Member Reviews
I enjoyed this book. It was a fun, fast read. And I thought it was going to be a basic mystery detective story but it was more than that. There were several twists and turns that kept the book fresh and unpredictable. The characters were solid and while reading, you could tell the author tried to make them relatable. And the beautiful description of the town - I would want to live there!
The book did have multiple storylines, although one of them felt out of place, almost unnecessary. It didn’t add to the story. But, what did add to the story though were perfectly placed and well thought out flashbacks. These flashbacks kept the story moving while giving insight to what had happened.
I was a little frustrated with the ending of the book (no spoilers). Some storylines felt rushed without addressing everything that had happened, while other storylines were left unfinished and some storylines/ characters seemed forgotten about. The conclusion felt incomplete.
Overall, if you want a good small- town detective story, this was it.
Thank k you netgalley and Storm Publishing for this arc.
I didn't realize I'd missed the second book in this series, so I'll be going back to read that one and catch up on Ben's story more.
I really enjoyed this one. I honestly didn't expect the twist that came of who the killer was, but dang that was good! It paced nicely. I like the different point of views and going back in time. I definitely am looking forward to the next book and seeing how things pan out for Iris and the rest. I have a feeling we will be seeing more of florists, it felt like they were being set up as suspicious.
The only thing that bugged me was the use of cell phones 25 years ago when the deceased was still alive. If I remember correctly this is more present time so 25 years ago would have been late 90s which doesn't line up with the cell phone use, and texting mentioned. Not a big deal but just made the timeline of 25 years ago feel much more recent.
This talented author has written a page turner. Realistic characters kept the story moving quickly. Red herrings kept me guessing. A cannot out down mystery. Intrigue. Thanks Netgalley
This third episode in the Raven's series focusses not on Ben (DI Ben Taylor) or is on and of girlfriend Mila but instead on DS Harriet March. Like both Ben and Mila in the previous books it turns out that Harriet has a couple of bodies in the cupboard of her own as it turns out that there are a couple of shady details in het past as well that she would rather forget.
Well, what else would you have expected in the quirky and spooky village of Raven's Edge with its strange and sometimes murderous inhabitants?
As in the previous two books this episode introduces an eccentric outsider with a hidden past as well in the person of Iris Green. When an old skeleton turns up beneath a dilapidated green house, followed by a body that hasn't even cooled yet the fun is complete. Enough material for another delightful read set in Raven's Edge where nothing is quite what is seems.
Although I would have liked a larger role for DI Ben Taylor I totally get the focus on Harriet. Makes me wonder where the main focus will lie in the next episode, hoping that there will be another book.
I want to thank Netgalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Bones are found buried in a derelict greenhouse outside a residence and florist. Though the bones are decades old, DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor set out to determine the identity of the victim and the perpetrator of the crime. When a fresh body turns up nearby, is there a connection to a mysterious novelist who has moved into the village recently, or even a connection to Harriet's own mother?
I love a good British mystery, and this one had all the anticipated twists and turns. There were so many connections, or half-connections, between various villagers that it was a bit difficult to keep it all straight at times. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable read with a satisfying ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
This is the best book I have read this season! Harriet is investigating a 25 year old murder and there are so many fun plot twists that I wasn't expecting, that it has made me not want to stop reading this book! I love the characters and can't wait to read more of this series!
DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor find themselves with a complex case when decades old human bones are found in a derelict glasshouse behind the local florist shop. Things get even more complicated when a body is found on the side of the road in front of Harriet's mothers house. Harriet is shocked to learn secrets of the past connect to the recent murder and involve her own family history. This was an excellent book full of intrigue and suspense with a very twisty plot. I could NOT put it down until I reached the nicely tied together ending. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written complex mystery.
DS Harriet March quite likes living in the apartment above Foxglove and Hemlock, the florist in Raven's Edge, not that she's there very much. When she does get a day off, work intervenes as her landlady unearths decades-old human bones in the unkempt garden behind the building.
With very little information to go on or clues to point her and partner DI Ben Taylor in the right direction, they start hunting through missing persons files and eventually come up with names to investigate. As they dig a little deeper, Harriet finds links to her own past, which are compounded when a second body is discovered at the end of her mother’s driveway! As Christmas moves ever closer, can Ben and Harriet join all the clues together before time runs out, or will everything shut down for the holidays, while one villager pays the ultimate price?
This was my first visit to Raven's Edge, and, for the most part, I loved it. Harriet and Ben were great main protagonists and Harriet's mum. Wow, she totally rocked every scene she was in! One part near the end did get a bit silly and over the top but redeemed itself just in time, so it didn't ruin anything. There is far more to this storyline than just the murder investigation, with Harriet's life outside of work, and the everyday life of Raven's Edge described in such a way that it was easy to picture.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm, but the opinions expressed are my own. I'm delighted there will be more to come in this series, and I will definitely be on the lookout for book 4 later in the year.
Murder at Raven's Hollow, the third book in the English Village Mystery series by Lousie Marley, is a complex, multi-faceted mystery with an atmospheric setting, that has more than one mystery to keep the readers' attention to the very end.
I have not read the first two books in the series, but was none the worse off for that lack of background; this book easily stands on its own. The characters at the core of the book - DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor, and their staff - are well-rounded and relatable,. The three distinct mysteries introduce an element of intrigue and secrets that slowly unravel, and threats that become all too real.
What tangled webs are found here, all due to secrets and deceptions that go back decades and are revealed piece by piece, with chilling effect.
I am pleased to have found a new, wonderful author and series through receiving an ARC of #MurderatRavensHollow from #NetGalley.
Bones are found under a derelict greenhouse in a neglected garden. DS Harriet March rents an apartment in the garden’s home and realizes the bones are human. Who do the bones belong to and how did they get there?
The story introduces characters and over time and the branches of the story are woven together as the links between characters and events become evident. Set in a small English village, the characters are complex. I enjoyed this mystery.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
Murder at Raven’s Hollow by Louise Marley is a chilling and immersive addition to the An English Village Mystery series, offering an enthralling tale of buried secrets, generational sins, and small-town intrigue. Set in the enigmatic village of Raven’s Edge, this third installment stands strong as a standalone read, though fans of the series will undoubtedly appreciate the continuity.
The story begins with a gruesome discovery: human bones unearthed beneath a decaying glasshouse behind the flower shop, Foxglove & Hemlock. Detectives Harriet March and Ben Taylor are called in, and their investigation unveils a labyrinth of lies, family secrets, and untold truths about the village’s history.
As Harriet delves into the case, the arrival of Iris Evergreen—a reclusive novelist with a mysterious past—adds another layer of complexity. Taking up residence in Raven’s Hollow, a gothic mansion steeped in local folklore, Iris finds herself entangled in the investigation in unexpected ways. Her family’s dark legacy and the eerie happenings at the mansion are brilliantly woven into the plot, creating a palpable sense of foreboding.
Marley expertly alternates between the present-day investigation and glimpses of the past, slowly unraveling the secrets of the glasshouse bones. The story is further enriched by a new murder, which shakes the village and heightens the stakes. Harriet’s personal life is also intricately tied to the narrative, adding emotional depth as she confronts her own family’s entanglement in the unfolding mystery.
With atmospheric descriptions, complex characters, and expertly layered twists, Murder at Raven’s Hollow captures the essence of a classic British mystery while maintaining a fresh and modern appeal. The haunting village setting, coupled with the intertwining timelines, creates a vivid backdrop that keeps readers hooked until the last page.
This book is a must-read for fans of small-town mysteries and those who love their crime fiction with a touch of the macabre. Marley’s ability to blend suspense, history, and richly drawn characters is unparalleled, and readers will eagerly anticipate what’s next for Harriet March and Ben Taylor.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review
This book was brilliantly laid out to introduce you to the characters one by one. I haven’t read the first two books and it didn’t matter. The in-between sections from the past were a wonderful way to build up the story, revealing little bits at a time to keep you guessing.
I loved the format and loved the storyline even more. It was a little slow to start as we got to know the different characters, but intriguing none-the-less. Once the story got going it did not stop until the satisfying conclusion. I was utterly riveted and it was difficult to put the book down when I ran out of time for reading.
The psychological breakdown of the characters battling with their conscience was relatable and brought emotional connection allowing you to empathise with them. And wonder what you would do in the same circumstances!
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good murder mystery with some romance woven in to give it a more engaging appeal.
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Harriet's next case hits very close to home. When a body is discovered, her and her partner have alot of unanswered questions. This book had alot of twists and turns.
When I read the description, this sounded like the perfect, cozy fall mystery! This is the first I've read in this series, but didn't feel like I missed much. There's a variety of characters and a couple mysteries in the village, starting with a skeleton in a garden. I enjoyed the coziness and felt for the characters and rooting for their happiness. I thought the story lagged a little and seemed drawn out, but I was happy with the conclusion. A great fall and winter read!
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy!
This is the first book in this series that I have read and bearing in mind it is the third book, it was easy to follow having not read the previous two. The characters were generally robust and you were able to form an opinion of their personalities fairly early on, and the dynamics between characters as well. Having the past written in italics helped tremendously, as I was initially a little confused when Iris was first introduced as I couldn’t work out whether she was from the past, present or another time. There are a number of different plots running along side one another that interlink, and part of the mystery is trying to identify what those links are. Each plot is written from different characters perspectives which help give you an insight into how they think and see things. The way the village of Raven’s Edge is described throughout the book makes you curious to find out more, a map would be a good addition. All in all, I really enjoyed Murder at Raven’s Hollow and have already looked to see what other books Louise Marley has written.
Murder at Ravens Hollow is an excellent read that perfectly balances a layered mystery, engaging characters, and a rich setting. As the third book in a series, it stands well on its own, following DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor as they uncover buried bones in the quaint English village of Raven’s Edge. The storyline blends a cold case, fresh murders, questions of trust, and a hint of romance, creating a plot that kept me guessing the entire time.
The cliffhanger ending left me wanting more, eager to see where the author takes this story next.
MacInerney does an impressive job juggling complex elements without overwhelming the reader. The characters are thoughtfully written, with distinct personalities that you’ll either love or love to despise.
The picturesque yet secretive village setting added the perfect touch, and I’m looking forward to diving into the previous books and any future installments in this delightful series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing company & author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I havent read the previous books but this can be read as a stand alone, highened excitement ranges with cozy mystery prose at an elevated pace. A perfect winter read.
A wonderful third edition to the English Village Mystery series! Cozy crime at its finest!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC
Murder at Ravaen's Hollow is the 3rd in this series. It takes place in the town of River's Edge. Detective Harriet March lives above the florist shop, Foxglove and Hemlock owned by Amelia Locke and Gabriel Fox. They live in the apartment above Harriet. The fence around the property has been taken down. Gabriel told Harriet that he and his sister found a glasshouse (greenhouse) in the woods. They were excited about it and planned to restore it. Harriet was taken into the glasshouse by Amelia and she showed her the garden that she was working on. She said that she had found a dog and had removed the bones and put into a pile. Upon examining it Harriet takes a picture of the bones and sends picture to her boss, Detective Inspector Ben Taylor. She told Amelia that it wasn't dog bones but human ones. They met with Lucia who told them that the bones were not old. They found a coin dated 1984 which tells when the body was buried. The skelton was 40 years old man. It was buried naked and all his teeth were removed. Ben and Harriet interviewed both Gabriel and Amelia. They felt that the two were hiding something but not murder.
Harriet went to speak to her grandmother and asked her who owned the florist shop before Gabriel and Amelia. She told her that the last name was Kunsella. Gabriel's mother, Hester was the manager for 5 years at the time but was now deceased.
Iris Evergreen has just moved into the house her mother had inherited. The house was called "Alfheimy (house of fairies). Iris is a well known author. She went to the bookstore and found her book on display. Whittaker Smith was the manager and owner of the bookstore. He thought the book took place in Raven's Edge but Iris told him that she had never been in the town before now. She told him her mother had grown up in the village and told her stories that she remembered. He told Iris that were sort of true. The Raven Queen was a witch called Magik Mag. She was tried as a witch and threw herself over the bridge. She turned herself into 100 ravens and flew away. He told her that the person she should talk to was Ellie Garlik who was the curator of the museum.
Iris went to speak to Ellie. She was a strange woman. She takes Iris to a room where the village is set up in minature. She told her that the original name of the house was Raven Hollow. The name had been changed by her great grandfather. The house had been designed by Alister Harrow. It had been built for his daughter as a wedding present. When they moved in strange things started to happen. They moved out and the house was rented out for 80 years until Clement Wainwright who bought the house to try to prove that faries were responsible but lost his reputation and went into the forest and never came back. Huge debts arouse because of his disappearance. She moved into the strange cottage with her son.
Iris walked back home in the snow and saw a man ahead of her and followed him. She almost fell into the ravine. She saw a white cat in the tree and took it home with her.
Harriet when she got home opened her window and heard Gabriel talking to Amelia. The boxes had been taken away. Amelia mentioned what was in the boxes. Did she remove something from one of the boxes? Gabriel said that the fence had to go back up. Amelia asked if that is how the murderer got into the glasshouse.
Harriet and Ben went to speak to Niall Kinsella. He told them that he didn't live in the house when it was the florist. He lived in a small cottage on Church Lane. The house had originally been owned by his grandfather who was a doctor. Later his father opened a florist shop. He was told that greenhouse was in bad shape when he was a child. He wasn't surprised that there was a body found in it. The glasshouse was close to the church and could have been part of the cemetary. He said his father had disappeared. The house had been inherited by he and his half brother. He had sold his share of the house to his half brother and that Gabriel was his half brother.
Over lunch Ben and Harriet talked about the case. He was upset that Gabriel didn't tell them about his relationship with his brother. He thinks he is smarter than the police. They decide to check on one of the men who is on the list. Detective Constable Aaron Cooper. He had been missing and his body had never been found. They went to speak to his only relative his sister, Jamie Ware. She is the sole owner of Cooper Event Planning. She thinks they are there to tell her about her brother. He had been having an affair before he died.
There are two stories in one. Tia is a woman who is married to an older man who doesn't pay attention to her. She has an affair with a man who is a police officer. She doesn't love him but pretends. Could she get him to kill her husband. Aaron is the man who loved Tia. This is how the two stories become one.
Anya March is Harriet's mother. Harriet did not have a good relationship with her.. Dean Hunter is her mother's recent lover. When Iris looked out of her window she saw Anya outside her door. She recognized her as her neighbor who lived next door. She came inside and Iris gave her a tour. Iris showed her a picture of her father and did Anya know him. She wanted to know what happened to him. Anya says she doesn't recognize the man in the picture and goes home. When home Iris runs into a large man in her library. He attacks her and puts her in her glass coffin. He walks out leaving her to sufficate. She was able to get out of the coffin but the man comes back. He attempts to attack her again but falls over the cat and hits his head and dies. Iris decides not to contact the police as she had been in prison and didn't want to go back. She decides to dispose of the body. She makes a sled out of the boxes she has from her move and puts his body on it and pulls his body in the snow to the road. She deposited it outside The Laural, which is Anya's house. The snow hides any sign she was there.
The body of a man was discovered the next day. Ben and Harriet arrive at the scene. The people from the crime scene investigation and Caroline Werner, the cororner are already there. The dead man is Dean Hunter Harriet's mother's latest boyfriend. Harriet goes to check on her mother and to tell her about Dean's death. She is shocked.
This is where the story takes off. There are so many twists and turns in the story to put on paper. I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the surprising ending. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in the series to find out what happens with the main characters in this story.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC.
This was a strong third entry in the English Village Mystery series, it had that overall feel that I was looking for from the previous two books. The overall story worked well with the murder mystery element and enjoyed the concept. Louise Marley has a great writing style and enjoyed the overall story in this, I’m excited to read more in this series.