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msmoodyreader's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
estelessa's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
Set in 1878, Down a Dark River by Karen Odden is a fascinating historical mystery.
Chief Inspector Michael Corravan does not have a good feeling following the discovery the body of Rose Albert in a lighter on the Thames River. She is a young woman from a good family and there are few clues to follow. When another young woman is found murdered in the same manner, Corravan’s worst fears are realized. With the reputation of Scotland Yard already battered from a recent scandal, his boss, Director Howard Vincent, implores Corravan to tread lightly with the victims’ families. Will Michael be able to contain his frustration and concerns over his lack of progress in catching the killer?
Just as the first victim is found, Michael makes progress in another case involving a missing woman, Mrs. Madeline Beckford. After locating her, his attempt to drop her off at her home leads to a shock response. Concerned about her safety, Corravan instead takes her the hospital where his friend Dr. James Everett works. Michael puts his young partner Inspector Stiles in charge of remaining by Madeline’s side in an effort to discover what drove her from her husband’s side.
Meanwhile, more murdered young women are found in lighters and Corravan’s vexation with his inability to find the murderer results in impetus decisions that threaten the case. He is rough around the edges and works hard to contain his impatience. Corravan can be brusque and his irritation with some of the victim’s family members is difficult to contain. After angering a person with unexpected connections in high places, Director Vincent puts Stiles in charge of the investigation. Will Michael heed his boss’s warning to stay away from the case?
Down a Dark River is a compelling mystery with an outstanding cast of characters. Corravan is multi-layered with a temper sometimes gets the best of him. Inspector Stiles patience and compassion perfectly complement Michael’s bull in the china shop tendencies. The storyline is quite engaging with a very perplexing mystery to solve. With brilliant twists and cunning turns, Karen Odden brings this clever mystery to an unpredictable yet satisfying conclusion. An Inspector Corravan Mystery series is off to a strong beginning and fans will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Set in 1878, Down a Dark River by Karen Odden is a fascinating historical mystery.
Chief Inspector Michael Corravan does not have a good feeling following the discovery the body of Rose Albert in a lighter on the Thames River. She is a young woman from a good family and there are few clues to follow. When another young woman is found murdered in the same manner, Corravan’s worst fears are realized. With the reputation of Scotland Yard already battered from a recent scandal, his boss, Director Howard Vincent, implores Corravan to tread lightly with the victims’ families. Will Michael be able to contain his frustration and concerns over his lack of progress in catching the killer?
Just as the first victim is found, Michael makes progress in another case involving a missing woman, Mrs. Madeline Beckford. After locating her, his attempt to drop her off at her home leads to a shock response. Concerned about her safety, Corravan instead takes her the hospital where his friend Dr. James Everett works. Michael puts his young partner Inspector Stiles in charge of remaining by Madeline’s side in an effort to discover what drove her from her husband’s side.
Meanwhile, more murdered young women are found in lighters and Corravan’s vexation with his inability to find the murderer results in impetus decisions that threaten the case. He is rough around the edges and works hard to contain his impatience. Corravan can be brusque and his irritation with some of the victim’s family members is difficult to contain. After angering a person with unexpected connections in high places, Director Vincent puts Stiles in charge of the investigation. Will Michael heed his boss’s warning to stay away from the case?
Down a Dark River is a compelling mystery with an outstanding cast of characters. Corravan is multi-layered with a temper sometimes gets the best of him. Inspector Stiles patience and compassion perfectly complement Michael’s bull in the china shop tendencies. The storyline is quite engaging with a very perplexing mystery to solve. With brilliant twists and cunning turns, Karen Odden brings this clever mystery to an unpredictable yet satisfying conclusion. An Inspector Corravan Mystery series is off to a strong beginning and fans will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.
naluju's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Classism, Death, Kidnapping, and Domestic abuse
dramaticgrace's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVED this book! I could hardly put it down. Karen Odden is by far my favorite author for historical fiction, her characters have so much depth and her writing style has you enthralled from beginning to end. I highly recommend this to anyone who is a fan of mystery and wants to be transported to a unique and exciting Victorian Era world. 10/10!
kcrowellphd's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
nikchick's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
The excellent start of a new historical mystery series: dark, twisty and gripping.
The plot is full of twists and turns and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
I liked the characters and think they are fleshed out and well written.
The historical background is vivid and well researched.
Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The plot is full of twists and turns and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
I liked the characters and think they are fleshed out and well written.
The historical background is vivid and well researched.
Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
claudia_is_reading's review
4.0
A very good Victorian mystery with an interesting main character.
I really liked Inspector Michael Corravan's background and how he is able to go back to his roots and keep learning from them. He is a good policeman, but he also has a rough past and something to prove. Luckily, he has Inspector Stiles to help him to avoid burning too many bridges :P
The mystery is engaging, and there is an underlying theme about the relationship between mental institutions and domestic violence. It's dark, but not hopeless; the atmosphere is vivid and the setting is rich and wonderfully depicted.
I'll be reading more in this series.
I really liked Inspector Michael Corravan's background and how he is able to go back to his roots and keep learning from them. He is a good policeman, but he also has a rough past and something to prove. Luckily, he has Inspector Stiles to help him to avoid burning too many bridges :P
The mystery is engaging, and there is an underlying theme about the relationship between mental institutions and domestic violence. It's dark, but not hopeless; the atmosphere is vivid and the setting is rich and wonderfully depicted.
I'll be reading more in this series.