I haven’t read any of the books in Elizabeth Penney’s other cozy series, including the Cambridge Bookshop or Mysteries of Blackberry Valley. But, the first Ravensea Castle mystery, Bodies and Battlements, is one of the best cozy mysteries I’ve read in a while.
Ravensea Castle on the Yorkshire coast has been in the Asquith family since 1138. But, the family now needs money for upkeep of the property. Nora Asquith had to fight protesting neighbors and regulations, but she finally has permission to open the castle as a bed and breakfast. Even her actress sister, Tamsyn, opposed the plans for a while. But, when the day comes for a soft opening, Nora’s siblings, Will and Tamsyn, are at her side. Even the local opposition,, led by Hilda Dibble, shows up. But, Hilda and her best friends, Sandra, quickly disappear from the welcome party.
Unfortunately, Hilda doesn’t completely disappear. Instead, Nora finds her body in the castle apothecary garden. That’s when she learns one of her guests, Finlay Cole, is actually Detective Inspector Finlay Cole who is waiting to move into his new apartment in town. But, Nora fears she tops Cole’s suspect list, and determines she’ll find out who killed Hilda. Nora doesn’t want her plans for the castle hijacked by a death or two. That’s nothing when it comes to tragedies since 1138.
Bodies and Battlements features stories of local history, local deaths, and ghosts who haunt the castle. There’s a solid cast of supporting characters, including two dogs, a cat and kitten, and Sir Percival, the castle ghost. It’s an entertaining mystery featuring Nora and her family and staff who have been at the castle for years.
Fans of cozy mysteries with a likable cast, a trace of romance, and a ghost, might want to pick up Bodies and Battlements.
Elizabeth Penney’s website is https://www.elizabethpenneyauthor.com/
Bodies and Battlements by Elizabeth Penney. Minotaur Books, 2025. ISBN 9781250370051 (paperback), 288p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley from the publisher through NetGalley, with only the promise of an honest review.
This sounds good. I put a purchase request in at the library for it.
I really liked this one, Sandy. I hope the library gets it!
Thank you for the review, I want to read it.
This one is a nice cozy, Carol.
This really sounds fun!
It is fun, Kim!
Thank you, Lesa. I think this book was offered to me as a widget, so I may have to check it out.
I read it through NetGalley, Margie, so you probably were offered it.
Yes, it was a widget, delivered through NetGalley–this is the first time I’ve accepted one AFTER the pub date. I’ve already read and enjoyed about one-third of it! Thank you for the recommendation.
You’re welcome, Margie! I’m glad you’re enjoying it!