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Bird Spotting in a Small Town
My feet are itching to walk to the shore, to leave the kids again, to sit with the birds and pretend none of this has happened.
In a small, isolated town on the North Norfolk coast, Fran's life is unravelling.
As she fills her days cleaning the caravan park she owns, she is preoccupied by worry - about the behaviour of her son, the growing absence of her husband and the strained relationship with her sister. Her one source of solace is slipping out to the beach early in the morning, to watch the birds.
Small-town tension simmers when a new teacher starts at the local school and a Romany community settle in the field adjoining Fran's caravan park. From the distance of his caravan, seventy-year-old Tad quietly watches the townspeople - mainly, Fran's family.
When the schoolteacher and Fran's brother-in-law both go missing on the same night, accusations fly. Yet all Fran can seem to care about is the birds.
An eerie and unsettling novel, Bird Spotting in a Small Town perfectly encapsulates the intensity of rural claustrophobia when you don't know who you can trust.
'A haunting, disquieting novel, exquisitely written. The detail throughout is like acupuncture and the whole thing is difficult to pull away from. I read it in short bursts because each sitting left me with something new to think about' - IAN MOORE, author of Death and Croissants
** Perfect for fans of Francine Toon's Pine and hit British crime dramas like Broadchurch and Hollington Drive **
In a small, isolated town on the North Norfolk coast, Fran's life is unravelling.
As she fills her days cleaning the caravan park she owns, she is preoccupied by worry - about the behaviour of her son, the growing absence of her husband and the strained relationship with her sister. Her one source of solace is slipping out to the beach early in the morning, to watch the birds.
Small-town tension simmers when a new teacher starts at the local school and a Romany community settle in the field adjoining Fran's caravan park. From the distance of his caravan, seventy-year-old Tad quietly watches the townspeople - mainly, Fran's family.
When the schoolteacher and Fran's brother-in-law both go missing on the same night, accusations fly. Yet all Fran can seem to care about is the birds.
An eerie and unsettling novel, Bird Spotting in a Small Town perfectly encapsulates the intensity of rural claustrophobia when you don't know who you can trust.
'A haunting, disquieting novel, exquisitely written. The detail throughout is like acupuncture and the whole thing is difficult to pull away from. I read it in short bursts because each sitting left me with something new to think about' - IAN MOORE, author of Death and Croissants
** Perfect for fans of Francine Toon's Pine and hit British crime dramas like Broadchurch and Hollington Drive **
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2024
247 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Morton-Thomas
6 books22 followersWriter of literary thrillers. Currently studying at Cambridge University, UK.
I live in West Sussex in the UK with my husband; I have three kids too and some cats. I'm an English teacher during the day when I'm not writing. I also love to write short stories and flash fictions and have been shortlisted in international competitions for these, as well as for the beginning of my debut novel, Travel by Night.
GENRES:
Psychological Thrillers
I live in West Sussex in the UK with my husband; I have three kids too and some cats. I'm an English teacher during the day when I'm not writing. I also love to write short stories and flash fictions and have been shortlisted in international competitions for these, as well as for the beginning of my debut novel, Travel by Night.
GENRES:
Psychological Thrillers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 10, 2025
Fran loves to walk the shore watching the birds in a small town in North Norfolk, easily losing track of time, AND her son Bruno it has to be said. She seems distant, at times appearing absent to her responsibilities as a mother, but the care she takes over a nest of pretty tern eggs is almost like a substitute for Bruno.
Fran owns a caravan park, but she’s consumed by worries - the behaviour of Bruno, her distant and increasingly absent husband, and the relationship with her sister who lives on the caravan park, which is strained to ever increasing levels.
A Romany community sets up in the field next to Fran’s caravan park, from where elderly Romany, Tad, watches the comings and goings in the caravan park with great interest.
When a new teacher goes missing on the same night as Fran’s brother in law, all sorts of rumours start circulating, but it’s a long time before the truth reveals itself. All this going on and yet Fran is still more concerned about her birds than her husband and son.
There was quite a dark and sinister feel about the story with the atmospheric Norfolk coast making the perfect backdrop. There’s uncertainty and unease about which way this family based journey will end, and we get to experience different lifestyles through the small cast of characters, both on the caravan park and within the Romany community, which provided added interest. Strained relationships, crime, infidelity and childhood lies and secrets lead to a surprising but satisfying conclusion. A definite winner.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Oldcastle books, Verve Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Fran owns a caravan park, but she’s consumed by worries - the behaviour of Bruno, her distant and increasingly absent husband, and the relationship with her sister who lives on the caravan park, which is strained to ever increasing levels.
A Romany community sets up in the field next to Fran’s caravan park, from where elderly Romany, Tad, watches the comings and goings in the caravan park with great interest.
When a new teacher goes missing on the same night as Fran’s brother in law, all sorts of rumours start circulating, but it’s a long time before the truth reveals itself. All this going on and yet Fran is still more concerned about her birds than her husband and son.
There was quite a dark and sinister feel about the story with the atmospheric Norfolk coast making the perfect backdrop. There’s uncertainty and unease about which way this family based journey will end, and we get to experience different lifestyles through the small cast of characters, both on the caravan park and within the Romany community, which provided added interest. Strained relationships, crime, infidelity and childhood lies and secrets lead to a surprising but satisfying conclusion. A definite winner.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Oldcastle books, Verve Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
August 31, 2023
I was drawn to this book because of the title, though I had no real idea of what to expect, and was so surprised by what I found. This is a dark, haunting book, which tells the story not just of a crime but of a complicated family and set of individuals and their lives and relationships to each other. I found it hugely atmospheric and really compelling.
February 6, 2024
The reason I ended up with giving this book only 2 stars is that the pace is very, very slow, except at the end where suddenly the surprises pop up seemingly all at once.
I could not relate to the characters because they were all very unhappy and just not communicating with each other! They talked a lot but they said nothing. Sometimes I thought they were mainly existing, not really living.
There is tension at every page and I loved the way the author described the setting, the birds and the weather.
So the story felt unbalanced and the characters too flat but it had its nice points.
Thanks to Oldcastle Books and Netgalley for this review copy.
I could not relate to the characters because they were all very unhappy and just not communicating with each other! They talked a lot but they said nothing. Sometimes I thought they were mainly existing, not really living.
There is tension at every page and I loved the way the author described the setting, the birds and the weather.
So the story felt unbalanced and the characters too flat but it had its nice points.
Thanks to Oldcastle Books and Netgalley for this review copy.
January 12, 2024
“I’ve worked it out… nobody told me, I just eventually figured it out for myself.”
This book seemed to have a very strange relationship with cause and effect. There are numerous instances where a character seems to divine information from the ether, when they had no reason to make that leap. This was exemplified in the ending. It felt like the author got to the end and realised they had no idea how the story was meant to end, so they made up some things the reader was never given the chance to figure out for themselves, and hoped nobody would look too closely or try to analyse the book holistically. As a reader, this makes it difficult to care about the clues that the book does give you, as you know it’s not going to matter anyway as you’re missing the vital pieces of the puzzle.
Aside from the plot holes and apparent powers of divination the characters had, the moment-to-moment writing was quite poor.
The choice of tense (present participle instead of simple present) was a bizarre choice, completely inappropriate for a family drama. Present participle is great in action sequences or to show heightened emotion but when coupled with the plodding pace of the book and depressive narrator, it made everything feel stilted and strange, as though at a distance. It almost makes me wonder if this was done just to help hit a word count.
The book’s length was also strange. It’s short for the genre (I expect mysteries and dramas to be around 350 pages usually) but it still felt like a story stretched out over too many words. Chapters started and ended without making any meaningful progress. A lot of this book felt like filler, rehashing how the characters felt without any change in the status quo, without any emotional weight, without moving anything forward. It could easily have been 100 pages shorter and it would probably have been a tighter, more coherent and cohesive book if it was.
I would not recommend this book to you. I didn’t believe in the characters, their motivations or their relationships. When all was revealed at the end I felt confusion, not catharsis.
(I received a free copy in return for an honest review!)
This book seemed to have a very strange relationship with cause and effect. There are numerous instances where a character seems to divine information from the ether, when they had no reason to make that leap. This was exemplified in the ending. It felt like the author got to the end and realised they had no idea how the story was meant to end, so they made up some things the reader was never given the chance to figure out for themselves, and hoped nobody would look too closely or try to analyse the book holistically. As a reader, this makes it difficult to care about the clues that the book does give you, as you know it’s not going to matter anyway as you’re missing the vital pieces of the puzzle.
Aside from the plot holes and apparent powers of divination the characters had, the moment-to-moment writing was quite poor.
The choice of tense (present participle instead of simple present) was a bizarre choice, completely inappropriate for a family drama. Present participle is great in action sequences or to show heightened emotion but when coupled with the plodding pace of the book and depressive narrator, it made everything feel stilted and strange, as though at a distance. It almost makes me wonder if this was done just to help hit a word count.
The book’s length was also strange. It’s short for the genre (I expect mysteries and dramas to be around 350 pages usually) but it still felt like a story stretched out over too many words. Chapters started and ended without making any meaningful progress. A lot of this book felt like filler, rehashing how the characters felt without any change in the status quo, without any emotional weight, without moving anything forward. It could easily have been 100 pages shorter and it would probably have been a tighter, more coherent and cohesive book if it was.
I would not recommend this book to you. I didn’t believe in the characters, their motivations or their relationships. When all was revealed at the end I felt confusion, not catharsis.
(I received a free copy in return for an honest review!)
May 28, 2024
The book is centred on Fran, her family, and the small caravan park she owns in a beautiful coastal Norfolk location. Much of Fran’s time and thoughts are dominated by the birds that she loves to watch.
I’m afraid I found the book disappointing.
It takes until half way through the book for anything of any interest to happen. Up to that point, it’s unsettled humans moving around each other unhappily, with nobody knowing why anyone behaves as they do. This time could have been well used by fleshing out the characters further, by helping the reader to understand their backstories, to give insight into their peculiar behaviour. Everything feels off, and disconnected.
I found myself frustrated by the slow pace of the story, and struggled with the lack of care and empathy shown by the adults, for each other, and their children.
I heard a very well known author say that you need to give the reader subtle clues, as to what has happened. Otherwise, the reader feels cheated, as they haven’t had the opportunity to try to solve the mystery themselves. After the conclusion of this book, I completely understand that sentiment. The ending came out of nowhere, despite the first 50% of the book being predominantly scene setting, somehow the ending felt rushed, and disjointed. I had hoped that the ending would redeem the book for me, instead it compounded my disappointment.
I’m afraid I wasn’t the right reader for this book, though I’m sure there will be readers who will enjoy it. Just 2⭐️⭐️ from me.
I’m afraid I found the book disappointing.
It takes until half way through the book for anything of any interest to happen. Up to that point, it’s unsettled humans moving around each other unhappily, with nobody knowing why anyone behaves as they do. This time could have been well used by fleshing out the characters further, by helping the reader to understand their backstories, to give insight into their peculiar behaviour. Everything feels off, and disconnected.
I found myself frustrated by the slow pace of the story, and struggled with the lack of care and empathy shown by the adults, for each other, and their children.
I heard a very well known author say that you need to give the reader subtle clues, as to what has happened. Otherwise, the reader feels cheated, as they haven’t had the opportunity to try to solve the mystery themselves. After the conclusion of this book, I completely understand that sentiment. The ending came out of nowhere, despite the first 50% of the book being predominantly scene setting, somehow the ending felt rushed, and disjointed. I had hoped that the ending would redeem the book for me, instead it compounded my disappointment.
I’m afraid I wasn’t the right reader for this book, though I’m sure there will be readers who will enjoy it. Just 2⭐️⭐️ from me.
February 27, 2024
Travellers are en route to Fran’s Norfolk village.
