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The Raven
Not yet published
Expected 8 Sep 26As illness tightens its grip, something darker begins to stir.
England, 1665. As plague ravages London and fear spreads north to York, Martin Blake, a humble cobbler, struggles to protect his family through a bitter, death-shadowed winter. When the parish rector, his wife’s domineering uncle, forces orphaned children from London into their already meager home, Martin’s fragile world begins to unravel.
Grief, illness, and the weight of buried sins close in. Ravens gather. Martin’s reason begins to slip. Whispers spread—of misused alms, of spirits that roam at night, of faith twisted into something monstrous. As snow blankets the land and the dead lie unburied, Martin must confront a chilling truth: is he haunted by guilt, or by something far more sinister?
A gothic tale of illness, obsession, and the perilous border between loyalty and madness.
England, 1665. As plague ravages London and fear spreads north to York, Martin Blake, a humble cobbler, struggles to protect his family through a bitter, death-shadowed winter. When the parish rector, his wife’s domineering uncle, forces orphaned children from London into their already meager home, Martin’s fragile world begins to unravel.
Grief, illness, and the weight of buried sins close in. Ravens gather. Martin’s reason begins to slip. Whispers spread—of misused alms, of spirits that roam at night, of faith twisted into something monstrous. As snow blankets the land and the dead lie unburied, Martin must confront a chilling truth: is he haunted by guilt, or by something far more sinister?
A gothic tale of illness, obsession, and the perilous border between loyalty and madness.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 8, 2026
About the author
Susan McCauley
16 books281 followersSusan McCauley is an award-winning author who writes gothic horror, ghost stories, and folklore-driven fantasy for middle grade, YA, and adult readers, exploring faith, fear, and the darker costs of history.
To learn more, visit her on the web at www.sbmccauley.com
To learn more, visit her on the web at www.sbmccauley.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 11, 2026
First, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC copy of the book.
This was a heart wrenching but beautiful example of gothic horror. A protagonist you can’t help but feel for as he descends into madness and a truly disgusting antagonist who you spend the entire book praying gets his comeuppance.
This is my first work by McCauley but she is clearly talented and can weave an engaging narrative with fleshed out characters. Certainly would recommend to anyone who enjoys the genre.
This was a heart wrenching but beautiful example of gothic horror. A protagonist you can’t help but feel for as he descends into madness and a truly disgusting antagonist who you spend the entire book praying gets his comeuppance.
This is my first work by McCauley but she is clearly talented and can weave an engaging narrative with fleshed out characters. Certainly would recommend to anyone who enjoys the genre.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
‘If you enjoy horror movies that have more depth and less jump-scares, this book is for you!’
The Raven is what I would summarise as a love-child of Ken Follett’s ‘Pillars Of The Earth’ and Susan Hill’s ‘The Woman In Black’. Exactly what you’d expect from a 17th Century, dark, folkloric novel. Full of eeriness and strange happenings and leaning on religion and the Great Plague, the author leads you on a journey of ups, downs, hope, and despair, to the point where you yourself question if what just happened, did actually happen!
Plot: 7/10
Although fairly simple, the story is engaging throughout and keeps the reader engrossed through every page – even if it you get the feeling of the inevitable. I personally felt like it was a little bit of a slow start, but once I was around 25% in, I got into the rhythm and flew through the rest.
Characters: 7/10
If I had to rate this section JUST based on Martin alone, it would be a 9. The depth of character building with him was excellent, you really get a sense of what the man is going through. The other characters, although well written, were sometimes a little harder to remember – and I personally had to keep referring to previous chapters to remember who was who, and what their relation was.
Worldbuilding: 7/10
Not much to say on worldbuilding really. It’s set predominantly in Yorkshire, but I feel it could’ve been anywhere that isn’t London really and it still would’ve worked. General sense of darkness was profound throughout the book, but apart from a few notable landmarks, you could be anywhere between Scotland and Cambridge – not a bad thing at all though, just to note.
Writing Style: 8/10
Easy read, easy language used, very free flowing - overall solid page-turner. The author does a fantastic job at making you detest a character, then feel sorry for them, then detest them all over again! The suspense that is built up where needed was very well done and I like to think that this is a very strong point of the author.
Summary
Overall, I will say I thoroughly enjoyed The Raven. This is simply a dark, folklore novel that was done very well. Although just over 200 pages, you get a true depth of the story and the characters, without feeling like anything was rushed or skipped over. If you enjoy horror movies that have more depth and less jump-scares, this book is for you! It certainly makes me want to explore more of Susan McCauley’s works!
Overall rating: 7/10
The Raven is what I would summarise as a love-child of Ken Follett’s ‘Pillars Of The Earth’ and Susan Hill’s ‘The Woman In Black’. Exactly what you’d expect from a 17th Century, dark, folkloric novel. Full of eeriness and strange happenings and leaning on religion and the Great Plague, the author leads you on a journey of ups, downs, hope, and despair, to the point where you yourself question if what just happened, did actually happen!
Plot: 7/10
Although fairly simple, the story is engaging throughout and keeps the reader engrossed through every page – even if it you get the feeling of the inevitable. I personally felt like it was a little bit of a slow start, but once I was around 25% in, I got into the rhythm and flew through the rest.
Characters: 7/10
If I had to rate this section JUST based on Martin alone, it would be a 9. The depth of character building with him was excellent, you really get a sense of what the man is going through. The other characters, although well written, were sometimes a little harder to remember – and I personally had to keep referring to previous chapters to remember who was who, and what their relation was.
Worldbuilding: 7/10
Not much to say on worldbuilding really. It’s set predominantly in Yorkshire, but I feel it could’ve been anywhere that isn’t London really and it still would’ve worked. General sense of darkness was profound throughout the book, but apart from a few notable landmarks, you could be anywhere between Scotland and Cambridge – not a bad thing at all though, just to note.
Writing Style: 8/10
Easy read, easy language used, very free flowing - overall solid page-turner. The author does a fantastic job at making you detest a character, then feel sorry for them, then detest them all over again! The suspense that is built up where needed was very well done and I like to think that this is a very strong point of the author.
Summary
Overall, I will say I thoroughly enjoyed The Raven. This is simply a dark, folklore novel that was done very well. Although just over 200 pages, you get a true depth of the story and the characters, without feeling like anything was rushed or skipped over. If you enjoy horror movies that have more depth and less jump-scares, this book is for you! It certainly makes me want to explore more of Susan McCauley’s works!
Overall rating: 7/10
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March 20, 2026182 pages
The year is 1665.
This is a sad, tragic story about a man who slowly goes mad. It is heartbreaking and breathtaking all at once. Martin Blake is a man who is married to Susanna. They have a young son. Martin would do anything for the pair. His love for them is incomparable. They live in a small village in York, far away from the pestilence that is rampaging London.
Martin and his family don’t have much. He is a poor cobbler and only has occasional work. On his way home, he accidentally kills a Raven. Its mate stares at him from a nearby tree. A bitter winter brings five orphan children to their home. They have very little to share, with the stingy stipend for the additional children from the local church, they don’t have enough. The rector of the church, Susanna’s uncle, is a terrible, unforgiving man.
Martin’s guilt, unspoken secrets and poverty take their toll. Martin is losing his grip.
A series of tragedies compound his stress. Martin suffers a complete breakdown. He no longer has a sense of reality.
Influenced by religion, his delusions become manifest.
Martin’s story is very sad, but important in terms of an individual’s mental health. I read the book in one sitting. I found it tragic and engrossing. This book will stay with me for some time. I was fascinated witnessing Martin’s slow descent into madness. The characters in this story are brilliant. The protagonists are fully fleshed out. Their motivations are clear and consistent with their personalities.
I want to thank NetGalley and Book Whisperer - Celtic Sea LLC for forwarding to me a copy of this thoughtful book. The opinions I’ve expressed in this review are solely my own.
The year is 1665.
This is a sad, tragic story about a man who slowly goes mad. It is heartbreaking and breathtaking all at once. Martin Blake is a man who is married to Susanna. They have a young son. Martin would do anything for the pair. His love for them is incomparable. They live in a small village in York, far away from the pestilence that is rampaging London.
Martin and his family don’t have much. He is a poor cobbler and only has occasional work. On his way home, he accidentally kills a Raven. Its mate stares at him from a nearby tree. A bitter winter brings five orphan children to their home. They have very little to share, with the stingy stipend for the additional children from the local church, they don’t have enough. The rector of the church, Susanna’s uncle, is a terrible, unforgiving man.
Martin’s guilt, unspoken secrets and poverty take their toll. Martin is losing his grip.
A series of tragedies compound his stress. Martin suffers a complete breakdown. He no longer has a sense of reality.
Influenced by religion, his delusions become manifest.
Martin’s story is very sad, but important in terms of an individual’s mental health. I read the book in one sitting. I found it tragic and engrossing. This book will stay with me for some time. I was fascinated witnessing Martin’s slow descent into madness. The characters in this story are brilliant. The protagonists are fully fleshed out. Their motivations are clear and consistent with their personalities.
I want to thank NetGalley and Book Whisperer - Celtic Sea LLC for forwarding to me a copy of this thoughtful book. The opinions I’ve expressed in this review are solely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Raven by Susan McCauley is an atmospheric, character-driven story set against a richly detailed historical backdrop. With its strong focus on relationships, emotion, and survival during unsettling times, the novel offers an engaging premise and a cast of well-developed characters — even if the execution didn’t always feel as polished as it could have been for me.
The story follows a group of characters navigating fear, uncertainty, and the weight of circumstance as their lives become increasingly shaped by both external danger and personal struggles. Much of the novel’s strength lies in its character work. McCauley takes time to build personalities and emotional depth, making the characters feel distinct and believable. Their relationships and internal conflicts kept me invested and curious about how everything would unfold.
That said, I often felt the writing needed to be tightened up. There were moments where continuity became distracting — particularly scenes where characters were described as asleep but then appeared to be actively involved in conversations or reacting to events happening at the same time. These inconsistencies pulled me out of the story and made certain sections feel confusing rather than immersive.
The pacing also felt uneven at times. Some passages lingered longer than necessary and could have benefited from sharper editing to maintain momentum. While I remained interested in the overall story, there were stretches where the narrative felt heavier than it needed to be.
Even with these issues, the underlying story is a good one, and the character development stands out as a clear strength. Readers who enjoy slower, character-focused historical fiction with a strong atmospheric presence may still find a lot to appreciate here.
Expected publication: September 8, 2026.
Devour or Nibble?
Nibble. The characters and overall story make this worth picking up, but uneven pacing and moments that needed tighter editing kept it from being a fully immersive read for me. A good choice if you enjoy atmospheric, character-driven stories and don’t mind a slower pace.
**I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
The story follows a group of characters navigating fear, uncertainty, and the weight of circumstance as their lives become increasingly shaped by both external danger and personal struggles. Much of the novel’s strength lies in its character work. McCauley takes time to build personalities and emotional depth, making the characters feel distinct and believable. Their relationships and internal conflicts kept me invested and curious about how everything would unfold.
That said, I often felt the writing needed to be tightened up. There were moments where continuity became distracting — particularly scenes where characters were described as asleep but then appeared to be actively involved in conversations or reacting to events happening at the same time. These inconsistencies pulled me out of the story and made certain sections feel confusing rather than immersive.
The pacing also felt uneven at times. Some passages lingered longer than necessary and could have benefited from sharper editing to maintain momentum. While I remained interested in the overall story, there were stretches where the narrative felt heavier than it needed to be.
Even with these issues, the underlying story is a good one, and the character development stands out as a clear strength. Readers who enjoy slower, character-focused historical fiction with a strong atmospheric presence may still find a lot to appreciate here.
Expected publication: September 8, 2026.
Devour or Nibble?
Nibble. The characters and overall story make this worth picking up, but uneven pacing and moments that needed tighter editing kept it from being a fully immersive read for me. A good choice if you enjoy atmospheric, character-driven stories and don’t mind a slower pace.
**I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
NetGalley kindly provided me with an ARC, in exchange for a review.
Set during London's Great Plague of 1665, The Raven follows the travails of Susanna and Martin, a cobbler who is unable to join the Cordwainer's Guild due to the shame brought on by his wife's bearing a child out of wedlock. Living in the York countryside, the couple struggle to feed not only themselves and their young son, but also orphaned children which Susanna's evil uncle, the church rector, places in their charge. Though patrons provide a stipend for the couple to help care for the children, the uncle does not deliver the full amount to them. One morning while checking his rabbit trap, he finds that a raven was trapped and killed. The raven, as a harbinger of death or a diabolical messenger, continues to haunt Martin throughout the story, as misfortune repeatedly strikes.
The author did well in establishing the historical setting and in creating a believable world. What failed for me, though, was the pedestrian plotline and the characters plucked from Central Casting. I found no complexity in either the characters or the story. The reader is aware of all the hidden truths and are aware of the solution. Ravens make several follow-up visits with Martin which, storywise, is meant to blur his ability to distinguish between natural events and supernatural vengeance. It just didn't work for me, though. I, as a reader, did not feel any sense of dread when ravens arrived, and, in fact, every reference to ravens in the story could have been eliminated without affecting my reading of the story. The story is also dragged out by the convenient device of Susanna's insistence on Martin keeping a promise to her. Then, when the author is ready to bring the story to a conclusion, she just as conveniently has Martin break his promise, which Susanna is, of course, okay with, now.
In my opinion, this novella would have benefitted a great deal from a story coach who could have helped the author flesh out her ideas better and avoid the cliched characters and plotlines. Still, not a "bad" book, and I'll give it 3 stars.
Set during London's Great Plague of 1665, The Raven follows the travails of Susanna and Martin, a cobbler who is unable to join the Cordwainer's Guild due to the shame brought on by his wife's bearing a child out of wedlock. Living in the York countryside, the couple struggle to feed not only themselves and their young son, but also orphaned children which Susanna's evil uncle, the church rector, places in their charge. Though patrons provide a stipend for the couple to help care for the children, the uncle does not deliver the full amount to them. One morning while checking his rabbit trap, he finds that a raven was trapped and killed. The raven, as a harbinger of death or a diabolical messenger, continues to haunt Martin throughout the story, as misfortune repeatedly strikes.
The author did well in establishing the historical setting and in creating a believable world. What failed for me, though, was the pedestrian plotline and the characters plucked from Central Casting. I found no complexity in either the characters or the story. The reader is aware of all the hidden truths and are aware of the solution. Ravens make several follow-up visits with Martin which, storywise, is meant to blur his ability to distinguish between natural events and supernatural vengeance. It just didn't work for me, though. I, as a reader, did not feel any sense of dread when ravens arrived, and, in fact, every reference to ravens in the story could have been eliminated without affecting my reading of the story. The story is also dragged out by the convenient device of Susanna's insistence on Martin keeping a promise to her. Then, when the author is ready to bring the story to a conclusion, she just as conveniently has Martin break his promise, which Susanna is, of course, okay with, now.
In my opinion, this novella would have benefitted a great deal from a story coach who could have helped the author flesh out her ideas better and avoid the cliched characters and plotlines. Still, not a "bad" book, and I'll give it 3 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
this was such a heavy, atmospheric read and it honestly stayed with me after finishing this Gothic Horror.
it’s set during the plague, and you can feel that straight away everything feels cold, bleak, and just hopeless.
we follow martin, who’s trying to hold his family together while everything around him is falling apart, and you can really feel how much pressure he’s under you can feel his emotions and the weight on his chest.
and then things just keep getting worse
more people in the house, more illness, more tension.
and this constant feeling that something isn’t quite right
what I really loved about this was the atmosphere it’s very slow, very heavy, and kind of unsettling the whole way through like you’re not always sure what’s real and what’s not, and that uncertainty just keeps building.
the ravens, the whispers, the guilt it all adds to that feeling that something darker is happening beneath the surface and martin himself was such an interesting character
he’s not perfect, he’s struggling, and you can feel him starting to unravel as everything closes in around him.
it’s one of those books where you’re constantly questioning — is this grief, guilt, or something actually supernatural.
it’s not fast-paced at all, but that worked for this story
it’s more about the slow descent, the tension, and the emotional weight of everything happening
this definitely isn’t a light read it’s dark, uncomfortable, and leans heavily into those gothic elements which I absolutely loved, and I thought it made the book more unsettling.
but if you enjoy slower, more atmospheric stories that focus on character and mood, this really delivers
overall, such a haunting and unique read I really enjoyed this one.
If you like
- gothic horror
- descent into madness
- grief & guilt
- isolation
- is it supernatural or not
- slow psychological unraveling
You will definitely enjoy this one.
thank you to netgalley, the publisher & susan mccauley for the arc
this was such a heavy, atmospheric read and it honestly stayed with me after finishing this Gothic Horror.
it’s set during the plague, and you can feel that straight away everything feels cold, bleak, and just hopeless.
we follow martin, who’s trying to hold his family together while everything around him is falling apart, and you can really feel how much pressure he’s under you can feel his emotions and the weight on his chest.
and then things just keep getting worse
more people in the house, more illness, more tension.
and this constant feeling that something isn’t quite right
what I really loved about this was the atmosphere it’s very slow, very heavy, and kind of unsettling the whole way through like you’re not always sure what’s real and what’s not, and that uncertainty just keeps building.
the ravens, the whispers, the guilt it all adds to that feeling that something darker is happening beneath the surface and martin himself was such an interesting character
he’s not perfect, he’s struggling, and you can feel him starting to unravel as everything closes in around him.
it’s one of those books where you’re constantly questioning — is this grief, guilt, or something actually supernatural.
it’s not fast-paced at all, but that worked for this story
it’s more about the slow descent, the tension, and the emotional weight of everything happening
this definitely isn’t a light read it’s dark, uncomfortable, and leans heavily into those gothic elements which I absolutely loved, and I thought it made the book more unsettling.
but if you enjoy slower, more atmospheric stories that focus on character and mood, this really delivers
overall, such a haunting and unique read I really enjoyed this one.
If you like
- gothic horror
- descent into madness
- grief & guilt
- isolation
- is it supernatural or not
- slow psychological unraveling
You will definitely enjoy this one.
thank you to netgalley, the publisher & susan mccauley for the arc
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you netgalley
The Raven • Susan McCauley
One phrase: gothic grief wrapped in madness 🖤
This was such a heartbreaking and beautifully written gothic horror story.
Set in England during the plague year of 1665, The Raven follows Martin Blake, a poor cobbler trying desperately to protect his wife and child while illness, winter, poverty, guilt, and grief slowly close in around him.
And wow. This book is bleak in the best gothic way.
Martin is the kind of protagonist you cannot help but ache for. He loves his family deeply, but every burden placed on him chips away at his mind. The plague creeping closer, the orphaned children forced into his already struggling home, the cruelty of the rector, the ravens gathering, the secrets he carries, all of it builds into this slow, tragic unraveling that feels impossible to look away from.
The atmosphere is heavy and chilling. Snow. Sickness. Unburied dead. Religious fear. Whispered rumors. Ravens watching from the trees. It all creates this suffocating sense of dread that perfectly matches Martin’s descent.
What I loved most was how emotional the horror felt. This is not just scary because of ghosts or madness or death. It is scary because it feels human. Poverty, guilt, grief, religious control, and fear all become their own kind of haunting.
And the antagonist? Absolutely vile. I spent the entire book waiting for his downfall.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
🖤 gothic horror
🐦⬛ ravens and omens
❄️ bleak winter atmosphere
🕯 plague era England
😭 grief and guilt
⛪ religious fear
🧠 descent into madness
👻 possible haunting
💀 historical horror
📖 tragic literary feel
📚 Read this if you like:
Atmospheric gothic horror, historical fiction with emotional weight, morally grim stories, slow descents into madness, and books that leave you unsettled long after the final page.
This was tragic, haunting, and deeply engrossing. Definitely a story that sticks.
#TheRaven #SusanMcCauley #GothicHorror #HistoricalFiction #BookReview
The Raven • Susan McCauley
One phrase: gothic grief wrapped in madness 🖤
This was such a heartbreaking and beautifully written gothic horror story.
Set in England during the plague year of 1665, The Raven follows Martin Blake, a poor cobbler trying desperately to protect his wife and child while illness, winter, poverty, guilt, and grief slowly close in around him.
And wow. This book is bleak in the best gothic way.
Martin is the kind of protagonist you cannot help but ache for. He loves his family deeply, but every burden placed on him chips away at his mind. The plague creeping closer, the orphaned children forced into his already struggling home, the cruelty of the rector, the ravens gathering, the secrets he carries, all of it builds into this slow, tragic unraveling that feels impossible to look away from.
The atmosphere is heavy and chilling. Snow. Sickness. Unburied dead. Religious fear. Whispered rumors. Ravens watching from the trees. It all creates this suffocating sense of dread that perfectly matches Martin’s descent.
What I loved most was how emotional the horror felt. This is not just scary because of ghosts or madness or death. It is scary because it feels human. Poverty, guilt, grief, religious control, and fear all become their own kind of haunting.
And the antagonist? Absolutely vile. I spent the entire book waiting for his downfall.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
🖤 gothic horror
🐦⬛ ravens and omens
❄️ bleak winter atmosphere
🕯 plague era England
😭 grief and guilt
⛪ religious fear
🧠 descent into madness
👻 possible haunting
💀 historical horror
📖 tragic literary feel
📚 Read this if you like:
Atmospheric gothic horror, historical fiction with emotional weight, morally grim stories, slow descents into madness, and books that leave you unsettled long after the final page.
This was tragic, haunting, and deeply engrossing. Definitely a story that sticks.
#TheRaven #SusanMcCauley #GothicHorror #HistoricalFiction #BookReview
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Raven by Susan McCauley is a haunting historical horror novel set in the 17th century that blends gothic atmosphere with the feeling of a dark folk tale. Despite the historical setting, the language is very accessible and easy to follow, which made the story immersive without feeling heavy or difficult to read.
One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the shifting point of view between characters within the same scene. Seeing the same moment from different perspectives adds emotional depth and makes the tension between characters feel very real.
The story follows a family trying to get by and survive a harsh winter, but small moments and uneasy dynamics quickly create a sense of foreboding. An accidental killing of a raven, seen as a bad omen, casts a shadow over everything that follows. As the family takes in orphaned children fleeing plague-stricken London, the tension continues to build.
The novel has the tone of a dark Grimm-style tale where events slowly spiral out of control. Paranoia, superstition, hunger, and power begin to shape the characters’ choices, and the line between fear, delusion, and reality becomes increasingly blurred.
What makes the story especially unsettling is that the true horror often comes from people rather than anything supernatural. The atmosphere is haunting, and the sense of tragedy building throughout the book keeps you turning the pages even as you wish the characters could escape what feels inevitable.
The ending felt satisfying and fitting for the story, bringing the themes together in a way that stayed true to the dark tone of the book.
This is clearly a well-researched novel with a strong historical backdrop. Because of some darker themes, readers may appreciate trigger warnings, but overall it’s a compelling and atmospheric read for fans of gothic historical fiction.
Thank you to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the shifting point of view between characters within the same scene. Seeing the same moment from different perspectives adds emotional depth and makes the tension between characters feel very real.
The story follows a family trying to get by and survive a harsh winter, but small moments and uneasy dynamics quickly create a sense of foreboding. An accidental killing of a raven, seen as a bad omen, casts a shadow over everything that follows. As the family takes in orphaned children fleeing plague-stricken London, the tension continues to build.
The novel has the tone of a dark Grimm-style tale where events slowly spiral out of control. Paranoia, superstition, hunger, and power begin to shape the characters’ choices, and the line between fear, delusion, and reality becomes increasingly blurred.
What makes the story especially unsettling is that the true horror often comes from people rather than anything supernatural. The atmosphere is haunting, and the sense of tragedy building throughout the book keeps you turning the pages even as you wish the characters could escape what feels inevitable.
The ending felt satisfying and fitting for the story, bringing the themes together in a way that stayed true to the dark tone of the book.
This is clearly a well-researched novel with a strong historical backdrop. Because of some darker themes, readers may appreciate trigger warnings, but overall it’s a compelling and atmospheric read for fans of gothic historical fiction.
Thank you to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
England, 1665. Plague is spreading. Ravens are gathering. And one man's grip on reality is slipping... slowly, terrifyingly, and completely believably. The Raven by Susan McCauley is gothic horror done right.
Martin Blake is a humble cobbler in York, doing his best to keep his family alive through a brutal, death-haunted winter. When his wife's domineering uncle, the parish rector, forces orphaned children from plague-ravaged London into their already stretched home, Martin's fragile world begins to fracture at the seams. Grief piles on illness, illness piles on guilt, and guilt piles on something darker... The ravens gather. The whispers spread. And Martin can no longer tell whether he's being haunted by his own sins or by something genuinely sinister.
The atmosphere here is suffocating in the best possible way. McCauley evokes 17th-century England with an authenticity that feels lived-in... the biting cold, the creeping dread, the isolation of a community slowly being consumed by plague. Fans of gothic horror will likely find echoes of Edgar Allan Poe in the slow-building psychological unease.
Martin is a quietly compelling protagonist. He's not a hero... he's a man with buried sins and too many mouths to feed, which makes his unravelling all the more affecting. The supporting characters, particularly the rector, are sharply drawn, and the central tension between faith, guilt, and superstition gives the story real thematic weight.
If you love gothic horror, unreliable narrators, and historical settings that feel like they could swallow you whole, The Raven is well worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Susan McCauley for providing an advance copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
#TheRaven #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Raven takes place in the year 1665, a time of turmoil for England, with thousands dying of the Bubonic Plague.
McCauley’s short novel is set just outside of York, in the North of the country, with deprivation and the threat of Plague spreading from the capital looming.
It’s clear that the author carried out a lot of research, ensuring that her writing is historically accurate. I’m a former History teacher and couldn’t find fault, which was refreshing.
The characters are well written, with depth and emotion. The protagonist, Martin Blake (a cobbler) lives with his wife, Susanna, and young son, Thomas. Thomas, we discover, was born out of wedlock; forcing the couple into exile and poverty. Their little home is threadbare but warm; a focal point as they face jeopardy on all fronts.
Other characters include Susanna’s repugnant uncle, Elliot (the avaricious parish rector) and her beloved brother, Nicholas (an impoverished curate). The Blakes are charged with caring for four children, orphaned by the Plague. These extra mouths add to the pressure faced by Martin and his family.
The story begins with Martin inadvertently killing a raven, which leads to a sequence of events that cause him to cling to all he holds dear and ultimately question reality.
The birds are featured throughout as a portent of danger. The book is part fantasy, part gothic horror and is not a comforting read. In fact, as the story progresses, the text becomes a little chaotic and jarring but this could be a device to reflect the mental state of the protagonist. I really enjoyed the first three quarters of the book but found the last a little challenging. Saying that, I am keen to read more from Susan McCauley and would recommend this title to fans of alternative historical fantasy.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Book Whisperer, for the advance copy to review.
McCauley’s short novel is set just outside of York, in the North of the country, with deprivation and the threat of Plague spreading from the capital looming.
It’s clear that the author carried out a lot of research, ensuring that her writing is historically accurate. I’m a former History teacher and couldn’t find fault, which was refreshing.
The characters are well written, with depth and emotion. The protagonist, Martin Blake (a cobbler) lives with his wife, Susanna, and young son, Thomas. Thomas, we discover, was born out of wedlock; forcing the couple into exile and poverty. Their little home is threadbare but warm; a focal point as they face jeopardy on all fronts.
Other characters include Susanna’s repugnant uncle, Elliot (the avaricious parish rector) and her beloved brother, Nicholas (an impoverished curate). The Blakes are charged with caring for four children, orphaned by the Plague. These extra mouths add to the pressure faced by Martin and his family.
The story begins with Martin inadvertently killing a raven, which leads to a sequence of events that cause him to cling to all he holds dear and ultimately question reality.
The birds are featured throughout as a portent of danger. The book is part fantasy, part gothic horror and is not a comforting read. In fact, as the story progresses, the text becomes a little chaotic and jarring but this could be a device to reflect the mental state of the protagonist. I really enjoyed the first three quarters of the book but found the last a little challenging. Saying that, I am keen to read more from Susan McCauley and would recommend this title to fans of alternative historical fantasy.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Book Whisperer, for the advance copy to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3 ⭐️
This was a solid, atmospheric gothic short read, just not one I fully connected with all the way through.
The Raven by Susan McCauley is set in 1600s Yorkshire during the plague, and follows a man slowly unravelling under the weight of grief, guilt, and ravens, that may, or may not, be haunting him. There are strong religious undertones running throughout, and the ever-present ravens add this constant sense of dread that lingers in the background.
The setting and concept are really strong. It’s bleak, cold, and claustrophobic in that very classic gothic way, isolated village, harsh winter, illness closing in, and a mind beginning to fracture under pressure. When it leans into that, especially in the second half, it becomes genuinely unsettling and quite disturbing.
That said, the first half was a bit of a struggle for me. It felt quite slow and slightly unfocused, almost a bit too “wishy-washy” in how it built tension. I kept waiting for it to fully commit to the unease it was hinting at.
But once it does click into place, the second half is where this really works. The descent into madness sharpens, the atmosphere tightens, and it becomes much more immersive. That creeping sense of dread finally lands, and the story feels much more intentional and impactful.
Overall, I did enjoy it, especially for its mood and themes, but I think the pacing held it back from being something I loved. Still, if you like short, gothic, slow-burn stories about grief, religion, and unraveling minds, this is definitely one to pick up.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this in return for an honest opinion.
This was a solid, atmospheric gothic short read, just not one I fully connected with all the way through.
The Raven by Susan McCauley is set in 1600s Yorkshire during the plague, and follows a man slowly unravelling under the weight of grief, guilt, and ravens, that may, or may not, be haunting him. There are strong religious undertones running throughout, and the ever-present ravens add this constant sense of dread that lingers in the background.
The setting and concept are really strong. It’s bleak, cold, and claustrophobic in that very classic gothic way, isolated village, harsh winter, illness closing in, and a mind beginning to fracture under pressure. When it leans into that, especially in the second half, it becomes genuinely unsettling and quite disturbing.
That said, the first half was a bit of a struggle for me. It felt quite slow and slightly unfocused, almost a bit too “wishy-washy” in how it built tension. I kept waiting for it to fully commit to the unease it was hinting at.
But once it does click into place, the second half is where this really works. The descent into madness sharpens, the atmosphere tightens, and it becomes much more immersive. That creeping sense of dread finally lands, and the story feels much more intentional and impactful.
Overall, I did enjoy it, especially for its mood and themes, but I think the pacing held it back from being something I loved. Still, if you like short, gothic, slow-burn stories about grief, religion, and unraveling minds, this is definitely one to pick up.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this in return for an honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley, Book Whisperer; Celtic Sea, LLC, and Susan McCauley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This atmospheric, gothic horror is set in 1665, England, when the Bubonic Plague is currently sweeping through the land. The Raven follows a couple, Susanna and Martin, navigating poverty and plague as they care for their son, Timothy. Early on in the novel, the couple accepts a request from Susanne's brother, Nicholas (who is a priest of sorts), to house 4 orphans who lost their families to the plague.
The story picks up when Martin finds a raven he has accidentally killed in one of his hunting traps, which then triggers his constant paranoia towards the birds.
What I loved the most about this book was the atmosphere. The darky, moody, gothic horror setting was very well portrayed. The book as a whole didn’t resonate as a horror for me, but I could feel the tense and looming settings that the author was aiming to portray. The last two chapters were when things most felt like a horror! I think the book, with an exception for the last two chapters, was just suspenseful. Horror is subjective! Reading this at home? Not too scary. If I was reading this in a cabin in the woods? Very scary!
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It could've even been longer if the author wished to dig further into the main character's pasts, and the orphaned children's original homes. The length of the book (144 pages) made it hard for me to connect with these characters as much as I'd have liked to. This would be great to read in the Fall if you're a mood reader!
This atmospheric, gothic horror is set in 1665, England, when the Bubonic Plague is currently sweeping through the land. The Raven follows a couple, Susanna and Martin, navigating poverty and plague as they care for their son, Timothy. Early on in the novel, the couple accepts a request from Susanne's brother, Nicholas (who is a priest of sorts), to house 4 orphans who lost their families to the plague.
The story picks up when Martin finds a raven he has accidentally killed in one of his hunting traps, which then triggers his constant paranoia towards the birds.
What I loved the most about this book was the atmosphere. The darky, moody, gothic horror setting was very well portrayed. The book as a whole didn’t resonate as a horror for me, but I could feel the tense and looming settings that the author was aiming to portray. The last two chapters were when things most felt like a horror! I think the book, with an exception for the last two chapters, was just suspenseful. Horror is subjective! Reading this at home? Not too scary. If I was reading this in a cabin in the woods? Very scary!
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It could've even been longer if the author wished to dig further into the main character's pasts, and the orphaned children's original homes. The length of the book (144 pages) made it hard for me to connect with these characters as much as I'd have liked to. This would be great to read in the Fall if you're a mood reader!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Raven unfolds in 1665 England, a landscape already hollowed out by plague and fear, and the novel captures that suffocating dread with striking elegance. Martin Blake, a humble cobbler in York, is simply trying to keep his family alive through a winter thick with death. But when his domineering uncle—the parish rector—forces orphaned London children into their cramped home, the fragile balance of Martin’s world begins to crack.
The story moves with a slow, chilling inevitability. Grief settles like frost. Illness creeps closer. Ravens gather on rooftops as if waiting for something. And Martin’s mind, already strained by buried sins and unspoken guilt, begins to slip. The whispers around town—of misused alms, of spirits roaming at night, of faith twisted into cruelty—blur the line between superstition and something genuinely supernatural.
What makes the novel so compelling is the way it holds that tension: is Martin haunted by the plague, by his conscience, or by something far more sinister? The snowbound setting, the unburied dead, the oppressive weight of religion and fear—all of it builds a world where madness feels like a natural response.
It’s a dark, immersive read, rich with gothic unease and the quiet terror of a man who no longer trusts his own mind. A beautifully written descent into obsession, loyalty, and the shadows we carry.
With thanks to Susan McCauley, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The story moves with a slow, chilling inevitability. Grief settles like frost. Illness creeps closer. Ravens gather on rooftops as if waiting for something. And Martin’s mind, already strained by buried sins and unspoken guilt, begins to slip. The whispers around town—of misused alms, of spirits roaming at night, of faith twisted into cruelty—blur the line between superstition and something genuinely supernatural.
What makes the novel so compelling is the way it holds that tension: is Martin haunted by the plague, by his conscience, or by something far more sinister? The snowbound setting, the unburied dead, the oppressive weight of religion and fear—all of it builds a world where madness feels like a natural response.
It’s a dark, immersive read, rich with gothic unease and the quiet terror of a man who no longer trusts his own mind. A beautifully written descent into obsession, loyalty, and the shadows we carry.
With thanks to Susan McCauley, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Author
Susan McCauley’s The Raven is a haunting, beautifully written gothic tale that lingers long after the final page. From the opening scenes, the novel draws you into a world of hardship, faith, and quiet dread, rendered with striking, immersive detail.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its vivid imagery. Whether it’s the crashing sea, the stark countryside, or the dim interiors lit by firelight, every setting feels tangible and alive. The presence of the ravens, both real and symbolic, adds a constant, unsettling undercurrent that deepens the story’s emotional and thematic weight.
At its core, The Raven is an intimate story about love, guilt, and belief. Martin and Susanna’s relationship is layered and compelling, shaped by past trauma and the rigid expectations of their time. McCauley explores how faith and fear intertwine, and how easily the line between the natural and supernatural can blur.
The prose is elegant without being overwrought, and the pacing allows tension to build gradually, giving each moment space to resonate. While the novel has strong visual qualities that could lend themselves well to adaptation, it stands firmly on its own as a richly atmospheric and emotionally grounded work of gothic fiction.
A deeply evocative and thoughtful read—perfect for anyone who appreciates historical settings infused with quiet, creeping unease.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its vivid imagery. Whether it’s the crashing sea, the stark countryside, or the dim interiors lit by firelight, every setting feels tangible and alive. The presence of the ravens, both real and symbolic, adds a constant, unsettling undercurrent that deepens the story’s emotional and thematic weight.
At its core, The Raven is an intimate story about love, guilt, and belief. Martin and Susanna’s relationship is layered and compelling, shaped by past trauma and the rigid expectations of their time. McCauley explores how faith and fear intertwine, and how easily the line between the natural and supernatural can blur.
The prose is elegant without being overwrought, and the pacing allows tension to build gradually, giving each moment space to resonate. While the novel has strong visual qualities that could lend themselves well to adaptation, it stands firmly on its own as a richly atmospheric and emotionally grounded work of gothic fiction.
A deeply evocative and thoughtful read—perfect for anyone who appreciates historical settings infused with quiet, creeping unease.
April 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was a short, novella-length story that touched on grief and the impact of the Black Death on victims in small villages.
Ultimately, this is a story about an older cobbler, Martin, who is married to a much younger Susanna. They live in a very small village with their son Thomas. They live a very humble life, barely scraping by with Martin's meager pay, but they seem happy in their small life. They are then coerced by Susanna's uncle, the rector of the church, to take in three more children whose parents were taken by plague.
Given that this is a novella, the story moves very quickly, with most of the plot taking place in less than a week. I think it does an okay job at addressing grief and the break from reality that can be caused by experiencing such loss in a short time, but it was hindered by the length of the book. The author does a great job setting up characters and making them complex in a short period of time, but I think a longer book will really make her skills more apparent (which I will say is my first time reading a book by the author, and she is by no means new to the world of writing).
Trigger warnings:
- Child loss
- Black death
- Rape
- Church-related trauma
- Large age-gap relationship
This was a short, novella-length story that touched on grief and the impact of the Black Death on victims in small villages.
Ultimately, this is a story about an older cobbler, Martin, who is married to a much younger Susanna. They live in a very small village with their son Thomas. They live a very humble life, barely scraping by with Martin's meager pay, but they seem happy in their small life. They are then coerced by Susanna's uncle, the rector of the church, to take in three more children whose parents were taken by plague.
Given that this is a novella, the story moves very quickly, with most of the plot taking place in less than a week. I think it does an okay job at addressing grief and the break from reality that can be caused by experiencing such loss in a short time, but it was hindered by the length of the book. The author does a great job setting up characters and making them complex in a short period of time, but I think a longer book will really make her skills more apparent (which I will say is my first time reading a book by the author, and she is by no means new to the world of writing).
Trigger warnings:
- Child loss
- Black death
- Rape
- Church-related trauma
- Large age-gap relationship
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Raven is a chilling and atmospheric gothic horror novel set in plague stricken England in 1665. Susan McCauley blends historical realism with a dark, folk tale mood, creating a story that feels both authentic and haunting.
At the center is Martin Blake, a humble cobbler whose life begins to unravel as illness, grief, and guilt close in on his family. When his domineering uncle, the local rector, forces orphaned children from London into their already strained household, the tension grows unbearable. Ravens gather, whispers spread, and Martin’s grip on reality slowly fractures.
One of the novel’s strengths is its shifting point of view, which adds emotional depth without disrupting the flow. Despite its brevity, the book delivers powerful, unsettling moments and a constant sense of dread. The true horror often comes not from the supernatural, but from fear, superstition, and human cruelty.
McCauley’s writing is accessible yet richly atmospheric, making the harsh winter, the creeping paranoia, and the historical setting feel vividly alive. The ending ties the themes together in a way that feels both dark and fitting.
A gripping, eerie read for anyone who enjoys gothic tales.
At the center is Martin Blake, a humble cobbler whose life begins to unravel as illness, grief, and guilt close in on his family. When his domineering uncle, the local rector, forces orphaned children from London into their already strained household, the tension grows unbearable. Ravens gather, whispers spread, and Martin’s grip on reality slowly fractures.
One of the novel’s strengths is its shifting point of view, which adds emotional depth without disrupting the flow. Despite its brevity, the book delivers powerful, unsettling moments and a constant sense of dread. The true horror often comes not from the supernatural, but from fear, superstition, and human cruelty.
McCauley’s writing is accessible yet richly atmospheric, making the harsh winter, the creeping paranoia, and the historical setting feel vividly alive. The ending ties the themes together in a way that feels both dark and fitting.
A gripping, eerie read for anyone who enjoys gothic tales.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A 1600s England setting in the time of the Plague. Set course with a husband and wife who have endured so much pain prior to the current day toll of having four children placed in their home to feed when coin is tight. As secret sins are revealed the family plunges into darkness with Ravens ever watching and judging.
A mix of Poe's The Raven, Miller's The Crucible, and Hawthorne's Scarlet Letter, this piece will haunt you long after the Ravens have become silent. This book will make you feel for Martin, the main male character, as you follow him to his demise. It will make you question the burdens we ask others to carry and how loss can mentally alter our existence.
I recommend this for anyone who enjoys short reads with dark tones. The length was a bonus for me in a literary timeframe that can't seem to publish anything less than 400+ page novels. I was able to read this in a setting and move on to my life duties. I was able to get into the characters head and see his point of view, even if he didn't always do the right thing. At times I did want a little more development in the plot versus the mind, as I still have a few unresolved questions.
***NetGalley ARC Review***
A mix of Poe's The Raven, Miller's The Crucible, and Hawthorne's Scarlet Letter, this piece will haunt you long after the Ravens have become silent. This book will make you feel for Martin, the main male character, as you follow him to his demise. It will make you question the burdens we ask others to carry and how loss can mentally alter our existence.
I recommend this for anyone who enjoys short reads with dark tones. The length was a bonus for me in a literary timeframe that can't seem to publish anything less than 400+ page novels. I was able to read this in a setting and move on to my life duties. I was able to get into the characters head and see his point of view, even if he didn't always do the right thing. At times I did want a little more development in the plot versus the mind, as I still have a few unresolved questions.
***NetGalley ARC Review***
May 10, 2026
"The Raven" by Susan McCauley unfolds in a world rich with historical detail, drawing readers into a narrative steeped in eeriness and strange occurrences. McCauley expertly guides us through a landscape of highs and lows, filled with hope and despair, leaving us to ponder the reality of the events that transpire.
The story begins with an accidental killing of a raven, a deed that looms large as a foreboding omen, casting a shadow over the life of Martin and his family. This act raises the question of whether the untimely death of the raven's mate is the catalyst for the misfortunes that follow. Throughout the novel, the symbolism of the raven enhances the dark and ominous atmosphere, weaving a thread of tension and intrigue. The conclusion of "The Raven" delivers a satisfying resolution, skillfully tying together the themes that permeate the narrative and remaining true to the book's somber tone.
McCauley's skillful storytelling and well-crafted characters showcase her talent as a writer. I would recommend this book to all readers.
Iwould like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC copy and allowing me to give my own honest opinion about the book.
The story begins with an accidental killing of a raven, a deed that looms large as a foreboding omen, casting a shadow over the life of Martin and his family. This act raises the question of whether the untimely death of the raven's mate is the catalyst for the misfortunes that follow. Throughout the novel, the symbolism of the raven enhances the dark and ominous atmosphere, weaving a thread of tension and intrigue. The conclusion of "The Raven" delivers a satisfying resolution, skillfully tying together the themes that permeate the narrative and remaining true to the book's somber tone.
McCauley's skillful storytelling and well-crafted characters showcase her talent as a writer. I would recommend this book to all readers.
Iwould like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC copy and allowing me to give my own honest opinion about the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you're looking for a read that drips with atmosphere, Susan McCauley’s The Raven delivers a hauntingly beautiful blend of Gothic mystery and supernatural suspense.
The Atmosphere
The cover art perfectly captures the book's essence: dark, intricate, and slightly ominous. McCauley excels at building a world where the shadows feel alive. The setting is practically a character itself, draped in a "dark academia" aesthetic that feels both classic and fresh.
Plot & Pacing
The story is tightly woven, leaning heavily into the symbolism of the raven—traditionally a harbinger of both wisdom and death.
The Hook: It pulls you in with an immediate sense of unease.
The Mystery: The breadcrumbs are laid out expertly, making it a "just one more chapter" kind of experience.
The Tone: It strikes a great balance between eerie tension and emotional depth.
Final Verdict
The Raven is a must-read for fans of Gothic horror . It’s atmospheric, moody, and stays with you long after the final page is turned.
The Atmosphere
The cover art perfectly captures the book's essence: dark, intricate, and slightly ominous. McCauley excels at building a world where the shadows feel alive. The setting is practically a character itself, draped in a "dark academia" aesthetic that feels both classic and fresh.
Plot & Pacing
The story is tightly woven, leaning heavily into the symbolism of the raven—traditionally a harbinger of both wisdom and death.
The Hook: It pulls you in with an immediate sense of unease.
The Mystery: The breadcrumbs are laid out expertly, making it a "just one more chapter" kind of experience.
The Tone: It strikes a great balance between eerie tension and emotional depth.
Final Verdict
The Raven is a must-read for fans of Gothic horror . It’s atmospheric, moody, and stays with you long after the final page is turned.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but the historical setting and the ominous sounding description intrigued me.
Turns out I just found the perfect book to read on a gloomy, rainy day!
The vibe, the setting and the story are everything you could want from a gothic horror.
The atmosphere is eery, dark and foreboding right from the start and a constant feeling of dread and unease followed my throughout the whole book.
I was not prepared for how gut-wrenching and heart-breaking this story would be. It's brutal, terrifying and I love how it didn't hold back from delivering shocking and disturbing scenes.
Even though it's quite a short book, it really packs a punch and makes you truly care for our main characters.
The way the POV shifts multiple times during chapters without breaking the flow of the story is something I haven't read before and it made for a very immersive and gripping storytelling.
I would definitely recommend this to everyone who enjoys atmospheric, dark gothic tales and/or horror with folklore elements.
Turns out I just found the perfect book to read on a gloomy, rainy day!
The vibe, the setting and the story are everything you could want from a gothic horror.
The atmosphere is eery, dark and foreboding right from the start and a constant feeling of dread and unease followed my throughout the whole book.
I was not prepared for how gut-wrenching and heart-breaking this story would be. It's brutal, terrifying and I love how it didn't hold back from delivering shocking and disturbing scenes.
Even though it's quite a short book, it really packs a punch and makes you truly care for our main characters.
The way the POV shifts multiple times during chapters without breaking the flow of the story is something I haven't read before and it made for a very immersive and gripping storytelling.
I would definitely recommend this to everyone who enjoys atmospheric, dark gothic tales and/or horror with folklore elements.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For fans of quickly-paced historical horror, "The Raven" delivers madness, murder, and a hint of the supernatural in a small village on the outskirts of London. The year is 1665, and a great plague has hit the city, which will ultimately cause the deaths of approximately 100,000 people in the city and result in the removal of Charles II's court to outlier towns to escape the disease. In this midst is a small family, a loving couple and a young boy, whose lives will be turned completely sideways with events both natural and possibly supernatural, if one is open to curse-working ravens.
I enjoyed this book a lot, particularly as it was a quick, easy read with lots of dark elements: obsession, madness, starvation, and murder. For fans of horror, this read was a lot like comfort food: easy to digest, warm and comforting, hitting all of the necessary tones. Kudos to the author, and thanks to Netgalley for the free read!
I enjoyed this book a lot, particularly as it was a quick, easy read with lots of dark elements: obsession, madness, starvation, and murder. For fans of horror, this read was a lot like comfort food: easy to digest, warm and comforting, hitting all of the necessary tones. Kudos to the author, and thanks to Netgalley for the free read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks NetGalley for this read. The Raven was captivating. It’s one of those books that feels rich and atmospheric from the very beginning, but it also has a lot of heart beneath the darkness. It has everything I want in gothic horror: grief, secrets, folklore, love, and that creeping sense of dread that never really lets up.
Underneath the ghost story and historical setting, it’s really about family, power, loyalty, trauma, and the things people will do to protect the people they love—or to control them. That gave it a lot more weight for me than a standard horror novel.
The writing is vivid and haunting without slowing the story down, and there were so many lines and images that just felt eerie and well thought out.
If you like gothic horror, historical fiction, folklore, and books that are unsettling but also emotionally affecting, I’d definitely recommend this one; it’s memorable!
Underneath the ghost story and historical setting, it’s really about family, power, loyalty, trauma, and the things people will do to protect the people they love—or to control them. That gave it a lot more weight for me than a standard horror novel.
The writing is vivid and haunting without slowing the story down, and there were so many lines and images that just felt eerie and well thought out.
If you like gothic horror, historical fiction, folklore, and books that are unsettling but also emotionally affecting, I’d definitely recommend this one; it’s memorable!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set in 17th century Yorkshire, this gothic horror novella follows the story of a man already struggling to care for his family when he is forced to take in orphans from plague-stricken London. When tragedy hits his mind begins to unravel, until truths from the past must be confronted.
This book kept me hooked, it was just the right length to keep a good pace throughout and not drag. The reader is aware of the main twist early on, but it is interesting seeing how the protagonist deals with it during his descent into madness. As someone who loves history I also enjoyed the attention to detail, although at some points this got a bit repetitive.
This is definitely not a light read, and I found myself getting angry at a few points, however I felt that the subjects were handled well. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I'm sure it won't be the last.
Set in 17th century Yorkshire, this gothic horror novella follows the story of a man already struggling to care for his family when he is forced to take in orphans from plague-stricken London. When tragedy hits his mind begins to unravel, until truths from the past must be confronted.
This book kept me hooked, it was just the right length to keep a good pace throughout and not drag. The reader is aware of the main twist early on, but it is interesting seeing how the protagonist deals with it during his descent into madness. As someone who loves history I also enjoyed the attention to detail, although at some points this got a bit repetitive.
This is definitely not a light read, and I found myself getting angry at a few points, however I felt that the subjects were handled well. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I'm sure it won't be the last.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
A properly eerie, slow-burn gothic story with strong The Woman in Black / The Haunting of Hill House vibes— which I loved. The atmosphere is the standout: tense, quiet, and deeply unsettling without relying on cheap scares.
That said, I was left a bit confused, especially about what was actually wrong with Martin. The ambiguity sometimes worked, but other times it just felt frustrating rather than intriguing. The pacing also dipped slightly in the middle, and while the ambiguity works well for atmosphere, it occasionally made the plot feel a bit hazy rather than intentionally mysterious.
Overall, I enjoyed the reading experience and especially appreciated the haunting tone, but the lack of clarity—particularly around key elements like Martin—held it back from being a full four-star read for me.
A properly eerie, slow-burn gothic story with strong The Woman in Black / The Haunting of Hill House vibes— which I loved. The atmosphere is the standout: tense, quiet, and deeply unsettling without relying on cheap scares.
That said, I was left a bit confused, especially about what was actually wrong with Martin. The ambiguity sometimes worked, but other times it just felt frustrating rather than intriguing. The pacing also dipped slightly in the middle, and while the ambiguity works well for atmosphere, it occasionally made the plot feel a bit hazy rather than intentionally mysterious.
Overall, I enjoyed the reading experience and especially appreciated the haunting tone, but the lack of clarity—particularly around key elements like Martin—held it back from being a full four-star read for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5 ⭐)
This was a really compelling read set during the plague in 1665, with a dark, eerie atmosphere that pulls you in right away. The tension surrounding Martin and his unraveling state of mind is especially engaging, and I loved how the story blends illness, guilt, and possible supernatural elements—it keeps you questioning what’s real the entire time.
The pacing stays quick and makes it easy to stay invested, and the bleak winter setting adds to the overall sense of dread. It definitely delivers on that gothic, unsettling vibe.
That said, it didn’t completely stick the landing for me. The ending felt a bit uneven, and I was hoping for a stronger payoff between the psychological and supernatural sides of the story. Still, it’s a solid, atmospheric read and worth picking up if you enjoy dark historical fiction with a haunting edge.
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5 ⭐)
This was a really compelling read set during the plague in 1665, with a dark, eerie atmosphere that pulls you in right away. The tension surrounding Martin and his unraveling state of mind is especially engaging, and I loved how the story blends illness, guilt, and possible supernatural elements—it keeps you questioning what’s real the entire time.
The pacing stays quick and makes it easy to stay invested, and the bleak winter setting adds to the overall sense of dread. It definitely delivers on that gothic, unsettling vibe.
That said, it didn’t completely stick the landing for me. The ending felt a bit uneven, and I was hoping for a stronger payoff between the psychological and supernatural sides of the story. Still, it’s a solid, atmospheric read and worth picking up if you enjoy dark historical fiction with a haunting edge.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is one of those stories that stays with you for a while after finishing it. It is a dark, gothic tale of a man who slowly loses his grip on reality as he has to deal with unspeakable loss and horror, as well as the unfairness of the world. It is also about religion, the power of the church in the 1600s and how women in this time period had so little say in their own lives.
I really enjoyed the symbolism of the Raven throughout the novel, as well as the excellent writing that really created a dark and ominous atmosphere. Martin's character is well-written, and I felt so sorry for him throughout the story. I would recommend this to anyone who loves tragic stories with a gothic setting. I will be reading more from this author.
This is one of those stories that stays with you for a while after finishing it. It is a dark, gothic tale of a man who slowly loses his grip on reality as he has to deal with unspeakable loss and horror, as well as the unfairness of the world. It is also about religion, the power of the church in the 1600s and how women in this time period had so little say in their own lives.
I really enjoyed the symbolism of the Raven throughout the novel, as well as the excellent writing that really created a dark and ominous atmosphere. Martin's character is well-written, and I felt so sorry for him throughout the story. I would recommend this to anyone who loves tragic stories with a gothic setting. I will be reading more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Raven
By Susan McCauley
There are many themes to this book. The part that the human mind plays in our reality – whether that mind is healthy or disturbed. The role of the church and the corruption therein caused by greed and self-interest. The harm that lies and secrets inflict when truth is hidden.
Then there is the metaphysical aspect here represented by the ravens. Did the accidental death of the raven's mate cause all the subsequent evils which befell Martin and Susanna and the children? Was this some form of revenge? This is a sad tale indeed.
But there is also love here (Martin and Susanna and Thomas) and compassion (Nicholas). So many things to consider. While the story takes place long ago, many of its themes are still pertinent today. Well worth reading!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
By Susan McCauley
There are many themes to this book. The part that the human mind plays in our reality – whether that mind is healthy or disturbed. The role of the church and the corruption therein caused by greed and self-interest. The harm that lies and secrets inflict when truth is hidden.
Then there is the metaphysical aspect here represented by the ravens. Did the accidental death of the raven's mate cause all the subsequent evils which befell Martin and Susanna and the children? Was this some form of revenge? This is a sad tale indeed.
But there is also love here (Martin and Susanna and Thomas) and compassion (Nicholas). So many things to consider. While the story takes place long ago, many of its themes are still pertinent today. Well worth reading!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 Stars
Thank you Net Galley and Book Whisperer for the eARC. All the following statements are my own opinions.
The Raven is a historical fiction, horror novel that follows characters through trauma, grief, and madness in a 1600's plague ridden London/York society. I appreciated the multiple points of view that the book had throughout each chapter. The symbolism of the ravens added an eerie premise and tied the book together.
I wish the book would have spent a little time on the background of the characters like Susanna and Martin and how their relationship came to be or how Susanna's childhood was. It would have helped build the storyline and why Martin was driven into madness a little better.
Overall, the book was okay. Some trigger warnings about the abusive themes of the book would have been appreciated as well.
Thank you Net Galley and Book Whisperer for the eARC. All the following statements are my own opinions.
The Raven is a historical fiction, horror novel that follows characters through trauma, grief, and madness in a 1600's plague ridden London/York society. I appreciated the multiple points of view that the book had throughout each chapter. The symbolism of the ravens added an eerie premise and tied the book together.
I wish the book would have spent a little time on the background of the characters like Susanna and Martin and how their relationship came to be or how Susanna's childhood was. It would have helped build the storyline and why Martin was driven into madness a little better.
Overall, the book was okay. Some trigger warnings about the abusive themes of the book would have been appreciated as well.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
McCauley sets her story in 1665 England during the plague, and you feel every bit of it. The cold, the fear, the weight of it all. It's dark, but in a way that suits the story perfectly.
Martin Blake is a cobbler in York, just trying to hold his family together through a brutal winter. When an overbearing family member pushes orphaned children into their already stretched home, things go wrong in ways that are both heartbreaking and quietly frightening.
What kept me reading was never quite knowing what was real. Is Martin falling apart from grief, or is something darker at work? McCauley walks that line really well. Not a light read, but a memorable one. If you love a good Gothic, atmospheric read, this one is for you!
Martin Blake is a cobbler in York, just trying to hold his family together through a brutal winter. When an overbearing family member pushes orphaned children into their already stretched home, things go wrong in ways that are both heartbreaking and quietly frightening.
What kept me reading was never quite knowing what was real. Is Martin falling apart from grief, or is something darker at work? McCauley walks that line really well. Not a light read, but a memorable one. If you love a good Gothic, atmospheric read, this one is for you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Raven had a lot of elements that should have had me hooked (it has ravens!). Set in 1665 Yorkshire during the plague, the story follows Martin Blake as grief, paranoia, and superstition begin to consume him after tragedy strikes his family. The ravens throughout the story added to the eerie, gothic atmosphere, which was easily the strongest part of the book for me.
Unfortunately, I never fully connected with the writing style. I kept wanting to get more pulled into the story because the premise and atmosphere were exactly the kind of thing I normally enjoy, but it just never fully clicked for me. I can still appreciate the ideas behind the story, but it didn’t land for me. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
Unfortunately, I never fully connected with the writing style. I kept wanting to get more pulled into the story because the premise and atmosphere were exactly the kind of thing I normally enjoy, but it just never fully clicked for me. I can still appreciate the ideas behind the story, but it didn’t land for me. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
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