Down a Dark River

An Inspector Corravan Mystery, Book 1

By: Karen Odden

Narrated by: Joshua Manning

Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

London, 1878. One April morning, a small boat bearing a young woman’s corpse floats down the murky waters of the Thames. When the victim is identified as Rose Albert, daughter of a prominent judge, the Scotland Yard director gives the case to Michael Corravan, one of the only senior inspectors remaining after a corruption scandal the previous autumn left the division in ruins. Reluctantly, Corravan abandons his ongoing case, a search for the missing wife of a shipping magnate, handing it over to his young colleague, Mr. Stiles.

An Irish former bare-knuckles boxer and dockworker from London’s seedy East End, Corravan has good street sense and an inspector’s knack for digging up clues. But he’s confounded when, a week later, a second woman is found dead in a rowboat, and then a third. The dead women seem to have no connection whatsoever. Meanwhile, Mr. Stiles makes an alarming discovery: The shipping magnate’s missing wife, Mrs. Beckford, may not have fled her house because she was insane, as her husband claims, and Mr. Beckford may not be the successful man of business that he appears to be.

Slowly, it becomes clear that the river murders and the case of Mrs. Beckford may be linked through some terrible act of injustice in the past - for which someone has vowed a brutal vengeance. Now, with the newspapers once again trumpeting the Yard’s failures, Corravan must dredge up the truth - before London devolves into a state of panic and before the killer claims another innocent victim.

©2021 Karen Odden (P)2021 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Wonderful story

This is a wonderfully crafted story that paints a clear picture of life in the 1800rds. The characters are multidimensional- flawed and redeemable. I could not stop listening, staying up much too late. I’m so glad this is a series! I will look forward to when the next book comes out in October.

Excellent new detective on the scene!

i was skeptical about another period inspector series but this was such a treat. This story, the perspective, and the way it's told speaks to themes so much more than what's on the face of it. It is an intelligent and engaging novel that keeps you involved in the mystery as much as it has you root for the characters. If there is any downfall in here, it's that I had to think about who was who at times but that's truly nitpicking.

Regarding the performance, it was fantastic. The narrator really helps settle you into the world and brings to life these dynamic, complicated characters.

Great story and performance

Enjoyed this book. Everyone had a past that colors the present and this story embodies the fight to always strive to be the best person possible.

Victorian London in all its grime and crinoline !

Love this period mystery. Several characters really sunk into my heart. Some very nuanced ending decisions were made and had our club really diving into the what would have done questions!

Takes you back in time brilliantly!

I loved the character development…
It’s twisted but never to dark. The mystery has twists and turns and you will fall madly for the main character taking us first person through it all!

Very enjoyable mystery

My only regret that there are only 2 books in the series and the second one's plot is not to my liking. I really liked the characters and want to know them better and follow more of their investigations.

good read

it's another good story by Karen Odden. Joshua Manning has a nice voice and narration that's easy to listen to.

A Pleasant Surprise!

I listen incessantly to books on Audible. “Down a Dark River” was one I enjoyed the most! Interesting, exciting, twisty plot and a real pleasure.

Excellent mystery

Well written historical mystery. Interesting to the end. Narrator was exceptionally good choice for this book. VERY disappointed that a different narrator was chosen for second book. Not impressed w/sampling of that, but want to follow the Inspector’s story so will try it.

Excellent story

well written. excellent narration. page turner. story lines and characters well developed. surprise ending.