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An English Village Mystery #4
Murder at Raven’s Gate
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2026
About the author
Louise Marley
18 books105 followersMost of my stories are set in small villages filled with quirky characters. These are partly inspired by the places I’ve lived in over the years, although the characters are straight out of my imagination! I currently live in Wales, close to a famous library and two ruined castles. My husband thinks we moved here by accident.
My first published novel was Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, which was a finalist in Poolbeg’s Write a Bestseller competition. As well as nine novels, I’ve written short stories for women’s magazines such as Take a Break and My Weekly. Before becoming a full-time writer, I worked as an administrative officer for the police.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy visiting big old houses, which I use as inspiration for the houses in my novels, and reading other people’s books when I ought to be writing my own…
Check out the Raven's Edge website here: https://ravens-edge.co.uk/
You can also find me on:
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/louisemarley...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseMarley...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisemarle...
** Be careful, there is another author with exactly the same name!**
My first published novel was Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, which was a finalist in Poolbeg’s Write a Bestseller competition. As well as nine novels, I’ve written short stories for women’s magazines such as Take a Break and My Weekly. Before becoming a full-time writer, I worked as an administrative officer for the police.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy visiting big old houses, which I use as inspiration for the houses in my novels, and reading other people’s books when I ought to be writing my own…
Check out the Raven's Edge website here: https://ravens-edge.co.uk/
You can also find me on:
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/louisemarley...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseMarley...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisemarle...
** Be careful, there is another author with exactly the same name!**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 20, 2026
ARC review
This is not my normal type of mystery novel, a perhaps my enjoyment of it is due to that. I really really enjoyed how the environment was described and explained. It felt like a gothic poem, circa Edgar Allen Poe. Very dark and shadowy, lie walking through a graveyard at night in old Savanah.
Characters Miss Peony is a riot, truly funny from the first time we meet her, her sister Miss Rose is just as charming but in a slightly different fashion. The mystery surrounding them is an old tale, though rather cleverly done in the environment the story is centered around.
Basically an ok mystery but set in a gorgeous gothic setting. I didn’t much care for the detective or her crew, only tolerated them because I had no choice. This book is 50/50 for me. A bit of a struggle but also beautiful to read and picture.
This is not my normal type of mystery novel, a perhaps my enjoyment of it is due to that. I really really enjoyed how the environment was described and explained. It felt like a gothic poem, circa Edgar Allen Poe. Very dark and shadowy, lie walking through a graveyard at night in old Savanah.
Characters Miss Peony is a riot, truly funny from the first time we meet her, her sister Miss Rose is just as charming but in a slightly different fashion. The mystery surrounding them is an old tale, though rather cleverly done in the environment the story is centered around.
Basically an ok mystery but set in a gorgeous gothic setting. I didn’t much care for the detective or her crew, only tolerated them because I had no choice. This book is 50/50 for me. A bit of a struggle but also beautiful to read and picture.
May 5, 2026
I went into Murder at Ravens Gate completely blind, not realizing it’s the fourth installment in a series—and unfortunately, that really worked against my experience.
Typically, when a book is part of a series, there’s at least some effort to ground new readers with context—whether through subtle backstory, character reminders, or references to past events. That wasn’t the case here. I spent much of the book feeling disconnected, struggling to keep track of who was who and why anything mattered. Without that foundation, it was difficult to form any real attachment to the characters or stay invested in the plot.
By the time a bit of past context surfaced toward the end, it felt too little, too late. I was already too disengaged to fully appreciate or piece everything together in a satisfying way.
On top of that, the mystery itself didn’t deliver the level of tension or intrigue I was hoping for. As a thriller, it felt somewhat flat—lacking the suspense and momentum that keeps you hooked and eager to unravel the story.
Typically, when a book is part of a series, there’s at least some effort to ground new readers with context—whether through subtle backstory, character reminders, or references to past events. That wasn’t the case here. I spent much of the book feeling disconnected, struggling to keep track of who was who and why anything mattered. Without that foundation, it was difficult to form any real attachment to the characters or stay invested in the plot.
By the time a bit of past context surfaced toward the end, it felt too little, too late. I was already too disengaged to fully appreciate or piece everything together in a satisfying way.
On top of that, the mystery itself didn’t deliver the level of tension or intrigue I was hoping for. As a thriller, it felt somewhat flat—lacking the suspense and momentum that keeps you hooked and eager to unravel the story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
TLDR: This is a fun mystery that would probably be enjoyed more if the previous books in the series were read first. It has several twists that takes the story slightly away from the murder plot, but keeps things interesting. The cast of characters are good, but some readers might find keeping all of them straight a little difficult at first.
Pros:
- Twists: There were a few of these that kept the story interesting and I felt that the build up to each made sense. Except for one of the last twists whose explanation was basically “this particular family makes decisions that don’t make sense.” Then again, the state of their house and finances might back that up.
- Flashbacks: The flashback chapters were written well and, for the most part, didn’t interrupt the story. They felt like they either added context to the story or characters.
- Characters: The characters were an interesting mix of personalities. There were a number of characters who - at times - were hard to keep straight. I think reading the previous books would help prevent this. I can’t say I have a favorite character, but I can’t say I hate any of them either.
Cons:
- Character Thoughts: The author included what the characters were thinking at times that initially was a little annoying and would snap me out of the story. At times, it came across like the author wasn’t sure the reader would understand what she was saying and needed to clarify. As I became used to this writing style, it became less distracting.
- Murder plot: The murder seemed to fade into the background of the story as it went on and the discovery of the murderer felt more like an after thought. This didn’t bother me so much because I found the “main” plot interesting. If you want the story to focus narrowly on a murder, you might not like this.
Although it is possible to enjoy this book as a standalone, I would recommend reading the other three books first to get a better idea of the characters’ relationships and past events. This is the first book in the series that I’ve read and I think reading the previous books - which I plan on doing - would have made reading this more fun. I don’t consider this a pro or a con, but still worth mentioning.
Overall, I would recommend reading it.
Pros:
- Twists: There were a few of these that kept the story interesting and I felt that the build up to each made sense. Except for one of the last twists whose explanation was basically “this particular family makes decisions that don’t make sense.” Then again, the state of their house and finances might back that up.
- Flashbacks: The flashback chapters were written well and, for the most part, didn’t interrupt the story. They felt like they either added context to the story or characters.
- Characters: The characters were an interesting mix of personalities. There were a number of characters who - at times - were hard to keep straight. I think reading the previous books would help prevent this. I can’t say I have a favorite character, but I can’t say I hate any of them either.
Cons:
- Character Thoughts: The author included what the characters were thinking at times that initially was a little annoying and would snap me out of the story. At times, it came across like the author wasn’t sure the reader would understand what she was saying and needed to clarify. As I became used to this writing style, it became less distracting.
- Murder plot: The murder seemed to fade into the background of the story as it went on and the discovery of the murderer felt more like an after thought. This didn’t bother me so much because I found the “main” plot interesting. If you want the story to focus narrowly on a murder, you might not like this.
Although it is possible to enjoy this book as a standalone, I would recommend reading the other three books first to get a better idea of the characters’ relationships and past events. This is the first book in the series that I’ve read and I think reading the previous books - which I plan on doing - would have made reading this more fun. I don’t consider this a pro or a con, but still worth mentioning.
Overall, I would recommend reading it.
May 16, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Murder at Raven’s Gate is a wonderfully atmospheric addition to the English Village Mystery series, blending cosy crime with gothic mystery, ghostly legends, hidden secrets, and plenty of twists. Set around the eerie Gateway to the Dead and the crumbling Blackheath Hall, the story had such a vivid sense of place that I could practically feel the mist rolling through the woods and the chill surrounding the old estate.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March, and it was great to spend more time with the recurring cast of characters. Lady Peony completely stole the show for me — sharp, stubborn, eccentric, and determined not to be driven from her home no matter what strange hauntings appear at her door. The supernatural elements added a fun gothic edge without overwhelming the mystery itself.
There’s a lot going on here: murder, treasure hunters, old grudges, ghostly soldiers, hidden family secrets, and multiple timelines all weaving together into one compelling story. At times it was slightly challenging keeping track of all the characters and connections, especially as this is part of an ongoing series, but once everything clicked into place I was fully invested. I especially enjoyed learning more about Kieran Drake’s past and how it tied into present-day events.
The pacing builds steadily with plenty of red herrings, twists, and revelations along the way, and the final reveal genuinely surprised me. Louise Marley does a great job balancing cosy mystery vibes with darker gothic tension, making this a really entertaining and immersive read.
If you enjoy atmospheric village mysteries with haunting settings, eccentric characters, and layered storylines, this is definitely worth picking up. While it can be read as a standalone, I think readers familiar with the earlier books will appreciate the character relationships and backstories even more.
A gripping, twist-filled cosy mystery with strong gothic vibes and a memorable setting — I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Murder at Raven’s Gate is a wonderfully atmospheric addition to the English Village Mystery series, blending cosy crime with gothic mystery, ghostly legends, hidden secrets, and plenty of twists. Set around the eerie Gateway to the Dead and the crumbling Blackheath Hall, the story had such a vivid sense of place that I could practically feel the mist rolling through the woods and the chill surrounding the old estate.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March, and it was great to spend more time with the recurring cast of characters. Lady Peony completely stole the show for me — sharp, stubborn, eccentric, and determined not to be driven from her home no matter what strange hauntings appear at her door. The supernatural elements added a fun gothic edge without overwhelming the mystery itself.
There’s a lot going on here: murder, treasure hunters, old grudges, ghostly soldiers, hidden family secrets, and multiple timelines all weaving together into one compelling story. At times it was slightly challenging keeping track of all the characters and connections, especially as this is part of an ongoing series, but once everything clicked into place I was fully invested. I especially enjoyed learning more about Kieran Drake’s past and how it tied into present-day events.
The pacing builds steadily with plenty of red herrings, twists, and revelations along the way, and the final reveal genuinely surprised me. Louise Marley does a great job balancing cosy mystery vibes with darker gothic tension, making this a really entertaining and immersive read.
If you enjoy atmospheric village mysteries with haunting settings, eccentric characters, and layered storylines, this is definitely worth picking up. While it can be read as a standalone, I think readers familiar with the earlier books will appreciate the character relationships and backstories even more.
A gripping, twist-filled cosy mystery with strong gothic vibes and a memorable setting — I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Murder at Raven’s Gate is a wonderfully atmospheric cozy mystery, the kind that wraps you in mist and folklore before you realise how cleverly it’s tightening the net. Raven’s Edge is a village steeped in old stories—battlefields, restless spirits, a crumbling arch known as the Gateway to the Dead—and the novel leans into that deliciously gothic mood without ever losing its sense of fun.
At the heart of it all is Lady Peony, who is an absolute delight. She’s lived quietly at Blackheath Hall for decades, perfectly content to be overlooked—until a ghostly soldier starts knocking at her door. But Lady Peony is far too sharp to be rattled by a bit of spectral theatrics. She knows that where there are “ghosts,” there are usually people with motives far more earthly.
Enter DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March, whose investigation unfolds against bitter winds, curling mists, and a village full of half‑truths. Harriet’s role is especially compelling as she tries to separate superstition from strategy, sensing that someone is using the legends of Raven’s Edge as the perfect smokescreen for something far more sinister.
The joy of this book lies in its balance: it’s cozy yet chilling, playful yet genuinely mysterious. The gothic touches never overwhelm the story—they simply deepen the atmosphere, giving the murder investigation a wonderfully eerie backdrop. By the time the truth emerges, you feel as though you’ve wandered through fog‑soaked woods, brushed up against old secrets, and come out the other side thoroughly entertained.
Murder at Raven’s Gate is a charming, shiver‑tinged mystery perfect for readers who love their crime with folklore, fog, and a whisper of something otherworldly. A delightfully gothic escape.
With thanks to Louise Markey, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
At the heart of it all is Lady Peony, who is an absolute delight. She’s lived quietly at Blackheath Hall for decades, perfectly content to be overlooked—until a ghostly soldier starts knocking at her door. But Lady Peony is far too sharp to be rattled by a bit of spectral theatrics. She knows that where there are “ghosts,” there are usually people with motives far more earthly.
