The Raven Spell

A Novel (A Conspiracy of Magic, Book 1)

By: Luanne G. Smith

Narrated by: Susannah Jones

Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

In Victorian England a witch and a detective are on the hunt for a serial killer in an enthralling novel of magic and murder by the Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of The Vine Witch.

After a nearly fatal blow to the skull, traumatized private detective Ian Cameron is found dazed and confused on a muddy riverbank in Victorian London. Among his effects: a bloodstained business card bearing the name of a master wizard and a curious pocket watch that doesn’t seem to tell time. To retrieve his lost memories, Ian demands answers from Edwina and Mary Blackwood, sister witches with a murky past. But as their secret is slowly unveiled, a dangerous mystery emerges on the darkened streets of London.

To help piece together Ian’s lost time, he and Edwina embark on a journey that will take them from the river foreshore to an East End music hall, and on to a safe house for witches in need of sanctuary from angry mortals. The clues they find suggest a link between a series of gruesome murders, a missing person’s case, and a dreadful suspicion that threatens to tear apart the bonds of sisterhood. As the investigation deepens, could Ian and Edwina be the next to die?

©2022 Luanne G. Smith (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing , Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Magnificently performed by the impressive vocal storytelling talents of Susannah Jones, this…will have immense appeal to historical fantasy fans and gothic fiction enthusiasts.”—Midwest Book Review

“This fun, atmospheric outing is ideal for fans of C. L. Polk’s Kingston Cycle.”—Publishers Weekly

“Smith wraps up the plot neatly while leaving a clear hook to entice delighted readers back for the next book.”—Booklist

good story

good story, although the inner monologues got to be a bit fraught and repetitive. the reader was best when doing dialogue and her accents were passable, but why have an American reader for a novel set in England with English and Scottish characters? the third person (non-dialogue) reading in an American accent was distracting to say the least, especially when Scottish and British words and slang were used. head-scratcher, that one.

Enjoyable!

Waiting for a sequel! What an imagination. I really hope there is another volume. Can't wait to see if Mary comes back!

Good combination of mystery and magic

I love a good mystery book throw in a magical component and I'm hooked.
Sisters Mary and Edwina have magic different from most in the magical world. But their devotion to each other is put to the test when an increase in crimes and a missing man bring trouble to their door. Can sisterly love and devotion overcome the suspicion that surrounds them.
I really like how this story unfolded and I'm glad there is another book following because there are a few unanswered questions that I hope are answered. There was a great build up of suspense and misdirection to keep me on my toes until the end.

more then I expected

I grabbed this book on a whim thinking okay two witches and a thriller. I kept going back to make sure I didn't miss anything because I want to know who did it and what was going on.

Another good one…

Another great tale! Only I want to note that there are several inconsistencies with the recording(?). There are moment where several words (possibly more) go missing. A sentence will end and then pick up in the middle of another. I don’t think I missed anything, so it didn’t change the storytelling, but you can tell, it’s peculiar.

Excellent story weaver .

Yes to the narrator, she is surely part of the intriguing story. Enjoyed the continuing lines of discovery to the end.Looking forward to many more from this author!

gripping

I loved the Vine Witch and was excited to find another book by this author.
I finished it in 2 days! I was held captive the entirety of the book! Gripping Cliffhanger.
can't wait to read more by this author.
love the vocals. she also read for the previously mentioned book. definitely adding to my physical library.

Spell bindin

Kept my attention completely. Can't wait to see what is next. The narrative adds so much to the story

Easy simple read

Book was very easy to listen to. The story was simplistic and didn’t have much for surprise.

Spellinginding Prose

The story and characters were interesting, but for me the best part of this work was the brilliant use of words.