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Birder Murder Mystery #5
A Tiding of Magpies: A Birder Murder Mystery
It is in the silent spaces between the facts that the truth often lies.
When his most celebrated case is suddenly reopened, Detective Chief Inspector Jejeune‘s long-buried secrets threaten to come to light. Meanwhile, his girlfriend, Lindy, faces an unseen threat of her own, one from which even Jejeune may not be able to protect her. Between fending off inquiries from the internal review and an open murder case that brings more questions than answers, Jejeune will have to rely on the help of the stalwart Sergeant Danny Maik more than ever. But Maik is learning things that cause him to question his DCI‘s actions, both past and present. In the current case, and in the former one, the facts seem clear enough. But it is in the silences, those empty spaces between the facts, that the truth is to be found.
When his most celebrated case is suddenly reopened, Detective Chief Inspector Jejeune‘s long-buried secrets threaten to come to light. Meanwhile, his girlfriend, Lindy, faces an unseen threat of her own, one from which even Jejeune may not be able to protect her. Between fending off inquiries from the internal review and an open murder case that brings more questions than answers, Jejeune will have to rely on the help of the stalwart Sergeant Danny Maik more than ever. But Maik is learning things that cause him to question his DCI‘s actions, both past and present. In the current case, and in the former one, the facts seem clear enough. But it is in the silences, those empty spaces between the facts, that the truth is to be found.
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2018
73 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Steve Burrows
17 books147 followersSteve Burrows has pursued his birdwatching hobby on five continents, while researching articles on a wide range of environmental issues. He has a degree in English from York University and is a past editor of the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society Magazine. After travelling the world together, Steve and his family now live in Oshawa, Ontario.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
June 3, 2018
So much happens in this episode, from the emergence of doubts and new ideas about the wrap up of the case that made Jejeune’s career and fame with the MET; to the threat posed by the release of a man convicted due to Jejeune’s police work which now poses threats to his and Lindy’s happiness and safety; to the current crime, a person, male, found shot and burned with no other information available. There are so many twists and turns in this novel. Loyalties are seen fraying and tested and relationships...will they recover?
As this is a part of the birder mystery series, there are the requisite references to expected and surprising species in this north of England setting. The descriptions of the natural world are evocative of mood, place. They reflect and sometimes foretold the future. Jejeune is a detective who lives much of his life in his head. He is not an action hero but more cerebral (although the last book involved a lot of physical action in South America).
I continue to recommend this series to mystery readers. While this can be read as a stand-alone, it would likely be better appreciated if you were to read one of the earlier books, perhaps the last.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
As this is a part of the birder mystery series, there are the requisite references to expected and surprising species in this north of England setting. The descriptions of the natural world are evocative of mood, place. They reflect and sometimes foretold the future. Jejeune is a detective who lives much of his life in his head. He is not an action hero but more cerebral (although the last book involved a lot of physical action in South America).
I continue to recommend this series to mystery readers. While this can be read as a stand-alone, it would likely be better appreciated if you were to read one of the earlier books, perhaps the last.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 25, 2019
I’ve got to hand it to Mr. Burrows, each of his books seem to be better than the previous one. His writing reminds me a lot of Louise Penny, and her Inspector Gamache series, with added birding details. Both authors may allow their detective to solve the issue of each book, but there is an overarching story-line about the main characters that keeps the reader anxious to read the next installment. Interestingly, both men face questions about their professional integrity and they tackle these issues in similar fashion, by quietly working behind the scenes.
I’m up-to-date now, and very ready for A Dance of Cranes to be released later this month (and I’m number 3 on my library’s hold list, so that’s good). I’ll be waiting to see if Dominic JeJeune can sort out the predicament that he’s got himself into now, through his own wish to withhold information from Lindy.
It seems to me that Burrows is enjoying the British/Canadian interplay and the details of the two countries that he has considered “home.” And every time I read one of these books, I want to return to Norfolk--it’s been 20 years since I first visited there and I’m due for a return one of these days.
I’m up-to-date now, and very ready for A Dance of Cranes to be released later this month (and I’m number 3 on my library’s hold list, so that’s good). I’ll be waiting to see if Dominic JeJeune can sort out the predicament that he’s got himself into now, through his own wish to withhold information from Lindy.
It seems to me that Burrows is enjoying the British/Canadian interplay and the details of the two countries that he has considered “home.” And every time I read one of these books, I want to return to Norfolk--it’s been 20 years since I first visited there and I’m due for a return one of these days.
June 12, 2020
I gave the fourth book in this series, A Shimmer of Hummingbirds, a 5 star rating so I was a bit disappointed to find that the main characters in A Tiding of Magpies were back to being rather too filled up with angst and anguish for my taste, sigh! I will likely read book 6 though, as I hope the drastic cliff hanger at the end is resolved!
March 23, 2018
Book #5, in the Birder Murder Mystery
No doubts, reading this book you will soon see how the author’s passion for birds is the driving force throughout the mystery. Mr. Burrows knows how to spin a very intricate web of intrigue and weave the threads in a very particular way. It may take some time to get familiar with his style. I admit to have had a bit of trouble staying focused with “A Tiding of Magpies” and by the end this story never truly gelled.
To enjoy this book (and series) at its maximum I highly suggest reading the previous installments in order first. I have yet to read book 2 and 3 and I must say I missed out and was a bit lost at time not to have done so. This is the main reason I did not enjoy the story to the max. The author barely goes back in time so you are left out.
This latest continues the saga in Detective Chief Inspector Jejeune when his most celebrated case is suddenly reopened and his long-buried secrets threaten to come to light. Skillfully written, neatly constructed police procedural and a mystery centered on an inexplicably confounding murder of a young man. At the same time, his girlfriend, Lindy faces threat of her own and Jejeune needs to go all out to protect her.
This is one convoluted mystery that unfolds through the eyes of a bird loving Canadian detective extraordinaire. He is still unenthusiastic about his work but solving puzzles is his forte and Jejeune this smart detective will get his man at any cost…..or will he.