Enter DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March, whose investigation unfolds against bitter winds, curling mists, and a village full of half‑truths. Harriet’s role is especially compelling as she tries to separate superstition from strategy, sensing that someone is using the legends of Raven’s Edge as the perfect smokescreen for something far more sinister.
The joy of this book lies in its balance: it’s cozy yet chilling, playful yet genuinely mysterious. The gothic touches never overwhelm the story—they simply deepen the atmosphere, giving the murder investigation a wonderfully eerie backdrop. By the time the truth emerges, you feel as though you’ve wandered through fog‑soaked woods, brushed up against old secrets, and come out the other side thoroughly entertained.
Murder at Raven’s Gate is a charming, shiver‑tinged mystery perfect for readers who love their crime with folklore, fog, and a whisper of something otherworldly. A delightfully gothic escape.
With thanks to Louise Markey, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3/5 stars: This is Marley's fifth entry in the English Village Mystery series which is a British Cozy-ish Mystery set in England. Featuring two police officers who find themselves investigating a murdered man discovered in one of many mysterious newly dug holes dug throughout a battle site and how it's connected to the person who's harassing a resident of a local estate. Also features a former policeman turned private detective, hired to uncover who's trying to scare the elderly woman out of the house by “haunting” her and her sister. The three will find themselves coming at the case from different angles as they work to unravel this mystery seemingly wrapped up in ancient legends. And they'll have to work fast before an all to real killer strikes again.
With plenty of twists and turns, Marley has crafted a mystery that balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Written in multiple POV and utilizing flashbacks, Marley's writing and character work are well done; the characters are well-rounded and likable with a great secondary cast.
Marley touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Murder at Raven's Edge.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
With plenty of twists and turns, Marley has crafted a mystery that balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Written in multiple POV and utilizing flashbacks, Marley's writing and character work are well done; the characters are well-rounded and likable with a great secondary cast.
Marley touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Murder at Raven's Edge.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: Murder at Raven Gate
Series: An English Village Mystery #4
Author: Louise Marley
Publisher: Dreamscape Select Audio/ Storm Publishers - 3 Stars
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Format: 🎧
Narrator: John Hastings
Pub Date: May 15, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars!
Pages: 338
Story features DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March.
Kieran Drake and Milla Graham (Ben's girlfriend) are staying at Blackheath Hall, an all but forgotten castle in the secluded woods in Raven’s Edge. They are hunting for ghosts while protecting two eccentric older ladies who live there.
Just a short distance away, DS Harriet March is on a first date a ghost tour with her sort of love interest Misha, from the Crooked Broomstick.
Sure enough someone gets murdered. They discover a dead body in a hole on a path that leads to the same mansion.
Hmmm Coincidence?
The locals refer to this area as The Gateway to the Dead.
I love a good audiobook, and a cozy is even better! Yes this is an official Cozy Mystery https://cozymystery.com/authors/louis...
However, I didn’t love this narrator and but it was an enjoyable story.
BTW: I went on a ‘Ghost tour’ in Historic Virginia. It was total fun. We toured so-called haunted houses and ended the tour in the early evening in a cemetery. The cemetery was a big hit with us Californians as there were fireflies aka lightening bugs everywhere –
we don’t have them here in Southern California.
I want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Select and Storm Publishers for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 15, 2026.
Series: An English Village Mystery #4
Author: Louise Marley
Publisher: Dreamscape Select Audio/ Storm Publishers - 3 Stars
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Format: 🎧
Narrator: John Hastings
Pub Date: May 15, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars!
Pages: 338
Story features DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March.
Kieran Drake and Milla Graham (Ben's girlfriend) are staying at Blackheath Hall, an all but forgotten castle in the secluded woods in Raven’s Edge. They are hunting for ghosts while protecting two eccentric older ladies who live there.
Just a short distance away, DS Harriet March is on a first date a ghost tour with her sort of love interest Misha, from the Crooked Broomstick.
Sure enough someone gets murdered. They discover a dead body in a hole on a path that leads to the same mansion.
Hmmm Coincidence?
The locals refer to this area as The Gateway to the Dead.
I love a good audiobook, and a cozy is even better! Yes this is an official Cozy Mystery https://cozymystery.com/authors/louis...
However, I didn’t love this narrator and but it was an enjoyable story.
BTW: I went on a ‘Ghost tour’ in Historic Virginia. It was total fun. We toured so-called haunted houses and ended the tour in the early evening in a cemetery. The cemetery was a big hit with us Californians as there were fireflies aka lightening bugs everywhere –
we don’t have them here in Southern California.
I want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Select and Storm Publishers for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 15, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder at Raven’s Gate by Louise Marley is the fourth book in the English Village Mystery series where we once again find DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March investigating a death, this time at the Gateway to the Dead, near Lady Peony’s residence, Blackheath Hall. Another great read by Ms. Marley!
There are two stories going on at the same time – the backstory of Kieran Drake and the current investigation of the body found during a ghost tour. The victim turns out to have been involved in treasure hunting, and it is suspected that this is what lead to his death.
Lady Peony has hired Drake to discover who is “haunting” her because she does not believe in ghosts. She suspects someone is trying to force her out of Blackheath Hall because If she and her sister Rose leave the premises, it defaults to their cousin, Giles Weston. Is Giles behind the haunting?
It is a suspenseful story between the graveyard and the hall where Lady Peony lives. There are lots of twists and turns in Lady Peony’s story and there is a surprising ending that you don’t see coming! Whenever I thought I knew what was happening, a surprise twist which made me guess again.
Learning about Drake’s history and how he got to where he is now was very enlightening and gives you a better understanding of who he is as a person. He has always had a bit of a rogue air to him, and I’ve enjoyed his character in previous stories.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There are two stories going on at the same time – the backstory of Kieran Drake and the current investigation of the body found during a ghost tour. The victim turns out to have been involved in treasure hunting, and it is suspected that this is what lead to his death.
Lady Peony has hired Drake to discover who is “haunting” her because she does not believe in ghosts. She suspects someone is trying to force her out of Blackheath Hall because If she and her sister Rose leave the premises, it defaults to their cousin, Giles Weston. Is Giles behind the haunting?
It is a suspenseful story between the graveyard and the hall where Lady Peony lives. There are lots of twists and turns in Lady Peony’s story and there is a surprising ending that you don’t see coming! Whenever I thought I knew what was happening, a surprise twist which made me guess again.
Learning about Drake’s history and how he got to where he is now was very enlightening and gives you a better understanding of who he is as a person. He has always had a bit of a rogue air to him, and I’ve enjoyed his character in previous stories.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The discovery of a dead body on a historical tour attended by DS Harriet March and her date is the start of this cozy mystery. Raven's Edge is a village that is the site of battles during England's Civil War, and history abounds, real and constructed, in the village. There is also a lively interest in finding items from the war, including a lost treasure from many years ago that the then Lord Blackheath had, which has detectorists and thieves eagerly looking for it.
Harriet and DI Ben Taylor begin investigating, while former cop now private detective Kieran Drake and his employee PI Milla Graham (and Ben's girlfriend) are at Blackheath Hall. The house is owned by Giles Weston, the current Lord Blackheath, but elderly Lady Peony and her sister Rose are the only inhabitants, and have been for decades, with Lady Peony refusing to leave the house, a condition of the will describing the Blackheath inheritance.
Kieran has been hired to investigate ghost hauntings at the Hall, and Lady Peony, and Rose (who is suffering from dementia) are welcoming. Lady Peony, in particular, is a terrific presence, sharp, unconventional, and vibrant. Beside her, most of the other characters pale.
Author Louise Marley also gives us Kieran's background as the son and friend to various con artists, but who chose to join the plod. And whose career went up in flames years earlier as a result of these people re-entering his life.
There is a lot going on in this somewhat slow-paced mystery while Harriet and Kieran separately attempt to figure out who is trying to scare Lady Peony out of the Hall and Ben trying to figure out who killed the man found during the tour.
It's enjoyable, though I felt a little like I needed to know more about the village and the characters (this is book 4 of a series). I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had more of a grounding in this world.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Harriet and DI Ben Taylor begin investigating, while former cop now private detective Kieran Drake and his employee PI Milla Graham (and Ben's girlfriend) are at Blackheath Hall. The house is owned by Giles Weston, the current Lord Blackheath, but elderly Lady Peony and her sister Rose are the only inhabitants, and have been for decades, with Lady Peony refusing to leave the house, a condition of the will describing the Blackheath inheritance.
Kieran has been hired to investigate ghost hauntings at the Hall, and Lady Peony, and Rose (who is suffering from dementia) are welcoming. Lady Peony, in particular, is a terrific presence, sharp, unconventional, and vibrant. Beside her, most of the other characters pale.
Author Louise Marley also gives us Kieran's background as the son and friend to various con artists, but who chose to join the plod. And whose career went up in flames years earlier as a result of these people re-entering his life.
There is a lot going on in this somewhat slow-paced mystery while Harriet and Kieran separately attempt to figure out who is trying to scare Lady Peony out of the Hall and Ben trying to figure out who killed the man found during the tour.
It's enjoyable, though I felt a little like I needed to know more about the village and the characters (this is book 4 of a series). I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had more of a grounding in this world.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.
May 19, 2026
I thoroughly enjoy this series. Raven’s Edge is a village that has a leaned into its past and maybe embellished it a bit. It leans into the spooky, and witchy, and ghostly.
We’ve got two mysteries this time around. A “ghost” has been haunting Blackheath Hall, where two older sisters, Lady Peony and Rose, live. Lady Peony is far from a scared, little old lady. She knows fully well that the knocking is not really a ghost, but someone trying to scare them out of the house. She hires Kieran Drake to figure out who is behind it, so he and Milla Graham have set up shop at the hall to keep watch. In the meantime and not too far away, DS Harriet March’s date with Misha from the coffee shop, is cut short when, while on a ghost tour, they find a dead body in a shallow grave.
I like that Harriet was leading the investigation this time around, although I’d like a bit more Milla and DI Ben Taylor. I also enjoyed the flashbacks that gave us more background on Kieran’s life and how well they tied into the current mystery. We do have a lot of characters here, and a lot of interconnected relationships. I think it does help to have read the others in the series first, but the mysteries here are self-contained.
We have a couple twists and turns and I like how it all played out. I don’t want to give too much away though. I had both the digital and audio versions so switched back and for a bit, although I admit audio is easier to make time for. The narrator did a good job. The characters were each distinct and the tone and pace fit the story well. I can’t wait for the next one.
We’ve got two mysteries this time around. A “ghost” has been haunting Blackheath Hall, where two older sisters, Lady Peony and Rose, live. Lady Peony is far from a scared, little old lady. She knows fully well that the knocking is not really a ghost, but someone trying to scare them out of the house. She hires Kieran Drake to figure out who is behind it, so he and Milla Graham have set up shop at the hall to keep watch. In the meantime and not too far away, DS Harriet March’s date with Misha from the coffee shop, is cut short when, while on a ghost tour, they find a dead body in a shallow grave.
I like that Harriet was leading the investigation this time around, although I’d like a bit more Milla and DI Ben Taylor. I also enjoyed the flashbacks that gave us more background on Kieran’s life and how well they tied into the current mystery. We do have a lot of characters here, and a lot of interconnected relationships. I think it does help to have read the others in the series first, but the mysteries here are self-contained.
We have a couple twists and turns and I like how it all played out. I don’t want to give too much away though. I had both the digital and audio versions so switched back and for a bit, although I admit audio is easier to make time for. The narrator did a good job. The characters were each distinct and the tone and pace fit the story well. I can’t wait for the next one.
May 20, 2026
Ghostly goings-on abound in this latest book in the Raven’s Edge series from Louise Marley… or does someone just want our main characters to think that?!
Ben, Milla and Harriet return for more investigations in the gothically atmospheric village, involving historical re-enactments, a spooky attempt at evicting two sweet old ladies, and a deep-dive into the past of Kieran Drake – local PI, ex cop, Milla’s new boss and Ben’s frenemy/rival. Well, we the readers get to deep-dive into his past anyway… Harriet and Ben are kept pretty busy trying to find the ghostly figure who shot him in the present and work out how it relates to the similarly garbed body found during a ghost tour.
I would really recommend reading this series through in order, as while each individual mystery plot stands alone, the characters and their backstories develop and build with each new instalment, and they form a large part of what makes this series so compelling. That, plus the cleverly crafted balance between police and amateur crime investigations, and between potentially paranormal events and plausible prosaic explanations!
Having explored Ben, Milla, Harriet and now Kieran, I can’t wait to find out who is the next character to have their turn in the spotlight and how their story will link into the tangled web of family secrets and buried skeletons that make up the Raven’s Edge community. Definitely a must-read for those who like their English mysteries with a spooky ambience.
Ben, Milla and Harriet return for more investigations in the gothically atmospheric village, involving historical re-enactments, a spooky attempt at evicting two sweet old ladies, and a deep-dive into the past of Kieran Drake – local PI, ex cop, Milla’s new boss and Ben’s frenemy/rival. Well, we the readers get to deep-dive into his past anyway… Harriet and Ben are kept pretty busy trying to find the ghostly figure who shot him in the present and work out how it relates to the similarly garbed body found during a ghost tour.
I would really recommend reading this series through in order, as while each individual mystery plot stands alone, the characters and their backstories develop and build with each new instalment, and they form a large part of what makes this series so compelling. That, plus the cleverly crafted balance between police and amateur crime investigations, and between potentially paranormal events and plausible prosaic explanations!
Having explored Ben, Milla, Harriet and now Kieran, I can’t wait to find out who is the next character to have their turn in the spotlight and how their story will link into the tangled web of family secrets and buried skeletons that make up the Raven’s Edge community. Definitely a must-read for those who like their English mysteries with a spooky ambience.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If gothic mysteries alongside an unexpected death are your bag, then anything to do with Raven's Edge should deliver! Think ghostly apparitions, rumours of a long lost monastic treasury, and an historic but crumbling mansion full of secrets, all apparently linked, then add in a body found in a makeshift grave nearby, and you'll understand why the local police department have their hands full! Keeping an open mind is vital, but DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March have lived and worked in Raven’s Edge for a long time and both know that in their home town deciding who to trust and what is actually real means pretty much anyone could be responsible and absolutely anything is possible!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. Louise Marley has written another excellent gothic mystery which is explored over two different time frames and police involvement. Both timelines tempt the reader into make educated guesses about what might happen while still surprising at least me when everything becomes clear. Ben and Harriet are engaging, likeable main protagonists, while private eye Kieran Drake's backstory explains a great deal about him. This is a great, page turning read which I highly recommend.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. Louise Marley has written another excellent gothic mystery which is explored over two different time frames and police involvement. Both timelines tempt the reader into make educated guesses about what might happen while still surprising at least me when everything becomes clear. Ben and Harriet are engaging, likeable main protagonists, while private eye Kieran Drake's backstory explains a great deal about him. This is a great, page turning read which I highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Beyond the village of Raven’s Edge stands the Gateway to the Dead – a crumbling stone arch marking the site where a long-ago battle during the Civil War raged and the dead were buried where they fell. But it’s the forgotten mansion hidden in the trees behind it that holds the real mystery. Lady Peony has lived at Blackheath Hall for decades, invisible to the world, until a ghostly soldier begins knocking at her door at 9pm. Someone wants the sisters out of the house, so she hires Kieran Drake a PI to fit surveillance equipment. DS Harriet March is on a date with Misha, on a ghost tour! A body in a shallow grave with a rusty pike in his back wasn’t on the agenda.
The fourth book in the series & another engrossing book, I also had a copy of the audiobook so I combined listening & reading. A well written cosy mystery with gothic vibes. I really like DI Ben Taylor as well as Harriet & the rest of the team. I’ve also liked Kieran Drake throughout the series & I loved that his backstory was revealed. There are twists, turns & red herrings of course as well as some surprises. I was left guessing as to who the villain was. John Hastings was a wonderful narrator & brought the book to life
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The fourth book in the series & another engrossing book, I also had a copy of the audiobook so I combined listening & reading. A well written cosy mystery with gothic vibes. I really like DI Ben Taylor as well as Harriet & the rest of the team. I’ve also liked Kieran Drake throughout the series & I loved that his backstory was revealed. There are twists, turns & red herrings of course as well as some surprises. I was left guessing as to who the villain was. John Hastings was a wonderful narrator & brought the book to life
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
May 16, 2026
Murder at Raven’s Gate by Louise Marley
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Beyond the village of Raven’s Edge stands the Gateway to the Dead – a crumbling stone arch marking the site where a long-ago battle raged and the dead were buried where they fell. But it’s the forgotten mansion hidden in the trees behind it that holds the real mystery…
Lady Peony has lived at Blackheath Hall for decades, invisible to the world – until a ghostly soldier begins knocking at her door. But Lady Peony is no fool. In her experience, where there are spirits, there are schemers. And someone wants her out of that house.
As DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March begin their investigation, bitter winds howl through Raven’s Edge and strange mists curl around the battle site. Harriet must untangle what’s real from what’s imagined. Is there truly a ghost haunting the old house, or is someone very much alive using supernatural tales as cover for their own deadly agenda?
My Opinion
Murder at Raven’s Gate is the fourth book in the An English Village Mystery series but it can be read as a standalone. With a few twists and some interesting characters, this was an entertaining read. A great cosy mystery.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Beyond the village of Raven’s Edge stands the Gateway to the Dead – a crumbling stone arch marking the site where a long-ago battle raged and the dead were buried where they fell. But it’s the forgotten mansion hidden in the trees behind it that holds the real mystery…
Lady Peony has lived at Blackheath Hall for decades, invisible to the world – until a ghostly soldier begins knocking at her door. But Lady Peony is no fool. In her experience, where there are spirits, there are schemers. And someone wants her out of that house.
As DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March begin their investigation, bitter winds howl through Raven’s Edge and strange mists curl around the battle site. Harriet must untangle what’s real from what’s imagined. Is there truly a ghost haunting the old house, or is someone very much alive using supernatural tales as cover for their own deadly agenda?
My Opinion
Murder at Raven’s Gate is the fourth book in the An English Village Mystery series but it can be read as a standalone. With a few twists and some interesting characters, this was an entertaining read. A great cosy mystery.
Rating 4/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ghosts, eccentric old ladies, a village with coffee shops like the Crooked Broomstick and the Witches Brew, murder and mayhem, loads of history: what's not to like about this book?
In this fourth book in the Raven's Edge series the focus seems to have shifted more and more towards DS Harriet March, although DI Ben Taylor makes an occasional appearance. At the start of the book Kieran Drake and Milla Graham (Ben's girlfriend) are staying at Blackheath Hall, hunting for ghosts and protecting the two eccentric old ladies who live there. But it will soon turn out that nothing is what it seems.
Meanwhile Harriet is on a date with her maybe love interest Misha, from the Crooked Broomstick, on a ghost tour. Strange activity for a first date? Yes indeed, and it gets worse when someone gets murdered.
What I like about this series is that in every book we learn something about one of the principal or support characters. This time we delve into Kierans past and discover that he might not be the total crook we were led to expect from previous episodes.
Looking forward to the next book.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own
In this fourth book in the Raven's Edge series the focus seems to have shifted more and more towards DS Harriet March, although DI Ben Taylor makes an occasional appearance. At the start of the book Kieran Drake and Milla Graham (Ben's girlfriend) are staying at Blackheath Hall, hunting for ghosts and protecting the two eccentric old ladies who live there. But it will soon turn out that nothing is what it seems.
Meanwhile Harriet is on a date with her maybe love interest Misha, from the Crooked Broomstick, on a ghost tour. Strange activity for a first date? Yes indeed, and it gets worse when someone gets murdered.
What I like about this series is that in every book we learn something about one of the principal or support characters. This time we delve into Kierans past and discover that he might not be the total crook we were led to expect from previous episodes.
Looking forward to the next book.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I rounded this up to 4 stars. I have not read the first three books in the series, and I suspect I would have enjoyed Murder at Raven’s Gate more had I known the characters’ backstories.
This also was an unusual mystery for me because the murder itself is not the primary focus of the plot. A body is discovered during a ghost tour at Raven’s Gate, a location steeped in legends of treasure hidden during the dissolution of the monasteries. While the question of whether the victim was a treasure hunter lingers in the background, the real mystery centers on who is trying to frighten two older women into abandoning their family estate.
Readers also get glimpses into the earlier life of Kieran Drake, a private investigator and former detective sergeant. I was not sure whether Drake was introduced in an earlier book or if this was intended as a fuller introduction to his character.
The novel moves at a steady pace and is wonderfully atmospheric—you can practically feel the ghosts moving through the woods. Marley also delivers a satisfying twist near the end.
One small quibble: as a 63-year-old reader, I did bristle a bit at hearing a 65-year-old character repeatedly described as a “little old lady.”
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
This also was an unusual mystery for me because the murder itself is not the primary focus of the plot. A body is discovered during a ghost tour at Raven’s Gate, a location steeped in legends of treasure hidden during the dissolution of the monasteries. While the question of whether the victim was a treasure hunter lingers in the background, the real mystery centers on who is trying to frighten two older women into abandoning their family estate.
Readers also get glimpses into the earlier life of Kieran Drake, a private investigator and former detective sergeant. I was not sure whether Drake was introduced in an earlier book or if this was intended as a fuller introduction to his character.
The novel moves at a steady pace and is wonderfully atmospheric—you can practically feel the ghosts moving through the woods. Marley also delivers a satisfying twist near the end.
One small quibble: as a 63-year-old reader, I did bristle a bit at hearing a 65-year-old character repeatedly described as a “little old lady.”
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
May 15, 2026
Dark, eerie, and dripping with gothic tension! This book was all about the atmosphere for me. I could feel the mist creeping in, sense the shadows drawing closer, and practically smell the damp forest and decaying leaves. Add in a mystery I absolutely could not predict and a main female character whose own uncertainty fed right into mine, and I was completely pulled into the story.
The only drawback for me was going into this without realizing it was part of an ongoing series. I struggled at first to keep track of the many characters and their histories, and the frequent flashbacks added to my confusion. After slowing down and rereading the opening chapters, though, things gradually started falling into place and I became much more invested in both the characters and the mystery itself.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read with interesting, sometimes funny, characters and a genuinely haunting gothic atmosphere. It’s perfect for readers who love ghostly tension and eerie settings without tipping fully into horror. And honestly? I need the Gateway to the Dead to be real because I absolutely want to visit it!
Multi POV
Triggers
The only drawback for me was going into this without realizing it was part of an ongoing series. I struggled at first to keep track of the many characters and their histories, and the frequent flashbacks added to my confusion. After slowing down and rereading the opening chapters, though, things gradually started falling into place and I became much more invested in both the characters and the mystery itself.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read with interesting, sometimes funny, characters and a genuinely haunting gothic atmosphere. It’s perfect for readers who love ghostly tension and eerie settings without tipping fully into horror. And honestly? I need the Gateway to the Dead to be real because I absolutely want to visit it!
Multi POV
Triggers
May 18, 2026
Detective Sergeant Harriet March goes on date to The Gateway to the Dead ruins. It is a tour that showsthe battle that took place during the Civil War at Raven's Edge. A body is found at the ruins with something sticking out of his back. He is dressed like a soldier from the Civil War.
Blackheath Hall is the home of Lady Peony Weston and Lady Rose. Two sisters who live there under strict rules and a crumbling home. They hire private detective Milla Graham and her boss Kieran Drake to find out who is coming and knocking at their door in the middle of the night. They believe it is their cousin Giles Weston, the current Marquess of Blackheath, who wants them out of the home so he can do what he wants with the majestic property. When the "ghost" shows up at Blackheath Hall and shoots one of the detectives it becomes clear that there is a killer at large and DI Ben Taylor has his work cut out for him.
This was a very fun and intriguing murder mystery. I enjoyed the Civil War reenactment and history. The murders blended well with each other, the past and their history. I thoroughly enjoyed the Weston sister's characters. They gave me Grey Gardens vibes.
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this e-ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Blackheath Hall is the home of Lady Peony Weston and Lady Rose. Two sisters who live there under strict rules and a crumbling home. They hire private detective Milla Graham and her boss Kieran Drake to find out who is coming and knocking at their door in the middle of the night. They believe it is their cousin Giles Weston, the current Marquess of Blackheath, who wants them out of the home so he can do what he wants with the majestic property. When the "ghost" shows up at Blackheath Hall and shoots one of the detectives it becomes clear that there is a killer at large and DI Ben Taylor has his work cut out for him.
