A fatal shooting. A mysterious locket. A dangerous truth.
London,1889: When a young labourer working on the construction of Tower Bridge is found fatally injured by Traitor’s Gate, Scotland Yard turns to amateur detectives Emma Langley and Penny Green for help. Archie Mitchell survives long enough to reach hospital, but takes his secrets to the grave.
As Emma and Penny investigate, they uncover a web of suspicious the barmaid who discovered Archie’s body, a fellow worker bearing a grudge from a bridge accident, and a local ruffian whose girlfriend recently drowned in the Thames. But when they discover Archie possessed a valuable locket—the case takes an unexpected turn.
Was Archie murdered to silence what he witnessed by the riverside? Or did his knowledge of aristocratic secrets seal his fate? With the great Tower Bridge rising in the background, Emma and Penny must navigate the dangerous currents between London’s working poor and its privileged elite to catch a killer.
Emily Organ is the author of over thirty historical cozy mysteries set in Victorian and 1920s England. Her bestselling series include the Penny Green Victorian Mysteries, the Augusta Peel Mysteries, and her newest Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries, in which a plucky widow teams up with former reporter Penny Green. She also writes the Churchill & Pemberley cozy mysteries, featuring two spirited senior sleuths. Emily’s books combine warmth, wit, and a love of history, inspired by her fascination with London’s past.
A fatal shooting. A mysterious locket. A dangerous truth.
London,1889: When a young labourer working on the construction of Tower Bridge is found fatally injured by Traitor's Gate, Scotland Yard turns to amateur detectives Emma Langley and Penny Green for help. Archie Mitchell survives long enough to reach hospital, but takes his secrets to the grave.
As Emma and Penny investigate, they uncover a web of suspicious characters: the barmaid who discovered Archie's body; a fellow worker bearing a grudge from a bridge accident; and a local ruffian whose girlfriend recently drowned in the Thames. But when they discover Archie possessed a valuable locket—the case takes an unexpected turn.
Was Archie murdered to silence what he witnessed by the riverside? Or did his knowledge of aristocratic secrets seal his fate? With the great Tower Bridge rising in the background, Emma and Penny must navigate the dangerous currents between London's working poor and its privileged elite to catch a killer.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Emily Organ for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
The Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries is a book series written by the bestselling British author Emily Organ. The series follows protagonists, Emma Langley and Penny Green Blakely, as they solve mysteries in 1880s Victorian London. Organ, who is noted for her exceptional historical research, integrates real Victorian landmarks as significant plot points rather than just background scenery. From Whitechapel to the East End; from London Railway Stations to St. Anne's Church in Soho; Victorian Hotels and St Paul's Cathedral; not to mention fog-shrouded streets. If you are after locational authenticity in your reading, this series has it in spades.
This newest instalment, A Death at Raven's Roost is book number 4 and, just like the previous books in the series, this one did not disappoint.
After hearing about their excellent sleuthing skills as 'Lady Detectives' and their success in flushing out killers, Emma and Penny are approached by Scotland Yard's Detective Inspector Simpson for help on a unsolved case that 'The Yard' as had no luck progressing. Twenty-eight year old labourer, Archie Mitchell was murdered close to the Tower of London in December the year before. Archie had sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and a head injury, which the coroner maintains he would have sustained while falling from a great height.
When Archie was found, he had in his possession a valuable gold locket – something that he should not have had. Finding this locket suggested that his death was not random and that perhaps, his death and the locket were connected. But dead men tell no tales, so now it's up to Emma and Penny to find another possible link to his death and the locket.
As the pair begin their investigations, they uncover several individuals with motives to harm Archie, including a fellow labourer from the Tower Bridge construction site who held a personal grudge against him after an altercation at a previous job; and a local barmaid – whose version of events that night didn't add up.
This instalment sees the return of some recurring characters – Clara Clifton from the Metropolitan Public Gardens Committee; and Fleet Street reporter Harry Wright. Might there be a little somethin' somethin' beginning between Emma and Harry soon, hmmmmm??
If you enjoy reading period mysteries I'd highly recommend this series.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for March 27, 2026.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read "A Death at Raven's Roost" in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the eagerly awaited fourth book in the Emma Langley Victorian Mystery series. The reader always knows that Emily Organ will have a well researched, well plotted story awaiting them. She makes you wish you lived in the 1880s with her wonderful descriptions of people, places, clothing, food. The Emma Langley series is special because she united two loved characters - the new one - Emma Langley and the popular Penny Green Blakely. Together they are a dynamite, unbeatable team.
This story starts in December of 1888 when Archie Mitchell is frightened of someone and hides a small bundle under her seat at The Tiger Tavern. Heading to the Tower Subway, someone pelts stones his way to get his attention and then Archie is no more.
Four months later Emma is teaching piano when she receives a telegram from her friend Penny inviting her over to the home she shares with her husband James of Scotland Yard and their two children. DI Simpson needs Penny and Emma's sleuthing skills to solve the Archie Mitchell case. He feels that people will be more willing to talk to the two lady detectives. James while in the beginning was reluctant to have Penny investigating, now fully supports her and Emma taking on cases that the Yard can't solve.
This case has many secrets, many people who could have wanted Archie dead. They come across a very powerful man who seems to have the entire city under his evil spell. He wants whatever it was that Archie hid at the pub. The ending is a surprise of who did what. Once again the daring detectives end up in grave danger. Harry the reporter at Penny's old job, might just be sweet on Emma.
Hopefully there will not be a long wait for the next adventure that Emma and Penny get wrapped up in. As always Emily Organ deserves more than 5 stars for her wonderful writing.
A Death at Raven’s Roost by Emily Organ (Book 4 in the Emma Langley Mystery series) was my first read in the series, and I’m happy to say it works very well as a standalone. I never felt lost or like I needed prior knowledge to enjoy the story.
I was instantly transported to late 1880s London, and the historical atmosphere added so much depth to the mystery. Emma and Penny were especially enjoyable to follow; their investigative skills, curiosity, and determination made the unraveling of the case both engaging and satisfying. Watching what they uncovered together kept me eager to keep reading.
Short chapters and intriguing historical details made this a fast-paced, absorbing read. This was a thoroughly enjoyable historical mystery, and I’m definitely interested in exploring the earlier books in the series.
Received as an ARC through Netgalley to read, this is an honest review.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the pre- approval to read this book.
Author Emily Organ has written a magnificent and poignant thrill ride with her latest book, A Death at Raven's Roost. Set during London 1889, labourer Archie Mitchell has been killed; and when "Lady Detectives" Emma Langley and Penny Green find themselves unraveling a complicated spider web of secrets that seems to stretch back to another murder that maybe Archie witnessed in them first place. As the women speak to those that knew the man, everyone has something to hide whether they are buried among the lowest rungs of society of those who can use their influence to escape justice. The truth of why is much more tragic than Archie Mitchell's death itself.
I'm enjoying the pairing of Emma and Penny more and more with each book. I wasn't sure at first how much Penny would be involved, but I like the dynamic of mentor/mentee they have. This was a quick read as there were many characters and side stories which all weaved together and were constantly moving along, adding more intrigue. While I had my suspicions about the main mystery from the start, there were still some surprises along the way and at least one confrontation that got my heart rate up a bit. I always enjoy how Penny's husband supports her and her work instead of trying to get her to stop and I'm hoping there's more to see in Emma's future with a certain news writer. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley & the Publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I love this series. Penny and Emma do an amazing job of pulling together scraps of information to end up with a result. Sure, they do have a bit of luck occasionally, but they also meticulously follow up any leads they get. In this well constructed plot, a seemingly random murder was tied to blackmail, murder, bribery, corruption and a love child. It was great to see two unpleasant men get their comeuppance, and to see progress for Emma’s love life. All in all, another entertaining and satisfying read. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advance reader’s copy, and those are my personal thoughts.
It was truly remarkable that Scotland Yard had to ask the two novice lady detectives for their help in questioning witnesses of a complex murder mystery. Their technique for extracting elusive information from witnesses was remarkable. In order to verify the validity of the testimonies, they became more involved with London’s impoverished neighborhoods. Readers will find that this book was a compelling mystery and a moving story of family and destiny. With their recognition of Scotland Yard, I am curious for what is in store for the detectives in the future. Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this eArc to review.
This is currently one of my favorite series! If really has it all: it is beautifully written, has compelling characters, a multifaceted investigation and keeps you riveted.
I love how Emma's character is evolving, from shy retiring lady to witty investigator.
I am most curious to see what the next books have in store for her and her crew!
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.
Once again, a gripping investigation lead by two determined ladies! I enjoyed it very much, loving the correct and interesting historical background of London. A good pace, some action, suspense only ending at the conclusion. A pleasant mystery novel ! I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
Full of twists and turns, villains you love to hate, A Death at Raven's Roost is a worthy next installment in the Emma Langley Victorian Mystery series. I will say that I was saddened by how the end turned out for some of the characters, but overall a hopeful conclusion with room for more stories to follow.