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Crow Investigations #10
The Crow Moon
The tenth instalment in the bestselling Urban Fantasy mystery series, Crow Investigations.
376 pages, ebook
Published February 5, 2026
158 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Painter
59 books913 followersSarah Painter is the author of the bestselling magical novel, The Language of Spells, and its follow-up, The Secrets of Ghosts.
She has written 'book club' fiction with atmospheric settings and historical elements (In The Light of What We See and Beneath The Water), and a 'wonderfully dark and twisty' supernatural thriller, The Lost Girls.
Sarah's latest venture is an exciting new urban fantasy series, Crow Investigations. Yes, she finds it hard to stick to one genre!
Before writing books, Sarah Painter worked as a freelance magazine journalist, blogger and editor, combining this 'career' with amateur child-wrangling (AKA motherhood).
Sarah lives in rural Scotland with her husband and children. She drinks too much tea, loves the work of Joss Whedon, and is the proud owner of a writing shed.
She has written 'book club' fiction with atmospheric settings and historical elements (In The Light of What We See and Beneath The Water), and a 'wonderfully dark and twisty' supernatural thriller, The Lost Girls.
Sarah's latest venture is an exciting new urban fantasy series, Crow Investigations. Yes, she finds it hard to stick to one genre!
Before writing books, Sarah Painter worked as a freelance magazine journalist, blogger and editor, combining this 'career' with amateur child-wrangling (AKA motherhood).
Sarah lives in rural Scotland with her husband and children. She drinks too much tea, loves the work of Joss Whedon, and is the proud owner of a writing shed.
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March 11, 2026This is one of my all time favorite urban fantasy series, and this final (?) novel ended things perfectly. I hope Ms. Painter finds sometime in the future that she has more to say about the Four Families. I also loved that she found another reason to visit the island and the wonderful characters who live there. Lydia's decision to return to her investigation company was perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2026
How is it over!
I started reading this series a couple of years ago. To say I am incredibly sad this is finished is an understatement. But I am so excited to see what Sarah has next.
This was such a beautiful end to a fabulous series and if Sarah happens to want to write another one....... I will be first in line.
I started reading this series a couple of years ago. To say I am incredibly sad this is finished is an understatement. But I am so excited to see what Sarah has next.
This was such a beautiful end to a fabulous series and if Sarah happens to want to write another one....... I will be first in line.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm so sad that I'm losing my favorite drinking buddy!
I know that sometimes series can go on too long but these books are such a comfort read for me. I've gotten so close to the characters over the years and I'm really going to miss them!
Painter did a great job of wrapping up all of the loose ends from the last book and the series in general. I was excited to see some more connections to the Unholy Island series so if you haven't read those books yet, I would definitely recommend that you do so!
This one did get very exciting towards the end and I was nervous about whether or not Lydia was going to be able to save the day. I was also very concerned about the impending wedding but I think overall everything turned out the way it should. Painter defintely did leave an opening for the possiblity of another book so I'm just going to cross my fingers that we'll get another one day!
If you enjoy urban fantasy but haven't picked up this series yet what are you waiting for?
I know that sometimes series can go on too long but these books are such a comfort read for me. I've gotten so close to the characters over the years and I'm really going to miss them!
Painter did a great job of wrapping up all of the loose ends from the last book and the series in general. I was excited to see some more connections to the Unholy Island series so if you haven't read those books yet, I would definitely recommend that you do so!
This one did get very exciting towards the end and I was nervous about whether or not Lydia was going to be able to save the day. I was also very concerned about the impending wedding but I think overall everything turned out the way it should. Painter defintely did leave an opening for the possiblity of another book so I'm just going to cross my fingers that we'll get another one day!
If you enjoy urban fantasy but haven't picked up this series yet what are you waiting for?
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book 10 in the Crow Investigations series (and possibly the last? I hope not, but potentially!), and reading the opening pages feels like settling into a familiar urban fantasy nook. The world is set up so clearly now - and The Crow Moon also follows on pretty much directly from the previous book, which adds some nice momentum and will make it a real treat for readers who are working their way through the series for the first time.
So... the NewRipper hasn't finished with Lydia, Paul Fox is marrying a Pearl who's popped up from nowhere, and the secret service are headhunting Lydia... or is that Fleet? Meanwhile, Lydia is doing her best to bond with Ember, the ten-year-old who's staying with them, and someone is messing with ghosts - including Jason. And Lydia still hates living in Charlie's house, swish as it is. Complications abound and the plot hits the ground running.
Lydia is such a great main character - grumpy and a bit gothy, but she takes herself seriously and has a sense of ethics that finally brings her solidly into conflict with what it means to be in charge of the Crow family. I love that the book doesn't dodge this, instead using it to fuel the story as a whole. It's also great to see plenty of Fleet, Jason and Paul, along with developing Ember, whom we met in the previous book, and introducing Megan, an intriguing new character whom I'd love to see more of. In fact, I'd love to see more of most of these characters and the world Sarah Painter has created here - but if that doesn't happen, things are brought to a satisfying conclusion. And whatever Sarah Painter writes next, I'll look forward to it!
So... the NewRipper hasn't finished with Lydia, Paul Fox is marrying a Pearl who's popped up from nowhere, and the secret service are headhunting Lydia... or is that Fleet? Meanwhile, Lydia is doing her best to bond with Ember, the ten-year-old who's staying with them, and someone is messing with ghosts - including Jason. And Lydia still hates living in Charlie's house, swish as it is. Complications abound and the plot hits the ground running.
Lydia is such a great main character - grumpy and a bit gothy, but she takes herself seriously and has a sense of ethics that finally brings her solidly into conflict with what it means to be in charge of the Crow family. I love that the book doesn't dodge this, instead using it to fuel the story as a whole. It's also great to see plenty of Fleet, Jason and Paul, along with developing Ember, whom we met in the previous book, and introducing Megan, an intriguing new character whom I'd love to see more of. In fact, I'd love to see more of most of these characters and the world Sarah Painter has created here - but if that doesn't happen, things are brought to a satisfying conclusion. And whatever Sarah Painter writes next, I'll look forward to it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all huge thanks to Sarah Painter for an ARC of Crow Moon in exchange for an honest review of the book.
Pinning my colours to the mast from the outset I am a massive fan of Sarah’s books having read everything she has ever published and this book dragged me out of my third post-read Onyx Storm book slump.
Crow Moon is the tenth in the Crow Investigations series and is threatened to be the last (I hope not). It has all the characters that we have come to love over the course of the series, Lydia, Fleet, Paul and not forgetting the delightful brew and cake making ghost that is Jason.
There are multiple threads in the story referencing previous books and things that have occurred within them for example with the Pearl Court and the character development in each character continues without losing the essence of what made us care about them in the first place.
There is murder, intrigue, sexual chemistry and tension, ghosts, magic, spinning coins and whisky.
So many questions that other books have left in my mind have been answered in this one - does Hot Paul finally get the heroine? Does Jason finally pass over? Does Fleet choose his beloved career over his beloved girl? Does Lydia ever wear anything but Docs? Are Charlie and Maddie really dead? Well I know the answer to these questions now and I am not telling.
What I really need to know but don’t is where Sarah is going now having completed this ten book series and the Unholy Island trilogy.
Pinning my colours to the mast from the outset I am a massive fan of Sarah’s books having read everything she has ever published and this book dragged me out of my third post-read Onyx Storm book slump.
Crow Moon is the tenth in the Crow Investigations series and is threatened to be the last (I hope not). It has all the characters that we have come to love over the course of the series, Lydia, Fleet, Paul and not forgetting the delightful brew and cake making ghost that is Jason.
There are multiple threads in the story referencing previous books and things that have occurred within them for example with the Pearl Court and the character development in each character continues without losing the essence of what made us care about them in the first place.
There is murder, intrigue, sexual chemistry and tension, ghosts, magic, spinning coins and whisky.
So many questions that other books have left in my mind have been answered in this one - does Hot Paul finally get the heroine? Does Jason finally pass over? Does Fleet choose his beloved career over his beloved girl? Does Lydia ever wear anything but Docs? Are Charlie and Maddie really dead? Well I know the answer to these questions now and I am not telling.
What I really need to know but don’t is where Sarah is going now having completed this ten book series and the Unholy Island trilogy.
February 5, 2026
Bittersweet because I have become attached to Lydia and the Families of London,and this, we are told, is the last of the series. I still want to know more, especially about Fleet and Ember, but the Muse does as it will, and this was a very solid part of the series.
Lydia is constantly harassed by a job she never volunteered for, by questions of ethicsand responsibility and by fears for the future. London's ghosts are behaving unpredictably, even her own, dear, domesticated Jason,and an old flame announces an engagement which could well alter the balance of power, fragile at best, affecting the Family interaction which, unseen and unguessed by most Londoners, holds the city together.
A new start seems desirable, but is it even possible? Lydia has to deal with terrible threats to people and places she holds dear, while trying to work out what she wants and needs for herself.
Lydia is constantly harassed by a job she never volunteered for, by questions of ethicsand responsibility and by fears for the future. London's ghosts are behaving unpredictably, even her own, dear, domesticated Jason,and an old flame announces an engagement which could well alter the balance of power, fragile at best, affecting the Family interaction which, unseen and unguessed by most Londoners, holds the city together.
A new start seems desirable, but is it even possible? Lydia has to deal with terrible threats to people and places she holds dear, while trying to work out what she wants and needs for herself.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just lately I haven’t been able to read. Nothing I picked up held my attention, then the ARC of Crow Moon landed in my inbox. Had been looking forward to today for what felt like forever. But that was before my current reading slump.
I opened the book with some trepidation. Worried that I would feel about it the same way I felt about all the other books I had tried to read.
I needn’t have worried. A few pages in I realised I was in the grip of a familiar world that I loved. Delighted to meet up with Lydia and her ghost lodger, Jason, as well as other familiar characters, once more. I was soon absorbed in the story and it was very late before I finally forced myself to put Crow Moon aside for the next day.
Sarah Painter has a way of making you really care about the characters. They are so real. And can believe that the families exist and that magic, this kind of magic, is real. Crow Moon ties up lots of loose ends and at the same time takes the reader on an exciting new adventure.
This is the last in the series, although the door has been left open if the author decides that Lydia might well have another adventure. All i can do is hope that Lydia whispers in Sarah Painter’s ear and these wonderful characters will be brought to life once more.
Meanwhile I intend to reread the whole series once more. Knowing I have Crow Moon to look forward to once more.
Thank you Sarah Painter for my copy of The Crow Moon, given in exchange for an unbiased review.
I opened the book with some trepidation. Worried that I would feel about it the same way I felt about all the other books I had tried to read.
I needn’t have worried. A few pages in I realised I was in the grip of a familiar world that I loved. Delighted to meet up with Lydia and her ghost lodger, Jason, as well as other familiar characters, once more. I was soon absorbed in the story and it was very late before I finally forced myself to put Crow Moon aside for the next day.
Sarah Painter has a way of making you really care about the characters. They are so real. And can believe that the families exist and that magic, this kind of magic, is real. Crow Moon ties up lots of loose ends and at the same time takes the reader on an exciting new adventure.
This is the last in the series, although the door has been left open if the author decides that Lydia might well have another adventure. All i can do is hope that Lydia whispers in Sarah Painter’s ear and these wonderful characters will be brought to life once more.
Meanwhile I intend to reread the whole series once more. Knowing I have Crow Moon to look forward to once more.
Thank you Sarah Painter for my copy of The Crow Moon, given in exchange for an unbiased review.
February 21, 2026
Motored along a lot better than the last book.
But all this to-ing and fro-ing just so Lyds can get back to Crow Investigations!
But all this to-ing and fro-ing just so Lyds can get back to Crow Investigations!
February 28, 2026
what does a crow do if she wants to retire from the family business. can she even retire? no it’s more complex than that but then being a crow was never simple for Lydia
This book is a fast paced romp through the politics of London families. Lots of adventure and excitement. Lydia chooses to abdicate her position of family leader. The loss of her power after being drained by the river man is making her stressed and feeling trapped. She comes up with a novel solution chooses to sink her energy into crow investigations 24/7 to be her own boss on her own terms but first she must solve a serial killers identity and help capture and send him to justice largely using her own investigations with allies new and old and a villain bent on destroying both her and most of London.
This book is a fast paced romp through the politics of London families. Lots of adventure and excitement. Lydia chooses to abdicate her position of family leader. The loss of her power after being drained by the river man is making her stressed and feeling trapped. She comes up with a novel solution chooses to sink her energy into crow investigations 24/7 to be her own boss on her own terms but first she must solve a serial killers identity and help capture and send him to justice largely using her own investigations with allies new and old and a villain bent on destroying both her and most of London.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thoroughly Enjoyable ! What an interesting story for this 10th book of Crow Investigations. I was hugely excited to receive an arc copy to read and review , thank you Sarah Painter. The book reads very well and there is lots of character development for the leading players . The story moves along at a good pace and the twists and turns are absorbing . I really like the character of Lydia Crow and was delighted she has grown in confidence and can make interesting decisions ! I so hope this is not the last book in this series as I want to know so much more and would love to know Lydia Crow has more adventures ahead!
March 12, 2026
I've enjoyed this series, but this one (number 10) was beginning to feel a bit tired. I wonder whether the author felt the same way as there were a couple of bits that seemed a bit clunky – someone acting seemingly out of character or some unwieldy exposition.
The book, and possibly series, come to a reasonably satisfying conclusion, but there seemed a lot of setting up for following books in this or other series.
Overall, it's been fun, and I've enjoyed Lydia's adventures around London (my neck of the woods), but I think it's run its course now. I look forward to Sarah Painter's next project!
The book, and possibly series, come to a reasonably satisfying conclusion, but there seemed a lot of setting up for following books in this or other series.
Overall, it's been fun, and I've enjoyed Lydia's adventures around London (my neck of the woods), but I think it's run its course now. I look forward to Sarah Painter's next project!
February 9, 2026
This is book ten. If you have read and liked books 1-9 read this. Don't skip any of them, the story runs through, these are not standalone. It's a good idea to have also read the (somewhat related) Holy Island series, both because the series is great and because I'm not sure the end of this will quite make sense without it.
I'm sad to say goodbye to Lydia and the other characters that Sarah Painter has brought to life for us over the course of these books. The series has been a pleasure to read.
I'm sad to say goodbye to Lydia and the other characters that Sarah Painter has brought to life for us over the course of these books. The series has been a pleasure to read.
February 23, 2026
Another outstanding novel in the Crow Investigations series
I read a lot of books for escapism but recently I was getting in a rut and thought I'd lost interest in reading. Picked up this new book and Sarah reminded me once again what an outstanding author she is, drawing me back into the story and adding little references to the previous book so I quickly remembered where we're at in the story without needing to reread book 9... and maybe book 8.. etc. Great storytelling, great characters, 10/10 will read again
I read a lot of books for escapism but recently I was getting in a rut and thought I'd lost interest in reading. Picked up this new book and Sarah reminded me once again what an outstanding author she is, drawing me back into the story and adding little references to the previous book so I quickly remembered where we're at in the story without needing to reread book 9... and maybe book 8.. etc. Great storytelling, great characters, 10/10 will read again
February 14, 2026
Annoyed. Do much pondering. Gack!!. She started off as a strong character in the series but as head of the crow family she’s weak. Forever avoiding her responsibilities. When the cards are clearly all in her own hands she thinks they are in the other persons. She’s got no backbone. I got so peeved I threw the book down. I finished the book but not reading this series anymore. Damn shame. Such a great premise too.
February 15, 2026
Magical storytelling
I love this series, and if it's the last then it was a satisfying end, but never say never!
I'm hoping this may tempt Sarah Painter to write another unholy Isle book and see what happens with Ember!
I have loved this series SO much, despite the horror and violence, like the Unholy Isle series I find this series a cosy read; I know it's going to be good. Always rooting for Lydia!
Thank you Sarah for sharing your fantastic story telling mastery!
I love this series, and if it's the last then it was a satisfying end, but never say never!
I'm hoping this may tempt Sarah Painter to write another unholy Isle book and see what happens with Ember!
I have loved this series SO much, despite the horror and violence, like the Unholy Isle series I find this series a cosy read; I know it's going to be good. Always rooting for Lydia!
Thank you Sarah for sharing your fantastic story telling mastery!
February 15, 2026
love this series
I’ve read each book at least twice. These books have everything: magic, mystery, a bit of romance, and the violence that comes with the territory of a magical mafia family isn’t enough to be traumatizing. I found myself dropping everything to read each book as it came out and reread the previous books so I don’t miss out on important details. Definitely recommend!
I’ve read each book at least twice. These books have everything: magic, mystery, a bit of romance, and the violence that comes with the territory of a magical mafia family isn’t enough to be traumatizing. I found myself dropping everything to read each book as it came out and reread the previous books so I don’t miss out on important details. Definitely recommend!
February 9, 2026
The last in the Crow series I hope not but happy Sarah has tidied things up nicely with this final instalment very much a resetting.
I’ve spent years with these characters and the world that they live in and will miss them.
Look forward to reading the latest in Sarah's other Island series which I believe is coming out soon.
I’ve spent years with these characters and the world that they live in and will miss them.
Look forward to reading the latest in Sarah's other Island series which I believe is coming out soon.
February 14, 2026
Sad to see this series end
This has been a very interesting series. We’ve seen characters grow from their experiences. The love story developed over time. And, the other characters in the story became favorites too. I would like to return to this world and find out more about some of the other families.
This has been a very interesting series. We’ve seen characters grow from their experiences. The love story developed over time. And, the other characters in the story became favorites too. I would like to return to this world and find out more about some of the other families.
March 8, 2026
And so we reach Book 10....
Book 10 is the last book in the Crow Investigations series. It is a brilliant book, with a great storyline about the Families and London's ghost population.
All the main characters are there, the story continues at a cracking pace and I was totally absorbed.
Read the books in order, then enjoy this one. It's definitely worth it!
Book 10 is the last book in the Crow Investigations series. It is a brilliant book, with a great storyline about the Families and London's ghost population.
All the main characters are there, the story continues at a cracking pace and I was totally absorbed.
Read the books in order, then enjoy this one. It's definitely worth it!
March 16, 2026
Enjoyable Mystery Series.
It was gratifying to see a more mature and thoughtful Lydia Crow. I enjoyed the twists and turns in this mystery. The Who was apparent but the how and why was suspenseful. Enjoyed the twists and the confidence Lydia has in her abilities and in her skills. I loved the surprise at the end with the trip to Unholy Island.
It was gratifying to see a more mature and thoughtful Lydia Crow. I enjoyed the twists and turns in this mystery. The Who was apparent but the how and why was suspenseful. Enjoyed the twists and the confidence Lydia has in her abilities and in her skills. I loved the surprise at the end with the trip to Unholy Island.
March 20, 2026
As good as ever
I really enjoyed reading the latest Lydia Crow book, it is as good as ever.
This book has Lydia searching for Ember and having to deal with a new leader of the Pearl family, Scarlett, who is threatening to cause complete catastrophe in the worst possible way.
I can’t wait for the next adventure.
I really enjoyed reading the latest Lydia Crow book, it is as good as ever.
This book has Lydia searching for Ember and having to deal with a new leader of the Pearl family, Scarlett, who is threatening to cause complete catastrophe in the worst possible way.
I can’t wait for the next adventure.
March 24, 2026
Yet another good read.
I loved this series and hope it continues as it’s placed to do.
The characters are old friends by now anc the new additions only expand the options in the storyline. The families have an actual beneficial arrangement not to close though.
It’s a great read I recommend it.
I loved this series and hope it continues as it’s placed to do.
The characters are old friends by now anc the new additions only expand the options in the storyline. The families have an actual beneficial arrangement not to close though.
It’s a great read I recommend it.
February 15, 2026
This was a great week for new books and I'm always thrilled to get a Sarah Painter. The Crow investgations books always make me think I'm going to have a hard time getting into the and then I read the first page and I'm totally hooked. Great book!
February 18, 2026
Fans of this series won't be disappointed there is plenty to enjoy in the latest installment of the Crow family activities. I think this is a fitting end to the series so it will be interesting to see if that is what the author intends or if a further volume appears. Either way enjoy!
February 23, 2026
Love this series.
It’s wonderful that Lydia is dealing with things properly now. Yet just a homicidal maniac and a ghost killer to deal with first. Crow Investigations are never just ordinary.
It’s wonderful that Lydia is dealing with things properly now. Yet just a homicidal maniac and a ghost killer to deal with first. Crow Investigations are never just ordinary.
February 25, 2026
Worth your time.
I've read all of the books in this series, this just might be my favorite. I'm not going to do a recap, but Painter hit this one so far out of the park, its never to be seen again.
I've read all of the books in this series, this just might be my favorite. I'm not going to do a recap, but Painter hit this one so far out of the park, its never to be seen again.
March 4, 2026
A mature Lydia Crow
The story stands up to the previous books either consistent characters. Lydia has matured and defining her own space within the Crow family hierarchy. Well worth the time to read the book. Thanks to Sarah Painter
The story stands up to the previous books either consistent characters. Lydia has matured and defining her own space within the Crow family hierarchy. Well worth the time to read the book. Thanks to Sarah Painter
February 6, 2026
Excellent Read
I love this series. Such a great read. This book brought closure to things, but left an opening for future books hopefully.
I love this series. Such a great read. This book brought closure to things, but left an opening for future books hopefully.
February 10, 2026
loved it
As with all her books, Sarah had me spellbound. The story is great and I hope there is more to come. I read this book in one sitting.
As with all her books, Sarah had me spellbound. The story is great and I hope there is more to come. I read this book in one sitting.
February 11, 2026
Another good one!
Love this series. And I’ve read them all. Hell Hawk! Lydia is a great character! I highly recommend this book.
Love this series. And I’ve read them all. Hell Hawk! Lydia is a great character! I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews