Murder at Ravenswood House by Louise Marley

*** Review ***

I was in the mood for a cozy mystery when I picked up Murder at Ravenswood House by Louise Marley. I wanted a book that would whisk me away to a charming English village, filled with quirky characters, tangled relationships, and, of course, an intriguing murder to solve. This book delivered on all fronts, with a plot that kept me guessing until the very end.

Murder at Ravenswood House begins with a gruesome murder in the picturesque village of Raven’s Edge. Our protagonist, Milla Graham, finds herself at the heart of the mystery. Still reeling from a breakup with local police officer Ben Taylor, Milla sees solving the case as a way to win him back. However, the evidence begins to point to Milla’s old friend and former lover, Lorcan Black, complicating her quest for reconciliation.

Milla’s journey is further complicated by a cast of colorful characters, including her meddling grandmother, Ben’s no-nonsense police partner Harriet, and the surprisingly young and sexy new vicar, David. As Milla digs deeper into the case, she uncovers long-buried secrets that reveal the dark underbelly of this seemingly idyllic village.

The character development in this novel is one of its strongest points. Milla is a compelling protagonist—flawed, determined, and deeply human. Her dynamic with Ben is fraught with tension and unresolved feelings, adding a layer of emotional complexity to the story. Ben’s own struggles with his family’s dark history provide a rich subplot that enhances the main narrative. The secondary characters, such as the morally gray PI Kieran Drake and the various villagers, add depth and color to the story, making the village of Raven’s Edge feel alive and real.

One aspect of the novel that I particularly enjoyed was its ability to balance drama, intrigue, and romance. The romantic tension between Milla and Ben is palpable, and the mystery surrounding the murder is intricate and well-crafted. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, and just when I thought I had figured it out, Marley threw in another curveball. The setting of the village during Halloween added an atmospheric touch, making the story even more engaging.

However, I did find the story dragging a bit in the middle. There were moments when the pacing slowed, and I had to push myself to keep reading. Milla’s actions in the first chapters were also somewhat questionable, even for an amateur sleuth in a cozy mystery. There were times when her decisions seemed reckless and out of character, which almost made me put the book down. But once I moved past these moments, I found myself engrossed in the mystery and eager to see how it would all unfold.

Murder at Ravenswood House also excels in its use of multiple points of view. This narrative technique provides a well-rounded perspective on the events and adds depth to the storytelling. While Milla is the main character, seeing the story through the eyes of others, such as Ben and Harriet, enriches the narrative and offers insights into their motivations and struggles.

One of the standout elements of this book is its setting. Raven’s Edge is depicted with such vivid detail that it almost becomes a character in its own right. The village’s quaint charm juxtaposed with its hidden secrets creates a captivating backdrop for the story. The author’s ability to create a sense of place made me feel like I was right there in the village, experiencing the events alongside the characters.

Despite being the second book in the series, Murder at Ravenswood House can be read as a standalone. Marley does an excellent job of providing enough background information to ensure new readers are not lost. However, having read the first book, Murder at Raven’s Edge, I appreciated the continuity and development of Milla and Ben’s relationship.

In conclusion, Murder at Ravenswood House is a gripping and enjoyable read. It combines the best elements of a cozy mystery with well-developed characters, an intricate plot, and a vividly depicted setting. While there are moments where the story drags, the overall experience is highly satisfying. The twists and turns will keep readers engaged, and the emotional depth of the characters adds a layer of richness to the narrative. I look forward to seeing what Louise Marley has in store for Milla, Ben, and the residents of Raven’s Edge in the next installment. This book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries who enjoy a blend of romance, intrigue, and suspense.