I have always loved books where the storyline is set in a library. My favorite genre often changes but I usually end up reading a mystery/thriller. So a mystery set in a library.....a natural pick for me! This is the first book in the Greer Hogan series and I hope it's a long, thrilling series.
Greer moves from NYC after her husband's murder. She finds a new home working in a small library that's located in a haunted house in Raven Hill, NY. Little more than six months later, Greer's newest friend is dead on the library stairs and Greer decides it coyld be no coincidence. As Greer investigates, ME Hilliard introduces us to the series core characters, each a "character" in their own way.
This story is not quite a tense mystery but definitely not a cozy mystery, either. BUT.....it doesn't really need a genre to be good, and it's GOOD.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Greer Hogan is the perfect heroine for readers of mysteries. She brings her skills as a librarian and her own quick mind to the table when solving mysteries which might otherwise go unsolved. The characters are so clearly drawn in this book that it is impossible to not feel fully involved as the plot races along.

Thank you NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I am always drawn to books with librarians and libraries! The Unkindness of Ravens is a new cozy mystery series that did not disappoint! I loved the references to other literary detectives and the gothic library! The mystery in The Unkindness of Ravens was intriguing! I highly recommend this book!

Didn't capture my attention and engagement. I'll hopefully try again in the future. Didn't capture my attention and engagement. I'll hopefully try again in the future.

Not my typical genre. It was a good read and kept me interested throughout. I would recommend it to others. I liked it.

I am a member of the American Library Association Reading List Award Committee. This title was suggested for the 2022 list. It was not nominated for the award. The complete list of winners and shortlisted titles is at <a href="https://rusaupdate.org/2022/01/readers-advisory-announce-2022-reading-list-years-best-in-genre-fiction-for-adult-readers/">

Greer has been the librarian for six months and remains hopeful of seeing a ghost in the supposedly haunted mansion made into the library. She is still a little traumatized from discovering her husband and discovering her friend's body brings it all back again. There are a few employees at the library, but none take more of a central role. She rents the top of a house owned by Henri and his dog Pierre who are the breakout characters and I adore them. Henri has sort of unofficially adopted Greer. Officer Jennie Webber ends up being a substantial character in the investigation and I like this character and would love to see more of her.

Raven Hill and the gothic library with a brooding exterior are each used to great effect. The creek, called Ravens Kill, was the sight of an old drowning and adds creepy touches as well. "I have it on good authority that the currents have always been strange in the Ravens Kill."

The plot centers around a killer who struck a woman down during library hours. Greer tries to figure out the culprit while fully aware the murderer could be lurking and watching. The pacing is steady and this book builds till the very tense climax.

The killer reveal, or showdown, is excellent and left me breathless. Greer is daring and smart against the killer. Excellent. While I had begun to suspect the killer, the full motive revealed just how cold blooded the murderer was. The wrap-up answers the final questions and firmly sets up the next book where she will face some nagging discrepancies in her husband's murder since she has had to relive that trauma throughout the story.

My thoughts: This book tries for literary, but some literary allusions didn't make sense or seemed forced to appear "literary". The writing style adds to the atmospheric feel throughout the book. This is a little darker in feel and style than a cozy mystery and there isn't any romantic interest or light moments. Overall the book is well done with a solid mystery and compelling characters, and the gripping climax is superb.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

M.E. Hilliard, an experienced librarian, conveys her knowledge of libraries and books in The Unkindness of Ravens.
Greer Hogan, librarian and book lover, finds the body of a good friend on the steps to the upper floor of the library. She had lost her husband to murder and two losses is too much. Her friend had been pursuing suspicions about something at the time. Greer logically follows the clues to people around the victim. Her life is threatened. Follow her in her pursuit of the guilty party.

When Greer Hogan' husband was murdered in their NYC apartment, she abandoned her career in business, went to library school, and took a job in a small town public library, only to trip over a murdered friend only a few months into her new life. But librarians are nothing if not detectives, and Greer, an expert researcher, is off to track down the murderer. The book includes not only an appealing and smart main character, but great use of setting and some finely drawn ancillary characters. A well-paced twisty plot with a few surprises and motivated action round out this excellent cozy. A very promising debut mystery about a librarian, by a librarian--can't wait for the next title

This is a new cozy mystery series featuring Greer, a librarian who loves murder mysteries. She stumbles on her friend’s body in the library after moving to New Haven to become a new librarian.. This book was a win for me. It was creepy and suspenseful . I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next in the series.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for unbiased review.

