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Gregor Demarkian #4
Quoth the Raven
Following Act of Darkness , this fourth adventure of former FBI agent Gregor Demarkian takes place in two tense days at Independence College, a small but prestigious school situated in rural Pennsylvania. It is nearly Halloween: the students are preparing a traditional bonfire by heaping wood around a scaffold where an effigy of King George sits; Dr. Katherine Branch, a witch, is conducting mystical rites with her coven; a sociable raven named Lenore circles the faculty apartments; and the lecherous, tenured and thoroughly despised Dr. Donegal Steele is missing, if not missed. Demarkian, on campus to lecture about FBI investigations of serial killers, is shocked when Miss Maryanne Veer , Steele's secretary, is poisoned with lye in the dining hall—he takes it as a given that Steele has been murdered and that Veer suspected foul play. With the help of his high-strung preppy sidekick Bennis Hannaford and longtime Philadelphia friend, Father Tibor Kasparian , he seeks a perpetrator among the costumed students and quirky faculty.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 1991
91 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Jane Haddam
55 books134 followersAka Orania Papazoglou
Jane Haddam (b. 1951) is an American author of mysteries. Born Orania Papazoglou, she worked as a college professor and magazine editor before publishing her Edgar Award–nominated first novel, Sweet, Savage Death, in 1984. This mystery introduced Patience McKenna, a sleuthing scribe who would go on to appear in four more books, including Wicked, Loving Murder (1985) and Rich, Radiant Slaughter (1988).
Not a Creature Was Stirring (1990) introduced Haddam’s best-known character, former FBI agent Gregor Demarkian. The series spans more than twenty novels, many of them holiday-themed, including Murder Superior (1993), Fountain of Death (1995), and Wanting Sheila Dead (2005). Haddam’s most recent novels are Blood in the Water (2012) and Hearts of Sand (2013). Wife of William L DeAndrea.
Jane Haddam (b. 1951) is an American author of mysteries. Born Orania Papazoglou, she worked as a college professor and magazine editor before publishing her Edgar Award–nominated first novel, Sweet, Savage Death, in 1984. This mystery introduced Patience McKenna, a sleuthing scribe who would go on to appear in four more books, including Wicked, Loving Murder (1985) and Rich, Radiant Slaughter (1988).
Not a Creature Was Stirring (1990) introduced Haddam’s best-known character, former FBI agent Gregor Demarkian. The series spans more than twenty novels, many of them holiday-themed, including Murder Superior (1993), Fountain of Death (1995), and Wanting Sheila Dead (2005). Haddam’s most recent novels are Blood in the Water (2012) and Hearts of Sand (2013). Wife of William L DeAndrea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 26, 2021
This is the fourth in the Gregor Demarkian mystery series, following on from" Not a Creature Was Stirring", "Precious Blood" and "Act of Darkness". Although the books do not have to be read in order, I would really recommend reading at least the first book in the series before embarking on any others, as that introduces Gregor Demarkian and his friends and neighbours; including Bennis Hannaford and Father Tibor, who both feature in this novel.
Father Tibor has been invited to teach philosophy for one semester at Independent College and he has asked Gregor, (who worked for the FBI for twenty years before retirement) to give a lecture. It is Halloween and the college burns an effigy of 'Mad King George' on a bonfire each year as a college tradition. In fact, when Gregor and Bennis arrive, the college is full of students in costume, who have every intention of enjoying themselves. That is more than the faculty are doing - they are tense and divided over the possible new choice of chairman for their department. What is more, the most likely (and least popular) choice, 'The Great Doctor' Donegal Steele has gone missing. Although everyone on campus seems to have breathed a sigh of relief at his absence, Miss Maryanne Veer, the secretary for the chairman - who virtually runs the department anyway - is concerned enough to have suggested calling the police and reporting him missing. Soon after Gregor's arrival, somebody attempts to poison her with lye and he has to solve the mystery of why someone would possibly want to try to kill her and where Donegal Steele has disappeared to. As well as why Lenore, the tame Raven who feeds out of Father Tibor's hand, has become so distressed lately; behaving in an erratic manner and circling the college like a harbinger of death.
As always, Jane Haddam creates a great cast of characters and suspects to populate her novel. As well as the thoroughly unpleasant Dr Steele, who is conspicuous even in his absence, there is Dr Katherine Brand, an overtly feminist witch, the beautiful Dr Alice Alkinson and the popular Dr Kenneth Crockett, as well as students Jack Carroll and Chessey Flint. Of course, Gregor Demarkian solves the mystery, like the 'Armenian Hercule Poirot' the press has labelled him. If you enjoy authors such as Christie or P D James, then it is likely you will also enjoy the Gregor Demarkian novels. The next book in the series is "A Great Day for the Deadly". As, sadly, we lost Jane Haddam last year, I am keen to re-read her series and am enjoying her early works all over again. She will remain, I am sure, one of my very favourite crime writers and has left a wonderful legacy in the character of Gregor Demarkian.
Father Tibor has been invited to teach philosophy for one semester at Independent College and he has asked Gregor, (who worked for the FBI for twenty years before retirement) to give a lecture. It is Halloween and the college burns an effigy of 'Mad King George' on a bonfire each year as a college tradition. In fact, when Gregor and Bennis arrive, the college is full of students in costume, who have every intention of enjoying themselves. That is more than the faculty are doing - they are tense and divided over the possible new choice of chairman for their department. What is more, the most likely (and least popular) choice, 'The Great Doctor' Donegal Steele has gone missing. Although everyone on campus seems to have breathed a sigh of relief at his absence, Miss Maryanne Veer, the secretary for the chairman - who virtually runs the department anyway - is concerned enough to have suggested calling the police and reporting him missing. Soon after Gregor's arrival, somebody attempts to poison her with lye and he has to solve the mystery of why someone would possibly want to try to kill her and where Donegal Steele has disappeared to. As well as why Lenore, the tame Raven who feeds out of Father Tibor's hand, has become so distressed lately; behaving in an erratic manner and circling the college like a harbinger of death.
As always, Jane Haddam creates a great cast of characters and suspects to populate her novel. As well as the thoroughly unpleasant Dr Steele, who is conspicuous even in his absence, there is Dr Katherine Brand, an overtly feminist witch, the beautiful Dr Alice Alkinson and the popular Dr Kenneth Crockett, as well as students Jack Carroll and Chessey Flint. Of course, Gregor Demarkian solves the mystery, like the 'Armenian Hercule Poirot' the press has labelled him. If you enjoy authors such as Christie or P D James, then it is likely you will also enjoy the Gregor Demarkian novels. The next book in the series is "A Great Day for the Deadly". As, sadly, we lost Jane Haddam last year, I am keen to re-read her series and am enjoying her early works all over again. She will remain, I am sure, one of my very favourite crime writers and has left a wonderful legacy in the character of Gregor Demarkian.
November 22, 2013
This is my first experience reading a Jane Haddam book and obviously my first Gregor Demarkian mystery. Well, it was OK. I'm afraid just OK. The characters were occasionally interesting, but every trait seemed over-explained. The tale finds Demarkian visiting his friend Father Tibor who is a visiting professor at Independence College. Demarkian has been asked to address the students on aspects of his past career with the FBI and, in the course of his stay, becomes involved in a crime and a missing persons case. His visit happens to occur over Halloween, a very important time at this college, with long-held traditions.
The actual mysteries were interesting but the presentation drove this reviewer a bit nuts. Continually, characters were introduced by their full name and title. Not just the first time they appeared. Not just the second time. But every time they were mentioned within the story. Not every character was dealt with this way but enough to become very irritating. Why use this unwieldy method? I can't imagine a purpose.
The outcome wasn't terribly surprising. I think my taste in mysteries requires more depth of character, more surprise, more nuance.
For a light mystery, it's fine. For anything more, look elsewhere.
I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley without promise of favorable review.
The actual mysteries were interesting but the presentation drove this reviewer a bit nuts. Continually, characters were introduced by their full name and title. Not just the first time they appeared. Not just the second time. But every time they were mentioned within the story. Not every character was dealt with this way but enough to become very irritating. Why use this unwieldy method? I can't imagine a purpose.
The outcome wasn't terribly surprising. I think my taste in mysteries requires more depth of character, more surprise, more nuance.
For a light mystery, it's fine. For anything more, look elsewhere.
I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley without promise of favorable review.
July 4, 2022
Quoth the Raven (Gregor Demarkian, #4) by Jane Haddam.
I've gone back to pick up the Demarkian Holiday books I haven't read. Quoth the Raven is one of the best reads ever. J.H. builds up each character and their likes and dislikes towards each other. In this case that includes professors at Independence College and some students. Father Tibor is among those teaching and it is at his request that Demarkian is on his way there. Gregor has been asked to lecture on his years at the FBI.
Dr. Donegal Steele is singled out as the most disliked professor at this liberal arts college and rightfully so. Although his presence is felt, it is never seen. Donegal Steele's absence from campus and his classes as well are a mystery. Miss Maryanne Veer came to her position at the college straight out of Gibbs secretarial school. She found her place there and intended on staying the duration. Dr. Steele's absence without any explanation needed to be reported to the police. Miss Veer intended on doing so without delay. A missing persons' report would be filed.
That report never happened. a tragic event took place during lunch at the college cafeteria. This swept Gregor Demarkian into full swing in one of the most perplexing mysteries of his life.
This was a thrilling Demarkian addition to this series. Once in it the focus of characters and circumstances became all the more compelling. Highly recommended.
I've gone back to pick up the Demarkian Holiday books I haven't read. Quoth the Raven is one of the best reads ever. J.H. builds up each character and their likes and dislikes towards each other. In this case that includes professors at Independence College and some students. Father Tibor is among those teaching and it is at his request that Demarkian is on his way there. Gregor has been asked to lecture on his years at the FBI.
Dr. Donegal Steele is singled out as the most disliked professor at this liberal arts college and rightfully so. Although his presence is felt, it is never seen. Donegal Steele's absence from campus and his classes as well are a mystery. Miss Maryanne Veer came to her position at the college straight out of Gibbs secretarial school. She found her place there and intended on staying the duration. Dr. Steele's absence without any explanation needed to be reported to the police. Miss Veer intended on doing so without delay. A missing persons' report would be filed.
That report never happened. a tragic event took place during lunch at the college cafeteria. This swept Gregor Demarkian into full swing in one of the most perplexing mysteries of his life.
This was a thrilling Demarkian addition to this series. Once in it the focus of characters and circumstances became all the more compelling. Highly recommended.
March 12, 2012
As you will recall, Jane Haddam's Gregor Demarkian mysteries started out as the Holiday Mysteries. Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July, and now Halloween. As usual, in Quoth the Raven Haddam builds her story slowly, twists the plot slowly, presents only a few possible villains, and makes it possible for the alert reader to figure out the answers to the questions raised by the story. As she has done in previous books, she gathers the suspects together at the end and allows Demarkian, Poirot-like, to shift the spotlight from one to the other as he explains to his audience and to the reader how he solved the murder.
In this story there is a raven, a real raven, called Leonore for obvious reasons, but misnamed because he talks and only male ravens talk. (I didn't know that.) Leonore/Leonard provides an important clue as well as an additional Halloween decoration for the campus of Independence College. The school goes nuts on this holiday, with costumes and festivities for days before the 31st, culminating in a bonfire on Halloween. The first bonfire was a celebration in revolutionary days and every year since a scaffold with King George sitting atop it has been set aflame with a larger fire every year. This year's looks to be a hum-dinger.
Half the book has gone before we know for sure that there has been a murder at the college. Demarkian happens to be there because his friend, Father Tibor Kasmanian, who is a guest lecturer for the semester, has invited him to give a speech on FBI methods of apprehending criminals. But shortly after he arrives Demarkian witnesses a horrifying accident in the cafeteria, and realizes that it wasn't an accident after all.
The story employs a couple of techniques that I enjoy in a mystery - a timeline, a map of the campus (which you have to keep in your head - the book needs a real map), and a slow narrowing of the motive until it becomes clear why the victim was murdered (there were so many possible reasons as he was despicable.) There's a bit about soldering, rock climbing, and disappointing student behavior, and a good deal of wisdom in Demarkian's musings about the murder and about life in general.
2012 No 42
In this story there is a raven, a real raven, called Leonore for obvious reasons, but misnamed because he talks and only male ravens talk. (I didn't know that.) Leonore/Leonard provides an important clue as well as an additional Halloween decoration for the campus of Independence College. The school goes nuts on this holiday, with costumes and festivities for days before the 31st, culminating in a bonfire on Halloween. The first bonfire was a celebration in revolutionary days and every year since a scaffold with King George sitting atop it has been set aflame with a larger fire every year. This year's looks to be a hum-dinger.
Half the book has gone before we know for sure that there has been a murder at the college. Demarkian happens to be there because his friend, Father Tibor Kasmanian, who is a guest lecturer for the semester, has invited him to give a speech on FBI methods of apprehending criminals. But shortly after he arrives Demarkian witnesses a horrifying accident in the cafeteria, and realizes that it wasn't an accident after all.
The story employs a couple of techniques that I enjoy in a mystery - a timeline, a map of the campus (which you have to keep in your head - the book needs a real map), and a slow narrowing of the motive until it becomes clear why the victim was murdered (there were so many possible reasons as he was despicable.) There's a bit about soldering, rock climbing, and disappointing student behavior, and a good deal of wisdom in Demarkian's musings about the murder and about life in general.
2012 No 42
March 24, 2015
I have enjoyed the other books I’ve read in this series. This one has good points but overall it has more faults. The character of the Great Doctor Donegal Steele is completely over the top. He could not possibly have done the things he is said to have done and survived in his profession. He would have been much more believable presented in a more realistic way and it could have been done without hurting the storyline at all. The holiday theme is overdone as well in this book. It would have been a much better book with that aspect toned down a notch or two. The big action climax comes near the middle of the book and the ending is a big reveal in the tradition of a Poirot mystery. I still like the Gregor Demarkian character and the author’s basic writing style. This isn’t a bad mystery but could have been better.
October 21, 2024
It has to be one of the most confusing mysteries I've read. Lots of potential murderers, and no certainty that there was actually a murder. The epilogue made it all plain, but wow, I was confused, but happily so.
10/9/16 Second reading - it was less confusing because I remembered what happened. Well, some of it. It's been awhile, but I recalled enough to know who to be suspicious of, and who was in the clear.
Also, it would be fun to attend a school that celebrates Halloween so much.
10/20/24 Really enjoyedi t because I had forgotten enough to enjoy the whodunnit bits and remembered enough to be able to enjoy the whole Halloween bonfire atmosphere.
10/9/16 Second reading - it was less confusing because I remembered what happened. Well, some of it. It's been awhile, but I recalled enough to know who to be suspicious of, and who was in the clear.
Also, it would be fun to attend a school that celebrates Halloween so much.
10/20/24 Really enjoyedi t because I had forgotten enough to enjoy the whodunnit bits and remembered enough to be able to enjoy the whole Halloween bonfire atmosphere.
March 11, 2018
https://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2955687.html
I must say this worked very well - a campus mystery, where the traditionally low stakes of academic politics have escalated to murder. The mystery is carefully laid out and worked through. I did raise an eyebrow at the sexual politics of the student lifestyle, which seemed to me closer to the 1950s than the 1990s when the book is set, but perhaps I don't know enough about Pennsylvania. Anyway, the best Haddam I've read so far.
I must say this worked very well - a campus mystery, where the traditionally low stakes of academic politics have escalated to murder. The mystery is carefully laid out and worked through. I did raise an eyebrow at the sexual politics of the student lifestyle, which seemed to me closer to the 1950s than the 1990s when the book is set, but perhaps I don't know enough about Pennsylvania. Anyway, the best Haddam I've read so far.
June 16, 2017
Still trying to figure out the who and the why right to the end!
October 1, 2019
This was an alright story to me. Can't figure out why I seemed to push myself through the book.
December 31, 2013
Not located in the neighborhood, but Father Tibor figures into the plot, so that's a nice touch. Good mystery, I liked the usage of The Raven as a framing device.
As a soap maker, it assuaged a bit of my lye panic, if she is correct on her lye facts.
As a soap maker, it assuaged a bit of my lye panic, if she is correct on her lye facts.
October 19, 2014
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it was okay. A bit too wordy in spots and sparse in others. I think the only likable character was Lenore the raven!
November 6, 2018
Started reading this just before Halloween. Good one!
October 16, 2021
I don't know where I picked this paperback up but it was probably because of that lovely mystery cover. It says 'A Gregor Demarkian Holiday Mystery' and I'm a sucker for a holiday mystery even if it is Halloween. It also has a cozy table set with books, reading classes, a mug of pencils, and coffee. Good, good stuff and it did not disappoint. Tibor Kasparian and his friend Gregor Demarkian get caught up in a unique poisoning by lye situation on a college campus they had planned to just be guest speakers at on Halloween. I loved the book and looked forward to sitting down with it each day. I will go back and start the series at the start and try to find some at thrift. It is a bit dated and I liked the dated details. I liked the dark academia story line and getting to know the curious characters. Since I had recently reread Poe's The Raven the title reference and the chapter sayings were also pleasing. I thought the many red herrings and story details kept me questioning the culprit until the very end. I loved it.
February 12, 2021
The story starts out with things happening at a college and there are various characters each discussing something in separate sections. Father Tibor from Philadelphia is asked to teach a class and around Halloween he gets Gregor to come do a lecture. When Gregor arrives while they are having lunch a woman is poisoned with lye and they start trying to figure out who did it and why. Lots of suspects but no real motive. They find out a professor has been missing for quite some time and discover some disturbing facts about him and try to figure out if it has something to do with the poisoning. Because it is Halloween and a college campus there are lots of student hijinks going on that have to be sorted thru and several quirky professors with their own agendas.
A murder isn't actually discovered until the end and it seemed like it took awhile for the story to really get going. Gregor is aided by Bennis, Father Tibor and a few others. Lots of inner turmoil with several of the characters.
A murder isn't actually discovered until the end and it seemed like it took awhile for the story to really get going. Gregor is aided by Bennis, Father Tibor and a few others. Lots of inner turmoil with several of the characters.
March 25, 2018
Interesting, but I liked it much less because of the solution. For the murderer to kill in this way - even someone who tried to destroy her - she'd need to be a little crazy; and then to use the same poison on someone who did nothing wrong to her... she'd have to be psychopathic or go crazy (like the murderer at the end of Precious Blood). That could've happened - but didn't. I mean, we're shown how she hurries to help Chessey when she thinks Chessey is in danger while that could be dangerous to herself too - and I'm supposed to think that after she saw that guy die slowly from lye she thought that would be a good idea to hurt Miss Veer like this? I can't believe this. Throwing lye in this guy's face - that I could believe; using it on Miss Veer - no.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2022
With October drawing on, I found myself in the mood to reread this old Gregor Demarkian mystery, set in a small, liberal arts college somewhere in the rural middle of Pennsylvania, as Halloween approaches. Petty feuds have dire consequences. You’ve read it before. It’s a pleasant enough read—though it’s hard to say much more than that. The allure of the Demarkian novels lies in Haddam’s depiction of the ethnic, urban utopia of Cavanaugh Street in Philly—and this novel takes us far away from all that, with only a kind of sitcom version of college campus to offer in its stead. And the Halloween setting never becomes more than backdrop. Probably a genre novel better fondly remembered than actually reread.
February 22, 2024
I had read this book, and several others in the series when the series had come out. I really enjoyed them then, and it was fun to revisit the characters. I still love them!!!
Also, the book is a great time capsule of society in 1991. The cause of the murder would not hold up today (or at least, we like to think it wouldn't...but in truth, it would-we just don't want to admit we haven't come as far as we should have in regards to women's rights and the glass ceiling), but it was still a fun mystery.
And, it was fun to visit a college campus that was sooooo much like the campus I wanted to be on at that same time of history. Alas, my college career looked much different...but it was fun to visit my dream in this book!
Also, the book is a great time capsule of society in 1991. The cause of the murder would not hold up today (or at least, we like to think it wouldn't...but in truth, it would-we just don't want to admit we haven't come as far as we should have in regards to women's rights and the glass ceiling), but it was still a fun mystery.
And, it was fun to visit a college campus that was sooooo much like the campus I wanted to be on at that same time of history. Alas, my college career looked much different...but it was fun to visit my dream in this book!
October 9, 2018
This was exactly what I want from a cozy. Former FBI agent Gregor Demarkian has come to give a lecture on Halloween night at the school his friend is teaching at for the semester. The main character is retired, so it's not a hard-core police book, but he isn't an airhead who is something like a hairdresser or gas station owner who decides to investigate murder every month. The book is set at Halloween, and full of details about the celebration. This book has a laundry list of characters, but it doesn't annoy you, trying to keep them all straight.
April 18, 2019
There was not enough interaction between our detective, Gregor Demarkian, and the characters/suspects in the story. There was not enough sleuthing. And the characters seemed very over the top. Another major issue was the setting. The fictional college is set in Belleville, Pa. An actual town. However, in the book, Belleville is continually referred to as being "south of Philadelphia," while in reality, it's Northwest of Philadelphia. Why change the geography of Pennsylvania?
July 4, 2022
I am epecially drawn to this series by the main characters. I may be wrong, but I believe Gregor Demarkian is the only Armenian former FBI detective in the mystery genre. I also love his eccentric associates Bennis Hannaford and Father Tibor Kasparian. The mysteries are cerebral rather than action-packed. I recommend the series. Kristi & Abby Tabby
October 22, 2022
I read the first few books in this series years ago and am happy GR recently reminded me of it. I really like Gregor and Bennis and the rest of the crew. Haddam writes intelligent cozy mysteries in the vein of Rex Stout and Agatha Christie. It's such a breath of fresh air amidst the current crop of cozies that would rather be twee than smart.
July 3, 2017
My first audiobook- I was so hesitant to try an audiobook but after the first five minutes grew to love it. I have read quite a few of the other books in this series but somehow missed this one. Story was solid, narrator was great, overall a fun, easy book!
November 18, 2017
My favorite part of the book is the semi-tamed crow named Lenore who, when caws, exclaims: Bastard Bastard Bastard! Makes me think of Rosa the Duck from Three Pines who quacks a different refrain....
March 8, 2020
Quoth the Raven by Jane Haddam has a real raven named Lenore in it. Lenore actually assists Gregor Demarkian in solving murders on a PA campus at Halloween. The poisoning in this book was inventive, but horrific! An enjoyable read!
July 19, 2020
Enjoyable mystery with dashes of Poe and a raven named Lenore. Gregor is set to deliver a speech at a college during Halloween and all the festivities. A professor is missing and another one is poisoned with lye. Will it be solved before the bonfire? Will Lenore be never more?
June 25, 2022
Didn't really enjoy this installment very much. Seemed like there was just a lot of information that had little to do with the story. Not giving up on the series because I do like the Gregor and the other characters in the series.
October 17, 2017
Love all the Gregar Demarkian series that I've read so far. This one is particularly fun.
February 13, 2022
Still going strong on this set of mysteries.
December 19, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved how the author wove the mystery through the use of EA Poe’s words and a real raven named Lenore. Brilliant!
October 6, 2025
Took way too long to actually get to the point of the book…. 150pages in a nothing interesting had happened. Had to skim the rest of the book :(
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews