Book Review: Murder at Raven’s Gate By Louise Marley

I’m very happy to be welcoming Louise Marley back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, Murder at Raven’s Gate.

Beyond the village of Raven’s Edge stands the Gateway to the Dead – a crumbling stone arch marking the site where a long-ago battle raged and the dead were buried where they fell. But it’s the forgotten mansion hidden in the trees behind it that holds the real mystery…

Lady Peony has lived at Blackheath Hall for decades, invisible to the world – until a ghostly soldier begins knocking at her door. But Lady Peony is no fool. In her experience, where there are spirits, there are schemers. And someone wants her out of that house.

As DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March begin their investigation, bitter winds howl through Raven’s Edge and strange mists curl around the battle site. Harriet must untangle what’s real from what’s imagined. Is there truly a ghost haunting the old house, or is someone very much alive using supernatural tales as cover for their own deadly agenda?

Atmospheric, chilling and deliciously gothic, this cosy mystery wraps ancient legends and murder into one unputdownable story. Perfect for fans of Fiona Leitch, Agatha Christie and readers who like their crime with a shiver down the spine!

*****

The Gateway of the Dead, a stone arch just outside the village of Raven’s Edge, holds legends of battles and ghostly tales of fallen soldiers. When a body is found there in the present day, ghost stories resurface.  Meanwhile, Lady Peony and her sister, Rose, live in a house nearby. They are facing their own problems – issues that soon split Harriet’s attention. DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March are soon enthralled in more than they bargained for. Can they decipher fact from fiction before someone else gets hurt?

I’ve previously read one of the prior novels in this series, Murder at Raven’s Hollow. I was therefore excited and intrigued to be invited onto the blog tour for the latest instalment in the English Village Mystery series.

If Murder at Raven’s Gate will be your introduction to Louise Marley’s excellent series, then it can be read as a standalone. It will just obviously give certain elements away when it comes to the lives of the recurring characters.

The author doesn’t take long to throw the reader into the story. The gothic and ghostly atmosphere is painted very quickly and I loved it. The plot unfolds so well with enough twists and turns to keep even the most seasoned mystery book reader on their toes. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on what is going on, the tale goes in a different direction and throws up another suspect and another possible explanation. Think you know who or what is responsible for the goings on? Think again. Haha.  This is the kind of mystery novel I hope to write. I can dream can’t I?

Like with other novels in the series, this book is presented from multiple viewpoints which really helps give the reader a sense of suspense and tension as you try to fit all the pieces together.

It was great to be back with Harriet and Ben. I like them as a team. They each bring different personalities to the table and not having romantic feelings between them is refreshing.

Kieran Drake has not always made the best decisions, nor was he given the best start. In my opinion though, he is a little misunderstood. Plagued with the shadow of a disappointing father and rumours about why he left the police force, he strikes me as the kind of person who feels like he has something to prove. At least, that’s the impression I got. I enjoyed trying to figure out how his backstory contributed to the main narrative. I did also adore the chemistry between Kieran and Ben.

This book is my kind of mystery/whodunnit. It’s a good combination of gothic, tension and suspense that had me on the edge of my seat and losing sleep. I’ve love to see this series adapted into a TV show and can think of many little villages that would make a good Raven’s Edge.

If you like Agatha Christie and/or Richard Osman or simply love a good crime series, this book is perfect. I’m really hoping this isn’t the last we see if these characters.

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 ten novels, I’ve written short stories for women’s magazines. 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…

Say hello to Louise via her website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky. You can also reach her via the An English Village Mystery website. 

Murder at Raven’s Gate is book four in the An English Village Mystery series and was released in May 2026. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Amazon US, Barnes & Noble and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.