Observer EM

[baibee]

Still can't see 4d Dickens character, strong man securing power with money (7,5)
S _ R _ S _ N _ R _ Z _ (7,5) Looks like second word is crazy
23a Spotted motorway leading to Yorkshire town (6) M _ T _ _ _
24a Italian novelist in the city centre of Bologna 3 _ _ O

Is answer to 27 a Champion eight reportedly unhappy about capsizing 8 CRUSADER?
This fits but can't see why.

[Jamasheo]

Sampson Brass(old curiosity shop)
Motley

[sandyRoe]

24 Eco (Umberto)

[sandyRoe]

eight, a crew and sadder( reportedly...sounds like)

[A1Mikey]

Motley (as in motley fool, who wears a spotted costume) M + Otley (which I think is in Yorks.

[Valanne]

Shaneystar2 answered the Dickens character in your previous post.
Strong man = Samson, p for power inside = Sampson. Brass = money.
27 Cru sounds like crew (eight), sad = unhappy, er = about (re) capsizing.

[baibee]

Thank you SlaneyStar I see I made a mistake with 9a which is FAIR GAME not GIRL as I had.

[philev]

Champion = Crusader

CRU (crew = eight in rowing) SAD (unhappy) ER (Re (capsized) = about)