Bird Spotting in a Small Town is a beautiful and disturbing book that I found utterly spellbinding. From the very beginning there is a claustrophobic sense of foreboding that encases and ensnares the reader so that this is a mesmerising read.
I loved the structure of Bird Spotting in a Small Town. The sections belonging to Fran and Tad ebb and flow like the tide on the Norfolk beach setting. And the setting is perfect. There’s a bleakness of the winter which lifts as the months progress in contrasting proportion to the intensity of the narrative that swells and deepens as the dates pass. There’s an intimate atmosphere created by the first person voices of Tad and Fran, with Tad rather akin to a Greek chorus adding layers of understanding to the narrative. Not only that, Tad provides a sensitive insight into the lives of Romany travellers that is filled with understanding.
I thought Fran was a mesmerising, complex character. It’s almost as if she herself is transfixed under a kind of spell as she fails to engage with the obvious under her nose. In contrast, Tad feels grounded, solid and sane. Fran’s obsession with bird-spotting is terrifying because it represents her fragile mental state, her inability to engage fully with her family and leaves the reader wondering just how far her life might unravel. Equally, all the other characters in Bird Spotting in a Small Town are layered, vivid and real, incorporating profound themes of identity, violence, secrets, family and community as well as addiction and mental health.
Sophie Morton-Thomas writes with such skill. Her prose is simultaneously sparse and poetic. It’s almost as if her writing is alive; a sentient being in its own right, thrumming with beauty and danger. The plot of Bird Spotting in a Small Town is deceptive. Certainly there are shocking moments but it is as if much of the action is being carried out just to the side so that it’s impossible to predict quite how it will end and there is an ethereal quality to the read. I thought this technique was utterly brilliant. As events unfold, they are all the more impactful and this living, breathing narrative has begun before the story started and will continue after it has been read. I don’t want to spoil this fabulous read for others but everything is resolved and nothing is resolved at all – just like life!
Bird Spotting in a Small Town is an absolute triumph. Sophie Morton-Thomas’s prose is exquisite. Her story-telling is sublime and her depiction of humanity startlingly insightful. In case you hadn’t guessed, I adored this book!
Bird Spotting in a Small Town is a beautiful and disturbing book that I found utterly spellbinding. From the very beginning there is a claustrophobic sense of foreboding that encases and ensnares the reader so that this is a mesmerising read.
I loved the structure of Bird Spotting in a Small Town. The sections belonging to Fran and Tad ebb and flow like the tide on the Norfolk beach setting. And the setting is perfect. There’s a bleakness of the winter which lifts as the months progress in contrasting proportion to the intensity of the narrative that swells and deepens as the dates pass. There’s an intimate atmosphere created by the first person voices of Tad and Fran, with Tad rather akin to a Greek chorus adding layers of understanding to the narrative. Not only that, Tad provides a sensitive insight into the lives of Romany travellers that is filled with understanding.
I thought Fran was a mesmerising, complex character. It’s almost as if she herself is transfixed under a kind of spell as she fails to engage with the obvious under her nose. In contrast, Tad feels grounded, solid and sane. Fran’s obsession with bird-spotting is terrifying because it represents her fragile mental state, her inability to engage fully with her family and leaves the reader wondering just how far her life might unravel. Equally, all the other characters in Bird Spotting in a Small Town are layered, vivid and real, incorporating profound themes of identity, violence, secrets, family and community as well as addiction and mental health.
Sophie Morton-Thomas writes with such skill. Her prose is simultaneously sparse and poetic. It’s almost as if her writing is alive; a sentient being in its own right, thrumming with beauty and danger. The plot of Bird Spotting in a Small Town is deceptive. Certainly there are shocking moments but it is as if much of the action is being carried out just to the side so that it’s impossible to predict quite how it will end and there is an ethereal quality to the read. I thought this technique was utterly brilliant. As events unfold, they are all the more impactful and this living, breathing narrative has begun before the story started and will continue after it has been read. I don’t want to spoil this fabulous read for others but everything is resolved and nothing is resolved at all – just like life!
Bird Spotting in a Small Town is an absolute triumph. Sophie Morton-Thomas’s prose is exquisite. Her story-telling is sublime and her depiction of humanity startlingly insightful. In case you hadn’t guessed, I adored this book!
September 16, 2023
"Bird Spotting in a Small Town" by Sophie Morton-Thomas is a gripping psychological suspense novel that had me hooked from the very beginning. Set against the backdrop of a small, isolated town on the North Norfolk coast, the story revolves around Fran, the resilient owner of a caravan park. As she goes about her daily routine of cleaning the park, Fran's seemingly normal life starts to unravel. However, it's not just the mysterious disappearance of a new teacher at the local school and Fran's brother-in-law on the same night that adds tension to the narrative. What struck me the most was Fran's unwavering fascination with birds, as if there was a hidden significance behind her obsession. This personal touch adds depth and intrigue to the story, making it even more captivating.
Sophie Morton-Thomas masterfully constructs a small-town atmosphere filled with tension and secrets. As the unsettling events unfold, the sense of unease and mystery intensifies, leaving readers eager to uncover the truth behind the enigmatic occurrences in this tight-knit community. The narrative beautifully captures the essence of rural claustrophobia and the challenges of trust in such a setting, making it relatable and engaging.
In addition to the gripping plot, the novel delves into the complex dynamics of Fran's personal life and family relationships. This adds an emotional depth to the story, making the characters feel authentic and relatable. Fran's love for bird-watching on the shore becomes more than just a hobby; it becomes a metaphor for her own yearning to break free from the constraints of her life. This introspective element adds an extra layer to the narrative, making it both thought-provoking and captivating.
Overall, "Bird Spotting in a Small Town" is a dark and haunting novel that goes beyond being just a crime story. It explores the intricate lives and relationships of a complex family and a set of individuals, creating an intensely atmospheric read.
Sophie Morton-Thomas has crafted a truly compelling tale that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.
Sophie Morton-Thomas masterfully constructs a small-town atmosphere filled with tension and secrets. As the unsettling events unfold, the sense of unease and mystery intensifies, leaving readers eager to uncover the truth behind the enigmatic occurrences in this tight-knit community. The narrative beautifully captures the essence of rural claustrophobia and the challenges of trust in such a setting, making it relatable and engaging.
In addition to the gripping plot, the novel delves into the complex dynamics of Fran's personal life and family relationships. This adds an emotional depth to the story, making the characters feel authentic and relatable. Fran's love for bird-watching on the shore becomes more than just a hobby; it becomes a metaphor for her own yearning to break free from the constraints of her life. This introspective element adds an extra layer to the narrative, making it both thought-provoking and captivating.
Overall, "Bird Spotting in a Small Town" is a dark and haunting novel that goes beyond being just a crime story. It explores the intricate lives and relationships of a complex family and a set of individuals, creating an intensely atmospheric read.
Sophie Morton-Thomas has crafted a truly compelling tale that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.
May 5, 2024
This one is definitely on the strange side and has a creepy vibe throughout where you don’t quite know what to believe but I really enjoyed it. There’s so much going on in the plot and threads that tie together so I was kept entertained and intrigued throughout and really couldn’t tell where the story would end up going. There were a couple of great twists at the end that I didn’t see coming so that was a nice surprise. I just wish we could have gotten a little more character depth for certain people so I could have understood them better. I would for sure read from this author again though as I thought this was a lot of fun.
September 8, 2023
Written from a limited, alternating, first person points of view, with a small cast of characters, this character driven novel is tense, claustrophobic, and dark.
What worked: The setting added to the sense of ominous tension, with the gray, English sea coast as a back drop.The Romany characters added a layer of mystery, and provided the reader a glimpse into Romany life, their struggles, and the prejudice that they face. The author also did an excellent job of drawing us in to the character’s individual personalities. All of the characters were very well written. I especially was intrigued by the nice, Sahara (Sadie). The end was a bit of shocker, and unexpected, however it left me feeling satisfied.
What didn’t work: At times, the book dragged a bit, and the characters’ obsession with the birds was confusing at times. I know that the author was trying to make some sort of allegorical point, however it escaped me. Her use of the dead birds did add a sense of darkness, and a definite ick factor. The plot was slow to develop, however I did want to continue on to find out what was happening. I did not find any of the characters particularly endearing, however their flaws kept me engaged.
I am giving this book 4 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for a dark, literary work of fiction with some mystery thrown it, then this is the book for you. If you are looking for acton packed thriller, this may not be the one for you.
A thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What worked: The setting added to the sense of ominous tension, with the gray, English sea coast as a back drop.The Romany characters added a layer of mystery, and provided the reader a glimpse into Romany life, their struggles, and the prejudice that they face. The author also did an excellent job of drawing us in to the character’s individual personalities. All of the characters were very well written. I especially was intrigued by the nice, Sahara (Sadie). The end was a bit of shocker, and unexpected, however it left me feeling satisfied.
What didn’t work: At times, the book dragged a bit, and the characters’ obsession with the birds was confusing at times. I know that the author was trying to make some sort of allegorical point, however it escaped me. Her use of the dead birds did add a sense of darkness, and a definite ick factor. The plot was slow to develop, however I did want to continue on to find out what was happening. I did not find any of the characters particularly endearing, however their flaws kept me engaged.
I am giving this book 4 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for a dark, literary work of fiction with some mystery thrown it, then this is the book for you. If you are looking for acton packed thriller, this may not be the one for you.
A thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2025
As a huge bird nerd myself I didn’t find Fran’s ‘bird obsession’ believable at all. World building wasn’t good, this was just all over the place . Also it was so incredibly slow, everything happens in the last 10 pages , and feels very contrived. I didn’t care about the twists because I didn’t care about any character at all. Missed the mark for me
March 27, 2025
It’s different for sure. The cover is what drew me to the book. Intriguing, compelling, haunting , dark, tension on almost every page and very atmospheric.
it’s crime, suspense, complex family, and much more
I read it on my Kindle- and just book a copy for my shelf.
it’s crime, suspense, complex family, and much more
I read it on my Kindle- and just book a copy for my shelf.
November 26, 2023
I found myself quickly enveloped in these characters - all richly presented and layered and an instant pull to delve in.
The setting of a small coastal town and a remote holiday park therein was a good location to draw readers into the semi isolation of such a life. This allows less outside intrusion and greater focus on the feelings and motivations of the characters.
I enjoyed the pace and questions that the story posed as it progressed and was especially fond of Jade wanting to know more about her. The progression was engaging and I felt compelled to keep going, working out the puzzle that was Sadie and the chaotic family life in that caravan.
I liked Fran's love of the birds - at one point she is accused of a near obsession but I didn't see it that way at all. It's a healthy interest while dealing with stress of her marriage, business and sister's family!
Overall, I enjoyed this, but I did not enjoy the ending. I don't want to spoil, so will avoid specifics, but I found the twist had little to no foreshadowing and the actions of Tad and Charlie very confusing. I expected at the last page for someone to step forward and declare the truth....yet no-one did. Why on earth would they do that?
My other gripe is with Bruno and Fran at the end. I was stunned by Fran's easy acceptance of such a preposterous decision. As his mother, I found her quite unbelievable at that point, but all the way through I had found her a solid character.
So a mixed review here from me, but I did enjoy this story overall, just found the ending left me confused as to motivations, especially regarding Tad - considering Jade!
Thank you to Oldcastle Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book for my honest review.
The setting of a small coastal town and a remote holiday park therein was a good location to draw readers into the semi isolation of such a life. This allows less outside intrusion and greater focus on the feelings and motivations of the characters.
I enjoyed the pace and questions that the story posed as it progressed and was especially fond of Jade wanting to know more about her. The progression was engaging and I felt compelled to keep going, working out the puzzle that was Sadie and the chaotic family life in that caravan.
I liked Fran's love of the birds - at one point she is accused of a near obsession but I didn't see it that way at all. It's a healthy interest while dealing with stress of her marriage, business and sister's family!
Overall, I enjoyed this, but I did not enjoy the ending. I don't want to spoil, so will avoid specifics, but I found the twist had little to no foreshadowing and the actions of Tad and Charlie very confusing. I expected at the last page for someone to step forward and declare the truth....yet no-one did. Why on earth would they do that?
My other gripe is with Bruno and Fran at the end. I was stunned by Fran's easy acceptance of such a preposterous decision. As his mother, I found her quite unbelievable at that point, but all the way through I had found her a solid character.
So a mixed review here from me, but I did enjoy this story overall, just found the ending left me confused as to motivations, especially regarding Tad - considering Jade!
Thank you to Oldcastle Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book for my honest review.
January 7, 2024
Bird Watching in a Small Town
Sophie Morton Thomas
Told through dual points of view and unreliable narrators, this book was mysterious and interesting from the outset. Based in a small UK seaside town, Fran runs the caravan park, has some complex familial ties to contend with and the arrival of a Romany community and a new school teacher in quick succession add more confusion to her previously mundane life.
Disappointingly, though, I ended up with whiplash with the twists at the end of the story, and a very high level of conjecture is required to attribute any logic to the uncredible finale. Nonsensical endings are a common occurrence in thrillers (IMO), but some will delight in the rollercoaster finish, but his one just wasn't for me.
Thanks to Verve books for the arc in return for an honest review.
Sophie Morton Thomas
Told through dual points of view and unreliable narrators, this book was mysterious and interesting from the outset. Based in a small UK seaside town, Fran runs the caravan park, has some complex familial ties to contend with and the arrival of a Romany community and a new school teacher in quick succession add more confusion to her previously mundane life.
Disappointingly, though, I ended up with whiplash with the twists at the end of the story, and a very high level of conjecture is required to attribute any logic to the uncredible finale. Nonsensical endings are a common occurrence in thrillers (IMO), but some will delight in the rollercoaster finish, but his one just wasn't for me.
Thanks to Verve books for the arc in return for an honest review.
August 28, 2024
Quite an unsettling book, the feeling of unease , of things not being quite right running right through it.
There's a feeling of claustrophobia too, such a small setting, and small cast of characters.
I also had a sense of dread, as the two narratives had to meet somewhere for a big part of the story, so for the first part of the book, I was just waiting on that.
Frans interest in thr birds feels more obsession than anything else.
Some surprising turns in the plot, all of it very good.
Unsettling, unease, dread, obsession... these really are key words that make me want yo read a story, and this one is a cracker.
Glad I picked it up.
There's a feeling of claustrophobia too, such a small setting, and small cast of characters.
I also had a sense of dread, as the two narratives had to meet somewhere for a big part of the story, so for the first part of the book, I was just waiting on that.
Frans interest in thr birds feels more obsession than anything else.
Some surprising turns in the plot, all of it very good.
Unsettling, unease, dread, obsession... these really are key words that make me want yo read a story, and this one is a cracker.
Glad I picked it up.
October 30, 2023
I loved this book. The claustrophobia that Fran felt built up throughout the story. It was obvious from the start that things were going to unravel. I felt for Fran at the beginning of the story but by the last third of it I knew she hiding something. I didn’t imagine what it was though. She seemed to be losing her grip on reality by then. Quite an intense read I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and share this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and share this book.
February 24, 2024
The book is set in a coastal Norfolk town and is written from the point of view of Fran, caravan park owner and mother to 10 year old Bruno. Alternating with Fran's chapters are those written from the point of view of Tad, a traveller who has just moved to the field adjacent to the caravan park.
The book has an unsettling vibe from fairly early on. The author expertly creates a sense of place and atmosphere and conjures up the mood of the characters really well. Details of past events and character motivations gradually become apparent, but there are lots of questions raised throughout the story.
The different points of view really add to the story and provide depth. Tad is an interesting, likeable character but gives off a sense of quiet unease, as if there are things lurking in the background. You're never quite sure what the characters are hiding, and when the tension increases following the disappearances, there is a general 'unravelling' of control on all sides.
Fran is an odd character, and I would like to know more about her and what's going on in her head. There's a sense that all is not well from the beginning. Her obsession with birds is interesting, and the theme of birds runs through the story. I wonder if Fran is desperately trying to hold on to the tern and her nest in a way that she feels she can’t do with her own family. Trigger warning- there are some quite disturbing elements of the story involving birds!
The last section of the book with the resolution of the mystery was a shocking headspinner - I'm still not quite sure I have understood the details!
Sophie Morton-Thomas is an excellent writer, delivering engaging and emotive prose, imagery, and an intriguing story. The book is deeply unsettling and fabulous if you want to keep your brain ticking over and delve into flawed characters and dysfunctional relationships.
The book has an unsettling vibe from fairly early on. The author expertly creates a sense of place and atmosphere and conjures up the mood of the characters really well. Details of past events and character motivations gradually become apparent, but there are lots of questions raised throughout the story.
The different points of view really add to the story and provide depth. Tad is an interesting, likeable character but gives off a sense of quiet unease, as if there are things lurking in the background. You're never quite sure what the characters are hiding, and when the tension increases following the disappearances, there is a general 'unravelling' of control on all sides.
Fran is an odd character, and I would like to know more about her and what's going on in her head. There's a sense that all is not well from the beginning. Her obsession with birds is interesting, and the theme of birds runs through the story. I wonder if Fran is desperately trying to hold on to the tern and her nest in a way that she feels she can’t do with her own family. Trigger warning- there are some quite disturbing elements of the story involving birds!
The last section of the book with the resolution of the mystery was a shocking headspinner - I'm still not quite sure I have understood the details!
Sophie Morton-Thomas is an excellent writer, delivering engaging and emotive prose, imagery, and an intriguing story. The book is deeply unsettling and fabulous if you want to keep your brain ticking over and delve into flawed characters and dysfunctional relationships.
December 18, 2023
Bird Spotting in a Small Town is a tense and atmospheric read, with the story being told from two points of view. Fran, a bird lover, runs a caravan park and is struggling with family relationships: her sister, niece, husband and son. Tad, an old Romany man, and part of a group that has set up in the field next to Fran's business.
I loved the writing style, the evocative descriptions, the pacing for a good 80% of the story.
However, towards the end the novel just seemed to go out of synch. An excessive amount of unforeshadowed twists were crammed in, some of them being just too unbelievable for the characters that had been brilliantly created earlier.
[SPOILERS HERE] Charlie helps to dispose of the body of his wife who has been killed by a boy he hardly knows and decides to take the blame. Really??? Tad also 'owns up' to the murder, despite knowing that he will get a life sentence, despite having no one else to care for his special needs daughter. It just didn't make sense. And then the revelation that Bruno is actually Sadie's half-sister - yet another unnecessary twist.
The last few chapters were just so poorly executed, out of character and unrealistic, which was such a shame as I so wanted to give the book five stars.
Please, please, Sophie Morton-Thomas, just write your next novel with one decent twist: your style is so brilliant that it doesn't need to be cluttered with a load of reveals at the end.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the writing style, the evocative descriptions, the pacing for a good 80% of the story.
However, towards the end the novel just seemed to go out of synch. An excessive amount of unforeshadowed twists were crammed in, some of them being just too unbelievable for the characters that had been brilliantly created earlier.
[SPOILERS HERE] Charlie helps to dispose of the body of his wife who has been killed by a boy he hardly knows and decides to take the blame. Really??? Tad also 'owns up' to the murder, despite knowing that he will get a life sentence, despite having no one else to care for his special needs daughter. It just didn't make sense. And then the revelation that Bruno is actually Sadie's half-sister - yet another unnecessary twist.
The last few chapters were just so poorly executed, out of character and unrealistic, which was such a shame as I so wanted to give the book five stars.
Please, please, Sophie Morton-Thomas, just write your next novel with one decent twist: your style is so brilliant that it doesn't need to be cluttered with a load of reveals at the end.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2024
Written from a limited, alternating, first person points of view, with a small cast of characters, this character driven novel is tense, claustrophobic, and dark.
What worked: The setting added to the sense of ominous tension, with the gray, English sea coast as a back drop.The Romany characters added a layer of mystery, and provided the reader a glimpse into Romany life, their struggles, and the prejudice that they face. The author also did an excellent job of drawing us in to the character’s individual personalities. All of the characters were very well written. I especially was intrigued by the nice, Sahara (Sadie). The end was a bit of shocker, and unexpected, however it left me feeling satisfied.
What didn’t work: At times, the book dragged a bit, and the characters’ obsession with the birds was confusing at times. I know that the author was trying to make some sort of allegorical point, however it escaped me. Her use of the dead birds did add a sense of darkness, and a definite ick factor. The plot was slow to develop, however I did want to continue on to find out what was happening. I did not find any of the characters particularly endearing, however their flaws kept me engaged.
I am giving this book 4 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for a dark, literary work of fiction with some mystery thrown in then this is the book for you. If you are looking for acton packed thriller, this may not be the one for you.
A thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What worked: The setting added to the sense of ominous tension, with the gray, English sea coast as a back drop.The Romany characters added a layer of mystery, and provided the reader a glimpse into Romany life, their struggles, and the prejudice that they face. The author also did an excellent job of drawing us in to the character’s individual personalities. All of the characters were very well written. I especially was intrigued by the nice, Sahara (Sadie). The end was a bit of shocker, and unexpected, however it left me feeling satisfied.
What didn’t work: At times, the book dragged a bit, and the characters’ obsession with the birds was confusing at times. I know that the author was trying to make some sort of allegorical point, however it escaped me. Her use of the dead birds did add a sense of darkness, and a definite ick factor. The plot was slow to develop, however I did want to continue on to find out what was happening. I did not find any of the characters particularly endearing, however their flaws kept me engaged.
I am giving this book 4 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for a dark, literary work of fiction with some mystery thrown in then this is the book for you. If you are looking for acton packed thriller, this may not be the one for you.
A thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2024
What a book! So cleverly written, you suspect everyone you meet and I liked the references to birds throughout as she throws in some red herrings as well. I really enjoyed 'Bird spotting in a small town'. I had guessed at some of the twists and revelations although I'm still confused by Dom's bracelet as that wasn't explained.
Fran owns the local holiday caravan park where she lives on site with her husband, Dom and son, Bruno. Fran's sister Ros and her family have fallen on hard times. Ellis is a recovering alcoholic and Sadie their daughter is expelled from school and generally invites trouble. A community of Romany travellers park up in the field next to the caravan park which is the start of some strange goings on. A young, brightly coloured, stripy tight and short skirt wearing supply teacher with pink hair is employed as the maternity cover for the local school. The very Conservative town cannot help but judge and gossip about her appearance and apparent lack of morals. Yet as quickly as she arrived, Ms McConnell dissappears with Ellis shortly after setting the blame with Ros's partner Ellis. Later, Tad one of the Romany travellers and Dom, Fran's husband find the body of the teacher and allegations start to fly.
Fran owns the local holiday caravan park where she lives on site with her husband, Dom and son, Bruno. Fran's sister Ros and her family have fallen on hard times. Ellis is a recovering alcoholic and Sadie their daughter is expelled from school and generally invites trouble. A community of Romany travellers park up in the field next to the caravan park which is the start of some strange goings on. A young, brightly coloured, stripy tight and short skirt wearing supply teacher with pink hair is employed as the maternity cover for the local school. The very Conservative town cannot help but judge and gossip about her appearance and apparent lack of morals. Yet as quickly as she arrived, Ms McConnell dissappears with Ellis shortly after setting the blame with Ros's partner Ellis. Later, Tad one of the Romany travellers and Dom, Fran's husband find the body of the teacher and allegations start to fly.
June 20, 2024
4.25* - slow paced, ominous, and dark small town suspense/thriller.
There's no real action in this. It’s instead a story of secrets and lies, family and small town community.
