This is a dark and sinister gothic novel which introduces us to Ravenswood and the story of a young woman, rescued from harm, who is prepared to enter into an odd arrangement with Marcus Greybourne who is the enigmatic owner of the house. In agreeing to pretend to be Luna Greybourne, his estranged wife, this, as yet, unnamed young woman receives a place of safety and even though the dark and shadowy corners reverberate with menace, she is prepared to stay at Ravenswood as her own secrets, if revealed, would place her grave danger.

There are lots of spooky moments in this gothic mystery and there were definitely times when I found myself, particularly when reading at night, jumping at shadows. The author has captured the menacing atmosphere of Ravenswood well and brings to life a cast of characters who are all flawed and some are just downright evil. I especially enjoyed the company of Bran, the raven, who brings an interesting element and shows the intelligence of Corvids. With a couple of unexpected twists which I didn’t see coming The Ravenswood Witch is nicely spooky and with a chilling, atmospheric presence throughout, I think it would make a perfect read for Halloween.

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read No 23 Burlington Square by Jenni and loved it, so jumped at the chance to read and review her new book. I’m so glad I did as this was such a fabulous twisty witch story perfect for this time of year.

We meet our main character as she is running for her life and collides with a gentleman who inadvertently breaks her ankle. He offers to take care of her until it is healed and this is where the story gets interesting. There are flashback chapters from her previous life setting the scene for her escape. We also meet some kind and not so kind characters in the village, and their ancient beliefs.

I love how this story unfolds, strange goings on that make you wonder who is who and who is telling the truth - and more importantly what the truth is.

This was a beautiful story. I loved the two main characters had difficult situations. Two individuals ran into each other in the middle of town. The female assumes the role as Luna, the man's wife. The female is given the role of a lifetime after escaping the accusation of murder. This book has so many twist and turns. I feel like it was totally great read. I don't want to spoil anything. I will recommend to friends and family.

I'd enjoyed two of Jenni Keer's previous titles in the past, and so I was really looking forward to 'The Ravenswood Witch'. Especially because of the whole witchy thing and spooky season is upon us after all.

A nameless young woman is running away from a possible destiny with the noose, trying to make her way to a ferry to go live in the city, when she collides with Marcus Greybourne and hurts her ankle. When the local constable comes across them, Marcus convinces him that the nameless young woman is his wife of ten years, Luna. If the nameless young woman agrees to keep up this charade, Marcus promises he will keep her safe.

But there are weird things happening at his house. Odd carvings and writings, dark and oppressive rooms, padlocks, scorch marks ... it's not quite the welcoming home one would wish for. The real Luna was known around the local village as being a witch, even considered responsible for the death of one of the locals. But where is she? Is she dead, or alive? Did Marcus kill her? What's up with the Webbers? Can "fake" Luna even trust any of these people? And what does any of this have to do with the flashbacks chapters?

Plenty of mysterious goings-on to sink your teeth into, I'd say. Unfortunately, I personally felt there was't enough of the witchy and spooky, and too much of the romance, which is really not my thing. I was on the wrong track with trying to figure out how "fake" Luna was connected to the chapters set in the past. However, I did figure out who had a hand in the strange happenings, so that reveal didn't come as a surprise to me.

There was a distinct lack of creepiness for me. Not that there wasn't room for it because there were moments, especially in the middle of the book, where it felt like nothing much was happening. I never really felt drawn in, didn't really warm to these characters (I'd say my favourite character was a bird so you know), never felt unsettled like I was hoping for, and had a hard time believing in the instant connection between Marcus and "fake" Luna. Also, did I mention romance really isn't my cup of tea?

All in all, I'd say I wasn't the right audience for 'The Ravenswood Witch'. It was an okay read, but it didn't come anywhere near 'No. 23 Burlington Square', which still remains a favourite.

"It was as though the house had crawled from the darkness of the trees and collapsed as soon as it had ventured into the daylight."

The Ravenswood Witch is a book so completely different from what I normally read, yet I was enticed by the pretty cover and even more so by the intriguing premise. A young girl, running away from alleged murder, coming across a man who seems to simply adopt her as his wife of ten years. What did the girl do? Where is the wife? What happened to her? What is happening in the manor and its woods the young girl is now to call her home? Will she ever be able to leave again?

So as said, I was pulled in by the premise. I was pulled in even further by the creepy vibes that were literally oozing from the page. With the vivid scene descriptions (much like the one above), it was not hard to conjure up an image of what the Ravenswood Mansion and woods must have looked like. It was easy to imagine what "Luna" must have felt getting to know the house, its mysterious owner, and all the other villagers. That's another thing that makes this book a gripping read actually, its host of wonderful characters (including an epic raven by the name of Bran), none of whom you will ever fully be able to trust as a reader.

The plot was interesting enough, and, while I had guessed pretty much every 'reveal', I noticed that I kept turning the pages to find out whether I had guessed things right. Way to make me feel smart I suppose. If you are looking for a hugely atmospheric read, with some rather unique characters, some spookiness and witchcraft, and a bit of romance, look no further.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

I was drawn in from the start, and intrigued by the scenario presented to me. I wanted to know more about the protagonist, who seemed to be running away from something, and about the stranger who came to her aid.

I always enjoy gothic books, so I loved the atmosphere. As I carried on reading, I became more and more invested, and intrigued to find out the truth.

This was a gripping gothic mystery with some romance to boot, and I found it very satisfying. If you enjoy gothic books or historical mysteries, particularly in the 1800s, you might want to give this book a try.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and Boldwood Books, for the opportunity to read and review this.

A delightfully clever book, perfect for autumn reading.

It truly keeps you wrapped in the mystery until the climax, and much like the main character, keeps you guessing on where and who can really be trusted.

The interweaving on the Past chapters with the Present chapters is marvellous and creates an wonderfully unique experience where the character knows more about their situation than the reader does. It allows you to participate with the façade that the main duo establish in chapter 1, and in turn makes you enthralled with their stories that they keep under wraps.

Highly recommended, such an atmospheric, intimate mystery, unusual in all the best ways.

This was a spellbinding novel, full of menace and building tension. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The descriptions of the house and it's decay was brilliant. The characters and description of the period were really well written. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me access to an early copy of this novel.

The plot of The Ravenswood Witch was a little different to other books of this genre which made this all the more compelling to read.

The book is set in 1885, and Ms. Keer does an excellent job in portraying the period, along with the setting of a derelict and run down house in which the main character finds herself. The house oozes with mystery and secrets and she finds herself wondering if in escaping the hangman's noose, she has stumbled into a more dark and dangerous situation.

This is an outstanding novel, and I will even go as far as saying it is amongst the best books I have read this year.

Jenni Keer’s “The Ravenswood Witch” is an enthralling blend of mystery, magic, and heartwarming human connection. From the first page, Keer pulled me into the quaint village of Ravenswood, where the air is full of secrets, and the past whispers through. The book masterfully balances elements of historical intrigue, romance, and the supernatural.

One of the standout features of “The Ravenswood Witch” is Keer's ability to create a rich setting.Keer’s vivid descriptions bring the fictional village to life, and as you follow the protagonist, you can't help but be transported there, feeling the weight of its mysteries. The way she intertwines the eerie past with present-day discoveries kept me turning the pages.

The characters are another highlight of the novel. The protagonist is a compelling figure—flawed yet determined. Her journey of uncovering the truth behind the legends of Ravenswood is beautifully handled. Relationships, whether familial, romantic, or friendly, are tenderly crafted, providing warmth and heart among the darker, magical elements.

Keer excels at blending the supernatural with human emotion, never allowing one to overpower the other. The magic feels natural and grounded, yet still filled with wonder. The pacing of the book is excellent, building tension and revealing secrets at just the right moments, with plenty of twists that will keep readers guessing until the very end. I highly recommend it!

This was pretty good! Definitely perfect cozy, fall, spooky season read. Not the most jaw dropping but definitely some twists and turns, and the ending picked up a lot with the pacing and I was waiting for that, so glad it happened. There were some lulls especially when it felt like she was just living in the house all day with nothing much happening, but three quarters of the way it picked up. Overall I do recommend, excellent fall season read, but not necessarily going on the favorites shelf.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Boring.

Published yesterday, September 30th, 2024, I delayed my review until October because the book's vibe — dark woods, ravens, witchcraft, haunted house and secretive behaviours—belongs in the month of Halloween.

The Ravenswood Witch is an enthralling five-star page-turner.
The Ravenswood Witch is a spellbinding gothic mystery from the bestselling author of No.23 Burlington Square, Jenni Keer ‘There are a lot of shadows at Ravenswood, so you will need to be strong…’

The novel starts with a young woman running from the life she knows. She must escape to London to be caught, which means the gallows poll. Her goal of reaching the ferry is within sight, but then she collides with a stranger. She falls and breaks her ankle…. Then, Marcus Greybourne reinvents her as his reclusive wife, Luna, protecting her from the grasp of the law.

Marcus saved her from hanging but brought the injured Eloise/Luna into a house full of dark mystery. It is neglected trapped and injured in her bed she hears strange noises and is surrounded by strange scratchings on the woodwork.

Who are her allies? Who can be trusted? The cunning man helps her ankle heal building trust between them. The villagers are scared of her and call her a witch. When she rescues the last raven of Ravenswood, naming him Bran he becomes her constant companion. Further evidence that she is a witch with her familiar.

There is light, the shared love of flowers with Marcus as he begins to repair the dilapidated house and white butterflies.

There are many twists and turns, with unreliable characters for the reader to navigate. The climax takes place on All Hallows Eve. Truth is revealed as masks are peeled away at the source of the rumours the well deep in Ravenswood.

Jenni Kerr cleverly creates for the reader the world of a small community in the late nineteenth century. The characters are superbly drawn and fit the setting perfectly. Power and superstition make a heady concoction, In the novel Jane Eyre, collides with The Woman in White and merges into a thrilling mystery written for 2024. The Ravenswood Witch is an enthralling page-turner.

A gothic and dark historical fiction that kept me hooked as I wanted to know what was behind the events and what was going to happen.
It made me think of Rebecca at times and I like the descriptions of the Hall and the fleshed out characters
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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.

Such a lovely read especially during the autumn season. I found the writing to be amazingly gothic and atmospheric especially enjoyed the multiple points of view and the talented way that Kerr pulled it off.

Thank you Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel in advance in exchange for an honest review. This is the perfect fall read. Historical, witchy, plots, twists turns and even some hints of romance. This is a great novel and an amazing original story. Highly recommend picking up this fall!!

I enjoyed this book very much. Kept me thoroughly interested through one sitting. Look forward to much more by this author.

The Ravenswood Witch was an intriguing gothic mystery/romance.

A young women is running for her life from the law, accused of a heinous crime, she is running for freedom, when she literally runs into Marcus Greybourne, the master of Ravenswood House. He persuades the constables that the young woman is his missing wife Luna. He takes her back to his house and then the gothic undertones start. The servants seem to have secrets, the house is in deterioration. There are signs of violence and possible witchcraft, what has our young narrator gotten herself into? She agrees to continue the charade of being the missing Luna Greybourne, but what really happened to the real Luna and was her husband complicit in her disappearance? Strange twists and turns reveal a surprise ending.

I enjoyed the book as it reminded me of the gothic romances I read as a teenager.

Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to read and review this ARC.

Gothic mystery romance. Excellent plot and atmosphere. The pacing could have been better and the ending wrapped up too quickly for me. Still, a pretty quick read great for spooky season.