Dungeons and Danger

A Ravensea Castle Mystery #2

by Elizabeth Penney

The second in Elizabeth Penney's Ravensea Castle cozy mystery series, set in a haunted castle-turned-B&B in Yorkshire, UK.

As Halloween approaches, Ravensea Castle is bustling with excitement as Nora Asquith welcomes the fall season guests to her family's newly converted bed and breakfast. A historian studying the movements of the Vikings has traced their exploits to Ravensea. A certain Viking woman, known as the Red Maiden, landed here and the historian believes she buried a treasure hoard before the castle was built. He is hopeful he can find the hoard now. Nora can't help but wonder if the enigmatic castle ghost she's always referred to as the woman in red could be this very Viking?

Meanwhile, a team of four ghost hunters is coming to stay at Ravensea for the filming of Britain's Got Ghosts. Former students of the historian, the group arrives with their own rivalries and baggage. They try to see who can make the most paranormal contacts and end up getting more than they bargained for.

When the historian is murdered during a Viking festival on castle grounds and his notes go missing, Nora can't help but wonder if the treasure was why he was killed . . . and could it be connected to the visiting ghost hunters? Additional "accidents" befalling the hunters raise the stakes as Nora races to find the killer—and the treasure—before another death occurs.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Murder Mystery, Ghosts

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Expected publication May 26, 2026

About the author

Elizabeth Penney lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she pens novels and tries to grow things. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage summer cottages, past/present mysteries, and the arts. After spending early years in England and France, she grew up in Maine, settings that are reflected in her books.

Elizabeth is the author of the Apron Shop Series and Cambridge Bookshop Series from St. Martin's as well as over twenty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.

She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.

Reviews

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Dungeons and Danger (A Ravensea Castle Mystery Book 2)" by Elizabeth Penney has Ravensea Castle hosting ghost hunters and treasure hunters in their B&B rooms. Luckily, their resident ghosts seem happy to show up and be helpful. Especially their Viking warrior women.

Ravensea is hosting a Viking event to celebrate fall (Halloween time). The Red Maiden ghost may finally reveal where her Viking Treasure Hoard is. Problem is everyone seems to want to know. That usually spells trouble for at least one person in a cozy mystery. Especially a paranormal cozy mystery.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment in the Ravensea Castle Mystery series, set in England. The Ravensea castle has been converted to a B&B and is said to be haunted. The castle is to be featured on a "Ghost Hunter" television program. This draws a group of ghost hunters hoping to make their own program. Rumored Viking treasure and a Viking festival on the grounds add drama and high stakes.
It drew me in immediately. I received an advanced copy of the book, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Several plot twists kept the pace and tension going to see what would happen next. Humor and romance sprinkled in gives the story dimension. The atmosphere in the book was amazing. The author presented vivid and detailed descriptions of the castle and grounds. Ravensea was another character in the cast. I felt like I was standing on the damp rocks of the castle steps. This combined with the Viking lore made it a book I couldn't put down. I was guessing until the end about "who dun it." Thanks to Netgalley, the author and St. Martin's Press. I loved it!

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vikings, ancient castles, ghosts, and buried treasure. What's not to like? While I still haven't quite warmed up to Nora as much as I'd hoped, I am enjoying the series. What lured me in initially was the hook of the ancient, haunted castle and lots and lots of Viking lore. This installment has not only that but Nora's brother Will is hosting a Viking themed promotion on the castle grounds. I wish there was video of the grand finale, that's for sure. That must have been a spectacular sight and, no, not sharing. It's all part of the parcel that is a character in itself, Ravensea Castle. Even now, after opening a bed and breakfast in the castle, Nora and sister Tamsyn and still discovering things about the castle they weren't aware of yet. True, their father, Arthur Asquith, is an expert on its history but even after growing up there, his children seem to have much to learn. Like, is there really a buried treasure? If so, where is it? Can they persuade one of their ghosts to lead them to it? Needless to say, I'm not telling but it's a fun read and if you're the least bit claustrophobic, you may feel yourself in some of those tunnels and narrow paths. Poor Nora isn't the least fond of heights, either, probably not good in a castle with tall, tall towers.

I don't want to give away the plot but will say it involves competing treasure hunters, ghost hunters, and some intriguing ghostly encounters. Who knew Sir Percival had such a sense of humor? I mean, the man literally lost his head but seems to have retained a playful streak. Tweedy and the ghost hunters have a history as it turns out and, well, who can resist the lure of a lost treasure being buried somewhere on the castle grounds. A fortune worth killing for, I might note. That's about as much as I care to say about the plot but will add that the regular characters are likable and the family pets have character, too. Even the elusive, ghostly Red Lady gets the spotlight, so to speak, even if Nora is a bit slow figuring out what she is trying to tell them. Good thing detective boyfriend Finlay Cole is around to help sort things out, even if he is removed from the case due to his romantic connection with Nora.

Bottom line, I found the book intriguing and did enjoy the little side trips and descriptions. While I don't think I'd want to climb all those steps to get a view from the top of a tower, I'd love to be able to visit this fictional castle. The regular cast, including Janet, who insists on calling Nora "my Lady', and her jack-of-all-trades husband Gus, is fun and I'm warming up to Nora as the series has continued. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to this series and allowing me an early peek at the goings on at this rather amazing castle. Ghosts? Well, these are friendly ghosts and definitely have their own unique personalities, a plus.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: May 26, 2026

“Dungeons and Danger” is the second installment in the Ravensea Castle mysteries by author Elizabeth Penney.

Nora Asquith and her family run a local B&B out of their family’s historic castle and they continue to gain popularity even though someone was murdered there just last year. As Halloween approaches, the Asquith’s decide to pay tribute to their own Viking background and host a Viking-themed party on the grounds for guests, townspeople and visitors. Aside from that, a group of local ghost hunters arrive, claiming they want to film an episode of their online show about the ghosts that haunt Ravensea. As busy as the family is with all of their new guests, they end up with more mysteries to solve when one of their guests is found stabbed in his room and the ghost hunters admit to looking for more than ghosts on the ancient property.

“Dungeons” is the follow-up to book one, “Bodies and Battlements”, although that’s not really fair to say since both novels have very distinct plots. Although Nora and her family, and their incredible ancestral castle, are present in both stories, the mysteries themselves are very different and both novels, therefore, could be read as stand-alones.

There are always so many things going on in Penney’s Ravensea mysteries, and “Dungeons” is no different. The scenic property with its mysterious, yet mostly friendly, ghosts, complete with a murder mystery and a treasure hunt? No doubt about it, “Dungeons” is not boring.

As mentioned, Nora and her family (including her boyfriend and the elderly couple who take care of the house) are the only consistent characters from the first novel, and they are genuinely charming and likable. The visitors that come to stay at the B&B in “Dungeons”, however, are as suspicious as they are irritating and right away it was obvious that at least one of them was involved. I loved the suspenseful plot line that kept me engaged, right through to the fantastically satisfying conclusion.

“Dungeons”, and in fact, “Battlements” as well, is a cute, cozy mystery with a unique setting and some eccentric yet likable characters. An easy read, Penney’s new novel is the perfect book for mystery novels looking for constant action with an incomparable setting and I look forward to book three.

[boogleloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars: This is Penney's second entry in the Ravensea Castle series, which is a British Paranormal B&B Cozy Mystery set in Yorkshire, England. Featuring an herbalist finds herself turning sleuth after a historian studying a Viking, known as the Red Maiden, who was believed to have buried a treasure hoard on the grounds of her family's thousand year old haunted castle-turned-bed and breakfast is murdered during a Viking festival, hosted on the estate grounds by her meadery owner brother, and his notes go missing. With a team of ghost hunters, who are also former students of the historian, staying at the B&B and filming for a ghost hunting TV show, she's got plenty of suspects and very messy motives that span the treasure hunt to stolen research. When additional "accidents" raise the stakes, she'll lean on her detective inspector boyfriend and her family, including her actress sister, to help her find the killer and the treasure before another death occurs.

With plenty of twists and turns, Penney has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Penney' writing and character work are brilliant; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a secondary cast that's well crafted and uniquely voiced.

• Paranormal element: Ghosts.
• MC makes and sells bath and beauty products and herbal remedies.
• For Animal Lovers: there's a battered tabby, a 200lb English mastiff and sweet kitten.

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, Bodies and Battlements. Highly recommend!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

[Cornerofmadness · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun going back to Ravensea. This was about a 3.5 read for me (mostly because it seemed like it was treading the same ground over a bit and something with the Vikings) but really it was a solid read. Nora and her family, not to mention their family castle are in the middle of it again. Nora has booked a bunch of paranormal investigators into the castle to do a ghost show. Meanwhile her brother, Will and his meadery are hosting a Viking festival at the same time.

But also her father has entered into an agreement with Professor Tweedy to find The Red Maiden's treasure hoard, a viking pirate who in theory hid her treasure on the land before Ravensea castle was even built. It doesn't take long for trouble to rear its head. Tweedy is highly unpleasant and turns out he was the professor of the four paranormal investigators (I hate the term ghost hunter because it implies we're hunting humans and especially in this series' case because they're obvious intelligent hauntings) and they accuse him of stealing their research into the Red Maiden.

One of the things that drove me mad was Nora et al talking about authenticity and then the Red Maiden's ghost has a freaking horned helmet and later all the reenactors have horned helmets. That is a theatrical invention. They did not have horned helmets and I was about to toss my ereader across the room every time one popped up in this story. Also, no Nora you don't have Viking DNA. Viking is a job not an ethnic group. While I'm at it why does the ghost speak Icelandic but understand modern English (and later uses it?)

But I digress. The story itself tossed up a lot of rocky road for Nora and her family and the four investigators. Naturally someone gets killed but this time Finlay can't investigate because he's involved with Nora. In comes 'by the book Hook' who Nora takes a disliking to.

As far as the mystery goes, there are plenty of twists and turns though on occasion, as I mentioned above, it felt like treading water in a few places. I liked the ending. Overall, I enjoyed this one and am looking forward to my next visit to Ravensea. Thanks to Netgalley for the arc.

[Varsha(my plants and my books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating overall-3.5

Atmosphere - 5
Prose - 4
Suspense - 3
Characters(except for Rolf)- 3

The story is set in autumn, in a castle turned into B&B, in Yorkshire belonging to the Asquiths namely Nora, Tamsyn, Will and their Dad along with some adorable pets. A crew of 4 descend on the beachside castle to film the series- "Britain's Got Ghosts" since the castle is known for its ghosts making their presence known to guests. On the sidelines, Prof. Tweedy signs a deal with Nora's Father on a buried treasure hidden somewhere within the property- making it a 50-50 deal, if found in 30 days. Will, Nora's brother is throwing a Viking Fest with 500 guests with all fun and festivity. Among all the events, a red maiden Viking- Rusla is seen wandering the castle followed by a scream and a dead body on All Hallows' Eve...

The atmosphere itself is so welcoming... with its foggy weather, chapel, tunnels, dungeons, caverns, castle towers, gardens, a small town and not to mention the various ghosts that doesn't have a malicious bone in them(pun intended).

The story has numerous characters but they were not hard to remember or follow. We have additional characters like Nora's boyfriend who becomes prominent at the end. But the author does not delve deep into what each character is thinking or feeling, its more of action and consequence. The whole setup has too many things going on, which makes it fun to read without being overly detail-oriented.

Our main protagonist, Nora is a little overrated in my opinion and that being said, Rolf is my favorite. Also special mention, to Janet, who cooks such wonderful food which made me wish I could have been there.

It was a very fun read overall, fast paced and you crave a teensy bit more at the end. Planning to read the first book, which could provide a better context of the main characters.

Many thanks to the publisher for a advanced reader copy in exchange for a honest review.

[Toni Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ravensea Castle Book #2

This cozy mystery is set in a haunted castle-turned B&B in Yorkshire, UK.

As Halloween approaches the castle is buzzing with excitement so is Nora Asquith welcoming guests to her newly converted bed and breakfast. Historians have traced movements of Vikings to Ravensea and believed a certain woman known as the Red Maiden may have buried a treasure on the propriety long before the castle was even built…..When a group ghost hunters arrives with all their rivalries and baggage and try to make contact with the infamous ghost , they ended up getting more than they bargained for…..and the fun begins…enjoy.

My thoughts:

A dream castle complete with ghosts. What more can we ask…

This story expertly blends a mystery with romantic complications for the innkeeper turned sleuth, Nora Asquith. The plot covers a lot of ground from treasure hunters, ghost hunters and along the way gives us ghostly encounters: Sir Percival with a sense a humour shows up so is the famous Red Maiden teasing with her ghostly presence.

The point is: the treasure buried may be worth a fortune too much of a lure to resist and well worth killing for to be the one and only one to find it… Tweedy was not so lucky…first victim but not he last. Very exciting following this mystery into the deep dungeons of Revensea.

This story is intriguing and the many recurring and new characters are likeable even the family pets have a role here. I liked passing time with this bunch of misfits and I am looking forward to the next installment

My thanks to St-Martin’s Press for this ARC which I received via Netgalley

[Margie Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the second book in Elizabeth Penney's Ravensea Castle series, Dungeons and Danger, herbalist Nora has converted the family's centuries-old castle in Yorkshire into a bed and breakfast. As Halloween approaches, several producers from Britain Has Ghosts have become temporary residents, vying with each other to make contact with the castle's ghosts. And Nora's brother Will, who brews honey wine (mead), is also putting the final touches on plans for the town's Viking festival, which is expected to draw a large group of tourists. At the same time, Nora's father has agreed to meet with a historian who is convinced that a female Viking has buried some treasure on the premises of the castle and its surrounding land, and to allow the historian to search for it, sharing any spoils with the castle's owners. Could the aforementioned female Viking be one of the ghostly residents of the castle? But there is some bad blood between the historian and the show's producers, who were previously his students and who accuse him of stealing their research findings.

Put it all together, and you have a story full of historical hijinks, a bit of romance (Nora and the local Detective Inspector), and some treasure seekers who let their enthusiasm and greed attract them into dangerous situations, culminating in a murder. I enjoyed the characters and the plot but perhaps not as much as I relished the first book in the series, as the pace seemed a bit slower.

My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora Asquith and her family are trying to turn the castle the family has owned for 1000 years into a bed & breakfast. In this episode, they are hosting four twenty-somethings who are trying to film the castle ghosts for an episode of Britain's Got Ghosts and her father has signed a contract with a college professor who is convinced that he can find the Viking horde left by the Red Maiden who is another of the castle's ghosts.

Unfortunately, the two groups of guests know each other and don't at all like each other. Brady, who is the young filmmaker, has accused the professor of stealing his research into the Red Maiden. Despite being warned of their safety, Nora keeps finding all of them wandering in parts of the castle that could be dangerous from the dungeons to the battlements. It seems that all of them are treasure hunters searching for the Red Maiden's horde.

Nora and her family would also like to find the horde because keeping up a 1000-year-old castle isn't cheap. Nora would like to restore more rooms so they can have more guests. So, they are willing to put up with some unauthorized exploration. But when one of the young crew appears to have been poisoned with local mushrooms, Nora wants them out. Then the professor is found dead in his room during the first annual Viking Fest hosted by Nora's brother. Now it's murder and Nora's police inspector boyfriend has to turn over the investigation to "By the book" Hook who isn't eager for Nora's help and is suspicious of all - guests and family.

This was a fun cozy.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was happy to be able to go back to Ravensea Castle with Nora, her family, and friends to see what adventures lay ahead for the marvelous property, the new B & B, and the castle's extra inhabitants. The B & B is full with a visiting professor who informs the family that he has traced a Viking shield maiden named Rusla to the property and has reason to believe that she left a treasure hidden there. If that's not enough, a group of ghost hunters from Britain's Got Ghosts has arrived to investigate and meet some of Ravensea's ghosts! When it turns out that the four ghost hunters are former students of Professor Tweedy things get very interesting when some of the former students accuse the professor of stealing their work and it looks like multiple people will be stretching areas to look for the treasure. If that's not enough for Nora to worry about, her brother Will has planned a big Viking Festival on the Castle grounds to promote his meade, and they will have an extra 500 people on the property. When the professor is found stabbed in the back with a jeweled dagger inside the castle, Nora and company need to find answers while trying to find the treasure before it is stolen. This is a tale that will keep you engaged and engrossed with treasure, murder, history, and ghosts! My only complaint is an abrupt ending. Many thanks to #Netgally, #Minotaur, and the author for an opportunity to read! #DungeonsandDanger #TheRavenseaCastleMysteries #ElizabethPenney #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

[Samma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second installment in the Ravensea Castle series—and I’m already hoping it won’t be the last. Nora and her family are now running the castle as a B&B, quickly discovering just how challenging (and expensive) maintaining such an old property can be. When a ghost-hunting show, Britain’s Got Ghosts, approaches them about filming on-site, it seems like a potential opportunity to bring in much-needed income. At the same time, Professor Tweedy presents Nora’s father with the possibility of a hidden treasure somewhere on the grounds—another tempting solution to their financial struggles.

Of course, nothing is ever that simple. Tensions rise between the groups, secrets unravel, and—unsurprisingly—another murder complicates everything. The story is full of fun twists and turns, with enough red herrings to keep you guessing until the end.

One of the highlights for me was Nora’s character development. In the first book, I found her a bit flat, but here she feels much more fleshed out and likable. The addition of more ghosts adds charm and humor to the story, although I have to say—Elizabeth Penney, we need more Sir Percival! He’s such a hoot and could easily carry some mischievous ghost antics to another level.

I also enjoyed seeing Nora’s father, brother, and sister take on larger roles. It adds depth to the family dynamic, and I hope the series continues to expand on these characters moving forward.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Elizabeth Penney for the opportunity to read this book ahead of its publication.

[Monica Hills · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cozy paranormal mystery set around Halloween time.

This is book 2 in the series and now Ravensea Castle is being used as the setting for an episode of Britain's Got Ghosts. Nora is hoping that all of this promotion will help their struggling Bed and Breakfast. To add to the chaos of the filming, professor Tweedy has convinced Nora and Tamsyn's dad to hunt for a treasure that may have been buried by the Vikings many years ago. The treasure could be worth millions and the professor has convinced their dad to split it fifty/fifty if found. News of the treasure reaches the ears of others staying at the castle and now people are going places they shouldn't. To make things worse someone's life is threatened and another person winds up dead. Oh, and there really are ghosts at this castle.

This story definitely had potential. I was at a disadvantage because I had not read the first one in the series. I did enjoy elements of this story. Nora was an interesting character who was likeable and I did want to know more about her. In the end there really weren't too many surprises but I loved the setting. If you love cozy mysteries this one has a lot of great elements.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley

After much effort, Ravensea Castle is about to become a feature on “Britain’s Got Ghosts.” It is, after all a haunted castle even if it has been turned into a bed-and-breakfast.

At a Viking-themed party to promote their bother Will Asquith‘s mead brand, Tamsyn and Nora discover a guest with a dagger in his back.

Could the rumors of a treasure be true?

=========

This Ravensea Castle mystery, second in the author’s cozy mystery series, returns readers to the haunted castle and the Asquith family. Naturally, ghosts show up in the unfolding story. However, readers will find sufficient backstory here to enjoy the story even if they have not yet read the first book. And, yes, if readers are looking for four-footed friends, there are dogs [Rolf and Lady] and cats [Ruffian and Primrose].

Short chapters keep the story moving along; there’s romance, murder, mysteries, secrets, and humor packed into a lovely old castle and a Viking Fest on Halloween. Readers who enjoy ghostly tales and cozy mysteries will find much to appreciate here.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#DungeonsandDanger #NetGalley

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in a series about Ravensea Castle and the Asquith family. Nora who runs the B&B along with various family members is excited to have Ravensea featured on a new ghost hunting tv program. Meanwhile, Nora's father is working with a professor history to find a treasure rumored to be located on the grounds of Ravensea. When during the Viking Festival, held at the castle, the professor is found dead in his room, the only suspects are the ghost hunting team who are staying at the castle. Tensions run high as everyone who was staying at the castle knew about the rumored treasure, was it greed that got the professor killed? Or was it his devious ways of taking credit for others work? Nora, her family and policeman boyfriend will need to get to the bottom of this mystery before the killer has a chance to strike again.

I enjoyed the first book and thoroughly enjoyed this one as well. The characters are engaging, the mystery is complex and the killer is not a simple task to identify. I adore the addition of the ghost interactions. Even the antics of the animals make a person smile. Fun cozy mystery that gives the reader a twisty turn of a story. I look forward to the next installment. Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Ravensea Castle series is just as good as the first, if not even better! One thing I love about this series is just how cozy it is. You'll find teas, soaps, cats, dogs, plants, yummy sounding food and more. It's like the epitome of cozy. This one has ghost hunters and treasure hunters causing all sorts of drama and chaos at Ravensea, eventually leading to murder. The poor Asquith's just can't catch a break because the murder happens during the Viking Fest that Will is hosting there. The Viking Fest sounded so amazing. I would love to attend an event like that! Hopefully, there wouldn't be any murders though. I really had no idea who the killer was, so the reveal took me by surprise. I didn't trust any of those people! As much as I enjoyed this book, I do wish it had been a bit longer. Even though I was happy with the events of the ending, it was very abrupt. I can't wait to find out what happens next, but I suppose we'll have to wait for the next one. I definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

[Ali Bunke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dungeons and Danger is the second book in Elizabeth Penney’s Ravensea Castle cozy mystery series. As Halloween approaches, Nora Asquith is busy welcoming guests to her family’s haunted B&B castle, including a historian convinced a Viking woman known as the Red Maiden buried a treasure hoard on the grounds. Nora can’t help wondering if the castle ghost she’s always called the woman in red might actually be this Viking figure. The story kicks off when a group of ghost hunters arrives to film Britain’s Got Ghosts. They bring with them lots of drama and rivalries. When the historian is murdered during a Viking festival and his notes vanish, Nora our main character suspects the treasure hunt is at the center of it all. With accident happening that seem questionable as well the mystery is twisty. I had not idea who the killer was and enjoyed the way it all played out at the end. The ending is came up quickly, but overall this is an enjoyable, engaging cozy mystery, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what happens next at Ravensea Castle.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

[Lynn Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second entry in the Ravensea Castle mystery series. The castle turned B & B is hosting both a film crew hoping to capture the resident ghosts for a TV series as well as a history professor convinced there is a hidden hoard of treasure located somewhere on the Asquith estate. The professor and the ghost hunters have history though, and tensions are running high. When a dead body is found during a Viking themed festival, Nora Asquith goes on a hunt for the murderer.

He detecting is complicated by all the interest in the treasure. Does it provide the motive for the murder, or is something else going on?

This is not the type of mystery I usually pick, but I found myself really enjoying the plot and the characters (including the ghosts.) The pacing is good, and the identity of the murderer isn't obvious well before the final chapters. I have not read the first book in the series, but this didn't keep me from following this story. I would recommend this one to cozy mystery lovers looking for an easy, well-written read. Thanks to Minotaur Books/NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4

[Shannon Mabrito · Rating 4 out of 5]

With our return to Ravensea Castle, it is several months since the events of the first book. Despite the initial misgivings that occurred at the castle's soft opening, it has continued to do well. But the Asquith family could still get a leg up in the world. Now, with the prospect of a ghost hunting team coming in and filming at their beloved home, hoping that this exposure will lead to more bookings in the future, the Asquith's as excited to share their home and their ghosts with the general public.

But a cozy mystery isn't a mystery with a little bit of murder. Because Ravensea has seen another one in this sophomore novel. With Nora's quick wit, Tamsyn's eye for glory, Arthur's tales of Ravensea's days past, and animals that enjoy creating a little bit of mischief now and again, this one will be sure to place a smile on your face, while also holding you completely hostage with wondering whodunit in this whodunit!

Thank you to Elizabeth Penney, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for inviting me to enjoy this ARC.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dungeons And Danger is the second book in the Revensea Castle mysteries by Elizabeth Penny, Nora is getting ready for the fall season and her lavish B&B and in this second book someone has followed a Viking trail that led right to Revensea. his name is Professor Tweedy and he tells the crew about the red lady in her Berry treasure. The only problem is when it comes to finding the treasure special detective Fin and Penny keep running up against the brick wall even when they’re assisted by the ghost. More worrisome than that is the fact they find professor Tweedy dead so once again Penny will have to pull off a fall festival while at the same time trying to solve a murder and that’s if she doesn’t get murdered herself. I really love these books because they have ghosts in them it’s almost like Scooby Doo for adults and I love it. this is the second book in the series and I love this one as much as the first one and definitely recommend it. There’s nothing better than a great mystery a bunch of likable people in a cozy murder. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

We return to Ravensea Castle where Nora and her family are hosting a ghost hunting group wanting to film the resident ghosts. Also in attendance is Professor Tweedy who told Nora's father about a possible hidden treasure on the castle grounds. Will they all work together to find the treasure? Of course not. There's a murder, a possible poisoning, and a broken ankle.
This second installment did not disappoint. Sir Percival was in fine (ghost) form for the ghost hunters as was the friendly ghost, who now seems to have a name! The guests, though, were all horrible and I would not have blamed Nora if she kicked all of them out. It was nice seeing her and Finlay getting serious and how well they worked together to solve the murder even though he wasn't the detective working the case. I would love to stay at Ravensea Castle and encounter the ghosts!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the ARC.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora and her family are excited to host a ghost-hunting film crew to Ravensea Castle. They have several ghosts that haunt the castle and exposure on a show would be great advertisement for their B&B at the castle. At the same time, an archaeological professor arrives with information about a possible hoard worth a fortune and offers his help for a 50/50 split of profits. The Castle could certainly use the money!
There is conflict immediately between the professor and the film crew, who are all former students of his. There is no love lost between them and the professor may not be trustworthy…nor is the film crew. Nora’s brother is hosting a fall Viking festival on the castle grounds to promote his mead brewery when Nora finds one of their guests murdered.
This story captivated me from the start and was a fun read with lost Viking treasure, ghosts, murder, and a touch of romance.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

[M Steinbrink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dungeons and Danger is the second book in the Ravensea mystery series by Elizabeth Penney. This book was really enjoyable and just a wonderful cozy mystery. It is set at an ancient castle in England called Ravensea Castle. The original family still owns the castle and is now trying to survive the costs of owning such a large estate by opening it up as a B and B and allowing a ghost hunting show to come in and visit and meet some of the estates' many ghosts. We also learn early on that there is a treasure to search for and it seems everyone wants a piece of that. The mystery was a fun, cozy read where everyone is a suspect and I enjoyed reading along as each suspect was eliminated and the killer was finally revealed. The ending of the book was particularly charming and I hope a new book will follow soon to continue the story and show us what’s happening at Ravensea next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.

[Kcaroth1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dungeons and Danger is the second book in the series following the Asquith family. They are the owners of a 1000 year old castle that they are renovating into a B&B. In this outing, they are hosting a small group filming a ghost hunters show and an academic who is looking for a potential treasure on their property.
I liked this one more than the first, the characters and setting are starting to come together. Everything is well described, and I can picture episodes of a British tv show featuring their friendly ghosts throughout the castle and grounds. Also, there is a Viking Fest event!
The pacing is a little odd, the murder doesn’t occur almost 2/3rds of the way through, and then everything seems to go very quickly.
This is a quick, fun read with all the cozy, slightly paranormal feels.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the eARC.
3.5 stars rounded to 4

[books_or_bedtime · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is such a good time read. I love the cozy mystery and Elizabeth Penney does an excellent job at looping new readers into what has occurred in the previous book if they hadn’t read it, and she does it in a way that doesn’t feel overly repetitive. The characters remain true to form and there always a great twist at the end. I loved the lightheartedness, wonderful family relationships, a smattering of romance, and a twisty murder mystery. Add in some ghosts and I am hooked. I felt like I was watching a BBC special! I will keep reading this series if she write more. I’m sure hoping she will since this one ended on a bit of a cliffhanger.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ Minotaur Books for the eARC! I’ve already recommended this series to my other bookish friends who like mystery novels.

[Kelly Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dungeons and Danger by Elizabeth Penney is a wonderfully woven mystery filled with historical figures, treasure hunters, ghost hunters, and not one but a few different mysteries with plenty of suspects that will keep you turning the pages to the very end.
This is an excellent follow up to the first book in Penney's Ravensea Castle cozy mystery series, set in a haunted castle-turned-B&B in Yorkshire, UK. The author keeps up the intriguing premise established in the first book with this intriguing mystery, and the reader gets to know the endearing characters, and the fantastic setting, better. And of course, there are a couple of dogs and cats to keep the book, and the characters, cozy.
I was happy to receive an ARC #DungeonsandDanger through #NetGalley, and highly recommend this unique book to all cozy mystery lovers.

[Jenny K (on partial break) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this light cozy mystery.

Plot summary: Nora and her family recently turned their heirloom castle, Ravensea, into a bed and breakfast. There are several ghosts that haunt the castle, most of them friendly, and a group of students is coming to stay to film the ghosts for a potential TV spot. At the same time, a professor shows up claiming there is a lost treasure on the premises, wanting exclusive rights to find it and split it.
Strange things start happening, and when someone is murdered, it's up to Nora to figure out who did it.

I enjoyed this read, and the dialogue was excellent. My only real complaint is the useless cop trope. The ending was surprising but underwhelming.

I recommend this to cozy mystery lovers.

3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Elizabeth Penny for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

#DungeonsandDanger #NetGalley
In this exciting second book in this series, we catch up with Nora as she is embracing the Fall, and preparing for new guests at Ravensea Castle.
Her families castle has been transformed into a B&B, and her new guests are paranormal hunters, hoping to make it big by filming actual ghostly events.
Also visiting is Professor Tweedy, a grumpy scholar who has nefarious intentions.
Legend has it that there's treasure buried on the property, and everyone is determined to find it.
Eventually everyone starts to turn o each other, and accidents, and a murder, soon shake these characters to the core.
Excellent story, there's plenty of action, mystery, and humor to intrigue readers of most genres.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora and her family are hosting a Viking Fest at their Ravensea Castle B&B. Current guests at the B&B include a group of ghost hunters hoping to meet and record some of the ghosts supposedly haunting the castle and Professor Tweady, a grumpy historian who entered into an agreement with Nora’s dad to look for buried Viking treasure on the property. When Professor Tweady is found dead in his room and other strange occurrences start happening, it’s up to Nora and her family, along with Detective Inspector Finlay Cole, to solve the crimes.

A fun whodunit with friendly ghosts. The ending was rather abrupt, though, and I wish it had continued on a little longer.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[K McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the author’s series set in and around a family-owned Yorkshire castle is a good cozy read, like its predecessor in the series. Nora Asquith and her family and friends have a little more experience running their family’s ancient castle as a B&B in this second outing, but mayhem abounds again when they get drawn into a Viking festival, a ghost hunt, and a treasure hunt all at once. The main characters are likeable and their relationships believable, and the ghosts and buried treasure keep the plot moving forward at a good pace. A few elements of the ending felt a little rushed or overly easy, but an enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next installment. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.