Indigobird

by Michael Stuart

“TRUST ME. TONIGHT, EVERYTHING CHANGES.” On the night of her birthday, Emerald Woodley gazed out the bedroom window of her seaside home in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. In the distance, the cool blue waters of the ocean were perfectly framed by the island of Martha’s Vineyard. In her backyard, there was a large white tent. There were tables glowing with white linen, and crystal vases with green-colored roses. Tuxedoed servers with trays of hors d'oeuvres and glasses of carefully curated wines. Her husband Samuel had meticulously planned the party at Indigobird , the strangely named house where they lived. She had no interest in the party and had told this to Samuel earlier in the day. He dismissed her objections and said, “Trust me. Tonight, everything changes.” A simple statement which became more complicated and profound in the days after the party. As soon as those five words had escaped his lips, Emerald knew that she would never trust him again. But he was right, nothing would ever be the same. Despite her objection to the celebration, she remembers the party as a magical evening filled with music and laughter. But is that what really happened? What will Emerald discover about her past in this place she calls home?

Genres: Book Club

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2023

Reviews

[Chelsea Alger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole book was filled with unexpected twists that kept making you want to read. This book is so well put together that every puzzle I thought I put together was wrong. Hands down one of my top favorite books read in 2023. Can’t wait for more books by this author.

[Becca Keyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my favorite book so far this year! I don’t typically love this genre, but I seriously could not put this book down. Aside from the story being well thought out and captivating, the characters were deep and worth feeling something for (whether love, sympathy or even hate…), and the writing was just beautiful too. I cannot wait for another book from this author!

[Ireland Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book I had the absolute honor and privilege of seeing brought to life. A thriller unlike anything I’ve read before, with twist after turn to keep you guessing up until the very end.

[Joanb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in less than 24 hours. What a great story. As others have said, lots of twists and turns. Exciting throughout. Can’t wait for Mr.Stuart’s next book!

[Amy Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book. A must read.

The characters are intriguing and likable. The story will leave you guessing and wanting to know more. The setting makes you feel like you are there with its quaint beach town life. A classic crime novel with twists and turns like you haven't heard before.

[georgia dawahare · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing read. Indigobird had so many twists and surprises up until the very end. The Cape Cod setting was perfect for the nautical vibe and made for a great pirate story. Overall, unforgettable and really well thought out.

[Jen Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read. Things evolve quickly and I found myself not being able to put the book down. You truly don’t know what to expect and it’s exciting. I’d highly recommend!

[Eileen Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great mystery story based right here in Falmouth. I knew nothing about this book, but signed up for a book signing with the author so I had to read it before the event next week. What a great book to read on a cold winter day right here in Falmouth where the book was set. The author created an intriguing story that had me trying to figure out what happened right from the beginning. All my quests will be reading this book when they come to the Cape to stay with us as the book is now on the nightstand in the guest room.

[Nicole Patricio · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book of the new year and loved it! So many twists that I didn’t seeing coming and definitely a page turner! Highly recommend!

[Kimberly McGuire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over a four star read. Fast paced with thrilling twists and turns. Story about murder, lies, old pirate tales, missing people, who can and can’t you trust? Everyone is connected and involved and then an unexpected ending. I could see this as a movie in the future.

[Charles Giachinta · Rating 4 out of 5]

For his first novel I thought he did a great job!

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Independently published, says a lot

The protagonist is not a sympathetic character. I also found the plot and the author’s narrative style confusing. The use of full sentences and lack of contractions add to the poor narration.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot better than expected for a self-published book. Twists and turns. Quick and easy read that was interesting. Also enjoyed that it was set in a local/familiar place.
… after book club discussion I liked it better than most… But did knock it down a half a peg