Murder at Raven’s Hollow by Louise Marley
Series: An English Village Mystery #3
Genres: Cozy Mystery
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?
Filled with buried plots, tangled romances and deadly intrigue, this cosy village mystery will keep readers guessing until the very last page. Perfect for fans of Fiona Leitch, Agatha Christie, and anyone who loves their murders with a side of charm!
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Review
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.
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Meet the Author
About Louise Marley
Most of my stories are set in small villages filled with quirky characters. These are partly inspired by the places I’ve lived in over the years, although the characters are straight out of my imagination! I currently live in Wales, close to a famous library and two ruined castles. My husband thinks we moved here by accident.
My first published novel was Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, which was a finalist in Poolbeg’s Write a Bestseller competition. As well as nine novels, I’ve written short stories for women’s magazines such as Take a Break and My Weekly. Before becoming a full-time writer, I worked as an administrative officer for the police.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy visiting big old houses, which I use as inspiration for the houses in my novels, and reading other people’s books when I ought to be writing my own…
It has been forever since I have read a good mystery. This sounds so good.
Sounds fun and possibly not too gory, which would help!
Sounds good! I actually had a friend buy a lovely large old home – during renovations they actually found human bones! After a long delay they got the go ahead to continue reno. Eek