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The Twitchers #4
Feather
The Twitchers have one last mystery to solve – and this time it's a heist! The final unputdownable adventure in the bestselling birdwatching detective series from the internationally acclaimed author of Beetle Boy and Adventures on Trains, wildlife queen M.G. Leonard.On a school trip to the Royal Swan Natural History Museum, Ava finds herself at the centre of a hundreds of invaluable bird of paradise skins from the Alfred Wallace Collection have been stolen! When she discovers a large jet-black feather, she's sure it's a clue, but the police won't listen to her. Slipping away, she takes the case to the Twitchers in an investigation that leads them to the bizarre and sinister world of fly-fishing, and to a mysterious girl with a pet Raven called Caliban and a dangerous ring of thieves and smugglers...Feather is an exciting winter mystery adventure about friendship, bravery and protecting nature, perfect for readers 9+ and for fans of Robin Stevens, Lauren St John and Jenny Pearson. It can be enjoyed as a stand-alone adventure or read as part of The Twitchers series.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2024
15 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
M.G. Leonard
57 books313 followersM. G. Leonard is a writer of books, poems and screenplays. She has a first-class honours degree in English literature and an MA in Shakespeare Studies from Kings College London. She works as a freelance Digital Media Producer for clients such as the National Theatre, and Harry Potter West End, and previously worked as a Senior Digital Producer at the National Theatre, the Royal Opera House and Shakespeare’s Globe. She spent her early career in the music industry running Setanta Records, an independent record label, and managing bands, most notably The Divine Comedy. After leaving the music industry, she trained as an actor, dabbling in directing and producing as well as performing, before deciding to write her stories down. Maya lives in Brighton with her husband and two sons.
You can visit her online at www.mgleonard.com. Follow her on Twitter @MGLnrd.
You can visit her online at www.mgleonard.com. Follow her on Twitter @MGLnrd.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 9, 2025
Re-read in August 2025 the whole series and this book is still my favorite 💛
——
For sure my favorite book this far in the series! (I really hope more books will follow!)
I love this series a lot, makes (young) readers read and learn about the importance of nature, birds and the environment without being “finger pointing”.
The adventures are always full on and loved this one and 🐦⬛👧🏻 a lot!!!
😭🥺💛🐦⬛
——
For sure my favorite book this far in the series! (I really hope more books will follow!)
I love this series a lot, makes (young) readers read and learn about the importance of nature, birds and the environment without being “finger pointing”.
The adventures are always full on and loved this one and 🐦⬛👧🏻 a lot!!!
😭🥺💛🐦⬛
February 7, 2024
A great fourth installment in the 'Twitchers' series that will delight any fans of the series so far.
Ava goes on a school trip to a Natural History Museum and ends up mixed up in a robbery. She discovers before the police do that hundreds of valuable historical bird skins have been stolen from their famous collection and she puts the clues together to work out what has happened. The other twitchers quickly get involved to retrieve the missing skins and save a girl and her pet raven who seems to be in danger from a dangerous gang.
As always, the focus on birds and conservation was woven in throughout the book and this time the changing and developing friendships between the characters was also a focus. The mystery was easy to solve with lots of clues to follow, but as always it led to an exciting and dramatic ending with the children being a key part in getting justice.
A really enjoyable series of books.
Ava goes on a school trip to a Natural History Museum and ends up mixed up in a robbery. She discovers before the police do that hundreds of valuable historical bird skins have been stolen from their famous collection and she puts the clues together to work out what has happened. The other twitchers quickly get involved to retrieve the missing skins and save a girl and her pet raven who seems to be in danger from a dangerous gang.
As always, the focus on birds and conservation was woven in throughout the book and this time the changing and developing friendships between the characters was also a focus. The mystery was easy to solve with lots of clues to follow, but as always it led to an exciting and dramatic ending with the children being a key part in getting justice.
A really enjoyable series of books.
January 20, 2024
I nestled down to read this and ended up reading 2/3 in one sitting and the rest later the same day, so compelling were the exploits of the fledgling detectives. ‘Feather’ hits the ground running and the pace never lets up.
This book has a great premise, which sparks off a thrilling adventure for The Twitchers full of villains and tension. Moreover, I enjoyed finding out about the author’s inspiration in the acknowledgements- how crazy that it’s partly based on real events!
Perilous adventures aside, being back with the Twitchers was as comforting as a mug of hot blackcurrant. Ava leads the action in this outing and I really enjoyed her using her own life experiences to act with empathy and courage when somebody else was in need. As you’d expect it’s full of lots of repartee between the gang. A favourite line (without spoiling with the context) is ‘"Ew, don't be disgusting!" Pam shuddered as if a ghost had passed through her.’ I’ll leave it for you to find and enjoy!
MG Leonard chooses the most brilliant character names. I really think ‘Chief Superintendent Stickler’ might take home the prize although I can think of plenty other things to call him!
I love the way MG Leonard writes: she respects her young readers allowing so much to be shown and not told. Also, she enriches her storytelling with allusions from so many different sources.
Feather is a real treat- enjoy!
(I received an advanced copy via NetGalley and Walker Book in return for an honest review.)
This book has a great premise, which sparks off a thrilling adventure for The Twitchers full of villains and tension. Moreover, I enjoyed finding out about the author’s inspiration in the acknowledgements- how crazy that it’s partly based on real events!
Perilous adventures aside, being back with the Twitchers was as comforting as a mug of hot blackcurrant. Ava leads the action in this outing and I really enjoyed her using her own life experiences to act with empathy and courage when somebody else was in need. As you’d expect it’s full of lots of repartee between the gang. A favourite line (without spoiling with the context) is ‘"Ew, don't be disgusting!" Pam shuddered as if a ghost had passed through her.’ I’ll leave it for you to find and enjoy!
MG Leonard chooses the most brilliant character names. I really think ‘Chief Superintendent Stickler’ might take home the prize although I can think of plenty other things to call him!
I love the way MG Leonard writes: she respects her young readers allowing so much to be shown and not told. Also, she enriches her storytelling with allusions from so many different sources.
Feather is a real treat- enjoy!
(I received an advanced copy via NetGalley and Walker Book in return for an honest review.)
July 22, 2025
When Ava and her class go on a school trip to a bird museum, something crazy happens: a bunch of super rare bird skins get stolen! Like, hundreds of them! And nobody knows who did it.
Ava finds a weird black feather and thinks it’s a clue. But the police don’t believe her (ugh, grown-ups). So she teams up with the Twitchers, a group of bird-loving kids who are also kinda like detectives, to solve the case themselves. There’s sneaking around, secret clues and lots of bird facts.
M.G. Leonard writes in a way that’s super easy to read but also really clever. You feel like you’re right there with Ava, trying to figure things out. There’s suspense, funny moments and cool facts about birds that don’t feel boring at all. It’s like reading a mystery mixed with a nature adventure.
The book has short chapters, so you never get stuck, and the story moves fast. It’s perfect if you like solving puzzles or watching detective shows, but with birds instead of bad guys with sunglasses. It totally absored me, i was thinking about nothing else while reading!
Ava finds a weird black feather and thinks it’s a clue. But the police don’t believe her (ugh, grown-ups). So she teams up with the Twitchers, a group of bird-loving kids who are also kinda like detectives, to solve the case themselves. There’s sneaking around, secret clues and lots of bird facts.
M.G. Leonard writes in a way that’s super easy to read but also really clever. You feel like you’re right there with Ava, trying to figure things out. There’s suspense, funny moments and cool facts about birds that don’t feel boring at all. It’s like reading a mystery mixed with a nature adventure.
The book has short chapters, so you never get stuck, and the story moves fast. It’s perfect if you like solving puzzles or watching detective shows, but with birds instead of bad guys with sunglasses. It totally absored me, i was thinking about nothing else while reading!
June 18, 2024
Feather is the fourth and final book in The Twitchers series by M.G. Leonard. The series works best if you read the books in order rather than jumping in with just the last book.
Our main character Ava is on a school trip to the Royal Swan Natural History Museum where Alfred Wallace's rare bird collection is on display. Unfortunately, the items which are priceless have been stolen.
With the police not being interested in the case The Twitchers decide that this is a case for them and put their sleuthing to the test one last time.
Just like the previous three books in the series, Feather is fast-paced, exciting and filled with adventure. It is a fabulous read and one that is hard to put down.
The relationship between the friends is lovely to read about and hopefully an inspiration to the books middle-grade readers as this is how friendships should be. The ending is perfect and a nice way to say goodbye, though it is a shame for there to be no more stories to come.
Our main character Ava is on a school trip to the Royal Swan Natural History Museum where Alfred Wallace's rare bird collection is on display. Unfortunately, the items which are priceless have been stolen.
With the police not being interested in the case The Twitchers decide that this is a case for them and put their sleuthing to the test one last time.
Just like the previous three books in the series, Feather is fast-paced, exciting and filled with adventure. It is a fabulous read and one that is hard to put down.
The relationship between the friends is lovely to read about and hopefully an inspiration to the books middle-grade readers as this is how friendships should be. The ending is perfect and a nice way to say goodbye, though it is a shame for there to be no more stories to come.
