I love visiting Raven’s Edge, a lovely English village that leans into its history and folklore. The series is a bit cozy, a bit police procedural, and a bit Gothic. This time around, DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor are called in when a skeleton is discovered behind the florists. Actually, Harriet is already on the scene- she rents the apartment upstairs. Of course, the discovery leads to the reopening of a cold case involving a man who was reported missing over 25 years ago. At the same time, Iris Evergreen, a novelist with a mysterious past, has moved into Raven’s Hollow, a fascinating old mansion, and is asking questions around town about a photo of a man she found in her dead mother’s belongings.

Murder at Raven’s Hollow focuses on Harriet. The case is intricately connected Harriet’s past and her family and what she has always believed about her father. But Iris too is connected. We get glimpses of the past throughout as the secrets are revealed and both women have to confront things they’d rather not. Then another body is found, this one still warm, and the story becomes more complicated.

I can’t put my finger on quite why I enjoy this series so much, but this one is just as good as the first two. The characters are complicated and not spared personal and professional difficulties. The town is picturesque but also eerie. The mystery was complex and kept me guessing. They appreciate history and fairy tales and books. This one probably works as a standalone, but I’m glad I’ve read the three in order. Nothing from the earlier books really comes into play, but it gives a better feel for the relationships and the atmosphere.

Somehow did not discover this series until I stumbled upon this title which is the third entry in the series. The author did a great job of bringing the reader up to speed and missing the first two books in the series didn’t affect the quality of the plot. This was fabulous! I could not put it down. The development of the characters was outstanding and the plot kept me guessing until the end. The stories and mysteries within the overall plot were cleverly intertwined. Sometimes, authors have these stories within a story to create a red herring or two but then don’t tie it all up at the end in a realistic way. This was not the case here. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for review.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is the third book in the English Village Mystery series, and sees DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March working together on another case. They're investigating the discovery of some human remains which appear to be several years old.

I've read the previous two books in the series, and I really enjoyed them, so I was excited to read this one as well. In particular, this one had a wintry feel, which I really liked, and on this occasion, I felt that I connected a little bit more with Harriet as a character. When I read the previous two books, I felt a stronger connection with Ben and Milla. iris was another character that I really liked.

If you haven't read the previous two books, this is enjoyable on its own, but I'd definitely recommend the previous two as well. The author always does a great job of creating that lovely cosy village atmosphere, while at the same time making it mysterious and suspenseful, to keep readers turning the pages.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.

ELEVATOR PITCH MODE: It was an enjoyable read and I was glad to catch up with the characters and get to know more about Harriet. There's all the elements of a very enjoyable classic whodunit: the gothic ruined building, an old a new murder, a mysterious writer, the snowfall that keeps all the characters in the same locations.
Enjoyed it. Recommended. Many thanks to Storm Publishing and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy

CAT MODE:
Harry: Meee-ow! Andry, have you finished reading "Murder at Raven's Hollow" by Louise Marley?

Andry: Oh yes, Harry! I curled up by the window with it for hours. What a tale! The suspense was just...purrfect.

Harry: Right? The way DS Harriet March unraveled the mystery had me on the edge of my favorite cushion. Every twist and turn...I couldn't predict anything!

Andry: Absolutely. And the atmosphere Marley created in that eerie manor house. It made me almost want to hide under the bed with every creak and shadow.

Harry: And those characters! Each one with their own secrets. I kept trying to guess who the culprit was. Did you figure it out before the final revelation?

Andry: Honestly, not a chance. I was fooled by all those red herrings. And that final revelation – it had my fur standing on end!

Harry: The tension! I could almost hear the heartbeats echoing in that silent room. Louise Marley really knows how to keep us hooked. I even forgot to nap!

Andry: Same here! By the way, did you notice the subtle clues Marley sprinkled throughout the story? She’s a master at laying them out just right for keen-eyed readers – or should I say, keen-whiskered?

Harry: Indeed. Her attention to detail is impressive. It’s like a game of cat and mouse with the reader.

Andry: Speaking of which, I’d much prefer an actual mouse right now. All this talk of mysteries has made me hungry.

Harry: A good mouse would hit the spot. Well, it's definitely one for the top shelf of our little library. So, what shall we sink our claws into next?

Andry: Mmmm...how about pouncing on another from our favorite cat sleuth series? Perhaps another "The Cat Who" book, or maybe starting again with the earlier English Village Mystery series - after all, it's best to read them before diving into this one!

Harry: Paw-sitively brilliant choice, Andry! Let's dive in.

Human bones are discovered at Raven Hollow, beneath the ruins of the Victorian greenhouse. Believing they are dealing with a cold case D.S. Harriet March and D.I. Ben Taylor find that the trail begins to hit far too close to home for some of the residents of Raven’s Edge village.

Initially believe they’re dealing with a cold case, but the trail leads to startling revelations that hit uncomfortably close to home for several village residents. Not to mention a little too close to home for Harriet. Harriet was such a good character, learning the truths about her family but also working the case and maybe finding a relationship (in a future installment perhaps). She has a strength about her that works well. She doesn’t come off as harsh or too hard but also not like a shrinking violet either. That sometimes happens in mysteries with women characters.

This book can be read on its own but I will certainly be checking out all the other books in the series as it is just that good. I found myself intrigued from the first page to the last with this one.

This story does stand-alone in many ways, but it brings back previous main characters DI Ben Taylor, Milla and DS Harriet March, along with the rich and powerful Graham family’s influence, which all made the backstory richer for me being in the know. Plus they are just really good mystery stories and therefore well worth reading on their own merit.

We get more focus on Harriet in this story, along with a brand new resident to the village – author Iris Evergreen. There are plenty of dark secrets still to uncover and the village mythology continues to be a little bit creepy, a little bit fairy-story-ish and overall delightfully ominous. I loved the sweet touches of romance in the sub-plot and the multiple mystery threads of skeletons, missing men, Iris’s traumatic history and Harriet’s struggle to find balance in her personal and professional life as all of the chaos unfolds around her.

The characters in the story (and the previous books) really come alive for me, and form a neat contrast to the more fantastic plot elements, keeping the atmosphere perfectly balance between murder mystery and classic fantasy elements – look out for Snow White and glass coffins this time round!

I feel this series is getting stronger with each book I read, as the characters and mythology develop and deepen, and I am really excited to keep following and find out what comes next and whether my favourite Raven’s Edge residents (Whit, for one) can survive all these murders unscathed.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Murder At Raven's Hollow' by Louise Marley.

This is the third book I have read by this author. It is also the third book in Louise's 'An English Village Mystery' series but can be read as a standalone. I have also read 'Murder At Raven's Edge' and 'Murder At Ravenswood House' which are the first two books in the series and I would also highly recommend them both. .

This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that leave you hearing the chickens clucking, Jake barking and it most definitely leaves you wanting to visit!!! The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.

Yet another fantastic success Louise Marley!! Such an easy, fun and addictive cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!!

This book is yet another brilliant addition to Louise's absolutely addictive 'An English Village Mystery'!! i absolutely fell in love with this series after reading the first book which is called 'Murder At Raven's Edge'. Each of the books in this series can be read as a standalone and although I would not typically recommend reading books out of order there is a silver lining of doing so!! If you end up reading a later book in a series prior to the previous ones when you have finished it means you can go back and catch up on the previous books while waiting for the next book to come out! Louise has ticked every single box in this series from absolutely stunning locations to an isolated house, gorgeous cats to authors and book lovers, murder to romance, there is nothing more you could ask for when it comes to brilliant cosy mysteries! In this absolute page turner Louise transports us to the beautiful village of Raven's Edge where we meet DS Harriet March. Harriet lives in the apartment above the local florist Foxglove And Hemlock. She is enjoying a rare day off when she bumps into the owners of the florist Amelia Locke and Gabriel Fox where they are sorting their disaster of a garden out. Amelia is in what is left of the glasshouse when she comes across some bones. Amelia thinks they are dog bones and is carefully digging them up until Harriet realises they are actually human remains! Harriet calls her boss DI Ben Taylor and a murder investigation is opened. We also meet Iris Evergreen who is a famous author who has just moved into the isolated Raven's Hollow where she is trying to hide away from something from her past. However, Iris is also trying to find out more about her family and goes around Raven's Hollow asking if anyone recognises her father from a photo she was given. If that is not enough to sink your teeth into Louise also gives us chapters from 25 years previously with an unknown protagonist. Can Harriet and Ben discover the identity of their victim let alone get them justice? When a second body turns up are the cases linked? Will Iris find out more about her past or will her past come back to haunt her? To find out the answers to these and so much more grab your copy today and I can promise you will not regret it!! You may even discover a new favourite book, series and/or author!! With a storyline ram packed with mystery, family, flowers, murder, romance, crime, books, stunning surroundings, coffee, twists and turns, a gorgeous cat called Binx, amazing and unforgettable characters and more what on Earth are you waiting for?? This book, and series, is truly addictive, intriguing and will leave you wanting more!! Louise is an incredible author whose incredible vivid and emotive writing skills and descriptions really brings Raven's Edge, the characters and drama to life in front of your eyes. She weaves the multiple protagonists and timelines together absolutely perfectly drip feeding the reader the information she wants without giving too much away! I absolutely loved reading this book and the previous books which take place in such a beautiful and unique village. It genuinely felt like I had disappeared on holiday for the day. It was a shame it was only a day but that's how long it took me to zoom through the pages after not being able to put it down. I genuinely felt like I was in the storyline and I was devastated to come to the end and have to "unpack my suitcase". This series is one of the best ones I have ever read and I love getting stuck into the mysteries with Harriet and Ben each and every time .The storyline is multi-layered with mystery upon mystery to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. The fact that it was filled with books, book talk, mystery, an author and a cute cat was right down my street being a huge book and animal lover myself. It is one of those immense books that each and every time I told myself just one more chapter I just had to read yet one more to know what was going to happen next, and then another until before I know it I had devoured the whole book in just a few hours.

Although this is the third book in the series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without the first book. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

Grab your copy and join Harriet and Ben on their murder mystery, investigations, coffee drinking, banter and more where there's a mix of romance, secrets, drama, amazing characters, murder, mayhem and so much more mixed in!! You genuinely couldn't ask for anything else in a fantastic cosy crime!!! This is yet another fantastic addition to this addictive series! ! I was not expecting the killer twist so a huge congratulations there!!! I have read so many books it seems to be getting harder and harder to shock me but you definitely managed it after leading me down the garden path several times!! This is an absolutely fantastic, page turning and fun cosy crime series that can be read in any order. I would love to see them all turned into movies and I cannot wait to get into Louise's next fantastic success!!!

Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!

I absolutely LOVED meeting Ben and Harriet again along with several of the villagers and new characters such as Iris and everyone else who makes this cosy mystery series perfect the way it was again. I became completely invested in each of the characters and Louise portrays village life and characters into the first book in this series 'Murder At Raven's Edge' and they all, well almost all, quickly became friends that I miss each and every time I finish the book. I really clicked with Ben and Harriet immediately who were a perfect choice for this cosy mystery. I have loved watching all of the friendships and relationships develop and I'm looking forward to watching them continuing to do so. I am looking forward to meeting them all again in the next book in this fantastic series and seeing how all the friendship and relationships with the characters develop!!! An amazing group of string and realistic characters that jump out of the pages and I look forward to meeting time and time again. A fantastic group of unique and strong personalities!!

Congratulations Louise on an yet another absolutely addictive book in this absolutely page turning series!!! Here's to a fantastic and many more successes 🥂

Overall an addictive cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!!

#MurderAtRavensEdge #AnEnglishVillageMystery #LouiseMarley #StormPublishing #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources
@LouiseMarley @StormPublishing @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources

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I am loving this series and the diverse characters. It may be helpful to read the series in order as some of the same characters make an appearance here. So many possible suspects, so many plot twists, such a good mystery!

Murder at Raven’s Hollow by Louise Marley

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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?

My Opinion

It was nice to return to the residents of Raven’s Edge. Murder at Raven’s Hollow is the third book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone. Whilst Harriet and Ben are investigating the discovery of human remains, the reader gets to learn more about the history of the village. Louise Marley has utilised a dual timeline to tell the story but it has been done in a way that is easy to follow. With plenty going on, this feels like a quick book to read.

Rating 4/5

I really enjoyed this story and I had me hooked until the very last page. I didn’t realize that this was the third book in a series, but it’s completely fine to read them out of order. Looking forward to more books in this series and I will definitely add the previous two to my TBR.

This is a murder/mystery. Our heroine is the local Detective Sargent. She has grown up in the town and joined the police to honour her dead father, a local hero.
We actually get more than the one murder to solve. It's a complicated story that you will have you thinking. It travels back to the past occasionally to tell what was happening at the time.
A fascinating story that kept the pages flying past. There are many interesting characters. It is part of a series but I haven't read the others. I will definitely be looking for them.
Great fun.

In this third installment of the English Village Mystery series, DS Harriet March takes center stage in her own captivating story. Cozy and intriguing, the narrative follows Harriet and her colleague DI Ben Taylor as they delve into a perplexing case involving the discovery of human remains. This unexpected finding unearths a cold case that delves deep into the troubled past of Raven’s Edge, a small village with a seemingly quiet history.

However, the discovery of a skeleton with a peculiar connection to Harriet’s own family history sends her on a whirlwind journey of self-discovery. As she grapples with the past, Harriet finds herself at a loss, her mind racing with questions and uncertainties.

The story unfolds through a clever dual timeline approach, gradually revealing the intricate web of events that connected Harriet to the discovery of the remains. As the past unfolds, the present day becomes increasingly intertwined, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

Beyond its compelling plot, the English Village Mystery series stands out as a unique blend of cozy mystery and police procedural elements. The addition of a Gothic edge further enhances the storytelling, infusing the narrative with a touch of mystery and suspense that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

Many thanks to Storm Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the arc of this delightful book. An English village murder story with decades old bones unearthed, quirky characters, twists and turns that even involve DS Harriet’s own family. A romp of a fast paced good book.

I somehow managed to miss the second book in this series but I can still confirm that books one and three are seriously good. Cosy mysteries can vary amazingly in quality, but this is one of the good ones.

In Raven Hollow human bones are discovered under the ruin of a Victorian greenhouse. D.S.Harriet March and D.I. Ben Taylor have got themselves what at first appears to be a cold case, but in the end it comes very close to home for several local residents. There is a new character in the village, author Iris Evergreen, and she is fun. Her past is a very grey area and she seems rather too familiar with death.

Harriet plays a very big role in this book which is fine because she is such a solid character. She learns some amazing truths about her family, puts her life on the line for her job, and is on the cusp of a relationship if she can only let herself relax. Maybe in the next book.

Note to self - do not miss publication of book 4 and have a look for book 2 in the meantime. This is a series to follow for anyone who likes their cosy crime well written and entertaining.

This book for me started out like a cold car on a frigid Canadian winter morning, but once it got going , it was a fantastic read. Having been the first time reading anything by this author, I was very happy with the storyline. Although I received this advanced reader copy in return for an honest review, it is one that I am happy to say I have since bought and have recommended to family and friends.

Murder at Raven's Hollow is book #3 in the English Village Mysteries series by Louise Marley.

This is the first book I’ve read by Louise Marley, but it won’t be the last. I was able to read this fine without the previous books. This was filled with interesting characters, a great setting, and an intriguing mystery that hooked me right away. I’m planning on catching up on the earlier books.

Thank you to the author, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

A terrific mystery!
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When old human bones are found in a garden near to her home, DS Harriet March and her fellow officer, DI Ben Taylor, find themselves digging into the past to try and identify them. The discovery coincides with the arrival of Iris Evergreen, the enigmatic novelist, in a nearby mansion formerly known as Raven's Hollow - is there a connection?

I really, really enjoyed this one. Plenty going on, well-drawn characters and a bit of creepy here and there thrown in. It certainly kept me glued to the page and is absolutely a series I want to read more of. Definitely one I recommend and, for me, five stars.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

What a treat to be back in Raven’s Edge for another cosy mystery. This is the third book in the series and I have to say, it’s my favourite so far. I thought that not having Milla as the main character wouldn’t make it such a good read, but I was so wrong! Getting to know about DS Harriet March’s past and still having DI Ben Taylor and Milla in the background was a great move, plus the introduction of new characters. It’s a dual timeline which keeps you guessing and the twists were jaw dropping. You could read this book as a stand-alone but I would highly recommend reading this series from the beginning. I really hope there will be more to come from Raven’s Edge. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for letting me read and review this book. 4.5 ⭐️

Wow! Another amazing find! Although this is book 3 of a series it can easily be read as a stand alone.
Described on the cover as a ‘cosy murder mystery’ this describes it well, until about 70% of the way through where it really ramps up a gear!
I loved the start of this one, how you get a feel for all the characters, all the places mentioned in the book. As it progresses you begin to feel unsure of how well you really do know the characters, what are their secrets, just who is who in this story with so many twists.
The last third will keep you guessing and changing your mind until the very end. You will pause, take stock of what you know, then be completely blindsided on the next page and question everything!
I’m so glad to have found this author and look forward to reading more from her. She develops the characters and scenes so well and really does know how to build up suspense and keep you on the edge of your seat (or up really late as you really cannot put it down!)

This was another quirky outing to Raven’s Hollow. I loved how the main story past and present tied in together and affected the main characters directly. It all added to the small town community vibe. For me, what made this stand out from other novels was the multitude of different POV’s, we heard both from the victim and suspects. They were real people with real lives and the story centred on their families, which added to the realism of the story. This was apart from one character, whom I thought had no redeeming features. The names of all of the places were a lot of fun as always.

If you’re looking for drama, there is certainly plenty to be had here, and a couple of moments put me in mind of a soap opera special. The ending left room for further exploration, which I hope will be tied up in a later story.