Many thanks to Louise Walters Books for the ARC. (Giving me books will always make me you more but it never affects my opinion of the book. There are grenades that would have no effect on me forming an opinion ;p)

So too business. I mainlined Echo Murder in just under two days - days on which I worked and trained and did various other things than read - so that should give you some idea of what we're dealing with here. If you're and Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal Crime fan and you're wondering if you should go and get the first book (Fallible Justice) while it's on special offer and pre-order yourself Echo Murder the answer is yes. (Why are you still standing there?) If you would a little more detail, read on.

In Fallible Justice we met Yannia Wilde, one of the Wild Folk, who had taken up residence in Old London (which is where all the other folk and magic wielders live, as opposed to New London which belongs to the humans, who are aware of the former.) In this book, Yannia, who is working as a PI, has just come off a case which has left her with conflicted feelings about the life she has chosen. To complicate the matter further, urgent news from home is brought to her by Dearon, her childhood friend and betrothed, about whom she has even more conflicted feelings. A visit home is interrupted by an SOS from Jamie, Yannia's human police officer friend. Something very strange is going on in Old London. How can a man be dead, and yet alive, and then die again? Yannia and her apprentice, Karrion, are on the case.

Wilde Investigations is fast becoming one of my favourite UF/ paranormal crime series (although that's not entirely accurate genre wise. The style is far more literary than you'd expect in those genres.) The world building is superb, taking London and giving us a shadowy twin where anything can happen. The different species of magical folk are well thought out and take common tropes, such as witches, faeries, mages, and subtly subverts them. Yannia is an engaging character and her friendship with Karrion is one of the best things in the books. Both characters have developed and been changed by the events prior to this book and this character growth is believable and relatable. I love the fact that we got little cameos from people Lord Ellernthorne and Fria the cat shaman, who weren't major players in this story but clearly have things to do in the future.

In fact, Laakso manages to convey both the immediate plot arc and the ongoing series arc in a way that leaves the reader confident she knows where she's taking us. The main plot in this book is that of a murder that apparently happens and yet doesn't happen, over and over again. There were plenty of twists and turns and good levels of action, all whilst delivering us the clues in a way we wouldn't recognise until the denouement. I thought I had it twice but each time a skilful new reveal threw me off the scent again. This was most enjoyable. And while Yannia and Karrion hunt down ly suspects, we're introduced to more of Old London and its denizens.

I want to just give a special shout out to Lady Bergamon and Wishearth, who steal the show when they turn up and maddeningly know far more about what's really going on that Yannia or the reader does. Both characters are a treat to read.

Overall this is a great book. I enjoyed reading it so much. The only downside is that I have no idea how I'm going to wait for the next one (...impatiently, I imagine!) so on that front it all looks a bit bleak! lol. Awesome series. I highly recommend it. (Seriously, are you still there? Go and order the books!)2019-releases arcs crime ...more5 s Steph Warren1,481 29

*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author, and Louise Walters of Louise Walters Books. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

Yannia is back, and she and the plot are both torn in two; split between the life she has made for herself independently, doing what she loves with people who care about her; and her responsibilities to her family and her betrothed, back in the place that nourishes her magic.

There is a neat mirroring between the two plot strands and the case that Yannia and Karion are investigating featuring an ordinary young man who keeps dying, disappearing and then apparently resurrecting with no memory of the fatal events. But how could someone have it in for the pleasant and inoffensive Tim? And why is the magic unidentifiable?

The old familiar faces are here: Karrion and Yannia, obviously; Jamie; Lady Bergamon and Wishearth. We also meet some newer characters in Dearon, Ollie and the Elderman – leader of the Wild conclave and one of the reasons Yannia left for Old London in the first place. It is clear that Yannia will have to choose which path she will follow: the forest track or the city streets, but there are fantastic characters and plot potentials whichever way her heart leads her.

I absolutely love the world Laakso has created in these books, and the magic use and murder mysteries and cleverly written and consistently intriguing. I am so excited to find out what happens next, and wholeheartedly recommend these books to anyone fond of urban fantasies, PI mysteries and just all-round damn good stories!



‘Tell me your curious tale,’ I say while studying Tim.
He is tall and lanky, dressed in a suit that looks to be off the rack, but not cheap. His dark brown hair is cut short, functional rather than fashionable. Brown eyes watching me are cautious and there are dark circles under them. He is tired and sceptical. Where did Wishearth find him?
‘Someone has killed me twice,’ Tim says.

– Laura Laakso, Echo Murder


Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...4 s Anne1,977

If you haven’t read the first book in this wonderful series (and if you haven’t, you really should…), you have a whole new world here to discover and enjoy – Old London with its magic and paranormal races living alongside the world of humans, the threats and challenges of that uneasy relationship, the rule of heralds, the law enforcement by the paladins, and the shamen, mages and feykin with their differing powers and characteristics.

Yannia herself is one of the Wild Folk, and while the first story perhaps focussed more on her “human” frailty, this book opens by further exploring her heritage and past – with perhaps a glimpse of her future – as she returns to the Northern conclave to visit her father, the conclave’s elderman who is approaching the end of his life. The whole setting is quite wonderfully drawn, and gives a deeper understanding of the world she comes from, the source of her powers, and the reasons why they wane while she lives her urban life: we also gain a greater insight into her relationship with Dearon, the previously shadowy figure from her past, and the complicated ties of obligation and destiny.

But when the focus of the story shifts to Old London, the core of the book is another investigation for the private investigator and her apprentice. This time it’s a bizarre series of repetitions, increasing in threat and violence: mild-mannered (and perplexed) Tim, who has no personal involvement in the world of magic, finds himself dying again and again in a parallel reality – a series of echos – and the magical powers involved defy the usual detection. Yannia and Karrion become deeply entangled in the situation as it escalates and multiplies, the echos begin to leak into the everyday world, and they find themselves increasingly drawn into the world of illusions and in considerable personal danger.

Does that all sound a little weird? Maybe it does – but I promise it isn’t. Well ok, perhaps it is – but it’s all so totally convincing, so very real, a world you unquestioningly believe in. The author’s imagination and ability to build her world of alternative reality is extraordinary: but she’s also a master storyteller, and the transition into her slightly skewed world is never anything but easy. Her characters are just wonderful – Yannia’s a fascinating mix of strength and frailty, endearing in her moments of weakness, impressive in her tenacity and determination: the knowledge of her previous life only deepens understanding of the constant conflict she lives with. And I really love the relationship between her and apprentice Karrion, the bird shamen – he draws on the power of rooks and ravens, but also (embarrassingly) suffers the attention of pigeons – and their real care and affection for each other is immensely touching.

The characters I particularly loved from the first book – the magnificent Wishearth and Lady Bergamon – do feature, but other characters are introduced or developed further: I particularly took to Fria the cat shamen, felt an uncomfortable shiver from the sinister Lord Ellesthorne, and there’s an interesting coffee-shop encounter with an unfamiliar feykin. I particularly enjoyed too the visit to One Magic Change – you know, the magical shopping centre next to St Paul’s – with the mages showing off their powers for the tourists, the Paladins in battle armour looking for stolen goods, the incongruous food court, and the small shops on the top floor with their gems and gadgets – and the intriguing meeting with Tinker Thaylor for an unusual purchase.

The writing is just superb – rich descriptions that invoke all the senses, small details that make an unfamiliar world entirely real, an emotional depth that might not be expected, a rawness that shocks, a gentle warmth that gives an inner glow. The book’s world might be unfamiliar, but the quality of the writing really takes your breath away – but there’s a lovely lightness at times too, very clever use of dialogue, a nice touch of humour, a sense of the absurd. But this is also a thoroughly gripping story, with a real sense of life-threatening danger as everything escalates towards a dramatic and thrilling climax.

I absolutely love this series – I’m already looking forward to the next Wilde Investigation and wondering what the future might hold, particularly for Yannia…kindle2 s Samfriday107 2

Echo Murder is the second book in Laura Laakso’s Wilde Investigations series. In the first book (Fallible Justice) we were introduced to Yannia Wilde, a PI who lives in Old London where magical beings and humans co-exist.

In Echo Murder, Yannia and her apprentice Karrion are investigating their second case - an intriguing murder that keeps on occurring but with the victim disappearing.

This case, and all the magic surrounding it, allows us further insight in to the remarkable world that the author has created. This world building, in my opinion, is one of the biggest strengths of this series. A totally believable world that really could exist with characters that draw you in. So much so, on more than one occasion, I forgot it wasn’t happening in real life.

Alongside the murder case, Yannia is also dealing with her feelings regarding her responsibilities toward her own people and the conclave where other key characters in her life remain. Her relationship with Dearon is complicated and I’m not sure how I feel toward him - I look forward to making my mind up in future books.

