Good character development and decent pacing, and the paranormal element fits in believably. I liked that the secrets between Hadrian and Tilda didn’t drag out. Both are inquisitive and sensible. Not much tension between the MCs, but rather a quiet respect. The resolution felt rushed, but I was entertained by the main characters so I didn’t care. I’m eager for the next book for their relationship as well as another mystery.

Hadrian, Earl of Ravenhurst, is stabbed and left for dead. Before losing consciousness he grapples with his assailant managing to remove a ring from the assailant’s finger and getting the distinct impression that the assailant actually meant to stab someone else. During his convalescence Ravenhurst realizes that something changed during the assault and he can now see events and feel emotions by holding objects. The ring, in particular, leads him to Miss Matilda Wren, an investigator who lives with her grandmother and is one step away from the poor house. The ring may have been in the possession of Matilda’s recently deceased cousin who happened to manage Matilda’s finances. They soon realize that the two issues, the attempted murder of Ravenhurst and Matilda’s missing money, are somehow connected to sinister forces that will do anything to keep their secrets safe.

“A Whisper of Death” is the first in Darcy Burke’s new series, Raven and Wren. I like that Tilda is established as a savvy investigator in her own right. Ravenhurst jumps into the investigation with both feet and sometimes bumbles around, but with guidance from Tilda he begins to learn to temper his interactions with others. Overall, this is an enjoyable first book in a series. I can’t wait for the next one!

This story is great for readers who enjoy historical mysteries with a little slow burn romance.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A Whisper of Death by Darcy Burke

A beautifully orchestrated novel by Darcy Burke, our author, recounts a turbulent situation in old Victorian England. The Earl of Ravenhurst, Hadrian Becket, has luckily survived a knife attack and has found himself in the middle of a scandal of nefarious proportions. Unsatisfied with Scotland Yard's attempt at solving the case, he decides to investigate for himself. Hadrian's new-found power of seeing snippets from the past helps move him through a labyrinth of new information and a meeting of chance with Mathilda Wren, daughter of an esteemed but deceased Scotland Yard detective. Mathilda has a penchant for sleuthing and agrees to assist Ravenhurst in resolving his dilemma. A conspiracy runs rampant, and they soon realize the magnitude of the deception. One question needs answering, can they survive a dangerous onslaught of coverup?

A magical partnership evolves between two individuals with nothing in common. So it would seem on the surface. Darcy Burke crafts a tense yet in-depth look at two completely different persons navigating life from contrasting positions on the social hierarchy. The Earl of Ravenhurst is seen here with subtle political persuasion and extensive means. In contrast, Mathilda struggles to pay the bills for her and her aging grandmother. None of this would seem to suggest an alliance of Hadrian and Thilda will succeed, yet it does. How does an Earl act? My sixth sense tells me with quite a bit of snobbery and entitlement. The magic of this novel is within the writing of Hadrian's character. We, the reader, are introduced to a gentleman with high morals and one that finds a defensive Miss Wren begrudgingly finding a fondness for. In short, he reminds Mathilda of her loving and nurturing father. While many turns and twists existed throughout my readthrough, the novel's pace was never off-putting. I fluidly basked in the stream of narrative, which eased me gently down a stream of mysteriousness.

As I exited this novel for the final time, it was clear that the writer had done a phenomenal job. I found myself engaged throughout. I was a latter-day detective, eager to probe and expose those for wrongdoings. I recommend this to all fans of the mystery/thriller genre, and especially those who love the classic British era. I am giving this 5 out of 5 stars⭐

Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.

The cover of this book is what initially caught my eye but the author's storytelling kept me eagerly flipping pages; this was definitely an engaging and bingeable read.
I really loved how this Mystery was set in a really interesting time period with supernatural elements mixed in. The main characters were well-developed, likeable and memorable!
This is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more books from her in the future.

Thank you Darcy Burke, Net Galley and Oliver Heber Books from providing me with an ARC of this book!

Loved Hadrian and miss wren …their curiousness to solve the mystery surrounding mister Henry is very intriguing.

What a lovely book. I've been in a mystery genre period but wanted something different and this with it's historical aspect really sounded like it would fit the bill. Loved the mystery, it was really well done and stayed true to the era. Loved that Miss Wren didn't fit the typical mold for this time period. I loved Ravenhurst and his willingness to hire Miss Wren. Their chemistry is great and I am really looking forward to more adventures!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Darcy Burke for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Whisper of Death coming out July 30, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I was really intrigued by the Victorian murder mystery with a side of the supernatural plot. Side note, Hadrian Becket is a really cool name! Obsessed! I loved that he survived death and wanted to hunt down his would-be killer. His gift was also really interesting and I’d love more of that. I really love when the two main characters team up to solve mysteries. I loved Hadrian and Tilda working together. There were definitely a lot of tragedies and trials to work through. I think they worked well together. They’re smart characters. I loved it! The ending was pretty cliffhanger, so I’m excited to check out the next book in the series!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Victorian murder mysteries!

This is one DELICIOUS mystery novel that will keep you guessing to the very end. Tilda is a spinster, who loves to solve mysteries as it is “in her blood” Hadrian was severely attacked and as a result has this wonderful “gift or curse” that goes a long way in finding out who was the perpetrator. I loved how there is just a hint of desire between them. It was very interesting how the author weaved all the incidents together so neatly and how rampant bribery was in old England police force. The surprise ending concerning her grandfather was nothing I expected. I adored Vaughn as well. The author is so well organized that the plot flowed beautifully, the characters are so realistic and I truly felt like i wanted to know them personally. A wonderful mystery read with a touch of the “unknown”!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Me encantó.

Lo malo es que ahora tendré que esperar no se cuanto tiempo para leer todos los libros.

Tanto Tilda como Hadrian me cayeron bien, me gustó como se manejo lo del misterio y lo de las visiones, las investigaciones, como nació su amistad. Necesito más de ellos.


¿Darcy cómo nos dejaste con tremendo adelanto del siguiente libro y ahora tenemos que esperar para ver como se desarrollará o destruirá la unión Wren & Raven??


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.