The White Crow

Philomena McCarthy is a police officer in London. She is also the daughter of a crime boss in London. Consequently she faces much conflict in her life.

One evening Philomena discovers a five year old girl wandering by the road. Taking the child home she discovers that the child's mother has been murdered. The police soon learn that the family business has also been robbed and police find the husband tied to a chair in the family jewellery store. The police immediately suspect that Philomena's family is involved.

Meanwhile her father's business interests are threatened by someone who wants to take over the firm. Members of her family are in danger and Philomena's father is determined to protect them and his business interests.

In The White Crow Michael Robotham has written another fast paced crime novel with lots of action as well as questions about the importance of family.This is the second book in the Philomena McCarthy series and I suspect that it will not be the last.

When You Are Mine

When You Are Mine is another tension filled, psychological thriller by Australian author, Michael Robotham. 

Set in London, the novel tells the story of the experiences of Philomena McCarthy, a police officer, who is called out to assist a young woman, Tempe Brown, when she is assaulted by her partner. Unfortunately the partner turns out to be Darren Goodall, a highly respected member of the police force and his arrest causes a string of consequences for PC McCarthy. Phil's life is further complicated when her colleagues discover that her father is a London gangster, a fact that she had been careful to hide.

Warned off pursing the case, Phil continues to investigate the background story relating to Goodall and discovers that Goodall's wife and children are also being abused. Phil helps Tempe find accommodation but as the friendship between the two women grows, she begins to suspect the truth of many of the the stories that Tempe tells her. 

Themes covered in the book include domestic violence, corruption in the police force including protecting their own officers from accusations, the strength of family and toxic friendships. It may be a cliche but once you start reading this book you will want to keep reading to discover what will happen next.