This is the latest installment ent in the Raven & Wren series, featuring Tilda Wren a female investigator and her assistant Lord Ravenhurst who uses his unique ability to see memories to help Tilda with her cases. The latest investigation leads them into the world of spiritualism when Ravenhurst’s mother becomes interested in speaking to a medium. When members of the spiritual society are murdered one by one, it’s up to Tilda and Lord Ravenhurst to get to the bottom of the crimes.

I really enjoyed this one, but I do think the previous books were better. The mystery was solved a bit abruptly, and the relationship between the two characters seems to have stalled. Overall though I liked this book and will definitely be reading the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this early copy! All opinions are my own.

This is the third book in the Authors series featuring Hadrien Becket , Earl of Ravenhurst and Matilda Wren and in my opinion can be read as a standalone .
Hadrien's mother has hired Matilda to investigate the authenticity of a medium , who claims she can speak to her dead son .
Hadrien has always been a sceptic in these matters but his view has changed since a head injury - he is now able to see visions through touch
The investigation takes a turn when the medium is found dead .......... just what is the involvement of the London Spiritualist Society and their leader ? As more mediums are found dead the chase to find the killer becomes evermore paramount ........ Hadrien and Tilda must work together to solve the cases even if the risks are great .- he must use his gift no matter his doubts .
I enjoyed this , my first foray , into London Society's' obsession with the spritualism and mediums in particular .
The characters are engaging - dancing around their first kiss , will it lead to something more ?

The book is fast paced murder mystery, with twists and turns around every corner- a real page turner . I look forward to reading the next book in the series especially after the scenes at the end of the book concerning Tilda

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Another great book in this series which has mystery, suspense, and slow-burning romance which kept me turning the pages until the end. I recommend this series to anyone that like a bit of romance with their mystery. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Book three in the Raven and Wren series, A Whisper and a Curse continues the association of the Earl of Ravenswood, Hadrian Becket and Matilda Wren, private investigator as Hadrian’s mother has acquired Tilda’s services, to discover whether the medium she has hired to connect with her deceased son is legitimate.
Hadrian, who is less than impressed by this, even though he has acquired ‘special powers’ after a head injury, is concerned this mother will be badly distressed if she discovers the medium, Mrs Frost, is a charlatan.
The séance is conducted to strict rules, and even though she failed to contact her dead son, remaining somewhat sceptical, the Countess is willing to keep trying. After the séance, Hadrian is absolutely convinced trickery is involved and Tilda is simply gathering information.
When Mrs Frost is found dead in a most dramatic fashion, Tilda and Hadrian find themselves becoming involved in a very dangerous situation and one which will lead them to investigating the recently formed London Spiritualist Society and their charismatic leader.
Another medium is murdered and then another in the same fashion, leading the papers to coin the phrase the Levitation Killer. As Tilda and Hadrian try to find the link to lead them to the killer, Hadrian is also learning a lot more about his gift or curse and beginning to understand that is may not be as fearful as he first thought.
But there is one issue that keeps troubling both Hadrian and Tilda, and that is the kiss shared at the end of their last case. While they eventually become easy with one another once again, Tilda realises she needs to decide what she wants in their relationship; Hadrian already knows what he wants and that is Tilda.
After a successful completion to the case, all-be-it a slightly sad one, Hadrian and Tilda are enjoying a delightful afternoon tea when the door is flung open and a man from Scotland Yard appears with a request for Tilda which will make a very exciting book four in the series.
Once again Darcy Burke has done her research into the world of Victorian Spiritualism and Mediums which developed into a subculture during the 1850’s, catching many innocent people with their trickery.
The Research notes at the conclusion of the book are very well worth the read as they flesh out what was a most lucrative business of spiritualism for many years. not just in England, but the USA and Europe

Thank you NetGalley. I enjoy Darcy Burke's books so much. This is the first I have read of Raven & Wren. Hadrian's wants to go to a séance to contact his brother who died in India. She wants to hire Tilda to see if the spiritualist is on the up and up. The first one they go to they are not able to contact his brother. Before they can attend another one a spiritualist is killed. Hadrian and Tilda go to the headquarters to meet the head guy. Mallory who is very out going, though Hadrian is unable to use his new power to read him. There are ore murders and though Scotland Yards cannot pay her, Tilda works to help them. As they investigate they are able to figure it out.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1YM6ZHU8Z44RQ/ref=pe_111708471_1111884441_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

I have not read the first two books in this series but I will definitely do so now. The story has all the elements I enjoy, a good mystery to solve, a touch of romance and gread characters that make me want to learn all about them and follow them through the ups and downs in their relationships.

A very good investigative historical fiction! Tilda does an excellent job of seeing the clues and lining them up correctly. Hadrian is a very good backup, and his talent is very useful for the investigations. The hints of romance between these two are lovely to read about.

The end of this book has a very good cliffhanger, and I look forward to reading the next one as well as the first two, to fill in the details of previous investigations.

I was never able to guess who the killer was. I'm not sure if I was just enjoying the writing too much to care, or if it really was that mysterious. Either way, this is a fun read and spot for a good historical fiction!

Miss Tilda Wren and Hadrian Beckett, Earl of Ravenhurst, have another case to solve together. This time Tilda is hired by Hadrian's mother to investigate a medium. Losing her youngest son in India five years ago, she feels the need to make contact with him in a seance. Hadrian is angry and suspects she's being taken advantage of. Tilda is skeptical as well, but she is hired by Hadrian's mother to do a job. Into the world of mediums and seance, their search for answers leads to a sequence of murders. Tilda and Hadrian make an excellent team with the help of his special ability. She is one smart investigator and Hadrian isn't intimated by her taking the lead and be her assistant. Twists and turns keep you enthralled. A lot of attraction between Tilda and Hadrian at a distance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The Spiritualism movement has interested me (how widespread it was and how many famous people were believers), and I enjoyed reading a mystery about it. (sidenote: I read the invention of electricity over candlelight was part of its demise). Be sure to read the authors notes. The book can be read as a stand-alone, but it will be much improved if you read the previous books. The Earls special talent plays an important role in the story line, and it was well done. The pacing of the book started off strong slowed a bit in the middle and ended with a bang. My thoughts on Hadrian and Tilda are that I wish they would either move it to a romance or drop it and just be colleagues. I rate it 3.75* and look forward to the next book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this new installment in the series. The plot of the fast-paced sleuth mystery, which is set in a spiritualist environment, is very well written and full of action, danger, séances, murder, blackmail, fraud, deception, threats and a slowly developing romance. Tilda and Hadrian are endearing characters and a great investigative team, who are perfectly attuned to each other. They are now friends and attracted to each other, but Tilda's desire to remain an independent spinster and their class difference get in the way of a more close relationship. I'm already curious to see what happens with the two in the next book!

After successfully completing their last case together, Tilda is hired by Hadrian's mother to investigate the authenticity of the medium Deborah Frost, with whose help the Countess wants to make contact with her younger deceased son and Hadrian's brother Gabriel.
Hadrian is sceptical, but he supports his mother in her grief and Tilda in her investigation. When another member of the London Spiritualism Society is murdered and shortly afterwards Mrs Frost too, their case develops into another murder investigation. But then Tilda's life is also threatened and their case takes a surprising turn for Hadrian too...

All in all, a riveting Victorian mystery romance with suspense, intrigue and plenty of suspects that will keep you hooked until the end!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Darcy Burke for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Whisper and a Curse coming out March 18, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Somehow, I missed the second book coming out. So I didn’t read it. I might’ve been a little lost in this book in the beginning. But I really love this series! I am obsessed with Victorian murder mysteries. Hadrian and Tilda are a very interesting duo. I love the way that they work together. The added spiritualism in the book was really interesting to me. I loved it!

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

A Whisper and a Curse by Darcy Burke
Raven & Wren #3

Excellent addition to a delightful series that stars a female investigator and a lord that assists her in solving murders ~ Can’t wait to find out what will happen in the next book!

What I liked:
* Miss Matilda “Tilda” Wren: mid-twenties, lives with her grandmother, father was a detective and taught her his skills, caring, responsible, frugal, inquisitive, bright, capable, marriage-averse…or has been, rather intrigued with Hadrian
* Hadrian Becket, Earl of Ravenhurst: early-thirties, wealthy, paranormal psychometry ability post near-death experience, assists Tilda in some of her investigations, drawn to and intrigued by Tilda, needs to marry in his social group…or does he?
* Detective Inspector Samuel Teague: appreciates Tilda’s abilities and shares what he can with her but can’t hire her
* The plot that centers around a case to prove or disprove the validity of spiritualism and then ends up with murders to solve
* Following the clues with Tilda & Hadrian
* Some of the supporting characters that I wouldn’t mind seeing again…and the addition of a few more in this book
* That the writing felt “of the period” as did the characters dialogue and behavior
* The descriptions that engaged all of my senses
* The slow growth of the potential relationship between Raven & Wren
* The way Tilda’s household has more household help after each case is solved
* Wondering if/when Tilda & Hadrian will make a move and if Inspector Maxwell will throw a wrench in the relationship that may be developing
* All of it except…

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The twisted mind that must have existed to resort to murder

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to the author, Oliver Heber, NetGalley and Booksprout for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

BOOK: A WHISPER AND A CURSE
AUTHOR: DARCY BURKE
PUB DATE: 18TH MARCH, 2025
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REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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THINGS I LIKED
1. The FMC, Tilda, she was amazing, and I loved her unusual job as a private investigator in the 1800s. She has a wonderful personality, too.
2. The MMC, Hadrian, an earl who's a seer, he sees visions when he touches an object. He's a good man and I liked him.
3. There was no confusion of who was whom. This is the third book in the series. I didn't read the previous books, and it didn't feel like it, I understood everything.
4. The MC's 'friendship' and their companionship. They worked well together.
5. I liked the 'seance', 'medium' theme. It's something popularly seen in historical books, and I loved the twist here.
6. The MCs work together to solve the crime, turn all the stones, and ask all the necessary questions.
7. Dual POVs. I loved it here. It's not something popularly seen in genres like this, I appreciate it.
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THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
1. I wanted the MMC's life as an earl to shine more. The usual life of an English nobleman
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I liked this book, and I can't wait for the next book in the series to see more of Tilda and Hadrian, especially with the plot twist at the end. I can't wait! I would recommend this.
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Another excellent investigation for Tilda and Hadrian! I totally love how they work together to solve the case. Spiritualism was a delightful topic to center the story around. The mystique of the supernatural was absolutely delightful. I am always amazed how I never have a clue as to who the killer is even though I'm searching on every page as I read. I'm loving this series and can't wait for the next installment!

I received a copy from the publisher;all opinions expressed are my own. This is the third book featuring the investigative duo of Miss Tilda Wren and Hadrian, Earl of Ravenhhurst and continues to build on the fantastic prior books. This time, Tlida has been hired by Hadrian's mother to investigate if mediums are able to really communicate with the dead. Hadrian is sure that the mediums are fruadsters, but is convinced by Tilda to attend a seance to keep an eye on his mother. Shortly after, a medium is found dead and several others soon follow.

The mystery definitely was well done and there were some interesting developments related to Hadrian's specially ability. The details around mediums and spiritualism during this period was fascinating and really added to the book. I can't wait to read the next book.

This third book in the Raven And Wren series was another intriguing, well written, and captivating Victorian era historical mystery. I continue to really enjoy their chemistry and respect for one another and how engaging they are working together. I highly recommend reading!

Séances and murder make for a captivating and thrilling mystery.

I was drawn in by the plot. Hadrien was very skeptical of the mediums right off the bat, and Tilda would, every once in a while, remind him to keep an open mind, especially considering Hadrian's own gift. I liked the balanced view that she brought to her investigation. Hadrian and Tilda had an abundance of strings to tug and each one led down an interesting path. The evidence was revealed gradually, at just the right pace, and kept my interest thoroughly piqued.

Hadrien's slowly evolving ability brought an extra edge, especially when you take into account everything that was revealed about the spiritualists and their organization. Tilda and Hadrian's friendship is firmly back on track and they work extremely well together. So, still not a romance. The ending definitely left me wanting more of these two and their investigative prowess.

If you like your historical fiction with murder and suspense and a touch of the paranormal, then this is for you. I’ve been enjoying this series a lot so far. This book can be read on its own, but I think it’s worth reading them in order.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another Victorian mystery hit!

I’ve read every book in this series and every one hits! I think this is my favorite so far! The Raven & Wren series is a must read for historical mysterie fans! I love the cast of "main" characters. This book is quick to get to the action. This recent installment finally starts getting into the character backgrounds which I always appreciate. There is quite the cast of characters. While that can be hard to keep straight sometimes, it makes for good reading when there are so many possible suspects. You can tell the author did her research on this particular topic. For some reason I was under the impression that this series would only be 3 books. I'm so glad to learn that is likely not the case! I'll be waiting quite impatiently for the next installment!

A Victorian era mystery. I didn't really like this book and wasn't inspired to continue reading it. An Earl and a commoner who are friends investigate claims of the supernatural. I just didn't like how the Countess is referred to as 'Lady'- I feel like if this book was realistic, that would be corrected.

April 1868 Mother of Hadrian Becket, the Earl of Ravenhurst employs Matilda Wren to investigate medium Mrs Deborah Frost of the London Spiritualism Society. Is she a genuine medium or a fraud. Soon mediums are being killed. Who will be next and why. What of Becket's secret gift, or is it a curse.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting characters. With its amiable supporting cast. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.