A Whisper in Darkness

Raven & Wren #6

by Darcy Burke

A Victorian historical mystery with paranormal intrigue, featuring London’s most tenacious private detective, a missing heiress, a ransom note signed by the legendary Spring-Heeled Jack, and a secret courtship that refuses to stay out of the investigation.

Private detective Matilda Wren’s latest case seems straightforward: find a missing heiress. Except, the ransom note bears a chilling signature—that of Spring-Heeled Jack. This supposed supernatural figure with his glowing eyes, fiery breath, and power to leap great heights has frightened the young women of London for decades. But Tilda doesn’t believe in fairy tales and vows to unmask the villain.

To solve the crime, Tilda once again calls on Hadrian Becket, Earl of Ravenhurst, whose ability to see people’s memories will undoubtedly prove indispensable to the investigation. Their relationship has recently deepened, but Tilda is determined not to let their secret courtship distract her from hunting the kidnapper.

When another young woman is found murdered, the legendary demon is blamed, and Tilda and Hadrian fear the worst for their abducted heiress. As Jack’s reign of terror escalates, Tilda and Hadrian must determine if their quarry is a cunning criminal hiding behind legend, or has something far more sinister emerged from the darkness?

Atmospheric and gripping, A Whisper in Darkness is a Victorian mystery for readers who love a razor-sharp detective heroine, a paranormal edge that keeps you guessing, and a slow-burn partnership deepening into something neither partner can ignore.

Genres: Mystery, Historical

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 21, 2026

About the author

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her Reader Club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub.

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.

Reviews

[Cassandra]

Our mystery starts and ends with a bang! Our couple is officially courting but secretly at the same time. I am so happy they are on the same page now in their personal life. This mystery was complex and sad. There were betrayals, alliances, and pyrotechnics. Of course, my favorite part is cast of all the characters around them, especially Tilda. Her grandmother and those that help run her household are so loving and caring. I love her butler.

That ending! It feels criminal in more ways than one. I can't wait to read the next in the series.

5/6 stars

[Heather Moll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best for fans who are already attached to Hadrian and Tilda, but it’s not like a newcomer couldn’t get caught up. Tilda, the younger, poorer woman, is the brains and Hadrian, the golden retriever earl, just wants to be involved. I like the supporting cast more and more. It’d be nice if the courting couple had some conversations NOT about their case or the state of their relationship. What draws them together aside from their shared secret? How would they spend five minutes together alone not discussing a case? I’d like to see a little more depth.

This mystery had slightly higher stakes than the early books, which I liked. Sections where Tilda or Hadrian recounted events, or we were told about them, or Tilda looped around in her head about marrying or not dragged, but the mystery was good. I’m very excited by the prospect of a villain’s return and how Hadrian answers Tilda’s question.

I received an arc from BookSprout

[Maryann (Mae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author composes a very intricate storyline with all of the Raven and Wren books. Once again, this installment does not disappoint. The draw to the very first book was most definitely the setting and the compelling storyline. Now I've become invested in the development of the relationship between the two characters.

Having the "psychic" twist makes it all the more interesting for me.

I will continue to follow these two and hope at some point that Teague is made aware of the Earl's ability.

[Jeannine]

I tore through the first four books when I found this series, but the writing has become a little clunky. It doesn’t hold my attention.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is book 6 in the series and Tilda Wren is developing a growing reputation as a private investigator, enough so that she is engaged by a wealthy family to find their kidnapped daughter, purported to have been kidnapped from her bed at night by a varlet calling himself Spring Heeled Jack, alluding to a series of sensational attacks and appearances from a previous generation. Hadrian, Earl of Ravenhurst, continues to be her dedicated partner, using his hidden powers, and his own growing talent for deduction. But also hoping, now that they are secretly courting, that Tilda will consider seriously expanding their partnership, to become his countess.

This investigation takes an unfortunate turn when Tilda and Hadrian's plans to waylay the kidnapper at the drop-off are stymied by the father of the girl, and they discover her death in the aftermath. The distraught family places the blame on Tilda, and work to destroy her reputation. Tilda, distressed herself by the events and her failure to save the young woman, is determined to continue the investigation, especially when they discover that another girl has been taken. Working with Hadrian, and his brave and dedicated staff, and their growing friends at the police, they seek more information about the new Spring Heeled Jack, and why he has now turned to kidnapping and killing young women.

But now Tilda and Hadrian's personal relationship bleeds into their investigations. Tilda worries that this could all be interfering with her professionalism and perspective, and is concerned about her fitness to be a countess, as well as the loss of her freedom to persue her own interests. Hadrian cannot stop himself from showing his affection for Tilda, and hopes to progress their relationship but leery about pushing Tilda too hard. He also does enjoy working with her, and is always eager to aid, even at risk for himself as the use of his powers can render him ill. Those powers are still a secret shared by a very few, but the effects are being noted more by others as he uses them more to aid their investigations.

The mystery at the heart of this story was a good, compelling read, especially with Tilda caught up in a situation where her professionalism and effectiveness is being attacked. They continued doggedly to investigate, and work with their various factions, including the loyal and bravely dedicated driver, Loach, and their growing cadre of professional friends. But I love how the progression of Tilda and Hadrian's relationship progresses as well, blurring the professional and personal, despite Tilda initially wanting to keep the two separate. I absolutely love how the story ends - and cannot wait for the next book to see how things grow between them, and thier circle.

4.75 stars out of 5

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Whisper in Darkness is the newest entry in the Raven & Wren Mystery series, and I am completely hooked! I thought I had already crowned a favorite in this series, but every new installment seems to outshine the last. This one had me flipping pages late into the night, unwilling to tear myself away.

In this story, private investigator Matilda “Tilda” Wren and Hadrian, the Earl of Ravenhurst, are tasked with finding missing heiress Delia Chadwick. What begins as a seemingly straightforward case spirals into something much darker. The kidnapper is invoking the terrifying name of “Spring-heeled Jack,” a figure from the past who terrorized young women thirty years ago and was never caught.

When the search for Delia takes a devastating turn, Tilda is blamed by the distraught father. True to her unshakable professionalism, she refuses to give up. Teaming up with Hadrian, who uses his uncanny ability to see fragments of people’s memories—even as it begins to take a toll on him—they dive headfirst into a race against time. Their secret romance simmers in the background, adding warmth and tenderness amid the mounting suspense and danger.

Darcy Burke delivers all the elements that make a mystery irresistible: intricate plotting, compelling characters, tantalizing secrets, and unexpected twists. The creeping menace of Spring-heeled Jack kept me on edge, and the combination of personal stakes and criminal intrigue made this impossible to put down.

The story closes with a case that is technically solved, but the true mastermind remains at large—and the final reveal is a delicious bombshell that left me breathless. I’m eagerly waiting for the next installment to see where Tilda and Hadrian’s journey takes them, both in love and in peril. If you love historical mysteries with a touch of romance and a thrill of danger, this series is a must-read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Darcy has out done herself with this book. I have read a ton of her stories and series and loved them all. But Tilda and Hadrian may be my favorite ones so far. I think part of that is because their lives past and present are so different, Hadrian is the Earl of Ravenhurst and Tilda is the daughter of a detective and a private investigator herself. She has worked hard to gain respect after solving a number of cases. She works hard to provide for her unusual household and grandmother. She is hired to find a kidnapped young Lady for a Hugh amount and enlist Hadrian's help with his second sight. He can see things from the past by touching items. When she makes the decision to bring in their friend and detective Teague from Scotland yard into help everything goes wrong and the father of young lady blames Tilda. The kidnapper is using a name from the past “Spring Heeled Jack” who terrorized ladies thirty years ago and was never caught. So much going on in this story, with more ladies being kidnapped, trying find out more about how Jack can do what he does, and why show up after all this time. Our team is also dealing with their new courtship and having let each other know how they feel about the other. She is very much in love with Hadrian but worries about what society will say and the loss of her independence and work. Hadrian wants a life with her but knows she has fears about being a duchess. Wow, so many twists and turns and ups and downs! Once you get started, you will not be able to stop. The ending is amazing in more ways than one. Also, a surprise you will not see coming. Run, grab a copy and get lost in this great story! I can’t wait to see what the next book will show. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my long but honest opinion, and I am freely giving it.

[Mia Cavaco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book — Darcy Burke delivers another gripping, atmospheric, and emotionally charged installment in the Raven & Wren series. Book Six raises the stakes in a way that feels both fresh and deeply connected to the world Burke has been building from the start.

This time, Raven and Wren are pulled into a chilling mystery involving the kidnapping of young women in town — disappearances that echo a pattern from thirty years ago, when a terrifying figure left a trail of fear and unanswered questions. When a new murder shocks the community, it becomes clear that the past isn’t just repeating itself… it’s bleeding directly into the present.

Burke masterfully weaves the investigation through layers of old secrets, buried trauma, and magical undercurrents that Raven and Wren are uniquely equipped to unravel. Every clue they uncover tightens the tension, and the eerie parallels between the decades‑old case and the current crimes give the story a haunting, propulsive energy. The way the past and present collide is one of the most satisfying elements of the book — it’s clever, emotional, and beautifully paced.

As always, Raven and Wren shine. Their chemistry, their banter, and their fierce loyalty to each other make the darker moments hit even harder. The returning cast adds warmth and depth, while the new revelations expand the mythology of the series in all the right ways.

This book has everything I love about the Raven & Wren world: sharp dialogue, emotional stakes, a twisty mystery, and that addictive blend of magic and danger that keeps you turning pages long after you meant to stop. Darcy Burke is at the top of her game, and Book Six proves this series just keeps getting better.

I can’t wait for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.7 stars
We have Miss Matilda Wren, and her partner in solving crimes, Hadrian Becket, the Earl of Ravenhurst who, after a near death experience, suffers visions that make him see past events!
This story was the most perplexing yet and ends on a Cliffhanger.
The clues are tangled and the people involved are arrogant and do not follow instructions well at all. When a young lady is abducted Tilda is urged not to involve the police. She does thinking this will be a somewhat simple case but there were dire consequences!
There follow two more abductions that follow a different pattern! The third is most definitely revenge! Because of the consequences of the first abduction the grieving father drags Tilda’s name in the newspapers! This definitely would make it much harder to earn an income to support her growing household!
I value independence greatly but some opposition that Tilda names are her own insecurities! Her self worth was really challenged when the other two young ladies were found!
The culprits pretend to emulate Spring-healed Jack but carry out far more nefarious deeds than he did more than 30 years prior!
I was hoping that something gave Tilda the reassurance that she was a good “lady detective!” But she also could be so much more! She and Hadrian had confessed their love and it really was so simple from there! People will always have opinions and expectations but it is up to you on how you allow the influence on your life!
There is an explosion that I believe this gave Tilda at hard look at reality! This on the heels of a visit from Hadrian’s mother was the final catalyst! Hold to your seat because there was nonstop adventure! There are several loose ends to still tie up! Bravo!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased opinion from Booksprout!

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Whisper in Darkness by Darcy Burke
Raven & Wren #6

~ Raven & Wren juggle the search for a murderous kidnapper while secretly courting ~ Excellent addition to the series ~

What I liked:
* Miss Matilda “Tilda” Wren: mid-twenties, lives with her grandmother, father was a detective, caring, responsible, frugal, inquisitive, bright, capable, attracted to Hadrian, conflicted, makes a big decision at the end of this book
* Hadrian Becket, Earl of Ravenhurst: early-thirties, wealthy, paranormal psychometry ability post near-death experience, assists Tilda in some of her investigations, in love with Tilda and wants to marry her
* Watching the slow-burn relationship as it develops between Hadrian & Tilda
* Following the clues with Tilda & Hadrian as they worked to solve the case and learning what motivated the crimes
* That the writing felt “of the period” as did the characters dialogue and behavior
* DI Teague and Sgt Wycombe: their acceptance of Raven & Wren as capable investigators and their willingness to work with them
* Learning about the myth of Spring-heeled Jack and how it played a part in this mystery
* The supporting characters that I look for from previous books
* Getting to know more about both main characters and their families
* The question Tilda asked Hadrian at the end of the book

What I didn’t like:
* Thinking about kidnapping, murder, revenge, and the impact it has on those involved
* The callousness of more than one character
* Thinking about the social divisions in this era and the impact it had on so many aspects of life

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Captivating New Installment

I thoroughly enjoyed Raven and Wren’s newest adventure. It’s a fast-paced, gripping sleuth mystery mixed with a slow-burning romance, and full of suspense, twists and turns, action, myth, and danger. Tilda and Raven are in the courtship phase, but Tilda is still undecided due to their class disparity and her desire to maintain her independence and follow her calling. Raven is the perfect gentleman and a total sweetheart who supports and loves her. Their relationship continues to progress in this book as well. I love their partnership and how they care for one another.
The book ends with a cliffhanger that continues into the next book.

