Welcome to Raven Crime Reads
Hello! My nom de plume is Raven which is either (a) glamorous and mysterious or (b) a harbinger of doom depending on your viewpoint! In reality I am but a humble bookseller (14 years and counting) and this is a selection of reviews and crime news from one criminally-minded reader to others.
I spend all my free time reading and reviewing books across a range of genres for many major publishers and online sites, but after first reading Raymond Chandler and Ed McBain at the tender age of 12, crime novels have a special place in my heart and so decided to concentrate my blog on the essentially criminal and, what is to me, the wonderful world of crime writing… Read more about the development of my taste for crime fiction here at Marina Sofia’s excellent blog: Finding Time To Write- What Got You Hooked On A Life of Crime Raven?
Please have a good wander round the site for reviews and crime news and feel free to comment on, or sign up to, follow my posts. You can also follow me on Twitter @ravencrime
(Official)FTC Disclaimer: In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, Raven Crime Reads would like you to know that while I do purchase some books for review, you can assume that the majority of the books reviewed here were sent to me by the publisher or author. Unfortunately, I am unable to commit to reading books in e-book or PDF format and physical copies are usually preferred.
As always, receiving a book from a publisher or author in no way guarantees a review, and I will always give my honest opinion about a book. I will endeavour to read all the books I receive, but am always at the mercy of a backlog with working full time as well, so some patience may be required. And I do receive a lot of books. A lot.
13/01/2013 at 2:20 pm
Hi Raven, would you mind if added your blog to http://friendfeed.com/crime-and-mystery-fiction. Several of the subscribers follow your blog and like your reviews. As do I, now.
13/01/2013 at 3:24 pm
Hi Mack! Please feel free to add me and thanks for following my blog. Just off for a look at yours now🙂
27/08/2013 at 9:04 am
Hi Raven, I run Europa Editions’ UK office, I’d love to send you some books from our world noir list…. may I get in touch by e-mail? Many thanks!
27/08/2013 at 9:26 am
Hi Daniela! Thanks for getting in touch. Have emailed my contact details to you….
25/09/2013 at 12:55 pm
Hi Raven, I work for indie publisher Scribe Publications and I wanted to get in touch about a book we have coming out soon. Get in touch if you’re interested at all!
26/09/2013 at 8:09 am
Hi Sarah- thanks for stopping by! I have emailed Scribe Publications in reference to your enquiry. Look forward to hearing from you🙂
09/10/2013 at 4:15 pm
Hi Raven
I would love to include some of your reviews and comments on our website and facebook page – full credit given of course! Please let me now if you would be okay with this
09/10/2013 at 6:29 pm
Hi Julie- that’s no problem at all. Love your website http://www.abookabout.co.uk/🙂
10/01/2014 at 4:49 pm
Hi Raven,
I wonder would you be interested in reviewing my new thriller set in Dublin, Ireland? Hope to hear from you soon,
Pat
12/01/2014 at 2:41 pm
Hi Raven A bit confused as I wrote to you about my crime thriller called A Fatal Facade and you replied as if I was Pat. Please reply to me! Best Linda Linda M James http://www.writingunderwater.co.uk http://lmj-creativewriter.blogspot.co.uk 0796 905 1064
12/01/2014 at 2:58 pm
Hi Linda! Thanks for your interest and if time allows in the next few weeks I will revisit your request. Currently labouring under a significant backlog of reading as receiving more commissions each day for upcoming releases. Have made a note of your book for future reference.
12/01/2014 at 3:55 pm
Many thanks, Raven. Appreciate it!
Best
Linda
12/01/2014 at 2:49 pm
Thanks for stopping by and our ‘virtual’ meeting on Twitter
12/01/2014 at 2:52 pm
Sorry about that Linda!🙂
19/02/2014 at 5:59 pm
Raven,
Could I add my request to your backlog? Unusual, gritty Scottish crime: The Cabinetmaker. James Oswald tweeted ‘well worth a look’, and STV Dundee online covered our innovative book launch. Contact me by email or check out all the details on the website if you’re interested. Thanks,
Alan
06/03/2014 at 11:31 am
Hi Raven,
I work at Titan Books and we’d love to send you review copies of our crime books. If this is something you’d be interested in, please email me.
Hope you’re well! And hope to hear from you soon.
All best,
Chloe
07/03/2014 at 2:44 pm
Thanks Chloe
Have dropped you an email🙂
23/11/2014 at 1:15 pm
Because I love reading your reviews I just nominated you for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Feel free to accept or ignore! http://andrewjameswriter.com/2014/11/23/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
28/11/2014 at 2:48 pm
Hi Raven,
I work for Souvenir Press – I was wondering if I could have your contact details to send you some review copies?
Thanks!
Best wishes,
Amy
30/11/2014 at 12:30 pm
Thanks Amy
Have emailed you!
03/12/2014 at 8:44 pm
HI Raven,
Love the site!!! Along with Crime Book Club and Crime Fiction Lover, it’s makes my trilogy!
I was wondering if you would like me to send me a copy of my debut novel Hellbound. It was released on the 28th November, but always keen to seek honest opinions if you have the time…given Crime Book Club and Crime Fiction Lover have read it, it only seemed fair!!!
Bought I Am Pilgrim based on your review!!
All the best (and 21 sleeps until Christmas!!)
David
03/12/2014 at 10:14 pm
In cahoots with Crime Book Club re: your upcoming blog tour so all in hand🙂
10/01/2015 at 7:48 pm
Hi Raven
Looking at this page I guess you’re not short of a book or two. Still, I’d love to add to your tbr pile. If you accept digital copies could you possibly shoot me an email?
Thanks,
Chris
11/01/2015 at 7:55 pm
Hi Christopher. Thanks for stopping by. Have just got my mitts on The Mistake to read and review for Crime Fiction Lover…
09/03/2015 at 3:16 pm
Hi Raven,
Had the pleasure of meeting you today. Thanks for your time and hope you have a chance to read Black Buddha, my Laos-set crime thriller.
Best,
Richard
09/03/2015 at 9:12 pm
Hi Richard- jolly nice to meet you too! Rest assured I will give Black Buddha a look when time allows. Thank you🙂
09/03/2015 at 7:27 pm
Hi Raven, are you accepting any more books for review right now? If so how would me or my indie publisher go about sending you a copy of one of my psychological thrillers to look at ? You can find me on Twitter @bevjoneswriting and DM me or pop to my website bevjoneswriting.co.uk and email me if you like. Hope to hear from you. Great site by the way. I’m following now. Always eager to find new reads – writers can be crime addicts too!🙂
10/03/2015 at 9:37 pm
Hi Beverley! Thanks for stopping by the blog and introducing yourself🙂 I’m a little over-subscribed at the moment but having had a sneaky peek at your books, I will pop you on my wish-list so bear with me. Hope you continue to enjoy my reviews!
11/03/2015 at 9:24 pm
Hi Raven
Having seen your answer to Beverley I think I know the answer to this one already… I have a trilogy of London-based crime novels coming out together in a couple of weeks, featuring a rogue DS called Eddie Kane. Is it possible for you to take a look with a view to doing a review of the first book (when time allows)? It’s called ‘Act Of Contrition’. I’d be really grateful for any input.
Many thanks for your time
Dom Milne
17/05/2015 at 6:34 pm
Hello Raven
I have a review request.
It concerns a supernatural short ebook thriller called Armageddon’s Arc (of approx 67 pages).
The initial book description on amazon read: a disillusioned priest descends into Hell and tempts Satan with his heart’s desire; the secret of how to beat God…
Let me know if you’re interested.
Thanks for your time.
Victor.
25/05/2015 at 4:28 am
Hi Raven,
I’ve just had a crime novel published with Horizon Publishing Group in Sydney, Australia. I was wondering whether you are reviewing books at the moment or you are able to get in contact to talk about it more. I appreciate your time.
Many thanks,
Michael.
27/05/2015 at 9:48 am
Dear Raven,
I’m writing in the hope I might persuade you to read and review my crime thriller, Acqua Morta, which is the first in a planned series featuring Commissario Domenico Martelli.
Find it here: http://amzn.to/1Lkzsjk
I hope Acqua Morta appeals to you. If it does then let me know your preferred format and your email address and I’ll get a copy to you as soon as possible.
The second book in the series – Santo Spirito – will be published in early 2016.
Best wishes,
Adam Bane
18/07/2015 at 11:22 pm
Hi Raven,
I’m writing to you from Dead Bird Press, a small press based in Cardiff, and would like to send you a copy of a recently released novel for review. ‘The Death of Danny Daggers’ is a very contemporary British murder mystery by an exciting new Welsh author, Haydn Wilks. Please contact me if you’re interested.
Kind regards,
Jack Skivens
24/07/2015 at 10:54 am
Hi Raven,
Reading the comments above it looks like you’re a little over-subscribed but I just wanted to tell you about our upcoming book so you can pop it on your wish list if you fancy. The Starlings & Other Stories is a collection of twelve tales of crime and mystery by Murder Squad & Accomplices. Murder Squad are, if you’re not familiar with them, Ann Cleeves, Martin Edwards, Margaret Murphy, Cath Staincliffe, Kate Ellis and Chris Simms. Every story in the book has been inspired by the Pembrokeshire collection of Welsh photographer David Wilson. If you would like a copy let us know and we’ll get one sent out to you.
31/07/2015 at 5:44 pm
I’m a newcomer to your site, Raven. I’m an indie writer, I’ve published 5 novels on Amazon – 4 are crime novels, two different series, currently two in each. I would love to send you one – I do understand your review will be honest, but I’ve had good reviews and think you may like my work. Getting exposure is so hard for independent writers, having even one of mine on your site would be amazing. I understand if you are unable, I’ll enjoy your reviews of other novels anyway – and add, no doubt, to my ever increasing TBR list!
11/08/2015 at 10:26 am
Hi There!
Did you know that we have top crime authors coming to the Radio Times Festival, occurring at Hampton Court Palace this September?
We have names such as Tony Parsons, Lynda La Plante, Mark Billingham, Anne Cleeves and James Runcie. See the full programme so far at radiotimesfestival.com/programme.
The Radio Times Festival will be a celebration of TV, radio and books. In it’s inaugural year, the event will take place on 24-27 September at Hampton Court Palace and will feature some of the best names in broadcasting, leading authors and latest book releases.
Further details of the event and show listings can be found on our website radiotimesfestival.com.
18/08/2015 at 4:36 pm
Hi Raven. I’d love to submit my book ‘Nine-Tenths of the Law’ for review, not that it looks like you have a lot of time at the moment. It’s definitely on the dark side and a little different.
21/08/2015 at 11:24 pm
HI Raven, I’d love to send you a copy of my debut mystery, The Hanged Man’s Noose, published July 2015 from Barking Rain Press. You can read more about me and my book at http://www.judypenzsheluk.com. Thanks!
10/09/2015 at 12:58 pm
Hi Raven, I have an e-book I’d like you consider for review. Bloody Legends was published at Amazon in November, 2014 and I can send you a free copy or you can read it for free on Kindle Unlimited at http://amzn.to/1zlxO93. It’s a Horror Thriller story about a vicious serial killer who perpetrates the most violent and gory murder crimes staging famous urban legends. Thank you for your time.
27/09/2015 at 12:45 pm
Hi Raven , I represent one of the most exciting crime novelists in Britain and hope you will consider reviewing her latest novel . Best wishes Karen
29/09/2015 at 7:16 pm
Who?🙂
27/09/2015 at 8:46 pm
Hello Raven,
Would you kindly consider reviewing my e book, ‘Speedy Emi’, a crime fiction story based on true events in the life of a Hungarian lady. I would forward link details for a free download if required.
Best regards
Revell Cornell
29/09/2015 at 7:16 pm
Thanks very much for getting in touch, but I’m afraid that I will have to decline, due to an eye-watering backlog of books, and busy times at work. Thanks for your interest and wishing you success with your book🙂
17/10/2015 at 6:45 pm
Would you be interested in taking a look at my recently completed trilogy, The Uncommon Series? It’s a crime thriller about a tech startup that was originally published by FG Press. We’ve had fantastic grassroots response from readers (check out the Amazon reviews) and I think it might be up your alley. Happy to send along review copies if you want to extend your backlog even further…
22/10/2015 at 11:26 am
Hi Raven,
I’ve just written a new crime thriller novel set on the streets of London. We are very excited about it and would love a review, do you have any contact details?
Many Thanks
18/01/2016 at 9:43 pm
Hello Raven, we’d love to interest you in a newly published mystery/crime/police procedural/drama set in Dunedin, in the south of New Zealand. I’m happy to furnish you with an ebook (preferably), or hard copy.
http://www.rosamirabooks.com/books/twister/
Sincerely,
Penelope
24/01/2016 at 3:38 pm
Hi Penelope. Thanks for stopping by. Unfortunately I am unable to accept ebook submissions at the current time but wishing you all the best with your book. Best, Raven.
19/01/2016 at 5:05 pm
Hi Raven,
hope things are good with you. Can I please add a review request to your backlog. It’s a crime noir novella.
Cheers and Best wishes
Math
24/01/2016 at 3:37 pm
Hi Math. Thanks for stopping by. Unfortunately I am unable to accept ebook submissions at the current time but wishing you all the best with your book. Best, Raven.
21/01/2016 at 3:41 pm
Hi Raven,
I hope all is well.
On January 19th 2016, I published my second crime fiction novel, ‘The Perfectionist’. In a nutshell, the Perfectionist is the name of a serial killer with a gruesome yet unique modus operandi who has flown under the FBI radar for 20 years. The story’s main protagonist, however, is a veteran journalist who seeks to track the killer down while aiming to publish a best-seller and keep the glory for himself.
Link to ‘The Perfectionist’ on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Perfectionist-Simon-Duke/dp/1517648491/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1453390210&sr=1-1
Would you be interested in receiving a complimentary copy of the ebook and writing a review in exchange?
If you want to find out more about the book, feel free to check out my blog http://simongduke.blogspot.com
And here is a link to a pre-launch trailer video I released in November 2015: https://youtu.be/6rXPMFLeKTg
Looking forward to knowing what your thoughts are.
Regards,
Simon Duke
24/01/2016 at 3:36 pm
Hi Simon. Thanks for stopping by. Unfortunately I am unable to accept ebook submissions at the current time but wishing you all the best with your book. Best, Raven.
17/04/2016 at 10:08 am
Hi Raven,
Would you be interested in having a look at a Delhi crime novel published last year by Penguin India? it’s called “Dead Meat”, and is available in the UK on Kindle.
Regards,
Ankush.
17/04/2016 at 12:35 pm
Hi Ankush. Thanks for stopping by. Unfortunately I am unable to accept e-book submissions at the current time but wishing you all the best with your book. Best, Raven.
31/05/2016 at 1:49 pm
Hi Raven, I’m Sarah from Impress Books and would love to email you in regards to some up-coming crime novels we are publishing. Would this be something you are interested in?
31/05/2016 at 7:28 pm
Hi Sarah! Think I’m already on your contact list as you’ve sent me a copy of He’s Gone!
08/10/2016 at 4:20 am
Hi Raven, I’m Mallory Michaels writing to you on behalf of Bancroft & Greene. We’ve been following your reviews, and are wondering if you might consider taking a look at our newest mystery “Painted Doll” by Jonelle Patrick, scheduled for release December 5, 2016? You can take a peek at it at http://www.painteddollmystery.com, and if you’re interested, we’d be delighted to send you a printed ARC or an ebook file. (Meanwhile, know you’ve got a new fan here – your reviews are extraordinarily well written, and you are really good at highlighting the points in each book that really help readers decide whether to read a book…or not.)
09/10/2016 at 7:13 pm
Thanks Mallory! Have emailed you….
31/10/2016 at 8:08 pm
Hi Raven,
my crime noir short story collection ‘Histories of the Dead and Other Stories’ is released tomorrow through All Due Respect Books.
http://allduerespectbooks.com/blog/featured/histories-of-the-dead-and-other-stories-by-math-bird-coming-november-1-from-all-due-respect-books.html
Is it possible to send you a print copy for review?
Cheers
Math
20/12/2016 at 12:38 pm
Hi Raven,
I’m writing on behalf of The Pigeonhole, the book club in your pocket. We have some really exciting books coming up in the new year – and unique way of reading them. Would love to tell you more about them!
Best,
Charlotte