Die, Die, Birdie

Kiki Lowenstein Cozy Mystery Series #19

by Joanna Campbell Slan

When her son's new pet becomes evidence in a murder case, scrapbook store owner Kiki Lowenstein-Detweiler discovers that some family secrets are worth killing for.

All eight-year-old Erik wanted for his birthday was a bird. What he got was Solo—a traumatized lovebird whose mate was recently devoured by a boa constrictor at a local pet shop.

But when Kiki learns that Solo originally belonged to Ruthie Goldman, a beloved member of their temple community who died after a brutal home invasion, she realizes this is no ordinary rescue pet.

Solo may be small, but he's carrying big secrets—literally. X-rays reveal the tiny bird has swallowed several diamonds from the robbery that killed his previous owner. Now someone is desperately trying to track down Erik's feathered friend, and Kiki's family is in danger.

As Detective Chad Detweiler investigates the diamond theft that triggered Ruthie's fatal stroke, Kiki uncovers a web of family betrayals, frozen embryos, and twisted ideas about genetic purity.

With her trademark blend of humor, heart, and small-town Missouri charm, Kiki must protect her family while helping to solve a murder that hits frighteningly close to home. Because when inheritance, infertility, and identity collide, even the most loving families can harbor deadly secrets.

"Fans of cozy mysteries will delight in this charming blend of family drama, small-town secrets, and feathered friends. Kiki Lowenstein-Detweiler proves once again that the most dangerous mysteries often begin with the most innocent questions."

Praise for the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery
"A delightful cozy mystery with heart, humor, and a heroine you'll want to befriend."
"Joanna Campbell Slan has created a wonderful world filled with memorable characters and engaging mysteries."
"The perfect blend of family life and murder most foul."

Genres: Mystery

1 pages, Audio CD

Published January 6, 2026

About the author

National bestselling and award-winning author Joanna Campbell Slan was born in Jacksonville, Florida, but she grew up in a small town in Indiana. After graduating from Ball State University with a degree in journalism, she worked as a newspaper reporter, a newspaper ad salesperson, a television talk show host, a college teacher, a public relations professional, and a motivational speaker. In that capacity, she was named by Sharing Ideas Magazine as “one of the top 25 speakers in the world.”

Slan's work has appeared in five of the New York Times Bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and one of those became a television show. She is the author of nearly 80 books, nonfiction and fiction, including Death of a Schoolgirl, which won the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence.

Joanna's personal essays have appeared in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and one was made into a television program on the Pax Network. The college textbook Joanna wrote—Using Stories and Humor: Grab Your Audience—has been praised as an invaluable resource by Benjamin Netanyahu’s speechwriter and endorsed by Toastmasters, International.

RT Book Reviews has called Joanna “one of mystery’s rising stars.” Her first novel—Paper, Scissors, Death—was an Agatha Award finalist. It features Kiki Lowenstein, a spunky single mom who lives in St. Louis. The sixth book in that series will be released Summer 2013.

Kirkus Reviews has said, “Slan’s mysteries are most valuable for the well-developed characters and the issues they raise.” RT Book Reviews has said, “Kiki is so darn entertaining that she’ll keep readers hooked.” A series of short stories featuring Kiki are available on Kindle.

Joanna’s newest series—The Jane Eyre Chronicles—began with Death of a Schoolgirl (Berkley) and continues with the release of Death of a Dowager. The series features Charlotte Brontë’s classic heroine Jane Eyre as an amateur sleuth.

As “Lila Dare,” Joanna has penned the fourth book in the Southern Beauty Shop series—Wave Good-bye.

Joanna is married to David Slan. The Slans live on Jupiter Island, Florida.

Website: www.JoannaSlan.com

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/JoannaCampbel...

Twitter: @JoannaSlan

Reviews

[Dorothy Timm · Rating 4 out of 5]

an enjoyable book. The only slightly confusing part was that two minor characters were referred to by the same first name. However, besides that, it was well-paced and fun to read. I'll be checking for other books by this author

[Shelley Gingrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was good, but the idea to give 2 similar characters the same 1st name was ridiculous.This was not necessary and it was frustrating.

[Elizabeth J. Roby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Die, die Birdie

The Kiki Lowenstein series always has social issues involved. The main issue this time is zygotes, or people' s frozen embryos, and the legal issues involved. There is another issue with scholarship students at exclusive schools, the treatment received and the disadvantages they have with clothing, school meals and vehicles. Just a little bit of crafting appears in this story. A defect that I see is the confusion of two women with the first name of "Lark", one the ex-wife of the other' s husband. I see no reason to give them both the same unusual name..I have never known a Lark. I know a few Robins and a Wren! But it is enjoyable!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a good read on Joanna Campbell Slan

Loved the fast pace of the book.I would recommend any books by the Author. The only thing I disliked about the book was the name Lark for ex-wife and Lark for girl friend. Was this a typo error or did the author use the name for a reason.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another exciting Kiki Lowenstein mystery. I love these stories as they include a good blend of family drama, crafts, small-town realistic characters, and family pets. This story introduces a bird that her son Eric wanted and received for his birthday. This bird had a lot of extra issues that provided an excellent and thrilling story.

[Rochelle Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story

Fast moving and interesting. There were a couple of places where the editing mistakes were a bit jarring. For example when Sonny is explaining that Larks father wasn't Jewish but he says "Cassie" instead. Throws off the flow a bit.

[Darlene C Robold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book in this series. Unique story threads that all tied together in the end. Birds, congregations, customers, businesses, jewels, different viewpoints , fascinating facts, and an author who weaves together a fascinating story. One of the best in this series.

[Susan Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diamonds, Birds and Embryos

This book has more of a twisted mystery in it then most of the series does. But it also covers the tangled web of family and all their ups and down. One of the best in the series.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous Story

Another wonderful story in the Kiki universe. Wonderful cast of characters that I care about and enjoy what is happening in their lives. Can't wait for the next story.

[Kimberly]

Great book

Loved this book didn,t want to stop reading to even go to sleep. Wss as good as all her books are.

[Margie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

I'm a huge fan of Joanna Campbell Slan and her latest book did not let me down! Its always great to read what Kiki, her family and friends are up to now.

[Carol K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good series. I just love Kiki and everybody. This was another wonderful story and I can't wait for the next one.

[Brenda Maximenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! Kiki is a wonderful character and I will be reading more of Joanna Campbell Slan’s books. Thoroughly enjoyed the read!

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read! Thankful I received a copy as a Goodreads Giveaway!

[ALMA JOLENE FAHY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super read

Loved all of Kiki Lowenstein books. As a devoted scrapbook fanatic. I learn new things every book plus a good mystery story.

[Patricia Hoechst · Rating 4 out of 5]

poor editing

I love the stories and the wonderful plots. I’m getting upset with the inconsistencies of the ages of the children. I don’t know why this continues in each book. 🙁

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited to win a GoodReads Giveaway ARC and am sharing my review as I agreed to do so. And, no spoilers.

I am a big fan of this series and I was not disappointed in Die, Die Birdie, #19 in the Kiki Lowenstein mystery series.
This novel series is well written, with characters that come across as real people. While each mystery is easily a standalone story, the series does progress timewise, with the family members growing/maturing and developing just as we real people do. I enjoy crafts so the tie in to scrap-booking has been a draw and I always enjoy learning craft tips as I read.

For this mystery, I was a bit puzzled that two characters had the same first name, which is not a common name. I found it a bit confusing and frequently had to go back and re-read a paragraph or two to make sure I was following. It may not bother others, but I felt it a negative, though a slight one. There may have been a strong reason the author did this, but I didn't get it. Again, not a big issue and it didn't stop me from enjoying the story.

Four stars from me - I enjoyed this new installment and would recommend it.

[Kayla Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Read about Kiki and Family!

As all readers of “Kiki” know, there is always something extra going on in her life. This book is creative in the ways the story begins and unfolds. Who knew a “crafter’s” life could be so exciting? The way every step of the story intertwines provides the desire to read one more page before you take a break in reading, or you might just read the whole thing in one sitting…