The White Crow by Michael Robotham is a highly recommended crime novel/procedural. This is the second novel featuring police officer Philomena (Phil) McCarthy (the first one is When You Are Mine) but can be read as a standalone novel.

Philomena McCarthy is a young officer with the Metropolitan Police and her husband Henry is a firefighter. When she sees a child wandering in the streets alone at night she stops and helps her. It's a little girl, Daisy, who leads Phil to her home and the discovery of the body of her mother. At the same time across town Chief Inspector Brendan Keegan responds to a violent robbery of a jewelry store and a man left with a bomb strapped to his body. The man is Daisy's father, who was taken from his home and forced by masked men to open up the store. Millions of dollars of jewelry is gone.

Complicating matters further is that Phil's family may be implicated in the robbery. Phil is the daughter of Edward McCarthy, a London gangster and leader of a criminal empire he has built with his brothers. This case may put her career and possibly her life in jeopardy, especially if it really does involve her father and uncles. Chapters alternate between Phil and the police investigation, and her father and uncles concern over a new mobster/crime boss from Eastern European moving into London.

Once again Robotham provides an extremely well written, perfectly paced, and wonderfully intricate puzzle of a thriller. The complicated, layered plot moves quickly while keeping the tension high. There are so many clues presented and questions that will arise concerning Phil's investigations along the way. It's always a pleasure to follow an investigation with twists and surprising discoveries along the way.

Phil continues to be a fully realized, complex character and an engaging protagonist. She has keen investigative instincts, but you may question her judgment at times in the novel. You will want the best for her, but she can be a frustrating character for me. Her family is a colorful but loyal group of mobsters. DCI Keegan who is leading the police investigation can be a frustrating character, but he does experience growth.

The White Crow is a good choice for those who enjoy procedurals. Thanks to Scribner for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Edelweiss, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

While on patrol one night, police officer Philomena McCarthy discovers a young girl covered in blood, just as reports come in about a home invasion and jewelry store robbery. As she investigates, Philomena’s ties to her infamous mob family complicate everything, forcing her to confront her past to prove she’s not her father’s daughter. In this second installment, Robotham delivers another gripping, twist-filled thriller. Fast-paced and emotionally rich, it’s perfect. Philomena is a compelling heroine in a story that lingers long after the final page.

This was such a great suspenseful novel and had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed getting into this world. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the element that I wanted, I was on the edge of my seat and was glad it was so well written. Michael Robotham has a strong concept and writing style for this type of book.

Like many others, I didn't realize this book was the 2nd book about our main character, Philomena McCarthy, but no worries, you definitely don't need to go back and read it to read this one, although I most certainly plan on reading it.

This author has become one of my fav mystery suspense writers. I used to love James Patterson books and while that author does quick hitting chapters, Robotham's writing is so much fuller, but not in a filler type way. I love dialogue, I hate when authors get bogged down by describing the setting or the city too much. This author makes me want to read every single word he writes because every single word has a purpose. His crafting of sentences are perfect and that may sound like a weird thing to say, but when you read as much as I do, you sit up and take notice when someone does a great job.

Back to the story and Phil! I was immediately drawn into the story and my attention held to the last word. The pacing was good, the characterization spot on and I felt like I got a true sense of how the author wanted the story and characters to be viewed. It was just very enjoyable and I found myself annoyed every time I had to stop reading. Reading books by this author is a real treat and I wish more people knew about him!! Definitely recommend for those that like police procedurals with a family drama side dish, think Law and Order vs Blue Bloods vs The Shield.

Philomena McCarthy is the daughter of a notorious gangster who is leader of a local crime family. She severed ties with the family by becoming a police constable in London. Her marriage to a fireman brought a fragile reconciliation with her family. Now, her two worlds collide when, on patrol in the middle of the night, she finds a young child wandering, covered in blood. It seems, as part of a robbery of the child’s parents’ jewelry store, her mother has been killed and her father is found with a bomb strapped to him. Some evidence suggests Phil's family may be involved in the case. The investigation puts not only her career but also her life in jeopardy.

I was first introduced to Philomena in 2021 in what was touted as a standalone novel, When You Are Mine. In my review at that time, I said that I hoped this would become a series. Well, wishes sometimes come true, as this is the second book in what is now being called a series featuring this character.

Robotham’s writing style and character development are captivating. The book boasts a colorful cast of characters and a rapidly paced, suspenseful plot that kept me utterly engrossed. I particularly enjoy Phil. Her strength and persistence which sometimes lead her to make questionable decisions. Perhaps these flaws will be rectified as she matures in her role. Despite the underlying darkness, humor is a constant presence throughout the book, making it a very entertaining read.

This series is so good and just keeps getting better. I love Phil and her family, and the complexities of being on different sides of the law.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Philomena McCarthy, four years in to her career as a Metropolitan Police officer, wants badly to become a detective. One major roadblock is the fact that her uncles have long rap sheets and her father Eddie, though never convicted, is known to head their gang. The fact that Philomena, a/k/a Phil, and Eddie have long been estranged because of their different career paths, makes little difference to Phil’s chances of advancement at the Met.

The McCarthy brothers have left behind dirtier crimes years ago and are now in the construction business, along with money laundering. But their big-risk new high-rise development is in danger, as they are being targeted by vandalism and threats from a younger Bulgarian gang leader determined to be the apex predator in London’s criminal class.

At the end of her shift one night, Phil spots a little girl outside in the cold in her pajamas. The girl, Daisy, tells her that her mother won’t wake up. Phil finds the mother, Caitlin Kemp-Lowe, tied up at the kitchen island, dead. Daisy’s father has been kidnapped and taken to the jewelry store he owns and forced to give away millions in jewels.

There are multiple POVs in the book, though Phil’s is the only one actually expressed in the first person. We also watch Eddie and his brothers trying to find a way to fight their opponents before they lose their business—and maybe their families. We follow the investigation into Caitlin’s murder and the store robbery as it’s led by DI Keegan, a detective slowly being crushed under the weight of his marital separation, pressure from his superiors to pin the crimes on the nearest convenient suspects, preferably the McCarthys, and his conflicted feelings that Phil has all the makings of a gifted detective but one whom he can’t mentally separate from her family background. And, of course, we follow Phil’s attempts to horn her way into the investigation, which leads to uncovering crucial clues, but also to life-threatening danger.

This is an exciting blend of crime thriller and police procedural, with vivid characters I’d like to see again.

Thanks to Netgalley and Scribner for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Philomena McCarthy is a police officer and her father is a shady business man with whom she has a tense relationship. One night she finds a child, covered in blood, who let's her know that she can't wake up her mother. Meanwhile, a jeweler is tied up with a bomb on his chest in his store, which has been robbed. These events turn out to be related and Philomena finds her father may be involved.

This was a good read. It was a little long for me and my interest waned at times, but overall, it was a solid mystery. I look forward to more in this series.

"A lucky man is rarer than a white crow." (Juvenal)

Michael Robotham presses upon that fact in the latest book in his Philomena McCarthy Series. All the luck in the world doesn't sit on your side when it comes to facing crime in its darkest degree. We met PC Philomena "Phil" McCarthy in the first book, When You Are Mine (2021). She's seemed to have grown a spine since her last outing.

Picture this: You've fought your way into becoming a member of the London Metropolitan Police. You've got a ton of baggage in the likes of your own family who are extortionists, money launderers, and all around gangsters within the McCarthy clan. Now that same family association will throw shade on you around every corner.

Philomena is on patrol with her partner at the crack of dawn when she spots a young child on the street at daybreak. She sends her partner to cover another call and takes off after the child. What she discovers at the child's home will boggle the mind. It appears to be a home invasion gone terribly wrong.

And across town, the child's father is sitting in his jewelry store strapped to a bomb. Things are gonna get rough from here on out. And somehow the McCarthy family will be leaving their prints on all these situations. And their actions and those of Philomena's will cause her to be faced with an inquiry and a possible dismissal from the Metro Police.

The White Crow can definitely be read as a standalone. Robotham threads his storyline with the reality that white crows' existence goes against the norm of Nature. People have rigid views that there are no exceptions to what the eye usually perceives. But sometimes we must admit that not all things, and especially people, fit into the same mold.

This is my 11th book by Michael Robotham so I won't steer you wrong by picking up any of his books. Philomena has come a long way from the first book. Robotham is determined to showcase her ability to swim against the tide. And in The White Crow......she truly does.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Simon & Schuster and to the talented Michael Robotham for the opportunity.

While on patrol one night, police officer Philomena McCarthy finds a young girl distressed and covered in blood. Simultaneously, there is the report of a home invasion and jewelry store robbery. As Philomena investigates the case, the ties to her notorious crime family are a hindrance and she realizes that she cannot separate the two. She puts her life at risk trying to solve the case and prove that she is not her father’s daughter.

This is the second book in this series and it is another excellent thriller from an intelligent and consistently entertaining author. I have found all of his books to be well-written, engaging and twisty, leaving the reader with a lot to ponder over. For fans of Heather Gudenkauf and Joanna Schaffhausen.

Another fantastic novel by Robotham! I was thrilled to read another book with the excellent police officer Philomena McCarthy, who just happens to have a mob boss as a father. Just as addictive as the book “When You Are Mine,” this novel finds Philomena investigating the murder of a young woman who was in a hostage situation. With no clue why the woman was murdered and her young daughter was allowed to escape, Phil must investigate the woman’s family, even if it is linked to her own. Excellent, fast paced story that will stay with you.

Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

I am a huge Michael Robotham fan (I need more Cyrus and Evie!) and this book did not disappoint.

Philomena McCarthy is a police officer in London--even though her father and uncles are huge mob bosses. Phil has reconnected with her father after ten years of no contact and she tries to keep her relationship and her job separate.

Phil finds a barefoot child during patrol who's mom was killed. Phil gets involved in solving the case at the same time her father's business is being attacked by a truly creepy guy.

Great read. Highly recommend.

Michael Robotham has quickly become one of my favorite thriller authors. I was introduced to his Cyrus Haven series and instantly was a fan. This is the first book I have read outside of that series. While this book is the second in his Philomena McCarthy series, it can be read as a standalone.

Philomena McCarthy is a police officer with the Metro police in London. This is despite her father and extended family’s connection to organized crime. During a routine patrol, Philomena finds a child alone, outside at night. After the child’s residence is found, her mother is found inside bound and deceased. Across town, the child’s father is also bound but with a bomb strapped to his chest inside the family’s jewelry store that has been ransacked. What follows is a collision of Philomena’s personal and professional life that can only end badly for her. As Philomena becomes more involved, she’ll have to make a decision between her family or her career. And one of those might cost her her life.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, especially parts focused on Philomena’s extended family. While I’m sure they were meant to add context, I found the characters and their exploits the best part of the book. I thought the concept of having to balance being apart of a criminal family while being a police officer was really interesting for the main character; especially when the character is an unwavering, honest police officer. I kept waiting for Philomena to bend the rules for her family, but she did not. At times, I felt like there were two different stories occurring in the book. One focused on the family issues and another one the murder/robbery; however, I think the author did a good job of tying those aspects together. I still had a few unanswered questions by the end but was confident in who the killer was early on. I will definitely be going back to read the first book in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley, Michael Robotham, and Scribner for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars, rounded up
The White Crow is an engrossing, fast paced second book in the Philomena “Phil” McCarthy series. Phil is a police constable, but she’s also the daughter of a well known criminal boss. Talk about walking a fine line! One night on patrol, she sees a child out in the middle of the night. Taking the little girl home, she finds the child’s mother dead, the victim of a home invasion gone wrong. Meanwhile, a jeweler is found at his burgled store with a bomb strapped to him.
The book flips between multiple POVs, including those of her father and uncles and the actual detective on the case. I appreciate that all the characters were well developed, to the point I wanted to see her father come out on top. Flip side, there was one senior police officer I wanted to see get his comeuppance.
Robotham writes easy to envision scenes. I kept finding excuses to read, including in the middle of the night. Trust me, this one does not help cure insomnia! I was willing to just keep reading.
I hope that Robotham writes a third in the series.
The book would easily work as a stand-alone, but trust me, you’re going to want to read both books.
My thanks to Netgalley and Scribner for an advance copy of this book.

Philomena McCarthy, a police officer in London finds a little girl wandering the streets at the end of her night shift. Phil takes her home only to find that her mother was dead and tied up in the kitchen. At the same time Detective Keegan is at a jewelery shop that just has been robbed. The owner is tied to a chair with a bomb. As Keegan dives deeper into this case only one thing stands out to him. Phil is the daughter of Edward McCarthy, a mobster in London and now he thinks that Phil knows more then what she is telling him. Just like with all of Michael Robotham books you will be hooked by the first page. This is a fast paced read that is full of emotions that will make you laugh and cry til the very end. I would like to thank both NetGalley and Scribner for letting me read an advanced copy of this novel.

I really enjoyed this book! It had the perfect amount of mystery and suspense. Philomena is a young police officer in London with ties to a notorious crime family. One night while patrolling, her and her partner and dispatched to a jewelry store bombing. Before she can respond she glimpses a young child wondering the streets alone and stays back to search the area. Everything from that point on is a wild ride. Definitely add this to your TBR!
⬇️see description⬇️

Philomena “Phil” McCarthy has been an officer on the job for four years. She’s looking forward to a well-deserved vacation in Paris with her husband after this shift. She has managed to keep her life as Edward McCarthy’s daughter a secret. Edward is part of the well-known McCarthy brothers, infamous London gangsters.

While responding to a call, Phil sees a child alone on the street at night. She follows, only to discover it is a little girl, Daisy, who leads her to the body of Daisy’s mother. At the same time, Chief Inspector Brendan Keegan is responding to a violent robbery of a jewelry store. The owner is left with millions missing and a bomb strapped on him. It’s Daisy’s father. The case becomes more complicated when the McCarthy brothers are seen on video footage at the jewelry store. As Phil’s loyalty to her job and her family is tested, the threats get closer and deadlier.

I am a huge fan of Michael Robotham and all of his works. This one stood out to me as a continuation of a newer series and the way he is able to build complex characters along with layered plotlines that carry through his mysteries.

I highly recommend The White Crow. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to more in this series and more from Robotham - soon, hopefully!

In this second Robotham title featuring London police officer Philomena McCarthy, the action, danger, and mystery make for an exciting reading adventure. “Phil” works to earn respect and rank in spite of having to live down her family background as the daughter of a mobster boss. With her intelligence and efforts she takes risks to work and solve a baffling and sinister case.

Michael Robotham is one of my go-to authors for masterfully written police procedural thrillers. I must say, however, that I admired The White Crow more than I actually enjoyed reading it. It is the sequel to When You Are Mine (2021), which introduced Philomena (Phil) McCarthy, a London police officer who struggles with the fact that her father and uncles are all criminals--only Phil's father hasn't spent time in prison. Her colleagues in the London Metropolitan Police already resent her for her skills and ambition and wouldn't be amused to learn about her family background. Phil is also recently married to Henry, a firefighter. In this story, she sees a 5-year-old child hiding outside after dark and finds out, when she helps the little girl, that her parents have been involved in a home invasion that led to the burglary of their jewelry store and left her mother dead. Although not yet a detective, Phil convinces her boss to allow her to join the investigation into this crime, thanks to her excellent instincts.

There is quite a bit of action in the story, especially a spectacular, complicated scene late in the book, and the author handles it with finesse and breathtaking suspense. But this book, much more than the first in the series, focuses more on Phil's family than it does on Phil herself. The characters, especially her father, are well drawn and interesting, but I am no fan of gangster vs. gangster storylines and the hopelessness of innocent bystanders in such situations. I am more interested in any future books in Robotham's Cyrus Haven and Joseph O'Loughlin series.

My thanks to Scribner and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

Based on the review of others I read the initial book in the series first. It was a great book and provided me with the background to fully understand the second title in the series. I enjoyed this title but not as much as book one. I felt more time was spent on the main character’s family and their troubles rather than her. It was fast moving.