Once again, the characters of Karrion, Wishearth and Lady Bergamon are fundamental to the story and I love how we are gradually being given morsels of information of how they already are, and may be, influential in Yannia’s future.

I really enjoy this series and this second book is just as fabulous as the first. I can’t wait to read book 3!!

5 stars!

I was kindly sent an ARC by the publisher but my opinions are all my own.3 s Cath BartonAuthor 3 books18

I enjoyed the first book in the Wilde Investigations series, but felt that Laura Laakso was just getting into her stride. This book takes us to another level: great story-telling and suspense. And I love the combination of the mystery, crime and magical elements. I am also developing quite a fondness for Yannia's assistant, Karrion!

Looking forward to number 3 in what a little bird tells me could be a much longer series...3 s Giselle Delsol19

Reading the second book in a series is tricky when you absolutely loved the first. When I received Echo Murder as an ARC (thank you @LouiseWalters12), I didn’t plunge into it right away. My “to be read” pile is always about to fall over, I was in the midst of reading a captivating YA fantasy (which will be my next Goodread’s review), and I was worried that I wouldn’t Laura Laakso’s Echo Murder as much as I had Fallible Justice. Silly, I know, but there you are.

So, I waited. I saw other starting to pop up, and though I didn’t want to read them either, for fear of spoiling my future read, I did see some words come through. Amazing, great follow-up, imaginative… Time was ticking by. Louise deserved her review. I’d finished my YA fantasy. The book was coming out soon. It was time to take the plunge.

Why did I take so long? Echo Murder is brilliant! In this paranormal mystery, the detective protagonists that we met in Fallible Justice, Yannia Wilde and her apprentice, Karrion, attempt to unravel the mystery of a man who gets murdered, repeatedly. Tim Wedgebury, an office worker, keeps dying in front of witnesses. The only problem is that Tim isn’t ever really dead: he’s quite alive, a scant few miles away, and his ‘corpse’ disappears every time he’s ‘killed’. These echo murders grow increasingly sophisticated, leaving Tim confused and vulnerable, and providing proof to all investigators (both human and non-human) that magic is at their source. Hampered by little-known spells that hide the potential assassin and his or her motivation, Yannia and Carrion must find the culprit before Tim dies. For real.

Echo Murder provides a perfect balance between the comfort of characters we’ve already met in Fallible Justice combined with new characters and visits that allow us a greater insight into Yannia’s world. We discover the Wild Folk conclave where Yannia grew up, learn more of her past and meet Dearon, to whom she’s always been betrothed (and yes, he’s well worth the reader’s wait).

The murder investigation is intense and intelligent, the characters further defined, the lines between the magical and human worlds perfectly fluid; we evolve between one and the other as easily as Yannia does. Proof, if needed, that Laura Laakso know her world and what she’s doing with it. There’s a writing confidence here that brings you deep into the story and just doesn’t let you go.
If you d Fallible Justice, you’ll love Echo Murder. If you haven’t read Fallible Justice, this book stands alone on its own, but your reading adventure won’t be as much fun. So, go out and buy the first one.

Rumor has it that books 3 and 4 are in the works. I’ve already cleared a place for them on my shelves. This is a collection I must have.2 s EricAuthor 2 books2

Spring 2019 sees the publication of Echo Murder, the second book in the Wilde Investigations series; the first, Fallible Justice, published in the autumn of 2018. Each investigation is a complete stand-alone story, yet, there is so much more to these novels than the crimes; a world of paranormal races in coexistence with humans so imaginatively, so deftly explored you’ll want to read both books to experience the full magic of author, Laura Laakso’s mind.
In time frame, Echo Murder takes place over 10 days; the ‘first’ murder happening (albeit unknown then) on the day before Fallible Justice ends – a neat touch, one of many that you’ll find. As with Fallible Justice, Echo Murder is set out by days, with indicative chapter headings which further entice and intrigue as you read. The beauty of these books are the core characters and location - Private Investigator, Yannia of the Wild Folk, her apprentice, Karrrion, a Bird Shaman and Detective Inspector Jamie Manning of the Metropolitan Police – operating in Old London, an oasis of magic in a London we know. In Echo Murder, their interplay, their dependence on each other deepens and grows; with further telling cameos from Lady Bergamon and Wishearth, scene stealers whenever they appear. Overall, a complex plot, a good story, well told; the read not quite as compelling as ‘Fallible Justice’ but that’s simply because it took a while to get back to Old London where, for me, the Wilde Investigations live and breathe.
2 s Philip Hume2 13

Firstly, thank you to Laura Laakso and Louise Walters Books for providing an ARC of Echo Murder and apologies for the delayed review. In common with Fallible Justice, Echo Murder is a very enjoyable and gripping read. The book is the second instalment in the Wilde Investigations series and hence builds upon the uniquely magical vision of London established in Fallible Justice and retraces Yannia and Karrion's working lives as private investigators.

The plot, centring on Yannia's next commission (no spoilers!), is very well considered; balancing magic, mystery and suspense with a solid measure of action. As the menace of the Echo Murder unfolds so too are certain antecedents of the book's main characters revealed. We learn more about Yannia, Karrion, Lady Bergamot and Dearon; each bringing very different personas to the story and each vividly enriching the realm of Old London and beyond.

While Laakso writes very well as a fantasy author, Echo Murder also has the hallmarks of a contemporary crime thriller. While the world within Old London is enchanted, it is intricately described and plausibly reflects the city's landmarks, geography and atmosphere (particularly for anyone who works in the City of London!).

Echo Murder is a robust and engaging sequel to Fallible Justice, delivering a meaningful elaboration of the Wilde Investigations series. The book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and crime fiction, and deserving of 5*. I'm looking forward to the next instalment!2 s Tracey Scott-TownsendAuthor 11 books24

I love the combination of downright earthiness, magical realism and crime fiction in Laura Laakso’s Wilde Investigations series, and I enjoyed this, the second book, even more than the first.
In this book the reader is allowed a glimpse into the world of the Wild Folk, when Yannia is summoned to visit the sick bed of her father, the Elderman. There she also encounters Dearon, to whom she is promised in lifelong partnership.

Meanwhile, back in Old London, Yannia and her working partner Karrion (a Bird Shaman) must hurry to solve a mystery involving magical illusions in which a man repeatedly dies, before the subject of the illusions loses his life for real.

Yannia and Karrion are warm, funny characters and the relationship between them is touching. While Yannia has the ability to borrow the senses of any animal to enhance her powers of investigation, Karrion has a deep empathy with birds. Whereas, as a Goth, he would prefer to associate with the s of ravens, it’s pigeons who have a particular affinity with him.

Laura Laakso weaves humour and emotion into the magical and yet down-to-earth world she has created, and it’s the characters that make it believable.
2 s Edie Anderson5

Thanks to Louise Walters Books for an advanced reading copy of ‘Echo Murder’, the second in the Wilde Investigations series from Laura Laakso. All opinions are mine alone.

When I received an ARC of ‘Fallible Justice’, the incredible debut from Laura Laakso, I wasn’t sure it would be my cup of tea. Urban fantasy isn’t something I had explored before. To say I was blown away by the first book in the series of Wilde Investigations is an understatement. It was superb – and her debut too! This writer is one to watch. I can honestly see this series made into a film or TV series – it is THAT good.

‘Echo Murder’ is the second book in the series, and I was so excited to read it, but worried whether I’d been spoiled by the originality of the first. I can say hand on heart, that I was not disappointed. Laura has done it again. The crafting of such believable characters and the settings in which they live are just stunning. We learn more about the main character, Private Investigator Yannia Wilde and her apprentice Karrion. In fact, I really enjoyed the way the relationship developed between the two; really believable. We also discover more of Yannia’s life before she moved to the city and how she is torn between the life and future she craves and her duty to the conclave where she grew up, the daughter of the Elderman.

In their second complicated case, Yannia and Karrion must once again race against time to solve a mystery and save the life of multiple murder victim Tim. The magical elements to the story are pure genius. One minute I was shocked by what happened; the next willing the characters on in their quest to save a life. Whilst Yannia possesses magical powers as a member of the Wild Folk, she manages her chronic pain condition the best way she can. No magic can fix this. The understanding of the chronic pain she lives with could only be portrayed by one who has experienced it. In spite of her discomfort, she is tenacious, determined and down-right bloody-minded.

To write such a fantastic debut in Fallible Justice, is testament to Laura’s skill. Her imagination is incredible. She draws the reader into this mysterious world where humans and magical races co-exist. Her skilful creation of such powerful characters and the world in which they exist is outstanding. Now ‘Echo Murder’ proves she deserves her place as a successful author of urban fantasy.