I have mixed feelings about this book, my fault I should have read the installments I missed, no excuses I have them in hands and I should definitely have read them sooner. I felt lost at times and often questioned where things came from, although I finally understood where all of this was going. Slow in pacing, this story trots along like a tired but stubborn old mule and like the mule needs a good push and less fuss. The characterization is good but trying to remember where they fit in is a challenge, some are recurring players. The plot is interesting, suspenseful in its own way and has some surprises to twist things around. Creating a captivating story around birds is an enterprise not all can master and weaving it into an entertaining mystery is a feat in itself, Mr. Burrows does hold up as an expert in both. This book may not have been my preferred by this author but I am not giving up on him…oh yes I will catch up before the next installment comes out.
I received this ARC for review by the publisher Dundurn.com via NetGalleys
No doubts, reading this book you will soon see how the author’s passion for birds is the driving force throughout the mystery. Mr. Burrows knows how to spin a very intricate web of intrigue and weave the threads in a very particular way. It may take some time to get familiar with his style. I admit to have had a bit of trouble staying focused with “A Tiding of Magpies” and by the end this story never truly gelled.
To enjoy this book (and series) at its maximum I highly suggest reading the previous installments in order first. I have yet to read book 2 and 3 and I must say I missed out and was a bit lost at time not to have done so. This is the main reason I did not enjoy the story to the max. The author barely goes back in time so you are left out.
This latest continues the saga in Detective Chief Inspector Jejeune when his most celebrated case is suddenly reopened and his long-buried secrets threaten to come to light. Skillfully written, neatly constructed police procedural and a mystery centered on an inexplicably confounding murder of a young man. At the same time, his girlfriend, Lindy faces threat of her own and Jejeune needs to go all out to protect her.
This is one convoluted mystery that unfolds through the eyes of a bird loving Canadian detective extraordinaire. He is still unenthusiastic about his work but solving puzzles is his forte and Jejeune this smart detective will get his man at any cost…..or will he.
I have mixed feelings about this book, my fault I should have read the installments I missed, no excuses I have them in hands and I should definitely have read them sooner. I felt lost at times and often questioned where things came from, although I finally understood where all of this was going. Slow in pacing, this story trots along like a tired but stubborn old mule and like the mule needs a good push and less fuss. The characterization is good but trying to remember where they fit in is a challenge, some are recurring players. The plot is interesting, suspenseful in its own way and has some surprises to twist things around. Creating a captivating story around birds is an enterprise not all can master and weaving it into an entertaining mystery is a feat in itself, Mr. Burrows does hold up as an expert in both. This book may not have been my preferred by this author but I am not giving up on him…oh yes I will catch up before the next installment comes out.
I received this ARC for review by the publisher Dundurn.com via NetGalleys
April 20, 2018
Note: I read this as an ARC from Dundurn, who is also my publisher. I don't write mysteries but Canadian nonfiction.
A Tiding of Magpies is author, Steve, Burrows, lastest birder murder mystery. I've enjoyed the previous books in the series and this one, no less. All are page turners and most satisfying.
Canadian DCI, Domenic Jejeune, is having a hard time of it as he is under investigation for one of his earlier cases and cannot unravel the current murder. Lindy, his partner, is under threat and his DS is beginning to doubt his boss.
The wild and remote parts of Norfolk in England are the setting once more and, as one reads, one can see the vast sky and hear the wind whistling. The characters are as well-drawn, as always. Tension crackles as the frustration rises. Danger lurks.
Readers will not be disappointed in "Magpies" — it's as good, if not better, than Burrows's earlier birder mysteries. Highly recommended.
A Tiding of Magpies is author, Steve, Burrows, lastest birder murder mystery. I've enjoyed the previous books in the series and this one, no less. All are page turners and most satisfying.
Canadian DCI, Domenic Jejeune, is having a hard time of it as he is under investigation for one of his earlier cases and cannot unravel the current murder. Lindy, his partner, is under threat and his DS is beginning to doubt his boss.
The wild and remote parts of Norfolk in England are the setting once more and, as one reads, one can see the vast sky and hear the wind whistling. The characters are as well-drawn, as always. Tension crackles as the frustration rises. Danger lurks.
Readers will not be disappointed in "Magpies" — it's as good, if not better, than Burrows's earlier birder mysteries. Highly recommended.
July 4, 2018
I used to really like this series but lately I wonder if I have read one too many. I am beginning to weary of Jejeune, the detective and protagonist. I am weary of his silences and of his propensity to disengage from others for the slightest reason. I enjoy the descriptions of Norfolk, a place I have always wanted to visit, and though I am not and probably never will be a birdwatcher, I admire the breadth of knowledge Steve Burrows has about our feathered friends. However, I think Jejeune should quit policing and just become a monk. He's never going to marry his longsuffering girlfriend anyway. His fugitive brother and Danny Maik are far more interesting men. And Holland should be up on harassment charges. Still a good mystery series but glacial in pace and devoid of pizzazz..Jejeune should be a bit more jejeune, if you ask me.
March 5, 2018
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
This is the fifth in the Birder series which, perhaps more than any other series I am currently enjoying, requires you to read each novel in order to make sense of the next. I have previously read only the first and second instalments, so, while the story of the kidnapping of the Home Secretary's daughter is (finally!) laid out here, I have no idea who Ray Hayes is and I missed all the drama with Jejeune's brother Damian.
Jejeune, the main character, is opaque and impossible as before and, again as previously, I found it hard really to believe in his relationship with Lindy. All the other police officers were likeable and fairly well-developed characters, especially Maik. At times the plot moved reasonably fast and I became engrossed in the solving of the various mysteries, particularly the kidnapping story, but I am handicapped by my lack of interest in birds.
The ending was a huge disappointment to me on many levels. Jejeune's purported plan seemed highly unlikely to have gained approval from any of the authorities involved, and his actual plan was depressing and cruel. Again, who is Ray Hayes anyway?! Jejeune's decision to keep the discovery of the bookmark to himself was a questionable and selfish one in my opinion. I wonder if this series is now at an end...
This is the fifth in the Birder series which, perhaps more than any other series I am currently enjoying, requires you to read each novel in order to make sense of the next. I have previously read only the first and second instalments, so, while the story of the kidnapping of the Home Secretary's daughter is (finally!) laid out here, I have no idea who Ray Hayes is and I missed all the drama with Jejeune's brother Damian.
