Step into the shadowy, spellbinding streets of London with the Crow Investigations series, where magic hums beneath the city’s surface and private investigator Lydia Crow unravels mysteries that pulse with danger and charm. Written by Sarah Painter, this urban fantasy saga blends gritty crime drama with a magical underworld, offering readers a fresh, addictive take on the genre that’s perfect for fans of Ben Aaronovitch or Charlaine Harris.
With its sassy protagonist, intricate family dynamics, and a London setting that feels alive with secrets, Crow Investigations hooks you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Let’s dive into the world of Lydia Crow and discover why this series is a hidden gem in urban fantasy.
How Crow Investigations Began
Sarah Painter, a Scottish author with a knack for weaving magical realism, launched Crow Investigations in 2018 with The Night Raven. Before this, Painter had already charmed readers with novels like The Language of Spells, but she wanted to explore a darker, more grounded fantasy. Inspired by London’s rich history and her love for crime fiction, she created Lydia Crow—a powerless PI in a magical family—who navigates a city where four enchanted clans vie for power. Painter’s freelance journalism background and passion for Joss Whedon’s storytelling shine through, giving the series its sharp wit and vivid characters.
The Heart of Crow Investigations
The series kicks off with The Night Raven, where Lydia returns to London after a professional misstep and is tasked with finding her missing cousin, Maddie. She’s soon entangled with a ghostly flatmate, a forbidden romance with DCI Fleet, and rising tensions among the magical Crow, Silver, Pearl, and Fox families. In The Silver Mark, Lydia investigates a suspicious death under Blackfriars Bridge, confronting the persuasive Silver family’s dark legacy. The Fox’s Curse sees her blackmailed by the cunning Fox family, while The Pearl King pulls her deeper into her shady Uncle Charlie’s criminal world.
At its core, Crow Investigations explores themes of family loyalty, personal identity, and the ethical use of power. Lydia’s journey from a self-proclaimed “powerless” Crow to a formidable force is both empowering and relatable, set against a London that’s equal parts gritty and magical. Painter’s prose is clever and twisty, blending humor, suspense, and a touch of creepiness, earning praise for its immersive setting and mafioso-style magic system, which feels like Harry Potter meets The Sopranos.
Why Crow Investigations Resonates
Crow Investigations has carved a niche in urban fantasy, captivating readers with its blend of mystery, magic, and a fiercely independent heroine. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about its suspenseful plots and Lydia’s sarcastic charm, though some note minor editing issues. The series’ fresh take on magical families and its richly drawn London backdrop have drawn comparisons to Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London, cementing its appeal for genre enthusiasts. With eight books and counting, plus a new installment planned, Painter’s creation continues to grow its cult following, proving that even lesser-known series can leave a lasting mark.
- Publication Start: 2018 with The Night Raven
- Number of Books: 8 (as of 2025)
- Setting: Magical London
- Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery
Ready to unravel London’s magical mysteries? Grab The Night Raven and dive into Crow Investigations’ thrilling world of crime, magic, and family secrets!