare day off when she bumps into the owners of the florist Amelia Locke and Gabriel Fox where they are sorting their disaster of a garden out. Amelia is in what is left of the glasshouse when she comes across some bones. Amelia thinks they are dog bones and is carefully digging them up until Harriet realises they are actually human remains! Harriet calls her boss DI Ben Taylor and a murder investigation is opened. We also meet Iris Evergreen who is a famous author who has just moved into the isolated Raven's Hollow where she is trying to hide away from something from her past. However, Iris is also trying to find out more about her family and goes around Raven's Hollow asking if anyone recognises her father from a photo she was given. If that is not enough to sink your teeth into Louise also gives us chapters from 25 years previously with an unknown protagonist. Can Harriet and Ben discover the identity of their victim let alone get them justice? When a second body turns up are the cases linked? Will Iris find out more about her past or will her past come back to haunt her? To find out the answers to these and so much more grab your copy today and I can promise you will not regret it!! You may even discover a new favourite book, series and/or author!! With a storyline ram packed with mystery, family, flowers, murder, romance, crime, books, stunning surroundings, coffee, twists and turns, a gorgeous cat called Binx, amazing and unforgettable characters and more what on Earth are you waiting for?? This book, and series, is truly addictive, intriguing and will leave you wanting more!! Louise is an incredible author whose incredible vivid and emotive writing skills and descriptions really brings Raven's Edge, the characters and drama to life in front of your eyes. She weaves the multiple protagonists and timelines together absolutely perfectly drip feeding the reader the information she wants without giving too much away! I absolutely loved reading this book and the previous books which take place in such a beautiful and unique village. It genuinely felt like I had disappeared on holiday for the day. It was a shame it was only a day but that's how long it took me to zoom through the pages after not being able to put it down. I genuinely felt like I was in the storyline and I was devastated to come to the end and have to "unpack my suitcase". This series is one of the best ones I have ever read and I love getting stuck into the mysteries with Harriet and Ben each and every time .The storyline is multi-layered with mystery upon mystery to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. The fact that it was filled with books, book talk, mystery, an author and a cute cat was right down my street being a huge book and animal lover myself. It is one of those immense books that each and every time I told myself just one more chapter I just had to read yet one more to know what was going to happen next, and then another until before I know it I had devoured the whole book in just a few hours.
Although this is the third book in the series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without the first book. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
Grab your copy and join Harriet and Ben on their murder mystery, investigations, coffee drinking, banter and more where there's a mix of romance, secrets, drama, amazing characters, murder, mayhem and so much more mixed in!! You genuinely couldn't ask for anything else in a fantastic cosy crime!!! This is yet another fantastic addition to this addictive series! ! I was not expecting the killer twist so a huge congratulations there!!! I have read so many books it seems to be getting harder and harder to shock me but you definitely managed it after leading me down the garden path several times!! This is an absolutely fantastic, page turning and fun cosy crime series that can be read in any order. I would love to see them all turned into movies and I cannot wait to get into Louise's next fantastic success!!!
Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
I absolutely LOVED meeting Ben and Harriet again along with several of the villagers and new characters such as Iris and everyone else who makes this cosy mystery series perfect the way it was again. I became completely invested in each of the characters and Louise portrays village life and characters into the first book in this series 'Murder At Raven's Edge' and they all, well almost all, quickly became friends that I miss each and every time I finish the book. I really clicked with Ben and Harriet immediately who were a perfect choice for this cosy mystery. I have loved watching all of the friendships and relationships develop and I'm looking forward to watching them continuing to do so. I am looking forward to meeting them all again in the next book in this fantastic series and seeing how all the friendship and relationships with the characters develop!!! An amazing group of string and realistic characters that jump out of the pages and I look forward to meeting time and time again. A fantastic group of unique and strong personalities!!
Congratulations Louise on an yet another absolutely addictive book in this absolutely page turning series!!! Here's to a fantastic and many more successes 🥂
Overall an addictive cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!!
#MurderAtRavensEdge #AnEnglishVillageMystery #LouiseMarley #StormPublishing #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources
@LouiseMarley @StormPublishing @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources
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Review for 'Murder At Raven's Hollow' by Louise Marley.
This is the third book I have read by this author. It is also the third book in Louise's 'An English Village Mystery' series but can be read as a standalone. I have also read 'Murder At Raven's Edge' and 'Murder At Ravenswood House' which are the first two books in the series and I would also highly recommend them both. .
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that leave you hearing the chickens clucking, Jake barking and it most definitely leaves you wanting to visit!!! The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.
Yet another fantastic success Louise Marley!! Such an easy, fun and addictive cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!!
This book is yet another brilliant addition to Louise's absolutely addictive 'An English Village Mystery'!! i absolutely fell in love with this series after reading the first book which is called 'Murder At Raven's Edge'. Each of the books in this series can be read as a standalone and although I would not typically recommend reading books out of order there is a silver lining of doing so!! If you end up reading a later book in a series prior to the previous ones when you have finished it means you can go back and catch up on the previous books while waiting for the next book to come out! Louise has ticked every single box in this series from absolutely stunning locations to an isolated house, gorgeous cats to authors and book lovers, murder to romance, there is nothing more you could ask for when it comes to brilliant cosy mysteries! In this absolute page turner Louise transports us to the beautiful village of Raven's Edge where we meet DS Harriet March. Harriet lives in the apartment above the local florist Foxglove And Hemlock. She is enjoying a rare day off when she bumps into the owners of the florist Amelia Locke and Gabriel Fox where they are sorting their disaster of a garden out. Amelia is in what is left of the glasshouse when she comes across some bones. Amelia thinks they are dog bones and is carefully digging them up until Harriet realises they are actually human remains! Harriet calls her boss DI Ben Taylor and a murder investigation is opened. We also meet Iris Evergreen who is a famous author who has just moved into the isolated Raven's Hollow where she is trying to hide away from something from her past. However, Iris is also trying to find out more about her family and goes around Raven's Hollow asking if anyone recognises her father from a photo she was given. If that is not enough to sink your teeth into Louise also gives us chapters from 25 years previously with an unknown protagonist. Can Harriet and Ben discover the identity of their victim let alone get them justice? When a second body turns up are the cases linked? Will Iris find out more about her past or will her past come back to haunt her? To find out the answers to these and so much more grab your copy today and I can promise you will not regret it!! You may even discover a new favourite book, series and/or author!! With a storyline ram packed with mystery, family, flowers, murder, romance, crime, books, stunning surroundings, coffee, twists and turns, a gorgeous cat called Binx, amazing and unforgettable characters and more what on Earth are you waiting for?? This book, and series, is truly addictive, intriguing and will leave you wanting more!! Louise is an incredible author whose incredible vivid and emotive writing skills and descriptions really brings Raven's Edge, the characters and drama to life in front of your eyes. She weaves the multiple protagonists and timelines together absolutely perfectly drip feeding the reader the information she wants without giving too much away! I absolutely loved reading this book and the previous books which take place in such a beautiful and unique village. It genuinely felt like I had disappeared on holiday for the day. It was a shame it was only a day but that's how long it took me to zoom through the pages after not being able to put it down. I genuinely felt like I was in the storyline and I was devastated to come to the end and have to "unpack my suitcase". This series is one of the best ones I have ever read and I love getting stuck into the mysteries with Harriet and Ben each and every time .The storyline is multi-layered with mystery upon mystery to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. The fact that it was filled with books, book talk, mystery, an author and a cute cat was right down my street being a huge book and animal lover myself. It is one of those immense books that each and every time I told myself just one more chapter I just had to read yet one more to know what was going to happen next, and then another until before I know it I had devoured the whole book in just a few hours.
Although this is the third book in the series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without the first book. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
Grab your copy and join Harriet and Ben on their murder mystery, investigations, coffee drinking, banter and more where there's a mix of romance, secrets, drama, amazing characters, murder, mayhem and so much more mixed in!! You genuinely couldn't ask for anything else in a fantastic cosy crime!!! This is yet another fantastic addition to this addictive series! ! I was not expecting the killer twist so a huge congratulations there!!! I have read so many books it seems to be getting harder and harder to shock me but you definitely managed it after leading me down the garden path several times!! This is an absolutely fantastic, page turning and fun cosy crime series that can be read in any order. I would love to see them all turned into movies and I cannot wait to get into Louise's next fantastic success!!!
Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
I absolutely LOVED meeting Ben and Harriet again along with several of the villagers and new characters such as Iris and everyone else who makes this cosy mystery series perfect the way it was again. I became completely invested in each of the characters and Louise portrays village life and characters into the first book in this series 'Murder At Raven's Edge' and they all, well almost all, quickly became friends that I miss each and every time I finish the book. I really clicked with Ben and Harriet immediately who were a perfect choice for this cosy mystery. I have loved watching all of the friendships and relationships develop and I'm looking forward to watching them continuing to do so. I am looking forward to meeting them all again in the next book in this fantastic series and seeing how all the friendship and relationships with the characters develop!!! An amazing group of string and realistic characters that jump out of the pages and I look forward to meeting time and time again. A fantastic group of unique and strong personalities!!
Congratulations Louise on an yet another absolutely addictive book in this absolutely page turning series!!! Here's to a fantastic and many more successes 🥂
Overall an addictive cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!!
#MurderAtRavensEdge #AnEnglishVillageMystery #LouiseMarley #StormPublishing #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources
@LouiseMarley @StormPublishing @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources
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December 24, 2024
What a delight to discover this series!
From the first page, I fell in love with Raven’s Edge and its fabulous residents. The houses are all ancient, there’s that kind of eerie yet friendly atmosphere. After finishing the book, I dare say I love the series as much as I love Cormoran Strike’s adventures by Robert Galbraith, and that’s saying something!
The Blurb
Beneath the ruins of a Victorian greenhouse, a skeleton is unearthed – and with it, years of buried secrets in Raven’s Edge…
When decades-old human bones are discovered beneath the old glasshouse behind Foxglove & Hemlock, the local florist, DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor find themselves digging into Raven’s Edge’s murky past. As a frosty wind whips down the cobblestoned lanes of the village, the two detectives feel an ominous chill that has nothing to do with the weather…
The discovery coincides with the arrival of enigmatic novelist Iris Evergreen at Raven’s Hollow, a gothic monstrosity of a mansion that’s been sitting empty for years. Harriet is shocked to uncover a web of hidden secrets connecting the skeleton, Raven’s Hollow and, most alarmingly, her own family history.
Just as Harriet begins to piece together the puzzle, a heavy snowfall blankets the village. And there, half-buried in a snowdrift outside Raven’s Hollow, lies another body – this one still warm. As sirens wail in the distance, Harriet realises with a shiver that this killer is anything but history. The past and present have collided in Raven’s Edge, will DS Harriet March be the one to pay the price?
Relatable characters
I wanted to get on a plane and travel to Raven’s Edge – maybe not Raven’s Hollow – as soon as I started reading this book. I wanted to meet the barista of The Crooked Cookies, or whatever crunchy name the cafe has. All shops and restaurants in Raven’s Edge have a halloweenesk feel — something I can appreciate.
The characters draw you in. Harriet, of course, but Ben too, and Milla. Even Harriet’s bizarre mother, if only to tell her to please be a bit nicer to her special daughter. I think the somewhat wrought relationships in the book make it so relatable, and maybe that’s what made me think of the Strike series when I read it because Robin, but certainly Cormoran regularly has to deal with tiring family and personal relationships. Robert Galbraith’s books are a lot scarier, though. Murder at Raven’s Hollow belongs in the cozy mystery corner. It never got to the point that I felt the need to check if the front door was locked. Although I love, love, love the Cormoran Strike series, my nerves do get battered as you can read in my review of The Running Grave.
Number three
Maybe I fell in love with this series even before the first page. The cover is so cool. It oozes mystery and intrigues behind closed doors. As the third in a series, it can definitely be read on its own. Although if you are anything like me, you will swiftly move onto the first and second book. I must say that I thought the first book Murder at Raven’s Edge was far scarier. I listened to the audioversion and was actually glad to already know some of my favourite people made it to book three.
For me, this book is five out of five stars
Thank you, Storm Publishing, for providing Murder at Raven’s Hollow for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
From the first page, I fell in love with Raven’s Edge and its fabulous residents. The houses are all ancient, there’s that kind of eerie yet friendly atmosphere. After finishing the book, I dare say I love the series as much as I love Cormoran Strike’s adventures by Robert Galbraith, and that’s saying something!
The Blurb
Beneath the ruins of a Victorian greenhouse, a skeleton is unearthed – and with it, years of buried secrets in Raven’s Edge…
When decades-old human bones are discovered beneath the old glasshouse behind Foxglove & Hemlock, the local florist, DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor find themselves digging into Raven’s Edge’s murky past. As a frosty wind whips down the cobblestoned lanes of the village, the two detectives feel an ominous chill that has nothing to do with the weather…
The discovery coincides with the arrival of enigmatic novelist Iris Evergreen at Raven’s Hollow, a gothic monstrosity of a mansion that’s been sitting empty for years. Harriet is shocked to uncover a web of hidden secrets connecting the skeleton, Raven’s Hollow and, most alarmingly, her own family history.
Just as Harriet begins to piece together the puzzle, a heavy snowfall blankets the village. And there, half-buried in a snowdrift outside Raven’s Hollow, lies another body – this one still warm. As sirens wail in the distance, Harriet realises with a shiver that this killer is anything but history. The past and present have collided in Raven’s Edge, will DS Harriet March be the one to pay the price?
Relatable characters
I wanted to get on a plane and travel to Raven’s Edge – maybe not Raven’s Hollow – as soon as I started reading this book. I wanted to meet the barista of The Crooked Cookies, or whatever crunchy name the cafe has. All shops and restaurants in Raven’s Edge have a halloweenesk feel — something I can appreciate.
The characters draw you in. Harriet, of course, but Ben too, and Milla. Even Harriet’s bizarre mother, if only to tell her to please be a bit nicer to her special daughter. I think the somewhat wrought relationships in the book make it so relatable, and maybe that’s what made me think of the Strike series when I read it because Robin, but certainly Cormoran regularly has to deal with tiring family and personal relationships. Robert Galbraith’s books are a lot scarier, though. Murder at Raven’s Hollow belongs in the cozy mystery corner. It never got to the point that I felt the need to check if the front door was locked. Although I love, love, love the Cormoran Strike series, my nerves do get battered as you can read in my review of The Running Grave.
Number three
Maybe I fell in love with this series even before the first page. The cover is so cool. It oozes mystery and intrigues behind closed doors. As the third in a series, it can definitely be read on its own. Although if you are anything like me, you will swiftly move onto the first and second book. I must say that I thought the first book Murder at Raven’s Edge was far scarier. I listened to the audioversion and was actually glad to already know some of my favourite people made it to book three.
For me, this book is five out of five stars
Thank you, Storm Publishing, for providing Murder at Raven’s Hollow for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 9, 2025
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Murder At Raven's Hollow' by Louise Marley.
This is the third book I have read by this author. It is also the third book in Louise's 'An English Village Mystery' series but can be read as a standalone. I have also read 'Murder At Raven's Edge' and 'Murder At Ravenswood House' which are the first two books in the series and I would also highly recommend them both. .
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that leave you hearing the chickens clucking, Jake barking and it most definitely leaves you wanting to visit!!! The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.
Yet another fantastic success Louise Marley!! Such an easy, fun and addictive cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!!
This book is yet another brilliant addition to Louise's absolutely addictive 'An English Village Mystery'!! i absolutely fell in love with this series after reading the first book which is called 'Murder At Raven's Edge'. Each of the books in this series can be read as a standalone and although I would not typically recommend reading books out of order there is a silver lining of doing so!! If you end up reading a later book in a series prior to the previous ones when you have finished it means you can go back and catch up on the previous books while waiting for the next book to come out! Louise has ticked every single box in this series from absolutely stunning locations to an isolated house, gorgeous cats to authors and book lovers, murder to romance, there is nothing more you could ask for when it comes to brilliant cosy mysteries! In this absolute page turner Louise transports us to the beautiful village of Raven's Edge where we meet DS Harriet March. Harriet lives in the apartment above the local florist Foxglove And Hemlock. She is enjoying a rare day off when she bumps into the owners of the florist Amelia Locke and Gabriel Fox where they are sorting their disaster of a garden out. Amelia is in what is left of the glasshouse when she comes across some bones. Amelia thinks they are dog bones and is carefully digging them up until Harriet realises they are actually human remains! Harriet calls her boss DI Ben Taylor and a murder investigation is opened. We also meet Iris Evergreen who is a famous author who has just moved into the isolated Raven's Hollow where she is trying to hide away from something from her past. However, Iris is also trying to find out more about her family and goes around Raven's Hollow asking if anyone recognises her father from a photo she was given. If that is not enough to sink your teeth into Louise also gives us chapters from 25 years previously with an unknown protagonist. Can Harriet and Ben discover the identity of their victim let alone get them justice? When a second body turns up are the cases linked? Will Iris find out more about her past or will her past come back to haunt her? To find out the answers to these and so much more grab your copy today and I can promise you will not regret it!! You may even discover a new favourite book, series and/or author!! With a storyline ram packed with mystery, family, flowers, murder, romance, crime, books, stunning surroundings, coffee, twists and turns, a gorgeous cat called Binx, amazing and unforgettable characters and more what on Earth are you waiting for?? This book, and series, is truly addictive, intriguing and will leave you wanting more!! Louise is an incredible author whose incredible vivid and emotive writing skills and descriptions really brings Raven's Edge, the characters and drama to life in front of your eyes. She weaves the multiple protagonists and timelines together absolutely perfectly drip feeding the reader the information she wants without giving too much away! I absolutely loved reading this book and the previous books which take place in such a beautiful and unique village. It genuinely felt like I had disappeared on holiday for the day. It was a shame it was only a day but that's how long it took me to zoom through the pages after not being able to put it down. I genuinely felt like I was in the storyline and I was devastated to come to the end and have to "unpack my suitcase". This series is one of the best ones I have ever read and I love getting stuck into the mysteries with Harriet and Ben each and every time .The storyline is multi-layered with mystery upon mystery to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. The fact that it was filled with books, book talk, mystery, an author and a cute cat was right down my street being a huge book and animal lover myself. It is one of those immense books that each and every time I told myself just one more chapter I just had to read yet one more to know what was going to happen next, and then another until before I know it I had devoured the whole book in just a few hours.
Although this is the third book in the series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without the first book. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
Grab your copy and join Harriet and Ben on their murder mystery, investigations, coffee drinking, banter and more where there's a mix of romance, secrets, drama, amazing characters, murder, mayhem and so much more mixed in!! You genuinely couldn't ask for anything else in a fantastic cosy crime!!! This is yet another fantastic addition to this addictive series! ! I was not expecting the killer twist so a huge congratulations there!!! I have read so many books it seems to be getting harder and harder to shock me but you definitely managed it after leading me down the garden path several times!! This is an absolutely fantastic, page turning and fun cosy crime series that can be read in any order. I would love to see them all turned into movies and I cannot wait to get into Louise's next fantastic success!!!
Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
I absolutely LOVED meeting Ben and Harriet again along with several of the villagers and new characters such as Iris and everyone else who makes this cosy mystery series perfect the way it was again. I became completely invested in each of the characters and Louise portrays village life and characters into the first book in this series 'Murder At Raven's Edge' and they all, well almost all, quickly became friends that I miss each and every time I finish the book. I really clicked with Ben and Harriet immediately who were a perfect choice for this cosy mystery. I have loved watching all of the friendships and relationships develop and I'm looking forward to watching them continuing to do so. I am looking forward to meeting them all again in the next book in this fantastic series and seeing how all the friendship and relationships with the characters develop!!! An amazing group of string and realistic characters that jump out of the pages and I look forward to meeting time and time again. A fantastic group of unique and strong personalities!!
Congratulations Louise on an yet another absolutely addictive book in this absolutely page turning series!!! Here's to a fantastic and many more successes 🥂
Overall an addictive cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!!
#MurderAtRavensEdge #AnEnglishVillageMystery #LouiseMarley #StormPublishing #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources
@LouiseMarley @StormPublishing @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources
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Review for 'Murder At Raven's Hollow' by Louise Marley.
This is the third book I have read by this author. It is also the third book in Louise's 'An English Village Mystery' series but can be read as a standalone. I have also read 'Murder At Raven's Edge' and 'Murder At Ravenswood House' which are the first two books in the series and I would also highly recommend them both. .
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that leave you hearing the chickens clucking, Jake barking and it most definitely leaves you wanting to visit!!! The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.
Yet another fantastic success Louise Marley!! Such an easy, fun and addictive cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!!
This book is yet another brilliant addition to Louise's absolutely addictive 'An English Village Mystery'!! i absolutely fell in love with this series after reading the first book which is called 'Murder At Raven's Edge'. Each of the books in this series can be read as a standalone and although I would not typically recommend reading books out of order there is a silver lining of doing so!! If you end up reading a later book in a series prior to the previous ones when you have finished it means you can go back and catch up on the previous books while waiting for the next book to come out! Louise has ticked every single box in this series from absolutely stunning locations to an isolated house, gorgeous cats to authors and book lovers, murder to romance, there is nothing more you could ask for when it comes to brilliant cosy mysteries! In this absolute page turner Louise transports us to the beautiful village of Raven's Edge where we meet DS Harriet March. Harriet lives in the apartment above the local florist Foxglove And Hemlock. She is enjoying a rare day off when she bumps into the owners of the florist Amelia Locke and Gabriel Fox where they are sorting their disaster of a garden out. Amelia is in what is left of the glasshouse when she comes across some bones. Amelia thinks they are dog bones and is carefully digging them up until Harriet realises they are actually human remains! Harriet calls her boss DI Ben Taylor and a murder investigation is opened. We also meet Iris Evergreen who is a famous author who has just moved into the isolated Raven's Hollow where she is trying to hide away from something from her past. However, Iris is also trying to find out more about her family and goes around Raven's Hollow asking if anyone recognises her father from a photo she was given. If that is not enough to sink your teeth into Louise also gives us chapters from 25 years previously with an unknown protagonist. Can Harriet and Ben discover the identity of their victim let alone get them justice? When a second body turns up are the cases linked? Will Iris find out more about her past or will her past come back to haunt her? To find out the answers to these and so much more grab your copy today and I can promise you will not regret it!! You may even discover a new favourite book, series and/or author!! With a storyline ram packed with mystery, family, flowers, murder, romance, crime, books, stunning surroundings, coffee, twists and turns, a gorgeous cat called Binx, amazing and unforgettable characters and more what on Earth are you waiting for?? This book, and series, is truly addictive, intriguing and will leave you wanting more!! Louise is an incredible author whose incredible vivid and emotive writing skills and descriptions really brings Raven's Edge, the characters and drama to life in front of your eyes. She weaves the multiple protagonists and timelines together absolutely perfectly drip feeding the reader the information she wants without giving too much away! I absolutely loved reading this book and the previous books which take place in such a beautiful and unique village. It genuinely felt like I had disappeared on holiday for the day. It was a shame it was only a day but that's how long it took me to zoom through the pages after not being able to put it down. I genuinely felt like I was in the storyline and I was devastated to come to the end and have to "unpack my suitcase". This series is one of the best ones I have ever read and I love getting stuck into the mysteries with Harriet and Ben each and every time .The storyline is multi-layered with mystery upon mystery to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. The fact that it was filled with books, book talk, mystery, an author and a cute cat was right down my street being a huge book and animal lover myself. It is one of those immense books that each and every time I told myself just one more chapter I just had to read yet one more to know what was going to happen next, and then another until before I know it I had devoured the whole book in just a few hours.
Although this is the third book in the series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without the first book. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
Grab your copy and join Harriet and Ben on their murder mystery, investigations, coffee drinking, banter and more where there's a mix of romance, secrets, drama, amazing characters, murder, mayhem and so much more mixed in!! You genuinely couldn't ask for anything else in a fantastic cosy crime!!! This is yet another fantastic addition to this addictive series! ! I was not expecting the killer twist so a huge congratulations there!!! I have read so many books it seems to be getting harder and harder to shock me but you definitely managed it after leading me down the garden path several times!! This is an absolutely fantastic, page turning and fun cosy crime series that can be read in any order. I would love to see them all turned into movies and I cannot wait to get into Louise's next fantastic success!!!
Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
I absolutely LOVED meeting Ben and Harriet again along with several of the villagers and new characters such as Iris and everyone else who makes this cosy mystery series perfect the way it was again. I became completely invested in each of the characters and Louise portrays village life and characters into the first book in this series 'Murder At Raven's Edge' and they all, well almost all, quickly became friends that I miss each and every time I finish the book. I really clicked with Ben and Harriet immediately who were a perfect choice for this cosy mystery. I have loved watching all of the friendships and relationships develop and I'm looking forward to watching them continuing to do so. I am looking forward to meeting them all again in the next book in this fantastic series and seeing how all the friendship and relationships with the characters develop!!! An amazing group of string and realistic characters that jump out of the pages and I look forward to meeting time and time again. A fantastic group of unique and strong personalities!!
Congratulations Louise on an yet another absolutely addictive book in this absolutely page turning series!!! Here's to a fantastic and many more successes 🥂
Overall an addictive cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!!
#MurderAtRavensEdge #AnEnglishVillageMystery #LouiseMarley #StormPublishing #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources
@LouiseMarley @StormPublishing @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources
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January 12, 2025
ELEVATOR PITCH MODE: It was an enjoyable read and I was glad to catch up with the characters and get to know more about Harriet. There's all the elements of a very enjoyable classic whodunit: the gothic ruined building, an old a new murder, a mysterious writer, the snowfall that keeps all the characters in the same locations.
Enjoyed it. Recommended. Many thanks to Storm Publishing and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy
CAT MODE:
Harry: Meee-ow! Andry, have you finished reading "Murder at Raven's Hollow" by Louise Marley?
Andry: Oh yes, Harry! I curled up by the window with it for hours. What a tale! The suspense was just...purrfect.
Harry: Right? The way DS Harriet March unraveled the mystery had me on the edge of my favorite cushion. Every twist and turn...I couldn't predict anything!
Andry: Absolutely. And the atmosphere Marley created in that eerie manor house. It made me almost want to hide under the bed with every creak and shadow.
Harry: And those characters! Each one with their own secrets. I kept trying to guess who the culprit was. Did you figure it out before the final revelation?
Andry: Honestly, not a chance. I was fooled by all those red herrings. And that final revelation – it had my fur standing on end!
Harry: The tension! I could almost hear the heartbeats echoing in that silent room. Louise Marley really knows how to keep us hooked. I even forgot to nap!
Andry: Same here! By the way, did you notice the subtle clues Marley sprinkled throughout the story? She’s a master at laying them out just right for keen-eyed readers – or should I say, keen-whiskered?
Harry: Indeed. Her attention to detail is impressive. It’s like a game of cat and mouse with the reader.
Andry: Speaking of which, I’d much prefer an actual mouse right now. All this talk of mysteries has made me hungry.
Harry: A good mouse would hit the spot. Well, it's definitely one for the top shelf of our little library. So, what shall we sink our claws into next?
Andry: Mmmm...how about pouncing on another from our favorite cat sleuth series? Perhaps another "The Cat Who" book, or maybe starting again with the earlier English Village Mystery series - after all, it's best to read them before diving into this one!
Harry: Paw-sitively brilliant choice, Andry! Let's dive in.
Enjoyed it. Recommended. Many thanks to Storm Publishing and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy
CAT MODE:
Harry: Meee-ow! Andry, have you finished reading "Murder at Raven's Hollow" by Louise Marley?
Andry: Oh yes, Harry! I curled up by the window with it for hours. What a tale! The suspense was just...purrfect.
Harry: Right? The way DS Harriet March unraveled the mystery had me on the edge of my favorite cushion. Every twist and turn...I couldn't predict anything!
Andry: Absolutely. And the atmosphere Marley created in that eerie manor house. It made me almost want to hide under the bed with every creak and shadow.
Harry: And those characters! Each one with their own secrets. I kept trying to guess who the culprit was. Did you figure it out before the final revelation?
Andry: Honestly, not a chance. I was fooled by all those red herrings. And that final revelation – it had my fur standing on end!
Harry: The tension! I could almost hear the heartbeats echoing in that silent room. Louise Marley really knows how to keep us hooked. I even forgot to nap!
Andry: Same here! By the way, did you notice the subtle clues Marley sprinkled throughout the story? She’s a master at laying them out just right for keen-eyed readers – or should I say, keen-whiskered?
Harry: Indeed. Her attention to detail is impressive. It’s like a game of cat and mouse with the reader.
Andry: Speaking of which, I’d much prefer an actual mouse right now. All this talk of mysteries has made me hungry.
Harry: A good mouse would hit the spot. Well, it's definitely one for the top shelf of our little library. So, what shall we sink our claws into next?
Andry: Mmmm...how about pouncing on another from our favorite cat sleuth series? Perhaps another "The Cat Who" book, or maybe starting again with the earlier English Village Mystery series - after all, it's best to read them before diving into this one!
Harry: Paw-sitively brilliant choice, Andry! Let's dive in.
December 31, 2024
bookscoffeebrews Book Review: Murder at Ravens
Hollow (An English Village Mystery #3)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Louise Marley @louisemarleywrites
Publisher: Storm Publishing @stormbooks_co
Thank you @netgalley for ARC
What a cozy English mystery and it was such a delight
to find a new series to read. Underneath a Victorian
Greenhouse in the village of Ravens Edge a bunch of
human bones are found. At the same time, novelist Iris
Evergreen moves to Raven’s Hollow a gothic mansion
that has been empty for years. Detectives Harriet and
Ben delve into the mystery. It seems as they
investigate, Harriet is finding out that some of these
secrets that may be connected to the bones might be
connected to her too. A winter storm comes in and
drops a bunch of snow in the village. Another body is
found just outside of Ravens Hollow. The two
detectives start to wonder if the killer is connected to
the bones that were recently found under the
greenhouse. It seems that Iris Evergreen is in Raven’s
Edge to look into her family roots and her father. She
starts to wonder if he could be the one buried under
the greenhouse. As characters past and present and
many town secrets come together, will they all be
connected. In the end it will be interesting to see who
will survive and who will the murderer may be? Not
everybody in this village is who you think they are.
The ending was a bit surprising, but it does link all the
characters together. I just feel the ending wasn’t quite
as complete as I thought it should be. But in all
honesty, this is a series and it may be that the next
book will complete the ending of this book I did enjoy
this book and I love a book that has cats in it. This was
a great find and such a surprise to find a new cozy
mystery for me to read.
#CozyMystery #EnglishMystery #CozyReads
#MysteryBooks #Whodunit #CozyBookClub
#BritishMystery #DetectiveSeries #MurderMystery
#CozyBookworm
#bookstagram #instabook #bookphotography
#bookporn #igbooks #ilovereading #bookhoarder
#bookaddiction #bookstoread #whattoread
#fortheloveofbooks #bookblogging #bookpics
#weekendreads #bookrecs #bookpictures
#bookstagram #amreading #booksbooksbooks
#instablog
Hollow (An English Village Mystery #3)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Louise Marley @louisemarleywrites
Publisher: Storm Publishing @stormbooks_co
Thank you @netgalley for ARC
What a cozy English mystery and it was such a delight
to find a new series to read. Underneath a Victorian
Greenhouse in the village of Ravens Edge a bunch of
human bones are found. At the same time, novelist Iris
Evergreen moves to Raven’s Hollow a gothic mansion
that has been empty for years. Detectives Harriet and
Ben delve into the mystery. It seems as they
investigate, Harriet is finding out that some of these
secrets that may be connected to the bones might be
connected to her too. A winter storm comes in and
drops a bunch of snow in the village. Another body is
found just outside of Ravens Hollow. The two
detectives start to wonder if the killer is connected to
the bones that were recently found under the
greenhouse. It seems that Iris Evergreen is in Raven’s
Edge to look into her family roots and her father. She
starts to wonder if he could be the one buried under
the greenhouse. As characters past and present and
many town secrets come together, will they all be
connected. In the end it will be interesting to see who
will survive and who will the murderer may be? Not
everybody in this village is who you think they are.
The ending was a bit surprising, but it does link all the
characters together. I just feel the ending wasn’t quite
as complete as I thought it should be. But in all
honesty, this is a series and it may be that the next
book will complete the ending of this book I did enjoy
this book and I love a book that has cats in it. This was
a great find and such a surprise to find a new cozy
mystery for me to read.
#CozyMystery #EnglishMystery #CozyReads
#MysteryBooks #Whodunit #CozyBookClub
#BritishMystery #DetectiveSeries #MurderMystery
#CozyBookworm
#bookstagram #instabook #bookphotography
#bookporn #igbooks #ilovereading #bookhoarder
#bookaddiction #bookstoread #whattoread
#fortheloveofbooks #bookblogging #bookpics
#weekendreads #bookrecs #bookpictures
#bookstagram #amreading #booksbooksbooks
#instablog
January 2, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Murder at Raven's Hollow is the third English village cozy mystery in a series by Louise Marley. Due out 3rd Jan 2025 from Storm Publishing, it's 356 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free (at publication). The first books in the series are also currently available on KU.
It's told in a dual timeline scattershot format with glimpses of the past interspersed as they play into the current day (human remains discovered in the course of an abandoned greenhouse renovation). It's a hybrid village cozy and credible procedural with a likeable and competent lead investigative duo. The author does a great job with the setting, and there's a sort of creepy, gothic vibe to the village which is less than jump-scare territory and more vague uneasy dread.
The prologue scene is moderately terrifying and it takes a long while for the story to circle back around to resolution. There are twists and surprising interconnections aplenty and amateur armchair sleuths will likely not guess all the wrinkles before the end. The denouement and resolution are not 100% finished in this volume and strongly foreshadow at least one more book to come.
It's the third book in the series with developing characters, but it works well enough as a standalone, with the codicil that there will be slight spoilers from the earlier books if read out of order.
Four stars. Very well written and engaging story, well told. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, cozy(ish) procedural fans, or a nice binge/buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Murder at Raven's Hollow is the third English village cozy mystery in a series by Louise Marley. Due out 3rd Jan 2025 from Storm Publishing, it's 356 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free (at publication). The first books in the series are also currently available on KU.
It's told in a dual timeline scattershot format with glimpses of the past interspersed as they play into the current day (human remains discovered in the course of an abandoned greenhouse renovation). It's a hybrid village cozy and credible procedural with a likeable and competent lead investigative duo. The author does a great job with the setting, and there's a sort of creepy, gothic vibe to the village which is less than jump-scare territory and more vague uneasy dread.
The prologue scene is moderately terrifying and it takes a long while for the story to circle back around to resolution. There are twists and surprising interconnections aplenty and amateur armchair sleuths will likely not guess all the wrinkles before the end. The denouement and resolution are not 100% finished in this volume and strongly foreshadow at least one more book to come.
It's the third book in the series with developing characters, but it works well enough as a standalone, with the codicil that there will be slight spoilers from the earlier books if read out of order.
Four stars. Very well written and engaging story, well told. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, cozy(ish) procedural fans, or a nice binge/buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
December 13, 2024
This books starts off with a scene that leaves you wanting more but sadly that is the flashback the story will need to circle back to. However, the writing in that scene was nearly alive and you could almost feel the panic as the car plummeted toward the water.
The scene quickly changes to Harriet enjoying a rare day off with no dead bodies or so she thinks. The scene reminded me of Castle when he and Beckett went on vacation and a body dropped. Like Castle and Beckett, our heroine Harriet is in her depth when she is investigating a murder. This was a little different because it appeared to be a cold case but the story would loose something if the case stayed cold. More bodies and more flashbacks ensue to tie past to present in a cozy mystery that spans time.
Harriet is a pretty good character but hit a rough patch in this book because some of the revelations she uncovers lead to her own history. Fortunately, she has friends, odd neighbors and a special guy there to help her along.
Admittedly this was my first book in the series and while it did feel like the book could be read alone, I feel like I need more backstory on the characters. I also had to re-read a few times to understand the meaning of some English words like skip in connection with something large being delivered. My biggest problem, however, is the book is a touch long and seems to lag a bit in the middle which is tough if the last book you finished was awesome. That made me think twice about my review star count. I would have put the story at about 3.25 stars but am bumping it up to 3.5 (so 4) because I think my initial reaction was harsh and based a comparing to the previous book. Other reviewers also seem to say a lot of positive things about this book so maybe for me I need to go back to book 1 and start properly.
It is a pretty good story with a quaint town for the perfect backdrop and the author invited through her words to enjoy that town.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
The scene quickly changes to Harriet enjoying a rare day off with no dead bodies or so she thinks. The scene reminded me of Castle when he and Beckett went on vacation and a body dropped. Like Castle and Beckett, our heroine Harriet is in her depth when she is investigating a murder. This was a little different because it appeared to be a cold case but the story would loose something if the case stayed cold. More bodies and more flashbacks ensue to tie past to present in a cozy mystery that spans time.
Harriet is a pretty good character but hit a rough patch in this book because some of the revelations she uncovers lead to her own history. Fortunately, she has friends, odd neighbors and a special guy there to help her along.
Admittedly this was my first book in the series and while it did feel like the book could be read alone, I feel like I need more backstory on the characters. I also had to re-read a few times to understand the meaning of some English words like skip in connection with something large being delivered. My biggest problem, however, is the book is a touch long and seems to lag a bit in the middle which is tough if the last book you finished was awesome. That made me think twice about my review star count. I would have put the story at about 3.25 stars but am bumping it up to 3.5 (so 4) because I think my initial reaction was harsh and based a comparing to the previous book. Other reviewers also seem to say a lot of positive things about this book so maybe for me I need to go back to book 1 and start properly.
It is a pretty good story with a quaint town for the perfect backdrop and the author invited through her words to enjoy that town.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
December 6, 2024
British Cozy-ish Mystery that finds two police officers investigating the discovery of old human bones and a new murder and how they connect to the arrival of an enigmatic novelist.
4/5 stars: This is the third entry in Marley's English Village Mystery series which is a British Cozy-ish Mystery that features a two detectives as they investigate the discovery decades-old human bones leading them to a cold-case. Then when a body's found in a snowdrift, they realize that the killer's anything but history. As the past and present collides, the two officers must work fast to uncover how these crimes connect to the arrival of an enigmatic novelist, who's looking into her family history, before someone else winds up dead. With plenty of twists and turns, Marley has crafted a mystery that balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Marley manages to mix the new murder investigation with a cold case effortlessly. Told in multiple POVs and utilizing flashbacks, Marley's writing and character work is great; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. The main POVs are Harriet and Ben, both with the police, with additional POVs added in the present, the enigmatic novelist Iris, and in a character in flashback to fill out the plot. I really like learning more about Ben and Harriet and getting to know Iris. Marley touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Murder at Raven's Edge.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
4/5 stars: This is the third entry in Marley's English Village Mystery series which is a British Cozy-ish Mystery that features a two detectives as they investigate the discovery decades-old human bones leading them to a cold-case. Then when a body's found in a snowdrift, they realize that the killer's anything but history. As the past and present collides, the two officers must work fast to uncover how these crimes connect to the arrival of an enigmatic novelist, who's looking into her family history, before someone else winds up dead. With plenty of twists and turns, Marley has crafted a mystery that balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Marley manages to mix the new murder investigation with a cold case effortlessly. Told in multiple POVs and utilizing flashbacks, Marley's writing and character work is great; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. The main POVs are Harriet and Ben, both with the police, with additional POVs added in the present, the enigmatic novelist Iris, and in a character in flashback to fill out the plot. I really like learning more about Ben and Harriet and getting to know Iris. Marley touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Murder at Raven's Edge.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
March 17, 2025
Book Review: Murder at Raven's Hollow by Louise Marley
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hey everyone! I just finished Murder at Raven's Hollow by Louise Marley, and I have to say, it was such a delightful read! I dove into this cozy mystery expecting a chill evening, and boy, did it deliver on all fronts.
So, the story kicks off with a bang—or should I say a bone? Underneath an old Victorian greenhouse, a skeleton is discovered, sending local detectives DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor on a wild journey through Raven's Edge's shadowy past. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, the plot thickens with the arrival of a mysterious novelist named Iris Evergreen. She's taken up residence in the eerie Raven's Hollow mansion, which has been sitting empty for ages. Harriet soon finds herself unearthing family secrets that are as tangled as the weeds in the greenhouse.
As if things weren't already suspenseful enough, a snowstorm rolls in, and another body turns up—this one still warm! Talk about keeping you on your toes! The way this author weaves together past and present is brilliant; it had me second-guessing everything until the very last page.
What I loved most about this book is how well it stands on its own. Even though it's part of a series, I had no trouble getting into the story or connecting with the characters. Harriet and Ben are super likable, and their dynamic adds an extra layer of charm to the narrative. The pacing was spot-on, and the writing was so engaging that I found myself lost in this quaint village filled with intrigue.
Overall, Murder at Raven's Hollow is a gem for fans of cozy mysteries. If you're into stories that blend suspense with charm and a dash of romance, definitely give this one a read! I can't wait to see what Louise Marley comes up with next!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hey everyone! I just finished Murder at Raven's Hollow by Louise Marley, and I have to say, it was such a delightful read! I dove into this cozy mystery expecting a chill evening, and boy, did it deliver on all fronts.
So, the story kicks off with a bang—or should I say a bone? Underneath an old Victorian greenhouse, a skeleton is discovered, sending local detectives DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor on a wild journey through Raven's Edge's shadowy past. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, the plot thickens with the arrival of a mysterious novelist named Iris Evergreen. She's taken up residence in the eerie Raven's Hollow mansion, which has been sitting empty for ages. Harriet soon finds herself unearthing family secrets that are as tangled as the weeds in the greenhouse.
As if things weren't already suspenseful enough, a snowstorm rolls in, and another body turns up—this one still warm! Talk about keeping you on your toes! The way this author weaves together past and present is brilliant; it had me second-guessing everything until the very last page.
What I loved most about this book is how well it stands on its own. Even though it's part of a series, I had no trouble getting into the story or connecting with the characters. Harriet and Ben are super likable, and their dynamic adds an extra layer of charm to the narrative. The pacing was spot-on, and the writing was so engaging that I found myself lost in this quaint village filled with intrigue.
Overall, Murder at Raven's Hollow is a gem for fans of cozy mysteries. If you're into stories that blend suspense with charm and a dash of romance, definitely give this one a read! I can't wait to see what Louise Marley comes up with next!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
December 19, 2024
Murder At Raven’s Hollow by Louise Marley is a contemporary cosy crime novel that I enjoyed. It is the third book in An English Village Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The village is a close-knit community with an eclectic mix of characters. They are realistic and provoke a variety of emotional responses from the reader – many are liked, one I decidedly did not (but this was a guided response by the author).
A normal autumnal day soon takes a mysterious turn as human bones are found under a glass house floor. Whose could they be? And how long have they been there? There appears to be three likely candidates from years ago. The police must work out just who it is.
We see that characters are not wholly black or white but a blend of grey. However, one character definitely has a black heart and has been manipulating others for years and without remorse.
A village community throws up some interesting relationships as characters find themselves sharing DNA which they were unaware of!
A character looked up to her father and followed in his footsteps. A surprising secret from the past is unearthed which leaves her questioning.
We see how our early lives affect us into adulthood. The truth lay dormant as it could not be faced and therefore a more palatable story was told.
Some characters just attract bad luck but the truth needs to be confronted.
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder At Raven’s Hollow. It was an entertaining novel. I did not always follow the links to the action. I think that was because I read a kindle copy. I think a paperback would have made following the action easier as one can flick backwards.
Murder At Raven’s Hollow would translate perfectly into the early evening cosy crime slot on television.
I received aa free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The village is a close-knit community with an eclectic mix of characters. They are realistic and provoke a variety of emotional responses from the reader – many are liked, one I decidedly did not (but this was a guided response by the author).
A normal autumnal day soon takes a mysterious turn as human bones are found under a glass house floor. Whose could they be? And how long have they been there? There appears to be three likely candidates from years ago. The police must work out just who it is.
We see that characters are not wholly black or white but a blend of grey. However, one character definitely has a black heart and has been manipulating others for years and without remorse.
A village community throws up some interesting relationships as characters find themselves sharing DNA which they were unaware of!
A character looked up to her father and followed in his footsteps. A surprising secret from the past is unearthed which leaves her questioning.
We see how our early lives affect us into adulthood. The truth lay dormant as it could not be faced and therefore a more palatable story was told.
Some characters just attract bad luck but the truth needs to be confronted.
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder At Raven’s Hollow. It was an entertaining novel. I did not always follow the links to the action. I think that was because I read a kindle copy. I think a paperback would have made following the action easier as one can flick backwards.
Murder At Raven’s Hollow would translate perfectly into the early evening cosy crime slot on television.
I received aa free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
January 6, 2025
Murder at Raven’s Hollow by Louise Marley
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Beneath the ruins of a Victorian greenhouse, a skeleton is unearthed – and with it, years of buried secrets in Raven's Edge…
When decades-old human bones are discovered beneath the old glasshouse behind Foxglove & Hemlock, the local florist, DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor find themselves digging into Raven's Edge's murky past. As a frosty wind whips down the cobblestoned lanes of the village, the two detectives feel an ominous chill that has nothing to do with the weather…
The discovery coincides with the arrival of enigmatic novelist Iris Evergreen at Raven's Hollow, a gothic monstrosity of a mansion that's been sitting empty for years. Harriet is shocked to uncover a web of hidden secrets connecting the skeleton, Raven's Hollow and, most alarmingly, her own family history.
Just as Harriet begins to piece together the puzzle, a heavy snowfall blankets the village. And there, half-buried in a snowdrift outside Raven's Hollow, lies another body – this one still warm. As sirens wail in the distance, Harriet realises with a shiver that this killer is anything but history. The past and present have collided in Raven's Edge, will DS Harriet March be the one to pay the price?
My Opinion
It was nice to return to the residents of Raven’s Edge. Murder at Raven’s Hollow is the third book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone. Whilst Harriet and Ben are investigating the discovery of human remains, the reader gets to learn more about the history of the village. Louise Marley has utilised a dual timeline to tell the story but it has been done in a way that is easy to follow. With plenty going on, this feels like a quick book to read.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Beneath the ruins of a Victorian greenhouse, a skeleton is unearthed – and with it, years of buried secrets in Raven's Edge…
When decades-old human bones are discovered beneath the old glasshouse behind Foxglove & Hemlock, the local florist, DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor find themselves digging into Raven's Edge's murky past. As a frosty wind whips down the cobblestoned lanes of the village, the two detectives feel an ominous chill that has nothing to do with the weather…
The discovery coincides with the arrival of enigmatic novelist Iris Evergreen at Raven's Hollow, a gothic monstrosity of a mansion that's been sitting empty for years. Harriet is shocked to uncover a web of hidden secrets connecting the skeleton, Raven's Hollow and, most alarmingly, her own family history.
Just as Harriet begins to piece together the puzzle, a heavy snowfall blankets the village. And there, half-buried in a snowdrift outside Raven's Hollow, lies another body – this one still warm. As sirens wail in the distance, Harriet realises with a shiver that this killer is anything but history. The past and present have collided in Raven's Edge, will DS Harriet March be the one to pay the price?
My Opinion
It was nice to return to the residents of Raven’s Edge. Murder at Raven’s Hollow is the third book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone. Whilst Harriet and Ben are investigating the discovery of human remains, the reader gets to learn more about the history of the village. Louise Marley has utilised a dual timeline to tell the story but it has been done in a way that is easy to follow. With plenty going on, this feels like a quick book to read.
Rating 4/5
March 18, 2025
Murder at Raven’s Hollow is the third book in author Louise Marley’s An English Village Mystery series. Despite not having read earlier books in the series, I had no issue following the characters here.
There’s an old greenhouse of sorts in the woods behind where D.S. Harriet March lives in the town of Raven’s Edge. The owners of the property have set their eyes on restoring this antique glass house to its former glory. Unfortunately, as they are cleaning the area inside the old house, they stumble across a skeleton. At first, they think it’s animal bones, but they turn out to be human.
As D.S. March and D.I. Ben Taylor investigate the decades-old mystery, they look back nearly thirty years into missing persons cases. This dates back to when Harriet’s father was on the force. They find out he investigated the case of a missing police officer and wrote off his disappearance to running away with a lover. As they look into that officer’s background, everything seems to contradict what is in the official report, putting Harriet on the defensive.
At the same time, there’s a new resident in town. Famous novelist Irene Evergreen has ties to the town and has moved into Raven’s Hollow, a mansion that belonged to her ancestors at one time. Her great-grandfather is the stuff of legends in the area, having gone out for a walk one day and seemingly disappeared off the face of the Earth. Soon after moving in, someone breaks into Raven’s Hollow and nearly kills Iris. She manages to defend herself, but in the process, she kills the intruder. Afraid that events in her past will mean the police won’t believe her story, she dumps the body out on the road, hoping he will be written off as the victim of a hit-and-run.
These seemingly unrelated cases actually are, but it means that Harriet is about to learn some uncomfortable truths about her family and childhood.
To read my full review, please go to Murder at Raven’s Hollow by Louise Marley – Mysteries of the Past Resurface
There’s an old greenhouse of sorts in the woods behind where D.S. Harriet March lives in the town of Raven’s Edge. The owners of the property have set their eyes on restoring this antique glass house to its former glory. Unfortunately, as they are cleaning the area inside the old house, they stumble across a skeleton. At first, they think it’s animal bones, but they turn out to be human.
As D.S. March and D.I. Ben Taylor investigate the decades-old mystery, they look back nearly thirty years into missing persons cases. This dates back to when Harriet’s father was on the force. They find out he investigated the case of a missing police officer and wrote off his disappearance to running away with a lover. As they look into that officer’s background, everything seems to contradict what is in the official report, putting Harriet on the defensive.
At the same time, there’s a new resident in town. Famous novelist Irene Evergreen has ties to the town and has moved into Raven’s Hollow, a mansion that belonged to her ancestors at one time. Her great-grandfather is the stuff of legends in the area, having gone out for a walk one day and seemingly disappeared off the face of the Earth. Soon after moving in, someone breaks into Raven’s Hollow and nearly kills Iris. She manages to defend herself, but in the process, she kills the intruder. Afraid that events in her past will mean the police won’t believe her story, she dumps the body out on the road, hoping he will be written off as the victim of a hit-and-run.
These seemingly unrelated cases actually are, but it means that Harriet is about to learn some uncomfortable truths about her family and childhood.
To read my full review, please go to Murder at Raven’s Hollow by Louise Marley – Mysteries of the Past Resurface
December 20, 2024
This is the first book that I have read by Louise Marley and I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Foxglove and Hemlock florist shop is housed in a once grand old house, the grounds are enclosed by forest and in the grounds, hidden, engulfed by creepers, bushes and trees, is an old , windowless glass house that the owners, Amelia Locke and Gabriel Fox, had decided to restore. When human bones were discovered buried in the glass house, it was too close to home for DS Harriette Marsh, she rented an apartment in the massive old house.
Harriett and her boss, DI Ben Taylor, started searching for missing persons in the cold cases in an attempt to find who the skeleton belonged to.
This story is written over two timelines but it flows beautifully, it is a very complex, complicated story that keeps you guessing, it had me gripped from beginning to end, several stories are intertwined including the young woman who had taken up residence at Raven's Hollow, a creepy, old gothic mansion, that woman was author Iris Evergreen, a woman who had secrets.
As the body count escalates, the intrigue in this mysterious old village and it's equally intriguing inhabitants draw you in.
The twists and turns continue, Harriette, her past, her family and her dead, hero father are drawn into the mystery and just when you think that the mystery has been solved, the story takes another flip.
I love how the author has illustrated with words the creepy, mysterious settings, but has managed to keep a cosy feel, likeable characters and interest until the last page, this story has suspense, intrigue and enchantment with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary.
Foxglove and Hemlock florist shop is housed in a once grand old house, the grounds are enclosed by forest and in the grounds, hidden, engulfed by creepers, bushes and trees, is an old , windowless glass house that the owners, Amelia Locke and Gabriel Fox, had decided to restore. When human bones were discovered buried in the glass house, it was too close to home for DS Harriette Marsh, she rented an apartment in the massive old house.
Harriett and her boss, DI Ben Taylor, started searching for missing persons in the cold cases in an attempt to find who the skeleton belonged to.
This story is written over two timelines but it flows beautifully, it is a very complex, complicated story that keeps you guessing, it had me gripped from beginning to end, several stories are intertwined including the young woman who had taken up residence at Raven's Hollow, a creepy, old gothic mansion, that woman was author Iris Evergreen, a woman who had secrets.
As the body count escalates, the intrigue in this mysterious old village and it's equally intriguing inhabitants draw you in.
The twists and turns continue, Harriette, her past, her family and her dead, hero father are drawn into the mystery and just when you think that the mystery has been solved, the story takes another flip.
I love how the author has illustrated with words the creepy, mysterious settings, but has managed to keep a cosy feel, likeable characters and interest until the last page, this story has suspense, intrigue and enchantment with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary.
February 9, 2025
Murder at Raven’s Hollow by Louise Marley is a delicious cosy mystery with Gothic undertones perfect for curling up with.
DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor are no strangers to gruesome surprises in their line of work. But even they find themselves perturbed by the morbid discovery of decades-old bones found behind the local florist’s greenhouse. As they begin to dig deep into the past of Raven’s Edge, they cannot shake off this feeling that something even more chilling is about to come their way. With enigmatic novelist Iris Evergreen coming to the village to take over Gothic monstrosity Raven’s Hollow, things get even spookier for Harriet when she makes a shocking discovery connecting the skeleton and her own family…
With a snowfall blanketing the village making life even more difficult for Harriet and Ben, their investigation is further derailed by another body found in a snowdrift outside Raven’s Hollow. The past and present have collided in the most menacing way possible. Can a killer with a dangerous vendetta be brought to justice? Or will a murderer with a determination to keep the past dead and buried go to desperate lengths to keep old sins hidden from sight?
Louise Marley certainly knows how to write an enjoyable mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seat and with Murder at Raven’s Hollow, she has penned an unpredictable, chilling and exciting tale where the pages just turn themselves. So gripping that it’s an absolute struggle to put it down, Murder at Raven’s Hollow is a fantastic cosy mystery by Louise Marley perfect for Faith Martin and Joy Ellis fans.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor are no strangers to gruesome surprises in their line of work. But even they find themselves perturbed by the morbid discovery of decades-old bones found behind the local florist’s greenhouse. As they begin to dig deep into the past of Raven’s Edge, they cannot shake off this feeling that something even more chilling is about to come their way. With enigmatic novelist Iris Evergreen coming to the village to take over Gothic monstrosity Raven’s Hollow, things get even spookier for Harriet when she makes a shocking discovery connecting the skeleton and her own family…
With a snowfall blanketing the village making life even more difficult for Harriet and Ben, their investigation is further derailed by another body found in a snowdrift outside Raven’s Hollow. The past and present have collided in the most menacing way possible. Can a killer with a dangerous vendetta be brought to justice? Or will a murderer with a determination to keep the past dead and buried go to desperate lengths to keep old sins hidden from sight?
Louise Marley certainly knows how to write an enjoyable mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seat and with Murder at Raven’s Hollow, she has penned an unpredictable, chilling and exciting tale where the pages just turn themselves. So gripping that it’s an absolute struggle to put it down, Murder at Raven’s Hollow is a fantastic cosy mystery by Louise Marley perfect for Faith Martin and Joy Ellis fans.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 31, 2024
In Murder at Raven's Hollow, book three of An English Village Mystery series, Louise Marley spins an atmospheric mystery set in the quaint yet secret-laden village of Raven’s Edge. The story kicks off when human bones, hidden for decades, are discovered beneath a glasshouse at Foxglove & Hemlock, a local flower shop. Detective Sergeant Harriet March and her partner, Detective Inspector Ben Taylor, are soon immersed in a web of buried secrets that stretches back generations. The case takes an eerie turn as they dig deeper into the village’s history, especially when they realize it may link to Harriet’s own family.
The timing of the bone discovery coincides with the arrival of Iris Evergreen, an elusive novelist who takes up residence at Raven's Hollow—a dark, brooding mansion that has held the village’s curiosity for years. As Harriet investigates, her search for answers around the glasshouse bones draws her closer to uncovering chilling connections to the mansion and, even more alarmingly, to her own past. The suspense escalates when a new murder shocks the village, and Harriet must confront the terrifying possibility that the killer still walks among them.
Marley crafts a captivating story filled with suspense and rich characters that readers will love to follow. Harriet’s journey is both professional and personal, adding depth as she faces the ghosts of her own history. Murder at Raven’s Hollow offers a clever plot with twists that keep the reader guessing, alongside a haunting setting that brings the village’s mysteries to life. This book is a treat for anyone who enjoys mysteries where the past and present collide in unexpected and thrilling ways.
The timing of the bone discovery coincides with the arrival of Iris Evergreen, an elusive novelist who takes up residence at Raven's Hollow—a dark, brooding mansion that has held the village’s curiosity for years. As Harriet investigates, her search for answers around the glasshouse bones draws her closer to uncovering chilling connections to the mansion and, even more alarmingly, to her own past. The suspense escalates when a new murder shocks the village, and Harriet must confront the terrifying possibility that the killer still walks among them.
Marley crafts a captivating story filled with suspense and rich characters that readers will love to follow. Harriet’s journey is both professional and personal, adding depth as she faces the ghosts of her own history. Murder at Raven’s Hollow offers a clever plot with twists that keep the reader guessing, alongside a haunting setting that brings the village’s mysteries to life. This book is a treat for anyone who enjoys mysteries where the past and present collide in unexpected and thrilling ways.
November 18, 2024
DS Harriet March quite likes living in the apartment above Foxglove and Hemlock, the florist in Raven's Edge, not that she's there very much. When she does get a day off, work intervenes as her landlady unearths decades-old human bones in the unkempt garden behind the building.
With very little information to go on or clues to point her and partner DI Ben Taylor in the right direction, they start hunting through missing persons files and eventually come up with names to investigate. As they dig a little deeper, Harriet finds links to her own past, which are compounded when a second body is discovered at the end of her mother’s driveway! As Christmas moves ever closer, can Ben and Harriet join all the clues together before time runs out, or will everything shut down for the holidays, while one villager pays the ultimate price?
This was my first visit to Raven's Edge, and, for the most part, I loved it. Harriet and Ben were great main protagonists and Harriet's mum. Wow, she totally rocked every scene she was in! One part near the end did get a bit silly and over the top but redeemed itself just in time, so it didn't ruin anything. There is far more to this storyline than just the murder investigation, with Harriet's life outside of work, and the everyday life of Raven's Edge described in such a way that it was easy to picture.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm, but the opinions expressed are my own. I'm delighted there will be more to come in this series, and I will definitely be on the lookout for book 4 later in the year.
With very little information to go on or clues to point her and partner DI Ben Taylor in the right direction, they start hunting through missing persons files and eventually come up with names to investigate. As they dig a little deeper, Harriet finds links to her own past, which are compounded when a second body is discovered at the end of her mother’s driveway! As Christmas moves ever closer, can Ben and Harriet join all the clues together before time runs out, or will everything shut down for the holidays, while one villager pays the ultimate price?
This was my first visit to Raven's Edge, and, for the most part, I loved it. Harriet and Ben were great main protagonists and Harriet's mum. Wow, she totally rocked every scene she was in! One part near the end did get a bit silly and over the top but redeemed itself just in time, so it didn't ruin anything. There is far more to this storyline than just the murder investigation, with Harriet's life outside of work, and the everyday life of Raven's Edge described in such a way that it was easy to picture.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm, but the opinions expressed are my own. I'm delighted there will be more to come in this series, and I will definitely be on the lookout for book 4 later in the year.
January 9, 2025
This story does stand-alone in many ways, but it brings back previous main characters DI Ben Taylor, Milla and DS Harriet March, along with the rich and powerful Graham family’s influence, which all made the backstory richer for me being in the know. Plus they are just really good mystery stories and therefore well worth reading on their own merit.
We get more focus on Harriet in this story, along with a brand new resident to the village – author Iris Evergreen. There are plenty of dark secrets still to uncover and the village mythology continues to be a little bit creepy, a little bit fairy-story-ish and overall delightfully ominous. I loved the sweet touches of romance in the sub-plot and the multiple mystery threads of skeletons, missing men, Iris’s traumatic history and Harriet’s struggle to find balance in her personal and professional life as all of the chaos unfolds around her.
The characters in the story (and the previous books) really come alive for me, and form a neat contrast to the more fantastic plot elements, keeping the atmosphere perfectly balance between murder mystery and classic fantasy elements – look out for Snow White and glass coffins this time round!
I feel this series is getting stronger with each book I read, as the characters and mythology develop and deepen, and I am really excited to keep following and find out what comes next and whether my favourite Raven’s Edge residents (Whit, for one) can survive all these murders unscathed.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
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We get more focus on Harriet in this story, along with a brand new resident to the village – author Iris Evergreen. There are plenty of dark secrets still to uncover and the village mythology continues to be a little bit creepy, a little bit fairy-story-ish and overall delightfully ominous. I loved the sweet touches of romance in the sub-plot and the multiple mystery threads of skeletons, missing men, Iris’s traumatic history and Harriet’s struggle to find balance in her personal and professional life as all of the chaos unfolds around her.
The characters in the story (and the previous books) really come alive for me, and form a neat contrast to the more fantastic plot elements, keeping the atmosphere perfectly balance between murder mystery and classic fantasy elements – look out for Snow White and glass coffins this time round!
I feel this series is getting stronger with each book I read, as the characters and mythology develop and deepen, and I am really excited to keep following and find out what comes next and whether my favourite Raven’s Edge residents (Whit, for one) can survive all these murders unscathed.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
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December 10, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Louise Marley for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at Raven's Hollow coming out January 3, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
When decades-old human bones are discovered beneath the old glasshouse behind Foxglove & Hemlock, the local florist, DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor find themselves digging into Raven's Edge's murky past. As a frosty wind whips down the cobblestoned lanes of the village, the two detectives feel an ominous chill that has nothing to do with the weather…
The discovery coincides with the arrival of enigmatic novelist Iris Evergreen at Raven's Hollow, a gothic monstrosity of a mansion that's been sitting empty for years. Harriet is shocked to uncover a web of hidden secrets connecting the skeleton, Raven's Hollow and, most alarmingly, her own family history.