Jejeune, the main character, is opaque and impossible as before and, again as previously, I found it hard really to believe in his relationship with Lindy. All the other police officers were likeable and fairly well-developed characters, especially Maik. At times the plot moved reasonably fast and I became engrossed in the solving of the various mysteries, particularly the kidnapping story, but I am handicapped by my lack of interest in birds.
The ending was a huge disappointment to me on many levels. Jejeune's purported plan seemed highly unlikely to have gained approval from any of the authorities involved, and his actual plan was depressing and cruel. Again, who is Ray Hayes anyway?! Jejeune's decision to keep the discovery of the bookmark to himself was a questionable and selfish one in my opinion. I wonder if this series is now at an end...
April 22, 2018
This is a good police detective novel. It's the 5th in the birder murder mystery series featuring DCI Domenic JeJeune and is set in on the east coast of England, north of London. Jejeune is off to a "fresh start" in his police career as a result of events in the previous books in the series. He is presented with a new murder case when a burned body of a man is found at a construction site. At the same time he is dealing with a formal review of one of his early cases which involved the kidnapping of Britain's Home Secretary's daughter and her boyfriend. In addition, there are some legacy issues from earlier books in the series, e.g. his girlfriend's life is threatened by the mysterious Ray Hayes who really wants revenge against Jejeune.
Despite a slow start, it's a busy action-filled novel with all of the several storylines playing out at more or less the same time. Some of the activity, narrative and characters will make more sense to those who have read the series' other books. This is the first of the series I read and I learned that I missed some of the nuances. To avoid that, I'd strongly recommend reading the previous birder murder mysteries before starting this one.
Outstanding for me is the cast of supporting characters. Sgt Danny Maik and Constable Holland are great recurring characters. Maik is definite star material and Holland plays the class clown. The perfectionist medical examiner Dr. Mansfield Jones and the super intelligent "Empowered Investigator" Constable Des Gill (who abruptly disappears from the novel) add colour to the story, Several other characters sprinkled throughout the book (like the Polish "count") make for interesting colour too. On the other hand, Jejeune is a bit of an enigma -- we are told that he's a whiz kid but there's little demonstration of his superior abilities. Lindy Hey's character is really under-developed and it's difficult to see any spark between her and Jejeune. Perhaps that was dealt with in earlier books before this one.
The ending is total melodrama, although it brings the novel to a soft landing. The stage is set for the next birder murder mystery -- there's plenty of scope to move the series along in new directions, if the author chooses to do so.
Finally, there's clever use of the birding theme throughout the story. The magpie's role in the kidnapping story is interesting, and the government sponsored "bounty-hunting" of the ducks is bittersweet. The birding is the educational portion of the story, and provides local colour.
In the final analysis, this is an enjoyable read, although it's a challenge to follow the story at times. It's heavy on plot with some weakness on character development. Recommended.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy of this book. The views expressed above are my own.
Despite a slow start, it's a busy action-filled novel with all of the several storylines playing out at more or less the same time. Some of the activity, narrative and characters will make more sense to those who have read the series' other books. This is the first of the series I read and I learned that I missed some of the nuances. To avoid that, I'd strongly recommend reading the previous birder murder mysteries before starting this one.
Outstanding for me is the cast of supporting characters. Sgt Danny Maik and Constable Holland are great recurring characters. Maik is definite star material and Holland plays the class clown. The perfectionist medical examiner Dr. Mansfield Jones and the super intelligent "Empowered Investigator" Constable Des Gill (who abruptly disappears from the novel) add colour to the story, Several other characters sprinkled throughout the book (like the Polish "count") make for interesting colour too. On the other hand, Jejeune is a bit of an enigma -- we are told that he's a whiz kid but there's little demonstration of his superior abilities. Lindy Hey's character is really under-developed and it's difficult to see any spark between her and Jejeune. Perhaps that was dealt with in earlier books before this one.
The ending is total melodrama, although it brings the novel to a soft landing. The stage is set for the next birder murder mystery -- there's plenty of scope to move the series along in new directions, if the author chooses to do so.
Finally, there's clever use of the birding theme throughout the story. The magpie's role in the kidnapping story is interesting, and the government sponsored "bounty-hunting" of the ducks is bittersweet. The birding is the educational portion of the story, and provides local colour.
In the final analysis, this is an enjoyable read, although it's a challenge to follow the story at times. It's heavy on plot with some weakness on character development. Recommended.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy of this book. The views expressed above are my own.
November 17, 2018
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
A Tiding of Magpies is the 5th book in the Birder Murder mystery series by Steve Burrows. Released 6 Sept. 2018 by Oneworld, it's 384 pages and available in paperback, ebook and audio formats.
This book, and the series in general, are built up gradually. There's a lot of nuance with the returning characters and the setting and plot. There's a fair bit of background which isn't really reviewed, but isn't absolutely necessary to enjoy the book. The 'hook' of the series is that the main character, an expat Canadian police inspector living and working in rural(ish) England is an enthusiastic birder and environmentalist and it's fascinating how the author manages to entertwine all the disparate threads into a cohesive whole. I also appreciated the fact that the book wasn't strident or preachy.
This series is definitely not a thrill a minute roller coaster. It's sedate. I didn't find it slow at all, just steady. It is on the long side for a procedural, but that allowed the author some leeway with development and plotting.
The entry point in this book for Jejune and co. is a call to investigate a grisly burned corpse. I didn't find the descriptions overly graphic. They are somewhat clinical, but there's not anything objectionable that would offend the average modern murder mystery/procedural reader.
All in all this is a methodically and thoughtfully well written series and I enjoyed this book as well as the previous ones. I wouldn't recommend reading this particular entry as a standalone, though it certainly is understandable by itself and the characters are well drawn and understandable enough that readers won't miss much of the plot if they've not read the earlier books.
Definitely would recommend this one to English procedural lovers.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
A Tiding of Magpies is the 5th book in the Birder Murder mystery series by Steve Burrows. Released 6 Sept. 2018 by Oneworld, it's 384 pages and available in paperback, ebook and audio formats.
This book, and the series in general, are built up gradually. There's a lot of nuance with the returning characters and the setting and plot. There's a fair bit of background which isn't really reviewed, but isn't absolutely necessary to enjoy the book. The 'hook' of the series is that the main character, an expat Canadian police inspector living and working in rural(ish) England is an enthusiastic birder and environmentalist and it's fascinating how the author manages to entertwine all the disparate threads into a cohesive whole. I also appreciated the fact that the book wasn't strident or preachy.
This series is definitely not a thrill a minute roller coaster. It's sedate. I didn't find it slow at all, just steady. It is on the long side for a procedural, but that allowed the author some leeway with development and plotting.
The entry point in this book for Jejune and co. is a call to investigate a grisly burned corpse. I didn't find the descriptions overly graphic. They are somewhat clinical, but there's not anything objectionable that would offend the average modern murder mystery/procedural reader.
All in all this is a methodically and thoughtfully well written series and I enjoyed this book as well as the previous ones. I wouldn't recommend reading this particular entry as a standalone, though it certainly is understandable by itself and the characters are well drawn and understandable enough that readers won't miss much of the plot if they've not read the earlier books.
Definitely would recommend this one to English procedural lovers.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
March 25, 2018
This is book 5 in the Birder Murder Mysteries series. I must admit that I’m always fearful to read books in a series, especially when I haven’t read the previous books. Occasionally books can stand on their own and you don’t really need to have read the previous books. Unfortunately, that was not the case with this novel. What first attracted me to this book was the fact that I’m also a bird watcher and I thought it would be cool to read a mystery that brought together both of my passions.
The book starts with Detective Chief Inspector Domenic Jejeune working together with Sergeant Danny Maik to resolve a murder of a young man in a Polish community in Canada. The positive aspects of this book are the fact that the mystery starts off strong and really picks up midway through the book. The extensive descriptions of birds, and I particularly enjoyed the explanation on Eurasian magpies. Unfortunately, the fact that most of the important characters had been introduced in previous books really made understanding and even sympathizing with them extremely difficult to me. Jejeune seemed flat and unrealistic as a character, and I spent most of the book trying to understand the references to events from previous books. It is almost unfair to properly rate a book that I could have enjoyed better had I read at least one of the previous books.
My advice is to read the other books in the series to get a better appreciation for this novel.
I’d like to thank NetGalley for providing me with a free early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The book starts with Detective Chief Inspector Domenic Jejeune working together with Sergeant Danny Maik to resolve a murder of a young man in a Polish community in Canada. The positive aspects of this book are the fact that the mystery starts off strong and really picks up midway through the book. The extensive descriptions of birds, and I particularly enjoyed the explanation on Eurasian magpies. Unfortunately, the fact that most of the important characters had been introduced in previous books really made understanding and even sympathizing with them extremely difficult to me. Jejeune seemed flat and unrealistic as a character, and I spent most of the book trying to understand the references to events from previous books. It is almost unfair to properly rate a book that I could have enjoyed better had I read at least one of the previous books.
My advice is to read the other books in the series to get a better appreciation for this novel.
I’d like to thank NetGalley for providing me with a free early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 2, 2022
Genre - murder mystery, police procedural
Time - contemporary
Location - Norfolk coast. England
Rating - 4
This is the fifth book in the Birder Murder Mystery series. This is a series that really needs to be read in order, otherwise I believe a person could get lost.
The main character is DCI Dominic Jejeune, who is an expat Canadian, working in the wild and beautiful Norfolk coast. This happens to be an area that is exceptional for bird watching which is Jejeune's passion. Jejuene is a quiet, cerebral man with a knack for solving murders. The murder in this episode starts with the discovery of a burnt body at a construction site.
Another thread that is being followed is the formal review of an early case of Jejeune's that occurred while he was working in London. It was quite famous, and made his reputation as a brilliant investigator.
The third cause of tension is the potential danger to Lindy, Jejuene's love interest. He will do anything to protect her from Ray Hayes, a man that Jejeune had jailed in the past. Hayes hates Jejeune and knows that the way to hurt him is to kill Lindy.
These books are character driven, and most of the policemen from the other books return. Mait is a favorite of mine. He plays a large roll in this edition.
The author, Steve Burrows is a Canadian who is a very experienced birder. He includes conservationist messages within his novels without preaching about it. His descriptions of the landscape, birds, etc. are brilliant. It becomes very clear through the story, that humans are the greatest of predators, and destroyers of the environment.
Time - contemporary
Location - Norfolk coast. England
Rating - 4
This is the fifth book in the Birder Murder Mystery series. This is a series that really needs to be read in order, otherwise I believe a person could get lost.
The main character is DCI Dominic Jejeune, who is an expat Canadian, working in the wild and beautiful Norfolk coast. This happens to be an area that is exceptional for bird watching which is Jejeune's passion. Jejuene is a quiet, cerebral man with a knack for solving murders. The murder in this episode starts with the discovery of a burnt body at a construction site.
Another thread that is being followed is the formal review of an early case of Jejeune's that occurred while he was working in London. It was quite famous, and made his reputation as a brilliant investigator.
The third cause of tension is the potential danger to Lindy, Jejuene's love interest. He will do anything to protect her from Ray Hayes, a man that Jejeune had jailed in the past. Hayes hates Jejeune and knows that the way to hurt him is to kill Lindy.
These books are character driven, and most of the policemen from the other books return. Mait is a favorite of mine. He plays a large roll in this edition.
The author, Steve Burrows is a Canadian who is a very experienced birder. He includes conservationist messages within his novels without preaching about it. His descriptions of the landscape, birds, etc. are brilliant. It becomes very clear through the story, that humans are the greatest of predators, and destroyers of the environment.
November 14, 2020
3.6 stars rounded up to 4. It had been a couple years since I read the last so I was in the dark about much of the past references. I struggled to keep up, but as most of the pieces fell together at the end I was able to make sense of it all. I think. Still don't know what Ray Hayes did. Maybe I will find out in the next one. I really enjoy the setting on the Norfolk coast and I wish he would spend more time in the hide solving cases.
June 21, 2018
Another interesting foray into the world of birder and detective, Domenic Jejeune. I love the descriptions of the marsh lands and coastal areas of Norfolk and the birds that feature in the books. Who knew that Eurasian Magpies are considered one of the most intelligent of all non-human species? Ruddy Ducks and other of our feathered friends feature prominently woven into the detective work.
November 12, 2022
utterly engrossing
September 16, 2025
Always love the characters, the setting, the birds and the solution to the mystery. the cliff hanger leaves us with lots of suspense and anticipation for the next one.
November 16, 2022
Oh, that's a bad idea, Jejeune. You're definitely going to regret that.
September 4, 2019
There are four parts to this installment of the Murder Birder series, two that clear up earlier issues. Having hinted throughout the other stories about Jejeune's meteoric rise to DCI, the daring rescue of Carolyn Gresham and the loss of Monte Harrison, her boyfriend, and the secrets kept, the true facts of the event are revealed. Jejeune used the triangulation of sounds of foghorns to determine where they were being held, on Foulness Island is Essex. In attempting to escape, a lynchpin to Monte's window stolen by a magpie, they run onto to the treacherous Broomway, a sand causeway and the sea, away from the road where the kidnapper will look for them. Jejeune has been keeping the secret of his going to the area to see rare bird, also a magpie, an Iberian azure-winged Magpie, thinking that it would take more time to figure the place. He is late to the scene, and only manages to get Carolyn out, Montague being swallowed by the swiftly encroaching sea. Now the Met has sent Empowered Investigator Des Gill to review the case. She questions those involved and listens to tapes of the dialogue between Laraby, and then Jejeune and the kidnapper (the switch to Jejeune by the kidnapper from his boss DI Laraby causes the long-lasting rift between them), and analyzes the timing, and knows there is something hinky but before she can reveal anything the review is ended. During her investigation she is hounded by a disgruntled Holland, who is less than enamored of Jejeune, who Gill has always admired. In the end Jejeune does tell Maik that he went bird-watching and has remorse for his failing to save Monte. However, it is also revealed that it was, in fact Monte who had done the kidnapping. Eric Chappell, Shepherd's partner, Lindy's boss, and fellow bird-watcher, was the journalist to whom the deathbed confession of Vincent Canby was made. He tells Jejeune that he had an affair with Canby's wife and also paid off Canby's debts. Eric knows that the confession was false. However, the decision is made not ever to report the truth, as Carolyn has given Montague's name to her daughter, Montague's mother grieves a hero, and everyone has made their peace with the outcome. This review creates a suspicious environment in the Saltmarsh and the North Norfolk Constabulary that pervades this story, including reservations by DS Maik of his friend Jejeune.
During this story the fate of Damian, Jejeune's brother in exile, is decided. Damian would remain wanted in Columbia, but the international warrant had been lifted and he was free to travel anywhere else. He could never return to the country with the most bird species in the world, which would be a punishment, but he was free.
The new focus of this story is the murder of Jakub Kowalski, a Polish immigrant, who was a bounty hunter, killer of the Ruddy Ducks that were diluting the pure species of White-headed ducks. The European community had agreed they needed to go, beautiful though they were, and Britain spent millions on eradicating them. Jakub is found shot and burned beyond recognition. Once identified, he presents a problem for Jejeune and the country. Curtis Angeren, owner of the Whitehaven Golf Club, is the logical killer, but the Home Secretary, Sir David Gresham (Carolyn's father) and Simon Giles want him left alone. They are watching him for other reasons. Angeren is a nasty right-winger who espouses to hate all the foreigners (i.e. Polish), and any other species that is spoiling the purity of England and the world for that matter. Teodor Sikorski and the other large Polish community members, including Jakub's mother Paulina, have an active community center Wewal. These immigrants are portrayed also seeking to get out the invasive Frankenweed vine that is overtaking native plants of the area. This strong vine was, however, critical in the saving of two lives during a fire at the center. Jejeune believes Jakub saw something he shouldn't have and was killed for it. His mother killed her son, who was indeed another Jakub Kowolski, to fool Angeren into thinking he was not longer a threat. She pleads to not tell this, and agrees to confess to the crime. This was a shocker. Angeren is not what he seems, smuggling into the country Polish refugees through Tidewater Marsh, his diatribes about ethnic cleansing a coverup.
Throughout this tale weaves the most insidious element, the continuing threat to Lindy Hey, Jejeune's partner, from Ray Hayes, who wants to get back at Jejeune. Elusive, he makes another attempt on Lindy's life. In the end Domenic creates a complicated plan to keep Lindy safe. In his plot Angeren will eventually be caught, though in helping to find Hayes he will receive a reduced sentence. Jejeune leaves England for Canada (believing that if he is not with Lindy, Hayes will leave her alone), on the pretext that he needs some time alone, alienating Lindy, not intending to return until Hayes is apprehended. He believes that Hayes is too clever to be caught and he and Lindy will not be reunited, and he will not see his beloved adopted country again. He is under the misguided impression that if he did return Lindy would forgive him, when Shepherd warned him otherwise. Hints for the new installment.
An important behavior of the magpie is a clue to Jejeune in this birding mystery. While a magpie is supposed to have taken the lynchpin from the window, because they like bright things, in fact they do not go after shiny objects. Never have there been found stolen objects in the nests of Magpies, as of other birds that do demonstrate this behavior. It was a piece of the puzzle that Carolyn tells on how Monte got out to then free her so they could attempt their escape. leading in part to the conclusion by Jejeune that Monte was the kidnapper, destined to free Carolyn and then later leave her, with the 100,00o pounds ransom.
This is favorite series for me, as I love reading about the various birds and their behaviors. And Burrows is brilliant in his convoluted tales, and in the enigmatic character of Jejeune, and the courageous character of Danny Maik, as well as the realistic relationship of Domenic and Lindy. The author always gives a solid description of the birds of the title at the end of the book, which I find very satisfying overall.
During this story the fate of Damian, Jejeune's brother in exile, is decided. Damian would remain wanted in Columbia, but the international warrant had been lifted and he was free to travel anywhere else. He could never return to the country with the most bird species in the world, which would be a punishment, but he was free.
The new focus of this story is the murder of Jakub Kowalski, a Polish immigrant, who was a bounty hunter, killer of the Ruddy Ducks that were diluting the pure species of White-headed ducks. The European community had agreed they needed to go, beautiful though they were, and Britain spent millions on eradicating them. Jakub is found shot and burned beyond recognition. Once identified, he presents a problem for Jejeune and the country. Curtis Angeren, owner of the Whitehaven Golf Club, is the logical killer, but the Home Secretary, Sir David Gresham (Carolyn's father) and Simon Giles want him left alone. They are watching him for other reasons. Angeren is a nasty right-winger who espouses to hate all the foreigners (i.e. Polish), and any other species that is spoiling the purity of England and the world for that matter. Teodor Sikorski and the other large Polish community members, including Jakub's mother Paulina, have an active community center Wewal. These immigrants are portrayed also seeking to get out the invasive Frankenweed vine that is overtaking native plants of the area. This strong vine was, however, critical in the saving of two lives during a fire at the center. Jejeune believes Jakub saw something he shouldn't have and was killed for it. His mother killed her son, who was indeed another Jakub Kowolski, to fool Angeren into thinking he was not longer a threat. She pleads to not tell this, and agrees to confess to the crime. This was a shocker. Angeren is not what he seems, smuggling into the country Polish refugees through Tidewater Marsh, his diatribes about ethnic cleansing a coverup.
Throughout this tale weaves the most insidious element, the continuing threat to Lindy Hey, Jejeune's partner, from Ray Hayes, who wants to get back at Jejeune. Elusive, he makes another attempt on Lindy's life. In the end Domenic creates a complicated plan to keep Lindy safe. In his plot Angeren will eventually be caught, though in helping to find Hayes he will receive a reduced sentence. Jejeune leaves England for Canada (believing that if he is not with Lindy, Hayes will leave her alone), on the pretext that he needs some time alone, alienating Lindy, not intending to return until Hayes is apprehended. He believes that Hayes is too clever to be caught and he and Lindy will not be reunited, and he will not see his beloved adopted country again. He is under the misguided impression that if he did return Lindy would forgive him, when Shepherd warned him otherwise. Hints for the new installment.
An important behavior of the magpie is a clue to Jejeune in this birding mystery. While a magpie is supposed to have taken the lynchpin from the window, because they like bright things, in fact they do not go after shiny objects. Never have there been found stolen objects in the nests of Magpies, as of other birds that do demonstrate this behavior. It was a piece of the puzzle that Carolyn tells on how Monte got out to then free her so they could attempt their escape. leading in part to the conclusion by Jejeune that Monte was the kidnapper, destined to free Carolyn and then later leave her, with the 100,00o pounds ransom.
This is favorite series for me, as I love reading about the various birds and their behaviors. And Burrows is brilliant in his convoluted tales, and in the enigmatic character of Jejeune, and the courageous character of Danny Maik, as well as the realistic relationship of Domenic and Lindy. The author always gives a solid description of the birds of the title at the end of the book, which I find very satisfying overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2018
I love this authour!
Uber cop Jejeune finds himself in another environmentally themed book in a case with a charred body, people with unknown sources of incomes, and an anti-immigrant land developer. Seriously. A little more timely maybe than the authour was planning!
While investigating the murder Jejeune another investigator has been asking questions about an old case of Jejeune's, new questions are asked, and it is discussed whether the consistent facts add up to the truth.
Jejeune's romantic companion is under threat from a suspected old nemesis of Jejeune's but she doesn't know it. Is the threat from this shady character from Jejeune's past, someone from the current case, or just a series of coincidences?
As with all of Burrows books so far, there is a discussion of truth and facts, and what is the moral thing to do compared to what the law says is in order.
HOW long until the next one? There is an advantage of reading an authour after they've written so many books...you can binge read and live with the characters longer....
Uber cop Jejeune finds himself in another environmentally themed book in a case with a charred body, people with unknown sources of incomes, and an anti-immigrant land developer. Seriously. A little more timely maybe than the authour was planning!
While investigating the murder Jejeune another investigator has been asking questions about an old case of Jejeune's, new questions are asked, and it is discussed whether the consistent facts add up to the truth.
Jejeune's romantic companion is under threat from a suspected old nemesis of Jejeune's but she doesn't know it. Is the threat from this shady character from Jejeune's past, someone from the current case, or just a series of coincidences?
As with all of Burrows books so far, there is a discussion of truth and facts, and what is the moral thing to do compared to what the law says is in order.
HOW long until the next one? There is an advantage of reading an authour after they've written so many books...you can binge read and live with the characters longer....
July 7, 2018
Highly enjoyed series addition #5 to talented Canadian Birder Murder author, Steve Burrows. Set in the birding district of North Norfolk , England, Canadian Detective Chief Inspector Jejeune's role in a previous high visibility case comes into question. A few shaky breaths drawn and pages quickly turned to discover unshakeable and intriguing results.
Characters and unique plot development twists have me anticipating the sixth entry!
Suspenseful and personable, I recommend with confidence.
Characters and unique plot development twists have me anticipating the sixth entry!
Suspenseful and personable, I recommend with confidence.
September 2, 2018
A Tiding of Magpies is the latest in the Domenic Jejeune mystery series, with the Canadian cop firmly ensconced in Norfolk solving mysteries and adding to his lifetime birding list. This time he’s got lots of troubles; an internal investigation from his Met days, the lurking possible presence of a killer who’s out to destroy Dom by targeting his girlfriend, Lindy, and the investigation of the murder of a Polish national and how that’s involved with local politics. And that’s in between finding birds.
Much of the book is taking up with Dom worrying about Lindy and what will happen if Ray Hayes, the bad guy, catches up with her. There’s a lot more of that than I was happy with; in truth, I thought the book dragged much in spots, with paragraph after paragraph of angst and guilt-ridden thoughts. The investigations are all well and good; dogged persistence and ferreting out the truth is the order of the day, for Dom as well as his sergeant, Danny Maik, who’s busy doing some serious investigations on his own. I just didn’t think this book came together as well as the earlier books in the series. And the fact that it ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger didn’t thrill me at all.
