Ravenscroft's Last Case

Inspector Ravenscroft #10

by Kerry Tombs

AN EVOCATIVE VICTORIAN DETECTIVE MYSTERY FULL OF CLEVER TWISTS

Worcester, April 1893.

Detective Inspector Ravenscroft receives a strange note from a lonely old woman fearing for her life. But when he visits her, she is already dead .

DID MISS MAUD FINCHER’S HEART GIVE OUT OR WAS SHE SCARED TO DEATH?

Maud Fincher was part of a group of locals trying to speak to their deceased loved ones through the medium of séance. Ravenscroft thinks this is harmless nonsense . . . until the old lady’s last surviving heir is murdered.

Is there something sinister going on at these séances?

In his last-ever case before retiring Ravenscroft must question everything he believes in order to catch this killer.

CAN HE UNMASK THE MURDERER AND RETIRE IN PEACE?

Perfect for fans of M.R.C. Kasasian, E.S. Thomson, Oscar de Muriel 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 overlooked by his superiors in favour of his pushier colleagues. But Ravenscroft wants 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 solutions to crimes are buried deep in the past.

With his trusty Bradshaw, Ravenscroft and his colleague Sergeant 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.

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
Book 10: RAVENSCROFT'S LAST CASE

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

218 pages, Paperback

Published November 24, 2020

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]

This is the 10th and final Inspector Ravenscroft novel. I'll be sorry to say goodbye to these characters. This mystery had me guessing all along and the eventual conclusion was quite interesting. I liked that Mrs. Ravenscroft was instrumental in helping her husband conclude the case. It is to be hoped that Sergeant Tom Crabbe will be able to work well with Ravenscroft's replacement. This case had lots of red herrings and adventures for the two policemen. I enjoyed it very much.

[Susan]

1893 Maud Fincher of Colwell has written a letter to the police because she fears for her life. D.I. Ravenscroft is sent to investigate but is too late as she is already dead. This will be his last case, can he solve the mystery.
Enjoyable historical mystery

[Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first book. But Ravenscroft never really grew. He seemed to get angrier and more frustrated as the series progressed. His asthma, which was front and center at first, fell by the wayside with no explanation. Permitting Lucy, with no training or interrogation skills or any way to protect herself, to travel to help with investigations was beyond stupid. The series was pleasant and I'm glad I saw it through. I'm also glad it's ended.

[Steve In Ludlow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ravenscroft gets embroiled in a case involving spiritualists and inheritance just before he is about to retire.
Overall a disappointing series that started with promise and the hint of an ongoing plot involving a Jack the ripper style adversary which just fizzled out and repeated the same formulaic plot lines.

[Teddi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last of the series. It all started out good but the books used the same formula throughout and it got repetitive.
I do see that another book seems to be arriving on Kindle in the coming months so maybe we aren't done with Ravenscroft yet?

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's April 1893 and this novel begins with Ravenscroft being informed that he has reached an age where he is expected to retire. He is told that he has a matter of weeks before he must hand over to his replacement and when he is asked to go and speak with Maud Fincher, a lady who has contacted the police claiming that she has been threatened and her life is in danger, he begins Ravenscroft's Last Case.

On arrival at Maud Fincher's Ravenscroft discovers that he is too late and Maud has already died and he and the newly promoted Tom Crabb begin to investigate. There have been a wide range of themes across this series but along with The Upton Undertakers I have found this one to be the most disturbing and creepy. In this last case Ravenscroft finds himself dealing with Professor Moncrief and his wife, two deceitful individuals who are preying on the recently bereaved and vulnerable by encouraging them to seances and swindling them out of money claiming it is go towards the building of a new spiritualist church in Malvern. Angered at these charlatans Ravenscroft is determined to expose them and discover if Maud's death is murder and if so who is responsible.

This last outing for Ravenscroft as a police officer was by no means the least of the series. I found it compelling listening with Ravenscroft and Crabb getting into the most precarious of situations again. There were several plot twists that I didn't see coming and as usual multiple strands to the investigations that may or may not be ultimately connected to keep the reader guessing.

I have enjoyed seeing the characters of both men develop over the series, but particularly Ravenscroft who has softened as he has become more of a family man with his marriage to Lucy and subsequent children. The real endearing feature though is that while he has always brought the story to a satisfying conclusion he is not perfect and often makes mistakes or errors of judgement that are entirely human. I love Crabb for being a thoroughly down to earth, decent and loyal man.

The door has been left open for Ravenscroft to return in a different way following his retirement perhaps as a private detective like his beloved Sherlock Holmes as Lucy suggests, so I wish Ravenscroft a very happy retirement but also hope that I get to travel with him again.

[Facemaker01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a few timeline errors in this book concerning ages etc and I've had to re-check previous books to confirm what I consider to be the correct age of Samuel Ravenscroft.
As from the heading, we can determine that it is time Insp Ravenscroft has to retire. He is not a happy chappy about this and lovely Lucy is trying her best to alleviate her beloved husband's feelings by offering suggestions as to how best spend his retirement, including writing a book, becoming a private investigator or gardening. Secretly, Lucy is looking forward to Samuel spending more time with her and the children.
During the series, there has been this little joke about Samuel's adversity towards gardening. They are STILL in the little cottage in Church Lane which doesn't appear to have a garden. However, Ravenscroft starts commenting on other gardens and rooms in the various witnesses homes!
Samuel Ravenscroft has developed a teasing, joking and lighter personality since being married to Lucy and coupled with his devotion and care to her, makes him one of my favourite characters. He defers to her input and takes her with him when required. He acknowledges her input and commensense and still treasures the day that he met her and made the decision to move to Ledbury to be with her.

