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Crow Investigations #2
The Silver Mark
London is Lydia Crow’s city so when a man is found hanged under Blackfriars Bridge, she takes it personally.
Driven by her desire to improve her fledgling P.I. skills and an innate sense of justice, Lydia investigates. Even when it seems as if the Silver Family might be involved, Lydia refuses to back down.
The Silver Family, who run the finest law firm in London, have a gift for persuasion. In the Bad Old Days it was said they could make a man jump off a roof by convincing him he could fly. But that's all in the past… Isn’t it?
Everybody wants something from Lydia: Her Uncle Charlie wants her to join the infamous Family Business, her ghostly flatmate wants her to test her power, DCI Fleet wants a relationship, and the Silver Family want her to keep her nose out.
Trouble is, Lydia has never been much good at taking orders. And London in a heatwave is a dangerous place to be...
The Silver Mark is the second instalment in Crow Investigations, an exciting paranormal mystery series from bestselling author of magical fiction, Sarah Painter.
‘My favourite new urban fantasy series, clever and twisty and deliciously magical.’ Stephanie Burgis, author of Snowspelled
Driven by her desire to improve her fledgling P.I. skills and an innate sense of justice, Lydia investigates. Even when it seems as if the Silver Family might be involved, Lydia refuses to back down.
The Silver Family, who run the finest law firm in London, have a gift for persuasion. In the Bad Old Days it was said they could make a man jump off a roof by convincing him he could fly. But that's all in the past… Isn’t it?
Everybody wants something from Lydia: Her Uncle Charlie wants her to join the infamous Family Business, her ghostly flatmate wants her to test her power, DCI Fleet wants a relationship, and the Silver Family want her to keep her nose out.
Trouble is, Lydia has never been much good at taking orders. And London in a heatwave is a dangerous place to be...
The Silver Mark is the second instalment in Crow Investigations, an exciting paranormal mystery series from bestselling author of magical fiction, Sarah Painter.
‘My favourite new urban fantasy series, clever and twisty and deliciously magical.’ Stephanie Burgis, author of Snowspelled
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2019
668 people are currently reading
1027 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Painter
55 books893 followersSarah Painter is the author of the bestselling magical novel, The Language of Spells, and its follow-up, The Secrets of Ghosts.
She has written 'book club' fiction with atmospheric settings and historical elements (In The Light of What We See and Beneath The Water), and a 'wonderfully dark and twisty' supernatural thriller, The Lost Girls.
Sarah's latest venture is an exciting new urban fantasy series, Crow Investigations. Yes, she finds it hard to stick to one genre!
Before writing books, Sarah Painter worked as a freelance magazine journalist, blogger and editor, combining this 'career' with amateur child-wrangling (AKA motherhood).
Sarah lives in rural Scotland with her husband and children. She drinks too much tea, loves the work of Joss Whedon, and is the proud owner of a writing shed.
She has written 'book club' fiction with atmospheric settings and historical elements (In The Light of What We See and Beneath The Water), and a 'wonderfully dark and twisty' supernatural thriller, The Lost Girls.
Sarah's latest venture is an exciting new urban fantasy series, Crow Investigations. Yes, she finds it hard to stick to one genre!
Before writing books, Sarah Painter worked as a freelance magazine journalist, blogger and editor, combining this 'career' with amateur child-wrangling (AKA motherhood).
Sarah lives in rural Scotland with her husband and children. She drinks too much tea, loves the work of Joss Whedon, and is the proud owner of a writing shed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
August 7, 2019
I really want to like this book more than I did - I think that the author has built a good mystery that I want to know more about (the Families and magic) but there are just so many things that just don’t ring true.
The main character seems truly stupid at times - she couldn’t navigate her way through a shoe store with a map. Her never ending ‘guilt’ at not being a good friend is ridiculous given she has just started a business and everyone knows how hard that is. Her relationship with Charlie doesn’t make sense either. And as to why Fleet is willing to repeatedly risk his career for her - who the hell knows.
Also the actual cases make no sense and there’s no sense of closure on any. Even things like her dreams and the omens she’s getting- absolutely no explanation.
I just feel frustrated because there is a lot of promise here.
The main character seems truly stupid at times - she couldn’t navigate her way through a shoe store with a map. Her never ending ‘guilt’ at not being a good friend is ridiculous given she has just started a business and everyone knows how hard that is. Her relationship with Charlie doesn’t make sense either. And as to why Fleet is willing to repeatedly risk his career for her - who the hell knows.
Also the actual cases make no sense and there’s no sense of closure on any. Even things like her dreams and the omens she’s getting- absolutely no explanation.
I just feel frustrated because there is a lot of promise here.
October 18, 2020
I'm pandemic-reading urban paranormal, and this series popped up on my suggested list. I read the first in the series, and was willing to give some of the character development a pass - it's the first in a series, after all, and maybe we'll see the main character, Lydia Crow, develop more.
Nope.
Once again, our Lydia is faced with telling the truth about her magical abilities - and decides not to, even as she berates the people around her for not being more communicative and truthful. Her on-again, off-again relationship with DCI Fleet is cringe-worthy, as she repeatedly tells us she can't tell him the truth, then calls him for favors, then rejects him. (and once again, our description of Fleet is that he's "sexy" and "hot" but not actually anything that tells us what he looks like).
This was the book that made me ponder reading Lydia Crow as a psychopath, rather than a relatable protagonist. Her relationships are only convenient, her decision making is entirely self-centered, and she believes the people in her life are there only to help her or get in her way. I was especially heartbroken for the ghost who lives with her - a man whose form gets stronger when Lydia is around, and would like to know how and why - wouldn't you? - and yet she never seems to understand that this is a matter of caring about another being and she should put some thought and care into it.
Once again, lots of nice bits of what a magical London might look like. But the protagonist is quickly losing any of my sympathy.
Nope.
Once again, our Lydia is faced with telling the truth about her magical abilities - and decides not to, even as she berates the people around her for not being more communicative and truthful. Her on-again, off-again relationship with DCI Fleet is cringe-worthy, as she repeatedly tells us she can't tell him the truth, then calls him for favors, then rejects him. (and once again, our description of Fleet is that he's "sexy" and "hot" but not actually anything that tells us what he looks like).
This was the book that made me ponder reading Lydia Crow as a psychopath, rather than a relatable protagonist. Her relationships are only convenient, her decision making is entirely self-centered, and she believes the people in her life are there only to help her or get in her way. I was especially heartbroken for the ghost who lives with her - a man whose form gets stronger when Lydia is around, and would like to know how and why - wouldn't you? - and yet she never seems to understand that this is a matter of caring about another being and she should put some thought and care into it.
Once again, lots of nice bits of what a magical London might look like. But the protagonist is quickly losing any of my sympathy.
September 22, 2020
We got a murder mystery!
Still feeling the magic and mystery we got going on- but the romance has unfortunately continued to be very... milquetoast.
Still feeling the magic and mystery we got going on- but the romance has unfortunately continued to be very... milquetoast.
May 19, 2021
Really enjoying this London based Urban Fantasy!
April 20, 2021
4 stars★★★★
Crow Investigations series:
✿ The Night Raven ★★★
✿ The Silver Mark★★★★
✿ The Fox's Curse ★★
Binged and loved it
I couldn’t put it down. I had to know who did what and why and that’s a testament of a great book. I bought the book t 11:30pm and I stayed up until I finished it at 3:30am. I love the world, the magic, the mystery of the families and Lydia’s magic. Fleet is a dreamboat and I want a friend who’s a ghost.
I just wish it was longer and had faster character development with Lydia in regards to her magical abilities because I’m impatient and need to know.
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May 27, 2025
I enjoyed the continuation of this series. The magic still seems a bit understated but I have a feeling it’s going to become a larger part of things as the series goes on. I like that Lydia Crow seems a bit lost in how all the magical families interact and how things work because she was brought up away from all of these things. It makes the reader feel like we are learning as she learns. Jason is an interesting twist and I wonder what his whole story is and when we are going to find out. I also like DCI Fleet and his tenacity.
September 18, 2020
Very good, book 2 in this series, looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
January 16, 2020
I often read Y/A fiction and wonder why the 17-year-old female lead seems to be actually around 32 in the way she behaves and her reactions to the world around her. Here, it is the other way around as our heroine, Lydia, is in her mid to late 20s and comes across as a 17-year-old spoiled brat. However, apparently I am still reading. Though that could be because I have Anna Karenina lined up next…
April 3, 2021
These are great. A very interesting world to just slide into and lose yourself in.
April 30, 2020
It took a while to get going but it got there. There was still a couple of grammar errors but less so than in the first. Also I'm glad the repitition got dialed down; how many times do we have to have a full explanation of who Jason is in the first few chapters?
Other than that, it was great to watch Lydia's mind work at connecting the dots. As the reader you're not given any more information than she is so you get to guess along with her. The world of London which the families occupy is slowly beeing revelaed as we find out more about the Silvers, as well as Lydia's own power.
Once you get passed the errors and repitition it was an enjoyable plot, but 300 pages felt too short for me to fully enjoy it.
Other than that, it was great to watch Lydia's mind work at connecting the dots. As the reader you're not given any more information than she is so you get to guess along with her. The world of London which the families occupy is slowly beeing revelaed as we find out more about the Silvers, as well as Lydia's own power.
Once you get passed the errors and repitition it was an enjoyable plot, but 300 pages felt too short for me to fully enjoy it.
January 31, 2021
Well okay, this wasn’t that bad. The compelling world of magical mob families gets detailed a bit, which was quite fine. The mystery- wasn’t much of a mystery but still, murder and shit. She absolutely fails in building the sexual tension with DCI Fleet, which is my biggest complaint regarding this book. There you have a great, beautiful guy who falls over himself to be around Lydia; a genuine reason to be weary of an open relationship with him - and still the whole thing comes off lukewarm. A missed opportunity to be sure.
The most compelling storyline: her dreams about Maddie and the insistence of flying was not explored to the end but I hope it gets done in the next book. Overall, much better than the first book, I’m glad I didn’t bail and the excellent premise sucked me back in.
The most compelling storyline: her dreams about Maddie and the insistence of flying was not explored to the end but I hope it gets done in the next book. Overall, much better than the first book, I’m glad I didn’t bail and the excellent premise sucked me back in.
March 31, 2024
Audiobook read by Kate Rawson.
Lydia Crow, a daughter of the notorious magical Crow family has set up her own private detective agency in the flat above her uncle Charlie's cafe, the Fork, complete with its resident ghost, Jason. Fed up with taking infidelity cases she decides to investigate a particularly public murder - a man found hanged under Blackfriars Bridge with bricks in his pockets) . This leads her into conflict with the Silver family - one of the four magical fsmilies of London and the owners of a prestigious law firm. Her police contact, DCI Fleet, has become a lot more than that, and information goes in both directions. A second murder complicates the first investigation, but solving it is going to cause trouble in the Families.
Lydia Crow, a daughter of the notorious magical Crow family has set up her own private detective agency in the flat above her uncle Charlie's cafe, the Fork, complete with its resident ghost, Jason. Fed up with taking infidelity cases she decides to investigate a particularly public murder - a man found hanged under Blackfriars Bridge with bricks in his pockets) . This leads her into conflict with the Silver family - one of the four magical fsmilies of London and the owners of a prestigious law firm. Her police contact, DCI Fleet, has become a lot more than that, and information goes in both directions. A second murder complicates the first investigation, but solving it is going to cause trouble in the Families.
October 10, 2025
Un misterio ligero en un Londres cuyo submundo es dominado por unos linajes sobrenaturales. Lydia es la hija de la oveja negra de su familia criminal, que quiso separarla de ese mundo por su bien. Pero ella, bien terca, acaba metiéndose solita de lleno cuando su carrera como investigadora privada encuentra problemas en Escocia.
Un asesinato desenmascara una conspiración de la hija de una de las Familia, cuyos poderes pasados les dieron un gran poder aunque en el presente estén de capa caída. Pero parecen estar regresando...
Es una novela ágil, con un misterio interesante. Esta vez mucho más entrelazado con las familias sobrenaturales para empezar a profundizar en ellas.
Los personajes tienen interacciones más complejas. Fluyen las conversaciones y la voz de la narradora funciona bien.
Son lecturas fáciles pero agradecidas.
Un asesinato desenmascara una conspiración de la hija de una de las Familia, cuyos poderes pasados les dieron un gran poder aunque en el presente estén de capa caída. Pero parecen estar regresando...
Es una novela ágil, con un misterio interesante. Esta vez mucho más entrelazado con las familias sobrenaturales para empezar a profundizar en ellas.
Los personajes tienen interacciones más complejas. Fluyen las conversaciones y la voz de la narradora funciona bien.
Son lecturas fáciles pero agradecidas.
February 6, 2021
This is the second book in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Don't get me wrong, it isn't literary genius that will set the world on fire but it's a wonderful easy read with some mystery, a hint of ghosts and a glimmer of magic. I find myself wanting to read on which is really refreshing.
A lot of people don't like the character as she's a bit of a selfish pain at times. Well, those people must be perfect citizens because I feel we've all been in the position of not knowing what we want, being emotionally closed off and having family dramas.
I simply enjoyed it, and will be continuing on with book 3 to see what happens...
A lot of people don't like the character as she's a bit of a selfish pain at times. Well, those people must be perfect citizens because I feel we've all been in the position of not knowing what we want, being emotionally closed off and having family dramas.
I simply enjoyed it, and will be continuing on with book 3 to see what happens...
April 23, 2020
Really enjoyed this second in series book.
The main. Characters are developed more and are all interesting with their own mysteries and quirks and depth.
Cant wIt to read more.
The main. Characters are developed more and are all interesting with their own mysteries and quirks and depth.
Cant wIt to read more.
May 21, 2024
Good story. Ended on a cliff hanger.
January 30, 2020
Loved it. This is a very cool series. I recommend it if you enjoy detective stories and the occult.
May 22, 2019
Very Readable
Format: Kindle Edition
The Silver Mark captured my attention right from the start. The portrayal of protagonist Lydia Crow, a 'freshly minted' P. I., presents her as an authentic and relatable young lady with a strong sense of justice. I particularly enjoyed both the thread of humour that runs through the story, and the detailed urban setting.
I read it as a stand-alone novel but enjoyed it so much that I will definitely be reading the 1st book in the series.
I read this book after receiving a copy from the author but the review above is my unbiased opinion
Format: Kindle Edition
The Silver Mark captured my attention right from the start. The portrayal of protagonist Lydia Crow, a 'freshly minted' P. I., presents her as an authentic and relatable young lady with a strong sense of justice. I particularly enjoyed both the thread of humour that runs through the story, and the detailed urban setting.
I read it as a stand-alone novel but enjoyed it so much that I will definitely be reading the 1st book in the series.
I read this book after receiving a copy from the author but the review above is my unbiased opinion
May 16, 2021
I went straight into this great 2nd in the series and was not disappointed.
January 25, 2021
Here I wanted to give 2,5 stars. The thing is, it's an okay read. But not long in the book I suddenly found myself wondering if this is Young Adult or Adult fiction and that feeling remained throughout the book and got even stronger towards the end.
There is a lot of repetition in the main character's behaviour that became a bit boring, a bit 'flat'. She becomes so predictable. And what I missed in the story, was suspense and a climax, a catharsis. The plot was unravelled like a river flows. Before I knew it, the moment had passed. And lastly I found myself annoyed by the still very stereotypical female role of the main character. She's supposed to be all that tough taking care of herself, but between the lines she depends heavily on two male saviors. What a missed opportunity! It would have been more than lovely to see the female protagonist firmly on her own two feet.
So, is it a bad book? No. But it is far from mindblowing. I'd read this on a beach or by the side of the pool. The story just didn't feel that compelling.
There is a lot of repetition in the main character's behaviour that became a bit boring, a bit 'flat'. She becomes so predictable. And what I missed in the story, was suspense and a climax, a catharsis. The plot was unravelled like a river flows. Before I knew it, the moment had passed. And lastly I found myself annoyed by the still very stereotypical female role of the main character. She's supposed to be all that tough taking care of herself, but between the lines she depends heavily on two male saviors. What a missed opportunity! It would have been more than lovely to see the female protagonist firmly on her own two feet.
So, is it a bad book? No. But it is far from mindblowing. I'd read this on a beach or by the side of the pool. The story just didn't feel that compelling.
July 13, 2024
I started this series a few years ago, and decided to give it another shot. It looks like something I'd love. Instead, I abandoned the audiobook at 81%.
Why? The writing style was very good. The universe was very intriguing. But the main character, Lydia, was so immature and her behavior and the resulting actions so improbably that I just couldn't continue.
Lydia has a ghost in her apartment who is getting progressively more solid. He saves her life a couple of times. He wants her to work with him to find his boundaries. But Lydia's too busy, doing what, we don't know.
Lydia has a boyfriend, a DCI, who she keeps putting off with a "no we shouldn't" attitude, which is so silly in a grown-ass woman. She treats him like shit.
Lydia has an ex, who keeps trying to send her business, but she records herself setting his envelope of information on fire. Why? Wouldn't a new PI want to build bridges, get informants, make a living? It makes no sense. He's your ex, get over it.
Lydia is a terrible PI. She trails one client's wife on a suspicion of infidelity, finds out she's being treated for cancer, which explains her absences, and instead of calling her client, just blows the whole case off to investigate a random murder she read about in the paper.
Lydia has a free apartment from her uncle, but she won't do anything in return for him without a favor. She also steals from the café.
She interviews a lawyer and gives her shit about providing defense for thugs. What kind of P.I. doesn't believe in due process? I'd say she was childish, but since most children can understand this level of ethics, I'd be insulting children.
I got to the point where her boyfriend DCI shares autopsy results with her and she says "so definitely not a suicide." The victim's throat was cut; no one thought it was suicide, you moron.
Maybe future books in the series are better, maybe Lydia grows up, but life's too short to find out.
Why? The writing style was very good. The universe was very intriguing. But the main character, Lydia, was so immature and her behavior and the resulting actions so improbably that I just couldn't continue.
Lydia has a ghost in her apartment who is getting progressively more solid. He saves her life a couple of times. He wants her to work with him to find his boundaries. But Lydia's too busy, doing what, we don't know.
Lydia has a boyfriend, a DCI, who she keeps putting off with a "no we shouldn't" attitude, which is so silly in a grown-ass woman. She treats him like shit.
Lydia has an ex, who keeps trying to send her business, but she records herself setting his envelope of information on fire. Why? Wouldn't a new PI want to build bridges, get informants, make a living? It makes no sense. He's your ex, get over it.
Lydia is a terrible PI. She trails one client's wife on a suspicion of infidelity, finds out she's being treated for cancer, which explains her absences, and instead of calling her client, just blows the whole case off to investigate a random murder she read about in the paper.
Lydia has a free apartment from her uncle, but she won't do anything in return for him without a favor. She also steals from the café.
She interviews a lawyer and gives her shit about providing defense for thugs. What kind of P.I. doesn't believe in due process? I'd say she was childish, but since most children can understand this level of ethics, I'd be insulting children.
I got to the point where her boyfriend DCI shares autopsy results with her and she says "so definitely not a suicide." The victim's throat was cut; no one thought it was suicide, you moron.
Maybe future books in the series are better, maybe Lydia grows up, but life's too short to find out.
June 26, 2022
The mystery half of this story is weak. Lydia hits up potential key figures in the grand tradition of hardboiled detectives, with I am not clear what kind of confidence. She had one year of training as honey trap, and was kept away from the darker side of her Family business. From which aspect of her history sprang this ability to go confront first, the princess of the Silvers, and then, the king? This book could have been the one to detail her journey transition, gaining experience and learning how the tricks of the trade work in the real world. Instead, she's an insta-PI.
On the other hand, her private life is proceeding at the speed of molasses. Honestly not sure why her Uncle Charlie and Fleet constantly indulge her favor-asking, apart from Fleet's insta-love. Meanwhile, her ghost roommate is growing in solidity, can make her coffee easily now, and draw equations on walls. Did the story end on a hint that they might have feelings for one another? Please no.
Sigh, these self ego-stroking tropes of urban fantasy is hard to take.
Despite these criticisms, I enjoyed the book very much, due to Painter's writing abilities, the slowly enfolding mystery of what magic looks like in this world, as well as the good impression and story potential carried over from Book 1. However, these are worrying signs of what's to come. I really hope these books will not fall into urban fantasy cliche and can stand on their own as a unique series.
Onto Book 3.
On the other hand, her private life is proceeding at the speed of molasses. Honestly not sure why her Uncle Charlie and Fleet constantly indulge her favor-asking, apart from Fleet's insta-love. Meanwhile, her ghost roommate is growing in solidity, can make her coffee easily now, and draw equations on walls. Did the story end on a hint that they might have feelings for one another? Please no.
Sigh, these self ego-stroking tropes of urban fantasy is hard to take.
Despite these criticisms, I enjoyed the book very much, due to Painter's writing abilities, the slowly enfolding mystery of what magic looks like in this world, as well as the good impression and story potential carried over from Book 1. However, these are worrying signs of what's to come. I really hope these books will not fall into urban fantasy cliche and can stand on their own as a unique series.
Onto Book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2019
Deeply unsatisfying. It had all the promise of a murder mystery with none of the delivery. It feels like it just spun it's wheels and never moved forward. No promises to readers were fulfilled, no questions answered. The WORST type of ending where everything is just told in a dump paragraph instead of leading the reader on a path of discovery. The first book gave me hope for this series but this one was just a massive let down. Lydia didn't evolve as a character. The story was entirely too neat and so many opportunities for intrigue were missed.
July 26, 2019
I hate cliffhanging endings
The story is intriguing and unique. This.
Is the second book in the series and developed well from the first. However the authors thinly veiled commercial hook for a third book is not appreciated
The story is intriguing and unique. This.
Is the second book in the series and developed well from the first. However the authors thinly veiled commercial hook for a third book is not appreciated
October 14, 2022
Paws: 3
Keywords: PI, magic, magic families, crimes, romance, family relationships
In short A solid story about magical families, a murder mystery among other smaller crimes that the audience solves with the main character, all alongside a dash of romance and family drama.
Full review:
The silver mark by Sarah painter is the second book in her crow investigates series and although a good read with some character progression and a few sprinkles of story elements that will be developed in book three, The foxes curse, book two definitely struggles with second book syndrome in places.
To start the book does begin very slowly and it takes good chunk of the book to get into the meat of the main crime case and although there is some character development and story development with Jason I felt there needed just be a little be more to make things a bit more of a captivating read, this would had enlighten reader while still giving them something to learn in further books. This also could have been done with the scene between Lydia and her family, after book one made such a strong feature of them it would have felt more natural for her to inquire more or try and push more to see them despite her magic seeming to have a negative effect.
The one other flaw that slightly bugged me is how quickly the ending was wrapped up without fully finishing the picture for the audience, if Lydia was so desperate to find out why this person was murder it came across very unnatural for her suddenly not cared about some of the key details of the case.
Otherwise despite these flaws I did still enjoy the story and learning more about Lydia’s magic and being introduced into more of the magic families, the characters are fully 3D and lifelike even if I don’t also agree with their decision making and the mysteries she investigates are enticing enough that you want to solve them along side Lydia and the ending does perfectly set you up to drive straight into book three. Although a little rough around the edges this is a good read and I think book three has lots of potential to be a four star read if not more, if the tidbits we are given in book two are fully developed.
Keywords: PI, magic, magic families, crimes, romance, family relationships
In short A solid story about magical families, a murder mystery among other smaller crimes that the audience solves with the main character, all alongside a dash of romance and family drama.
Full review:
The silver mark by Sarah painter is the second book in her crow investigates series and although a good read with some character progression and a few sprinkles of story elements that will be developed in book three, The foxes curse, book two definitely struggles with second book syndrome in places.
To start the book does begin very slowly and it takes good chunk of the book to get into the meat of the main crime case and although there is some character development and story development with Jason I felt there needed just be a little be more to make things a bit more of a captivating read, this would had enlighten reader while still giving them something to learn in further books. This also could have been done with the scene between Lydia and her family, after book one made such a strong feature of them it would have felt more natural for her to inquire more or try and push more to see them despite her magic seeming to have a negative effect.
The one other flaw that slightly bugged me is how quickly the ending was wrapped up without fully finishing the picture for the audience, if Lydia was so desperate to find out why this person was murder it came across very unnatural for her suddenly not cared about some of the key details of the case.
Otherwise despite these flaws I did still enjoy the story and learning more about Lydia’s magic and being introduced into more of the magic families, the characters are fully 3D and lifelike even if I don’t also agree with their decision making and the mysteries she investigates are enticing enough that you want to solve them along side Lydia and the ending does perfectly set you up to drive straight into book three. Although a little rough around the edges this is a good read and I think book three has lots of potential to be a four star read if not more, if the tidbits we are given in book two are fully developed.
July 20, 2019
The second in a series by Sarah Painter, The Silver Mark builds on the world established in The Night Raven where magic exists but is apparently limited to four families, the Foxes, the Pearls, the Silvers and the Crows including the main character, Lydia Crow. Lydia in this novel is building up the private investigations business she began the the previous novel and in her we have a character it is a pleasure to spend time with. Intelligent and confident, with enough vulnerabilities to make her very easy to relate to and sympathise with. Not least in her complicated relationships with friends and family, being a caring daughter, niece and friend but also finding close relationships difficult for varying reasons, including the Crows’ hinted at criminal past.
The way magic is treated in Lydia’s world is interesting. There are no spells, potions or wands here. Instead we are presented with magic more as a talent within the four families and its use is more hinted at throughout the book than explicitly stated. It is also clear than in the area of London the story is set the existence of magic is known to the locals, inasmuch as they know something unusual is in their midst even if they don’t know exactly what that is.
The main plot concerns the apparent suicide of a city worker that is, of course, not that straightforward. It is on the slight side and the conclusion isn’t quite as climactic or satisfying as I would have liked but is, perhaps, more realistic for it. However, there are several subplots, involving the development of Lydia’s business, her relationship with DCI Fleet, her ghostly flatmate, Jason and her own uncovering of her magical abilities that are not as weak as first assumed. These subplots provide additional depth and interest as well as provide nice running threads tying the novels together. Indeed The Silver Mark ends in such a way that sets up, maybe too obviously, for the next installment, which despite the flaws here I will be buying.
The way magic is treated in Lydia’s world is interesting. There are no spells, potions or wands here. Instead we are presented with magic more as a talent within the four families and its use is more hinted at throughout the book than explicitly stated. It is also clear than in the area of London the story is set the existence of magic is known to the locals, inasmuch as they know something unusual is in their midst even if they don’t know exactly what that is.
The main plot concerns the apparent suicide of a city worker that is, of course, not that straightforward. It is on the slight side and the conclusion isn’t quite as climactic or satisfying as I would have liked but is, perhaps, more realistic for it. However, there are several subplots, involving the development of Lydia’s business, her relationship with DCI Fleet, her ghostly flatmate, Jason and her own uncovering of her magical abilities that are not as weak as first assumed. These subplots provide additional depth and interest as well as provide nice running threads tying the novels together. Indeed The Silver Mark ends in such a way that sets up, maybe too obviously, for the next installment, which despite the flaws here I will be buying.
November 27, 2023
Business is slow as Lydia Crow makes a name for herself as a private investigator and therefore she is forced to pick up the cases that require lots of observation and very little excitement: cheating spouses. When a man’s body is found hanging under Blackfriars Bridge, Lydia decides to look into it in order to work on her problem solving skills and to add a little excitement to her days; however, when she discovers that another magical family might be involved, solving the case becomes even more important, and a whole lot more dangerous.
I read the first book in this series a long time ago and I wish I had picked this one up sooner since there were some things that were mentioned in this one that I didn’t quite remember. Overall I’m really enjoying this series. It’s very different from all of the magical cozy mysteries I’ve read. I’m enjoying the setting of present day London with the idea of the four major families though I’m still sorting out the differences between them and their types of magic. The author’s writing style makes these very digestible and it was nice to read this book when I needed a break from more dense and intense fantasy.
I’m growing attached to the small cast of characters. I like how Lydia is a bit of a stoic lone wolf and DCI Fleet is the more jovial, open one of the two. Though the relationship has been very closed door we had a couple of cute moments and I’m intrigued by Fleet’s character and some of the hints we received about him in this book. I’m also obviously a fan of Lydia’s ghost of a roommate.
I deducted one star just because the path towards solving the mystery meandered a bit and was a little confusing. I also wasn’t totally satisfied by the ending. I did enjoy the smaller cases we got to follow Lydia on that kept things interesting. The end did set us up for the next installment which I’ve already ordered and I’m excited to jump back in especially since there was the suggestion of a love triangle. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes a little magic with their mystery!
I read the first book in this series a long time ago and I wish I had picked this one up sooner since there were some things that were mentioned in this one that I didn’t quite remember. Overall I’m really enjoying this series. It’s very different from all of the magical cozy mysteries I’ve read. I’m enjoying the setting of present day London with the idea of the four major families though I’m still sorting out the differences between them and their types of magic. The author’s writing style makes these very digestible and it was nice to read this book when I needed a break from more dense and intense fantasy.
I’m growing attached to the small cast of characters. I like how Lydia is a bit of a stoic lone wolf and DCI Fleet is the more jovial, open one of the two. Though the relationship has been very closed door we had a couple of cute moments and I’m intrigued by Fleet’s character and some of the hints we received about him in this book. I’m also obviously a fan of Lydia’s ghost of a roommate.
I deducted one star just because the path towards solving the mystery meandered a bit and was a little confusing. I also wasn’t totally satisfied by the ending. I did enjoy the smaller cases we got to follow Lydia on that kept things interesting. The end did set us up for the next installment which I’ve already ordered and I’m excited to jump back in especially since there was the suggestion of a love triangle. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes a little magic with their mystery!
August 31, 2020
This is a very intriguing noir mystery series. Lydia Crow is a private investigator who has just opened up her own firm in London. She is also a member of the Crow Family who have magical powers. There are 4 different Families but Lydia's father made a decision to raise her outside of the Family so there is a lot that she doesn't know. Her whole life her parents reported back that she was a magical dud but that was far from the truth.
This book finds Lydia bored and caught up in a summer heatwave in London. She is tired of the cheating cases that seem to be the only ones she is getting, when a murder report in the paper catches her eye. She doesn't know why but she is drawn to the investigation. The more she finds out the deeper she wants to go. She is also trying to figure out her relationship with DCI Fleet. Dating a cop when you are part of a known organized crime family is a tricky business but she is very drawn to him. She also is having issues with her one friend Emma and her Uncle Charlie keeps trying to pull her into the Family business. There is her ghost roommate who seems to become more real with each passing day and her dark dreams that won't let her sleep. Oh, and there are those cheating cases that she still has deal with.
I really like Lydia and how her mind works. I enjoy the world that Ms. Painter has created. It is for sure shades of gray but it is interesting also. The characters are flawed and twisty with no one being entirely bad or good. There is a touch of magic but Lydia still has to use her brains to figure out her cases. I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes from here!
This book finds Lydia bored and caught up in a summer heatwave in London. She is tired of the cheating cases that seem to be the only ones she is getting, when a murder report in the paper catches her eye. She doesn't know why but she is drawn to the investigation. The more she finds out the deeper she wants to go. She is also trying to figure out her relationship with DCI Fleet. Dating a cop when you are part of a known organized crime family is a tricky business but she is very drawn to him. She also is having issues with her one friend Emma and her Uncle Charlie keeps trying to pull her into the Family business. There is her ghost roommate who seems to become more real with each passing day and her dark dreams that won't let her sleep. Oh, and there are those cheating cases that she still has deal with.
I really like Lydia and how her mind works. I enjoy the world that Ms. Painter has created. It is for sure shades of gray but it is interesting also. The characters are flawed and twisty with no one being entirely bad or good. There is a touch of magic but Lydia still has to use her brains to figure out her cases. I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes from here!
September 22, 2019
I started the first book on Friday and then began the second on Saturday and finished it in more or less one sitting they were so gripping and engaging! I really like these books and can’t wait for the the next one in the series.
Lydia is a great heroine, a young woman who hid from her Crow family legacy in Aberdeen where she trained as private investigator before coming back to London and picking up mystery cases. This book continues where Night Raven left off, with more cases to solve that slowly draw her closer to the magic and family mysteries that she and her parents have tried to hide her from. I love the way she slowly learns more about herself and what she can do as she gets more involved in her cases, yet there is still so much left to discover. The relationships she has with her family and particularly her uncle Charlie and cousin Maddie who haunts her dreams, are very complex and all more than a little sinister. There is always a feeling that they know more than her, both about her abilities and her cases but Lydia, like us is kept in the dark, keeping up the tension and sense of disquiet.
Her growing relationship with Detective Ignatius Fleet is also well done with this book keeping the sexual tension high between them but also allowing some really moving scenes showing Lydia’s growing trust in him and their mutual affection. Jason the ghost is also a great character and I can’t wait for the next book to see what direction Sarah Painter will take him. A fascinating twist to find out who his fiancée was too! Bring on the next book soon please!
Lydia is a great heroine, a young woman who hid from her Crow family legacy in Aberdeen where she trained as private investigator before coming back to London and picking up mystery cases. This book continues where Night Raven left off, with more cases to solve that slowly draw her closer to the magic and family mysteries that she and her parents have tried to hide her from. I love the way she slowly learns more about herself and what she can do as she gets more involved in her cases, yet there is still so much left to discover. The relationships she has with her family and particularly her uncle Charlie and cousin Maddie who haunts her dreams, are very complex and all more than a little sinister. There is always a feeling that they know more than her, both about her abilities and her cases but Lydia, like us is kept in the dark, keeping up the tension and sense of disquiet.
Her growing relationship with Detective Ignatius Fleet is also well done with this book keeping the sexual tension high between them but also allowing some really moving scenes showing Lydia’s growing trust in him and their mutual affection. Jason the ghost is also a great character and I can’t wait for the next book to see what direction Sarah Painter will take him. A fascinating twist to find out who his fiancée was too! Bring on the next book soon please!
October 5, 2019
Lydia Crow is finding her feet. Her investigation business is getting some clients, her ghostly flatmate Jason is becoming more corporeal every day, and DCI Fleet is making her brick and board book shelves. Her father is still unwell, and her Uncle Charlie is inching her further into the family business… that should be Business with a capital B. He’s already worked out she can ID talents.
She’s learning more about her gifts and the way they work. One of the ways is in hunches; her gut tells her a man who hanged himself from Blackfriars Bridge is something she ought to be looking into. He has no family, an empty luxurious apartment, a job with a secretive firm, and a tenuous link with the Silver family. If she treads on Silver toes, it could upset the balance between the Families. But it won’t let go. And as if a guy with cable ties around his hands and feet and with bricks in his pockets could hang himself?
888
I am really enjoying this series; London urban fantasy is a fave genre. I saw something about the London Silver vaults years ago and thought they were utterly fascinating. She still doesn’t see any ghosts, other than Jason. And I did wonder what happened to the second victim’s dog. Having a cop lover allows her to get info, and her family name will get her a meeting with almost anyone.
Paul Fox, and cousin Maddie are threads that I assume will make a series arc. And the mystery of Jason’s death. [oh now … maybe that’s why he’s the only ghost she can see?]
Points for the witty title.
4 stars
She’s learning more about her gifts and the way they work. One of the ways is in hunches; her gut tells her a man who hanged himself from Blackfriars Bridge is something she ought to be looking into. He has no family, an empty luxurious apartment, a job with a secretive firm, and a tenuous link with the Silver family. If she treads on Silver toes, it could upset the balance between the Families. But it won’t let go. And as if a guy with cable ties around his hands and feet and with bricks in his pockets could hang himself?
888
I am really enjoying this series; London urban fantasy is a fave genre. I saw something about the London Silver vaults years ago and thought they were utterly fascinating. She still doesn’t see any ghosts, other than Jason. And I did wonder what happened to the second victim’s dog. Having a cop lover allows her to get info, and her family name will get her a meeting with almost anyone.
Paul Fox, and cousin Maddie are threads that I assume will make a series arc. And the mystery of Jason’s death. [oh now … maybe that’s why he’s the only ghost she can see?]
Points for the witty title.
4 stars
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