Steve Burrows is a talented wordsmith, definitely knowing how to put sentences together. His characters are always well developed and defined. This book was more caught up with the personal lives of the characters than I like in a police procedural. Won’t stop me from reading the next one in the series.
DCI Brock and DS Poole are hard at it again in "Dead Lock", the latest in the long running series of contemporary Brit Cop mysteries by Graham Ison. This time it’s a body found in Isabella Plantation, a section of Richmond Park home to rhododendron, heron, and a lively squirrel population. If only they could talk; Brock’s and Poole’s job would be considerable easier. Alas, nothing from the local fauna is forthcoming, so our coppers must undertake the investigation in their usual, thorough fashion.
Much of the book is told from Brock’s first-person perspective, readers learn much about the players, which should help those unfamiliar with the series (although hopefully you’ll have been following along from the beginning, as I have). Ison takes care to provide a complete personality and a back story for each one, be they cop or supplemental staff. A reader quickly feels “part of the family,” as it were. Investigating a murder, they may be, but these are “real” people, and you’ll find that out in Ison’s books, as we follow along with what’s going on in their personal lives.
One body is followed by others, and connections are established. Our dogged detectives soon cut to the chase through all the attempts to deceive. There are a lot of villains to keep track of, definitely a lot of suspects, but that just means a reader will have more fun trying to put the pieces together and figure out who, what, and most importantly, why.
There’s a bit of suspending disbelief towards the end, in the way that a civilian is used to trap a suspect but getting over that doesn’t require much effort. Towards the end things bog down a bit with interrogations and explanations, too. The finish is satisfactory, however, as Brock and Poole get their murderer.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy of this book, in exchange for this review.
Much of the book is taking up with Dom worrying about Lindy and what will happen if Ray Hayes, the bad guy, catches up with her. There’s a lot more of that than I was happy with; in truth, I thought the book dragged much in spots, with paragraph after paragraph of angst and guilt-ridden thoughts. The investigations are all well and good; dogged persistence and ferreting out the truth is the order of the day, for Dom as well as his sergeant, Danny Maik, who’s busy doing some serious investigations on his own. I just didn’t think this book came together as well as the earlier books in the series. And the fact that it ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger didn’t thrill me at all.
Steve Burrows is a talented wordsmith, definitely knowing how to put sentences together. His characters are always well developed and defined. This book was more caught up with the personal lives of the characters than I like in a police procedural. Won’t stop me from reading the next one in the series.
DCI Brock and DS Poole are hard at it again in "Dead Lock", the latest in the long running series of contemporary Brit Cop mysteries by Graham Ison. This time it’s a body found in Isabella Plantation, a section of Richmond Park home to rhododendron, heron, and a lively squirrel population. If only they could talk; Brock’s and Poole’s job would be considerable easier. Alas, nothing from the local fauna is forthcoming, so our coppers must undertake the investigation in their usual, thorough fashion.
Much of the book is told from Brock’s first-person perspective, readers learn much about the players, which should help those unfamiliar with the series (although hopefully you’ll have been following along from the beginning, as I have). Ison takes care to provide a complete personality and a back story for each one, be they cop or supplemental staff. A reader quickly feels “part of the family,” as it were. Investigating a murder, they may be, but these are “real” people, and you’ll find that out in Ison’s books, as we follow along with what’s going on in their personal lives.
One body is followed by others, and connections are established. Our dogged detectives soon cut to the chase through all the attempts to deceive. There are a lot of villains to keep track of, definitely a lot of suspects, but that just means a reader will have more fun trying to put the pieces together and figure out who, what, and most importantly, why.
There’s a bit of suspending disbelief towards the end, in the way that a civilian is used to trap a suspect but getting over that doesn’t require much effort. Towards the end things bog down a bit with interrogations and explanations, too. The finish is satisfactory, however, as Brock and Poole get their murderer.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy of this book, in exchange for this review.
July 31, 2018
If this is the first Birder Mystery you've seen don't start here. Much of the book is concerned with concerns left over from previous cases and it really does get confusing if the references aren't familiar. The one case about which we didn't know details is the one that moved Jejeune up through the police force, the kidnapping of the Home Secretary's daughter and her rescue by Dominic Jejeune. (Too bad the girl's boyfriend, kidnapped at the same time, didn't survive.) All cases are potentially subject to review and the Met has decided to review this one. We are given clips from tape recorded conversations as the young constable works her way through the material. Would they send out a young constable to review a case like this, very sensitive, very emotional, and involving some high level people? She is very bright and fits herself in at the station very well, but she is not experienced enough to my way of thinking.
Meanwhile a burned body has turned up on a construction site and it looks as if the immigrant Polish community is involved.
And what about magpies? And ruddy ducks? and Frankenweed? They are all involved. How much should humans involve themselves in the eradication of invasive species, especially if humans weren't involved in the invasion. Ducks have always crossbred so why should we particularly protect the white headed ducks? All matters for this book. I wish it didn't feel as if this is the last in this series to be set where it is, though.
Meanwhile a burned body has turned up on a construction site and it looks as if the immigrant Polish community is involved.
And what about magpies? And ruddy ducks? and Frankenweed? They are all involved. How much should humans involve themselves in the eradication of invasive species, especially if humans weren't involved in the invasion. Ducks have always crossbred so why should we particularly protect the white headed ducks? All matters for this book. I wish it didn't feel as if this is the last in this series to be set where it is, though.
March 16, 2024
Book 5 in a series I’d heartily recommend you start from the beginning (A Siege of Bitterns). Or you could dive into this one and then go back to the start.
This time, DCI Dominic Jejeune (a Canadian working in England) and his team work to solve a local murder while he’s involved in an investigative review of the high profile case that launched his career. Jejeune is not the only one with regrets about that case… or with a suspicion all might not have been as it seemed.
I’m really enjoying the Birder Murder Mystery series. Each book has a strong sense of place, engaging characters with depth, clever turns of phrase, and complex crimes. The characters and plots keep me thinking about them when I’m not reading.
I’m not a birder (although I do like birds) but it’s interesting to see how they keep finding their way into the books. Also interesting are the environmental and social threads that appear.
It’s rare for me to find a longer series that I feel committed to finishing, but this is one of them. Clean and not gory, brutal, or creepy. No risk of nightmares or vicarious trauma. Just good reads mostly set in the British countryside. I’m trying to ration them so I don’t finish too fast. Thank you, Steve Burrows!
This time, DCI Dominic Jejeune (a Canadian working in England) and his team work to solve a local murder while he’s involved in an investigative review of the high profile case that launched his career. Jejeune is not the only one with regrets about that case… or with a suspicion all might not have been as it seemed.
I’m really enjoying the Birder Murder Mystery series. Each book has a strong sense of place, engaging characters with depth, clever turns of phrase, and complex crimes. The characters and plots keep me thinking about them when I’m not reading.
I’m not a birder (although I do like birds) but it’s interesting to see how they keep finding their way into the books. Also interesting are the environmental and social threads that appear.
It’s rare for me to find a longer series that I feel committed to finishing, but this is one of them. Clean and not gory, brutal, or creepy. No risk of nightmares or vicarious trauma. Just good reads mostly set in the British countryside. I’m trying to ration them so I don’t finish too fast. Thank you, Steve Burrows!
September 11, 2018
I've been enjoying this series, but was disappointed in this installment. This is my own personal opinion that too many series get involved with having a mysterious enemy lurking in the background, causing chaos and enveloping the characters in a conspiracy. Who is thus Ray Hayes, and why such power? Why draw it out over multiple books?
It doesn't seem likely to me that Jejeune would be allowed to deal with Hayes the way he is, or that a regular police force would condone it. The way the relationship with Lindy is handled is very disappointing. She's being treated like a child. In many series there has to be some sturm und drang before characters can have a settled relationship, but this treatment of her doesn't ring true.
I hope this was not the last in the series, as another reviewer suggested. If not, I hope that in the next book, the series gets back on track. I imagine Damian will have to surface again too. Maybe with Lindy?
It doesn't seem likely to me that Jejeune would be allowed to deal with Hayes the way he is, or that a regular police force would condone it. The way the relationship with Lindy is handled is very disappointing. She's being treated like a child. In many series there has to be some sturm und drang before characters can have a settled relationship, but this treatment of her doesn't ring true.
I hope this was not the last in the series, as another reviewer suggested. If not, I hope that in the next book, the series gets back on track. I imagine Damian will have to surface again too. Maybe with Lindy?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2018
I rushed out to buy this book as I am addicted to the series. I did find this one a bit slow going so did not enjoy it as much as the others. However there is a lot of action towards the end of the book which was well done. Throughout the other books in the series we are given hints about the celebrated case when working for the Met when he rescued the kidnapped daughter of the Home Secretary and received a promotion on the strength of his performance. There has always been some doubts or questions about the rescue and the confession of the perpetrator and when the Met orders a review of the case, all questions are answered. Jejeune's partner , Lindy is at risk from a violent offender who is out to hurt him through her. Jejeune has a plan to outwit the criminal and protect Lindy and it would seem that this will give us the plot for the next episode.
March 14, 2019
I'm not a huge mystery fan. But I like good writing. So when this book presented speaker attribution issues (I couldn't tell who said what after examining 3 paragraphs 3 times - then found the same issue again 2 chapters later) I started to get irritated. I suspect I should have read book #4 before this one, because I felt like I wasn't getting a few big plot points. And there were a few acronym inconsistencies that got under my skin (why is DCS whown without periods but M.E. has them?). Due the irritations and my super long 'want to read' list (including a few library books with tight deadlines!) I gave up on this one. I skipped to the last 3 chapters, which suggests that you need to read these books in sequence. Hmmm, would have preferred to know that from the start.
August 28, 2019
What is the collective noun for a group of flycatchers? An outfield of flycatchers? Great one! Then the Canadian, Jejeune, realizes that no one in his current circle would get the humour. This book harkens back at Jejeune’s career before the start of the series, although I didn’t realize that for a long time. I thought it was about a previous book and wondered why I couldn’t remember the details. Eventually all is explained, except for Ray Hayes...I’m still not quite sure about his role. Enjoyed this a lot although the ending is a bit of a downer. Luckily I have the sequel in hand and the description leads me to believe that there could still be a happy conclusion.
May 31, 2018
I very much liked the one earlier book in this series that I've read but this one left me at sea. Unfortunately, at least for me, I kept feeling like I was missing information about the characters and the plot that no doubt had been revealed in an earlier book. That said, I liked the combination of birding and a murder mystery. Jejune and Maik are your basic procedural detectives, with a twist. They have a better relationship, I think, than Jejune has with his partner Lindy, who has troubles of her own. There's some twists and turns, and good scenery. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
February 14, 2021
I enjoyed this 5th book in the Birder mystery series. There is a murder; the body is burned almost beyond recognition. Meanwhile, there is a review by the Met of Jejeune’s most famous case, the kidnapping of the Home Secretary’s daughter. The solving of the murder formed almost a backstory to the second storyline but the motive and reveal of the killer was very well done. Although I don’t usually enjoy old storylines carrying over between books in a series, this one was very clever and kind of sad. I look forward to the next book in the series.
May 27, 2021
This, the 5th work in the series, spends a great deal of time on the protagonist and his current life. Issues of the past wrap up in a fairly satisfying manner. The recent past, however, comes to life again and threatens everything.
I do enjoy the way Burrows weaves the "crime of the moment" with the long-term issues of the main characters. That he can balance the two so adroitly is a pleasure as a reader.
The 6th, and so far last, book in the series has some fairly tricky territory to cover given the ending of the 5th story. I can hardly wait!
I do enjoy the way Burrows weaves the "crime of the moment" with the long-term issues of the main characters. That he can balance the two so adroitly is a pleasure as a reader.
The 6th, and so far last, book in the series has some fairly tricky territory to cover given the ending of the 5th story. I can hardly wait!
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