September 29, 2024
So sad to have come to the end of this epic series! They’ve been absolutely amazing reads and I’ve so enjoyed spending my time with the Twitchers. I so hope there will be more in this series as I could read these books forever.
This one had a fab and exciting plot and saw Ava take the lead after she witnesses a thief in a museum whilst on a trip with school.
Hundreds of exotic birds have gone missing and the plot thickens when a mysterious raven feather is found at the scene of the crime. They have suspects, lines of enquiry to follow and they all divide and conquer to get to the bottom of the mystery.
I just love the friendships in this and it constantly warms my heart. They are such feel good reads and I’m so happy I came across this series. They’ve honestly been amazing and it’s a solid recommend to all to pick up Twitch and meet the wonderful cast of characters, you won’t regret it!
This one had a fab and exciting plot and saw Ava take the lead after she witnesses a thief in a museum whilst on a trip with school.
Hundreds of exotic birds have gone missing and the plot thickens when a mysterious raven feather is found at the scene of the crime. They have suspects, lines of enquiry to follow and they all divide and conquer to get to the bottom of the mystery.
I just love the friendships in this and it constantly warms my heart. They are such feel good reads and I’m so happy I came across this series. They’ve honestly been amazing and it’s a solid recommend to all to pick up Twitch and meet the wonderful cast of characters, you won’t regret it!
January 8, 2024
What a brilliant conclusion to the series! I loved this mystery and thought the twists and turns as the mystery unravelled were perfectly timed and paced.
Found it really interesting seeing the Twitchers from Ava’s perspective (who as a member can only join in during the holiday periods so also sits a little on the outside) as well as Rae’s who is a complete outsider and I think that really helped Ava to see Rae’s perspective. I also really enjoyed reading MG Leonard writing a girl protagonist as previously the series (and her other series) had been around the boy characters.
As always MG Leonard writes a compelling page-turning book that drops clues like breadcrumbs for you to catch along with the characters. This one felt a bit more ‘dramatic’ than previous stories but I loved that and could really see it playing out on screen.
I’m sad that this is to be the last Twitchers book as I loved the blend of nature, family and a good mystery! But can’t wait to see what MG Leonard writes next!
Found it really interesting seeing the Twitchers from Ava’s perspective (who as a member can only join in during the holiday periods so also sits a little on the outside) as well as Rae’s who is a complete outsider and I think that really helped Ava to see Rae’s perspective. I also really enjoyed reading MG Leonard writing a girl protagonist as previously the series (and her other series) had been around the boy characters.
As always MG Leonard writes a compelling page-turning book that drops clues like breadcrumbs for you to catch along with the characters. This one felt a bit more ‘dramatic’ than previous stories but I loved that and could really see it playing out on screen.
I’m sad that this is to be the last Twitchers book as I loved the blend of nature, family and a good mystery! But can’t wait to see what MG Leonard writes next!
February 3, 2024
Well it was absolute pleasure to be back in the world of the Twitchers. From the first to the last page it was just action packed. As always I loved leaning more about birds and nature along the way. Just love this series!
April 26, 2024
Aww I'm so sad this series is over it was so good and thought me a lot about birds and mystery solving. I'm gonna miss these characters so, so much. I love these little brits.
February 4, 2024
Twitch
By M.G. Leonard
Published by Walker Books
Feather is the final instalment in M.G. Leonard's acclaimed Twitchers series about the theft of hundreds of bird of paradise skins from a local museum.
On a school trip to the Natural History Museum, Ava finds herself trapped in the centre of a heist: hundreds of beautiful bird of paradise skins from the Alfred Wallace Collection have been stolen! Then after finding a large jet-black feather, an unknown girl and a shopping list, she's sure her clues add up, but the police won't listen to her - she’s only a kid.
Knowing who will listen, Ava tells the Twitchers everything and an investigation leads them to the bizarre and sinister world of fly-fishing, and a mysterious girl with a pet Raven called Caliban. Collectively the Twitchers use their skills, knowledge and teamwork to prove their ideas. But finding themselves in a dangerous ring of thieves, smugglers and later a death is not what they expected..
Feather is an exciting mystery adventure about friendship, bravery and protecting nature, that completes the series, perfect for readers 9+.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley
By M.G. Leonard
Published by Walker Books
Feather is the final instalment in M.G. Leonard's acclaimed Twitchers series about the theft of hundreds of bird of paradise skins from a local museum.
On a school trip to the Natural History Museum, Ava finds herself trapped in the centre of a heist: hundreds of beautiful bird of paradise skins from the Alfred Wallace Collection have been stolen! Then after finding a large jet-black feather, an unknown girl and a shopping list, she's sure her clues add up, but the police won't listen to her - she’s only a kid.
Knowing who will listen, Ava tells the Twitchers everything and an investigation leads them to the bizarre and sinister world of fly-fishing, and a mysterious girl with a pet Raven called Caliban. Collectively the Twitchers use their skills, knowledge and teamwork to prove their ideas. But finding themselves in a dangerous ring of thieves, smugglers and later a death is not what they expected..
Feather is an exciting mystery adventure about friendship, bravery and protecting nature, that completes the series, perfect for readers 9+.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley
March 24, 2024
This is the last in The Twitchers series and this final installment brings the bird club friends’ sleuthing adventures to a fitting end.
This time round the focus lands on Ava, previously the lead characters have been male so it’s good to see the perspective changed. Whilst on a trip to a local Natural History Museum, Alfred Russel Wallace’s priceless collection of rare bird feathers is stolen and it’s Ava who is the first to witness and discover the crime! She can’t wait to tell the rest of the Twitchers they have a new case to solve. But what does a mysterious girl at a bus stop and a single raven’s feather have to do with the museum heist?
M G Leonard continues to craft stories where dialogue flows and friendships develop in a very realistic way. Although the plot twists are fewer in this story, she leaves you wanting to read on to find out how the story unfolds. We love the contemporary characters and their enthusiasm for a hobby that might be considered old fashioned. M G Leonard’s subject knowledge shines through all four books. When a series ends there’s a sadness at leaving characters and settings behind, but knowing how it all ends, makes re-reading the books very satisfying.
This time round the focus lands on Ava, previously the lead characters have been male so it’s good to see the perspective changed. Whilst on a trip to a local Natural History Museum, Alfred Russel Wallace’s priceless collection of rare bird feathers is stolen and it’s Ava who is the first to witness and discover the crime! She can’t wait to tell the rest of the Twitchers they have a new case to solve. But what does a mysterious girl at a bus stop and a single raven’s feather have to do with the museum heist?
M G Leonard continues to craft stories where dialogue flows and friendships develop in a very realistic way. Although the plot twists are fewer in this story, she leaves you wanting to read on to find out how the story unfolds. We love the contemporary characters and their enthusiasm for a hobby that might be considered old fashioned. M G Leonard’s subject knowledge shines through all four books. When a series ends there’s a sadness at leaving characters and settings behind, but knowing how it all ends, makes re-reading the books very satisfying.
January 25, 2024
What can I say - I absolutely adore this series! The Twitchers books came into my life when I was starting to get into birdwatching, I think they're superb and they're always a go-to recommendation when I'm at work, for kids who like their mysteries with a bit of a difference. I've adored Twitch, Spark and Clutch and was really excited to get an advance copy of Feather. Part of me wanted to savour it as I knew it is the last of the series, it being a seasonal quartet, but once I got into the story I found myself racing through it.
This is another brilliant mystery, with the full Twitchers gang in action working to unravel the culprits behind a feather heist at a local museum. There are some dark twists and turns, and the book is just as brilliant as the rest. A fitting ending to the series, while still leaving me wanting more. - exactly how it should be! The door is certainly open for more stories, too. Will happily continue to recommend the four books to customers - and now need to get reading the M. G. 's other books!
This is another brilliant mystery, with the full Twitchers gang in action working to unravel the culprits behind a feather heist at a local museum. There are some dark twists and turns, and the book is just as brilliant as the rest. A fitting ending to the series, while still leaving me wanting more. - exactly how it should be! The door is certainly open for more stories, too. Will happily continue to recommend the four books to customers - and now need to get reading the M. G. 's other books!
July 7, 2024
This is the fourth and final part in the Twitchers series of stories and oh, I'm sad it's the last one! I have really enjoyed these books, and the final story was a delight. I do always feel a little bit sad that we don't get so much Twitch in the other books as other characters take turns to feature, but Ava's story this time was really good. I loved Rae and Caliban, and I was fully invested in the mystery. It's exciting and nerve-wracking, funny and sweet, and I really love the friendships these children have built together, and the way they work together.
My son and I pay a lot more attention to birds since reading these books. He has an app on his phone now to identify bird calls, and is forever hoping to see a peregrine falcon! I love the conservation message behind all of the stories, and the bird facts you pick up as you read.
Is anyone else hoping that maybe there will be another outing for the Twitchers at some point? Fingers crossed...
My son and I pay a lot more attention to birds since reading these books. He has an app on his phone now to identify bird calls, and is forever hoping to see a peregrine falcon! I love the conservation message behind all of the stories, and the bird facts you pick up as you read.
