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Alexandra Raven Mysteries #2
Death on the Thames
A missing secretary, a murdered colleague, and a dead Russian scientist.
London, 1950.
When secretary Anna Blau vanishes without a trace, no one cares — not the police, not the press.
But Alexandra Raven does.
Anna worked for Goel Hadam, a Jewish organisation exposing Nazi war criminals hiding in Britain. A few days later, her colleague is found dead, buried in a bombed-out cellar.
As Alex digs deeper, she uncovers a web of fascist street thugs, corrupt Special Branch officers, and MI5 agents running a lucrative side trade in stolen secrets.
And at its centre — Natalia Popov, a Soviet scientist, pulled lifeless from the Thames under suspicious circumstances.
Anna didn’t run. She was taken. And the men who have her will kill to protect what she knows.
To save Anna, Alex must risk her life to expose the men pulling the strings. Will Alex be the next body found floating in the Thames?
A fast-paced historical mystery filled with espionage and betrayal.
London, 1950.
When secretary Anna Blau vanishes without a trace, no one cares — not the police, not the press.
But Alexandra Raven does.
Anna worked for Goel Hadam, a Jewish organisation exposing Nazi war criminals hiding in Britain. A few days later, her colleague is found dead, buried in a bombed-out cellar.
As Alex digs deeper, she uncovers a web of fascist street thugs, corrupt Special Branch officers, and MI5 agents running a lucrative side trade in stolen secrets.
And at its centre — Natalia Popov, a Soviet scientist, pulled lifeless from the Thames under suspicious circumstances.
Anna didn’t run. She was taken. And the men who have her will kill to protect what she knows.
To save Anna, Alex must risk her life to expose the men pulling the strings. Will Alex be the next body found floating in the Thames?
A fast-paced historical mystery filled with espionage and betrayal.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2025
49 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 4, 2025
Historical London mystery.
Book two.
Alexandra Raven.
A missing secretary,
A murder colleague,
And a dead Russian scientist.
And detective Alex has to dig deeper to uncover stolen secrets.
She is trained, and is no fool, and nobody will keep her quiet.
1950 and the city is still shabby and wearing it's scars after the war ended five years ago.
What a fantastic story throughout. Loved the characters.
My first read from this author and easily read as a standalone.
Book two.
Alexandra Raven.
A missing secretary,
A murder colleague,
And a dead Russian scientist.
And detective Alex has to dig deeper to uncover stolen secrets.
She is trained, and is no fool, and nobody will keep her quiet.
1950 and the city is still shabby and wearing it's scars after the war ended five years ago.
What a fantastic story throughout. Loved the characters.
My first read from this author and easily read as a standalone.
November 21, 2025
A brilliant instalment to the Alex Raven private detective series that is easily read as a stand-alone.
Shiv Saywack has nailed it with this one! It is a powerful storyline with some great characters with hints of Raymond Chandler and Ian Flemming. The slightly staccato delivery of some passages gives it a 1950s feel perfect for the period, very clever!
Private Detective Alex Raven is hired to find missing Anna Blau, a secretary, to a Jewish group concerned with hunting out Nazi criminals hunting. Alex discovers that a young man from the group has also disappeared. The police are assuming that the pair have run off together and are not really interested. Alex follows the last known route and stumbles on the body of a young man in the cellar of a bombed out building. The body is identified as the friend of missing Anna but where is she?
The big news in all the papers is that of a Russian code breaker,Natalia Popov, who has defected to the west and subsequently disappeared, the last sighting of Popov was close to the bombed out building. Alex is convinced that there is a link to her missing person, but she runs into a wall of silence from the police and she suspects a cover-up. She soon gets embroiled in the dark and murky world of espionage. A further two bodies are found floating in the Thames, and the disfigurement makes identification impossible, but the assumption is that one of the bodies is Popov. A fast moving and intriguing story that involves the two loveable rogues from her wartime exploits Jack and Martha who run a Porn shop in soho and the taciturn Detective Latimer who was her Commanding Officer in her Special Ops role in wartime France.
Shiv Saywack has nailed it with this one! It is a powerful storyline with some great characters with hints of Raymond Chandler and Ian Flemming. The slightly staccato delivery of some passages gives it a 1950s feel perfect for the period, very clever!
Private Detective Alex Raven is hired to find missing Anna Blau, a secretary, to a Jewish group concerned with hunting out Nazi criminals hunting. Alex discovers that a young man from the group has also disappeared. The police are assuming that the pair have run off together and are not really interested. Alex follows the last known route and stumbles on the body of a young man in the cellar of a bombed out building. The body is identified as the friend of missing Anna but where is she?
The big news in all the papers is that of a Russian code breaker,Natalia Popov, who has defected to the west and subsequently disappeared, the last sighting of Popov was close to the bombed out building. Alex is convinced that there is a link to her missing person, but she runs into a wall of silence from the police and she suspects a cover-up. She soon gets embroiled in the dark and murky world of espionage. A further two bodies are found floating in the Thames, and the disfigurement makes identification impossible, but the assumption is that one of the bodies is Popov. A fast moving and intriguing story that involves the two loveable rogues from her wartime exploits Jack and Martha who run a Porn shop in soho and the taciturn Detective Latimer who was her Commanding Officer in her Special Ops role in wartime France.
November 22, 2025
Utterly brilliant! What a triumph!
The highly anticipated second instalment of the Alexandra Raven series plunges us deep into the gritty, post-war London of 1950. Private Investigator Alex, a seasoned hand at espionage and navigating heinous crimes, is back, and the stakes are higher than ever.
Hired to locate missing secretary Anna, Alex’s investigation immediately takes a dark turn when she discovers the murder of Saul, one of Anna's colleagues.
Operating with little assistance from the police, our determined, pragmatic, and passionately empathetic protagonist is dragged down several treacherous rabbit holes.
The central mystery is gripping, featuring complex strands that weave across former enemy nations, ensuring that no one can be trusted.
Shiv Saywack excels at painting a vivid picture of London, allowing you to truly see and feel the devastation left by the war.
Alex’s relentless and courageous dive into the city's underworld, causing significant ripples, is thrilling to read. With expertly fleshed-out characters, a pulse-pounding narrative, and an ending tied up as neatly as an HMV record player boxed up and wrapped in a bow, this is shaping up to be a truly brilliant series. I can't wait for the next one!
Huge thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
The highly anticipated second instalment of the Alexandra Raven series plunges us deep into the gritty, post-war London of 1950. Private Investigator Alex, a seasoned hand at espionage and navigating heinous crimes, is back, and the stakes are higher than ever.
Hired to locate missing secretary Anna, Alex’s investigation immediately takes a dark turn when she discovers the murder of Saul, one of Anna's colleagues.
Operating with little assistance from the police, our determined, pragmatic, and passionately empathetic protagonist is dragged down several treacherous rabbit holes.
The central mystery is gripping, featuring complex strands that weave across former enemy nations, ensuring that no one can be trusted.
Shiv Saywack excels at painting a vivid picture of London, allowing you to truly see and feel the devastation left by the war.
Alex’s relentless and courageous dive into the city's underworld, causing significant ripples, is thrilling to read. With expertly fleshed-out characters, a pulse-pounding narrative, and an ending tied up as neatly as an HMV record player boxed up and wrapped in a bow, this is shaping up to be a truly brilliant series. I can't wait for the next one!
Huge thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
December 3, 2025
Wow! Shiv Saywack has done it again - written a sharp, witty and gritty mystery set in London in the 1950s.
Alex Raven has inherited her father's detective agency - an unusual job for a single woman in 1950s London. But then, Alex is an unusual women - serving as a spy in WWII she knows how to handle herself, a gun, and any unwanted attention from unsuitable men.
Engaged by a friend of an anxious Jewish father to find his missing daughter, Anna, Alex is soon plunged back into the world of espionage as she struggles to find links between Anna and a missing Soviet scientist, Natalia Popov. Bodies start to surface - but instead of providing clarity, things merely become murkier.
Now Alex will need all her wits about her as she wonders who to trust and who is leading her astray. Even the government is behaving suspiciously.
Alex races the clock to unravel the mystery and to prevent more death and destruction, including a heart-stopping finale.
I loved this book - it easily reads as a stand-alone, but I did manage to pick up the first book in the series for free on Amazon, and sped through that before starting this one. It really isn't necessary to do that though.
Saywack has created charming characters and brings 1950s London to life, as well as drawing us in with an intriguing mystery.
Highly recommended!
Alex Raven has inherited her father's detective agency - an unusual job for a single woman in 1950s London. But then, Alex is an unusual women - serving as a spy in WWII she knows how to handle herself, a gun, and any unwanted attention from unsuitable men.
Engaged by a friend of an anxious Jewish father to find his missing daughter, Anna, Alex is soon plunged back into the world of espionage as she struggles to find links between Anna and a missing Soviet scientist, Natalia Popov. Bodies start to surface - but instead of providing clarity, things merely become murkier.
Now Alex will need all her wits about her as she wonders who to trust and who is leading her astray. Even the government is behaving suspiciously.
Alex races the clock to unravel the mystery and to prevent more death and destruction, including a heart-stopping finale.
I loved this book - it easily reads as a stand-alone, but I did manage to pick up the first book in the series for free on Amazon, and sped through that before starting this one. It really isn't necessary to do that though.
Saywack has created charming characters and brings 1950s London to life, as well as drawing us in with an intriguing mystery.
Highly recommended!
February 14, 2026
Death on the Thames is a historical mystery that works so well because Shiv Saywack is a master of the genre.. The post-war London setting feels immersive and real without slowing the story down, and Shiv Saywack clearly knows the era. You get the tension, the uncertainty, and the sense that everyone is carrying secrets, but it never feels overwritten.
Alexandra Raven is a strong female lead character. She’s practical, sharp, and willing to go where the police won’t. What starts as a missing person case quickly turns complicated, pulling her into espionage, old wartime wounds, and people who aren’t what they first appear to be. The twists come naturally, and the stakes rise in a way that keeps you turning pages. I especially liked the supporting characters, including the familiar faces from Alex’s past, because they add warmth and personality without taking over the story. The dialogue feels grounded, and the pacing stays steady all the way through.
This is a strong second entry in the series, well plotted and genuinely engaging. If you enjoy intelligent mysteries with a solid sense of place and a capable detective, this one delivers.
Alexandra Raven is a strong female lead character. She’s practical, sharp, and willing to go where the police won’t. What starts as a missing person case quickly turns complicated, pulling her into espionage, old wartime wounds, and people who aren’t what they first appear to be. The twists come naturally, and the stakes rise in a way that keeps you turning pages. I especially liked the supporting characters, including the familiar faces from Alex’s past, because they add warmth and personality without taking over the story. The dialogue feels grounded, and the pacing stays steady all the way through.
This is a strong second entry in the series, well plotted and genuinely engaging. If you enjoy intelligent mysteries with a solid sense of place and a capable detective, this one delivers.
January 6, 2026
When an ordinary receptionist for an organisation specialising in tracking down war criminals from World War 2 disappears under mysterious circumstances the case becomes extraordinarily treacherous for Alex and can have far reaching consequences for the whole. As Alex tries to find the woman she is plunged into a shadowy world of espionage, murder, racism, and intrigue. Nothing is what it seems and everyone has a game and an angle to play. The question is, is Alex being played and by whom? This was a genuinely gripping read with the author’s signature fast paced writing style. I enjoyed the clever way that historical elements were applied to the story and admire the author’s obvious research and attention to detail. The description of the scenes and politics of the era made me feel I was actually there. Out of the two Alexandra Raven Mysteries this one is my favourite so far and I felt it story flowed better than the first book. Judging by the back matter there is a third book on the way and I am looking forward to it.
December 1, 2025
This is the second episode in the new Alexandra Raven Mystery Series and it is a complex and emotional story with plot twists.
The story is set in post war London in 1950 and opens with private investigator Alexandra being asked to look into the sudden disappearance of Anna Blau, a young girl employed in a firm who work to track down Nazi war criminals in Britain.
As Alexandra works on this new case, she finds that another worker, colleague of Anna, has also disappeared and that the case is mixed up with yet another disappearance, this time of Natalia Popov.
As the novel develops, other agencies and agents become involved and Alexandra has to dig deeper and risk extreme situations in order to make progress on her case.
Very readable and hard to put down.
The story is set in post war London in 1950 and opens with private investigator Alexandra being asked to look into the sudden disappearance of Anna Blau, a young girl employed in a firm who work to track down Nazi war criminals in Britain.
As Alexandra works on this new case, she finds that another worker, colleague of Anna, has also disappeared and that the case is mixed up with yet another disappearance, this time of Natalia Popov.
As the novel develops, other agencies and agents become involved and Alexandra has to dig deeper and risk extreme situations in order to make progress on her case.
Very readable and hard to put down.
January 8, 2026
I have read both novels in this series, and I now look forward to the next. I particularly like the fact that they are set in the 1950s; the author’s extensive knowledge of London and his talent for description bring alive the bombed-out ruins in the city following the end of the war. The two novels are similar in style, and I enjoyed returning to some of the now familiar, colourful characters. Alex Raven, the main character, has her work cut out to solve the mystery of a missing Jewish girl and a dead boy, and she must negotiate a web of deception, lies and danger that involves many twists and turns. I found I had to concentrate to cope with the intricate plot, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
January 25, 2026
Fantastic
This is not the first book I've read by this author, but I think it might just be my favourite so far.
