I read both book and I think there’s an evolution and this series is full of potential and promises. The characters grew on me and I appreciated the originality of their stories and the mysteires
Many thanks to Storm Publishing and Rachel’s Random Resources for these ARCs, all opinions are mine
Murder at Raven’s Edge by Louise Marley (An English Village Mystery #1)
When Milla Graham returns to her childhood home of Raven’s Edge after eighteen long years away, she finds the perfect English village looks much the same – all rose-covered cottages and quaint teashops full of scones and gossip.
But her nostalgic visit takes a dark turn when the body of a local woman is discovered in an abandoned manor house on the edge of the forest. The murder scene is chillingly close to that of Milla’s own mother, whose death was never solved. As she begins to investigate the connection, Milla realises this quirky village is guarding some dark secrets.
Handsome, grumpy local police detective Ben Taylor doesn’t believe in coincidences, and he doesn’t think mysterious newcomer Milla Graham is as innocent as she seems. Why is she really here in Raven’s Edge, and how come she keeps turning up at his crime scenes, causing trouble? Can he solve this murder case without losing himself – or his heart – to the rather distracting Miss Graham?
When another body is found, everyone becomes a suspect – from the barmaid at the local pub to Milla Graham herself. It seems that in Raven’s Edge, not everybody is as friendly, or as innocent, as they first seem…
** Previously published as Trust Me I Lie**
My Review:
Most of the cozy mystery series first instalment are not the best one as they have to introduce you to a world, the characters and sometimes it can be a bit confusing.
This novel starts in an original way and the first meeting with Milla and Ben is a bit shocking. Milla is not the most likeable characters but she grew on me.
I liked Ben since the beginning and found Harriet funny.
The mystery is intriguing and kept me turning pages as past and present mixes. It’s a bit confusing at times but be patient because the second part is quite exciting.
I’m going to read the second novel in this series and I’m quite curious.
Recommended.
Purchase Links
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CV1CQ68Y
Amazon USA: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CV1CQ68Y
Murder at Ravenswood House (An English Village Mystery #2) By Louise Marley
When a shocking murder rocks the picture-perfect English village of Raven’s Edge, amateur detective Milla Graham finds herself right at the centre of the mystery. Still reeling from her recent breakup with local police officer Ben Taylor, Milla sets her sights on solving the case, hoping to win Ben back.
But when the evidence begins to point to Milla’s old friend and former boyfriend Lorcan Black, she must choose between her loyalties to the past and the possibilities of the future. Meanwhile, Ben is on a different trail – he’s begun to suspect that the murderer could be someone from his own family’s dark history.
Further complicating matters are Milla’s meddling grandmother, Ben’s no-nonsense police partner Harriet, and David the surprisingly young and sexy new vicar. With shocking twists around every cobblestone corner, the truth refuses to stay buried for long in this quaint village, whose picture-postcard façade hides decades of buried grudges, plots, and betrayal.
Will Milla solve the mystery in time to rescue her relationship with Ben? Can Ben face the skeletons in his family’s closet before one of his own relatives meets the same bloody end?
My Review:
This is the second novel in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed it as it’s fast paced, full of twists, and a bit darker than the average cosy mystery.
I was glad to catch up with Milla, Ben, and the quirky cast of characters. There’s someone new and there’s some unexpected turns.
I appreciated the mystery that kept me guessing and turning pages.
Highly recommended.
Purchase Links
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CV249DZ1
Amazon USA: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CV249DZ1
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…
Social Media:
Website: https://www.louisemarley.co.uk/index.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseMarleyAuthor/
X: https://twitter.com/LouiseMarley
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisemarleywrites/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/louisemarley.bsky.social
Published by:
Storm Publishing: https://stormpublishing.co/portfolio/louise-marley/