Just as Harriet begins to piece together the puzzle, a heavy snowfall blankets the village. And there, half-buried in a snowdrift outside Raven's Hollow, lies another body – this one still warm. As sirens wail in the distance, Harriet realises with a shiver that this killer is anything but history. The past and present have collided in Raven's Edge, will DS Harriet March be the one to pay the price?
I haven’t read the other books in the series, but I really love British cozy mysteries. I thought Harriet was a really interesting, intelligent character. I really loved the gothic setting. It made the story feel more Victorian, even if it was set in modern times. The mystery was really good. I loved the twists. I would definitely read more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys British cozy mysteries!
When decades-old human bones are discovered beneath the old glasshouse behind Foxglove & Hemlock, the local florist, DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor find themselves digging into Raven's Edge's murky past. As a frosty wind whips down the cobblestoned lanes of the village, the two detectives feel an ominous chill that has nothing to do with the weather…
The discovery coincides with the arrival of enigmatic novelist Iris Evergreen at Raven's Hollow, a gothic monstrosity of a mansion that's been sitting empty for years. Harriet is shocked to uncover a web of hidden secrets connecting the skeleton, Raven's Hollow and, most alarmingly, her own family history.
Just as Harriet begins to piece together the puzzle, a heavy snowfall blankets the village. And there, half-buried in a snowdrift outside Raven's Hollow, lies another body – this one still warm. As sirens wail in the distance, Harriet realises with a shiver that this killer is anything but history. The past and present have collided in Raven's Edge, will DS Harriet March be the one to pay the price?
I haven’t read the other books in the series, but I really love British cozy mysteries. I thought Harriet was a really interesting, intelligent character. I really loved the gothic setting. It made the story feel more Victorian, even if it was set in modern times. The mystery was really good. I loved the twists. I would definitely read more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys British cozy mysteries!
January 13, 2025
I love visiting Raven’s Edge, a lovely Engish village that leans into its history and folklore. The series is a bit cozy, a bit police procedural, and a bit Gothiic. This time around, DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor are called in when a skeleton is discovered behind the florists. Actually, Harriet is already on the scene- she rents the apartment upstairs. Of course, the discovery leads to the reopening of a cold case involving a man who was reported missing over 25 years ago. At the same time, Iris Evergreen, a novelist with a mysterious past, has moved into Raven’s Hollow, a fascinating old mansion, and is asking questions around town about a photo of a man she found in her dead mother’s belongings.
Murder at Raven’s Hollow focuses on Harriet. The case is intricately connected Harriet’s past and her family and what she has always believed about her father. But Iris too is connected. We get glimpses of the past throughout as the secrets are revealed and both women have to confront things they’d rather not. Then another body is found, this one still warm, and the story becomes more complicated.
I can’t put my finger on quite why I enjoy this series so much, but this one is just as good as the first two. The characters are complicated and not spared personal and professional difficulties. The town is picturesque but also eerie. The mystery was complex and kept me guessing. They appreciate history and fairy tales and books. This one probably works as a standalone, but I’m glad I’ve read the three in order. Nothing from the earlier books really comes into play, but it gives a better feel for the relationships and the atmosphere.
Murder at Raven’s Hollow focuses on Harriet. The case is intricately connected Harriet’s past and her family and what she has always believed about her father. But Iris too is connected. We get glimpses of the past throughout as the secrets are revealed and both women have to confront things they’d rather not. Then another body is found, this one still warm, and the story becomes more complicated.
I can’t put my finger on quite why I enjoy this series so much, but this one is just as good as the first two. The characters are complicated and not spared personal and professional difficulties. The town is picturesque but also eerie. The mystery was complex and kept me guessing. They appreciate history and fairy tales and books. This one probably works as a standalone, but I’m glad I’ve read the three in order. Nothing from the earlier books really comes into play, but it gives a better feel for the relationships and the atmosphere.
June 27, 2025
Ms. Marley does it again with Murder at Raven’s Hollow, the third book in the English Village Mystery series. You think you know who the villain is and the answer surprises you once again.
Harriet March’s landlords discover bones when clearing out an old glasshouse behind their florist shop, Foxglove & Hemlock. DI Ben Taylor and Harriet investigate these bones and come up with three missing people. They eventually home in on Aaron Cooper, who is a detective constable, and has been missing for twenty-five years, and was suspected of having an affair with a married woman.
Another aspect of this story is the arrival of novelist Iris Evergreen at Raven's Hollow, which she inherited. Iris is a terrific addition to the town’s characters because she has a hidden past and is trying to discover who her father is because she believes he came from Raven’s Edge. A body was found in the snow close to Iris’s house, which is also close to Anya’s (Harriet’s mother) house. Could one of these women have murdered this man? If so, why?
Both of these storylines have Harriet at the center of them and we get to learn more about her mother, Anya, and hero police officer, George March, who died saving two children and their mother.
This series is so good with the way she is able to describe the setting and the people and keep you guessing right up to the very end! I think readers will not be able to put this book down until they are finished. While it is the third book, it can easily be read as a standalone.
Harriet March’s landlords discover bones when clearing out an old glasshouse behind their florist shop, Foxglove & Hemlock. DI Ben Taylor and Harriet investigate these bones and come up with three missing people. They eventually home in on Aaron Cooper, who is a detective constable, and has been missing for twenty-five years, and was suspected of having an affair with a married woman.
Another aspect of this story is the arrival of novelist Iris Evergreen at Raven's Hollow, which she inherited. Iris is a terrific addition to the town’s characters because she has a hidden past and is trying to discover who her father is because she believes he came from Raven’s Edge. A body was found in the snow close to Iris’s house, which is also close to Anya’s (Harriet’s mother) house. Could one of these women have murdered this man? If so, why?
Both of these storylines have Harriet at the center of them and we get to learn more about her mother, Anya, and hero police officer, George March, who died saving two children and their mother.
This series is so good with the way she is able to describe the setting and the people and keep you guessing right up to the very end! I think readers will not be able to put this book down until they are finished. While it is the third book, it can easily be read as a standalone.
December 25, 2024
When decades-old human bones are discovered beneath the old glasshouse behind Foxglove & Hemlock, the local florist, DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor find themselves digging into Raven's Edge's murky past. The discovery coincides with the arrival of enigmatic novelist Iris Evergreen at Raven's Hollow, a gothic monstrosity of a mansion that's been sitting empty for years. Harriet is shocked to uncover a web of hidden secrets connecting the skeleton, Raven's Hollow and, most alarmingly, her own family history.
Then another body is found in the village near to Harriet’s mother’s house
The third book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own I have to read series from the beginning as I love how the characters develop. I thoroughly enjoyed this book which had flashbacks to events of a quarter of a century ago. I really like both Ben & Harriet & love their working relationship & how they feed off each other. I also like the secondary characters who are also engaging. The case is interesting & I loved how all the loose ends, which seemed unrelated were gradually tied together. There are surprises, as well as twists & turns before everything is revealed. I look forward to the next in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Then another body is found in the village near to Harriet’s mother’s house
The third book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own I have to read series from the beginning as I love how the characters develop. I thoroughly enjoyed this book which had flashbacks to events of a quarter of a century ago. I really like both Ben & Harriet & love their working relationship & how they feed off each other. I also like the secondary characters who are also engaging. The case is interesting & I loved how all the loose ends, which seemed unrelated were gradually tied together. There are surprises, as well as twists & turns before everything is revealed. I look forward to the next in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
November 20, 2024
This third episode in the Raven's series focusses not on Ben (DI Ben Taylor) or is on and of girlfriend Mila but instead on DS Harriet March. Like both Ben and Mila in the previous books it turns out that Harriet has a couple of bodies in the cupboard of her own as it turns out that there are a couple of shady details in het past as well that she would rather forget.
Well, what else would you have expected in the quirky and spooky village of Raven's Edge with its strange and sometimes murderous inhabitants?
As in the previous two books this episode introduces an eccentric outsider with a hidden past as well in the person of Iris Green. When an old skeleton turns up beneath a dilapidated green house, followed by a body that hasn't even cooled yet the fun is complete. Enough material for another delightful read set in Raven's Edge where nothing is quite what is seems.
Although I would have liked a larger role for DI Ben Taylor I totally get the focus on Harriet. Makes me wonder where the main focus will lie in the next episode, hoping that there will be another book.
I want to thank Netgalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Well, what else would you have expected in the quirky and spooky village of Raven's Edge with its strange and sometimes murderous inhabitants?
As in the previous two books this episode introduces an eccentric outsider with a hidden past as well in the person of Iris Green. When an old skeleton turns up beneath a dilapidated green house, followed by a body that hasn't even cooled yet the fun is complete. Enough material for another delightful read set in Raven's Edge where nothing is quite what is seems.
Although I would have liked a larger role for DI Ben Taylor I totally get the focus on Harriet. Makes me wonder where the main focus will lie in the next episode, hoping that there will be another book.
I want to thank Netgalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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