A review by outsmartyourshelf
The Angel of the Crows by Katherine Addison

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

London, England in 1888 - the year that Jack the Ripper murdered five women. This is an alternate London though, one where angels, werewolves, vampires, and hellhounds live amongst humans. Dr Doyle is injured during war and upon returning to England agrees to share accommodations with Crow, an angel. Crow helps the police with their cases and Doyle becomes embroiled in several of them, including the most famous one of all.

This was such an ingenious read with some great characters. Crow and Dr Doyle are obviously the alternate Sherlock Holmes & Dr Watson - the Hound of the Baskervilles makes an appearance. The fantasy angle though took it one step further with steampunk and magic woven into the story. The world-building is good, and the main characters make the reader root for them to succeed. It looks like it is probably a stand-alone book but I would be interested in reading a sequel.

 
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