Whispers Through the Trees

Mysteries of Sparrow Island #1

by Susan Plunkett, Krysteen Seelen

Abby Stanton, a noted East Coast bird specialist, rushes home to the magnificent San Jan Islands in Pacific Northwest after a terrible car accident leaves her sister Mary paralysed from the waist down. While there, Abby spots a rare and endangered marbled murrelet and its mate. Determined to save them, she finds herself caught up in fascinating intrigue and one of the long-time families on Sparrow Island. Will Abby's quest for the birds draw her back home? What adventures await her in this marvellous place of serene beauty? Join Abby as she begins her new calling as an amateur sleuth, with God's still, soft voice guiding her way.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Mystery, Christian, Cozy Mystery, Birds, Fiction, Inspirational

415 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you can this book should be read before the rest of the series since it tells the whole setting. How Mary got to be in an wheelchair, why Abigail moves back and is able to stay and how she gets her own land/house. There is the mystery of a rare bird and who owns the land Abigail sees it on.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books like this are an interesting breed: "whodunit" mysteries that don't involve murders. In fact, aside from the accident scene in the prologue that sets up the story, there isn't much in the way of violence in this novel. So, for that, it earns some points. However, the ending felt slightly tacked-on, and the writing could have been better. Still, mystery fans who are burned out on who-killed-the-butler tales will likely enjoy Whispers Through the Trees.

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up at a library book sale. A friend in her blog had talked about "cosy" mysteries, and after reading this book, I think this book would fit in that category. It's a clean book with no bad language, and no blood and gore, and really nothing much in the romance category (although I don't know if that is true of all cosy mysteries).

At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like the book. It seemed in the beginning chapters that the authors tried too hard to add unusual words to descriptions. I do try to look up words I don't know, as a way to learn, but after doing so, I felt like she/they had stretched some of the meanings a bit. However, I thought that aspect lessened as the book progressed. I also thought some of the basic punctuation could have been better, like using a comma between two sentences connected with "and." But I also think that traditional punctuation is becoming a bit of a lost art.

The circumstances surrounding the plot were a bit unusual, which is what caused me to select this book at the sale. It centers around bird-watching. After living overseas for years, and having recently returned to reside in the U.S., I'm keen to learn more about American birds; thus, this book piqued my interest.

They mystery had some good twists and turns; the book also dealt with interpersonal situations and resolving issues between people. In the end, I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, and am looking forward to reading the second book in the series. (One unique thing about this series is that the books are written by different authors. So we'll see how that goes. ;) )

[Kalena · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book in the Mysteries of Sparrow Island series put out by Guideposts. I love this book. This book was tailored to so many of my likes that I can hardly believe it. The book centers around Abigail Stanton, the Bird Lady, who works for Cornell Labs as an ornithologist. Note: My husband and I became members of this fine institution last year when we discovered birding would be our "retirement" hobby. The fact that it is set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest (home for me) is a huge bonus although please note that Sparrow Island is a fictitious island set among real ones. The dysfunction and caring that marks the Stanton family is something so many of us can relate to. I love the themes of forgiveness and God's will. The multitude of Biblical verses sprinkled throughout the mystery and birding adventure gave me even more good feelings about reading this novel. I am barely scratching the surface of why I loved this book and I write this knowing others may not feel the same way, but I sincerely thank Susan Plunkett and Krysteen Seelen for writing a book that restored hope and warmed my soul. Definitely recommend, definitely continuing the series (another word of caution--this series is written by multiple authors.)

[Sally Lindsay-briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was somewhat slow going in spots but I loved the Christianity of Mary and Abby, the inspiration of scriptures and the view of what birders actually do. Abby worked in Ithaca, NY at Cornell, where my sister used to live, and my neighbor used to live in Washington state, near where most of the story takes place. Another new, good author that has written several books that I plan on perusing.

[Elizabeth Sofia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whispers Through the Trees by Susan Plunkett and Krysteen Seelen is the first book in the Guideposts series Mysteries of Sparrow Island. This series is one in which the setting and main set of characters are continued from book to book, but different authors write the books. Guidepost books are favorites of mine for their Christian message, though provoking content, and G rated stories. As with all series with different authors, some entries are "better than" others because of personal taste, etc.

Whispers Through the Trees was first published in 2005. The setting is the fictitious Sparrow Island, which is part of the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest. While Sparrow Island is fictitious, the San Juan Islands are very real. Abby, who is a professor at Cornell returns to her childhood home on Sparrow Island to help care for her sister Mary who is recovering from an accident that has forever changed her life and future.

Abby has some major decisions to make regarding her own future. She come across some endangered birds that she wants to document her finding. She is offered a job that would allow her to do actual field work and working with the public. She has a chance to restore some relationships.

I enjoyed this book, but I had to give it a chance to grab my attention. At first, I found it slow going. I loved the ending, but somehow it seemed rushed. My library has most of the series, and I am interested enough in the characters to continue.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not much of a bird fan and wasn't sure if I would like to start a series about a bird lady. This book is so much more than a bird story. It starts off with tragedy and ends with hope. The journey along the way is a delightful read.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I nearly put this book down while reading the first few chapters...slow start. But I am so glad I stayed with it. The last half of the book moved at a quicker, more interesting pace. Since the books of this series are written by different authors, I am hoping that other editions will move a little more quickly in their plot. The descriptions of the island are beautifully written, so much so that it is easy to imagine, and that is the one thing I hope carries through all the books. After reading the first book, I feel a vested in what happens to the main characters, so I feel certain I will read more in this series.

[Lavender · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of the series... LOVED it!!! Very well written. Just what I like... clean, not gruesome or scary, not smutty... no language... The only problem was that I had a hard time putting it down... "one more chapter"... and then I don't get to sleep early enough. Am dying to read the rest of the series, but they are $9+ each on Kobo and there are 19 more... :S

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little slow. The story focuses more on the protagonist and her sister than the search for the marbled murrelets. This seems like it was setup for the whole series. As a bird lover and watcher, I wanted more birds. I will still give the next book a look!

[Arnetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely, Christian book. It does have mysteries but not the violent kind. It does talk a lot about birds; but it's mainly focused on family relationships and finding one's own place in this world. Great characters, great story.

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was nice to read an uplifting mystery where no one gets killed. I am going to love this series.

[Elaine Madison]

i heard this series is really good

[Brooke Fradd · Rating 2 out of 5]

The "mystery" of this book was too thin to hold my interest.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cozy read. And I was pleasantly intrigued by the "mystery" to be solved.

[Kausar Asra Saadat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing and marvelous depictions of Pacific NW and the rare discovery of endangered birds was a smooth and enjoyable read. Loved the laid-back charm of the Island life. All in all it is a great book.

[Theresa Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

[Tammy Hornbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whisper Through the Trees
By Susan Plunkett & Krysteen Seelen

Throughout the story of Abigail Stanton’s return to her home on Sparrow Island, to care for her sister Mary who is hurt in an automobile accident; God reveals himself in the beautiful surroundings of island life as well as the hearts of the people on the island who love Him.

Whisper Through the Trees is a marvelous remider to stop midst our busy lives and see the evidence of his presence all around us. Within the pages of this story of a love between sisters redeemed and a larger plan than the ones we plan for ourselves; God shows us that He is the ultimate dreamer and the ultimate provider.

Not to be taken lightly, the incredible knowledge of bird life and the newfound admiration for those who God puts in place as caretakers of his marvelous creatures. The heartwarming story of the preservation of the Marbled Murrelets opens the eyes of birdlovers and nature lovers alike; as well as kindling an newfound admiration by those who has not yet taken the time to ponder the creations of God.

I’d like to make a special note of the age of Abigail Stanton and her loving sister, Mary. They are older in years, and yet God proves that he is still working in wonderful ways in their lives. Proving to many believers that God loves the young and the old alike, he is truly “no respector of persons”.

This was a wonderful read and a delightful escape.

-Tammy Varner Hornbeck, Author of 100 Step s In Faith-

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slow, leisurely read about a birding expert who tries to reconcile with her sister and solve a mystery. At first, the division between the sisters didn't seem that bad, but the attempt at reconciliation was well told. Each had made inaccurate assumptions about the other. I don't think that people have to tell each other everything, even in a close relationship. When they want to confide, it's a gift to the other person.

Even the birding parts of the story were made interesting by the mystery around them.

I did guess the entire mystery, however, including the part about Frank.

One of the other reviewers complained about the slow start to the story. It is true that the story does go slowly, so you have to be in the mood for savoring a slow pace.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Abigail Stanton, an ornithologist at Cornell University, returns home to the Pacific Northwest after her sister Mary is severely injured in an automobile accident. When she catches a glimpse of a pair of rare and endangered birds, she is determined to document their existence. This seems to me a rather slight plot on which to hang a story, and it is hardly a mystery, although the book is the first in a series called “Mysteries of Sparrow Island.” The blurb on the back of the book says that Abigail has a knack for finding her way into the middle of mysteries full of excitement and intrigue, but I found the story neither exciting nor intriguing.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abby Stanton is back in the Pacific Northwest caring temporarily for her sister Mary, who has been paralyzed as the result of an auto accident. Abby works at an ornithology research lab back East. When she spots a flying pair of what could be marbled murrelets, a rare species, she is very excited. However just to verify their presence on the island is much more complicated than she first thought. This is a cozy mystery, no blood and gore, with a strong Christian fiction foundation. It's the first in a series, written by various authors, named "Mysteries of Sparrow Island". I enjoyed "Whispers Through the Trees" very much and will look for #2.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this for $1 while I was babysitting the library book sale during the town-wide yard sale, and I liked it better than I thought I would. I loved the setting and the marbled murrelets/old growth forest theme. This is Christian fiction, which is not something I normally seek out, but it isn't obtrusive and doesn't get in the way of the story. It's definitely part of the story, but it doesn't hit you over the head.

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

book 1 in guideposts "Mysteries of Sparrow Island" series

On page 54 and I have yet to encounter a mystery of any sort - well except perhaps for a bird they're trying to identify. So far, the book is quite dull. Snore.

On page 94 and it still is pretty much a snore. I've purchased the next in the series so I want to get through this one.

and I did (get through it). It ended up being a mite better than I thought.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This mystery is quite different than what I normally read. I'd consider this a cozy mystery. I enjoyed the birding aspect and that the mystery did not revolve around a romance or death. It did feel a bit slow paced but that had more to do with the setting and the characters. I did enjoy it but not sure if I would read another in this series or not.

[Robbyn Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good Christian theme book with likeable characters from small town. Family oriented, nice book for caregivers to read as this series revolves around a woman that is caregiver/companion to her sister who has paralized legs. The women are in their 50's and live in Puget Sound. Each volume takes you through a cozy mystery. No murders or guts/gore.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Book in the Series (Mysteries of Sparrow Island) This is a Christian series of books written for Guideposts. I enjoyed this book very much. I have 14 in this series and am looking forward to reading them all.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good mystery filled with down to earth family and Christian values. I enjoyed it and look forward to more books in this series. As an avid bird watcher, I was drawn to this, also the main character and I share the same first name.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good Christian based story. Really enjoyed this one and plan to read the rest of the series.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reconciling with family, career, God and where she should be.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this. It kept my interest.