The Tewkesbury Tomb

Inspector Ravenscroft #4

by Kerry Tombs

AN EVOCATIVE VICTORIAN DETECTIVE STORY FULL OF CLEVER TWISTS

March 1889. Midnight.

Six strangers meet for the first time outside the great door of Tewkesbury Abbey. They are searching for the tomb of the medieval crusader knight, Sir Roger de la Pole.

What they find inside is unexpected and deeply shocking. They were seeking holy relics.

BUT THE BODY THEY UNCOVER IS BARELY COLD. AND SIR ROGER’S ANCIENT BONES ARE MISSING.

Detective Inspector Ravenscroft and Constable Tom Crabb are called on to solve the crime. They must decipher the strange coded letters on the outside of the Templar's tomb.

Soon they will discover that the solution to both mysteries stretches back far into the past and that their origins lie in distant lands . . .

Perfect for fans of M.R.C. Kasasian, E.S. Thomson, Oscar DeNuriel or Karen Charlton

MEET THE DETECTIVE
Inspector Samuel Ravenscroft, unmarried and over forty, is a detective in the Whitechapel branch of the Metropolitan Police. Painfully asthmatic, he is often overlooked by his superiors in favour of his pushier colleagues. But Ravenscroft is keen to prove himself and strives to overcome his physical limitations. His tools are forthright questioning, close examination of the evidence and personal intuition. He often finds that the solution to crimes is buried deep in the past.

With his trusty Bradshaw, Ravenscroft and his colleague Constable Tom Crabb, travel around the Three Counties, overlooked by the Malvern Hills, bringing criminals to justice.

KERRY TOMBS was born near Birmingham, but grew up in various locations in north Worcestershire. After a career teaching in both England and Australia, he moved to Malvern in 1982, where he became a local genealogist, lecturer and bookseller.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE TEWKESBURY TOMB

“ Detecting at its best in Victorian England .” Lynne

“Brilliant series of books. Buy them .” Tina

“Had me guessing to the very end .” Brian

INSPECTOR RAVENSCROFT DETECTIVE MYSTERIES SERIES
Book 1: THE MALVERN MURDERS
Book 2: THE WORCESTER WHISPERERS
Book 3: THE LEDBURY LAMPLIGHTERS
Book 4: THE TEWKESBURY TOMB
Book 5: THE DROITWICH DECEIVERS
Book 6: THE PERSHORE POISONERS
Book 7: THE UPTON UNDERTAKERS
Book 8: THE HEREFORDSHIRE HANGMEN
Book 9: THE BROMSGROVE BOOKSELLER

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Historical, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Victorian

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Kerry Tombs was born in Smethwick in 1945, and after a career in teaching in both England and Australia, moved to Malvern in 1982, where he became a genealogist, lecturer and bookseller. He has set THE MALVERN MURDERS in a variety of Malvern locations including St.Ann's Well, Malvern College, British Camp and Priory Church - and in the nearby villages of Colwall and Mathon and town of Ledbury. Kerry moved to Brittany in 2005.

Reviews

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this Victorian mystery series by Kerry Tombs. In this, the fourth book, the mystery is extremely well-done. I like the way the detectives follow up the clues in a logical order to solve the confusing mystery. Six people show up in Tewkesbury to see the tomb of a Templar Knight. They visit the abbey at midnight and find a recently dead body in the tomb with the Templar's bones. What follows is a lot of lies and cover-ups until the secrets of the six are revealed. I like how Inspector Ravenscroft's new wife sometimes gives him an idea that he can use in his detections. They have a sweet relationship with shared love and respect. Constable Crabbe is talented, obviously in awe of his boss, and sometimes a bit funny. I like the way they work together.

[KathleenWH · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bump in the narrative road

I'm sure it is difficult to write a series, having to manufacture plots, people to fill the plots, and a satisfying but unanticipated finale.

I loved this book until until about page 150 (80% of the way), when it seems the author's exhaustion set in and her imagination ends.

Things are wrapped up in a rush, saviors seem to come from unexpected places even the way dialog is written is different. But the end, I was glad to move on to the next book.


This work actually has two endings, the solution to the crime and the solution to a puzzle. The solution to the puzzle is clever, but how the crime plot rolls out between about page 150 and the final confession is disappointing.

I will continue to read the series, realizing that a stumble while writing a series is to be understood.

[Caridad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this mystery…

Glad that I started this series. This one is the best so far. The character descriptions for each of the party was spot on. I could picture each in my mind. The relationship between Lucy and her husband is developing nicely and I’m anxious to see where it goes from here.
I did not solve it until Ravenscroft solved the answer to the murders. It kept me guessing and I wanted to solve it. It definitely is a page turner.
Will recommend and continue reading the series.

[Kymm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm continuing to love this series! Inspector Ravenscroft and his associate Constable Crabb once again find themselves embroiled in a murder with a complex mystery attached. Inspector Ravenscroft thinks this case is his hardest yet. There's a lot of twists and turns, red herrings and clues to this story but it's only through good old police work that Ravenscroft is able to make sure justice is served. This has become a favorite series of mine and for historical mystery fans this is one of those series' you must read! Happy Reading!

[رواية · Rating 3 out of 5]

مارس 1889. منتصف الليل. يلتقي ستة غرباء لأول مرة خارج الباب الكبير لدير توكيسبيري. إنهم يبحثون عن قبر الفارس الصليبي في العصور الوسطى السير روجر دي لا بول. ما وجدوه في الداخل غير متوقع وصادم للغاية. كانوا يبحثون عن الآثار المقدسة. لكن الجسد الذي اكتشفوه بالكاد بارد. وعظام السير روجر القديمة مفقودة. تم استدعاء مفتش المخبر Ravenscroft والشرطي Tom Crabb لحل الجريمة. يجب عليهم فك رموز الحروف المشفرة الغريبة الموجودة على السطح الخارجي لمقبرة فرسان الهيكل. وسرعان ما سيكتشفون أن حل كلا اللغزين يعود إلى الماضي البعيد وأن أصولهما تكمن في أراضٍ بعيدة. . .

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tewkesbury Tomb

Samuel Ravenscroft and Tom Crabb are called in when a tomb is found opened and a man recently murdered is inside it. The five people who found the body are hiding the truth from Ravenscroft and he soon discovers the truth lies in the past.
Kerry Tombs has written another great book. Full of twists and full of characters keeping secrets from the police.
Thoroughly enjoyable.

[Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

A promising start led me to believe that this would be an interesting story with an intriguing plot by Kerry Tombs However, Inspector Ravenscroft kept jumping to what I felt was unreasonable assumptions and as a detective there were a lot of questions that came to mind that were never asked until far to late in the story. The story did not really come together that well and the ending was disappointing. My enthusiasm for this series is waining

[Steve In Ludlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ravenscroft is called in to investigate the murder of a man found inside a burial tomb in Tewkesbury Abbey. A strange group of people happen to be gathered around the tomb when the body is discovered.
This one zips along as we consider the conflicting stories of the group and as Ravenscroft pieces it all together. The return of Stebbings from the first book as well as one of the author's favourite tropes: an unhelpful librarian, providing good slices of comedy.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another mystery solved.

I was glad to see young Stebbins make another appearance in this storyline. Maybe he will join the force someday . Looks like Lucy is good at deductions as she has certainly helped her husband solve his cases. And her little secret...maybe we already suspect what it is.

[Mirabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting addition to the series

Loved this installment in the series...well thought-out plot with twists and turns. Some errors though..."overjealous" instead of overzealous, "whose there?" instead of who's there?, and too frequent use of "i believe" at end of sentences.

[Kathie Frobe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most enjoyable

Ravenscroft and Crabb find themselves with not one murder but three! Six people gather at the tomb of a Templar Knight at midnight, and our detectives uncover murder most foul.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently, Ravenscroft never learns anything. Something that he did was that was obviously a mistake in a earlier book, he does again. Nor does he listen, he just forms an opinion and runs with it trying to cram facts into his theory.

Eventually events prove him wrong.

[ann pac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical references

I love books with truth mixed in with fiction. This case for Ravenscroft and Crabb was just as interesting as the first three and enabled me to learn a bit of English literary history as well as knowledge of cathedrals and country villages.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1889 Six strangers converge on Tewkesbury Abbey at midnight to search for the tomb of Sir Roger de la Pole as they have all been informed that they are his descendants. On its discovery they find a body inside, that of their guide. Inspector Ravenscroft is called in to investigate. But this will not be the last murder. What could be the motive and by whom.
An enjoyable historical mystery.

[Kate O`neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating from start to finish

Really enjoyable read from start to finish.
Not one of those gritty thrillers, much more gentle in its style. Definitely not going to give you nightmares.

[Phil Howard · Rating 1 out of 5]

Probably the weakest of this series so far. I realize these are supposed to be melodrama. Still ---. The plot seemed very implausible when it was revealed. I have two more to go in this six story set. It might be awhile before I tackle the next one.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3-1/2 rounded up to 4. This installment of the Inspector Ravenscroft was a bit over the top. Nonetheless, the character development is strong and this book looked back at the Templars. You'll be reminded of a bit of history!

[Graham Tallents · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best in the series so far. A good murder mystery with many plot twists and false leads. Our likeable inspector and his offsider prove the old addage that you often have to look beyond the obvious to find the truth. Very enjoyable reading.

[Teddi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much an all talking and no action book. Not my favourite of the series.
I wa shappy to find the first 3 books in the series included with the Audible plus catalogue. Sadly the rest are in the pay/credit tier so wont be continuing via audible.

[andrew david holland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of twists keep you guessing consistent clever writing my only criticism there is a lot of `my good sir` and `see here my man` Victorian gentlemen being courteous but even murder suspects are addressed as sir was everyone really that polite

[Michael Goldman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

A nice easy read. Good mystery with still enjoyable characters The best recommendation is that I will read the next book in the series

[Susan Kinnevy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this wasn't a good as the others, but maybe I'm just getting tired of the series. Time to find another detective, perhaps.

[Heather Waters]

Another good read, Easy reading with a sting in the tail1

[Annette Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlikely Ending


Very easy read. The killer shows up early in the story. Cast of characters has interesting backgrounds and keeps you interested.

[Clemmie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The man ross

I am really enjoying this series. The main character is an inspector to really enjoy doing his best & don't mind assistance in thinking on the clues by the wife.

[David Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Story in this Inspector Ravenscroft Series .. Easy to read and very Good Story .. I am Looking Forward to the Next one in this Brilliant Series

[Caroline Whitehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Likeable detective

A book full of twists and turns for the likeable Inspector Ravenscroft! Enjoyed the previous two books in the series book 3 didn't disappoint.

[Michael Wojciehoski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shortest of series. Like a gordiqn knot. Revenge most foul, puzzles of all kinds, who’s next?

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Silly, hollow story that holds no water at all. A light read for all that, so not bad to fill an idle few hours.

[Miss · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tale twists and turns and no one's telling the truth.
I like that these books have no swearing or explicit violence.