Booklog 22/26: Sarah Painter: The Guilded Nest – Crow Investigations #9 – Audiobook

[jacey]

Audiobook narrated by Kate Rawson.

This is the ninth instalment of the Crow Investigations series featuring Lydia Crow who - in previous books - has gone from being a lone private detective living in a flat above a greasy-spoon cafe with a resident ghost (Jason) to ousting wicked Uncle Charlie and taking his place as head of the Crow (slightly magical) crime family in their particular 'manor' in London. The family members are somewhat perturbed that her boyfriend, Fleet, is a copper. In this book. In the previous book Lydia lost some of her Crow powers and she's struggling to keep control (of herself and the family), and Fleet is also struggling at work, since his bosses are just as sceptical of his choice of girlfriend as the family is about Lydia's choice of boyfriend. Lydia's previous home burned down in the previous book and she's now living in Uncle Charlie's very nice house, but she doesn't feel comfortable there. A series of murders lands on bith Lydia's and Fleet's doorsteps. There are links to Jack the Ripper, except the victims are male. Paul Fox Lydia's one-time boyfriend and now head of the rival Fox (magical) crime family, looms quite large in this book. There is still some residual attraction, but Lydia doesn't trust him. Murders to be solved, families to be sorted. There's a lot in this book, but I'm not sure it moves the whole series story on. Kate Rawson narrates it in her usual slightly breathy little-girl-voice, which seems to work for Lydia, but I'm glad these books are fairly short.

Comments

[heleninwales]

I read a few of the Crow Investigations, but stopped when it looked as though Lydia was going to be taking over as the head of the crime family. It seemed to be taking the story in a direction I wasn't interested in. I may or may not read more, but I did enjoy the first Ward Witch book set in the same world but on the strange island. I tried that after reading your review and will carry on with that series.

[jacey]

Yes, Lydia has become head of the Crows. I think I liked the earlier books better. The Ward Witch books are entertaining.