- Published: 2022
- Format: Hardcover 336 pages
- Genre: historical mystery; Book #2 in series
I’m a big fan of Karen Odden and have read nearly all of her books. I was very happy that this second book in the Inspector Corravan series was as good as the first (Down a Dark River was fantastic as an audiobook). Odden incorporates a lot of history into her books, while also developing great characters, and this was no exception.
In September 1878, Inspector Corravan is working with the River Police when a pleasure boat collides with a huge collier, a ship transporting coal. In the horrific crash, 470 passengers are killed. As Corravan is investigating the crash, it becomes clear that people are blaming the crash on the Irish Republican Brotherhood without any evidence. This stands to derail Irish hopes for Home Rule; worse, it’s causing a rise in violence towards the Irish living in London.
Corravan is Irish, as are his adoptive family, and he struggles to maintain his impartiality in the case, but he also sees the devastating impact of stoking hatred of the Irish. He may have to compromise his own safety and work with some the gang leaders he fears most, in order to bring the truth to light.
What I love about the series is how much Corravan’s personal life is part of the story. In this book we learn more about his parents and his upbringing with Ma Doyle. We also learn what forced him to leave the Doyles and set out on his own, eventually becoming an inspector. Odden builds compelling relationships between Corravan, each of the Doyles, his nephew Harry, and Belinda, the woman he loves. It’s these relationships that make this a book that is satisfyingly character-driven — at the same time there’s enough action to make the story suspenseful.
Odden explores anti-Irish sentiment in London, balancing that with the history of the IRB and its role in terrorist incidents like the Clerkenwell Outrage. She also explores how journalists of the time both helped and hindered investigations. The story is told in rich historical detail, with descriptions of medical practices, priest holes in churches, organized crime, even whether people drank coffee or tea. I love a historical novel where I don’t just learn about one event, but I learn about many intersecting issues of the time.
Much thanks to the author for giving me a complimentary copy of her book. This was my first read of 2024 and I enjoyed every minute of it. I recommend this series for readers who enjoy Anne Perry, C.S. Harris, and Stacie Murphy.
