⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Yes. Insurance fraud is put under a magnifying glass in this complex murder mystery.

Private investigator Matilda Wren is posing as the wife of Inspector William Maxwell from the City of London Police to infiltrate a burial club scheme. Maxwell is a skilled detective, but he isn’t Hadrian—her usual ally and the man she trusts most. When the club’s administrator is murdered, Tilda needs Hadrian’s expertise, notably his uncanny ability to glimpse others’ memories. Disgruntled that he’s been cast aside as Tilda’s partner, Hadrian Becket, Earl of Ravenhurst, finds a way to involve himself, which is fortuitous because Tilda would like his help. However, working the case under Maxwell’s watchful eye is a challenge, especially when he must conceal his supernatural gift. Worse, Maxwell’s growing interest in Tilda stirs something unexpected in jealousy. When danger strikes far too close, Hadrian will do everything it takes to keep Tilda safe, even if it means revealing the secrets he’s kept hidden in the shadows.

MY THOUGHTS

For some reason, the beginning stages of the investigation felt like it lacked the smooth rhythm that I’ve come to expect from Tilda and Hadrian. Maybe because it wasn’t just the two of them involved? I don’t know. They did find their familiar, effortless stride later on.

I admired the way Hadrian was able to keep track of what he saw in his visions versus what he physically observed, so that he didn’t inadvertently give the information to the wrong person. Tilda was her usual no-nonsense, efficient, independent self. Still no romance, but I live in perpetual hope.

The inquest to determine whether the death was murder or not was super interesting and thorough. There were plenty of likely and unlikely suspects and the ending proved that this case was anything but clear-cut. And just as the thrill of the investigation died down, a tantalizing new case intruded upon their peaceful reflection time. Something to look forward to in the next book.

I can recommend this series if you like your historical fiction with a side of murder. It’s not strictly necessary to read the books in order, but there is plenty of character growth that happens from one book to the next.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Were you hooked by that book? Let me know in the comments below.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication: September 9, 2025
Sensuality Rating: Subtle
Series: Book 4 of Raven & Wren