Crow Moon Review – Book Synopsis
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Title |
Crow Moon |
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Author |
Suzy Aspley |
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Genre |
Psychological Crime Thriller, Scottish Noir, Mystery |
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Format |
|
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Pubished |
January 1, 2024 by Orenda Books |
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ISBN |
9781914585500 |
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ASIN |
191458550X |
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Language |
English |
Crow Moon Review – Quick Summary
Crow Moon Review – Trigger Warnings, Sensitive Topics and Age Rating
Before we go any further, I always like to include a quick note on sensitive content. Every reader is different, and some themes in this book might be difficult for certain people.
If you prefer to check content warnings before reading, just click below to reveal the list of trigger warnings, sensitive topics and age ratting.
My Thoughts
I chose Crow Moon expecting a slow, suspenseful mystery with a Scottish setting, and it delivered that and more. The atmosphere is heavy with unease: foggy, quiet, and slightly eerie. From the first chapter, Martha’s sorrow is evident, adding a deep, emotional layer that really makes the book stand out.
What I Loved
The story shifts between Martha’s perspective, brief glimpses into the minds of the killer and victims, and even moments from a very old past , all of it working together to build suspense while keeping the emotional core intact. Suzy Aspley blends the darker elements, crime, fear, and that lingering sense of gloom, with quiet, human moments. Martha’s grief feels real but never overwhelming, which makes her easy to connect with from the start.
What Surprised Me
I was struck by how personal this crime novel felt. It’s not just about solving a mystery; it’s about navigating the pieces of a shattered life and finding a way to move forward.
Vibe Check
Crow Moon feels damp, cold, and just a little too still, like Strathbran is hiding something. The village’s quiet, unspoken truths add to the tension, and the silence starts to feel like its own character. The slow pace gives the mood time to settle in, and even though I had a feeling where it was going, the atmosphere kept me fully hooked. It’s not about big twists, it’s about that quiet, creeping unease that builds with every page.
About The Plot Twist
I saw some of the twists in Crow Moon coming, but that didn’t take away from the experience at all. If anything, guessing them made me feel even more pulled in. What really worked for me wasn’t just the surprises, it was how all came together. The whole story kept me fully engaged from start to finish.
Conclusion
Crow Moon is Suzy Aspley’s debut, and honestly, it’s such an impressive first novel. She’s created a suspenseful, atmospheric story that really stays with you after you finish. The mix of mystery, emotion, and a touch of folklore works so well, and the setting in Strathbran, along with the characters, felt so real.
And if you’re excited for more, good news! Suzy Aspley’s next book in the series, The Bone Mother, is coming in October 2025.
Favourite Quotes
“Places like this don’t forget. They hold onto things — secrets, stories, people.”
“It’s not the loud moments that stay with you. It’s the quiet ones — the stillness after something breaks, the pause between one breath and the next. That’s when it really sinks in. That’s when the truth starts to settle.”
“Some places feel heavy the moment you arrive, like they’ve been waiting too long to be seen. Strathbran is like that. It watches. It remembers. And no matter how far you try to run, it pulls you back to what you tried to leave behind.”
Let’s Chat!
Had you heard of Suzy Aspley before Crow Moon? If you’ve read the book, I’d love to know what stuck with you most, the atmosphere, the characters, the mystery? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it!
