This is the second book in this series and sometimes second books do not live up to the first. In my opinion this one was another winner for Michael Robotham in the Philomena McCarthy series. I heard that there was only meant to originally be one book, but that Robotham enjoyed writing this character so much he came back for another round.

A tightly plotted sequel that moves along at an excellent pace, providing us with a fabulous richly layered story which builds and takes the reader on another dark and exciting journey. I think what I loved most about the book apart from a great unexpected plot was the development of Philomena’s character where the author allows us further into her world and get to know a lot more about her, both personally and professionally.

The case she becomes involved is well thought out by the author, offering up a story from the very darkest side of life while combining it with incredible human emotion and the combination of these two themes work brilliantly together. Great characterisation hit us from all sides and as much as I wanted to know how it was all going to resolve, I also did not want it to end.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.

This is an author who never writes a dud, maybe his career in journalism has honed his style, but he can write!
The White Crow sees the return of Philomena McCarthy, policewoman and daughter of renown gangster Eddie McCarthy.
One night while on duty Philomena sees a young girl out wandering the streets in her pjs and covered in blood. She says she cannot wake her mother. A few miles away a jeweller is found with his shop ransacked and a bomb strapped to his chest. He is the young girls father and the mother is located bound and dead in their home.
What seems to be a home invasion/jewellery heist gone wrong, soon appears that someone is out to ruin Eddie McCarthys hold on the crime scene and they are taking no prisoners. Philomena whom has a tenuous relationship with her father must choose which side to take, believe in her father or follow the rules of her job.
Excellent as always and I hope there is more about this character.

#TheWhiteCrow. #NetGalley

Michael Robotham could write a list of groceries & I’d probably rate it 5 stars - he’s just that good. He’s the master of edge-of-your-seat thrillers, & has yet to let me down with any of his books.

White Crow is the second book featuring Philomena McCarthy - it can be read as a stand alone, but the first book does provide some insight into her challenges balancing her life as a police officer, & the daughter of a gangster.

White crow starts with Phil on shift when she spots a little girl in the middle of the road in the middle of the night covered in blood. From there, expect lots of twists & turns, & Phil herself becoming entangled in a web of crime she’s tried so hard to remain free from.

Please give us more Philomena - she’s a national treasure that must be protected.

This book is fast-paced, emotionally layered thriller that pulls you in from the first page and never lets go. Centered around police constable Philomena “Phil” McCarthy, the story explores loyalty, justice, and the weight of personal history with razor-sharp tension.

Phil is as fierce and flawed as ever—driven by instinct, haunted by her past, and constantly toeing the line between right and wrong who feels both real and unpredictable. The writing is tight, the tone gritty, and the psychological edge keeps you guessing without needing constant action.

While a few moments feel familiar if you’re a seasoned thriller reader, the emotional stakes and character complexity more than make up for it.

This is a clever, character-driven thriller that balances suspense with heart. A gripping read from start to finish

I love the character of Phil McCarthy and the plot starts out to set a fast paced and heart pumping read. It begins with finding a young girl by herself and a jewellery robbery involving a bomb. The story is impossible to put down and the characters are hard hitting to forget. This is my first Phil novel but definitely not the last.

I always enjoy Michael Robotham’s books, but I think this is my favourite so far. I’m really enjoying Philomena McCarthy, and her navigation of life on the right side of the law, while her family sometimes skates a little close to the wrong side.
In this book, Philomena is trying to solve the mystery of the death of a woman in her home, while her husbands business was being robbed. There are plenty of potential suspects, including Philomena herself. The tension is maintained throughout the book, making for a great read.

love Michael's books there 's been a A jewellery shop burglary and a murder Philomena McCarthy is the second book full of action and tenison
while philomena solve it and is her dad involved
loved it

Philomena McCarthy is back in what I hope is the second book of her series. This book covers both her private and work life bringing both worlds together in a clever plot of east end gangsters and rich upper class families.

I loved this book. It was pure Michael Robotham at his best. Great characters, intriguing storylines and twists when you think everything has come together.

Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this book. It was an absolute joy.

The White Crow is the second installment of the Philomena McCarthy series and it is another thought-provoking psychological thriller. It can be read as a standalone. Philomena is a police officer who also happens to be the daughter of a crime boss. In this book, a mother has been murdered in a home hostage situation, and Philomena finds her very young daughter roaming alone in the dark. The woman’s husband, a jeweler, is found tied up in a break-in at his store. Robotham’s books are character-driven, layered and well paced. I am particularly impressed with his realistic character dialogues of children, as well as realistic family relationships. I highly recommend this book! With thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Australia and New Zealand. My opinions are my own. Susanh_bookreviews