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Crow Investigations #8
The Magpie Key
Black water, dark skies, a reckoning like no other
A new threat has sailed in on the tide and is haunting the waterways of London.
DCI Fleet is struggling to control his gift and can no longer tell reality from illusion.
Meanwhile, Uncle Charlie is making trouble from his prison cell, proving how hard it is to keep a Crow caged.
Worst of all, the truce between London's four magical Families lies in ruins. If Lydia can't rebuild it, and fast, all will be lost.
London is Lydia Crow's roost… But for how long?
Don't miss the eighth instalment in the bestselling urban fantasy mystery series, Crow Investigations.
A new threat has sailed in on the tide and is haunting the waterways of London.
DCI Fleet is struggling to control his gift and can no longer tell reality from illusion.
Meanwhile, Uncle Charlie is making trouble from his prison cell, proving how hard it is to keep a Crow caged.
Worst of all, the truce between London's four magical Families lies in ruins. If Lydia can't rebuild it, and fast, all will be lost.
London is Lydia Crow's roost… But for how long?
Don't miss the eighth instalment in the bestselling urban fantasy mystery series, Crow Investigations.
8 pages, Audiobook
First published October 20, 2022
210 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Painter
60 books914 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 98 reviews
October 26, 2022
I think many Crow Investigations readers can agree with me that this is one of the best series ever in its genre. I am totally hooked on it and can only hope there are still many more books to come in this incredibly awesome series!
So this is the 8th book, which I am not going to summarize because that’s not my style. The Magpie Key is even better than the last book. And I think that about every last new book that comes out in this series. So this means to me that, not only is it getting better and better, which you don’t see that often with series on the long run…
But what makes the Crow Investigation series so spectacular to me is that the story and the world that Sarah Painter is creating here and has build up so intricately, is starting to crystallize and almost coming alive more and more on its on every time the story of Lydia and the families unfolds further.
This series as the power to take the mind of its readers on a epic adventure, that one can only wish to be part of, even for a moment… And so when a magpie comes to whisper in your ear, that the book is already finished… You’ll will sadly have to put the book down, with the realization that you will have to wait for the next one to be written by Sarah Painter 🙏🏼
So this is the 8th book, which I am not going to summarize because that’s not my style. The Magpie Key is even better than the last book. And I think that about every last new book that comes out in this series. So this means to me that, not only is it getting better and better, which you don’t see that often with series on the long run…
But what makes the Crow Investigation series so spectacular to me is that the story and the world that Sarah Painter is creating here and has build up so intricately, is starting to crystallize and almost coming alive more and more on its on every time the story of Lydia and the families unfolds further.
This series as the power to take the mind of its readers on a epic adventure, that one can only wish to be part of, even for a moment… And so when a magpie comes to whisper in your ear, that the book is already finished… You’ll will sadly have to put the book down, with the realization that you will have to wait for the next one to be written by Sarah Painter 🙏🏼
April 15, 2023
Family comes to meddle in this book, and not just the capital F Family. Both relatives of Fleet and Lydia are rearing their ugly head as they fight for control. Lydia struggles to work out how to renew the truce between the four magically families, while Fleet can't discern illusion from reality. This is rather different from the other books in that there is no case happening. Or, well, not one Lydia is working on. There is a case picked up by the police, but it stays very firmly in the background with only a few mentions. The focus on this book is the power struggle that is happening.
Since I've mentioned it in all my other reviews for this series, I'll do so here as well. There was very little grammar errors in this book. The one that stuck with me, though, is when Fleet asked Lydia to meet with herself. That got a confused look followed by a laugh from me.
I feel like everyone that has stuck with this series for this long loves it; that I'm the odd one out with criticism and not being so convinced on its greatness.
Honestly, I was rather confused reading this book. It started at the exact moment The Broken Cage finished. And I mean exactly. It might as well have been a new chapter in the previous book. I had to go back and read the last page of the previous book so it made sense, but that honestly didn't clear it up much. I can see this making way more sense if you had binge read the series back-to-back without waiting for new books, but with the delays you forget too much and the books are too close to eachother in plot for you to be able to fully follow them.
Aside from that, I actually enjoyed the direction this book took. It explored the connections between characters more, and we FINALLY got some answers about Fleet. Although, it really just led to more questions. I found myself saying "Jason" over and over to Lydia at one point in fear she had forgotten him, for he is one of my favourite characters. Also, don't hate me, but I actually really like Paul Fox, especially with the moment of vulnerability he reveals in this book. The normally sly character who just seems to want to wind Lydia up with the condescending nickname and other comments, has a fragile soul underneath it all. Not to mention the posturing and protectiveness over Lydia that happens any time him and Fleet are within the same vicinity.