No spoilers here, but needless to say, I am very much looking forward to the next helping of Wilde Investigations! Read ‘Fallible Justice’ first. It could be read as a stand-alone story, but why do that when there is so much more to come in ‘Echo Murder’ and the rest of the Wilde Investigations series?

Published on 06/06/19 by Louise Walters Books. Highly recommended!
2 s Danielle ButlerAuthor 3 books17

Thank you to Louise Walters Books for the advanced copy!

So satisfying to drop back into Yannia Wild’s world. The second instalment of the Wilde Investigation series is a great follow up to Infallible Justice. A close-ended story in itself, it also deepens the mythology of this fascinating world and the mysteries of the inhabitants of Old London. There is even a trip to the Wild Folk Conclave to peek into Yannia’s former (and future?) community.

The characters of Yannia and her apprentice, Karrion (a Bird Shaman), are explored further in the course of their current case, where the murdered corpse disappears and the ‘murdered’ man is alive and well…for now. While they travel the streets of London (Old and New), we get to meet up with many of the side characters Lady Bergamon, Wishearth, and even human Jamie that add colour and shade to this world. I also especially enjoyed getting a closer look at how Karrion’s magic works.

Yannia is a singular character, complex, and a perpetual outsider. She is not completely at home in the Conclave, nor can she ever be truly at home in the city. It’s as if she is always crossing a river stepping from stone to stone, finding respite on each rock but never able to stay for too long. Her ‘otherness’ stands out and yet, through her connection with her friends and to her own nature, she is able create a life of her own design.

Very much looking forward to what’s next.2 s Claire684 26

Although this is the second book in the Wilde Investigations series, it reads well as a standalone. Combining urban and paranormal fantasy, Echo Murder focuses on Yannia Wilde, who works as a PI in Old London. Whilst determined to live her life independently, Yannia needs to return to the conclave where she was born. Her dying father is the Elderman of the Wild Folk, and Yannia is betrothed to Dearon, who is destined to replace him.

Meanwhile, in Old London, Yannia and her assistant Karrion are given a perplexing case. The same man keeps being killed before disappearing, a mysterious woman is always there, and there are seemingly no clues!

This is an intriguing meld of paranormal and urban fantasies. The author brings the reader right to the heart of the action with first person perspective, and you need your wits about you to solve the case right alongside Yannia and Karrion.

A couple of things really stood out. The sights, sounds, and smells of the conclave are so descriptive and vivid that you can almost taste them. Yannia, describing the pain and particularly the fatigue of her connective tissue disorder, EDS, was really well done.

I'd be interested to read more books by Laura Laakso, go back and read the first in this series, and hope that there are more forthcoming.
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Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC; this is my unbiased review.1 Mogy78

Another great book in this series! These books are exactly what I needed to read right now! This series so far has been so refreshing to read! I loved the concept of this case, guessing who was behind it all and how all the different characters play their parts! On to the next book in the series!1 Faye Ridpath606 27

I received this book for free from Bloodhound Books.

I am captivated by this series.

This book's plot reminded me a little of my favorite TV series, Supernatural.

I was absorbed throughout.

I hope this series continues for a long time to come!1 Gem ~792 40

Review to follow1 HelenAuthor 6 books38

I enjoyed this even more than the first book in this series (‘Fallible Justice’), perhaps because the world Laakso has created now feels familiar. As other reviewers have said, the world building is extraordinary and beautifully realised.

The great strengths of the series are deepened in this novel. We gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics between Yannia and her father, and the way she is torn between two very different ways of life and the reasons for this.

The murder mystery element is extremely well done and original. The murder victim, Tim, is murdered – more than once – but the body keeps vanishing, and Tim is apparently alive and well. The resolution to the mystery felt satisfying and psychologically credible, which isn’t an easy thing to achieve.

As in the first book, the bond between Yannia and her apprentice Karrion is a truly lovely thing.
fiction1 Emma Rowson170 4

Last year I shifted way out of my comfort zone and read Fallible Justice (you can read the review here), the first in the Wilde Investigations series by Laura Laakso. A crime/fantasy hybrid is something I ordinarily would have steered clear of – but I was drawn to the book, and although it took a little while to get into it, I ended up being absolutely hooked and desperate to read the follow up, Echo Murder.
Was it worth the wait?
Bloody hell, yes and then some! I thought I enjoyed Fallible Justice, but this corker just popped my socks right off!
We rejoin Yannia just a day after the ending of Fallible Justice whilst she is en route to return to the Wild Folk with Dearon. For me, these scenes and the conflict Yannia feels, really cemented my love for her character. I d her in the first novel, but seeing her in this setting was adding the final jigsaw piece, creating a whole and rounded character.
She is soon back in London and working on a new case; Tim Wedgebury, an unspectacular office worker has been killed twice. Except that his body disappeared (twice), and he is actually alive and well and wondering what the frijiggle is going on, especially as each ‘death’ comes to impact his reality a little more each time. Reunited with her best friend and apprentice, Karrion, they are soon working hard to solve the mystery and along the way meet up once more with Wishearth and Lady Bergamon – both of whom I desperately want to know more about!
Laura’s ability to create this new and imagined world is seriously impressive. I struggled with it at times whilst reading Fallible Justice; it felt so big and it overwhelmed me a little, especially with me being new to the genre. But in Echo Murder the world feels tangible, and Laura is owning it! It is incredibly well written, and I love her writing style.
Please can someone tell me when book three is out, because I need to clear my diary – The Wilde Investigations series is my latest obsession!1 Ruth5

Echo Murder (June 4, 2019, published by Louise Walters Books) is the second installment in the ongoing Wilde Investigations Series, and it is a worthy successor to Fallible Justice (you can find my review of FJ here). Laakso dives right in where Fallible Justice left off, as Yannia Wilde leaves Old London to travel home. This trip gives us more insight into the world Yannia comes from, the conclave of the Wild Folk, drawing us deeper into a past she can’t escape and illuminating the choices that will drive her future. Her betrothed, Dearon, dominates the beginning of this book, and Laakso does a great job illustrating the complicated history between them without dumping the information. Quite frankly, I want to know more!

Yannia continues to struggle with her need for connection to her old life and her desire to live life on her own terms, a theme which, for better or worse, underlies every choice she makes. Laakso takes her time with this follow up, allowing readers to revel in the world she’s built. The mystery itself was unique and intriguing, not anything I’ve seen before. But while it wasn’t entirely a surprise, the ending was well crafted and does not disappoint.

Overall, Echo Murder, Fallible Justice, was an enjoyable and addictive read. I’ve barely closed the book and already I am itching for the next one to come. If you enjoy Laakso’s writing, I also highly recommend following her on Twitter – @LLaaksoWriter. She’s very personable and (Bonus!) occasionally drops hints or teasers for upcoming works.

Happy reading!1 LeighAuthor 7 books1 follower

Tim Wedgebury has been killed. Twice now. And each time his body has vanished into thin air, which astonishes everyone – most of all Tim, especially as he wasn't even there in the first place.

With traces of magic detected at the scene, Tim employs Private Investigator Yannia Wilde, and her apprentice Karrion, for help. Is it a prank, conducted my a mischievous Mage, or is there something more sinister behind the illusions?

Recently returned from the Wild Folk conclave, Yannia has bought herself this extra time in Old London by persuading her dying father to let her find medicine for him. But she's promised to go back for good, to marry Dearon and take her place by his side as Elderman's mate.While her father still lives, however, Yannia is free to continue her investigations. But as the illusions of Tim's death begin to injure him in real life, she needs to find the spell-caster before the echo-murder becomes murder.

Once again, I adored Laakso's in-depth characterisation, not just of Yannia and Karrion, but also her brilliant cast of supporting characters. And the world of the Wild Folk conclave, which the reader visits for the first time in this book, is so clear I could almost smell the pine needles.

Looking forward to Wilde Investigations #3!fiction owned1 Moon397 46

4.5 Loved it, finsihed it today and I am still savouring it so proper review to come. 1 Lori Jean Zuber41 2

Echo Murder by Laura Laasko

Yannia Wilde is a private investigator in Old London. Her father, the Elderman and her future arranged partner, Dearon live in a conclave located inside the forest. They are not human. They are Wild Folk, with different gifts controlling animals (Dearon) or Yannia’s gift for being able to use the senses of animals to see, hear and smell to read a room or crime scene.

Tim Wedgebury, a human, has a problem so he hires Yannia to help. The police had shown up to tell him that his body was found stabbed in an alley. Obviously, it was not him. Then, it happens again, this time he was hit by a white van. Each time the body disappears soon after its discovery, and the events begins to harm Tim, personally.

Can Yannia solve this mystery before one of these events actually kills Tim? It's a race against time. She uses her connections with others her in the fantasy world, to determine how/why this keeps happening and who is responsible.

This is a wonderful book. It is a sequel to Fallible Justice. Ms. Laasko has created a great storyline with multiple characters. Their development is very well portrayed. The scenery is fascinating and described perfectly. The combination of mystery and fantasy creates a beautiful tapestry of entertainment. I definitely recommend this book!
Anne639

This is an excellent follow up to Fallible Justice. It is complex, it is hard to comprehend from our normal viewpoint so we need to suspend our judgement and get into the rhythm of Ms Laakso’s story telling and accept that office worker Tim keeps being killed in a variety of ways but his corpse always disappears as the paramedics arrive.

Yannia and Karrion investigate and we learn more about the Wild Folk and the world of Old London. We also get to meet the family and friends Yannia left behind when she moved away. The old friends from book one are still here including Jamie, Wishearth and Lady Bergamon. I do love Karrion though and he has grown into his PI Apprentice role, adding considerably to the investigation.

Recommended if you want good writing, in a world that is just a little bit different, and yet somehow still credible. Ms Laakso creates her alternate earth such that I am there and ready to pop along to the pub to share a drink with Yannia.crime favorites Lorinda TaylorAuthor 24 books38

Magic and mental health issues make a dangerous combination

The story of Yannia Wilde and her cohorts continues. We learn more of her life in the conclave of the Wild Folk and the expectations set on her at birth, but she finds ways to delay what seems inevitable so she can return to Old London and her work as a private investigator in a world of magic. And when the same man seems to be murdered over and over, the situation grows urgent.
While this plot was fascinating, it didn’t capture my belief as completely as the events of Fallible Justice. For one thing I guessed who the perpetrator was the moment that person came into the story. However, the conclusion of the story was compelling and the book definitely deserves 5 stars.
Karrion’s character is developed further, along with his relationship with Yannia. Every PI should have a Bird Shaman as an assistant! Of course Lady Bergamon and Wishearth (particularly the latter) remain mysterious and fascinating. And I would really to learn more about that Feykin with the snake’s tongue who steps briefly into the story!
Recommended. But read Fallible Justice first.
Elizabeth Carr171 8

This isn’t normally my thing I will admit but it drew me in. It centres on a Female PI but not just that for she has special powers- they are subtle and well described. Its a kind of Harry Potteresque world but for adults where the Health system and the Justice system all still exist but everyone also knows there are Feykins and Mages walking among us. It works somehow and hangs together well. Yannia the protagonist actually comes from Wild Folk who can draw on animal senses but she is still focused on solving a crime for her client. Its a clever mixture of genres, well written. If you magic and spiritual shenanigans you may well love this. Neil361 10

I loved the first book in the series ‘Fallible Justice’ - it introduced the characters vividly and the world building was incredible. The second book follows straight on from the events of the first book. The return to the conclave was interesting but left me wanting to know more. The initial mystery was interesting enough but I wasn’t convinced by the resolution. The way the novel was split into days helped with the pace, but I didn’t experience a sense of urgency.

I have book 3 on my shelf and will definitely continue as I want to read more about the characters. Rhian59 1 follower

Yannia Wilde has returned to the compound she grew up in, and the turbulent relationships she had left.
When a man reported murdered is found alive not once but twice, Yannia is called back to Old London & the life she had built.
This is the second in the series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Laura Laakso creates a world of paranormal races & humans coexisting & interacting, moving deftly between old London & New London.
I will definitely be going back to read the first book, & looking out for future instalments. Angela1,059 11

I'm really liking this series. I especially how the main character is set up as having an incurable chronic illness(EDS) that causes her to be in varying amounts of physical pain but it being managed and limits what she can do but it is treated as a case of it being just what life is for her and not the thing that most defines her.

The series could do better with representing the multicultural nature of the London setting, but that's something the author can work on in future books. Andrea Barlien264 11

Great follow up to Fallible Justice. Yannia and Karrion are investigating the mystery circumstances surrounding disappearing bodies. The mix of the magic world and the investigative world is seamless and compelling. I love both the paranormal and the crime nature of the fiction. The relationships are authentic and well drawn with Yannia’s struggle really moving. 2020-reading-challenge Clare RhodenAuthor 23 books45

I love this series. Honestly, if you enjoy Rivers of London, you will this. Intelligent, well-written, engaging, full of wonderful characters. More please!british character crime ...more Melissa26

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