I'm a sucker to books featuring librarian and libraries and this was right for me.
It's a bit darker than the average cozy mystery and the suspence and atmosphere are gripping.
It's a well written story, full of twists and turns, and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
I loved the fleshed out and likable characters.
Can't wait to read the next book.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Right from the very beginning, I was gripped by this enthralling cozy mystery by M. E. Hilliard. After her husband’s death, librarian Greer Hogan decides she needs a fresh start and leaves New York City taking a job in Raven Hill, a lovely little village that becomes less attractive when Greer finds the body of her best friend in her library. This is the third death in the village in a short amount of time that the police believe were unfortunate accidents, but mystery reader Greer isn’t certain. As facts about her husband’s murder surface, Greer begins to wonder if she helped convict an innocent man. Greer is a likeable, intelligent heroine in this new cozy series. I’m looking forward to meeting up with her in book two. All in all, a great début.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Is there anything more outstanding for a bibliophile than a book set in a library and featuring a librarian as its principal character? 🤔 I think not! 🙌🏻

<b>PROS</B>
-- Outstanding cover!
-- Well written, I believe this is this author's debut novel?
-- Engaging plot that kept me turning the pages.
-- Well plotted out mystery that kept me guessing right until the end.
-- Marvellous setting. It completely reminded me of the library I used to go to until I moved away. It was built in 1913 and was full of quirky nooks and creaking floors/stairs, just like the Raven Hill library in the book.
-- Intriguing cast of secondary characters.
-- Greer was a very likable principal character.
-- Satisfying ending to the mystery, with a little teaser for what is coming up in the next book of the series.

<b>CONS</b>
-- Genuinely can't think of a single one. 🤔

**ARC Via NetGalley**

The Unkindness of Ravens by M.E. Hilliard is a cozy mystery that takes place mostly in a library. Greer Hogan is a fairly new resident in the village of Raven Hill and she is the librarian. The library is located in an old mansion donated to Raven Hill by a wealthy family. The building is somewhat creepy and Greer discovers that in a huge way. While going upstairs for lunch, she comes upon the body of a dear friend. Was this an accident or murder? The police are called but Greer is determined to secretly solve this mystery on her own. This was an enjoyable read. The village characters are diverse and interesting. The storyline, while not necessarily always plausible, is suspenseful and relatable. There are plenty of clues but you will be kept waiting till the last pages for the details to become clear. If, like me, you love reading anything that has to do with books, libraries and librarians, The Unkindness of Ravens ticks all the boxes. Highly recommended. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Unkindness of Ravens by M. E. Hilliard is a Greer Hogan mystery and totally new to this dedicated cozy reader. Greer, 37, had survived her husband's murder in New York City several years ago. She was a suspect at first, but quickly eliminated but she still had a guilty conscience. Should she have been home? Should she not have been talking to Ian? She sold up, got her Masters' degree and had come to Raven Hill Manor to be a librarian, which she was: the NEW librarian after two years. Now she had discovered the body of her friend Joanna. They had been in the same dorm in college and had reconnected when Greer moved here. Was it an accident or murder? Looked like it could be either. Greer was conversant with books but she channeled Trixie Belden, always her favorite over Nancy Drew. Now she had to rein her in before she got in trouble.

There is not better researcher than a librarian, Greer included. She shouldn't be investigating, but researching? And reaching out to patrons? Like al amateur sleuths, she is a past master at justification. Greer is a terrific character, not young, not old. She lives by herself with her octogenarian neighbor Henri, always ready to help and cook her dinner. Henri has a dog, Pierre, who Greer is able to borrow for comfort and take for walks as an excuse to wander the town. The mystery as all mysteries are, was convoluted, rooted in the past, and difficult to unravel. Greer's research skills were put to the test, as were Joanna's notes, taken in an attempt to investigate something, which led to her murder. Everybody wants those notes it seems like. Greer's life is fun; she's adjusting well to it. The book is entertaining. The mystery interesting and requires concentration. All-in-all, it is a book to be read and enjoyed. I hope you do that.

I was invited to read a free ARC of The Unkindness of Ravens by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #theunkindnessofravens

Welcome to Raven Hill, where people tend to die mysteriously every now and then!
Right from the start, we meet our main character, Greer, librarian who moved here from New York not so long ago. When she discovers the body of her friend Joanna inside the old manor serving as a library, Greer is reminisced of her husbdand's murder. Once again, she is the main suspect in a murder case. To clear herself and understand what happened to Joanna, Greer goes on to lead her own investigation.

At first, I had a problem with Greer meddling with the investigation, because yes, she is a suspect in a murder case, but usually, the worst thing to do is being seen snooping around about said murder. Even later on, she's still obsessed with the murder when all she really had to do was rely on the police. Why do people take such big cases in their own hands thinking they can TOTALLY do police work when they're not actual detectives? But well, that's the concept of the book, and the general mood drew me into reading it, so I got invested in the plot fairly fast.

I liked Raven Hill, and I loved its manor-library. How cool is it to have a library in a MANOR??? I also liked the whole small US town vibe, where everyone knows everyone and their relatives! I alway wonder if it's really like that. That sounds both insane and interesting.

Plot-wise, the book is well-written. I was sometimes annoyed by Greer witholding information from the police, but all in all, I liked discovering clues with her. As the story unravels, I was fascinated by what I was reading, and still, I never guessed who was guilty or why the murder happened, until the very end. This is all I really ask from a mystery, so that's a win for me!

I don't have much to say about the characters beside Greer, who I thought was a mix of annoying and brave (definitely a Gryffindor!) None of them stuck with me too much, but they were generally okay!

The Unkindness of Ravens is a fantastic debut novel by M.E Hilliard. Sure, there's room for improvement, but she managed to give life to an entire town, give it a little spooky vibe to keep the reader on their toes, and create a well-constructed murder, all with a cosy-crime feel. Amazing feat !

The Unkindness of Ravens is the first book of a new cozy series featuring a librarian by M.E. Hilliard. Released 13th April 2021 by Crooked Lane, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

This is a promising series opener from a debut author who has worked as a librarian and seems to have a similar background in high-end retail fashion as protagonist Greer. The librarian-dog-cozy-murder-smalltown-mystery sub-subgenre is always fun and this is a well written example. The murders are off-scene and mostly bloodless, there's no graphic content, the language is fairly clean, the characters are likeable and intelligent and there are a plethora of suspects and lots of red herrings. The narrative arc is well controlled and the plot moves along at a good pace. I never found my interest flagging at any point in the read. There's a sort of Agatha Raisin vibe going on with big city girl Greer taking up a position and trying to fit in in small-town life. She's smart and fashion conscious ("Is that Prada?") and sophisticated as well as vulnerable.

Since it's a librarian cozy, there are of course book tie-ins and title name-dropping. One of my favorite features of librarian cozies is the suggestions for titles, series, and authors with which I was previously unfamiliar. I found a couple of good ones to follow up on as a nice bonus. I suspect most of the titles and series mentioned will be familiar to most readers. The Patricia Wentworth mention was especially nice, and I've been revisiting Miss Silver all weekend because of it.

The climax and denouement are well done. It is a fun cozy and full of the things which we all love about small-town cozies (including an adorable French bulldog!).

Four stars. Highly recommended to fans of the genre.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

I found that the pace of this book was a bit slow for me but I really enjoyed the overall storyline. I really liked how M.E. Hilliard managed to reveal each clue of who the murderer was only when the time was right. I never guessed who it was or why it happened which I really liked.

I liked Greer and found her to have an enjoyable quirkiness to her. I was very suspicious of her in the beginning especially in regards to her husband’s death but it turns out that I was mostly wrong. I do find myself looking forward to the next book even though I rated this book three stars. Especially if it has to do with her husband’s murder.

I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.

I was very impressed with this series starter from a debut author. It was a cozy that stayed away from the genre's trap of using quirkiness as a substitute for substance and instead focused on the mystery. There is some good backstory developed for main character Greer that I think will be useful going forward. The author's bio indicates that they are a librarian, and that definitely shows in the writing of Greer (as a librarian, a pet peeve is inaccurate depictions of librarians and library work in fiction). There is great potential for this series, and this was an excellent start.