I’m delighted today to be joining the blog tour for The Ravenswood Witch, the new book from Jenni Keer, and sharing my review. Published by Boldwood Books on 30th September, it’s now available as an ebook (free via Kindle Unlimited), in paperback, and as an audiobook. Thank you, as ever, to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the publishers for my advance reading copy (provided via netgalley).
I very much enjoyed Jenni’s early lighter romances – in fact, The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows was one of my 2019 Books of the Year (you’ll find my review of it here) – but the change of direction with The Secrets of Hawthorn Place (you’ll find my review here) and The Legacy of Halesham Hall (review here) was something I very much enjoyed. And then, having signed with publishers Boldwood, came No. 23 Burlington Square – one of my 2023 Books of the Year, such a clever “what if” story with alternative timelines, intriguing at every turn, and I really couldn’t have loved it more (you’ll find my full review here). And At the Stroke of Midnight that followed? I honestly thought it was even better – impeccably plotted with multiple twists and turns, glorious storytelling, and the most wonderful character development (you can read my review again here). This is an author who’s clearly really enjoying what she does, and that does tend to be rather infectious. I couldn’t wait to read her latest…
‘There are a lot of shadows at Ravenswood, so you will need to be strong…’
The year is 1885 and a young woman is on the run, knowing if she’s caught, she’ll be hanged for murder. Moments from a safe haven, she collides with a gruff stranger, falling and breaking her ankle.
To her surprise, the man – Marcus Greybourne – convinces the local constable that she is his reclusive wife of ten years, Luna. He carries her back to the neglected and crumbling Ravenswood Hall, promising if she agrees to maintain this charade, he will keep her safe until her injuries have healed.
But the house is haunted by shadows and secrets. What’s more, the real Luna Greybourne is missing, without trace. Scratches and marks made by her around the house suggest witchcraft; and indeed Luna is known locally as the Ravenswood Witch; her reputation in tatters, like the wallpapers of the padlocked rooms she’d destroyed.
As strange happenings in the house continue, outside the screech of a raven echoes across oppressive woods that seem alive with dark magic. And the woman who is now pretending to be Luna can’t help but fear she’s escaped the noose for a far more terrible fate…
A completely compelling and unforgettable historical bookclub read – fans of Jane Eyre, Weyward and The Binding will be utterly spellbound.
I strongly recommend, if you’re prone to nightmares or hearing bumps in the night, that you read this book in daylight – it’s dark and atmospheric, distinctly unsettling at times, the story laced with deception, filled with suspense, and with so many shocks and surprises. But it’s also an extraordinarily compelling read that will have you feverishly turning the pages, not knowing who to fear or trust – and I loved every single moment.
It’s 1885, and a young woman, desperate to get to London to have any chance of escaping the consequences of an accusation of murder, injures her ankle when she runs into Marcus Greybourne, the owner of nearby Ravenswood Hall. Her appearance is timely – his wife Luna is missing, and he’s willing to provide her with a temporary sanctuary if she’s willing to take her place and convince others of her identity. But the hall itself is far from a place of safety – its interior has been destroyed by acts of violence, there are signs of dark magic and witchcraft, and she learns that Luna’s behaviour and reputation has caused considerable mistrust and fear in the surrounding community.
And then there are the signs that she’s unwelcome and in personal danger – threats written in the dust, a voice in the darkness, reflections in the mirrors. The neighbouring wood is a particularly forbidding place – harbouring mysterious graves and a dried out well, and no birds or wildlife to disturb its stillness. There used to be ravens – and the only one who has managed to survive becomes her trusted companion when she’s increasingly unsure who she can turn to.
And if the new Luna has that uncertainty, so does the reader. The housekeeper, although lacking in the necessary skills, seems friendly enough – but her husband most certainly doesn’t. And as they grow closer, can she even trust Marcus himself – might he have done away with his wife? He’s keen that they gain the trust of the surrounding community – but why are there some that he warns her to steer clear of? And is the threat she feels from Luna’s restless spirit real or imagined? But equally disturbing for the reader is the very deliberate confusion about identity – layered and very cleverly done, with a few stunning twists to unsettle them further.
This is a book that rather defies description – it’s certainly deliciously gothic in feel, with elements of dark magic and the supernatural, and a pervading and creeping sense of evil. But there’s also an intriguing mystery at the heart of the story, facts that have been deeply hidden, truths that need to be uncovered. There are some very dramatic scenes – gripping, frightening, and wonderfully written – but also gentler moments as friendship becomes tentative romance, and particularly emotional and engaging. The storytelling is quite wonderful, perfectly paced for maximum impact – at times, things settle down and life takes a predictable course for a while, only for something to happen that throws everything off kilter once more.
I felt wrong-footed and unsettled throughout, often chilled to the core – but really couldn’t have enjoyed it more. It really would be the perfect choice for a Halloween read – but with considerably more to the story than you might be expecting – and, hoping you’ll manage to sleep soundly at night, I’d recommend this one very highly.
About the author
Jenni Keer is the well-reviewed author of historical romances, often with a mystery at their heart. Most recently published by Headline and shortlisted for the 2023 RNA Historical Romantic Novel of the Year.
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Thanks, Anne! As always, a well considered and beautifully written review. I’m so glad you enjoyed enjoyed it ❤️
What a pretty book cover.
I desperately need to find time to read some of Jenni Keer’s books!