Murder in the Goblins Playground

by Ralph E. Vaughan

Just outside Ashford village, in legend-haunted Hammershire County, there is a megalithic structure called the Goblins' Playground. Located deep in Red Cap Woods, it has long been the site of weird events, from pagan rites to human sacrifice by secret devil cults. When local rowdy Allan Cutter staggers into the snug bar of the Three Crowns pub and dies, old fears that have lain dormant for ages come to the fore. His death is quickly followed by the murder of a developer who planned to destroy Red Cap Woods. Villagers believe dark powers are awakening, that the murderous elves reputed to dwell in the woods will again dip their caps in human blood. Into this maelstrom of fear and emotion come DCI Arthur Ravyn and DS Leo Stark. As the bodies continue to mount, they discover it will take all their combined skills, intellect and courage to solve the mysterious deaths, keep the villagers from panicking, and not get sacked by powers even more inimical than those lurking in the eldritch depths of Red Cap Woods.

Genres: Mystery

174 pages, Paperback

Published June 16, 2016

About the author

Ralph E. Vaughan is the author of several books combining the worlds of Sherlock Holmes and HP Lovecraft, such as "The Adventure of the Ancient Gods" (first story to combine Holmes & Lovecraft), "The Dreaming Detective." and "Sherlock Holmes and the Terror Out of Time." A longtime fan of the steampunk movement, he expressed that fondness by writing "Shadows Against the Empire," an epic Victorian interplanetary adventure, followed by its sequel "Amidst Dark Satanic Mills." He is also the author of "HP Lovecraft in the Comics," an exhaustive examination of the works Lovecraft's works as they were adapted into the medium of comic books, and "Reflections on Elder Egypt." a collection of essays about various aspects of Ancient Egypt and how that lost civilization is viewed by modern culture. He is the author of "Paws & Claws: A Three Dog Mystery," first in the Paws & Claws Series, in which three amazing dogs protect their neighborhood, thwart the evil plans of the nefarious Feral Gang, and occasionally save the world. This was followed by additional books, including "K-9 Blues" and "The Death and Life of an American Dog." He is a long-time resident of Chula Vista, California, which is the setting of the Paws & Claws Series. He has been married for more than 40 years, and has two children, a daughter who is a playwright, and a son who is a conductor for the BNSF.

Reviews

[Judy Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written, suspense filled, intricately plotted novel. I'm so glad I found this book and was able to read it because I think author Ralph Vaughan has a wonderful talent for setting up one heck of a spooky atmospheric mystery novel.

Set in the fictional English county of Hammershire this book has all kinds of things that don't just go bump in the night, they also will get people killed. The tiny village of Ashford has come to the attention of a group of outsiders who want to bring in development in the form of houses and a Tesco against the wishes of most of the Ashford residents. And yet, slowly the tide seems to be turning in the favor of the developer with a little money under the table here, a good job there, a remodeled business . In short, these City men know what it will take to convince the most vocal residents to change their mind and vote for progress. But that was all before they ran into the Three Sisters and the whisperings and flashes of light in the ancient wood. Then the first murder happens and Detective Chief Inspector Arthur Ravyn and Detective Sergeant Leo Stark have to learn how to work together as partners to solve a mystery where they can't even figure out what the murder weapon is. Even the ancient past is alive and well in Ashford.

This main character, Arthur Ravyn, is very well developed and his ties to this village from his childhood gives the story even more depth. I am absolutely looking forward to more novels in this series. Witches, elves, paganism, mysterious standing stones, a haunted wood, and buried secrets....yes, it's all here and very well done too.

[Wyntrnoire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very atmospheric. I will definitely read the second book in this series--if it proves at least as good as this one.

[Chris Caughey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well crafted book in every way. Using the idea of the old gods in England he has written a great book that I could NOT put down!

[Cynthia Raleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Murder in the Goblins' Playground during snowy weather while snugged up in a recliner with the fireplace going which gave me the perfect excuse to spend more time reading this first book in the Arthur Ravyn series. I like Arthur Ravyn very much, especially his understated intelligence and the application of such to solving a crime. The anti-outsider perspective from the inhabitants of a small English village, coupled with the sometimes disparate viewpoints of DCI Ravyn and his newest Sergeant, provided just the right bit of complication to the process which allowed DCI Ravyn to explain his decisions and methods of discovery without bogging down the story. The counterpoint of modern day murder and ancient folklore was right up my alley. I will absolutely read the others in the series.

[Marie Shirley Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new DCI series to follow

Ravyn is a tad odd. He goes through sergeants like tissues. His boss is the kind of man NO one wants to work for and he really has it in for Ravyn.

But Ravyn is a great cop and he's got a new DS.

Give this one a try. I am waiting for the next in the series.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick read; very reminiscent of Midsomer Murders. Good characters and development of them, yet the focus of the story is on the main plot.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun book to read. I enjoyed the characters, the wackiness, and the Mystery. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. However, if you do read it, remember it's from a small publisher and there are a few typos. Don't let that mess up your enjoyment of the novel.

[Gerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a chance buying this book and am happy I ordered all three in this series. Loved the setting, the people encountered, the detective and the mystery around the murder. Murders. Loved how he figured it out and look forward to the next in this series.

[J Daniels · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads like a 'scary' plot made up by a high school student in creative writing.

[Geoff. Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the strength of Goblins Playground, the new DCI Ravyn series promises to be excellent. One hopes that the gifted Mr Vaughn will continue to show readers the dark corners of Hammershire!

[Gwen Uetrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

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