What do you think?
Rate this book
DI Stella Cole Thriller #7
See the Dead Birds Fly
Detective Inspector Cole must catch a serial killer. But a dark figure from her past lurks close by
Now happily living in Sweden, Kriminalinspektör Stella Cole faces off against a psychopath who leaves no clues beyond the victims’ bizarrely altered corpses. As the death-toll mounts, Stella reaches into her own murderous past for clues to the killer’s motives. Because she knows exactly how serial killers evade capture…
It’s been over ten years since Stella went on a killing spree, wiping out every member of a brutal conspiracy that murdered her family. Something her new colleagues in the Swedish Police Authority know nothing about. And she wants to keep it that way. But Internal Affairs boss Nikodemus Olsson senses Stella is hiding something and he’ll stop at nothing to sniff it out.
To complicate matters, Stella’s old boyfriend, forensic psychiatrist Jamie Hooke, arrives unexpectedly from England. He says he wants her back and is willing to help her catch the killer to prove it.
Then someone she thought she’d safely put beyond reach comes calling once more. Little by little, Stella’s trust in Jamie, her colleagues, even herself, is eroded. When a shocking development points directly at someone close to Stella, she has just days to discover the killer’s identity. But is her loyalty blinding her to the truth?
Now happily living in Sweden, Kriminalinspektör Stella Cole faces off against a psychopath who leaves no clues beyond the victims’ bizarrely altered corpses. As the death-toll mounts, Stella reaches into her own murderous past for clues to the killer’s motives. Because she knows exactly how serial killers evade capture…
It’s been over ten years since Stella went on a killing spree, wiping out every member of a brutal conspiracy that murdered her family. Something her new colleagues in the Swedish Police Authority know nothing about. And she wants to keep it that way. But Internal Affairs boss Nikodemus Olsson senses Stella is hiding something and he’ll stop at nothing to sniff it out.
To complicate matters, Stella’s old boyfriend, forensic psychiatrist Jamie Hooke, arrives unexpectedly from England. He says he wants her back and is willing to help her catch the killer to prove it.
Then someone she thought she’d safely put beyond reach comes calling once more. Little by little, Stella’s trust in Jamie, her colleagues, even herself, is eroded. When a shocking development points directly at someone close to Stella, she has just days to discover the killer’s identity. But is her loyalty blinding her to the truth?
444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2022
191 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Andy Maslen
73 books519 followersMULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLER
Andy Maslen writes thrillers across a number of genres: police procedurals, vigilante, psychological, suspense and horror. He spent 30 years in business before turning to writing full time.
Readers praise Andy's novels for their relatable characters, realistic dialogue, sense of place and kinetic action sequences, and for his meticulous research into police procedure around the world.
He is the creator of best-selling series featuring Kat Ballantyne, Gabriel Wolfe, Stella Cole and Inspector Ford, plus standalone novels and short stories.
Andy was born in Nottingham, England. After leaving university with a degree in psychology, he worked in business for thirty years as a copywriter. In his spare time, he plays the guitar. He lives in Wiltshire.
Andy Maslen writes thrillers across a number of genres: police procedurals, vigilante, psychological, suspense and horror. He spent 30 years in business before turning to writing full time.
Readers praise Andy's novels for their relatable characters, realistic dialogue, sense of place and kinetic action sequences, and for his meticulous research into police procedure around the world.
He is the creator of best-selling series featuring Kat Ballantyne, Gabriel Wolfe, Stella Cole and Inspector Ford, plus standalone novels and short stories.
Andy was born in Nottingham, England. After leaving university with a degree in psychology, he worked in business for thirty years as a copywriter. In his spare time, he plays the guitar. He lives in Wiltshire.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 29, 2022
Masterfully Written...The Best In The Series To Date And Another High Bar Is Set
From The First Page of "See The Dead Birds Fly", to the last page I found this book extremely difficult to put down.
The "DI Stella Cole Series" is not my favorite series by the author, but it is, like all of his works extremely well written, plotted, and shows excellent character development, and while I always recommend that "series books" be red in order, this one would work well as a "Standalone", and should leave you wanting more...Enough to go back and work your way forward.
I'm giving this one 5 Stars, and wish Andy Maslen, I could award you more. Keep writing. We'll keep reading.
Post Script: I received an ARC Copy of this book from the author, however I was unable to meet the ARC Reviewer "Date of Release Commitment" due to personal issues. As I am not, nor will I ever be a "Book Thief" I purchased a full price Kindle Edition Copy of this book, as I have done in the past for other author's and will continue to do if I miss an ARC Commitment. Hopefully this postscript will not cause my review to be disallowed. Who knows? We Shall just have to see.
Thank you again Andy Maslen for all the Great Books you provide us. Thank you.
From The First Page of "See The Dead Birds Fly", to the last page I found this book extremely difficult to put down.
The "DI Stella Cole Series" is not my favorite series by the author, but it is, like all of his works extremely well written, plotted, and shows excellent character development, and while I always recommend that "series books" be red in order, this one would work well as a "Standalone", and should leave you wanting more...Enough to go back and work your way forward.
I'm giving this one 5 Stars, and wish Andy Maslen, I could award you more. Keep writing. We'll keep reading.
Post Script: I received an ARC Copy of this book from the author, however I was unable to meet the ARC Reviewer "Date of Release Commitment" due to personal issues. As I am not, nor will I ever be a "Book Thief" I purchased a full price Kindle Edition Copy of this book, as I have done in the past for other author's and will continue to do if I miss an ARC Commitment. Hopefully this postscript will not cause my review to be disallowed. Who knows? We Shall just have to see.
Thank you again Andy Maslen for all the Great Books you provide us. Thank you.
November 21, 2022
Andy Maslen's latest DI Stella Cole Novel is fantastic
Stella, now living in Sweden, is called to investigate the latest murder victim. What she finds is a body which has been transformed into a most unusual form. And, unfortunately, this is the first of others such that she is now trying to catch a serial killer who leaves no clues.
But her life has now been complicated when Jamie Hooke, her former boyfriend, has arrived from England and he wants to resume their relationship.
Follow Stella and her team as they follow a difficult path to find this most unusual killer. You mind it surprising to find yourself difficult to stop reading once you start. But it will definitely be worth it!
Stella, now living in Sweden, is called to investigate the latest murder victim. What she finds is a body which has been transformed into a most unusual form. And, unfortunately, this is the first of others such that she is now trying to catch a serial killer who leaves no clues.
But her life has now been complicated when Jamie Hooke, her former boyfriend, has arrived from England and he wants to resume their relationship.
Follow Stella and her team as they follow a difficult path to find this most unusual killer. You mind it surprising to find yourself difficult to stop reading once you start. But it will definitely be worth it!
October 31, 2022
DI Stella Cole has settled into life at the police dept. in Sweden. Her new case is a dead body whose body has been mutilated by the killer. Before Stella can get a start on the case a second mutilated body is found. Stella is trying desperately to get the killer before more bodies are found, but getting in her way is are her own personal demons who have reappeared and to add more stress to her life, her former boyfriend from England appears and wants to get back together and also help her with this case. Will Stella be able to keep her life together long enough to find and stop the killer before her demons take over her completely…
November 12, 2022
Hauling lumber from the forest down to the sawmill, on a road that was often called the ghost road. All was quiet, thoughts to call his wife, the next to control his rig, and call for help. What happened, what had suddenly appeared in front of him to slam on his breaks.
Stella was called in on the case, a Swedish word meaning it was a weird one. Altered corpses, a serial killer and her past . Friends didn’t know about that, now she even questions who to trust. With days to figure out and catch a killer A good gripping plot readers will enjoy
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion .
Stella was called in on the case, a Swedish word meaning it was a weird one. Altered corpses, a serial killer and her past . Friends didn’t know about that, now she even questions who to trust. With days to figure out and catch a killer A good gripping plot readers will enjoy
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion .
November 26, 2022
you can’t fool Stella
With Stella Cole, Andy Maslen has a complex character nailed down. She is a police officer who has transgressed pretty much every rule in the book yet she feels dedicated to delivering justice to victims of crime.
She will do everything in her power to ensure that bad people are held accountable for their actions.
Maslen drives the reader through false clues, real clues and misleading clues and it will be a brave reader who arrogantly identifies the villain of the piece early on in the tale.
I don’t like to comment on the book too much as invariably there is the risk of spoiling if for others. Enough to say that there is more than enough meat on the bones of this book that will engage readers free from the start.
With Stella Cole, Andy Maslen has a complex character nailed down. She is a police officer who has transgressed pretty much every rule in the book yet she feels dedicated to delivering justice to victims of crime.
She will do everything in her power to ensure that bad people are held accountable for their actions.
Maslen drives the reader through false clues, real clues and misleading clues and it will be a brave reader who arrogantly identifies the villain of the piece early on in the tale.
I don’t like to comment on the book too much as invariably there is the risk of spoiling if for others. Enough to say that there is more than enough meat on the bones of this book that will engage readers free from the start.
November 30, 2022
DI Stella is working in Sweden and has become an important part of the local police force. She gets a rather bizarre murder case which soon becomes a string of murders. Her and her team seem to be going in circles with no clear direction or evidence. Stella’s ex boyfriend is even there and trying help her. With her boss and internal affairs watching her closely she soon discovers the killer is closer than she thought. With non stop action, cleverly written story line and a great cast of characters Andy may have just given us the best Stella yet !
November 22, 2022
See The Dead Birds Fly by Andy Maslen is another book in the Stella Cole series, when she is based in Sweden. Stella has had some success and has her own nickname now.
Then there is a new case for the team, this time people are found with wings attached to them. The first case the victim runs out onto the highway and dies by hitting a huge truck, the wings are found attached after death. The next two victims are found displayed after death, with huge wings attached.
Stella’s previous partner, Jamie makes an appearance and is asked for his advice to catch the killer.
Jamie is later accused of being the killer and seems a credible suspect. Stella believes it could be someone on the police murder team. Who is right?
I thought this was one of the best Stella Cole novels in the series, since the move to Sweden.
Highly recommended.
Then there is a new case for the team, this time people are found with wings attached to them. The first case the victim runs out onto the highway and dies by hitting a huge truck, the wings are found attached after death. The next two victims are found displayed after death, with huge wings attached.
Stella’s previous partner, Jamie makes an appearance and is asked for his advice to catch the killer.
Jamie is later accused of being the killer and seems a credible suspect. Stella believes it could be someone on the police murder team. Who is right?
I thought this was one of the best Stella Cole novels in the series, since the move to Sweden.
Highly recommended.
November 28, 2022
This book was totally enthralling, drew you into it from the first chapter. Stella is an awesome character that after reading all of Andy Maslen's books you feel as though you know her. This storyline in this book is one of those that you just cannot put the book down, you really have to see what's happening now! Please don't pass up the opportunity of a thrilling encounter with this Thrilling storyline. Stella is an amazing woman who has gone through so much ...
October 19, 2022
Had the privilege of reading this as an member of the A R team , another very excellent read from the Author Andy Maslen. He manages to keep the suspense and the enjoyment going to the very end with the story taking you off on different tangents and it's only near the end that the truth emerges . Another most read I would highly recommend it
February 6, 2023
Unputdownable
I am an ardent Andy Maslen fan, having read all his books so far. This Stella Cole novel gave me breathless moments and gasping out loud moments. It is truly another mesmerizing, remember to breath offering from this amazing story teller.
Thanks for the roller coaster ride, Andy. Looking forward to the new Kat Ballentyne which I have ordered.
I am an ardent Andy Maslen fan, having read all his books so far. This Stella Cole novel gave me breathless moments and gasping out loud moments. It is truly another mesmerizing, remember to breath offering from this amazing story teller.
Thanks for the roller coaster ride, Andy. Looking forward to the new Kat Ballentyne which I have ordered.
November 9, 2022
An excellent Swedish serial killer mystery with a well written storyline and a great foreign setting. Enjoyable read with plenty of suspense, lots of action, and several twists. A well plotted Stella Cole crime thriller that I would highly recommend.
November 22, 2022
Brilliant
Another Stella Cole book this time she investigates a case of a person who was found with the arms removed and replaced by wings. Each series keeps getting better and the stories are gripping from the beginning to the end of the book really hard to put down.
