The Curious Case of the Bludgeoned Birder

Welsh Village #2

by Lucy Connelly

In this thrilling second installment, Dr. Gwen Griffiths confronts her biggest fear in order to hunt down the latest killer threatening the small Welsh city of Dillynaidd.

It’s nearing St. David’s Day in Dillynaidd, and the city will be filled with parades and good tidings for all. Of course Gwen volunteers to help in whatever way she can, which is how she finds herself facing one of her biggest getting up close and personal with feathered friends at a local bird sanctuary. At least Gwen gets to complete her volunteer hours with her capable assistant, Ellis, and her best friend, Carolyn.

But when tragedy strikes at the sanctuary, Gwen and her friends find themselves in the middle of yet another investigation that becomes more confusing by the minute. The so-called good guy who was murdered may have done a bit more than just ruffle some feathers. The investigation hints at the victim’s dark secrets—secrets that someone will go to any length to keep hidden from the masses.

Even with the help of Dr. Griffiths, Ellis, and Carolyn, the local detective cannot fend off the killer as the looming threat draws closer. If they fail to apprehend the killer in time, the whole town will be in danger on St. David’s Day.

From Lucy Connelly, bestselling author of the Scottish Isle mystery series, The Curious Case of the Bludgeoned Birder will delight cozy mystery fans and birders alike.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 26, 2027

Reviews

[Karen Stallman]

4.5 stars

“The Curious Case of the Bludgeoned Birder ” by Lucy Connelly the 2nd instalment in the " A Welsh Village Mystery" series.

I really enjoyed visiting Dillynaidd, Wales again. As part of St. David’s Day Gwen, Ellis, and Carolyn are volunteering at a bird sanctuary when the owner falls from a ladder to his death. Naturally Ellis and Gwen start investigating and there’s no shortage of suspects. Turns out the man who died may not have been the intended victim!

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Gwen did.
I love the addition of Edwin the Tawny Owl he is so adorable! I’m also enjoying the growing romance between Gwen and Gareth.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 3 to come out!

I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Crooked Lane and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

[Mary]

The Case of the Bludgeoned Birder by Lucy Connelly is the second in the Welsh Village mystery series. I enjoyed this book a lot. Ms. Connelly is certainly becoming one of my favorite authors. In this book, college professor Gwen and her friends are volunteering at a bird sanctuary. While there, a couple of murders occur and Gwen and friends, including police detective Gareth, work to solve it. Gwen and friends work really well together and it was enjoyable to follow along as they figured out who did it. Although the town in the book is fictional, the author does a great job writing about Wales and now I would just love to visit. The only thing that I would change about this book is to have Gwen quit apologizing about being nosy. She is a former reporter, a journalism professor and an inquisitive person. There is no need to make her curiosity sound like a character flaw. However, that is just a small criticism. Overall, I love this series and I can wait to read the next book. Please keep being nosy Gwen!


Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.

[Eleni]

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher and author for a free advance copy. This was a mystery case in a cosy outfit. Loved the setting of nature and Wales and even more so the little cute fella who will accompany the protagonist on her shoulder - Edwin. There was a lot of promise at the beginning of the book which although short it did feel like it was dragging at times, very slow or little plot flow and a few repetitions in the dialogues that I found unnecessary. Still I will rate it with 4 stars because I enjoyed is cosy atmosphere and the characters. I would also be interested in reading the first book of the series which I did not but it didn't matter as this was a stand alone story on it's own. With a nice cup of coffee is a lovely read. Diolch

[Joni]

Gwen, Ellis, and Carolyn are volunteering at a bird sanctuary when one of the employees falls from a ladder to his death. Naturally Ellis and Gwen immediately start investigating and have no shortage of suspects but it turns out the man who died may not have been the intended victim.
First of all, I love the addition of Edwin. He sounds so adorable! Gwen and Ellis have a good working relationship. I also love the growing romance between Gwen and Gareth. There were a few surprises that kept me on my toes while trying to figure out the killer and I wasn't too shocked by what happened.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the arc

[Robin]

This is the second book in a new cozy mystery series set in Wales. It is winter and the citizens are celebrating St. David's Day by volunteering at a local bird sanctuary. The small village and the college are also holding a traditional parade. When the bird sanctuary has two murders back-to-back, Gwen is on the case. I love this series, but I do get a bit tired of Gwen blaming her nosiness on her "neurodivergence." Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an ARC.

[Jenny]

I adore the Jasper Fforde shout out in this book. Love him.