Told from a dual perspective - Fran - a caravan park owner whose life is unravelling but who remains obsessed with her bird watching, and Tad - an older Romany man whose family settles for a time in the field opposite the caravan park.
What follows is a story of suspicion, lies, secrets, and guilt as two people disappear with one body being found. It unfolds slowly and deliberately as our small cast of characters each feel the impact of the disappearances and discovery that builds to a satisfying conclusion.
Wasn't quite a 4.5* for me purely as i think if I hadn't listened to the audiobook I think the slow pace might have bothered me more and Fran's self-absorbtion did bother me in places as it made her obviously an unreliable narrator in contrast to the more subtle and unsettling nature of Tad's narration.
Overall though I'm so glad I picked this up as it's different to what I've been reading recently and I enjoyed how everything unfolded - brought to life by two fantastic narrators.
There's no real action in this. It’s instead a story of secrets and lies, family and small town community.
Told from a dual perspective - Fran - a caravan park owner whose life is unravelling but who remains obsessed with her bird watching, and Tad - an older Romany man whose family settles for a time in the field opposite the caravan park.
What follows is a story of suspicion, lies, secrets, and guilt as two people disappear with one body being found. It unfolds slowly and deliberately as our small cast of characters each feel the impact of the disappearances and discovery that builds to a satisfying conclusion.
Wasn't quite a 4.5* for me purely as i think if I hadn't listened to the audiobook I think the slow pace might have bothered me more and Fran's self-absorbtion did bother me in places as it made her obviously an unreliable narrator in contrast to the more subtle and unsettling nature of Tad's narration.
Overall though I'm so glad I picked this up as it's different to what I've been reading recently and I enjoyed how everything unfolded - brought to life by two fantastic narrators.
February 29, 2024
My first novel by Sophie Morton Thomas. Bird Spotting in a Small Town is an unsettling, atmospheric, and tense read. Set in Norfolk, the background of its coast just sets the scene brilliantly. As the story unfolds, we meet Fran and her family. She owns a caravan site but spends the majority of her time worrying about the members of her family. Romany gypsies decide to set up camp next door to her site. Amongst them is Tad, one of the elders who is content to people watch day in, day out.
As the story unfolds, events spin out of control, and the atmosphere becomes darker and even more ominous. I was slowly drawn into this sublimely written, multi-layered crime novel. The more I read, the more I needed to know about everything and everyone.
A gripping page turner that is so cleverly created. It's a slower paced story, but one I savoured for sure!
Thanks to Verve Books for allowing me to be a part of the book tour and the gifted book to write my honest review.
As the story unfolds, events spin out of control, and the atmosphere becomes darker and even more ominous. I was slowly drawn into this sublimely written, multi-layered crime novel. The more I read, the more I needed to know about everything and everyone.
A gripping page turner that is so cleverly created. It's a slower paced story, but one I savoured for sure!
Thanks to Verve Books for allowing me to be a part of the book tour and the gifted book to write my honest review.
October 25, 2023
•Dual POV
•Mystery, crime & Suspense
•Strange Occurrences
•Buried Secrets
•Small Town Mystery
•Atmospheric
The book is mysterious and suspenseful. It has dual pov. The characters are so mysterious. I liked the vibe of the book though some parts felt a bit predictable. The book has been written in first person.
There is a tangled family mystery with buried secrets and strange occurrence. The secrets could make or break the family. They are way too deep and heartbreaking. The whole small town setting worked so well here. There was a mystery of birds, murders and vanishing of people. Then at the end the truth unveils and the ending was so unpredictable and unsettling.
Thank you Netgalley, Author and Publisher
•Mystery, crime & Suspense
•Strange Occurrences
•Buried Secrets
•Small Town Mystery
•Atmospheric
The book is mysterious and suspenseful. It has dual pov. The characters are so mysterious. I liked the vibe of the book though some parts felt a bit predictable. The book has been written in first person.
There is a tangled family mystery with buried secrets and strange occurrence. The secrets could make or break the family. They are way too deep and heartbreaking. The whole small town setting worked so well here. There was a mystery of birds, murders and vanishing of people. Then at the end the truth unveils and the ending was so unpredictable and unsettling.
Thank you Netgalley, Author and Publisher
February 17, 2024
In a tiny town on the North Norfolk coast, Fran's life is unraveling.
As she fills her days cleaning the caravan park she owns, she is preoccupied by worry - about the behavior of her son, the absences of her husband and her strained relationship with her sister's family. Her one source of relief: early in the mornings, before the responsibilities and uncertainties take over, she slips out to the beach to watch the birds.
This is a wonderfully written work. It feels claustrophobic all the time with the anticipation that something is going on in the background. I like its nice short chapters allowing the reader to dip in and out but the pace makes you want to read on. The descriptions are memorable and so exact they draw mental pictures. A great read and has a terrific ending.
As she fills her days cleaning the caravan park she owns, she is preoccupied by worry - about the behavior of her son, the absences of her husband and her strained relationship with her sister's family. Her one source of relief: early in the mornings, before the responsibilities and uncertainties take over, she slips out to the beach to watch the birds.
This is a wonderfully written work. It feels claustrophobic all the time with the anticipation that something is going on in the background. I like its nice short chapters allowing the reader to dip in and out but the pace makes you want to read on. The descriptions are memorable and so exact they draw mental pictures. A great read and has a terrific ending.
October 1, 2023
'The sun set a long time ago, leaving only a pinky-red swirl of a ghost in the sky, something that used to be.'
Bird Spotting in a Small Town is a subtle yet disquieting domestic noir which follows the events that occur over the course of a winter in a 'summer town' on the Norfolk coast, telling the story of what might happen in the opressive quiet of a tourist haunt when the visitors have gone. In summer, the town buzzes with tourists who flock to see the birds and enjoy the beaches, but now, in the dead of winter, it has a desolate, eerie atmosphere, which adds an unsettling undercurrent to this engaging thriller, and the bleakness of the setting is the perfect vehicle for this story.
The narrative unfolds through the parallel stories of Fran, the proprietor of a the local caravan park, and Tad, a Romany gypsy who has pulled up in the field adjoining Fran's site. The stories of the two characters and their families are nimbly interwoven over the course of a relatively short book, although the author hides many of the connections which bind the two sets of characters in plain sight until the very end of the novel.
Morton-Thomas adeptly juxtaposes figurative descriptions of the birds that fascinate many of the characters with the plainer prose she uses to describe the day-to-day events of the characters' lives. This really emphasised how bird spotting - particularly her relentess pursuit of the rare little tern - is escapism for Fran, a refuge from the life she feels weighed down by: the monotony of the tasks inherent with maintaining the caravan park; the increadingly strained relationships with her husband and her sister; her complicated feelings about her son growing up, and her sense that she has never truly fulfilled her potential.
Without giving too much away, Morton-Thomas plays with the trope of the unreliable narrator in unexpected ways, and I found this very effective.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oldcastle Books/Verve books for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
Bird Spotting in a Small Town is a subtle yet disquieting domestic noir which follows the events that occur over the course of a winter in a 'summer town' on the Norfolk coast, telling the story of what might happen in the opressive quiet of a tourist haunt when the visitors have gone. In summer, the town buzzes with tourists who flock to see the birds and enjoy the beaches, but now, in the dead of winter, it has a desolate, eerie atmosphere, which adds an unsettling undercurrent to this engaging thriller, and the bleakness of the setting is the perfect vehicle for this story.
The narrative unfolds through the parallel stories of Fran, the proprietor of a the local caravan park, and Tad, a Romany gypsy who has pulled up in the field adjoining Fran's site. The stories of the two characters and their families are nimbly interwoven over the course of a relatively short book, although the author hides many of the connections which bind the two sets of characters in plain sight until the very end of the novel.
Morton-Thomas adeptly juxtaposes figurative descriptions of the birds that fascinate many of the characters with the plainer prose she uses to describe the day-to-day events of the characters' lives. This really emphasised how bird spotting - particularly her relentess pursuit of the rare little tern - is escapism for Fran, a refuge from the life she feels weighed down by: the monotony of the tasks inherent with maintaining the caravan park; the increadingly strained relationships with her husband and her sister; her complicated feelings about her son growing up, and her sense that she has never truly fulfilled her potential.
Without giving too much away, Morton-Thomas plays with the trope of the unreliable narrator in unexpected ways, and I found this very effective.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oldcastle Books/Verve books for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
January 1, 2024
The title of the book doesn't give away any clues to what this book is about. Fran owns a caravan park; s feels trapped and out of control.. Her sister, her partner and her niece have come to live with her which has driven a wedge between them; her son is in trouble at school and she is growing apart from her husband. Her only solace is watching the birds on the nearby beach. When gypsies move into the fields next to the caravan park, strange relationships are forged. Then, a body is found ... The sense of discord and disconnect is tangible in this book - a worthy but troubling read that stays with you after the final page is turned.
February 26, 2024
My Review
A gripping read told from alternating point of views: Fran who has so much chaos surrounding her especially with accusations being thrown around in her family's direction but seems to be more concerned and content with watching the birds. Also Tad a 70 year old gentleman who has moved recently nearby Frans caravan park and watches the towns people - and sees all, very clearly.
This novel is full of suspense and tension in all the right places, with a plot twist thrown into the mix. Its a dark and unsettling story, which is beautifully written. Loved the characters and the plot is extremely clever, unlike anything I've read.
A gripping read told from alternating point of views: Fran who has so much chaos surrounding her especially with accusations being thrown around in her family's direction but seems to be more concerned and content with watching the birds. Also Tad a 70 year old gentleman who has moved recently nearby Frans caravan park and watches the towns people - and sees all, very clearly.
This novel is full of suspense and tension in all the right places, with a plot twist thrown into the mix. Its a dark and unsettling story, which is beautifully written. Loved the characters and the plot is extremely clever, unlike anything I've read.
January 27, 2024
★★★★☆
This is definitely an immersive, slow-burn sort of book. Very unnerving and eerie but quite slow plot wise up until the end (and oh my goodness the end).
This gave me similar vibes to Winter Animals; your constantly on edge, waiting for something to happen, and can't trust anyone. The dual POV between Fran and Tad, and the ongoing theme of bird-watching and the importance of nature, lures you into this story and location.
I would be really interested to see how this would fair on a re-read, and if there are any hints I missed that I could pick out now.
cw// animal abuse, murder, mentions of alcoholism, implications of child neglect
This is definitely an immersive, slow-burn sort of book. Very unnerving and eerie but quite slow plot wise up until the end (and oh my goodness the end).
This gave me similar vibes to Winter Animals; your constantly on edge, waiting for something to happen, and can't trust anyone. The dual POV between Fran and Tad, and the ongoing theme of bird-watching and the importance of nature, lures you into this story and location.
I would be really interested to see how this would fair on a re-read, and if there are any hints I missed that I could pick out now.
cw// animal abuse, murder, mentions of alcoholism, implications of child neglect
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2023
A dark and engaging novel. The pace was slow and steady, which suited the story. I'm not sure that the motives of some of the characters were very well developed, or that some actions were as easy or believable, which took away from the story for me somewhat. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
February 7, 2024
This book was a whirlwind. There were so many plot twists that had me thinking of everyone as a suspect. The way the ending brings all of the twists in the story to a close in the end was so cleverly done. Sophie has truly written a story to make you think and have you second-guess everything. I was so shocked at the end, but I could not put this down. I really recommend this book.
March 20, 2024
Thank you to Oldcastle Books / Verve Books for a NetGalley ARC.
This is an excellent piece of literary fiction. The author brilliantly uses the backdrop of a village on the Norfolk coast to create an unsettling story, that all comes together in the closing stages. The symbolic role birds play in the narrative also adds real value to the storytelling.
This is an excellent piece of literary fiction. The author brilliantly uses the backdrop of a village on the Norfolk coast to create an unsettling story, that all comes together in the closing stages. The symbolic role birds play in the narrative also adds real value to the storytelling.
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