The ending itself, and the acknowledgment, made it sound like this was it for the series. In some ways I'm glad; it needed an ending at some point before it got too convoluted. The overarching story feels like it could have been told in 4 or 5 books easily. But in others, I'm still left with questions! This whole other magical world has been revealed (well, kind of) and needs exploring. Not to mention some others. I suppose I'll have to wait for my suspicions to be confirmed or denied, but if this was it for Crow Investigations, then it was certainly an interesting journey with different twists then most out there.
Since I've mentioned it in all my other reviews for this series, I'll do so here as well. There was very little grammar errors in this book. The one that stuck with me, though, is when Fleet asked Lydia to meet with herself. That got a confused look followed by a laugh from me.
When Lydia woke up next, she had a message from Fleet. He wanted her to meet Lydia at the park nearest to the Camberwell police station.
I feel like everyone that has stuck with this series for this long loves it; that I'm the odd one out with criticism and not being so convinced on its greatness.
Honestly, I was rather confused reading this book. It started at the exact moment The Broken Cage finished. And I mean exactly. It might as well have been a new chapter in the previous book. I had to go back and read the last page of the previous book so it made sense, but that honestly didn't clear it up much. I can see this making way more sense if you had binge read the series back-to-back without waiting for new books, but with the delays you forget too much and the books are too close to eachother in plot for you to be able to fully follow them.
Aside from that, I actually enjoyed the direction this book took. It explored the connections between characters more, and we FINALLY got some answers about Fleet. Although, it really just led to more questions. I found myself saying "Jason" over and over to Lydia at one point in fear she had forgotten him, for he is one of my favourite characters. Also, don't hate me, but I actually really like Paul Fox, especially with the moment of vulnerability he reveals in this book. The normally sly character who just seems to want to wind Lydia up with the condescending nickname and other comments, has a fragile soul underneath it all. Not to mention the posturing and protectiveness over Lydia that happens any time him and Fleet are within the same vicinity.
The ending itself, and the acknowledgment, made it sound like this was it for the series. In some ways I'm glad; it needed an ending at some point before it got too convoluted. The overarching story feels like it could have been told in 4 or 5 books easily. But in others, I'm still left with questions! This whole other magical world has been revealed (well, kind of) and needs exploring. Not to mention some others. I suppose I'll have to wait for my suspicions to be confirmed or denied, but if this was it for Crow Investigations, then it was certainly an interesting journey with different twists then most out there.
October 20, 2022
Almost since the beginning, I've been hoping that Sarah Painter would delve into Fleet's background, and she delivered that and more in the Magpie Key. Fast-paced enough to pull you along, with enough magic to make you stop and wonder what such a world would be like, this is a worthy addition to the series and my only complaint is having to wait months to learn what happens next.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2022
One of my favourite series and the latest instalment didn’t disappoint. Glad we got to dive into Fleet’s story more and I already can’t wait to find out what happens next!
March 1, 2025
I enjoyed reading the last book in this series, and I am sad there's no more. The ending was good, and things finished off nicely. I liked how some of the mysteries, if you will, ran from book one through to the end. Also, the full circle moment with Lydia's power- I was not expecting that!!
December 16, 2022
I feel like the author is getting tired of her own characters the last book felt overstuffed and this one... Each of those plot lines were picked up and dusted and returned to their cubbies.
June 10, 2024
Audiobook narrated by: Kate Rawson.
I slammed the previous book for its cliffhanger ending. This one resolves everything, thank goodness. Lydia is in trouble from two sources: her magical Uncle Charlie, who has escaped the clutches of the government and is now free to scheme and kill; and Fleet's father, a mysterious being known as the Collector. Fleet's premonitions are getting stronger and he can't always tell visaion from reality. He's holding it together - barely. Lydia has to negotiate a peace accord with the other three magical families, Fox, Pearl and Silver, while saving London's water supply from deadly contagion courtesy of the Collector. She's really up against it this time, helped and hindered by Fleet, who is still the love of her life, and Jason the ghost tied to her flat above the Fork cafe. I don't know if this is an end to the series, but it's a good breathing space with plot threads resolved.
I slammed the previous book for its cliffhanger ending. This one resolves everything, thank goodness. Lydia is in trouble from two sources: her magical Uncle Charlie, who has escaped the clutches of the government and is now free to scheme and kill; and Fleet's father, a mysterious being known as the Collector. Fleet's premonitions are getting stronger and he can't always tell visaion from reality. He's holding it together - barely. Lydia has to negotiate a peace accord with the other three magical families, Fox, Pearl and Silver, while saving London's water supply from deadly contagion courtesy of the Collector. She's really up against it this time, helped and hindered by Fleet, who is still the love of her life, and Jason the ghost tied to her flat above the Fork cafe. I don't know if this is an end to the series, but it's a good breathing space with plot threads resolved.
March 11, 2025
Last book in a very entertaining series. It kept me intrigued and I will definitely read more books by this author. The narrator was also brilliant.
May 19, 2024
I won't waste time reviewing all the books in this series. Up until this book it was, at best, OK. But this book was so awful it ruined the entire series for me, and I am sorry I read any of them.
I ended up writing the outline of a 9th book just to FIX the awful mess she left everything in, just so I could feel remotely good about having invested my time in this series. My imaginary 9th book is fun. I wish it was real.
It wasn't that the series was great until this book ended it, anyway. It was just... mildly entertaining.
It is the only time I have finished a series that ended so badly that I regretted having invested any of my time in any of it. I have been disappointed with endings before, but not like this.
(imagine me flouncing out now, with a sneer on my lips)
I ended up writing the outline of a 9th book just to FIX the awful mess she left everything in, just so I could feel remotely good about having invested my time in this series. My imaginary 9th book is fun. I wish it was real.
It wasn't that the series was great until this book ended it, anyway. It was just... mildly entertaining.
It is the only time I have finished a series that ended so badly that I regretted having invested any of my time in any of it. I have been disappointed with endings before, but not like this.
(imagine me flouncing out now, with a sneer on my lips)
October 22, 2022
Another instalment of the Perils of Lyds. This series now reminds me of episodes in an American television series. Each one is a story in itself and longer plot arcs are developed. On that basis there should be another 14 books to go! I hope Ms Painter has the stamina!
Of this particular instalment, it rolls past pleasantly enough but there’s not much sense of real peril. Lyds loses her powers. Lyds gets kidnapped. Lyd’s house gets blown up. Lyds meets a supernatural entity. Someone works to undermine the Crows (bit daft seeing as they’re birds …) but all’s well that ends well, eh?
Falling into the Pearl Court and being buried alive, now that was truly suspenseful!
Of this particular instalment, it rolls past pleasantly enough but there’s not much sense of real peril. Lyds loses her powers. Lyds gets kidnapped. Lyd’s house gets blown up. Lyds meets a supernatural entity. Someone works to undermine the Crows (bit daft seeing as they’re birds …) but all’s well that ends well, eh?
Falling into the Pearl Court and being buried alive, now that was truly suspenseful!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2022
Corvidaciously good read
The fast paced preamble to action in this addictive thriller brings into high relief the quirky Lydia Crow attributes as a private investigator and leader of her clan. The author masterfully untangles complex kinship dynamics as they play out amongst the four powerful dynasties vying for supremacy in an historic power play - throughout the streets and nether regions of London. Once again readers will be ineluctably drawn in to this intriguing saga and left eagerly awaiting the next Crow Investigation.
The fast paced preamble to action in this addictive thriller brings into high relief the quirky Lydia Crow attributes as a private investigator and leader of her clan. The author masterfully untangles complex kinship dynamics as they play out amongst the four powerful dynasties vying for supremacy in an historic power play - throughout the streets and nether regions of London. Once again readers will be ineluctably drawn in to this intriguing saga and left eagerly awaiting the next Crow Investigation.
October 26, 2022
a darker turn
I know I said before I wanted to know about Fleets family. I think I officially recant!
Things have taken a much darker turn here - life relationships and everything but in the end it might turn out for the best. Relationships between and I the family are tested as is Lydia and Fleets own relationship. Things are changing across the families, powers are shifting and more is revealed - this is definitely the most tense instalment. Ultimately though good manners cost nothing and you never know who’s on side but you could be surprised.
I know I said before I wanted to know about Fleets family. I think I officially recant!
Things have taken a much darker turn here - life relationships and everything but in the end it might turn out for the best. Relationships between and I the family are tested as is Lydia and Fleets own relationship. Things are changing across the families, powers are shifting and more is revealed - this is definitely the most tense instalment. Ultimately though good manners cost nothing and you never know who’s on side but you could be surprised.
October 25, 2022
Worth the wait!
The next instalment in the Lydia Crow series delivers a smorgasbord of incidents and problems for our heroine. Loyalties are tested and Lydia has to fight for all that she holds dear. No spoilers but there were a couple of moments when I felt so angry for Lydia; what great writing to make you feel so strongly for a character! This series makes me wish I read more slowly but I will now reread from the beginning to stretch out my delight until the next book.
The next instalment in the Lydia Crow series delivers a smorgasbord of incidents and problems for our heroine. Loyalties are tested and Lydia has to fight for all that she holds dear. No spoilers but there were a couple of moments when I felt so angry for Lydia; what great writing to make you feel so strongly for a character! This series makes me wish I read more slowly but I will now reread from the beginning to stretch out my delight until the next book.
August 24, 2024
🎧📖🐦⬛ Audible Version
Well, where do I start? 🐦⬛🕵🏼♀️ 🦊🪙 I’m still reeling from the final scenes of this book. Well done, Sarah Painter…👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.
As a character, Lydia has developed into a person I like and feel invested in. Way, way, way long ago in the first book, I didn’t really like Lyds that much. She just wasn’t interesting. She seemed shallow and naive. Very, very naive. Why did she flee London and Paul 🦊 for Scotland? That really has never been explained and we are finished with Book 8. 🤔 He’s got animal magnetism and he is part of a rival family a la Romeo and Juliet. Got it. But did he actually do anything wrong? Cheating? Abusive? A Narcissist? Seriously, what’s the thing she had to run so far away from? And we had the perfect opportunity for a conversation explaining what went down. But no? Paul shows genuine vulnerability and then… 🦗🦗🦗
And I’m still stuck on the stories Henry told Lydia in the pub in a moment of clarity. And special drugs. That is more than a red herring. It’s been, what? Four books since? More? That’s a very long and early foreshadow if Sarah Painter still plans to pull that rabbit out of the hat. Make it worth it!!!
Fleet and his father. I’m loving this unsettling of Fleet. He’s growing and changing which keeps him from being too perfect and over time—boring. But his father! The River Man, the Collector, the Navigator. He’s like Voldemort and has multiple descriptor names but has to remain: “He who must not be named”. That man is foul. I’m hoping by the end of this series, Lydia kills him and gets his power.
What if…. At some point, the Truce of 194x(?)gets broken or risks being broken in the most serious way… AGAIN (because that seems to be a running theme) and to save it *again* Lydia agrees to marry Paul???
The whole restaurant scene where the heads of the families met was spectacular! However!! However…how…did Paul and Maria ever pull this off? Lydia knew nothing? Did Maria invite Charlie? Did Aiden? What happened to Charlie’s spirit? I thought Lydia would kill him and get his power. Wait!! Wait!!! Maybe…. 🤔 yes, maybe….Henry will end up in a situation where he is already dying and he begs Lydia to kill him so she will get HIS powers! Whatever that mystery bag has in store!!!
Aiden. Are you a weasel? Are you down for Lyds or are you a traitor? 👀🫵🏻👀
Well, where do I start? 🐦⬛🕵🏼♀️ 🦊🪙 I’m still reeling from the final scenes of this book. Well done, Sarah Painter…👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.
As a character, Lydia has developed into a person I like and feel invested in. Way, way, way long ago in the first book, I didn’t really like Lyds that much. She just wasn’t interesting. She seemed shallow and naive. Very, very naive. Why did she flee London and Paul 🦊 for Scotland? That really has never been explained and we are finished with Book 8. 🤔 He’s got animal magnetism and he is part of a rival family a la Romeo and Juliet. Got it. But did he actually do anything wrong? Cheating? Abusive? A Narcissist? Seriously, what’s the thing she had to run so far away from? And we had the perfect opportunity for a conversation explaining what went down. But no? Paul shows genuine vulnerability and then… 🦗🦗🦗
And I’m still stuck on the stories Henry told Lydia in the pub in a moment of clarity. And special drugs. That is more than a red herring. It’s been, what? Four books since? More? That’s a very long and early foreshadow if Sarah Painter still plans to pull that rabbit out of the hat. Make it worth it!!!
Fleet and his father. I’m loving this unsettling of Fleet. He’s growing and changing which keeps him from being too perfect and over time—boring. But his father! The River Man, the Collector, the Navigator. He’s like Voldemort and has multiple descriptor names but has to remain: “He who must not be named”. That man is foul. I’m hoping by the end of this series, Lydia kills him and gets his power.