Tilda and Raven's new assignment is to find a missing young woman who is believed to have been kidnapped by Spring-Heeled Jack, a legendary figure who terrorized young women thirty years ago.
When Tilda calls the police, defying the kidnapper’s demands and the young woman’s parents’ wishes, the situation escalates and the kidnapping victim is found dead. The enraged, grieving father leaves no stone unturned in his efforts to destroy Tilda’s reputation and career. When more young women disappear shortly thereafter, Tilda and Raven are determined to help the police with the investigation on their own, even though Raven is pushing his physical limits with his supernatural powers, they both have to put their private courtship on hold, and they make a new dangerous enemy who is out for revenge…

All in all l, a captivating sleuth mystery with endearing protagonists, full of emotions, suspense, twists and a gradually deepening romance, which I am happy to recommend!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my goodness, the Raven and Wren series keeps getting better with each book! Miss Matilda “Tilda” Wren and her charming / handsome sidekick, Lord Hadrian Becket, the Earl of Ravenhurst work together as a team to solve crimes one at a time. This time, they are hired to locate a missing heiress, Miss Delia Chadwick who has been kidnapped. The kidnappers sent the family a ransom note indicating they no police should be contacted whatsoever or risk having their daughter killed. The ransom amount is twenty thousand pounds for her safe return. While consulting with Miss Chadwick’s father, a second ransom note is delivered at which point Tilda decides to involve Chief Inspector Teague of Scotland Yard in their scheme to secure Miss Chadwick’s safe return.

Things go horribly wrong and Delia is killed. Her father is so angry at the outcome that he blames everything on Tilda. Following this unfortunate incident, a second victim is kidnapped with the initial note and ransom demand being the same. I was so engrossed and desperate to find out who the perpetrator was that I found myself reading well into the night on more than one occasion! Added to the investigation and thrilling aspect of the story was the fact that Tilda and Hadrian’s relationship was heating up with more displays of affection, albeit in the privacy of Hadrian’s coach.

I wait on tenterhooks for the final instalment in the Raven and Wren series. I will be sorry to see the series end, however, maybe Ms Burke can continue the series with the Countess and Earl of Ravenhurst offering their skills to Scotland Yard / private clients.

I would recommend this book and the series. I received and ARC from Miss Burke and Booksprout with my thanks and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Private detective Matilda Wren’s latest case seems straightforward: find a missing heiress. Except, the ransom note bears a chilling signature—that of Spring-Heeled Jack. This supposed supernatural figure with his red glowing eyes, blue fiery breath, and power to leap great heights has frightened the young women of London for decades. Tilda once again calls on Hadrian Becket, Earl of Ravenhurst, whose ability to see people’s memories will undoubtedly prove indispensable to the investigation. Their relationship has recently deepened, but Tilda is determined not to let their secret courtship distract her from hunting the kidnapper.
The sixth book in this brilliant series & Hadrian & Tilda have now admitted their feelings & are engaged in a secret courtship. They continue to work together, this case is chilling a supernatural figure from decades ago suddenly reappears but his MO has changed & is now kidnapping heiresses. There are very few clues to begin with & Hadrian’s ‘gift’ proves invaluable. Working alongside Inspector Teague they eventually work out who the villain is but he escapes & vows revenge on the detective duo. There are plenty of twists & turns as well as surprises. I was left guessing as to who the villain was. Whilst the case was solved the villain is still at large, so now I’m impatiently awaiting the next book, plus the ending left us with an unexpected surprise.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting:
Building on a true bit of English History, we find Tilda and Hadrian again swept up into crimes and Police investigations. We learn about a true character called “Spring-heeled Jack” and the sensation he caused London society, as Tilda and Hadrian are involved in trying to solve the mystery of who he is and how he performs his tricks. In doing so, we get a behind-the-scenes view of how theaters make costumes, build gadgets and perform stunts.
Progress is made in Tilda’s relationship to Hadrian’s mother, and the possibility of an engagement seems likely in the near future.

Critique:
I found the story around the historical figure (woven throughout the story) interesting and was new material to me. We do learn his true identity (for this story), but he is escapes capture! (I suppose this is a hook to the next story, but I prefer to have each “mystery” solved by the end of the book).
The budding love story between Tilda and Hadrian grows in a satisfying way during this book. Their skills as investigators are increasing as well, and the need for Hadrian’s special “skill” seems to be less and less. They are growing in their ability to think through the pieces of the puzzle and to assemble a complete picture. There are surprising events that keep the reader interested, which continue to hold elements of mystery right up to the end. One feels compelled to finish the book to find out “what happens”—just as any good mystery does.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in this series and they just keep getting better and better.

After all this time, Tilda and Hadrian are finally courting but of course this unique duo are doing so in secret.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow deeper and both of them coming together.

The mystery in this book has definitely deepened the plot.
Tilda's reputation is growing. She is becoming well known for her investigative skills, so much so that even the wealthy are turning to her, for her services.

This time we have quite the chilling mystery. A wealthy family has hired Tilda, as their daughter has been kidnapped and of course she turns to Hadrian to aid in the investigation as his special skills are needed once again.

The plot thickens further when the missing girl turns up dead, the family makes allegations against Tilda being at fault and of course Tilda isn't one to give up easily... and then another girl goes missing.

As the story unfolds we have Tilda and Hadrian's relationship growing, Tilda being concerned that the relationship may be interfering with the investigations, Hadrian wanting Tilda to be his countess but fearing pushing her too much when she has always been concerned about their relationship becoming more.

This story was intriguing, had an interesting plot, great characters, twists, and secrets. What a great mystery too.

Looking forward to the next one

I received an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own and voluntarily given.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clean historical, romance murder mystery. Now that Hadrian has finally been able to convince Tilda to allow him to court her, though it is a secret courtship, their romantic relationship is put on hold again with a new case. A young woman has been kidnapped, supposedly by the infamous Spring-heeled Jack. Despite the warning in the note from the kidnapper not to call the police, Tilda and Hadrian warn her parents not to follow the instructions and come up with a plan to capture the kidnapper. But in the end, the father does not follow the script, the kidnapper ends up with the money and the young lady is murdered. He then goes to the press giving his own version of events and slandering Tilda, so the father of the next victim will not cooperate with the detective duo or the police. But then a third young lady is kidnapped, Tilda and Hadrian continue to investigate and find that nothing is as it originally appeared. I love the relationship between the two, a little Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn. As the sensational press continues to highlight the pair, Tilda is going to have to make up her mind, which is more important to her, her love for Hadrian or her career, a very contemporary problem. I read an advanced reader's copy as part of the author's review team. This is my unbiased, voluntary and honest review.

[Rolé - Hooked By That Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kidnapping of a young woman in the dead of night kicks of this twisty investigation with Hadrian and Tilda in the thick of things, as usual.

I had my suspicions about the first kidnapping, which turned out to be correct, but subsequent events took some very dark and dangerous turns that I did not expect at all. The book left us with the culprit on the run, so our intrepid detectives still have a lot of work ahead of them. And holy moly, that ending!

The kidnappings and other crimes and the villain all made for a complicated, compelling story. Tilda and Hadrian, with Teague, meticulously followed every clue and slowly unraveled the mystery. I was invested the entire time. And that's not even mentioning the burgeoning relationship between Hadrian and Tilda. I'm so excited to see where the future leads these two.

I can highly recommend this series if you like a super slow burn historical romance with some paranormal elements. It's better to read them in order, so as not to miss the development of the romance.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This review is also on Hooked By That Book.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

If London’s young ladies weren’t already nervous, the reappearance of Spring‑Heeled Jack with his glowing eyes, fiery breath, & the worst case of dramatic flair in the city - will do the trick. Luckily, private detective Matilda Wren is not impressed. She’s too busy juggling a missing heiress, a villain with a grudge, & a secret courtship with Hadrian Becket, Earl of Ravenhurst, whose memory-reading gift is finally getting the workout it deserves.

This sixth Raven & Wren mystery delivers all the goods; eerie clues, twisty turns, a villain who refuses to stay politely caught, & a slow‑burn romance that’s finally heating up. Tilda & Hadrian are sharper, closer, & more dangerous together than ever - which is probably why the villain ends the book vowing revenge - just charming!

The case is solved…...technically. But the mastermind is still out there, the ending drops a delicious little bombshell, & now I’m tapping my foot waiting for the next installment like Darcy Burke owes me rent, LOL! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

[Linda J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS ROUNDED UP

Continuation of this unusual dual. He is an Earl and rarely is he needed in Parliament. This leaves him with a lot of time on his hands.

I am becoming disappointed in the H. He follows the h around like a lovesick teenager and I want him to be more assertive in their relationship. Yes, I know she is the detective, but when they are not investigating, he could make it a more even field in their relationship.

This still has a lot of mystery, suspense, more than one villain, violence, great secondary characters, and murder. The ending is very suspenseful, but you have a lot of loose ends. Their relationship is up in the air, bad villain not captured, why was the girl murdered?

No cheating, little on romance, big on mystery, and clean with only kisses. I want a decision on their relationship and hope it is resolved in the next story. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase.

I received an ARC and all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raven and Wren start out looking for a kidnapper, the victim and answering the question of why Miss Chadwick was targeted. The father makes things difficult and the money drop does not go well. The villain, "spring-heeled jack" takes off with the money and there is no sign of Miss Chadwick. Then a friend of her is kidnapped and the same ransom note is found. They struggle to connect why the girls have been targeted. They along with DI Teague, they search for clues including going back to old files of the original case of "spring-heeled jack" from thirty years ago. Between Raven using his gift to see snippets and the bit and pieces they have from the past, they begin to make progress. Along the way, they are also dealing with their courtship and deciding how work and love can go together. It is a fascinating read with lots of suspense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tilda and Hadrian's latest case is a real heartbreaker--and (slight spoiler) for once, everything isn't *quite* tied up with a neat bow at the end.

This one kept me guessing--and turning the pages, because needing them to save the kidnapped young women right now had me stressed out to the max. There is an unexpected tragedy, and Tilda's reputation suffers from some unfair and very biased press as a result. There is a possibly-supernatural villain terrorizing London, and oh my gosh I needed everything to end up OK in the end of this one.

Ms Burke left us with a cliffhanger of sorts in the end--it's got me anxious for the next book, though not quite for the same reason(s) that I usually am. Let's just say, the slowest of slow burn romances might finally be kicking into a slightly higher gear. Bring it on!

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Theresa25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Victorian historical mystery with paranormal intrigue, featuring London’s most tenacious private detective, a missing heiress, a ransom note signed by the legendary Spring-Heeled Jack, and a secret courtship that refuses to stay out of the investigation.

The stories in this series keep getting better with each book. This one had a bit of everything: romance, suspense, surprises, legendary suspect and paranormal elements. The relationship between Raven and Wren develops with each book. As Hadrian and Tilda keep working cases, they get closer and closer with their relationship. During their investigations they know what each is thinking without saying anything, they are that close. They work great together as a team. I really had a difficult time putting this story down. I wanted to keep reading and find out what happens next. And the ending. Oh my. I need the next book like yesterday please.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revival of a Boogeyman
Tilda and Hadrian try to solve the case of who is kidnapping young women and holding them for ransom. The ransom note is signed by Spring-heeled Jack, who is thought to be a red-eyed demon who spits blue fire and was last heard of thirty years earlier. The case causes Tilda a lot of angst when she is unable to save the first victim.
As the villain got away and has threatened Tilda and Hadrian there will presumably be ongoing threads to this story in the next book(s). Hopefully a subsequent book may also address a few unanswered questions about how/why the first victim died. Nice to see the relationship between Hadrian and Tilda progressing further.
This book can be read as a standalone but the series is best read in order.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and OHB. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another engaging read in this series. I love the pairing of Tilda and Hadrian, they work well together and Hadrian knows how much Tilda values her independence and her occupation as a lady detective. I also enjoy the way Hadrian’s paranormal a plays an important part in the story. This is a murder mystery and it took them quite a while to solve the problem. I had no idea who the culprit was and it kept me guessing until the end. I was pleased that Tilda and Harian’s person relationship was making good progress, if only Tilda could get used to the idea that she was capable of being a countess. Although, the culprit is discovered, the story isn’t completely finished and I look forward to the conclusion in the next book. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Christa Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matilda Wren is a detective in Victorian England and her latest case involves the kidnapping of a wealthy young lady from a prominent family. When a ransom note arrives signed by the fabled villain Spring-heeled Jack, Tilda decides to involve the police in a plan to capture the kidnapper and rescue his victim. Unfortunately things go horribly wrong and Tilda is wrongly blamed publicly. There are also increasing whispers about her working with Hadrian, Earl of Ravenhurst who she has also recently started a courtship with. Another kidnapping, fear for her reputation, and her changing relationship with Hadrian all add additional pressure to solve a difficult case before another young woman is harmed. Interesting period details and recurring characters such as Inspector Teague, Leach, and Tilda's grandmother make this series one that I can't wait to get back into.

[Pamela Blatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to believe this is the sixth book in the series as they blend together so smoothly.
Tilda is a private investigator, the daughter of a policeman. She lives with her grandmother and an ever increasing household as she rescues people.
Hadrian is an Earl in love with Tilda and enjoys working mystery/murder cases with her.
He has a special gift of sight with visions that helps them with clues.
They start a kidnapping case that becomes more difficult and convoluted as it goes forward.
Intriguing storyline with the background romance.
The class difference is wide between the two which worries Tilda.
Hadrian could care less as he just wants their life together.
Love watching the two them dance towards their forever with a few great kisses.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Legend come to life?

While I did enjoy this story I also think it dragged things out a bit. I mean I do understand that crimes are not solved in an hour like they show on tv but when I’m reading I really don’t need to read them spinning their wheels and rehashing things over and over and getting nowhere. That being said the plot was quite clever and the twists were suitably twisty. Very very happy about the last bit between Hadrian and Tilda I certainly hope that’s not a tease ending. I enjoyed meeting Hadrian’s sister and her oblivious and tactless husband. Oy vey talk about misreading the room lol. The historical legend of Spring heeled Jack as the villain was intriguing especially as they peeked behind the curtain wink wink. Very excited to read the next chapter for our intrepid pair of investigators!

[DD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raven and Wren, or Hadrian and Tilda, are becoming almost full time detectives, as days after resolving their last case Tilda has received her biggest pay day yet with her new case. The Chadwicks have employed her to solve the kidnapping of their beloved daughter. The kidnapping is bad enough but the kidnapper is signing himself Spring-heeled Jack - a man who terrorised women twenty or thirty years ago, who was never caught, and had become in the meantime the hero of penny dreadfuls, so his legend is bigger than ever.
At the first ransom drop, Mr Chadwick turns up against advice, and is attacked by Spring-heeled Jack, his daughter is not returned. The next morning they hear rumour of another girl abducted from her bed, and the kidnappers notes match in writing and words.
Tilda and Hadrian continue to use his skill to help them solve these cases, and a third girl is kidnapped from her bed, but she has no links to the original pair. Jack is now being seen around London, breathing fire and leaping into buildings, although police find the equipment used to make it appear Jack can fly, they are nocloser to identifying or catching him. With the pressure on them Tilda is worried Hadrian is over using his skill when he collapses a couple of times, and combined with contemplating their courting maybe leading to marriage, is it breaking her concentration on her job? Can she be a countess, and would she have to give up being a detective?

I loved this book, the slow burn between our two leads since book one is growing rapidly, I love how they are together, and how they show they care, with very few words. I hope that they continue to work on cases, although maybe not back to back as this book is very soon after the last one is set. I've grown very fond of all the characters, Tilda and Hadrian, Leach, Tilda's grandmother and household,and Hadrians mother. Roll on the next book - soon please?

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Whisper in Darkness” (Raven & Wren Book 6) by Darcy Burke
a Victorian Mystery MUST READ !!
I was completely torn between the mystery to be solved and the growing romance twixt Hadrian & Tilda. By now you know I loved my time within this story. Yes I spent more time reading than doing the should ought-ta be doing tasks in my rather boring hum-drum life (which by the way I do enjoy in my own way). If you like what I call cozy mysteries and sweet slow romance stories; you will enjoy this story, too! Oh, yes this is part of a series and yes it can be read as a stand alone; but to get the full romance story you might want to start at the beginning of the series. (love grows) Happy Reading ! ! !

[NelleRenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tilda and Hadrian, with Detective Teague, are involved in three kidnappings, one murder and two attempted murders. Tilda feels responsible for the first murder as she was just hired when the ransom note comes. The father of the kidnapped girl doesn’t follow the plan, his daughter is murdered and he blames Tilda. There were a lot of clues that needed to be followed. At the end we know the villain, but he isn’t caught so there is a cliffhanger. The romance between Tilda and Hadrian continues to bloom. I have enjoyed all the books in the series and feel that to enjoy the dynamics between the characters one should read the books in order.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.