EDITOR’S CHOICE
A beautifully atmospheric mystery with rich storytelling, engaging characters, and a haunting setting that keeps you turning pages until the very end.
Regina Clarke’s In the Presence of Ravens is an atmospheric and compelling mystery that seamlessly weaves past and present together. At its heart is Gillian Byrne, a woman reluctantly drawn back to her childhood town of St. Edmunds, compelled by an unexpected inheritance and the unresolved mystery of her parents’ disappearance. What begins as a personal quest quickly turns into a tangled web of secrets, deception, and murder.
Clarke does an excellent job of creating an eerie yet immersive setting. The abandoned railway station, where Gillian stumbles upon a fresh crime scene, adds an unsettling layer to the novel’s already suspenseful tone. The town itself, with its secrets buried beneath a seemingly idyllic façade, serves as the perfect backdrop for a slow-burning investigation filled with misdirection.
Gillian is a well-drawn protagonist—determined yet vulnerable, guided by a need for closure rather than wealth. Her allies, including the enigmatic Raven and her loyal terrier Finn, provide warmth and support in a town where trust is in short supply. The character dynamics are engaging, though at times, the narrative pace falters with an over-reliance on exposition.
While the mystery itself is intriguing, some readers may find elements of the plot predictable or the resolution slightly rushed. That said, Clarke’s descriptive prose and knack for tension ensure an enjoyable read, particularly for fans of small-town mysteries with a hint of the gothic.
Overall, In the Presence of Ravens is a solidly written novel with an evocative atmosphere and an engaging central mystery. It may not reinvent the genre, but it offers a satisfying and atmospheric read.
