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Consider the Ravens: A Gripping Medieval Mystery of Murder and Secrets on Lindisfarne
Not yet published
Expected 16 Jul 26Lindisfarne in 1494 is a place of secrets.
The scribe Linnet is running from her criminal past and seeking sanctuary in the island of her childhood. She's friendless in the monastery, the monks resentful of a woman scribe, and her only company is Tom the fisherman and a child, Isabelle – watchful, clever and unlikeable – with her partly tamed raven Pol.
The monastery bursar Oswyn threatens to expose Linnet's past but she isn't the only one with secrets to hide. Intent upon uncovering the monks' misdeeds is the fanatic inspector, sent by the new Bishop of Durham to write a report on the monastery. When Oswyn is found drowned, Linnet suspects the death is not accidental. After another death, Linnet realises there's a killer amongst the brethren, and her own precarious position makes her vulnerable – unless she can first identify who it could be…
The scribe Linnet is running from her criminal past and seeking sanctuary in the island of her childhood. She's friendless in the monastery, the monks resentful of a woman scribe, and her only company is Tom the fisherman and a child, Isabelle – watchful, clever and unlikeable – with her partly tamed raven Pol.
The monastery bursar Oswyn threatens to expose Linnet's past but she isn't the only one with secrets to hide. Intent upon uncovering the monks' misdeeds is the fanatic inspector, sent by the new Bishop of Durham to write a report on the monastery. When Oswyn is found drowned, Linnet suspects the death is not accidental. After another death, Linnet realises there's a killer amongst the brethren, and her own precarious position makes her vulnerable – unless she can first identify who it could be…
- GenresHistorical
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Consider the Ravens is a beautifully atmospheric debut that drew me in from the very first page. Consider the Ravens brings late‑15th‑century Lindisfarne vividly to life—windswept, secretive, and steeped in quiet menace. Cressida Downing has crafted a setting so evocative you can almost taste the salt on the air and hear the rustle of wings overhead.
Linnet is a wonderfully compelling protagonist: a woman with a past she’s desperate to outrun, trying to carve out a place for herself in a monastery that barely tolerates her presence. Her isolation is palpable, and the small cast around her—Tom the fisherman, the unsettlingly perceptive Isabelle, and of course the half‑tamed raven Pol—adds texture and tension to every scene.
The mystery unfolds with a steady, satisfying pace. When the bursar Oswyn is found drowned, the unease that has been simmering beneath the surface finally breaks through. The arrival of the bishop’s fanatical inspector only heightens the claustrophobia, and as more deaths follow, the sense of danger tightens around Linnet like a noose. Downing balances historical detail with suspense beautifully, never letting one overwhelm the other.
This is an atmospheric, richly drawn crime novel with a heroine I’m eager to follow into the next instalment. A strong, confident debut—and a series I’ll be keeping a close eye on.
With thanks to Cressida Downing, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Linnet is a wonderfully compelling protagonist: a woman with a past she’s desperate to outrun, trying to carve out a place for herself in a monastery that barely tolerates her presence. Her isolation is palpable, and the small cast around her—Tom the fisherman, the unsettlingly perceptive Isabelle, and of course the half‑tamed raven Pol—adds texture and tension to every scene.
The mystery unfolds with a steady, satisfying pace. When the bursar Oswyn is found drowned, the unease that has been simmering beneath the surface finally breaks through. The arrival of the bishop’s fanatical inspector only heightens the claustrophobia, and as more deaths follow, the sense of danger tightens around Linnet like a noose. Downing balances historical detail with suspense beautifully, never letting one overwhelm the other.
This is an atmospheric, richly drawn crime novel with a heroine I’m eager to follow into the next instalment. A strong, confident debut—and a series I’ll be keeping a close eye on.
With thanks to Cressida Downing, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars (rounded for debut)
This book reminded me in many ways of a book I haven't thought about in a long time: Mistress of the Art of Death. Another similar timeframe relatively murder mystery. While this one have so much interesting detail and a very unique setting, I did find it rather slow from the start and it took me a while to get into the characters. I was also very much jolted out of the headspace from the really unexpected (TW) possible outing suicide. That and another later scene took me by surprise so much it left me not as invested in the story, though it was interesting. I do think others who come in prepared will likely have a better time of it than I did and I don't think this will prevent me from reading the author's future work.
This book reminded me in many ways of a book I haven't thought about in a long time: Mistress of the Art of Death. Another similar timeframe relatively murder mystery. While this one have so much interesting detail and a very unique setting, I did find it rather slow from the start and it took me a while to get into the characters. I was also very much jolted out of the headspace from the really unexpected (TW) possible outing suicide. That and another later scene took me by surprise so much it left me not as invested in the story, though it was interesting. I do think others who come in prepared will likely have a better time of it than I did and I don't think this will prevent me from reading the author's future work.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a fascinating and enjoyable read. Set in 15th century Lindisfarne, it's central character is a female scribe with a dubious history. It was interesting to learn more about women’s roles in society particularly in regards to religion and literacy.
It is a murder mystery, but there was so much fascinating insight into the life of the priory and the attitudes towards women. Linnet and Isabelle, with her pet raven, Pol, were engaging characters and I hope there are more books to come!
On NetGalley this was tagged as fantasy/sci fi as well as historical and mystery. This made me a little hesitant to try because I usually prefer historical mystery to be historical and not fantastical. I did not pick up on any fantasy or sci fi elements. Not sure if that will change in future books or it was a mistake.
It is a murder mystery, but there was so much fascinating insight into the life of the priory and the attitudes towards women. Linnet and Isabelle, with her pet raven, Pol, were engaging characters and I hope there are more books to come!
On NetGalley this was tagged as fantasy/sci fi as well as historical and mystery. This made me a little hesitant to try because I usually prefer historical mystery to be historical and not fantastical. I did not pick up on any fantasy or sci fi elements. Not sure if that will change in future books or it was a mistake.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I remember reading and watching on TV Cadfael. So this book set in Monastic life in Lindisfarne intrigued me.
This is a very readable suspense murder mystery story. Based on researched facts, but pure fiction.
The characters are not all nice, many completely self centred. But some have hearts in the right place. The story centres on the murders in and around the monetary, and the history and place of women in monastic life in the late 1400s.
The story is a little slow at times, especially the first part of the book. Much is made of Linnet’s background - some relevant to the story, some not. The author seems to be setting the scene for future books. Which I look forward to reading.
Thank you to Bedford Square Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
This is a very readable suspense murder mystery story. Based on researched facts, but pure fiction.
The characters are not all nice, many completely self centred. But some have hearts in the right place. The story centres on the murders in and around the monetary, and the history and place of women in monastic life in the late 1400s.
The story is a little slow at times, especially the first part of the book. Much is made of Linnet’s background - some relevant to the story, some not. The author seems to be setting the scene for future books. Which I look forward to reading.
Thank you to Bedford Square Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Linnet comes to Lindisfarne to hide from her past but manages to gain work as a scribe at the Priory. However, the monastery is not an easy place to live and hide away as you would think as the monks have their own hidden agendas, and as a woman Linnet is seen by some as unworthy to carry out the work of a scribe. Danger also lurks in the form of the bursar Oswyn and when an inspector arrives from Durham Cathedral to write a report on the Priory Linnet finds herself in further peril when death starts to stalk Holy Island.
Consider the Ravens is a great read for anyone interested in the history surrounding Holy Island and who also love mystery novels. This is the first in what I can see will be a popular series, one to pick up and enjoy the tale.
Consider the Ravens is a great read for anyone interested in the history surrounding Holy Island and who also love mystery novels. This is the first in what I can see will be a popular series, one to pick up and enjoy the tale.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story is captivating. It felt like living someone's life through their eyes, remembering things with them, worrying about the future, wondering what was next.
The description of the scribing process was really interesting. It's an extremely in depth book, giving an excellent feel of the land and life in those times. The characters are complex, flawed and crafted so well, they could be real people.
I cannot think of a bad thing to say about this book. I will definitely be looking for the next in the series. I want to know more about Linnet’s life and what she does next. This has been my favourite book of the year, so far.
I am thankful to the author, Bedford Square Publishers | No Exit Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book for free.
The description of the scribing process was really interesting. It's an extremely in depth book, giving an excellent feel of the land and life in those times. The characters are complex, flawed and crafted so well, they could be real people.
I cannot think of a bad thing to say about this book. I will definitely be looking for the next in the series. I want to know more about Linnet’s life and what she does next. This has been my favourite book of the year, so far.
I am thankful to the author, Bedford Square Publishers | No Exit Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book for free.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this pre-publication copy.
I thoroughly enjoyed Consider the Ravens, particularly the discovery of Linnet's personal history alongside the development of the murder mystery. The writing brings the island and priory to life and creates characters that you can't help but become invested in. The twists and turns of the story kept me guessing to the end whilst leaving plenty of mysteries to be revealed in future books. I can't wait for the next instalment of this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed Consider the Ravens, particularly the discovery of Linnet's personal history alongside the development of the murder mystery. The writing brings the island and priory to life and creates characters that you can't help but become invested in. The twists and turns of the story kept me guessing to the end whilst leaving plenty of mysteries to be revealed in future books. I can't wait for the next instalment of this series.
June 27, 2026
loved the characters, had to give it a 5. had no choice
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews