The Uncanny Raven Winston

The Cassie Black Trilogy #2

by Tammie Painter

There's nothing like an evil wizard to ruin a perfectly good trip to London.

Ever have one of those weeks? You've taken an overdose of magic, you've magically melted a twelve-year old, and Magic HQ has just sent a letter "requesting" you come by to discuss your magic control issues.

No? Just me then?

I don't want to go. After all, I've got a boss in a wheelchair (my fault), a cat who demands his treats on schedule, and a strong desire not to get involved in another magical community.

But when someone slips me information tying my parents' disappearance to HQ, I can't pack my bags quickly enough.

I'm soon destroying historical displays, befriending befuddled ghosts, and focusing more on uncovering the truth about my past than on studying. Which, given HQ has a magic test for me that if I fail…well, best not to think about that.

This second book of the Cassie Black Trilogy squeezes you through a magic portal, lodges you in a hidden spot of the Tower of London, and teaches you the real reason Mr. Tenpenny hates those Harry Potter references.

If you like the unforgettable characters, snarky humor, and paranormal mystery of Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London series, and if you’ve ever wondered what those garden gnomes are really up to, you'll love this second book of the Cassie Black Trilogy.

Grab your copy of The Uncanny Raven Winston to lose yourself in this tale of magic mishaps, bone-knitting trolls, and Sacher Torte today.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Audiobook, Mystery, Paranormal, Magic, Fiction

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2021

About the author

THE RAMBLING BIO AND OFFER OF FREE STUFF
Many moons ago I was a scientist in a neuroscience lab where I got to play with brains and illegal drugs. Now, I take wickedly strong tea and turn it into comic fantasy whodunits full of mythical misfits and magical mishaps that I hope give you a giggle.

My tales run the gamut from the ever-expanding  Cassie Black Trilogy with its wryly humorous paranormal mysteries to the comical fantasy whodunits in The Circus of Unusual Creatures , and from light-hearted novellas celebrating my love of books to short fiction in which I really flex my myth-loving and humor-craving muscles!

When I’m not creating worlds or killing off characters, I can be found gardening, planning my next travel adventure, concocting some sort of mess in the kitchen, or working as an unpaid servant to three cats and a guinea pig.

Want to learn more and get free stuff? Then be sure to pop by TammiePainter.com to see everything I'm up to and to grab your free copy of "Mrs. Morris Meets Death," a humorous tale of mortality, time management, cruise ships, and romance novels.



THE QUICK AS YOU CAN STORY BEHIND MY BOOKS...
My fascination for myths, history, and how they interweave inspired my two historical fantasy series, The Osteria Chronicles and my second series, Domna (you can grab your free series starters for those HERE and HERE).

But all those ancient myths and angst-ridden heroes got a bit too serious for someone with a strange sense of humor and odd way of looking at the world. 

So, while sitting at my grandmother’s funeral, my brain came up with an idea for a contemporary fantasy trilogy that’s filled with magic, mystery, snarky humor, and the dead who just won’t stay dead. That idea turned into The Cassie Black Trilogy, which has turned into a fan favorite.

Then, because writer brains are weird, a simple elephant story I had in mind somehow morphed into a "hilarious" cozy fantasy series featuring a detecting dragon. So, if you like comic fantasy whodunits that mix in laughs with murderous mayhem, mythical beasts, and a staggering variety of omelets, you’ll want to check out my Circus of Unusual Creatures mysteries!


IF ALL THAT WASN"T ENOUGH, YOU CAN...
* Sign up for my monthly newsletter to get free stuff, exclusive bargains, and insights into my writing world,
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Reviews

[Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in the series. Unfortunately this one didn’t work that well for me. Cassie is no longer working at the funeral home in Portland. Instead she has been whisked off to London for training. New characters are introduced, and it’s not clear who is really looking out for Cassie’s well-being. Inexplicably, Cassie is put to the test twice- it’s not clear who is insisting she go through this but the consequences of failure are meant to be dire. There’s a cliffhanger ending. I hope things get clarified in the next book.

[Todd Glaeser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great second act and an incredible mix of genres. Comedy, fantasy, rom-com. A change of location, a couple of Harry Potter winks, and an ending that definitely has me waiting for the next book!

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Painter does a good job of bringing the listener up to speed, I recommend listening to this series in the order of its release. You'll want to understand exactly how our mortician assistant ends up with involved in the magical community.

After the events of the Undead Mr. Tenpenny, Cassie is spending more time in the magical community trying to train or get a handle of the power she has. The problem is our snarky, self-doubting protagonist is struggling to contain the power she accidentally harnessed.

Unfortunately, Magical HQ has got wind of her powers and she has been summoned to London for testing. If she fails, she could lose all of her powers. Cassie needs to focus, but she has questions about her parents and isn't sure who to trust. Not to mention a certain evil villain would like his power back. The tale that unfolds was action packed and provided some answers for Cassie, but this tale is far from over.

Cassie frustrated me a little. She really struggles with trust, particularly a handsome Warlock. The two have undeniable chemistry, but fear and trust issues hinder progress. Cassie's cynical snark is more a fail-safe to being hurt and I am hoping we see growth as her confidence grows.

This story has it all. Mystery, mayhem, and plenty of laughter. I loved the London setting and new characters we encounter, particularly Nigel, who tries to be a tour guide but mixes up all the historical facts. Secondary characters, magical battles and plenty of action kept me listening.

Samantha Desz has really captured Cassie's personality, insecurities, and often dry humor. I highly recommend listening to the series. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[BG of RC · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always tough for me to review later installments in a series. I don't want to say too much about previous entries, for fear that someone who hasn't read previous books will stumble upon the review and read spoilers. On the other hand, I can't talk about what happens in this book without referencing the first book, The Undead Mr. Tenpenny.

So, I'll keep spoilers to a minimum, but just say that it's fairly essential to read the first book before you read this one. If you've read it, you'll know what I mean when I say that Cassie Black and her snarky attitude are back in this one. If you enjoyed Cassie's humorous and often cynical POV in Book 1, there's more of it here, only this time transplanted from Portland to the Tower of London, where she has gone to face magical testing... and for another reason, which again, I won't spoil.

My favorite aspect of the new setting is Nigel, the ghostly Yeoman Warder and aspiring tour guide, who continually gets his history of the Tower mixed up in comical ways. Most of the characters from the first book also reappear and develop further, including Cassie's landlord, Morelli; to whom there is more than meets the eye.

I could say more, but I'd be treading into spoiler territory, and I hate to do that for a new series. So let me just leave it at this: if you liked Mr. Tenpenny, you'll like this one too.

[This review is based on an ARC.]

[Sarah]

The newly supercharged but still kind of bumbling Cassie Black is summoned to Magical HQ in the Tower of London to face the test of her life, under the careful watch of a handful of Magics she’s pretty sure she can’t trust, a Norm she really can’t stand, and a forgetful ghost with an insightful avian sidekick. With a nose for magic and as much unearned confidence as she can muster, this unlikely heroine must decide whether to follow team heart or team brain in this charming follow-up to The Undead Mr. Tenpenny. More, please!

[Barbara ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one but not as much as the first. I loved that Cassie was in London but unfortunately she didn't get to see any of it except the Tower of London (from the inside). For some reason Cassie got on my nerves in this one. She doesn't take anything serious and though she has no magic experience thinks she can take on the big baddie. This irritated me as it put her friends right in the thick of things.

I will read the final book as book 2 ended on a cliff hanger. I want to see how Cassie saves the world (because you know she's going to regardless of her ineptitude) and see the condition her parents (if she actually finds them) are after 25 years of magical prison and torture.

[Jonathan Pongratz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original Review at Jaunts & Haunts.

4/5

Cassie's had quite a bit of bad luck since the dead started coming back to life, and after failing to defeat the Mauvais things are more dangerous than ever. She knows he is out there plotting something terrible. So when the HQ of magic summons her to protect all the magic within her, she hops on the chance to find out more about her parents and how to control her wild magic. Can Cassie pull this off, or is she destined for failure?

This was such a fun book! All the great stuff that was in the first one was here, and it was very enjoyable.

First and foremost it was quirky fun with a capital q, and I mean that in the best way!

There were so many great moments in this book. I loved Cassie's perspective and how funny she was. I laughed out loud several times while reading this, which is pretty rare for me (I'm more like those corpses Cassie keeps resurrecting).

Cassie had quite a bit more character progression in this book, and I really loved that. She delved into her magic and the mystery of her parents disappearance, as well as fought some lingering demons that just love to torment her and make her second guess herself. I could totally relate, and I had little trouble shouting from the sidelines for her.

Like the last book, the plot was great! Magic, mystery, mayhem, it's all here, and it was fast paced, my favorite! I think the different setting was a nice departure, and the stakes are so much higher this time around.

To be fair, I'll list some minor quips I had. Like the first book, I felt that sometimes Cassie's perspective could get a little long-winded when she was trying to explain something or make a funny point. At this point, I think it's just my personal preference, so I wouldn't look too deep into it.

There was also the dropping of some information that kind of spoiled the mystery for me near the end a bit earlier than I would've liked. Knowing this I thought Cassie would have possibly put the pieces together a little sooner than she did, but that's just me.

All in all, this book was such a fun rollercoaster ride with Cassie & Co., and I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book 2 of the Cassie Black series, Cassie finds herself heading to the Magic Headquarters in London, where the powers that be hope to better train her so that her out-of-control magic can be contained. Meanwhile, she's determined to learn more about what happened to her parents.

As in book one, Cassie's personality shines as an awkward, socially inept young woman who masks her insecurities and past traumas with sarcasm and distrust. And she has good reason for her trust issues because in the magic world, not everyone is who they seem. The reader, too, isn't sure who to trust, and this uncertainty makes the book a definite page-turner.

Painter is a great world-builder, and her sharp, witty prose delivers a fun ride. I look forward to book 3!

[Bobbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 stars. For me, this was not nearly as enjoyable as the first book. Book one was more fun, while I found book two to be way more serious. And I wish that the narrator would have used different voices as there were many times that I didn’t know who was speaking.
I will most likely read book three, as this one ended on a sort of cliffhanger.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character, Cassie Black, won me over in the first book of this series, and she doesn’t disappoint in this one!!! I love her snarky attitude and dark sense of humor! She has better instincts than she believes.

The mystery definitely continues in Raven Winston. Great suspense, the plot twisted in unexpected and exciting ways throughout! While there is humor intertwined in the storyline, this book delved deeper into Cassie’s emotions, and I felt more connected to her.

The end killed me, such a huge cliffhanger!!! I know it will be worth it though! Bring on Book 3!!!

I was given an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, I could do without the romance, but it's still really good.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars: Cliffhanger alert. So glad the next book is available. Without giving any spoilers, there were a few things about this book that didn’t make sense and/or irritated me. Cassie is great at jumping to conclusions and not thinking things through completely. But overall I really enjoyed it. A nice follow up to the first book. Funny but not quite as much. Nicely narrated on audio.

[richardrpjasper.org · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't finish.

I found the first book problematic given its repeated use of the "we're not going to share with the protagonist information that is common knowledge to the rest of us, " a tactic I find irritating and indicative of lazy writing. The only device I find more detestable is gaslighting and this book reeks of it, to the extent that Cassie winds up gaslighting herself on more than one occasion. Total waste of otherwise potentially engaging characters. El Gato Pablo deserved better.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Judging from the ratings I'd say I'm in a minority here but I don't really think this series is that good. It's not terrible or anything and I will read the 3rd one as I bought all three together and I'd like to know how it concludes, but it seems so slow, with many bits where I know exactly what will happen next and lots of dull stuff with Cassie.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having accidentally overdosed herself on magic, Cassie Black is supercharged to the hilt. Unable to control her power she is causing one disaster after another in Rosaria, so is needless to say nervous when HQ request she goes to London for formal training. it's not a request that she can really say no to. With the threat of the Mauvais hanging over them, and the suggestion that her parents might still be alive somewhere, Cassie struggles to focus on her training, but knows that she is at risk of losing her magic forever if she can't learn control.

Book 2 in the Cassie Black series, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first one. The story picks up right where the first one finishes, with Cassie being given more formal training in how to use her magic now that she has decided to keep it. It doesn't take long before she brings her usual brand of chaos to proceedings though.

I loved that this book was set in London, and the Tower of London no less. I love when authors take well known landmarks like that and give us a hidden magic world inside them, so that was immediately a big tick. Cassie doesn't get to do a lot of exploring around the city, but that didn't bother me, the Tower was enough in itself.

Cassie herself is growing and developing as a character, albeit slowly. She still has trust issues, but that is hardly a surprise given her history. It also means that as readers you aren't sure who to trust because Cassie is so unsure. She does begin to form some solid relationships in this book though, which is good to see. She still has her trademark attitude and snark, and is as clumsy as ever which provides plenty of entertainment.

Whilst there's quite a few new characters in this one, plenty of the characters from the first book play a major part too, so there is a lot of familiarity. We get to learn more about many of them, which suggests they will be around for books to come. We also learn a little more about some of the different types of magical beings in this book, as well as more of how the magical system works, which all helps to build on the world Painter created in the first book.

If there was one thing I could call a drawback in this it's that it ends on a massive cliff hanger. Luckily I already have book 3 lined up ready to read, so am going to jump straight in to it - that's the biggest indicator I can give for how much I'm loving the series!

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you heard the phrase "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you."? In this second book of the Cassie Black trilogy, Cassie has to go to London to have her abilities evaluated at the magical community's HQ. But, for some reason her training keeps being cut shorter than promised and the life or death evaluation keeps being moved up. And she is not sure who she can trust.

Tobey and Busby Tenpenny are with her when she goes from Portland to London, as is Alistair. At HQ in the Tower of London nobody seems to like her sense of humor and are always treating her like she is interfering with their work. Like she wants to be evaluated. They made her go there. She went in part because she believes it will give her an opportunity to track down the Mauvais (French for "Evil one" or "Bad Guy") and find her missing parents.

After catching Alistair in some lies and finding out more about his past history with the Mauvais she doesn't trust him despite her growing attraction to him. Tobey T. is still angry and jealous because he was born without magic and Cassie is indifferent, at best, about keeping hers. Busby T. and the crew from London are keeping her under guard until she is tested to see if her super abilities are a danger to the Magic community and the world at large.

It seems like her only friends are Nigel, a ghostly Yeoman Warder at The Tower, and his sidekick, Winston the Raven. Since Nigel always seems extremely confused about history (He claims there were porpoises in the moat around The Tower) even he can't really be trusted.

I am getting a bit tired of the subplot with Alistair. The whole "I can't believe anything he says and he used to work with the bad guy, but I am falling for him." storyline comes up too often for my tastes. But, I do like that while in London, Cassie's cat Pablo is back in Portland with Lola who keeps sending pictures of Pablo dressed up in and array of costumes. Also, Mr Woods, her mortuary employer keeps sending pictures of more and more elaborate Bacon sandwiches and of his crocheting projects that look like lumps of yarn more than actual projects.

Since the book ends on a cliffhanger, I am looking forward to the last book of this trilogy.

[The Man from DelMonte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is better than the opening volume in the trilogy. The action transfers to the UK and some of my criticism of the parochial nature of the story goes away.
The author seems to have spent some time in the UK (or got a resident to give her some background colour) Countess Grey tea has to be a reference to Empress Grey tea, a very particular brand from a very particular kind of store.
There’s an awful pun (‘tea-lephone’) that rather grates. Possibly the author couldn’t resist it, knowing the English obsession with tea. Still, it stuck out like a sore thumb in the rest of the prose.
Other things aren’t properly thought through. There is a door labelled, ‘Magic Medic’ in the magical section of the Tower. The mages* wouldn’t need to be told that it was for magical injuries - otherwise why is it there? - so the word ‘Magic’ is redundant.
The other characters still call Cassie ‘Black’ when she is already known to be the daughter of the Starlings.
Griping aside, there’s a lot of suspicion flying around and given that Cassie’s confined to the Tower, this ramps up the paranoia nicely. I liked this passage immensely:

I was a little more motivated to get to this training.
"So where do we start?"
"Where you left off with Alastair."
Sexual tension mixed with unrelenting suspicion? No, probably not.

And, overall, I liked it well enough to find out how matters are resolved.

* Sorry, can’t get a grip on practitioners being called Magics. The word for a wielder of magic is ‘mage’, no need to reinvent the wheel

[Rodrigo Llamozas · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Loving this trilogy -- will continue with the third book after a break (going to read other books).

