Devi Nair
š§ Listened in audio š¢ Narrated by Kristin Atherton ā± Duration: 12 hours š·ļø Publisher: Embla Books, Bonnier Books UK Genre: Cozy Mystery
Although this is classified as a cozy mystery, Iād actually slot A Murder of Crows into the ānear cozyā category. It carries a darker undercurrent than your typical tea-and-scones whodunit, with a moody thread of suspense wrapped around a deceptively gentle setting., but it never overshadows the charm or warmth of the narrative.Dr. Nell Ward is instantly likable, with her genuine curiosity, moral center, and sharp observational skills. I couldnāt help but root for her, even when she stumbled into trouble (as one does when dead bodies and manor tunnels are involved).
One of my absolute favorite parts? The bats. Yes, bats. Sarah Yarwood-Lovettās research shines here: the descriptions of habitats, behavior, and even theirā¦ pooping habits are surprisingly captivating. The research shines, and it never once feels forced. Itās seamlessly tied into the story, letting the science complement the mystery instead of overshadowing it. By the end, I was practically a bat enthusiast. But donāt worry, even if you arenāt into bats, the layered murder mystery and well-timed plot twists will keep you hooked. Nellās balancing act between her ecological work, the mystery, and the budding attention from Adam and DI James adds depth to her character, making her incredibly relatable.
The narration by Kristin Atherton deserves a shout-out. She nails both the upper-class and working-class British accents, making every character vivid and believable. I also appreciated the nuanced portrayal of upper-class characters. Theyāre not the typical snooty stereotypes but genuinely kind and engaging. With a rescued bat and an adorable cat thrown into the mix, this book blends eco-conscious themes with cozy mystery elements seamlessly.
The pacing, however, wavered a bit. At just over 12 hours, a few sections couldāve flown by faster, trim a chapter or two, and this might have been a perfect listen. Still, between the character development, layered mystery, and eco-friendly touches, itās an engaging start to a promising series.A Murder of Crows is a confident start to a series Iāll absolutely keep reading.
Would I recommend it? Even with its darker turns, this near-cozy mystery delivers on charm, intrigue, and ecological insight. Dr. Nell Ward is a protagonist youāll want to follow, and Kristin Athertonās narration brings the perfect touch. Iām already eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. Itās smart, atmospheric, and full of heart (and bats). A little darker than your standard cozy, but thatās part of its appeal. Perfect for fans of intelligent mysteries with a strong environmental edge.
š§ Listened in audio š¢ Narrated by Kristin Atherton ā± Duration: 12 hours š·ļø Publisher: Embla Books, Bonnier Books UK Genre: Cozy Mystery
Although this is classified as a cozy mystery, Iād actually slot A Murder of Crows into the ānear cozyā category. It carries a darker undercurrent than your typical tea-and-scones whodunit, with a moody thread of suspense wrapped around a deceptively gentle setting., but it never overshadows the charm or warmth of the narrative.Dr. Nell Ward is instantly likable, with her genuine curiosity, moral center, and sharp observational skills. I couldnāt help but root for her, even when she stumbled into trouble (as one does when dead bodies and manor tunnels are involved).
One of my absolute favorite parts? The bats. Yes, bats. Sarah Yarwood-Lovettās research shines here: the descriptions of habitats, behavior, and even theirā¦ pooping habits are surprisingly captivating. The research shines, and it never once feels forced. Itās seamlessly tied into the story, letting the science complement the mystery instead of overshadowing it. By the end, I was practically a bat enthusiast. But donāt worry, even if you arenāt into bats, the layered murder mystery and well-timed plot twists will keep you hooked. Nellās balancing act between her ecological work, the mystery, and the budding attention from Adam and DI James adds depth to her character, making her incredibly relatable.
The narration by Kristin Atherton deserves a shout-out. She nails both the upper-class and working-class British accents, making every character vivid and believable. I also appreciated the nuanced portrayal of upper-class characters. Theyāre not the typical snooty stereotypes but genuinely kind and engaging. With a rescued bat and an adorable cat thrown into the mix, this book blends eco-conscious themes with cozy mystery elements seamlessly.
The pacing, however, wavered a bit. At just over 12 hours, a few sections couldāve flown by faster, trim a chapter or two, and this might have been a perfect listen. Still, between the character development, layered mystery, and eco-friendly touches, itās an engaging start to a promising series.A Murder of Crows is a confident start to a series Iāll absolutely keep reading.
Would I recommend it? Even with its darker turns, this near-cozy mystery delivers on charm, intrigue, and ecological insight. Dr. Nell Ward is a protagonist youāll want to follow, and Kristin Athertonās narration brings the perfect touch. Iām already eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. Itās smart, atmospheric, and full of heart (and bats). A little darker than your standard cozy, but thatās part of its appeal. Perfect for fans of intelligent mysteries with a strong environmental edge.