Review: A Murder of Crows

I listened to Ian Skewis narrate this book which I think certainly added to the experience. His mellifluous Scottish voice is perfectly suited to a tale set on the west coast of Scotland.

Why only 3 stars? I found the plot very convoluted, and I was very unhappy with the end. And what was the point of the crows? Where they to add a sense of foreboding and mystery, with a tinge of magic thrown in? Not sure, as it was never revealed. However, there were certain elements which I thought were outstanding.

The story is told from many POV, one of them being Alice, who is rapidly sliding into full-blown Alzheimers. The descriptions of Alice trying to hold on to her memories are haunting and poignant. Jack Russell (by name and nature!) is about to retire. The case of a couple who go missing during a violent thunderstorm looks straightforward, on the surface. But of course, it’s not.
There is the usual mix of red herrings and too many people with secrets and dark histories. It’s made clear early in the book that Jack’s partner, DC Colin Clements resents Jack and will do anything to undermine him. I’m still in two minds as to whether this tension within the police team adds anything to the plot, or just muddies the water.

Spoiler alert - do not read further if you don’t want to know who dunnit

The murderer is revealed in a strange prologue at the end. It’s a character we have been following throughout the book, but they are - SURPRISE - a sociopath! I’m really very tired of ‘crime’ novels where the perpetrator is revealed as a psychopath/sociopath. It’s too easy and, from the readers’ perspective, very unsatisfying. Apparently there will be another book written about this character, which I will not be reading. One outing with this unsavoury character was enough for me.
Disappointing.

• Review
• Ian Skewis