What if…. At some point, the Truce of 194x(?)gets broken or risks being broken in the most serious way… AGAIN (because that seems to be a running theme) and to save it *again* Lydia agrees to marry Paul???
The whole restaurant scene where the heads of the families met was spectacular! However!! However…how…did Paul and Maria ever pull this off? Lydia knew nothing? Did Maria invite Charlie? Did Aiden? What happened to Charlie’s spirit? I thought Lydia would kill him and get his power. Wait!! Wait!!! Maybe…. 🤔 yes, maybe….Henry will end up in a situation where he is already dying and he begs Lydia to kill him so she will get HIS powers! Whatever that mystery bag has in store!!!
Aiden. Are you a weasel? Are you down for Lyds or are you a traitor? 👀🫵🏻👀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2026
Good gracious, poor Lydia! This 8th book in the series really puts her through the wringer, and I wasn't sure how it was all going to work out, but the ending worked well and didn't leave the reader hanging. The narrator for the audiobook versions of this series is excellent and I definitely have her as the voice of Lydia in my mind.
I'm not sure why, but sometimes I actually prefer Paul to Fleet as a sidekick for Lydia. Maybe the author wants that to be a conflicting choice. He just seems to be a better match sometimes. This book certainly focused on Fleet, his history, and his family, which was an interesting change.
It looks like there are only 10 books in the series and I'm sad I'm coming to the end of it, but I am looking forward to the final two books.
I'm not sure why, but sometimes I actually prefer Paul to Fleet as a sidekick for Lydia. Maybe the author wants that to be a conflicting choice. He just seems to be a better match sometimes. This book certainly focused on Fleet, his history, and his family, which was an interesting change.
It looks like there are only 10 books in the series and I'm sad I'm coming to the end of it, but I am looking forward to the final two books.
November 26, 2022
This is such a unique and interesting urban fantasy series. The author's world with its magical families, and the way their powers manifest, is fresh and creative. I bought this book as soon as I heard it was out, and began it the night it arrived. I was not disappointed. In fact, this book held so many shocking surprises that I had a hard time putting it down to turn out the light at night. Lots of twists and turns, and some serious changes to important characters, really made this addition to the series stand out. HIghly recommended!
October 25, 2022
This series is an excellent urban fantasy mixing magic, folklore, and realism. With a strong female lead, whose best friend is a ghost, it’s hard to miss the intrigue and excitement as she works to maintain leadership of her family’s syndicate. In this book, members of her family are working against her including her imprisoned psychopathic uncle. Also, a member of her boyfriend’s family appears and threatens to undermine her life and love.
November 28, 2022
Always a Joy
To be honest I am always compelled to buy a Sarah Painter book. The worlds she builds are realistic, the action riveting and as a reader can't help but care about the characters. Many of us read to step into another world ,this series is immersive. When each book ends I am always surprised to look out the window and realize I am still in my own world. I was so sure while reading that I lived in London with the crows.
To be honest I am always compelled to buy a Sarah Painter book. The worlds she builds are realistic, the action riveting and as a reader can't help but care about the characters. Many of us read to step into another world ,this series is immersive. When each book ends I am always surprised to look out the window and realize I am still in my own world. I was so sure while reading that I lived in London with the crows.
December 7, 2022
Another exciting adventure
I love the characters in the Crow series. Ms Painter makes the characters come alive and I love being able to lose myself in the story. I found myself rooting for Lydia and Fleet to overcome The Collector. If you've read the other books in the series, you finally get some "closure" with Lydia's "family". The end is unexpected, but very satisfying. Needless to say, another fantastic book from Ms Painter!!
I love the characters in the Crow series. Ms Painter makes the characters come alive and I love being able to lose myself in the story. I found myself rooting for Lydia and Fleet to overcome The Collector. If you've read the other books in the series, you finally get some "closure" with Lydia's "family". The end is unexpected, but very satisfying. Needless to say, another fantastic book from Ms Painter!!
May 1, 2023
do not read out of order
While the author did try and refresh things from previous books, I do not recommend you read these out of order. I had a little trouble with someone being dead and then not in the next book and back to being dead in the book after that. I also had issues with a book ending at a turning point, and the next one picking up three weeks later. I felt an important exchange had been left unwritten
While the author did try and refresh things from previous books, I do not recommend you read these out of order. I had a little trouble with someone being dead and then not in the next book and back to being dead in the book after that. I also had issues with a book ending at a turning point, and the next one picking up three weeks later. I felt an important exchange had been left unwritten
March 1, 2026
The Magpie Key continues the conversation with another magical person that the last book ended on. Talk about serial storytelling! Fleet (the boyfriend) is having problems, uncontrollably seeing the future or versions of it. Meanwhile The Family is still causing trouble, with many wishing for a different head of household. The other magical families smell blood in the water, making it up to Lydia to try and reestablish the peace.
March 2, 2026
I've enjoyed this series and the characters and world they are set in but found this installment the least fun. The first half was a bit slow and for older readers like me who find it hard to recall all the plots and goings on in the 7 previous books felt there wasn't enough handy recaps for us, especially with it being mainly setting the second half if rhe book up. The second half came to life though and was enjoyablr, but I'd give this more 3.5 than 4 but didn't want to be mean!
October 24, 2022
Exceptional read
This series is awesome, effortless read, exciting and grown up fantasy, fantastic books.
Family feuds are tough to negotiate through, relationships are too, but this one is on another level.
Jason, I thought he was lost forever ...... a great page turner, you won't regret reading this book.
This series is awesome, effortless read, exciting and grown up fantasy, fantastic books.
Family feuds are tough to negotiate through, relationships are too, but this one is on another level.
Jason, I thought he was lost forever ...... a great page turner, you won't regret reading this book.
November 2, 2022
Compelling
As a late arrival to Crow Investigations I soon caught up, everything in this ( pre-ordered) story keeps you interested and invested. Painter has built an exquisite version of London familiar in every way you need but plenty of room for this brilliant urban fantasy world to exist and grow. . Encore please.
As a late arrival to Crow Investigations I soon caught up, everything in this ( pre-ordered) story keeps you interested and invested. Painter has built an exquisite version of London familiar in every way you need but plenty of room for this brilliant urban fantasy world to exist and grow. . Encore please.
November 17, 2022
Smashing Tale
Lydia takes her responsibility as head of the Crow family seriously. Even the invasion of Fleets peculiarly powered father and her unlamented Uncle Charlie escaping custody can sway her from that sense of duty. Sacrifices are made and relationships change, but Lydia is still the family head of theCrows.
Lydia takes her responsibility as head of the Crow family seriously. Even the invasion of Fleets peculiarly powered father and her unlamented Uncle Charlie escaping custody can sway her from that sense of duty. Sacrifices are made and relationships change, but Lydia is still the family head of theCrows.
February 26, 2023
There aren't many series that get stronger with each instalment - this is one of them. if you've read and enjoyed the previous instalments I recommend reading on. if you haven't, this is a series that benefits from starting at the beginning.
Although the series could end here, I hope there will be more stories. I'm not done with Lydia, Fleet, the Silvers, Foxes, Crows and Pearls.
Although the series could end here, I hope there will be more stories. I'm not done with Lydia, Fleet, the Silvers, Foxes, Crows and Pearls.
May 16, 2023
still absorbed by this series
I have enjoyed everyone of this series and they keep getting more complex and more clever. This one is a nail biter up until the last couple of chapters as usual. It has some serious twists to keep one guessing about what will happen next. Please keep going Sarah!
I have enjoyed everyone of this series and they keep getting more complex and more clever. This one is a nail biter up until the last couple of chapters as usual. It has some serious twists to keep one guessing about what will happen next. Please keep going Sarah!
January 22, 2024
I really struggled with this one - 3.5 stars for actually tying up the loose ends, but 2.5 or less for a heroine who makes series of drastic mistakes based on nothing but heart or hormones, or both, and finally has to be rescued from destruction by those who end up stronger than her.
And what was with the marine version of one of the four horsemen????
And what was with the marine version of one of the four horsemen????
March 30, 2024
On someone's review they called this series addictive-too true, I read all 8 books in two days. Think of The Godfather with magical crime families, a likable character struggling with morals, and the quandary of power and abuse, a little romance, Mi5 or 6, a dash of detective work and a smattering of London history and atmosphere (think the Peculiar Crime Unit series). Fast reading and good fun.
May 18, 2024
So REFRESHING!!
To listen to (audible) and read (paperback and eBook) an author who can weave an intricate tale without the loss of continuity, avoiding misspelled (mispronounced ) words and with an editor who cares!!!
This eight book series was an immersive joy.
Thank you Sarah Painter.
I will read more of her books.
To listen to (audible) and read (paperback and eBook) an author who can weave an intricate tale without the loss of continuity, avoiding misspelled (mispronounced ) words and with an editor who cares!!!
This eight book series was an immersive joy.
Thank you Sarah Painter.
I will read more of her books.
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