The Cassie Black Magic Universe, or CBMU™, is a really fun, magic, dumb, cozy mystery, fantasy read. I found myself laughing out loud (in my head) from most of her comments (more than from the actual happenings, thus the minus 0.5 stars in the rating).

Painter is a very clever writer, she keeps the story fresh and ingenious, by staying just apart enough from what's expected in a fantasy (not-really-romantasy) book. Great characters, fun story, excellent action, and a smart magical universe.

There's a kind of American-Monty Python vibe to it.

You will want to keep reading (shame it's only a trilogy).

Recommended.

[Kirsten Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie Black's magical adventures continue.
She's only made things worse.
Cassie's training is not going to plan. Her boss has been beaten up and seriously injured by thugs after a magical artifact and her snarky attitude has sorely tested Protland's magical community. So when Cassie is summoned to Magical HQ in London, everyone seems to sigh with relief.
But why would it get better? Cassies ability to jump to conclusions in a single bound, her refusal to follow instructions - or, god forbid a rule - gets her in hotter water than before. Thank goodness for the invisible raven.
A magical romp with plenty of laughs and a heaping helping of snark.

[Claire DM · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, as it drags a bit in the middle, but overall, it's an engaging magical mystery story. Definitely well written and entertaining enough that I'll be finishing the trilogy. I like both the creative spin on the standard magical world, and the unusual protagonist Cassie Black. Recommend for fans of lighter mysteries and fantasy, and Portlandia in all it's real and imaginary quirkiness (though most of this second book is set in/around the Tower of London).

[Jeanne Pocius Dorismond · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Romp Continues

As our heroine continues to learn (and be tested for) her magic, the fun and confusion never end! Who is a friend? Who is an enemy? A frenemy? The mystery continues to grow. And the delicious, sweet goodies! If you've read the first book in the series, you have a good idea of the fun involved. So enjoy this second volume: I'm off to read the third! See you soon...
A+ Bravo!

[Farhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4.5/5. Superb sequel to the first one.. The Undead Mr. Tenpenny. The Uncanny Raven picks off where Undead Mr. Tenpenny left without missing a beat. I don't know where Painter was all these years. I can't get enough of her writing.. its so smooth.. so fluid and yet so funny. My only regret is that I'll have to wait till May 18th to read the last book in the trilogy!

[Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for the very entertaining second book in this series. It’s impossible to discuss plot lines without giving anything away, so I’ll simply recommend you read “The Undead Mr Tenpenny” and follow it up with this book, “The Uncanny Raven Winston.” Fantastic series, interesting characters, and a London background.

[BRT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good second in this series. Cassie is summoned to London’s magic HQ to learn control of her magic. Sadly, she can’t control her attraction to and suspicions of Alaister and it complicates the danger. She’s determined to find her parents against all warnings, causing more danger. Fun magical ride through the Tower of London.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun second instalment of the trilogy. The action has now moved to England, London, the Tower of London. I was interested to see how the author handled that as I live in London and have visited the Tower of London. Not bad was the verdict.

I wasn't sure if there was a love triangle between Cassie, Alastair and Toby Twopenny or not. The author kept you guessing.

[Felicity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than most middle-of-a-trilogy books. An easy read while I'm listening to something more substantial on audiobook. I really could have been ready a 2 star but this book is better than that!

My Goodreads star rating... ***

My Goodreads scale:
* waste of time
**filled in time
***good
****excellent
*****absolutely amazing

[Tatiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the plot and mystery, some great magic and fights. The texts from home were a delight. It got on my nerves that the protagonist never noticed the constant blatant clues, or how none of the characters talked to each other about anything. Lots of Harry Potter references and a horrifying stanning moment of its author, the Transphobe Supreme.

[Magali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those books could be really good but are filled with stuff that doesn't really make sense and/or is too easy. I find myself having issues connecting to the main character who makes huge mistakes and doesn't seem to have a lot of depth. But I still enjoyed this book, it's a "popcorn" book I'd say : quick to read, quick to forget.

[Teressa Mirault · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a copy for honest review. I loved the first book and this one as well! The twists and turns keep you guessing all the way through what will happen next. I can't wait to read book 3 in this series!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable series so far! The heroine maybe isn’t the most likable person in the world but her trauma levels really do justify the occasional bitchiness and trust issues. It’s enjoyable watching her grow as the story progresses. You want things to turn out okay for her.