Is anyone else hoping that maybe there will be another outing for the Twitchers at some point? Fingers crossed...
November 8, 2025
This was a great conclusion and final book in the Twitchers series.
I loved that Ava was the main character in this story and her thoughts and feelings were more of a focus than the other characters like Twitch and Jack.
I liked the relationship between Ava and Jack. I liked that he is concerned about her and isn’t afraid to show it. You could tell that something sparked between them.
As for the mystery - the Twitchers are back! and with it a new mystery go be solved. Who stole the bird feathers from the museum?
It was nice to be back in Aves Woods and “see” all of the characters one more time.
I loved that Ava was the main character in this story and her thoughts and feelings were more of a focus than the other characters like Twitch and Jack.
I liked the relationship between Ava and Jack. I liked that he is concerned about her and isn’t afraid to show it. You could tell that something sparked between them.
As for the mystery - the Twitchers are back! and with it a new mystery go be solved. Who stole the bird feathers from the museum?
It was nice to be back in Aves Woods and “see” all of the characters one more time.
January 24, 2024
Another thrilling bird related adventure for The Twitchers. This one felt more dangerous and I was worried for the children at one point. I love their relationship with each other and people they meet. This one is about birds (obviously!), friendship, families and trust. The children work together to solve the mystery and they allow surprising people to help them. I don't think that you need to have read the other 3 to understand and enjoy this one.
February 3, 2024
Another of my most anticipated releases for 2024. I was so looking forward to reading this and it didn't disappoint. Fast paced, exciting and as always gripping, interesting and educational. Brilliantly written.
I'm just in love with this group of characters! The friendships are beautiful. Twitch, as always, is my favourite but this group of friends as a whole are just inspiring.
A great ending to this fantastic quartet.
Can't wait to see what M.G. Leanord will write next.
I'm just in love with this group of characters! The friendships are beautiful. Twitch, as always, is my favourite but this group of friends as a whole are just inspiring.
A great ending to this fantastic quartet.
Can't wait to see what M.G. Leanord will write next.
March 4, 2024
BEST BOOK EVER! - Alfie aged 9.
Oh my gosh, this series of books is absolutely fantastic. So much fun, enjoyed by all members of the household folk 9 to 43. We hated putting this book down to go to sleep, always wanting to know what happened next. But at the same time never wanting the book to end. Great story and characters and we even learned some random birds facts. Will definitely read them again.
Wonder if these books will be made into a film or TV series. Think they'd be great.
Oh my gosh, this series of books is absolutely fantastic. So much fun, enjoyed by all members of the household folk 9 to 43. We hated putting this book down to go to sleep, always wanting to know what happened next. But at the same time never wanting the book to end. Great story and characters and we even learned some random birds facts. Will definitely read them again.
Wonder if these books will be made into a film or TV series. Think they'd be great.
February 5, 2024
Gosh, I loved this. This whole series just brings me such joy. These kids are just the best of friends you can possibly have! They’re brave, smart, loyal and I love how they stick up for each other. Rae was a lovely addition to the cast, and I loved the mystery in this! I always love the bird facts too!
January 20, 2024
The last installment in the Twitch series is a real treat with a lot of plot twists. The writing is as beautifully done as the previous books in the series. It has a fast-paced beginning that grips you right from the start.
March 28, 2024
A brilliant final book - that doesn't feel like a finale. I loved how this series of books didn't treat the kids that would be reading it like kids - it deals with big issues, has high stakes drama and risk - I absolutely loved this and the whole series!
July 4, 2024
Just as good as the previous books in the series. I really really hope there are some more. So so good. This series has got me into bird watching and I have downloaded the Merlin app to try and learn the bird calls!
February 12, 2024
A fantastic read once again, M.G Leonard does not disappoint! Mystery / adventure / birdwatching, who could want more?
March 2, 2024
Love this series so much, MG Leonard really knows how to write a fun and engaging story with brilliant characters. Perfect.
April 1, 2024
I like how the beginning doesn't take a long time to get into the mystery. It was a very entertaining book. Clutch is still my favourite though.
April 3, 2024
A lovely end to the series🙂
May 25, 2024
This a great book with adventure starting from the very first page!
July 28, 2024
One of the best books I've ever read. I really recommend it. It's got an amazing story. Definitely worth reading the first 3 books first. Review by Patrick.
February 11, 2025
Top 4de deel!
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May 20, 2025
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series however this was my least favourite. The violence in this one was elevated and so lost some of the sweet nature of these books in my opinion.
August 7, 2025
Great middle grade novel about a team of bird watching young detectives. I especially enjoyed the friendship between Rae and Caliban.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews