I've stayed up much too late to finish this story!! So many times I'd think "Ohhh, okay, that's what happened," or, "She's related - how!??" And then the final scary ending had me holding my breath! The wrap-up was so wonderfully surprising I know I'm going to be reading it again, looking for those little clues. I seem to have missed or misconstrued! Great characters, complex plotting, fascinating genealogy details, beautiful setting. A very satisfying mystery. Highly recommended!!

Although we are taken back to the Victorian era as part of Esme's research, I liked how most of the events link to the more recent history, a common theme linking everything neatly together. As a fan of historical fiction and, in particular, genealogical fiction, one of the things I enjoyed most about this book is that the writing style is very different from other authors of this genre. Although we find out about different historical eras, this is not written as a 'timeslip' story as in other books. Instead, we experience Esme's research, the stories of the past being uncovered as we read. This is fascinating to me and, as a family history researcher myself, I enjoyed seeing that Esme's research mirrored what I would have done! The plot is a fascinating one, dealing with the subject of witchcraft and how women were condemned for the most trivial of reasons. The Fear of Ravens hits the spot in so many ways, as in addition to being a great historical mystery, there is a cracking whodunit running throughout. When you add the wonderful setting and great characters into the mix, what you have is a book perfect for anyone looking for a read that really draws you into the plot. If you are a fan of historical fiction, or have never given books with a genealogical slant a try, then I can thoroughly recommend The Fear of Ravens.

I welcomed the chance to return to Devon and join Esme Quentin in another historical research project, veiled in mystery and menace. The history of the old mill... reveals tales of witchcraft which may connect to the disappearance of Ellen Tucker at Halloween twenty-four years earlier. Esme is determined to discover the truth behind the myths. This is a particularly thrilling adventure, difficult to put down, as the past resonates in the present. It is a book to appreciate on many levels, as a delightful description of a lovely part of the west country, as a study of genealogical skills and particularly as an atmospheric murder mystery tale.