"The White Crow" succeeds on so many levels. It's packed with vivid characters you care about and who are engulfed in a plot that is packed with action and emotion.

The is the second novel featuring Philomena McCarthy, a constable with the Metropolitan police who is indeed a "white crow," the Eastern European version of being a black sheep. Philomena is a promising member of the force, and she keeps under wraps that she's a member of the McCarthy mob family. She and her father do not ever discuss their businesses, and do their best to meet only as family. Philomena is on patrol when she sees a small child hiding in the bushes on a rainy night. The little girl takes her to a murder scene, connected to a kidnapping and robbery. Phil's boss wants to pin this on her father, but she knows this is not right. She's torn between her family and her job, while a new generation of Bulgarian criminals threatens her family and her life.

The McCarthy family is an old Cockney family involved in crime since her dad and uncles began stealing from lorries in the 1960s. Now they call themselves real estate developers with a side of money laundering. We fear they are not psychotic enough to compete with Bulgarians who want to steal their business, and that is what leads to a smashing climax of the story.

Michael Robotham always delivers deep, thoughtful, action-packed stories with a smart psychological edge. If you haven't read him before, I envy you. Every single one of his novels will knock your socks off.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley with a special thanks to Colleen Nuccio of S&S for reaching out to me. Terrific novel.

Michael Robotham has done it again! The White Crown is a non-stop thriller. PC Philomena (Phil) McCarthy has returned in this murder mystery (and so much more) that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Michael Robotham creates strong characters, complex plots and his descriptions bring the story to life. He creates outstanding psychological thrills that do not ever disappoint. Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner/Simon & Schuster Publishing for an advanced copy. A special thanks to Michael Robotham for another thoroughly enjoyable book.