The White Crow (Philomena McCarthy #2) – Michael Robotham

I have been a big fan of the books of Michael Robotham since I read my first Joe O’Loughlin novel Suspect way back in 2008. There are 9 books in that series and I’ve read all but one, The Wreckage . While the book is considered book #5 in the series the main protagonist in the book is Vincent Ruiz an ex-cop who Joe interacts with on several levels. I liked the character of Vincent Ruiz so I really should read the book!

However, let’s get back to The White Crow. The White Crow is the second book to feature PC Philomena McCarthy. The first book was When You Are Mine released back in 2022 and it was terrific.

The Story

Philomena McCarthy is London police officer. She is also the daughter of Edward McCarthy and a niece to Edward McCarthy and his brothers. The problem? Edward and his brothers are known London criminals. And while Edward has never been convicted of any crimes, his brothers have and spent time in prison.

In this book, while Philomena is responding to a home invasion, she spots a five year old little girl in the rain wearing bloody pajamas. The little girl turns out to be the daughter of the woman who was murdered in the home invasion.

Meanwhile, nearby a top of the line jewelry store is being robbed, and the owner is strapped to a chair holding a bomb that’s ready to go off!

Soon Edward McCarthy and his brother are considered to be a prime suspects in the jewelry store robbery even though he is now a developer and not a crime boss. And Philomena is also placed under suspicion. Did she help her father? Soon the suspended Philomena is struggling between two worlds and who does she believe the police or her father and his brothers??

What Michael Robotham Says About The White Crow

In the acknowledgements of the book Michael Robotham writes the following…..

When I created the character of Philomena McCarthy in When You Were Mine, I thought I was writing a standalone., but I fell in love with Phil, and in particular with her father and uncles. who were old-school East End Gangsters. Geezers if you will, who made me laugh.

Some novels come more easily than others and this was a joy to write because I love these characters and how they react with a world that is changing so quickly.

My Thoughts

Last year when I started to redesign and update this site I discovered that When You Are Mine was not a standalone novel. That Michael had written The White Crow, which is the second book in the Philomena McCarthy series. I must confess I didn’t remember much about When You Are Mine but when I started The White Crow the memories of Edward McCarthy and his brothers started flowing back and good memories they were! Kind of makes me want to go back and read When You Are Mine again!

The White Crow is a well written books with a great twisty storyline and a powerful ending! The characters are what’s special. I don’t think there’s a weak character in the book. And while Edward and his brothers are terrific characters and their nemesis may be even better!

My final thought is it may be best to read When You Are Mine first to get a proper introduction to the McCarthy clan. As for me I’m eagerly awaiting book #3 in this series and a book 5 in the Cyrus Haven Series. I’m also hoping to find When You Are Mine at a Goodwill!

Near the end of the book, Edward McCarthy’s nemesis explains what a white crow is — and it fits Phil perfectly.
Do you know?
Well… go find out.

Links

Author’s Website
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Amazon

About Michael Robotham

Michael Robotham is an Australian crime fiction writer who has twice won the CWA Gold Dagger award for best novel and twice been shortlisted for the Edgar Award for best novel. His eldest child is Alexandra Hope Robotham, professionally known as Alex Hope, an Australian producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Wikipedia

Born: 1960 (age 65 years), Casino, Australia

Children: Alex Hope

Nationality: Australian

Notable awards: The CWA Gold Dagger, 2015, 2020

Notable works: Life or Death

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