A dark mystery set in post war London with thriller, suspense and twists to keep the reader completely enthralled.
Alexandra Raven has taken over her father's business as a private Investigator and has a colourful past. Both useful and resourceful, her job is to investigate the disappearance of Anna Blau after she disappears mysteriously on her way home from work. Fantastic characters and expert story telling made this a highly enjoyable read packing more of a punch than I expected, and I will definitely pick up the first in the series soon Death In Soho. I hope Saywack plans more adventures for Alexandra Raven because I cant wait for the next one!
This is not the first book I've read by this author, but I think it might just be my favourite so far.
A dark mystery set in post war London with thriller, suspense and twists to keep the reader completely enthralled.
Alexandra Raven has taken over her father's business as a private Investigator and has a colourful past. Both useful and resourceful, her job is to investigate the disappearance of Anna Blau after she disappears mysteriously on her way home from work. Fantastic characters and expert story telling made this a highly enjoyable read packing more of a punch than I expected, and I will definitely pick up the first in the series soon Death In Soho. I hope Saywack plans more adventures for Alexandra Raven because I cant wait for the next one!
December 2, 2025
The setting is 1950s London. When private investigator Alex Raven is asked to find the missing secretary of a Jewish organisation searching for nazi war criminals she uncovers a web of deceit inhabited by fascist thugs, corrupt Special Branch officers, and MI5 agents running a lucrative side trade in stolen secrets.
This is the second book of the Alexandra Raven mysteries and it is a cracker, reminiscent of the cold war spy stories from the likes of John le Carré and Robert Ludlum. I had not read the first book in this series when I read this, but that wasn’t a problem, as this is a brilliant stand alone story that keeps the reader enthralled throughout.
This is the second book of the Alexandra Raven mysteries and it is a cracker, reminiscent of the cold war spy stories from the likes of John le Carré and Robert Ludlum. I had not read the first book in this series when I read this, but that wasn’t a problem, as this is a brilliant stand alone story that keeps the reader enthralled throughout.
December 4, 2025
A masterpiece!
This is a fantastic piece of writing. I love Shiv Saywack's style of writing, it can only be described as truly beautiful.
A Jewish boy is dead and a Jewish girl is missing, and those you believe to be trustworthy are not. An endearing young man turns out to be a cold-blooded criminal. And with double agents popping up, it's no wonder Alex's head is spinning.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second in the Alexandra Raven Mysteries series, and I look forward to reading the next.
Highest recommendations. If I could give it ten stars, then I would. Great job Mr Saywack!
This is a fantastic piece of writing. I love Shiv Saywack's style of writing, it can only be described as truly beautiful.
A Jewish boy is dead and a Jewish girl is missing, and those you believe to be trustworthy are not. An endearing young man turns out to be a cold-blooded criminal. And with double agents popping up, it's no wonder Alex's head is spinning.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second in the Alexandra Raven Mysteries series, and I look forward to reading the next.
Highest recommendations. If I could give it ten stars, then I would. Great job Mr Saywack!
November 21, 2025
This is a terrific second book in what is already showing up as a great series. Set in 1950, Alex finds herself searching for a missing woman and ending up in the middle of secret investigations and dealings with a Russian scientist, special branch and a whole lot of people whose motive is quite unclear.
I loved the whole cloak and dagger side of things and not knowing who was really who or what everyone's true intentions were. Alex is no shrinking violet and this makes for a fully riveting read where she really holds her own throughout. I'm already looking forward to the third book.
I loved the whole cloak and dagger side of things and not knowing who was really who or what everyone's true intentions were. Alex is no shrinking violet and this makes for a fully riveting read where she really holds her own throughout. I'm already looking forward to the third book.
December 2, 2025
Loved this book! I didn’t realise it was second in a series and have now bought the first! It centres around a female private detective in a world not so far back in time when women were patronised, mansplained to and not really expected to have a career, especially one as unladylike as this. The main character is Alex and you’ll be rooting for her from the beginning, she gives as good as she gets, refuses to be put down or allow others to condescend to her …. And solves the crime! What more could you want? A great read.
January 29, 2026
Well-written and well-researched, Death on the Thames will transport you deep into the heart of 1950's London.
In a time when woman are rarely detectives, Alexandra Raven has inherited her father's investigative agency. But she's not going to let others' chauvinism in the field deter her.
Through obstacles, obfuscation and even assault, she demonstrates grit and smarts to untangle a deepening mystery.
Shiv Saywack has crafted a satisfying tale in the world of espionage. 5-stars!
In a time when woman are rarely detectives, Alexandra Raven has inherited her father's investigative agency. But she's not going to let others' chauvinism in the field deter her.
Through obstacles, obfuscation and even assault, she demonstrates grit and smarts to untangle a deepening mystery.
Shiv Saywack has crafted a satisfying tale in the world of espionage. 5-stars!
December 2, 2025
This story is set just after the end of WW2 and is well described. The heroine, Alex, has a backstory which is left to your imagination. She is involved with tracing a missing person and the story has many threads which keep you guessing throughout. A well written tale which held me to the end.
I was given this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review which this is.
I was given this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review which this is.
December 2, 2025
Death on the Thames. Postwar London, bodies are found, people are missing, are the two connected? A convoluted (in a good way) and intriguing tale of spying, politics and revenge. A great read right to the epic finale.
December 2, 2025
Excellent mystery from an author who was new to me. One of my favorite reads of the year! Thank you, Joffe Books, for introducing me to this author! I received an ARC from the publisher and enjoyed it very much. Outstanding thriller!
December 16, 2025
April 1950 Alexandre Raven is employed to find Anna Blau, secretary at Goel Hadam. Friend and co-worker Saul Greenberg also wen missing the same time. But what of the missing Russian scientist Natalia Popov.
An entertaining historical mystery
An entertaining historical mystery
January 26, 2026
Maybe it’s British riders but I don’t care for this author. There’s unnecessary detail, there’s way too many characters to keep track of. Lots are very convoluted and it does not make for an easy read.
December 2, 2025
A riveting read. PLENTY of twists and turns.
December 16, 2025
Interesting novel with lots of twists and turns
January 14, 2026
Dark, Gritty, and Uncomfortably Real
This novel pulls you straight into postwar London and refuses to let go. The atmosphere is thick with fear, corruption, and moral rot, and the mystery unfolds with a steady, relentless tension. Alexandra Raven is a compelling lead, driven, flawed, and brave in a way that feels earned. The way real historical elements blend with espionage makes the danger feel disturbingly plausible.
This novel pulls you straight into postwar London and refuses to let go. The atmosphere is thick with fear, corruption, and moral rot, and the mystery unfolds with a steady, relentless tension. Alexandra Raven is a compelling lead, driven, flawed, and brave in a way that feels earned. The way real historical elements blend with espionage makes the danger feel disturbingly plausible.
December 2, 2025
Twists, Deception, and Brilliant Storytelling
Shiv Saywack’s Death on the Thames is a superbly constructed historical thriller that captures the mood of post-war Britain with precision and flair. Set in 1950, when the country is still struggling with the aftermath of conflict and the rise of extremist groups, the novel creates a vivid and unsettling atmosphere.
Alex Raven, an intelligent and determined protagonist, is quickly drawn into an MI5 conspiracy that blurs the lines between friend and foe. Saywack’s plotting is intricate and full of red herrings, and the sense of danger builds steadily as Alex realises she’s being manipulated at every turn.
The writing is sharp and immersive, the pace accelerates beautifully, and the characters feel real and layered. It’s both a tense spy drama and a thoughtful exploration of loyalty and truth.
This is the second book in the Alex Raven series, and it’s every bit as compelling as the first. A fantastic read for anyone who loves intelligent, twist-filled mysteries.
Shiv Saywack’s Death on the Thames is a superbly constructed historical thriller that captures the mood of post-war Britain with precision and flair. Set in 1950, when the country is still struggling with the aftermath of conflict and the rise of extremist groups, the novel creates a vivid and unsettling atmosphere.
Alex Raven, an intelligent and determined protagonist, is quickly drawn into an MI5 conspiracy that blurs the lines between friend and foe. Saywack’s plotting is intricate and full of red herrings, and the sense of danger builds steadily as Alex realises she’s being manipulated at every turn.
The writing is sharp and immersive, the pace accelerates beautifully, and the characters feel real and layered. It’s both a tense spy drama and a thoughtful exploration of loyalty and truth.
This is the second book in the Alex Raven series, and it’s every bit as compelling as the first. A fantastic read for anyone who loves intelligent, twist-filled mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews