This Victorian historical is the third in a series about a female private investigator and her assistant. I haven't read the first two, but I will now. It seems each book covers a different case for them to solve. Her assistant is a nobleman who has a secret ability. There is chemistry between them, but no romance. Yet.
This case they are on is a murder/mystery with lots of surprises. We get to make a lot of interesting discoveries about the world of spiritualism. The characters are fabulous and I can't wait to read more.
I loved it.

Loved reading the mesmerizing and exciting story. When Hadrian's mother hires Tilda to investigate a medium, Tilda takes the case with Hadrian's help to uncover if the medium is fake, but the case becomes dangerous when mediums end up dead. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of mystery and intrigue, and a must read riveting story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the phenomenally talented author, Darcy Burke!

A compelling murder mystery involving Hadrian the Earl and Tilda a spinster with knack for investigation.
Hadrian’s mother is becoming interested in the supernatural and wants both of them to come to a seance.
This begins the storyline with deception and multiple murders.
Hadrian has his own unique supernatural skill which adds to the action.
Enjoyable read as Tilda and Hadrian band together to use their skills as well as a very slow burn romance between the two of them.

Hadrian Becket, the Earl of Ravenhurst, has always scorned the supernatural—until a head injury left him with the unnerving ability to see visions through touch. Though he loathes the curse, it’s proven invaluable in solving murder investigations alongside Miss Matilda Wren.
I came upon the first book of this series through Netgalley and liked the plot, I was immediately hooked and developed a great affection for all of the main characters especially Tilda and Hadrian. This third book does not disappoint, the only drawback is waiting for book 4! Brilliantly written with a real affection for the main protagonists- really great mysteries that I never solve despite my reading so many historical mysteries. I heartily recommend this series and cannot wait for the next one. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of A Whisper and a Curse.

I was invested in this book before I even cracked the covers open. The ending of the previous one hooked me and had me salivating to find out more. As it was, I was so thoroughly caught up in this story that I only got it half right, and completely missed the entire other half of the solution. I’m in awe of Tilda’s investigative skills and I’m utterly fascinated by all the new facets of Hadrian’s ability that he’s discovering. I love that while Hadrian’s gift/curse is helpful during their investigations, it’s not a crutch, it’s not the ultimate problem solver, and it’s just as likely to produce a fat shiny red herring as it is to give them valuable insight. I adore seeing that Tilda’s talents are being more widely recognized and appreciated. Though, the twist to close out this book has left me howling: “how can you leave us there?!” I need the next book in the series immediately, if not sooner.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

I enjoyed the different take on seeing visions, through touch. It kept my interest to see how the Earl of Ravenhurst was going to keep Tilda safe. I loved the setting. I will definitely be looking forward to the next in the series.

This murder mystery is another page turner, with a lot of suspects and a surprise ending. Neither Tilda or Hadrian can forget their electrifying kiss, but fearing the loss of her independence if she would marry, she has pushed Hadrian into the friend zone- best friend, but not "special" friend- and fearing losing her, Hadrian has gone along with it. Hadrian's mother asks Tilda to investigate the medium that she hopes can communicate with her youngest son, Gabriel, who died from cholera in India 5 years prior. But the investigation turns into a murder and then a serial killer. And someone dares to send her a threatening letter as their investigation continues. They face danger, but with Hadrian's power and Tilda's quick intuitive mind, they find the killer. Really like this series.

I was gifted with an Advanced Reader's Copy from the publisher via NetGalley.com. This is my honest, unbiased and voluntary review.

I am loving this series! It perfectly balances the mystery and possible romance between Tilda and Hadrian. I do go back-and-forth between whether I want them together romantically or not. They definitely have a deep connection, but it's clear she would never really be accepted into his social class (mostly because she is smart, independent, and driven). It would also be nice to have a series where a male and female character can be partners and not fall in love. But that aside, I love following these two as they complete their investigations. The twist regarding how the mediums did their work was unexpected and opened up a lot of possibilities for future stories. There were a lot of great suspects - one of the killers was not really much of a surprise, but the other was. Which is good because I liked to be surprised with my murder mysteries. Once again the ending of the book sets up some of the plot for the next book and made me wish book 4 was already out so I wouldn't have to wait to find out what exactly it is Maxwell needs from Tilda.

I was extremely fortunate to receive an ARC via Netgalley of A Whisper And A Curse, written by the amazing Darcy Burke. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  This is the third book in the Raven and Wren series. We meet Hadrian and Tilda again, still working together. Tilda has been hired by Hadrian's mother to investigate whether a society of mediums who hold seances to contact deceased loved ones is legitimate or dubious. All three attend a seance together to contact Hadrian 's younger dead brother. Tilda and Hadrian doubt the veracity of all that happens and end up investigating the murders of some of the mediums, apparently by the Levitation Killer. An absolutely awesome story that ends with a cliffhanger.... A Must Read.

Séances and murder!

Matilda Wren and Hadrian Beckett, Earl of Ravenhurst, once more find themselves in the thick of events, this time prompted by Lord Ravenhurst’s mother, the Dowager Countess. Lady Ravenhurst wants to consult a spiritualist. Shes desperate to be in touch with her youngest son Gabriel who died in an accident, to ensure he’s alright and at peace. However she’s somewhat sceptical of mediums. Lady Ravenhurst hires Tilda to investigate the London Spiritualist Society whom the medium is associated with as she attends her first séance. Ravenshurst and Tilda accompany her.
A day later the medium she consulted, Mrs. Frost is found dead, hanging from the stairs looking as though she’d levitated. The Leviation Killer becomes the talk of London, particularly as two more mediums die in the same manner—helped along by prussic acid. What’s more Lady Ravenhurst has not been deterred. Shes convinced Mrs. Frost skills were genuine and is even more eager to resume contact with Gabriel. Hadrian is concerned and furious.
Tilda’s investigative skills aided by Ravenshurst’s special gift unravel many aspects of the case, including a deep dive into the Society and its organisational peculiarities. Along the way Ravenshurst learns more about his gift or curse. Tilda is still off center after the kiss they shared, but moves forward putting their Investigation first.
Another triumph for Burke with this unusual duo’s team work and abilities giving Raven and Wren’s third mystery based around the Victorian occupation with mediums and séances a lively sense of reality.

Many thanks to Oliver Herber Books via NetGalley for this ARC
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

The third book in this series kept me interested and involved with the characters and their relationship progressions. I enjoy the side characters who keep things light like Wren’s grandmother and the staff they take in from other cases. In this book, I particularly loved Captain Vale’s part of the story, which provided Hadrian with much-needed information and relief and helped him address his new powers. I would love to see him stay involved and maybe there could be a connection between their families. While I understand Hadrian and Tillie’s resistance to having a relationship, I hope they make some progress in the next book as things might get stale if they are just stuck where they currently are. I look forward to the next book in the series as I am hooked.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.

Book 3 in the Series continues the investigation team of Tilda and Hadrian moving on to their latest case, investigating a Spiritualist group for Hadrian's mother. In this book we see Tilda getting more comfortable with her role, and showing just how savvy she is. The relationship with Hadrian grows closer, but the uncomfortableness between the two also expands, due to Tilda's desire to remain unwed, and the difference in their social status. We have more characters put into play, and a cliffhanger ending, leading us to the next adventure!

I received an ARC for free and gave my honest opinion voluntarily.

I loved this! This mystery and intrigue was just perfect! I nearly couldn’t put it down! Very, very happy that I read this!

This series has become a "most read" for me. I love historical mysteries with a slow burn romantic subplot.

As any Victorian-era series should, this book deals with the spiritualism movement and mediums. MMC Hadrian's mother employs FMC Tilda to investigate whether the medium she wants to visit is legitimate. When a murderer targets the mediums, our sleuthing duo investigate.

The added layer of this is that Hadrian's ability to see the past when he touches people or objects might not be unique to him. It's an interesting addition to the story and the door is open for more developments in this area. It's an interesting twist!

The will they/won't they is so good here and I like that the relationship is complicated by a class different and staunch opposition to marriage on the female lead's part. We're still peeling back the onion on the backstories of each main character, so we don't know why Tilda is opposed to marriage. There's a great line from Hadrian's mother which is followed by an interaction which is followed by two interactions with police detectives (one Scotland Yard, one Metropolitan Police) that point to things getting more complicated in future books.

The class difference between the characters is on display again as Tilda has to explain her financial situation time and again. Hadrian is still having trouble understanding just how tough her financial situation is, but he's trying.

I'm delighted that Darcy Burke seems to be releasing these books rapidly. I can't wait for the next!

I just LOVE Hadrian and Tilda! Every installment seems to get better and better. This was a particularily fun one exploring the "Spiritualists" of that era. Burke comes up with such neat details and work so well for the story. This one kept me guessing! I loved the ending of this novel/lead-up to the next installment. The next book should be very interesting!

I love a good historical fiction! Especially when it revolves around seances and murder!

This book is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone without getting lost. I wish there was a little more chemistry between the lead characters, I’m worried I missed all the build up in the first two books! I would definitely read the rest of the books in this series.

book 3 in a wonderful series. Set in the Victorian era, with a woman investigator and her partner who is a title earl with a gift of touching items and see memories. Enjoyed this one a lot, and made me look up the first 2 books. Fun read.

Being the third installment of the Raven & Wren series, this story is taking place, as expected and announced in the previous book, a few weeks after the second one fished. So, the “incident in the carriage” is still very much on the mind of the main characters and we get to participate in their thoughts on this matter. There is a lot of contemplating on both sides. As well as the mentioning of Hadrian’s headache. It is the subject of Tilda’s apprehension on nearly each page. It turns out that this is also closely related to the plot of the mystery, but really, it is quite a lot of concern. Let’s hope, these lavender sachets will be stored in the carriage and do their job.
The mystery is not easy to guess and deals with a context that Is not often bridged in Regencies- the mediums and the world of spiritualism. Also, we get to know Hadrian’s mother and her stance on Tilda a bit closer.
The read is entertaining and cozy, with the growing camaraderie adding to the plot as a welcome respite. The secondary characters are drawn in a pleasant way that does not clutter up the story and provides rather a vivid background to the main story. It would be nice to meet Captain Owen again, as he would fit nicely in the cozy bond of the main characters.
The end of the story, though… makes you anticipate the next installment all the more! Can’t wait to see how this thread is woven into the different aspects of the series.

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

I have loved mystery novels from my early teens, starting with Nancy Drew. This author does a fantastic job of twisting and turning the story every which way to confuse, surprise, delight and enthrall you as you read.This story is of Tillie and Hadrian delving into the spirit world. I adored how they followed the clues, figuring out how the seances were handled, who did what and when and the touch of romance or , rather, VERY slow burn between them. It will be interesting to see how their relationship grows through the series. It is almost heartbreaking to get to the end of the book. These characters are very real and the writer does a lovely job of making one feel you are in the room, and part of the action. I look forward to the next one!. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.