Denise
Another Stella Cole book this time she investigates a case of a person who was found with the arms removed and replaced by wings. Each series keeps getting better and the stories are gripping from the beginning to the end of the book really hard to put down.
Denise
November 24, 2022
Fast paced, must read, the latest Stella Cole. 👍
The latest read from Andy Maslem, as ever a must keep read from beginning to end. A fast paced, shocking, gripping installment of the latest Stella Cole case, you really do get immersed in her inner thoughts.
The latest read from Andy Maslem, as ever a must keep read from beginning to end. A fast paced, shocking, gripping installment of the latest Stella Cole case, you really do get immersed in her inner thoughts.
December 4, 2022
Dead Birds Fly.
Wow. Andy Maslen, you are a Fantastic Author, you bring readers into a world of mystery, and make them work, along with the characters to solve the cases. Brilliant page turning thriller.
Wow. Andy Maslen, you are a Fantastic Author, you bring readers into a world of mystery, and make them work, along with the characters to solve the cases. Brilliant page turning thriller.
March 23, 2023
Hmmmmm I don’t quite know what to say. I have read all the series and really enjoyed them but this one is different somehow. Maybe I have been quick to judge. I will revisit in a while and see what I think then.
February 25, 2025
I am now an addict.
My husband thought I might enjoy this "new author" named Andy Maslen that he had just read.
Being an addict myself now, I highly recommend Mr Maslen for hours of suspense with an appetite for another fix
My husband thought I might enjoy this "new author" named Andy Maslen that he had just read.
Being an addict myself now, I highly recommend Mr Maslen for hours of suspense with an appetite for another fix
March 24, 2025
Sorry, but I lost interest because there was too much of Stella going on about her past, her feelings etc instead on focusing on the crime. The idea behind the story was great and caught my attention but I found the main character annoying.
May 23, 2025
Brilliant
Gruesome in parts but a brilliant story in the complex life of Stella Cole. Great characters and wonderful development of the plot with red herrings along the way. Bring on number 8
Gruesome in parts but a brilliant story in the complex life of Stella Cole. Great characters and wonderful development of the plot with red herrings along the way. Bring on number 8
November 9, 2022
An exciting story with Stella at a loss to solve the strange murders, but she persevered. Action from start to finish, I had no idea who the villain was til the end.
November 22, 2022
Another great missive from Andy Maslen, Stella is at her best as usual, with twist and turns another great read.
November 28, 2022
Scandi Noir with an English flavour
This was another of Stella's finest work just waiting for the next twist
Sure enough up it popped and what a surprise
This was another of Stella's finest work just waiting for the next twist
Sure enough up it popped and what a surprise
December 10, 2022
Another great read
I loved the book but was very disappointed that no mention of how she escaped from the asylum was in it. Maybe another time another great read?
I loved the book but was very disappointed that no mention of how she escaped from the asylum was in it. Maybe another time another great read?
December 30, 2022
Sadly predictable
The heading says it all. Too many not very subtle hints and the odd misdirection was too obvious to be missed.
The heading says it all. Too many not very subtle hints and the odd misdirection was too obvious to be missed.
January 25, 2023
Love this series. Can’t wait for the next one
January 27, 2023
Jaw dropping suspense
Just finished this book, couldn’t wait to get to the end after I’d figured out who Icarus was, guessed correctly.
Just finished this book, couldn’t wait to get to the end after I’d figured out who Icarus was, guessed correctly.
March 7, 2023
Good read
Hadn't read this author before, but a decent if rather implausible read. Probably sufficiently hooked to try another in the series
Hadn't read this author before, but a decent if rather implausible read. Probably sufficiently hooked to try another in the series
March 1, 2025
Without a doubt one hell of an author
June 3, 2025
I don't think I've ever read a series of books that has kept me as captivated as this one and the Grim up North series.
October 2, 2025
lots of twists and turns
This was an edge of your seat read. I could not put it down a great addition to the Stella Cole thrillers.
Look forward to the next.
This was an edge of your seat read. I could not put it down a great addition to the Stella Cole thrillers.
Look forward to the next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews