Kerry Tombs

Inspector Samuel Ravenscroft is given holiday so he may “take the water cure” at Tudor Hydropathic in Malvern for his asthma. His asthma seems to be a handicap in capturing crooks, as he has once again lost one he was chasing. Though it is a handicap he feels that he is still a good cop even if he is passed over for the pushier men on the force.

Finding the cure worse that the problem, Ravenscroft sticks it out and soon finds himself trying to solve the murder of a gentleman he just met. show more This looks to be the chance to prove he can catch a killer, more with cerebral work than physical work
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Set in Victorian England, there are dead bodies — one in the library to start, a locked room, a mysterious woman in black, an ancient curse and some of the higher society-types that have a few skeletons rattling around in their closet. Ravenscroft finds he has a lot to consider to discover who the killer is and why.

I enjoyed this, immensely and look forward to reading more of Kerry Tombs work. show less

Christmas Eve, 1888. An unnamed stranger leaves a package with Ledbury solicitor, Anthony Midwinter. To look after the package until May 1st.
On New Year's Eve at the Lamplighters Ball, a death occurs. But this is not the last death that Inspector Ravenscroft with the help of Constable Crabb will investigate.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters.

This is a good book and start for the series, however, at times the story plodded along at a snails pace. Ravenscroft and Crabb make a good team. The surprise ending did amke up from some of the slower sections of the book.

1889 Six strangers converge on Tewkesbury Abbey at midnight to search for the tomb of Sir Roger de la Pole as they have all been informed that they are his descendants. On its discovery they find a body inside, that of their guide. Inspector Ravenscroft is called in to investigate. But this will not be the last murder. What could be the motive and by whom.
An enjoyable historical mystery.