What if the curse you despise is the only thing that can save her?
In this third Raven & Wren installment, séances and scandal collide as Hadrian and Tilda step into London’s spiritualist underworld—where belief can be manipulated, grief can be exploited, and someone is killing the mediums one by one.
A Whisper and a Curse by Darcy Burke
Series: Raven & Wren #3
Published: March 11, 2025 | Oliver Heber Books
Genres: Historical Mystery, Victorian Mystery, Slow Burn Romance, Paranormal Elements
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
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Book Description
Hadrian Becket, the Earl of Ravenhurst, has long dismissed the supernatural as nonsense—until a violent head injury leaves him with the unnerving ability to see visions through touch. Though he considers it a curse, his strange gift has proven invaluable in helping Miss Matilda Wren solve murder investigations across London.
When Hadrian’s grieving mother hires Tilda to determine whether a celebrated medium can truly communicate with her deceased son, skepticism quickly turns to danger. Members of London’s spiritualist circles begin dying under shocking circumstances, and the newspapers dub the murderer the “Levitation Killer.”
As suspicion tightens around the London Spiritualist Society and its charismatic leader, Hadrian must lean into the very ability he resents. Because this time, the killer’s attention is turning toward Tilda—and protecting her may require him to embrace the gift he never wanted.
My Review
Séances, spiritualists, and a killer who leaves bodies in dramatic fashion—this third installment in the Raven & Wren series pulls Hadrian and Tilda into the shadowy world of Victorian spiritualism.
When Hadrian’s mother hires Tilda to investigate whether a medium is truly capable of contacting her deceased son, the case quickly spirals into something far darker. Mediums begin turning up dead, the press coins the phrase “Levitation Killer,” and Hadrian is forced to rely on the very gift he still struggles to accept.
What I continue to love about this series is the balance—mystery first, romance simmering quietly beneath the surface. The investigation unfolds with steady tension, layered suspects, and just enough misdirection to keep you turning pages. I didn’t solve it early—and that’s always a win for me.
Hadrian’s evolving relationship with his ability adds emotional depth here. What he once called a curse is slowly becoming something he must own. And watching Tilda remain steady, logical, and fiercely independent while navigating class differences and growing attraction? That’s the quiet heartbeat of this series.
This one leans more into atmosphere and investigation than sweeping romantic progression—but I’m invested. Deeply invested.
Why You’ll Love It
- Victorian-era séances and the rise of spiritualism
- A female investigator who refuses to be sidelined
- Psychometry woven naturally into the mystery
- Layered suspects and escalating stakes
- Slow-burn tension with class difference complications
- An ending that sets up serious anticipation for Book 4
Character Spotlight
Hadrian Becket, Earl of Ravenhurst
A skeptic forced to confront the supernatural within himself. His psychometric ability—visions through touch—remains both burden and weapon. In this installment, we see him step closer to acceptance, especially when Tilda’s safety is at stake.
Miss Matilda Wren
Sharp-minded, observant, and determined to build a life on her own terms. Tilda doesn’t shrink beside an earl—she leads investigations with confidence. Her restraint where Hadrian is concerned feels intentional… but that tension is building.
Raven & Wren Series
- Book 1: A Whisper of Death
- Book 2: A Whisper at Midnight
- Book 3: A Whisper and a Curse
- Book 4: A Whisper in the Shadows
- Book 5: A Whisper of Secrecy
- Book 6: A Whisper in Darkness
Final Thoughts
If you enjoy historical mysteries with intelligent heroines, atmospheric tension, and a restrained but meaningful romantic thread, this series continues to deliver.
Four stars for a compelling investigation, rich Victorian detail, and a partnership I’m not ready to let go of.
If you enjoy historical stories with strong characters and layered relationships, you might also enjoy my review of When Good Earls Go Bad by Megan Frampton , a witty Regency romance filled with scandal, charm, and unexpected connections.
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