Member Reviews
This is my 1st time reading this author. I enjoyed the book and liked how she was able to tie all of the pieces together. The mystery kept me guessing.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Finally, we learn that twenty-five-year-old crimes have occurred in Raven's Edge. In this book, DS Harriet March plays the leading role. DI Ben Taylor is unravelling the crimes, but his romance with Milla Graham is on hold. A new character, Iris Evergreen, appears in the story. The story is full of twists and fun. I loved reading it.
When decades-old human bones are discovered beneath the old glasshouse behind Foxglove & Hemlock, the local florist, DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor find themselves digging into Raven's Edge's murky past. The discovery coincides with the arrival of enigmatic novelist Iris Evergreen at Raven's Hollow, a gothic monstrosity of a mansion that's been sitting empty for years. Harriet is shocked to uncover a web of hidden secrets connecting the skeleton, Raven's Hollow and, most alarmingly, her own family history.
Then another body is found in the village near to Harriet’s mother’s house
The third book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own I have to read series from the beginning as I love how the characters develop. I thoroughly enjoyed this book which had flashbacks to events of a quarter of a century ago. I really like both Ben & Harriet & love their working relationship & how they feed off each other. I also like the secondary characters who are also engaging. The case is interesting & I loved how all the loose ends, which seemed unrelated were gradually tied together. There are surprises, as well as twists & turns before everything is revealed. I look forward to the next in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The third book in this series is just as brilliant as the previous ones. Twists, turns and just as you think you’ve worked it out then there’s yet another twist! This keeps you guessing right to the end. When bones are found in the garden behind the florist Foxglove & Hemlock DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor find themselves looking into the murky past of Raven’s Edge and its residents, past and present. While this is going on novelist Iris Evergreen moves into Raven’s Hollow the gothic mansion that has been empty for years. A brilliant storyline, fantastic characters, atmospheric and full of mystery this is such a great read that I highly recommend. Thank you to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC
What a delight to discover this series!
From the first page, I fell in love with Raven’s Edge and its fabulous residents. The houses are all ancient, there’s that kind of eerie yet friendly atmosphere. After finishing the book, I dare say I love the series as much as I love Cormoran Strike’s adventures by Robert Galbraith, and that’s saying something!
The Blurb
Beneath the ruins of a Victorian greenhouse, a skeleton is unearthed – and with it, years of buried secrets in Raven’s Edge…
When decades-old human bones are discovered beneath the old glasshouse behind Foxglove & Hemlock, the local florist, DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor find themselves digging into Raven’s Edge’s murky past. As a frosty wind whips down the cobblestoned lanes of the village, the two detectives feel an ominous chill that has nothing to do with the weather…
The discovery coincides with the arrival of enigmatic novelist Iris Evergreen at Raven’s Hollow, a gothic monstrosity of a mansion that’s been sitting empty for years. Harriet is shocked to uncover a web of hidden secrets connecting the skeleton, Raven’s Hollow and, most alarmingly, her own family history.
Just as Harriet begins to piece together the puzzle, a heavy snowfall blankets the village. And there, half-buried in a snowdrift outside Raven’s Hollow, lies another body – this one still warm. As sirens wail in the distance, Harriet realises with a shiver that this killer is anything but history. The past and present have collided in Raven’s Edge, will DS Harriet March be the one to pay the price?
Relatable characters
I wanted to get on a plane and travel to Raven’s Edge – maybe not Raven’s Hollow – as soon as I started reading this book. I wanted to meet the barista of The Crooked Cookies, or whatever crunchy name the cafe has. All shops and restaurants in Raven’s Edge have a halloweenesk feel — something I can appreciate.
The characters draw you in. Harriet, of course, but Ben too, and Milla. Even Harriet’s bizarre mother, if only to tell her to please be a bit nicer to her special daughter. I think the somewhat wrought relationships in the book make it so relatable, and maybe that’s what made me think of the Strike series when I read it because Robin, but certainly Cormoran regularly has to deal with tiring family and personal relationships. Robert Galbraith’s books are a lot scarier, though. Murder at Raven’s Hollow belongs in the cozy mystery corner. It never got to the point that I felt the need to check if the front door was locked. Although I love, love, love the Cormoran Strike series, my nerves do get battered as you can read in my review of The Running Grave.
Number three
Maybe I fell in love with this series even before the first page. The cover is so cool. It oozes mystery and intrigues behind closed doors. As the third in a series, it can definitely be read on its own. Although if you are anything like me, you will swiftly move onto the first and second book. I must say that I thought the first book Murder at Raven’s Edge was far scarier. I listened to the audioversion and was actually glad to already know some of my favourite people made it to book three.
For me, this book is five out of five stars
Thank you, Storm Publishing, for providing Murder at Raven’s Hollow for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This is the third entry in Marley's English Village Mystery series but the first I have read. I didn't feel like this was an issue so can be read as a standalone book. There are plenty of twists and turns, red herrings and suspects will leave you guessing till the end and held my interest nicely, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was the first book I have read in the series but it was fine as a stand-alone. Plenty going on all through it. Great backstory about lives of the detectives. Enough twists and turns to keep me guessing as it was hard to keep up with them all. Look forward to the next offering. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.
This is the third in this series and the second book I have read by this author. The first book, Death at Ravens Edge, was engaging and so I started to read this one with high expectations. I was not disappointed and thought this book was better than the first.
The story starts off at a good pace with a short prologue of events from 25 years earlier. The following story entwines past and present incidents with murders, hidden bodies, deception and misdirection.
The main characters and their relationships are nicely developed. Overall, there is a nice balance of drama, intrigue and romance with some unexpected twists throughout. This story held my attention from the start and I am looking forward to further books in this series.
This is the first book that I have read by Louise Marley and I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Foxglove and Hemlock florist shop is housed in a once grand old house, the grounds are enclosed by forest and in the grounds, hidden, engulfed by creepers, bushes and trees, is an old , windowless glass house that the owners, Amelia Locke and Gabriel Fox, had decided to restore. When human bones were discovered buried in the glass house, it was too close to home for DS Harriette Marsh, she rented an apartment in the massive old house.
Harriett and her boss, DI Ben Taylor, started searching for missing persons in the cold cases in an attempt to find who the skeleton belonged to.
This story is written over two timelines but it flows beautifully, it is a very complex, complicated story that keeps you guessing, it had me gripped from beginning to end, several stories are intertwined including the young woman who had taken up residence at Raven's Hollow, a creepy, old gothic mansion, that woman was author Iris Evergreen, a woman who had secrets.
As the body count escalates, the intrigue in this mysterious old village and it's equally intriguing inhabitants draw you in.
The twists and turns continue, Harriette, her past, her family and her dead, hero father are drawn into the mystery and just when you think that the mystery has been solved, the story takes another flip.
I love how the author has illustrated with words the creepy, mysterious settings, but has managed to keep a cosy feel, likeable characters and interest until the last page, this story has suspense, intrigue and enchantment with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary.
2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of Murder At Raven’s Hollow.
Harriet has a very rare day off from her police officer job until she unearths human remains. She finds out that this was a murder and that it took place over two decades ago. But while she is investigating she finds out things about her own past that change everything she thought she knew.
This book is actually the third book in a series but I did not read the previous two books before reading this one. I do feel like it was difficult to connect either the characters and the writing style was not my favorite either. Overall I felt like the story was very drawn out and it jumped around too much for me.
Murder At Raven’s Hollow by Louise Marley is a contemporary cosy crime novel that I enjoyed. It is the third book in An English Village Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The village is a close-knit community with an eclectic mix of characters. They are realistic and provoke a variety of emotional responses from the reader – many are liked, one I decidedly did not (but this was a guided response by the author).
A normal autumnal day soon takes a mysterious turn as human bones are found under a glass house floor. Whose could they be? And how long have they been there? There appears to be three likely candidates from years ago. The police must work out just who it is.
We see that characters are not wholly black or white but a blend of grey. However, one character definitely has a black heart and has been manipulating others for years and without remorse.
A village community throws up some interesting relationships as characters find themselves sharing DNA which they were unaware of!
A character looked up to her father and followed in his footsteps. A surprising secret from the past is unearthed which leaves her questioning.
We see how our early lives affect us into adulthood. The truth lay dormant as it could not be faced and therefore a more palatable story was told.
Some characters just attract bad luck but the truth needs to be confronted.
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder At Raven’s Hollow. It was an entertaining novel. I did not always follow the links to the action. I think that was because I read a kindle copy. I think a paperback would have made following the action easier as one can flick backwards.
Murder At Raven’s Hollow would translate perfectly into the early evening cosy crime slot on television.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
This was a story with lots of twists and turns. and I had no idea how it was going to end. Very tense at times and the characters were excellent and added excitement to the story. Great conclusion.
This is first book by Louise Marley I have read. I found it engaging. The beginning drew me in. I could feel the panic of the children in the car.
I thought the premise was sound. There are plenty of family sins and village secrets to keep anyone guessing after the discovery of the body in the dilapidated green house.
Unfortunately, I found that the book dragged in many places. For that reason, I rate it a 3.5. I cared more for Harriet and her grandmother than anyone else in the book.
I was given and advanced readers copy by Netgalley and am not required to leave a positive review.
Murder at Raven’s Hollow is the latest in this awesome mystery series by Louise Marley. While the characters and prose make me feel like I am living in Raven’s Hollow, it also makes me never want to move to a small town. Heehee Marley uses vignettes to weave in and flesh out the characters of Raven’s Hollow, past and present.
Detective Sergeant Harriet March happens to live next door to the local florist shop, which is run by her landlords. While having a clear out for an anticipated renovation, they stumble upon a skeleton, but DS March recognizes that it’s not a pet skeleton, as her landlady thought.
DS March calls in her boss, DI Ben Taylor, to organize the analysis of the bones, to determine if they were ancient remains or suspicious death.
As this case is being thoroughly investigated, another body is found lying in the middle of the road. Was this one a suspicious death? Are the two deaths linked, meaning a serial killer has been on the loose for years?
This is a crazy good installment to a cozy mystery series. The cast of characters are memorable and intriguing, and the town is quaint and inviting. I can’t wait for the next installment!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC!!
Thank you for allowing me to review this book. I enjoyed the suspense as DS Harriet March discovers a skeleton in her garden which subsequently unearths further murders. DS March and her boss DI Ben make a good team and know each others strengths and weak points well. The story is told from various characters perspective and also different timeliness. These are very cleverly woven together. The village setting, means that everyone knows everyone else and thinks they know all the secrets. The ending was slightly unexpected, but no doubt the next book in the series will provide more detail and the impact on the characters.
This is the third book in the series by Louise Marley and again another excellent book. Well written with a story with a story of sad experiences beautifully told. Looking forward to Ben and Harriets next adventure. Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.
This books starts off with a scene that leaves you wanting more but sadly that is the flashback the story will need to circle back to. However, the writing in that scene was nearly alive and you could almost feel the panic as the car plummeted toward the water.
The scene quickly changes to Harriet enjoying a rare day off with no dead bodies or so she thinks. The scene reminded me of Castle when he and Beckett went on vacation and a body dropped. Like Castle and Beckett, our heroine Harriet is in her depth when she is investigating a murder. This was a little different because it appeared to be a cold case but the story would loose something if the case stayed cold. More bodies and more flashbacks ensue to tie past to present in a cozy mystery that spans time.
Harriet is a pretty good character but hit a rough patch in this book because some of the revelations she uncovers lead to her own history. Fortunately, she has friends, odd neighbors and a special guy there to help her along.
Admittedly this was my first book in the series and while it did feel like the book could be read alone, I feel like I need more backstory on the characters. I also had to re-read a few times to understand the meaning of some English words like skip in connection with something large being delivered. My biggest problem, however, is the book is a touch long and seems to lag a bit in the middle which is tough if the last book you finished was awesome. That made me think twice about my review star count. I would have put the story at about 3.25 stars but am bumping it up to 3.5 (so 4) because I think my initial reaction was harsh and based a comparing to the previous book. Other reviewers also seem to say a lot of positive things about this book so maybe for me I need to go back to book 1 and start properly.
It is a pretty good story with a quaint town for the perfect backdrop and the author invited through her words to enjoy that town.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Harriet is just trying to enjoy her day off. When she comes across a human skeleton she has no idea the can of worms that is about to explode all over the small town she lives in.
I really enjoyed our main mystery of who the skeleton is and what happened to them. I enjoyed seeing Harriet and her partner Ben investigate and with each new clue I was guessing who I thought the killer would be. We follow a few different POV's as well as scenes from the past and I did like following them all, with a bit of a softer spot for Iris. This has plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing,
I would definitley continue this series when the next book is released.
I loved this! This book made me feel like I was watching an amazing movie, with so much suspense, that I just wanted to pop popcorn and settle in for the long haul! 🍿😂 There were so many great twists, I honestly spent my day at work thinking “When can I get back to reading so I can see what happens next?!?!” I will absolutely go back and read the first two books in this series very soon! 5 ⭐️
A skeleton appears in Ravens Hollows garden, DI Harriett is on the case. When another body is found the plot thickens. I enjoyed this cozy mystery set in a lovely English village, it’s quaint, full of the usual gossips and written in a proper English way. I liked this series and recommend them. It’s an easy read with a great ending.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.