[Kymm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sorry to see the Inspector Ravenscroft series by Kerry Tombs come to an end with "Ravenscroft's Last Case." It was quite the adventure through historical crime solving and the communities and people affected by those crimes. Each book offered a complicated mystery to solve by two well written characters Inspector Ravenscroft and Sergeant Crabb, his side kick who find themselves in all kinds of situations that leave the reader wondering how they'll ever get out. Tombs also drops in the most seemingly inconsequential characters and somehow weaves the tale all around them. Watch out for those red herrings though because it's easy to get caught up only to get to the end of the book where you're slapping your head in surprise. I'd like to see this or even a new series take off with Ravenscroft in his retirement. Even his wife Lucy suggested he become a private investigator, so we'll see. Historical mystery fans everywhere should check this series out. Happy Reading!

[helen mary dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad to see this is the last of the series

I have really enjoyed these stories and when I finished each couldn't wait to start the next. Now that there are no more of the Ravenscroft mysteries, I shall really miss them.
The stories were very well researched, and the main characters very likeable.
I am hoping the author will bring back Ravenscroft, if not as a police officer then maybe a private detective, together with his wife, I think that would be an interesting next step for him.

[Scott Kalas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Farewell to Inspector Samuel Ravenscroft

When I received the e-mail of Inspector Ravenscroft’s last case I was saddened but went quickly to download the Kindle version.

For Inspector Ravenscroft fans you will not be disappointed. I enjoyed it throughout. Though it is the last for me it isn’t the end of Inspector Ravenscroft. I seldom read a book a second time let alone a whole series but that is my plan.

Thanks Kerry for a great series!

[رواية · Rating 4 out of 5]

ووستر، أبريل 1893.
يتلقى المحقق المفتش رافنسكروفت رسالة غريبة من امرأة عجوز وحيدة تخشى على حياتها. ولكن عندما زارها كانت ميتة بالفعل.
هل انفطر قلب الآنسة مود فينشر أم أنها كانت خائفة حتى الموت؟
كان مود فينشر جزءًا من مجموعة من السكان المحليين يحاولون التحدث إلى أحبائهم المتوفين من خلال جلسة تحضير الأرواح. يعتقد رافنسكروفت أن هذا هراء غير ضار. . . حتى يُقتل آخر وريث للسيدة العجوز.
هل هناك شيء شرير يحدث في هذه الجلسات؟
،

[andrew david holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consistently good series my favorite decade on the edge of forensics but doctors still bled patients the police served the rich, Lavender and Crab similar to other H F series I enjoy pushed through and solved murder and treason plots. But Lavender is so `my good man` wnen asking directions so polite too polite. Will he go on to be a private investigator or move to the USA and join Pinkertons

[Gary and Sandra Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine ending to the series

A seance leads Inspector Ravenscroft into a web of fraud and murder. Is it the spiritualist, the lawyer or the other participants in the seance? What would be the motive in killing an elderly woman? All this in solved in Ravenscroft's last case. The storyline is interesting, the characters well drawn out and the epilogue satisfying.

[Thea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it thoroughly. Ms Tombs writing feels very natural and her characters are charming without being overly ‘cozy’ which is more difficult when writing historical fiction. My only disappointment wasn’t with the book but with Amazon guiding me to the last in the series after reading the first- only to find there’s at least nine more. I like to read mysteries in order! Even if they stand alone just fine. Hope to see more from this author.

[jerry Cursons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story in the series of the ravenscroft series with all the usual twist and turns. Be sorry to see the end of inspecter Ravenscroft and sergeant crabbe but all things must come to a end.
Thanks kerry tombs for these series of books I have totally enjoyed them

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sad that the story has come to its end.

I enjoyed all of these books and will miss the characters. At least all of the story has been completed and there was actually a happy ending of sorts.

[Karen Moe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series

All 10 books are amazing. Well written, not at all predictable. Great characters. I'm sad to have it end. I hope there are more. Somehow after Ravenscroft retired and continues helping police in some way.

[David Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am So Very Sad that this is the Last of this Wonderful Series .. Wonderful Stories in a Different age ..Ravenscroft and Crabb .The Morse and Lewis of the Late 1800's ..I Love the writing Style and the Characters that come into these stories .. Thank You Kerry Tombs for a Wonderful Series

[Judy]

Kerry Tomb's raven effort mysteries are my favorites. Wish there were morr

Great series. I will read the series again. I've really enjoyed everything. The landscape and story lines were great. I could read over and over again.

[davidlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ravenscroft retires.

As with all Kerry Tombs's novels in this series this is also excellent.very cleverly written and a pleasure to read,a shame the series has ended.enjoyed every one.Highly recommend.

[Annette Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

CONSTANT MYSTERY

From the start this was a great mystery. Any detective buff will enjoy this book. Targeting the movements of the detective shows the professional history of the writer.

[Neil Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfyingly Ravenscroft

Did not disappoint How will Bracket measure up? These are the questions that linger on the mind. Ravescroft can’t be gone forevermore.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will miss Ravenscroft

I really loved this series. The characters were vivid and smart. I enjoyed all the details of living in the English countryside.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad that this is the last one. Maybe Ravenscroft will return as a private detective.

[Joy Robledo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

Love all of Ravencrofts mysteries and Kerry Tombs. Great escape for a relaxing read. Highly recommend for lovers of mystery set in this era.

[Ginka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to miss this series. Perfect cozy read.

[Tracy Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant series, well worth reading.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll miss these characters.

[Michael Wojciehoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh,by the way…

A final goodbye? Great characters and comedy, enjoyable series. Woman’s intuition, karma and deja vu. What will Ravenscroft do next?

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

The last in the series - thank god for that!