Murderous shenanigans
set in London in 1879 and
a winsome chief inspector
from Scotland Yard who
drinks too much coffee
(not too British) are some
of the ingredients you will
find in this fiendishly plotted murder mystery with enough twists and turns to keep the reader on edge from start to finish. A marvellous ride through the dark and foggy world of Victorian society and its underworld, a richly detailed historical whodunit that kept me guessing for a few hours and an outstanding cast of unforgettable characters.
What else do you need?
I loved this delightful novel and I can't simply wait for the next installment in this splendid new series from
Karen Odden. A rollicking fictional journey that needs
to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever👍

Many thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane for this terrific ARC

This book was good; surprisingly good, for a modern (meaning newly written) historical detective novel. The plot was gripping, the characters interesting and well fleshed, and the writing was intelligent. The only thing that destroyed the credibility of the book was the nationality of the author. The book was so clearly written by an American and moreover, one who needed to research English historical culture a little more before embarking upon a book set in Victorian London. Terms such as 'last fall' and 'barkeep' drag one rudely back from complete immersion in the Victorian London setting, as do characters saying things like 'sure' rather than the much more English 'certainly' or 'of course', and giving an address as '12 Wigmore' rather than '12 Wigmore Street', not to mention the constant serving of coffee rather than tea. When will Americans realise that until relatively recently, England was a nation of tea-drinkers and it was the Americans who had coffee all but coursing through their veins. Things may be different here now, but not in the 19th Century.

The author also made a few silly mistakes such as mentioning Corrovan's truncheon several times, although as a Scotland Yard detective he would be in plain clothes, therefore would not carry a truncheon. Also, she mentioned 'printed newsprint' as if there were any other kind of newsprint. The scene where Corrovan was mystified by the term 'red herring' was also a little strange. We are told that despite his unfortunate background, Corrovan was intelligent and also a seasoned policeman, yet he has never heard of the term 'red herring'? He may not have been University educated, but surely he is not an idiot!

The book's great strength was its characters. The main characters were strong and well-rounded, and even minor characters were given depth and substance. Even the main character's love interest had enough meat to steal every scene in which she appeared, and left one wanting more of her. I'm not usually one for romance in my detective novels, but the relationship between Corrovan and Belinda Gale had a profundity that was more than just light romance. Every character left one wanting to know more about them and anticipating their next appearance, Even the murderer had the reader sympathising with him by the end. Hopefully this is the beginning of a series, because I for one, would like to read more about Detective Inspector Michael Corrovan.

Chief Inspector Micheal Corravan of Scotland Yard is given the case of the young woman found in a boat choked to death. Rose Albert. She is from an affluent family, her father is a judge. A locket is found on her body. Caravan doesn’t want to take the case because he is already working on 35-cases on the go.

Micheal Corravan is a rough and tumble kind of guy that I suspect survived because of his instincts, but he likes to do things his way but he is forced to taper down and follow the orders of his superiors. This is hard for him. I found it hard to like him in the beginning, and even though I have read Karen Odden’s previous novels, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to say I like this detour of sorts for her but I stayed with Down a Dark River, and I am glad I did.

I found that despite the story it was Micheal Corravan that had my attention throughout this story as I was trying to figure him out, and the mystery was this winding tale to find out the heart of this complicated man.

My gratitude to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are mine.

I had read a previous Karen Odden book, A Lady in the Smoke, and enjoyed it very much. When I saw the write-up for this one, I jumped on it. I was delighted to find a historical "police procedural" that I enjoyed as much as the Harriet Smart Northminster and the S, M., Goodwin Lightner and Law series. So if you are look for good writing, good plotting, a great mystery, and terrific characters to follow along with as they solve the mystery, then this is the book for you. I hope the author produces more of this series. Highly recommend. #NetGalley #DownADarkRiver

The story sets a solid background for a new historical series set in Victorian London. The plot is good and the characters add to the suspense without distracting the reader. The atmosphere is lacking due to the number of characters. True to its words this book is sure to delight the fans of C. S. Harris, Charles Finch.

Having thoroughly enjoyed Karen Odden's previous books (most notably A DANGEROUS DUET and its sequel, A TRACE OF DECEIT), I'm greatly looking forward to the debut of her new mystery series this November. Set again in Odden's beloved 1870s, DOWN A DARK RIVER introduces Inspector Michael Corravan, whose background includes stints as a dockworker and a bare-knuckle fighter. Corravan's attempts to untangle the motives and murderer behind a succession of female corpses that turn up in small boats on the Thames showcase Odden's gifts for period research, convincing characterizations and atmospheric place evocation. Lovers of Victorian London and fans of C.S. Harris, Charles Finch, and Anne Perry among others will relish DOWN A DARK RIVER.

I’ve read all of Karen Odden’a previously published books and really enjoyed them so I’ve been looking forward to reading this one.

We’re introduced to Inspector Michael Corravan was is a fascinating, multi dimensional character. He’s investigating a serial killer who is targeting wealthy young women. What initially starts off as separate cases become intertwined as the book goes on.

This was an absolutely wonderful book and I was fully engrossed in it and didn’t stop reading until late in the night when I got to the last page. The mystery was intriguing and riveting with many twists and turns that keep you guessing. The characters were fantastically written, they felt real, in terms of being layered with interesting backstories and some growth as the book goes on, such as Corravan realizing working as a one man show doesn’t always work.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes a well written mystery!

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Gripping! This novel sweeps you away into the Victorian-era investigation of a serial killer targeting well-to-do young woman. I could not put the book down, and finished it in record time.
What is particularly impressive about the book, particularly in its genre (‘hard’ mystery following a lawman protagonist) is how real all of the characters are. Not only our protagonist, but also the side characters—friends, witnesses, colleagues, family—all appear on the page as fully-formed human beings with realized backstories and full inner lives. No one is a mere stock character. It’s difficult to believe that all of these characters sprung up purely from one author’s imagination.
The actual mystery was suitably twisty and turny; I enjoyed tagging along as Inspector Corravan tracked down leads and pieced together the puzzle. From start to finish, the story was interesting, well-grounded, and highly satisfying.

I have read some of Karen Odden's books and enjoyed them so when I saw this new title, I had to read it. Michael Corravan is a fascinating character - an Inspector at Scotland Yard, he is one of the few left after the corruption scandal decimated their ranks and left the public distrustful of the Yard. What starts out as two separate cases become entwined as he and his fellow officer Mr. Stiles investigate. Corravan is so interesting because of his flaws - he is a good man who wants justice but has little patience for others and believes alone is the best way to work and live. Will this case convince him that cooperation and respect for his fellow officers is necessary to succeed? Odden does a fantastic job developing her characters and plotting the story, I look forward to the next book! Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of #DownaDarkRiver.

First thank you NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and author for this advance ebook copy!

Honestly when I requested Down a Dark River I didn't think I'd enjoy it that much.
But was I totally wrong. This book.had me intrigued from the first chapter.
I seriously liked everything about it.
The characters are just bad @&&.... Corravan is street smart. He is a senior inspector and he's on the hunt for killer.
This book is set in London 1878. A judges daughters body is found on a little boat. And she's not the only one.... Body's are piling up and the inspector is almost certain these killings are linked to a terrible act of injustice in the past—for which someone has vowed a brutal vengeance.

This book was quick, interesting, suspenseful, enjoyable, smart! I could go on!
Thank you again for this copy! I really enjoyed it!

Will post to my Goodreads and Bookstagram closer to pub date!