This was a very fun and intriguing murder mystery. I enjoyed the Civil War reenactment and history. The murders blended well with each other, the past and their history. I thoroughly enjoyed the Weston sister's characters. They gave me Grey Gardens vibes.
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this e-ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
May 23, 2026
Join the Raven Edge police department, and infamous PI, in this gothy murder mystery. After a body is found and an attempted murder is committed, Harriet and her fellow police officers are thrown into a conspiracy surrounding two elderly ladies, an old house, and a lumbering ghost. Are the bumps in the night the ghost or something more sinister?
While this is the 4th book in the series, I read it as a standalone and didn't have any issues. There are a few characters that are quickly passed over, I am guessing with the assumption that you know them from the previous books, but it didn't take away from the story.
I really enjoyed reading about Drake, especially the flashbacks to the events of 10 years ago. I find myself more interested in the past story than the current one. I find Phyllis extremely interesting and liked getting to know her a little bit.
The pacing was good, if not a little slow at times, but overall an easy read. I love a good mystery and like trying to figure out the twists. I figured some things out but not all, so that's a win in my book.
If you like mysteries and spooky houses that rival Great Expectations, then you would enjoy this story. 3.5 ⭐
While this is the 4th book in the series, I read it as a standalone and didn't have any issues. There are a few characters that are quickly passed over, I am guessing with the assumption that you know them from the previous books, but it didn't take away from the story.
I really enjoyed reading about Drake, especially the flashbacks to the events of 10 years ago. I find myself more interested in the past story than the current one. I find Phyllis extremely interesting and liked getting to know her a little bit.
The pacing was good, if not a little slow at times, but overall an easy read. I love a good mystery and like trying to figure out the twists. I figured some things out but not all, so that's a win in my book.
If you like mysteries and spooky houses that rival Great Expectations, then you would enjoy this story. 3.5 ⭐
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I found Murder at Raven’s Gate by Louise Marley to be an atmospheric and thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery with a strong gothic edge. The setting of Raven’s Edge, with its misty battle site, crumbling archway, and the secrets hidden inside Blackheath Hall, created the perfect backdrop for a story full of intrigue and suspense.
I loved the blend of cosy crime, ghostly legends, small village secrets, and a slow-burn investigation, with DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March trying to separate superstition from reality. The mystery kept me guessing, and the eerie atmosphere added just the right touch of tension without losing the comforting feel of a classic whodunnit.
This will appeal to readers who enjoy the traditional mystery style of Murder on the Orient Express, the cosy charm of The Thursday Murder Club, and the slightly gothic tone of The Woman in Black, with its mix of haunted house vibes, village secrets, and clever detective work.
A cosy, spooky, and very satisfying mystery that was easy to get lost in and had me hooked from chapter 1
I loved the blend of cosy crime, ghostly legends, small village secrets, and a slow-burn investigation, with DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March trying to separate superstition from reality. The mystery kept me guessing, and the eerie atmosphere added just the right touch of tension without losing the comforting feel of a classic whodunnit.
This will appeal to readers who enjoy the traditional mystery style of Murder on the Orient Express, the cosy charm of The Thursday Murder Club, and the slightly gothic tone of The Woman in Black, with its mix of haunted house vibes, village secrets, and clever detective work.
A cosy, spooky, and very satisfying mystery that was easy to get lost in and had me hooked from chapter 1
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the fourth book in the "English Village Mystery" series. It is headlined as a "cozy murder mystery" but the main story-line is closer to a police procedural.
The main characters are DS Harriet March, DI Ben Taylor, PI Kieran Drake, and two old ladies living in an historic crumbling mansion. Other supplemental characters are not fleshed out and occasionally I confused some of the "off-screen" ones. I do appreciate the increased involvement of Harriet in the main plot, as she is the most sympathetic character.
The story at times is very atmospheric and the author does a great job channeling the "Gothic novel" vibe, but mixed with a second plot involving Kieran's past in frequent flashback chapters. It seems that each of the books in the series focuses on different characters in the town of Raven's Edge, but for me fails to describe enough about the town besides mentioning the names of various establishments.
Recommended for fans of the series.
I obtained an advance copy of this book via NetGalley.
The main characters are DS Harriet March, DI Ben Taylor, PI Kieran Drake, and two old ladies living in an historic crumbling mansion. Other supplemental characters are not fleshed out and occasionally I confused some of the "off-screen" ones. I do appreciate the increased involvement of Harriet in the main plot, as she is the most sympathetic character.
The story at times is very atmospheric and the author does a great job channeling the "Gothic novel" vibe, but mixed with a second plot involving Kieran's past in frequent flashback chapters. It seems that each of the books in the series focuses on different characters in the town of Raven's Edge, but for me fails to describe enough about the town besides mentioning the names of various establishments.
Recommended for fans of the series.
I obtained an advance copy of this book via NetGalley.
May 18, 2026
Murder at Raven's Gate is a well constructed atmospheric gothic mystery with genuine eerie charm and a storyline rooted in folklore and local legend.
I want to be upfront that this leaned more police procedural than paranormal gothic, which is wonderful for procedural mystery lovers but meant I personally was hoping for a little more of the haunting elements. That said the Lady Peony and Rose storyline at Blackheath Hall delivered exactly the atmospheric spooky energy I came for. The uncertainty throughout about whether the hauntings were real or an elaborate scheme gave the whole book a genuinely eerie quality, and the historical layer woven through the present day mystery added real depth.
Harriet March was the standout character for me. I loved how she brought compassion and emotional intelligence into her detective work. Lady Peony and Rose and their mysterious old mansion were my absolute favorites.
A charming and atmospheric read that I think would delight fans of cozy gothic mysteries with a procedural spine
I want to be upfront that this leaned more police procedural than paranormal gothic, which is wonderful for procedural mystery lovers but meant I personally was hoping for a little more of the haunting elements. That said the Lady Peony and Rose storyline at Blackheath Hall delivered exactly the atmospheric spooky energy I came for. The uncertainty throughout about whether the hauntings were real or an elaborate scheme gave the whole book a genuinely eerie quality, and the historical layer woven through the present day mystery added real depth.
Harriet March was the standout character for me. I loved how she brought compassion and emotional intelligence into her detective work. Lady Peony and Rose and their mysterious old mansion were my absolute favorites.
A charming and atmospheric read that I think would delight fans of cozy gothic mysteries with a procedural spine
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely love the #englishvillagemysteryseries and this installment did not disappoint! In this 4th book in the series, DI Ben Taylor is called to an attempted homicide at an all but forgotten castle in the secluded woods in Raven’s Edge, where his girlfriend happens to be on a job. Just a short walk away, DS Harriet March is on a not so successful first date, when a dead body is discovered in a hole on a path that leads to the same mansion. Coincidence? And of course the locals refer to this area as The Gateway to the Dead. Are the ghosts to blame? I love the relationship between Ben and Harriet, and how the story skips back now and then to the crimes going on in Ravens Edge a decade ago. I also love the side characters like Kieran Drake, the once-upon-a-time cop now PI and Phyllis Halfpenny, the fortune teller turned barista. Their stories are almost as good as the mystery itself. I can’t wait to see what comes next. 4.5 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Murder at Raven’s Gate is an enjoyable cozy mystery with a Gothic touch. The story is sent in Raven’s Gate, a town which attracts tourists with its ghost tour of a local battle site, the crumbling wall, and supernatural tales. During a ghost tour, a body is found and now the police must sort out fact from fantasy. At the same time, two older women are living in a castle which is beginning to crumble around them, but refuse to leave. Are they being haunted by a ghost and are they safe staying there?
The story shifts between the present with its investigation and the backstory of Drake, a PI who was a former police officer. This works well and fills in the storyline very well.
The mystery was well done with a great, unexpected twist which I did not see coming! I enjoyed this mystery very much.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
The story shifts between the present with its investigation and the backstory of Drake, a PI who was a former police officer. This works well and fills in the storyline very well.
The mystery was well done with a great, unexpected twist which I did not see coming! I enjoyed this mystery very much.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you for giving me the chance to review this latest book in the series. I have enjoyed the previous books, but found this one to be a slow starter. Written through 2 timelines, present day and about 10 years earlier involving the main characters, a Private Investigator, a Detective Sargent and the Detective Inspector. They are investigating the discovery of a body in an ancient graveyard, which is reputed to be haunted. The story then centres around Lady Peony and Blackheath Hall. There are many twists and turns as the story develops, alongside a maze of conflicting information. Who is the main suspect? Why was the victim killed? Alongside this is the theories about the 'gravediggers', the metal detectorists, the Civil war battle in the area. I definitely enjoyed the second half of the book more and found the outcomes very unexpected.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Near the village of Raven's Edge, a forgotten mansion hides behind the Gateway to the Dead, where a murder is discovered. Lady Peony, who has lived at Blackheath Hall for decades, is suddenly haunted by a ghostly soldier. Suspecting a scheme to force her out, she seeks the help of investigators Ben and Harriet. Can they distinguish between the supernatural and the real to find the killer?
This cozy mystery has all the creepy aspects of a suspenseful modern Gothic. The story is fascinating, with intriguing characters and unexpected twists. While the story can be understood without reading the previous books, it might be more enjoyable to read the series in order.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This cozy mystery has all the creepy aspects of a suspenseful modern Gothic. The story is fascinating, with intriguing characters and unexpected twists. While the story can be understood without reading the previous books, it might be more enjoyable to read the series in order.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A man is found dead at the Gateway to the Dead near the village of Raven’s Edge. He was found during a ghost tour and this upsets the local community and the residents of Blackheath Manor. Is Lady Peony being stalked by a ghost, to force her and her sister to leave their home and who would benefit? DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March will investigate both cases. Surely ghosts don’t exist!
Very well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Very good, often quirky characters in this well paced, cozy crime novel. There are ancient legends to this site where battles were fought long ago. Who and why would someone want two elderly ladies scare out of their crumbling mansion they live in?
Very well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Very good, often quirky characters in this well paced, cozy crime novel. There are ancient legends to this site where battles were fought long ago. Who and why would someone want two elderly ladies scare out of their crumbling mansion they live in?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The next chapter of the village mysteries has a distinctly gothic ethos, as a ghost walk ends in an unexpected death. Whilst this is the catalyst for what follows, the story concentrates on an old house with two reclusive residents and on events that occurred ten years previously. All the regular characters are in evidence, and it's not really a standalone read, as there are many familial and friendship connections within the community, and their shared histories affect present events. It's an atmospheric story with relatable characters, and it is good to learn more about Drake's history. I like the supernatural twist and vividly portrayed characters.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Received as an ARC through Netgalley to review, t his is an honest review.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the pre-approved to read this book.
There's something about quirky english villages that makes readers want to visit and author Louise Marley's Murder at Raven's Gate is a wonderful time spent right from the start as a date that DS Harriet March has at the "Gateway of the Dead" turns way too real that than an ancient battleground that said ghosts are supposedly haunt. Then there's Lady Peony and her sister and their own ghost story that runs a wild family tale that's Oh My God when all said and done.
Curl up with this book and good cup of tea.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the pre-approved to read this book.
There's something about quirky english villages that makes readers want to visit and author Louise Marley's Murder at Raven's Gate is a wonderful time spent right from the start as a date that DS Harriet March has at the "Gateway of the Dead" turns way too real that than an ancient battleground that said ghosts are supposedly haunt. Then there's Lady Peony and her sister and their own ghost story that runs a wild family tale that's Oh My God when all said and done.
Curl up with this book and good cup of tea.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a highly entertaining novel, with humour, mystery, interesting backstories and ghosts who were able to shoot people. Lady Peony, who lives at Blackheath Hall with her sister Rose is quite a character, as we find out. Its up to Harriet and Ben to sort out what is going on as secrets from the past collide with greed and avarice today. There is a touch of the cozy feel about this book that stops it from becoming a litany of crime, and the sly whimsical humour made me smile. A very clever ending has left me keen to read what comes next in this series. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to revel in this series.
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