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Ravenwood Mysteries #8
A Grim Telling
WHEN WORDS CAN KILL,
SILENCE IS EVERYTHING.
Tobias White thought he knew his family, but when his mother drags him from the only home he’s ever known, he realizes he didn’t know the half of it—even his own name.
His family is being hunted by an Angel of Death, his brother Grimm is a wanted criminal, and his mother carries a painful secret.
Tobias’ only hope is to investigate his own family and leave a trail of clues behind for Atticus Riot to follow. But as hunters close in, Tobias soon learns the power of words, the pain of secrets, and the truth of a terrible betrayal.
SILENCE IS EVERYTHING.
Tobias White thought he knew his family, but when his mother drags him from the only home he’s ever known, he realizes he didn’t know the half of it—even his own name.
His family is being hunted by an Angel of Death, his brother Grimm is a wanted criminal, and his mother carries a painful secret.
Tobias’ only hope is to investigate his own family and leave a trail of clues behind for Atticus Riot to follow. But as hunters close in, Tobias soon learns the power of words, the pain of secrets, and the truth of a terrible betrayal.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2022
23 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Flynn
22 books260 followersSabrina lives in perpetual fog and sunshine with a rock troll and two crazy imps. She spent her youth trailing after insanity, jumping off bridges, climbing towers, and riding down waterfalls in barrels. After spending fifteen years wrestling giant hounds and battling pint-sized tigers, she now travels everywhere via watery portals leading to anywhere.
She is the award-winning author of the epic fantasy series Legends of Fyrsta and the historical mystery series Ravenwood Mysteries.
She is the award-winning author of the epic fantasy series Legends of Fyrsta and the historical mystery series Ravenwood Mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 7, 2022
I've been waiting to find out the mystery behind Grimm's silence and why the White family don't want any notice taken of them. This book begins with them gone from Ravenwood Manor and Bel recovering from a serious gunshot wound. Riot is torn between helping the White family and staying with his recovering wife. What unfolds is a tale that will grip your heart and not let go. I couldn't stop reading this book as I love these characters so much.
April 12, 2022
I wrote this, so of course I like it... But what are readers saying?
"...an excellent story!"
"I couldn’t put it down!"
"The author has done it again..."
"The characters as always are so full of life to be almost real."
"I couldn't put the book down. Started when the late news came on and finished at 3 am. It. Is. A. Terrific. Read!"
"I was anxious, I was laughing, I was crying, and I was completely entertained and mesmerized!"
"One of the best in the series... so far!"
"...an excellent story!"
"I couldn’t put it down!"
"The author has done it again..."
"The characters as always are so full of life to be almost real."
"I couldn't put the book down. Started when the late news came on and finished at 3 am. It. Is. A. Terrific. Read!"
"I was anxious, I was laughing, I was crying, and I was completely entertained and mesmerized!"
"One of the best in the series... so far!"
April 3, 2022
So good!
This is book nine in the series and they just keep getting better. Love all the family dynamics. Isobel isn't featured quite as much in this book but I'm betting she'll come roaring back.
This is book nine in the series and they just keep getting better. Love all the family dynamics. Isobel isn't featured quite as much in this book but I'm betting she'll come roaring back.
April 18, 2022
Fantastic! The build for this one throughout the entire series has been masterful. Really hope not the last time we see all these great characters.
April 14, 2023
Number 10 in the Ravenwood Series although not indicated as such (series seem to be dropping by the wayside in the automation since the Amazon purchase of Goodreads) and this one is a corker. We get to find out the back story of the White family: Lily, Maddie, Grim and Tobias who disappeared into thin air in Numer 9.
This one is a racing adventure and why mystery with a fabulous conclusion. BUT the thing that makes these so great is also the Afterword with all of the historical details in which she bases the stories. It's just as interesting as the tale itself.
I just love these and hope they go on forever.
This one is a racing adventure and why mystery with a fabulous conclusion. BUT the thing that makes these so great is also the Afterword with all of the historical details in which she bases the stories. It's just as interesting as the tale itself.
I just love these and hope they go on forever.
November 24, 2022
Love this series, but this was my least favorite in it. Did not have enough of the Isobel/Atticus dynamic, which helps make the series so entertaining.
May 22, 2025
Well! Action packed and lots of questions were answered but I have to say I was not happy with the book ending so abruptly! Makes me hope that there will be more stories, please please don't be done Ms. Flynn.
The White family is on the run and once again, I am reminded about the lawless and racist West. Man can be just horrible. Its a sad unfolding of their history but it must be said. And what a story!
Highlights and Spoilers:
After the Whites flee, the Riot household is stuck fending for itself :)
Jin leapt to her feet. “Stop talking.”
The girl didn’t reach Mrs. Löfgren’s shoulders, but her growl silenced the woman mid-sentence. Mrs. Löfgren took a step backwards. “You cook for your husband. She will cook for others.”
Mrs. Löfgren recalled that the scarred girl was only eleven and rallied. “We pay for room and board—that includes cooked food. And this woman cannot cook!”
“It is very cooked,” Jin pointed out. “You should pay more for how cooked the potatoes are.”
Sarah was dealing with her trauma, affecting her deeply:
“We do mind,” Sarah said, squaring her shoulders.
Blake smiled at her. “And you are?”
Sarah was in no mood for men with pleasant smiles. She’d had enough of them in the past year.
Loved the on page chatter from Tobias in this book:
Grimm shot his little brother a warning look.
“You got a first name?” Tobias asked.
“It’s Mister to you,” Finn said.
“What’s Jim there do?”
“Mostly runs his mouth,” Grimm said.
The kids decide they have had enough and reach out for help:
It was true, the Riots would be getting themselves into a viper’s nest of trouble, but they did that on their own. And Maddie was tired of running—tired of watching her mother and brother shoulder the burden of surviving.
It was time she did something to help.
And the love between Bel and Riot is relationship goals:
“How are you feeling? You sound exhausted.”
“Rein in that husbandly worry of yours.”
“I have no reason whatsoever to worry about you. You’re absolutely right, Bel,” he said dryly.
“That’s better. I can handle sarcasm. Dr. Wise was full of it.”
The White family is on the run and once again, I am reminded about the lawless and racist West. Man can be just horrible. Its a sad unfolding of their history but it must be said. And what a story!
Highlights and Spoilers:
After the Whites flee, the Riot household is stuck fending for itself :)
Jin leapt to her feet. “Stop talking.”
The girl didn’t reach Mrs. Löfgren’s shoulders, but her growl silenced the woman mid-sentence. Mrs. Löfgren took a step backwards. “You cook for your husband. She will cook for others.”
Mrs. Löfgren recalled that the scarred girl was only eleven and rallied. “We pay for room and board—that includes cooked food. And this woman cannot cook!”
“It is very cooked,” Jin pointed out. “You should pay more for how cooked the potatoes are.”
Sarah was dealing with her trauma, affecting her deeply:
“We do mind,” Sarah said, squaring her shoulders.
Blake smiled at her. “And you are?”
Sarah was in no mood for men with pleasant smiles. She’d had enough of them in the past year.
Loved the on page chatter from Tobias in this book:
Grimm shot his little brother a warning look.
“You got a first name?” Tobias asked.
“It’s Mister to you,” Finn said.
“What’s Jim there do?”
“Mostly runs his mouth,” Grimm said.
The kids decide they have had enough and reach out for help:
It was true, the Riots would be getting themselves into a viper’s nest of trouble, but they did that on their own. And Maddie was tired of running—tired of watching her mother and brother shoulder the burden of surviving.
It was time she did something to help.
And the love between Bel and Riot is relationship goals:
“How are you feeling? You sound exhausted.”
“Rein in that husbandly worry of yours.”
“I have no reason whatsoever to worry about you. You’re absolutely right, Bel,” he said dryly.
“That’s better. I can handle sarcasm. Dr. Wise was full of it.”
October 31, 2022
5 stars
Staying where I stay, getting my hands on this series is hard. I so badly want to own the whole series in paperback but for now the ebook will do.
What do I even say, I love this series. I love the characters. The author could put out a book about any of the main characters doing absolutely nothing and i would still read it. Not just Isobel and Riot, anyone else as well. This was a fantastic addition to the series and I am looking forward for more.
And I think I might need to schedule a re read of the whole series before the year is out.
Staying where I stay, getting my hands on this series is hard. I so badly want to own the whole series in paperback but for now the ebook will do.
What do I even say, I love this series. I love the characters. The author could put out a book about any of the main characters doing absolutely nothing and i would still read it. Not just Isobel and Riot, anyone else as well. This was a fantastic addition to the series and I am looking forward for more.
And I think I might need to schedule a re read of the whole series before the year is out.
May 8, 2022
One neck of a Ride
Fast paced and full of twists and bad men defeated by good men and women. Thanks Ms. Flynn for good read., again.
Fast paced and full of twists and bad men defeated by good men and women. Thanks Ms. Flynn for good read., again.
December 25, 2024
A solid story and it was nice to get the White's backstory.
But...
...most of the regular characters of this series are pushed to the sidelines. Isobel, Jin, Sarah and Lotario only appear for short glimpses. We see even less of the great secondary characters that got introduced over the last two books. Riot is investigating, but not in the spotlight, as usual.
The main characters are Tobias and Grimm with some interesting scenes featuring Lily and Maddie. And flashbacks that explain why they are on the run. And it's a good story and very dramatic, but for some reason I was not as invested as in the previous books.
Perhaps it's because the White family was always in the background and not fleshed out enough to carry a whole novel. I think this would have worked better as a novella. Or with more involvement from Sarah, Jin and Isobel.
I suppose this was meant as a short break from the main storyline featuring Isobel and Riot's family and giving us closure on the White-backstory. But this seems to be the last book now and instead of making the worldbuilding richer by giving the Whites more space it leaves the reader hanging because while we now know what's going on with Tobias, Grimm, Maddie and Lily, there a lot of loose ends, for especially Sarah, but also concerning Isobel and the rest.
I hope we'll get lucky some day and Sabrina Flynn gets back to this for more books.
My favourite part of the Ravenwood Mysteries is always the dynamic between Riot and Isobel and since that's almost nonexistent in this volume... Well, I liked the book, but it's not the best in the series.
But...
...most of the regular characters of this series are pushed to the sidelines. Isobel, Jin, Sarah and Lotario only appear for short glimpses. We see even less of the great secondary characters that got introduced over the last two books. Riot is investigating, but not in the spotlight, as usual.
The main characters are Tobias and Grimm with some interesting scenes featuring Lily and Maddie. And flashbacks that explain why they are on the run. And it's a good story and very dramatic, but for some reason I was not as invested as in the previous books.
Perhaps it's because the White family was always in the background and not fleshed out enough to carry a whole novel. I think this would have worked better as a novella. Or with more involvement from Sarah, Jin and Isobel.
I suppose this was meant as a short break from the main storyline featuring Isobel and Riot's family and giving us closure on the White-backstory. But this seems to be the last book now and instead of making the worldbuilding richer by giving the Whites more space it leaves the reader hanging because while we now know what's going on with Tobias, Grimm, Maddie and Lily, there a lot of loose ends, for especially Sarah, but also concerning Isobel and the rest.
I hope we'll get lucky some day and Sabrina Flynn gets back to this for more books.
My favourite part of the Ravenwood Mysteries is always the dynamic between Riot and Isobel and since that's almost nonexistent in this volume... Well, I liked the book, but it's not the best in the series.
April 28, 2022
Hold onto your seat; you're in for a wild ride!
April 13, 2022
Wonderful as Ever!
Sabrina Flynn constantly astounds me with the historical tidbits dropped in each of the Ravenwood mystery tales. It can't be easy to work the many characters that have reoccurring parts in but she managed to let each appear, if only briefly to keep readers happy to see them in action again. Highly recommend the entire series!
Sabrina Flynn constantly astounds me with the historical tidbits dropped in each of the Ravenwood mystery tales. It can't be easy to work the many characters that have reoccurring parts in but she managed to let each appear, if only briefly to keep readers happy to see them in action again. Highly recommend the entire series!
April 9, 2022
All I can say is please keep them coming!!! They are compelling, unique stories with fabulous characters and true to the time period. This was on of the best of the series. We finally learned the truth about the Shaws. Can’t wait till the next book!
April 11, 2022
Excellent
What an excellent story! I enjoyed the parallel stories and finally getting the history of the White/Shaw family. It’s good to have them reunited with Riot and family.
What an excellent story! I enjoyed the parallel stories and finally getting the history of the White/Shaw family. It’s good to have them reunited with Riot and family.
June 21, 2022
Sabrina Flynn is a paragon of consistency, and that means another eminently excellent story in her Ravenwood Mystery series, A Grim Telling. This is book #9 in the series, and it immediately takes up the startling cliff-hanger ending of the previous book. With her signature gripping storytelling chops Ms. Flynn unpacks the secret backstory of the family White, and what a story it is. Suffice it to say that their story involves mayhem, murder, treachery, and suffering. How does it all play out? You will just have to read the book!
If you have not yet read any of the Ravenwood Mysteries, well what are you waiting for? You have a treasure trove of top-shelf storytelling waiting for your reading pleasure.
If, like me, you are a long-time fan of Sabrina Flynn, feel secure in the knowledge that her books remain consistently excellent, and let her know that we are all patiently (or, maybe not😉) awaiting to see what adventures are lurking with Riot, Bel, Tim, Lotario, et al in the future!
If you have not yet read any of the Ravenwood Mysteries, well what are you waiting for? You have a treasure trove of top-shelf storytelling waiting for your reading pleasure.
If, like me, you are a long-time fan of Sabrina Flynn, feel secure in the knowledge that her books remain consistently excellent, and let her know that we are all patiently (or, maybe not😉) awaiting to see what adventures are lurking with Riot, Bel, Tim, Lotario, et al in the future!
March 12, 2024
It was absolutely killing me, not knowing the history of the White family. This is an amazing series, I wish I could give it 10 stars. This whole series has been thrilling, I could not wait to read the next book. It is one that I could reread over and over. I didn't start the series until this one was out, so I am hoping that this series continues. It is so easy to get invested into each character in the series.
July 20, 2022
One of the best series to date
Rarely can a reader be transformed into a story, but in Ms. Flynn's case each of her books in this series brings you into1900's San Francisco, wild West. An amazing writer who lights up every character with something special. Cannot wait for the next book !
Rarely can a reader be transformed into a story, but in Ms. Flynn's case each of her books in this series brings you into1900's San Francisco, wild West. An amazing writer who lights up every character with something special. Cannot wait for the next book !
December 12, 2023
Such a great entry to the series, one of the best most likely because it solved a long running mystery where the reader was already emotionally invested. Getting to know and love this family over time it was wonderful (and heartbreaking) to hear their story. Ran through this one fast and possibly lost some sleep reading too late to get all the answers 😊
March 24, 2026
This is the final book in the Ravenwood series. Usually, I'm glad a series has finished. But this series is special. Each novel is relatively short making it an easy read. All the stories are full of humor, twists, and just plain good reading. I thoroughly enjoyed all the novels and look forward to reading other books by Flynn.
June 18, 2022
Wonderful books!
Strong characters, good mysteries and dark humor. Sorry I've reached the end of the series. I shall hope for a book 10 in the near future. If you're a fan of historical fiction, you'll enjoy these stories!
Strong characters, good mysteries and dark humor. Sorry I've reached the end of the series. I shall hope for a book 10 in the near future. If you're a fan of historical fiction, you'll enjoy these stories!
August 22, 2022
Great story again in this series. Of course this story is about Lily and her family so there wasn't alot of Isobel and Riot working through a mystery together. But still a good addition to the series!
April 9, 2024
Great reading!
This series has kept me glued to my Kindle far too long. Exciting, complex, and descriptive, I have been swept away by all the characters into another world. I highly recommend it.
This series has kept me glued to my Kindle far too long. Exciting, complex, and descriptive, I have been swept away by all the characters into another world. I highly recommend it.
July 4, 2022
ravenwood mysteries series
A wonderful series from start to finish. Held my attention throughout could not have been more involved with all the characters well done .
A wonderful series from start to finish. Held my attention throughout could not have been more involved with all the characters well done .
July 17, 2022
Amazing addition to the series
August 2, 2022
White family mystery solved
It took me a few pages into the book to reorient where I was in the storyline. Several family mysteries are revealed and solved in this book.
It took me a few pages into the book to reorient where I was in the storyline. Several family mysteries are revealed and solved in this book.
December 24, 2023
4.5/5.0 - what a wonderful addition to this series! It was a roller coaster of a ride - enjoyed the historical afterword at the end.
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May 4, 2024Please don't let this be the end!
I've come to love these characters! Flynn has masterfully knit together people, place, and plot so that I don't want to let go! What a delight!
I've come to love these characters! Flynn has masterfully knit together people, place, and plot so that I don't want to let go! What a delight!
March 25, 2025
Ravenswood mysteries
I have enjoyed this series the characters are relatable. Hopefully you ate not finished with them and that you will at least add another book.
I have enjoyed this series the characters are relatable. Hopefully you ate not finished with them and that you will at least add another book.
November 15, 2025
A bit too violent for my taste. The Shaws are on the run again. Will Atticus and Mr. Tim find them before the US Marshalls?
October 13, 2025
A tale of old knots unravelling
A tale of pain, of loyalty, and of dangerous men on both sides of the law. Well written suspense interspersed with human warmth and humour.
A tale of pain, of loyalty, and of dangerous men on both sides of the law. Well written suspense interspersed with human warmth and humour.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews