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Birds of a Feather Mystery #3
Every Trick in the Rook
Julia Lanchester’s perch is knocked askew when murder hits a little too close to home in this delightful cozy mystery.
“Marty Wingate’s Birds of a Feather mysteries provide a perfect blend of quirky characters and atmosphere.”—Christine Goff, bestselling author of the Birdwatcher’s Mystery series
Julia Lanchester is flying high. She’s nesting with her boyfriend, Michael Sedgwick, and she’s found her niche as manager of the tourist center in her picturesque British village. Thanks to all her hard work, visitor traffic was up—way up. Her reward is an even more hectic schedule. Michael’s busy, too, traveling all over as the personal assistant to Julia’s father, celebrity ornithologist Rupert Lanchester. With precious little time together, Julia’s romantic weekend with Michael can’t come soon enough.
But the getaway is spoiled when Julia’s ex-husband is found murdered on her boss’s estate. And after a witness reports seeing Michael near the scene of the crime, the press descends, printing lies and wreaking havoc. To protect Julia, Michael vanishes into thin air, leaving her to pick up the slack on Rupert’s show and track down the real killer—even if it means putting herself in the flight path of a vicious predator.
Don’t miss any of Marty Wingate’s charming Birds of a Feather
THE RHYME OF THE MAGPIE | EMPTY NEST | EVERY TRICK IN THE ROOK
And look for her captivating Potting Shed
THE GARDEN PLOT | THE RED BOOK OF PRIMROSE HOUSE | BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE | THE SKELETON GARDEN | THE BLUEBONNET BETRAYAL
Praise for Marty Wingate
“Marty Wingate plants clever clues with a dash of romantic spice to satisfy any hungry mystery reader.�—Mary Daheim, bestselling author of the Emma Lord series
“Marty Wingate’s Birds of a Feather mysteries provide a perfect blend of quirky characters and atmosphere.”—Christine Goff, bestselling author of the Birdwatcher’s Mystery series
Julia Lanchester is flying high. She’s nesting with her boyfriend, Michael Sedgwick, and she’s found her niche as manager of the tourist center in her picturesque British village. Thanks to all her hard work, visitor traffic was up—way up. Her reward is an even more hectic schedule. Michael’s busy, too, traveling all over as the personal assistant to Julia’s father, celebrity ornithologist Rupert Lanchester. With precious little time together, Julia’s romantic weekend with Michael can’t come soon enough.
But the getaway is spoiled when Julia’s ex-husband is found murdered on her boss’s estate. And after a witness reports seeing Michael near the scene of the crime, the press descends, printing lies and wreaking havoc. To protect Julia, Michael vanishes into thin air, leaving her to pick up the slack on Rupert’s show and track down the real killer—even if it means putting herself in the flight path of a vicious predator.
Don’t miss any of Marty Wingate’s charming Birds of a Feather
THE RHYME OF THE MAGPIE | EMPTY NEST | EVERY TRICK IN THE ROOK
And look for her captivating Potting Shed
THE GARDEN PLOT | THE RED BOOK OF PRIMROSE HOUSE | BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE | THE SKELETON GARDEN | THE BLUEBONNET BETRAYAL
Praise for Marty Wingate
“Marty Wingate plants clever clues with a dash of romantic spice to satisfy any hungry mystery reader.�—Mary Daheim, bestselling author of the Emma Lord series
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2017
299 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Marty Wingate
31books659followersUSA Today best-selling author Marty Wingate writes The First Edition Library series (Berkley) set in Bath, England, about the curator of a collection of books from the Golden Age of Mystery. Book one, The Bodies in the Library, concerns murder among an Agatha Christie fan-fiction writing group, and in book two, Murder Is a Must (October 2020), an exhibition manager is found dead at the bottom of a spiral staircase. Marty also writes historical fiction: Glamour Girls (Alcove Press, January 2021) follows Spitfire pilot Rosalie Wright through both the physical and emotional dangers of the Second World War. Marty writes two further mystery series: the Potting Shed books (Alibi) feature Pru Parke, a middle-aged American gardener transplanted from Texas to England, and the Birds of a Feather series (Alibi) follows Julia Lanchester, bird lover, who runs a tourist office in a Suffolk village.
Marty prefers on-the-ground research whenever possible, and so she and her husband regularly travel to England and Scotland, where she can be found tracing the steps of her characters, stopping for tea and a slice of Victoria sponge in a café, or enjoying a swift half in a pub.
Marty prefers on-the-ground research whenever possible, and so she and her husband regularly travel to England and Scotland, where she can be found tracing the steps of her characters, stopping for tea and a slice of Victoria sponge in a café, or enjoying a swift half in a pub.
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February 6, 2017I’ve loved both of Marty Wingate’s Birds of a Feather cozies, and ; however, Every Trick in the Rook simply didn’t measure up to the first two. It just seemed so contrived. Julia Lanchester, tourism director at Smeaton-under-Lyme, Suffolk, has been happy with both her job and her live-in boyfriend, Michael Sedgwick. Unfortunately, Julia’s ex-husband, gone for five years, turns up one day and gets killed at the estate where she works. The gutter press focuses attention on Michael as a probable suspect and �
…And then the novel veers off course. Michael leaves both Julia and his job working for Julia’s father to lead the tabloid press away from Julia and Rupert Lanchester? Really? Does this make any sense? Why wouldn’t they just stake out both sites? And since when does the murder of a two-bit bird scientist start a press feeding frenzy anywhere? It’s not like Julia is Kim Kardashian. Rupert, while the beloved, longtime host of a BBC Two nature show A Bird in the Hand, would get no more attention than Bill Nye the Science Guy should his family suffer the loss of a no-name ex-son-in-law. Let’s face it: The gutter press doesn’t operate like this. They save their venom for someone who might actually sell newspapers, not a non-celebrity.
I’m not giving anything away � well, not much anyway � as all of this occurs by about 15 percent into the ebook. One implausible event or character leads to another culminating in an implausible climax near the end. I still love Julia Lanchester, but she’s even more self-doubting, impulsive, and whiney than usual. I hope that she � and author Marty Wingate � can get their acts together before book No. 4. They’ve both been so wonderful thus far that I’m hopeful enough that I’ll be back for that novel, despite the flaws of this one.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and Alibi Alibi in exchange for an honest review.
…And then the novel veers off course. Michael leaves both Julia and his job working for Julia’s father to lead the tabloid press away from Julia and Rupert Lanchester? Really? Does this make any sense? Why wouldn’t they just stake out both sites? And since when does the murder of a two-bit bird scientist start a press feeding frenzy anywhere? It’s not like Julia is Kim Kardashian. Rupert, while the beloved, longtime host of a BBC Two nature show A Bird in the Hand, would get no more attention than Bill Nye the Science Guy should his family suffer the loss of a no-name ex-son-in-law. Let’s face it: The gutter press doesn’t operate like this. They save their venom for someone who might actually sell newspapers, not a non-celebrity.
I’m not giving anything away � well, not much anyway � as all of this occurs by about 15 percent into the ebook. One implausible event or character leads to another culminating in an implausible climax near the end. I still love Julia Lanchester, but she’s even more self-doubting, impulsive, and whiney than usual. I hope that she � and author Marty Wingate � can get their acts together before book No. 4. They’ve both been so wonderful thus far that I’m hopeful enough that I’ll be back for that novel, despite the flaws of this one.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and Alibi Alibi in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2017
Julia Lanchester is happily settled into her newly refurbished cottage with her boyfriend, Michael Sedgewick. Both are thriving in their jobs, Michael as personal assistant to Julia's celebrity TV ornithologist father, and Julia as the tourist manager for the Fotheringill estate. The problem is that they are both working every available hour. On the eve of taking off on a getaway weekend, both Julia and Michael receive a cryptic email from Julia's ex-husband, Nick Hawkins, asking for a meeting. Independently, they decide not to deal with it until returning. After all, Julia has heard nothing from Nick since he took off to St.Kilda to follow his passion for "vagrant" birds and solitude. They both turn off their phones, only to turn them on to many messages. Nick's body has been found on the Fotheringill estate, dead in a derelict summerhouse. Naturally, the police want to talk to them, in the person of the formidable DI Tess Callow. Upon returning they find the village overrun with the press and the assumption that Michael must have killed Nick. Michael decides to move out and step away hoping that it will protect Julia from the press invasion. Instead, Julia ends up trying to do both of their jobs, resulting in predictable exhaustion and added stress. And the press will not stop hounding her, especially one very strange and aggressive woman.
Every Trick in the Rook has the characters I loved in the first two books; the villagers, Lord Fotheringill and Julia's loving family. There are welcome additions; Gwen, a widow, and her daughter, Tennyson. Tennyson has a pet rook named Alfie who quickly becomes a character in his own right. I confess to having little interest in birds but if I had known how intelligent rooks are, I might have felt differently. I am now searching for Esther Woolfson's Corvus, a book that Marty Wingate mentions as her inspiration for Alfie. I had not connected with Julia as a character so much before but now I feel I have more insight into what makes her tick. Every Trick in the Rook is a delightful read with a satisfying puzzle.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Alibi for an advance digital copy in return for an honest review.
RATING- 4.5 Stars
Every Trick in the Rook has the characters I loved in the first two books; the villagers, Lord Fotheringill and Julia's loving family. There are welcome additions; Gwen, a widow, and her daughter, Tennyson. Tennyson has a pet rook named Alfie who quickly becomes a character in his own right. I confess to having little interest in birds but if I had known how intelligent rooks are, I might have felt differently. I am now searching for Esther Woolfson's Corvus, a book that Marty Wingate mentions as her inspiration for Alfie. I had not connected with Julia as a character so much before but now I feel I have more insight into what makes her tick. Every Trick in the Rook is a delightful read with a satisfying puzzle.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Alibi for an advance digital copy in return for an honest review.
RATING- 4.5 Stars
February 12, 2017
Marty Wingate has done it and this edition this is as good as the previous books Julia Lanchester and Michael Sedgwick both receive emails from Julia ex-husband that he wanted to see them. Before they can meet her ex is murder on the estate. Michael becomes a person of interest. The smut journalists begin to printed nasty stories accusing them of killing her ex. The harassment is hard to handle. Michael decides to leave hoping the journalists will leave Julia alone. She tries to handle both her job and Michael job, only to find it too much. This put Julia in awkward circumstances. Julia makes a couple of new friends Tennyson and Alfie, a rook. The bird is extremely smart and aides Julia in solving the case. For an action back adventure, I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Alibi through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Alibi through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
March 21, 2017
This is book #3 in the Birds of a Feather series. I haven't read the first two but plan to do so since I enjoyed this one so much.
The setting of the story was a small village in Britain that I'd love to visit. The author brings the village and its people to life. When Julia's ex-husband was found murdered, the press descended like vultures after Julia and her boyfriend, Michael.
My favorite characters in this book were a little girl, Tennyson, and her pet rook, Alfie! A bit quirky but lots of fun! I love birds and this was one smart bird who actually helped solve the mystery.
I would recommend any of Marty Wingate's cozy mysteries.
* I was provided an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. This review is voluntary.
The setting of the story was a small village in Britain that I'd love to visit. The author brings the village and its people to life. When Julia's ex-husband was found murdered, the press descended like vultures after Julia and her boyfriend, Michael.
My favorite characters in this book were a little girl, Tennyson, and her pet rook, Alfie! A bit quirky but lots of fun! I love birds and this was one smart bird who actually helped solve the mystery.
I would recommend any of Marty Wingate's cozy mysteries.
* I was provided an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. This review is voluntary.
February 7, 2017
Every Trick in the Rook: A Birds of a Feather Mystery by Marty Wingate is an enjoyable cozy mystery. I thought Alfie, the rook was enchanting and the story kept me guessing. I gave it four stars.
I received a complimentary Kindle copy from Random House Publishing Group - Alibi and NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.
It is in pre-order status until March 7, 2017, so I could not leave a review on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
I received a complimentary Kindle copy from Random House Publishing Group - Alibi and NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.
It is in pre-order status until March 7, 2017, so I could not leave a review on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
January 13, 2017
This book is the third in the series, but the first I have read.
I really enjoyed the characters, the setting and the whodunit.
This is a well written book and I will seek out the previous two books, and look forward to reading more with these characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I really enjoyed the characters, the setting and the whodunit.
This is a well written book and I will seek out the previous two books, and look forward to reading more with these characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 12, 2017
Originally published at
Welcome to the latest chapter in the trials and tribulations of Julia Lanchester, otherwise known as the Birds of a Feather series.
I put it that way because Julia’s very amateur mystery solving keeps getting itself tied up in Julia’s romantic life as well as Julia’s relationship with her famous father, Rupert Lanchester. Rupert just happens to be a well-known ornithologist (read bird watcher) on the BBC, and producing his weekly TV program used to be Julia’s job.
Now it’s the job of her boyfriend, the much put-upon Michael Sedgwick. Or at least it’s Michael’s job when Julia’s past, Rupert’s present, and dead bodies don’t turn up and get themselves in everybody’s way.
Especially Julia’s. Especially because the dead body in this mystery is the body of her ex-husband. Not that there seems to have been much life in Nick Hawkins, or in their marriage, when they were together. A time that is now five years in Julia’s past, and not missed at all. And neither was Nick.
Julia just wishes he’d stayed out of her life, and on his extremely remote island birding sanctuary where he belonged, instead of turning up dead on the grounds of the local estate where she runs the Tourist Information Center. Even in death, Nick Hawkins manages to snuff all the joy out of Julia’s life. One last time.
Escape Rating B: My teaser/summary of the plot above feels just a bit sarcastic, and reflects some of my mixed feelings about the book.
I like Julia Lanchester as the heroine quite a bit. She seems both real and relatable, except for the way that dead bodies and mysteries keep inserting themselves into her life. But we wouldn’t be reading about her if they didn’t.
And her ex sounds like a complete piece of work. We are never sorry that he’s dead. And neither is Julia, which provides a great deal of angst in her story. His death brings up all of her negative feelings about him from their unhappy marriage, and she feels guilty for not feeling more grief. Mostly she’s angry, and mostly at herself. I’ll admit to being able to relate. Many of us probably have a couple of exes that we firmly believe the world won’t miss.
The behavior of the paparazzi is utterly hateful. Again, something that we all currently believe is all too possible. The gutter-press seems willing to insinuate anything and everything dirty, salacious and malicious in the hopes of getting a reaction. Their story will then be the reaction � none of them seem remotely interested in the truth. And doesn’t that feel all too familiar?
But what made this outing in the series less entertaining than particularly the first book, The Rhyme of the Magpie, has to do with Julia’s, as well as her boyfriend Michael’s, reaction to the ensuing mess.
Many long-running mystery series have either a romantic subplot, or a will they/won’t they romantic dilemma in them somewhere. Julia and Michael resolve their romantic quandary in the first book. But unlike the author’s other series, the Potting Shed mysteries, Julia and Michael have not (or at least not yet) become true partners in solving the murders that Julia trips over. Instead, the murder investigations in Empty Nest and now Every Trick in the Rook drive a wedge between them. Once seems plausible, twice starts to stretch coincidence.
I sincerely hope this doesn’t happen again in the fourth book, which is another way of saying that I also sincerely hope that there IS a fourth book. I still like the series.
And one of the reasons that I like the series is that the author usually does manage to fool me into not solving the mystery too soon. I got my inklings of the solution about the same time that Julia did, and the resolution kept me turning pages briskly, especially at the very end. And if that wasn’t enough, Tennyson, the rook of the title, absolutely steals the show � along with the shortbread!
Welcome to the latest chapter in the trials and tribulations of Julia Lanchester, otherwise known as the Birds of a Feather series.
I put it that way because Julia’s very amateur mystery solving keeps getting itself tied up in Julia’s romantic life as well as Julia’s relationship with her famous father, Rupert Lanchester. Rupert just happens to be a well-known ornithologist (read bird watcher) on the BBC, and producing his weekly TV program used to be Julia’s job.
Now it’s the job of her boyfriend, the much put-upon Michael Sedgwick. Or at least it’s Michael’s job when Julia’s past, Rupert’s present, and dead bodies don’t turn up and get themselves in everybody’s way.
Especially Julia’s. Especially because the dead body in this mystery is the body of her ex-husband. Not that there seems to have been much life in Nick Hawkins, or in their marriage, when they were together. A time that is now five years in Julia’s past, and not missed at all. And neither was Nick.
Julia just wishes he’d stayed out of her life, and on his extremely remote island birding sanctuary where he belonged, instead of turning up dead on the grounds of the local estate where she runs the Tourist Information Center. Even in death, Nick Hawkins manages to snuff all the joy out of Julia’s life. One last time.
Escape Rating B: My teaser/summary of the plot above feels just a bit sarcastic, and reflects some of my mixed feelings about the book.
I like Julia Lanchester as the heroine quite a bit. She seems both real and relatable, except for the way that dead bodies and mysteries keep inserting themselves into her life. But we wouldn’t be reading about her if they didn’t.
And her ex sounds like a complete piece of work. We are never sorry that he’s dead. And neither is Julia, which provides a great deal of angst in her story. His death brings up all of her negative feelings about him from their unhappy marriage, and she feels guilty for not feeling more grief. Mostly she’s angry, and mostly at herself. I’ll admit to being able to relate. Many of us probably have a couple of exes that we firmly believe the world won’t miss.
The behavior of the paparazzi is utterly hateful. Again, something that we all currently believe is all too possible. The gutter-press seems willing to insinuate anything and everything dirty, salacious and malicious in the hopes of getting a reaction. Their story will then be the reaction � none of them seem remotely interested in the truth. And doesn’t that feel all too familiar?
But what made this outing in the series less entertaining than particularly the first book, The Rhyme of the Magpie, has to do with Julia’s, as well as her boyfriend Michael’s, reaction to the ensuing mess.
Many long-running mystery series have either a romantic subplot, or a will they/won’t they romantic dilemma in them somewhere. Julia and Michael resolve their romantic quandary in the first book. But unlike the author’s other series, the Potting Shed mysteries, Julia and Michael have not (or at least not yet) become true partners in solving the murders that Julia trips over. Instead, the murder investigations in Empty Nest and now Every Trick in the Rook drive a wedge between them. Once seems plausible, twice starts to stretch coincidence.
I sincerely hope this doesn’t happen again in the fourth book, which is another way of saying that I also sincerely hope that there IS a fourth book. I still like the series.
And one of the reasons that I like the series is that the author usually does manage to fool me into not solving the mystery too soon. I got my inklings of the solution about the same time that Julia did, and the resolution kept me turning pages briskly, especially at the very end. And if that wasn’t enough, Tennyson, the rook of the title, absolutely steals the show � along with the shortbread!
March 5, 2017
Every Trick in the Rook by Marty Wingate is the third in Ms. Wingate's A Birds of a Feather mystery series and was a great addition to this series. Although it is the third in the series, I do believe that it could be read as a standalone as Ms. Wingate makes sure to give a little of each character's backstory in this book.
Ms. Wingate introduced three new characters to the village, Gwen, her daughter Tennyson and Alfie, Tennyson's rook. I adored Alfie and enjoyed learning about rooks. it was fun to see Alfie play a major role in discovering the killer. The pace of the plot was steady with a liberal amount of clues sprinkled about as I read. I was shocked that I actually guessed correctly who the murderer was before the reveal because I almost never figure that out with one of Ms. Wingate's books. The characters are developing well and it was enjoyable getting to know them better in this book. I would love to visit the village and meet all of these delightful characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Alibi via NetGalley.
Ms. Wingate introduced three new characters to the village, Gwen, her daughter Tennyson and Alfie, Tennyson's rook. I adored Alfie and enjoyed learning about rooks. it was fun to see Alfie play a major role in discovering the killer. The pace of the plot was steady with a liberal amount of clues sprinkled about as I read. I was shocked that I actually guessed correctly who the murderer was before the reveal because I almost never figure that out with one of Ms. Wingate's books. The characters are developing well and it was enjoyable getting to know them better in this book. I would love to visit the village and meet all of these delightful characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Alibi via NetGalley.
February 26, 2017
Every Trick in the Rook is the second book I've read in this series by Marty Wingate.
Julia Lanchester is a great character. Her colorful personality adds a fun twist to the series.
I loved the addition of Tennyson and Alfie to the series.
They add a quirky touch to book and it truly makes it a fun read.
Julia is settling into her life, however, when a murder strikes close to home, literally, it sends her life into a downward spiral.
Separating from her boyfriend Michael is too much to bear, leaving her no choice but to actively investigate.
Before long, Julia is discovering secrets and soon finds herself face to face with the killer.
I enjoyed every minute of this book.
The author captivated me with the different twists and turns, making this book impossible to put down.
I voluntarily read an Arc of the book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Julia Lanchester is a great character. Her colorful personality adds a fun twist to the series.
I loved the addition of Tennyson and Alfie to the series.
They add a quirky touch to book and it truly makes it a fun read.
Julia is settling into her life, however, when a murder strikes close to home, literally, it sends her life into a downward spiral.
Separating from her boyfriend Michael is too much to bear, leaving her no choice but to actively investigate.
Before long, Julia is discovering secrets and soon finds herself face to face with the killer.
I enjoyed every minute of this book.
The author captivated me with the different twists and turns, making this book impossible to put down.
I voluntarily read an Arc of the book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
January 9, 2017
This was a very charming story! I absolutely loved it from start to finish. The setting and characters were delightful. It is definitely a must read book! I can't wait for the next story in this series!
February 7, 2017
Marty Wingate's Every Trick In the Rook was the best British cozy mystery I have read in a while. I liked the characters and the story line moved right along. The common theme of birds and the antics of Alfie made this story more fun. I would definitely read another Marty Wingate mystery.
January 3, 2019
I enjoyed the first two books in this series quite a bit so was looking forward to finally having the time to read this one. Unfortunately, this one did not live up to the first two. The best part of this story was the rook, Alphie who assists in solving the murder. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad story, just not a great one.
Julia's ex-husband, Nick turns up dead on the summer resort in the village where she lives and works. Why was he there? Did Julia meet with him? Why was he trying to get a hold of both Julia and Michael, her boyfriend? There were a lot of questions, red herrings and drama in this story. When Michael is questioned about the murder, he decides it would be best for Julia if he moved out, this was something both Julia and I wondered about. Julia is not so much a sleuth in this book but a good observer. She ends up putting herself in a bad situation (we expect that in a cozy, right?) due to her nosiness, but all turns out well in the end. I did not suspect the killer until near the end of the book, but then it became pretty obvious. I will read the next book in this series, because I know how good they can be, unfortunately, this was not the best in the series.
Julia's ex-husband, Nick turns up dead on the summer resort in the village where she lives and works. Why was he there? Did Julia meet with him? Why was he trying to get a hold of both Julia and Michael, her boyfriend? There were a lot of questions, red herrings and drama in this story. When Michael is questioned about the murder, he decides it would be best for Julia if he moved out, this was something both Julia and I wondered about. Julia is not so much a sleuth in this book but a good observer. She ends up putting herself in a bad situation (we expect that in a cozy, right?) due to her nosiness, but all turns out well in the end. I did not suspect the killer until near the end of the book, but then it became pretty obvious. I will read the next book in this series, because I know how good they can be, unfortunately, this was not the best in the series.
March 10, 2017
Let's visit Smeaton-under-Lyme, a lovely English town
where Julia Lanchester the daughter of the famous birder,
Rupert Lanchester lives with her boyfriend, Michael
Sedgwick. Michael is Julia's father personal assistant.
Julia manages the town's Fotheringill estate tourist center
Julia and Michael are off on a holiday when they get a call
to return to the village. They both had gotten an email
from Nick Hawkins, Julia's ex-husband. Both ignored the
emails planning to attend to them upon their return. Their
vacation is interpreted, calling them back to town.
A dead body has surfaced on the grounds of the Fotheringill
estate.
The body is Nick Hawkins!!! He has been stabbed to
death!!!
The star of the book is rook, named Alfie. He was found as
a fledgling then raised by a young girl named Tennyson.
Alfie is essential in solving the murder!!
Great cast of characters with an array of suspects. All the
characters were well-developed, colorful, some quirky but
each bringing their own flavor to the mix.
Mix together birding, danger, intrigue, mystery, a well
plotted book with humor plus romance and this cozy
mystery gives you a captivating read.
This is book # 3 in A Bird of a Feather Mystery series.
It can be read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read this eBook. Thank you to Alibis
via Net Gallery for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
where Julia Lanchester the daughter of the famous birder,
Rupert Lanchester lives with her boyfriend, Michael
Sedgwick. Michael is Julia's father personal assistant.
Julia manages the town's Fotheringill estate tourist center
Julia and Michael are off on a holiday when they get a call
to return to the village. They both had gotten an email
from Nick Hawkins, Julia's ex-husband. Both ignored the
emails planning to attend to them upon their return. Their
vacation is interpreted, calling them back to town.
A dead body has surfaced on the grounds of the Fotheringill
estate.
The body is Nick Hawkins!!! He has been stabbed to
death!!!
The star of the book is rook, named Alfie. He was found as
a fledgling then raised by a young girl named Tennyson.
Alfie is essential in solving the murder!!
Great cast of characters with an array of suspects. All the
characters were well-developed, colorful, some quirky but
each bringing their own flavor to the mix.
Mix together birding, danger, intrigue, mystery, a well
plotted book with humor plus romance and this cozy
mystery gives you a captivating read.
This is book # 3 in A Bird of a Feather Mystery series.
It can be read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read this eBook. Thank you to Alibis
via Net Gallery for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
August 16, 2024
Excellent cozy
This cozy mystery is excellent, with good writing that has made me enjoy the entire series so far. I intend to read more books by this author.
This cozy mystery is excellent, with good writing that has made me enjoy the entire series so far. I intend to read more books by this author.
July 19, 2024
I love this series and all of the characters. Especially Algiers in this one 🥰
January 6, 2017
Another great cozy mystery in the Birds of a Feather series. As usual Marty Wingate serves up a charming cast of characters and a peaceful idyllic setting in Smeaton.
It would be great if the rook Alfie got his own series.
This ARC was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley.
It would be great if the rook Alfie got his own series.
This ARC was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley.
February 16, 2017
This is the third book in the Birds of a Feather cozy mystery series by Marty Wingate. I have read a book from Marty's other series, Potting Shed Mystery, but this is my first book from this series. I thought this was an enjoyable little mystery. The setting, a small English village, was great. I loved the look at life in a small village. It seems so nice and cozy.
Julia Lanchester is trying to go on a weekend getaway with her boyfriend, Michael Sedgwick. Her father is Rupert Lanchester, a famous ornithologist, and Michael works as his assistant. Unfortunately, their holiday is cut short when the dead body of Julia's ex husband turns up at the estate where she works. Julia has to contend with suspicion falling on her and Michael, as well as aggressive tabloid journalists bent on making her life hell.
This was a nice book. The bird facts were interesting. I really liked the introduction of the young girl, Tennyson, and her rook, Alfie. A rook is a large bird, like a raven, and Alfie is very smart. He ends up playing a role in solving the mystery. This is not the best cozy mystery I have read, but it is an enjoyable way to spend an evening.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley
Julia Lanchester is trying to go on a weekend getaway with her boyfriend, Michael Sedgwick. Her father is Rupert Lanchester, a famous ornithologist, and Michael works as his assistant. Unfortunately, their holiday is cut short when the dead body of Julia's ex husband turns up at the estate where she works. Julia has to contend with suspicion falling on her and Michael, as well as aggressive tabloid journalists bent on making her life hell.
This was a nice book. The bird facts were interesting. I really liked the introduction of the young girl, Tennyson, and her rook, Alfie. A rook is a large bird, like a raven, and Alfie is very smart. He ends up playing a role in solving the mystery. This is not the best cozy mystery I have read, but it is an enjoyable way to spend an evening.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley
February 3, 2017
Julia Lanchester is taking a well-deserved romantic weekend with her boyfriend Michael Sedgwick. They turn off their phones to enjoy nature and time alone, but are interrupted with news that Julia’s ex-husband Nick has been found murdered on the estate where she works as a tourist center manager. The press is relentless to get a story and when Michael becomes a prime suspect, he leaves Julia to protect her, but to Julia it seems like a more permanent “good-bye.� With Michael unavailable, Julia takes over his duties as personal assistant to her father, the famous bird-watcher Rupert Lanchester, while still working full-time managing the tourist center. Although Julia is exhausted, she won’t rest until she proves Michael’s innocence.
Anyone who has not yet read a book by author Marty Wingate is in for a treat. She writes two different cozy series and this one is my favorite. “Every Trick in the Rook� is the third book in the “Birds of a Feather� series, but new readers can jump right in and enjoy the mystery. Julia is a main character to root for in all aspects of her life � her career, her personal life, and the investigation. She has always been likable, but it’s a pleasure to see how much she has grown and matured since the first book. There are wonderful scenes with Julia and her family as they help her come to terms with Nick’s death and her separation from Michael. I loved Julia’s determination to get to the truth to clear Michael’s name, but also to get justice for Nick, even though their marriage had been less than ideal.
There are cute scenes throughout the book with Julia and a young newcomer to the village and her pet rook, Alfie. Alfie is a highly intelligent bird who ends up playing an important part of the investigation and in the books satisfying conclusion. “Every Trick in the Rook� will delight readers of the prior two books in the series and it’s also perfect for fans of Agatha Christie or Hazel Holt who enjoy seeing their amateur detectives doing their sleuthing in a quaint English village. (4.5 stars)
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Alibi. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Anyone who has not yet read a book by author Marty Wingate is in for a treat. She writes two different cozy series and this one is my favorite. “Every Trick in the Rook� is the third book in the “Birds of a Feather� series, but new readers can jump right in and enjoy the mystery. Julia is a main character to root for in all aspects of her life � her career, her personal life, and the investigation. She has always been likable, but it’s a pleasure to see how much she has grown and matured since the first book. There are wonderful scenes with Julia and her family as they help her come to terms with Nick’s death and her separation from Michael. I loved Julia’s determination to get to the truth to clear Michael’s name, but also to get justice for Nick, even though their marriage had been less than ideal.
There are cute scenes throughout the book with Julia and a young newcomer to the village and her pet rook, Alfie. Alfie is a highly intelligent bird who ends up playing an important part of the investigation and in the books satisfying conclusion. “Every Trick in the Rook� will delight readers of the prior two books in the series and it’s also perfect for fans of Agatha Christie or Hazel Holt who enjoy seeing their amateur detectives doing their sleuthing in a quaint English village. (4.5 stars)
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Alibi. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2017
I was lucky enough to receive this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review. I later found out that this is, I believe number three in the Julia Lancaster series but this did not mar my enjoyment as it works equally well as a stand alone novel.
This is a story based in an English village written by Marty Wingate who is based in Seattle. She obviously loves her subject matter and portrays the village and it's inhabitants very well although, in my experience the only village where the entire population rubs along regardless of status is to be found in a work of fiction. She is also most informative about the wildlife found in this country, especially bird species. The only time the author's research lets her down are in certain phrases which do not sit well within the English language and her use of the word 'bangs' which I believe we refer to as a fringe.
This is a lightweight read, no less enjoyable for that. Although it contains a murder, it is in no way gory, or indeed all consuming. No-one gives any detail of the murder or lays down any clues as to whodunnit until about halfway through. Until, and beyond this point we are introduced to different characters whose foibles and strengths we learn about.
One of the main characters is the rook within the title. At first I thought the author was taking this a bit too far but as time went on this became irrelevant and his expertise was in fact pertinent to the solution of the mystery.
If you enjoy murder mystery where every detail of the crime is given in glorious technicolour and then you like to pick up on the clues in an attempt to solve the mystery yourself then this book might not be for you. However, if you enjoy a light, easy read with interesting, well rounded characters set in an english village, perhaps as a holiday read then I thoroughly recommend this book to you and I might even seek out the first two books myself.
This is a story based in an English village written by Marty Wingate who is based in Seattle. She obviously loves her subject matter and portrays the village and it's inhabitants very well although, in my experience the only village where the entire population rubs along regardless of status is to be found in a work of fiction. She is also most informative about the wildlife found in this country, especially bird species. The only time the author's research lets her down are in certain phrases which do not sit well within the English language and her use of the word 'bangs' which I believe we refer to as a fringe.
This is a lightweight read, no less enjoyable for that. Although it contains a murder, it is in no way gory, or indeed all consuming. No-one gives any detail of the murder or lays down any clues as to whodunnit until about halfway through. Until, and beyond this point we are introduced to different characters whose foibles and strengths we learn about.
One of the main characters is the rook within the title. At first I thought the author was taking this a bit too far but as time went on this became irrelevant and his expertise was in fact pertinent to the solution of the mystery.
If you enjoy murder mystery where every detail of the crime is given in glorious technicolour and then you like to pick up on the clues in an attempt to solve the mystery yourself then this book might not be for you. However, if you enjoy a light, easy read with interesting, well rounded characters set in an english village, perhaps as a holiday read then I thoroughly recommend this book to you and I might even seek out the first two books myself.
March 4, 2017
Julia and Michael carve a weekend out of their busy schedules for a "just the two of us" getaway. Their getaway is interrupted by bad news: the body of Julia's ex has been found on the grounds of the estate for which she works. Even though they've had no contact for five years, Julia feels obligated to find out who killed him ... and why.
I've enjoyed the first two books in this series so I was eager to read this one. As usual, while reading this, I felt as if I had been transported to a small village in England, with a cast of characters that one would expect to find in a small town. I loved the addition of Tennyson and Alfie and hope they become regulars in future books in the series. I missed some of the early clues as to the identity of the killer, but saw the final confrontation coming well before it actually happened. I will certainly look for the next book in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I've enjoyed the first two books in this series so I was eager to read this one. As usual, while reading this, I felt as if I had been transported to a small village in England, with a cast of characters that one would expect to find in a small town. I loved the addition of Tennyson and Alfie and hope they become regulars in future books in the series. I missed some of the early clues as to the identity of the killer, but saw the final confrontation coming well before it actually happened. I will certainly look for the next book in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 12, 2017
LOVED it! Every Trick in the Rook by author Marty Wingate (@martywingate) takes us back to the quaint English village of Smeaton-under-Lyme, and unfortunately for our heroine Julia Lanchester her ex-husband, Nick Hawkins, has been murdered on the Fotheringill estate whilst Julia and Michael are off on a weekend getaway. To add to Julia's distress, both Vesta and Willow are away, and she must manage the TIC all by herself, as well as helping her famous father with his television show, all while trying to discover the murderer. Oh, and did I mention Alfie, the very clever rook?!? :-)
Another wonderful installment in the Birds of a Feather mysteries, and if you haven't started this series yet, and are a fan of cozy mysteries, I highly recommend it.
Another wonderful installment in the Birds of a Feather mysteries, and if you haven't started this series yet, and are a fan of cozy mysteries, I highly recommend it.
September 2, 2018
Follow the Rook
Julia Lancaster's ex husband, who left her years ago to live in virtual seclusion has turned up dead on the estate.
With her new boyfriend Michael the chief suspect, Julia has decided to "help" the police because even though they don't believe Michael did it, every thing points to him.
When Julia makes friends with Tennyson and her pet rook Alfie it seems that Alfie has all the answers.
Somehow along the way Marty Wingate has been able to give the birds in her books the same great personality as her characters.
Julia Lancaster's ex husband, who left her years ago to live in virtual seclusion has turned up dead on the estate.
With her new boyfriend Michael the chief suspect, Julia has decided to "help" the police because even though they don't believe Michael did it, every thing points to him.
When Julia makes friends with Tennyson and her pet rook Alfie it seems that Alfie has all the answers.
Somehow along the way Marty Wingate has been able to give the birds in her books the same great personality as her characters.
February 17, 2019
This book was great fun! I could not wait to continue reading about the characters in the series and this did not disappoint. A solid mystery to solve and the addition of a crafty bird who helps the main characters solve the crime. This was very entertaining!
May 26, 2017
Honestly, the rook sold the book in this new-era cozy by Marty Wingate. The timing was precise, the characters vibrant and alive, and the setting perfectly rural English life. The series has always been good, but for some reason this one struck me in the heart. Some loves are meant to last a lifetime, and others are not. You move on and hopefully find one that sticks.
What happens when a threat comes in the shape of an ex? Disturbing the fault lines of a new relationship still prone to nerves?
Like the kindergarten game telephone, a message gets rather garbled when it’s passed from mouth to mouth. Things have finally settled down for Julia and Michael. However, receiving an email from her ex-husband Nick agitates Julia, and finding out that Michael had received one as well was off-putting. What did he have to talk to them about? Why did he need to speak to both of them?
They were going to have to guess because Nick’s body was found in the Summer House on the Fotheringill estate. Now Julia was going to have to solve two mysteries: what did Nick want, and who would ever kill him?
There’s the usual kerfluffle about Julia poking her nose in police business, but there’s also the paparazzi that show up, looking for a deliciously dirty scandal about a love triangle between Julia, Nick and Michael. Michael takes it on the chin and decamps to his old digs, hoping to lure the journalists away. Unfortunately this unsettles their relationship while adding the burden of filling in for Michael at her father’s birding events.
Add in a delightful little girl with a pet rook that saves the day and you’ve got a mystery, a romance, and a sweet happily for now. Great series that I highly recommend!
June 24, 2017
Title: Every Trick in the Rook - Birds of a Feather Mystery Book 3
Author: Marty Wingate
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: 3-7-2017
Pages: 251
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Crafts & Hobbies; Cozy Mystery
ASIN: B01LK8YU2O
ISBN: 9780425286210
Reviewed For: NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Julie Lancaster is thrilled with life, a fulfilling challenging job as manager of the tourist center in Smeaton-under-Lyme and a wonderful, loving boyfriend, Michael Sedgewick. Time for personal use is at a premium. Her peace is devastated when her ex-husband is found murdered on her bosses estate and Michal is seen in the area. When Michael disappears it is up to Julie to clear his name and take up the slack with Michael's work in helping her father, a famed ornithologist, with his television show.
As a cozy lover I appreciate Marty Wingate's ability to deliver a clean mystery with developed characters that bring the story to life. An eclectic blend of personalities that along with Wingate's words bring the scene vividly into focus in the mind of the reader. I devoured "Every Trick In The Rook" within an hour and a half. Then returned and read it again because I did not want to leave Julie and her neighbors and friends. My rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link:
B&N Link:
GoodReads Link: /book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link:
Twitter Link:
Author: Marty Wingate
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: 3-7-2017
Pages: 251
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Crafts & Hobbies; Cozy Mystery
ASIN: B01LK8YU2O
ISBN: 9780425286210
Reviewed For: NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Julie Lancaster is thrilled with life, a fulfilling challenging job as manager of the tourist center in Smeaton-under-Lyme and a wonderful, loving boyfriend, Michael Sedgewick. Time for personal use is at a premium. Her peace is devastated when her ex-husband is found murdered on her bosses estate and Michal is seen in the area. When Michael disappears it is up to Julie to clear his name and take up the slack with Michael's work in helping her father, a famed ornithologist, with his television show.
As a cozy lover I appreciate Marty Wingate's ability to deliver a clean mystery with developed characters that bring the story to life. An eclectic blend of personalities that along with Wingate's words bring the scene vividly into focus in the mind of the reader. I devoured "Every Trick In The Rook" within an hour and a half. Then returned and read it again because I did not want to leave Julie and her neighbors and friends. My rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link:
B&N Link:
GoodReads Link: /book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link:
Twitter Link:
March 23, 2017
English village skulduggery!
Julia Lanchester, manager of the Tourist Information Centre in Smeaton-under-Lyme in Suffolk, is looking forward to spending some time away with her partner, Michael Sedgwick. Michael works for Julia’s father, Rupert Lanchester, the eminent ornithologist and presenter of BBC 2’s ‘A Bird in the Hand� show. Michael has also just created the Rupert Lanchester Foundation, whose first grant is soon to be awarded.
Whilst away enjoying some free time with Michael, Julia and he receive a summons to meet with DI Tess Callow. The news that they receive is disturbing. Julia’s ex-husband, Nick Hawkins, who had submitted a project for the first Foundation grant, has been murdered on the Fothergill Estate.
The rest of the story gently trundles on with Julia poking her nose into places she would be better off avoiding. But this is the essence of the storyline � Julia playing the part of the amateur sleuth whilst going about her normal business at the TIC. We are also introduced to a young girl, Tennyson, who is accompanied by a tame and very intelligent rook called Alfie. Hence the title of the book.
If you like gentle storylines and a feel of the English countryside, then this book is for you. Personally, I found it all a little twee and idyllic, even with the murder and minor mayhem.
I also found it slightly irritating that a story about a typical postcard English village, even though written by an American author, would have American spellings such as ‘center�, ‘colored� and ‘program�. Surely the script could have been run through an English (UK) spell checker.
However, as a calm crime story it does hold up reasonably well.
éDZ
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review.
Julia Lanchester, manager of the Tourist Information Centre in Smeaton-under-Lyme in Suffolk, is looking forward to spending some time away with her partner, Michael Sedgwick. Michael works for Julia’s father, Rupert Lanchester, the eminent ornithologist and presenter of BBC 2’s ‘A Bird in the Hand� show. Michael has also just created the Rupert Lanchester Foundation, whose first grant is soon to be awarded.
Whilst away enjoying some free time with Michael, Julia and he receive a summons to meet with DI Tess Callow. The news that they receive is disturbing. Julia’s ex-husband, Nick Hawkins, who had submitted a project for the first Foundation grant, has been murdered on the Fothergill Estate.
The rest of the story gently trundles on with Julia poking her nose into places she would be better off avoiding. But this is the essence of the storyline � Julia playing the part of the amateur sleuth whilst going about her normal business at the TIC. We are also introduced to a young girl, Tennyson, who is accompanied by a tame and very intelligent rook called Alfie. Hence the title of the book.
If you like gentle storylines and a feel of the English countryside, then this book is for you. Personally, I found it all a little twee and idyllic, even with the murder and minor mayhem.
I also found it slightly irritating that a story about a typical postcard English village, even though written by an American author, would have American spellings such as ‘center�, ‘colored� and ‘program�. Surely the script could have been run through an English (UK) spell checker.
However, as a calm crime story it does hold up reasonably well.
éDZ
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review.
January 14, 2017
This book starts off with the main character Julia is trying to go on a vacation with her very busy boy friend Michael who works for her father Rupert Lancaster whom is a ornithologist with his own tv show. The next thing we find out that Julia's ex husband Nick whom is a loner is suddenly found nearby on the same estate where she works. Of course everyone blames her and her boyfriend as a lovers quarrel. In the end we do find out who did it and why. It was a character that did not stand out right away. Julia does get herself into trouble a couple of times by going out and seeking information that ends up putting her in line for more trouble.
This is the first in this series that I have read but at least the 3rd book I have read by this author. I really enjoy her books. I do think that I will have to go back and read the first of this series and continue with it as well as the other. Since I have not read any of the other books in the series I do feel that I had enough information to know the main character Julia well enough to follow along. There were a few words that were different than I was used to but I really don't mind at all at it did not stop me in any way, I just had to stop only for a brief second to figure out the meaning. I really did enjoy the book.
I received this book for free to read from netgalley in exchange for my honest opinions. The opinions in this review are 100% my own.
This is the first in this series that I have read but at least the 3rd book I have read by this author. I really enjoy her books. I do think that I will have to go back and read the first of this series and continue with it as well as the other. Since I have not read any of the other books in the series I do feel that I had enough information to know the main character Julia well enough to follow along. There were a few words that were different than I was used to but I really don't mind at all at it did not stop me in any way, I just had to stop only for a brief second to figure out the meaning. I really did enjoy the book.
I received this book for free to read from netgalley in exchange for my honest opinions. The opinions in this review are 100% my own.
July 7, 2022
Every Trick in the Rook by Marty Wingate
9780425286210
250 Pages
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group � Alibi, Alibi
Release Date: March 7, 2017
Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Aviary, English, Woman Sleuth
Julia Lanchester is in a romantic relationship with Michael Sedwick. She is working at a tourist center is a small English village. When they are away on a romantic getaway, her ex-husband is found dead, and Michael is a suspect. The journalists begin chasing them, so Michael vanishes, leaving Julia to take over his duties as personal assistant to Julia’s father Rupert.
The story has a fast pace, the characters are developed, and it is written in the first-person point of view. This is the third book in the Birds of a Feather mystery series. I really like the character of Julia and have seen her grow through the series. If you love cozy mysteries, you will enjoy this series.
9780425286210
250 Pages
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group � Alibi, Alibi
Release Date: March 7, 2017
Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Aviary, English, Woman Sleuth
Julia Lanchester is in a romantic relationship with Michael Sedwick. She is working at a tourist center is a small English village. When they are away on a romantic getaway, her ex-husband is found dead, and Michael is a suspect. The journalists begin chasing them, so Michael vanishes, leaving Julia to take over his duties as personal assistant to Julia’s father Rupert.
The story has a fast pace, the characters are developed, and it is written in the first-person point of view. This is the third book in the Birds of a Feather mystery series. I really like the character of Julia and have seen her grow through the series. If you love cozy mysteries, you will enjoy this series.
March 17, 2017
If you are looking for a fun, engaging read—a good mystery, but nothing to keep you awake at night, look no further than Every Trick in the Rook. The bottom line is that I had a good time with this book. The main character Julia is predictably at odds with law enforcement as she both finds herself in bad situations not of her own doing and also pursues investigations putting herself in harm’s way.
I especially enjoyed meeting the young Tennyson and her trained rook, Alphie, who plays an important part in solving the mystery. I kept wanting Julia to help Tennyson’s mother find a good job, but since it was hinted at a few times, perhaps it will happen in the next novel. Every Trick in the Rook is the third book in the Birds of a Feather Mystery Series, but I didn’t feel I had missed anything by jumping into the series with this book.
The overarching theme of Every Trick in the Rook is obviously birds, but you don’t have to be an ornithologist to enjoy it. It has the typical small town feel of a cozy mystery with the added interest of a special setting, a small village that is part of Lord Fotheringill’s estate. Julia (Jools) wears many hats as she manages the Tourist Information Center and promotes the village through public relations efforts to draw tourists to the village for hiking, birding, and special events. she is the daughter of a famous ornithologist, a former Cambridge professor, and is therefore well acquainted with “all things bird.� She has a busy, happy life until her ex-husband, Nick, shows up unexpectedly in the village after a five year absence—dead. And so the mystery begins�
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Alibi for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I especially enjoyed meeting the young Tennyson and her trained rook, Alphie, who plays an important part in solving the mystery. I kept wanting Julia to help Tennyson’s mother find a good job, but since it was hinted at a few times, perhaps it will happen in the next novel. Every Trick in the Rook is the third book in the Birds of a Feather Mystery Series, but I didn’t feel I had missed anything by jumping into the series with this book.
The overarching theme of Every Trick in the Rook is obviously birds, but you don’t have to be an ornithologist to enjoy it. It has the typical small town feel of a cozy mystery with the added interest of a special setting, a small village that is part of Lord Fotheringill’s estate. Julia (Jools) wears many hats as she manages the Tourist Information Center and promotes the village through public relations efforts to draw tourists to the village for hiking, birding, and special events. she is the daughter of a famous ornithologist, a former Cambridge professor, and is therefore well acquainted with “all things bird.� She has a busy, happy life until her ex-husband, Nick, shows up unexpectedly in the village after a five year absence—dead. And so the mystery begins�
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Alibi for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2017
Julia Lanchester is on a romantic weekend getaway with her boyfriend Michael Sedgwick when she gets news that her ex-husband Nick Hawkins has been found murdered on the Fotheringill estate. When a witness reports seeing Michael's car near the scene of the crime, the press hounds them and prints scandalous lies. To protect Julia, Michael takes a leave of absence from his job and gets out of town. Julia takes on two jobs: her normal role of manager at the tourist centre in the British town of Smeaton and temporary producer of her celebrity birdwatcher father's show. With the help of Alfie, a clever rook, Julia tries to find Nick's killer. The urn containing Nick's ashes, obsessive love and a confrontation with the killer at the summerhouse where Nick died ends the story.
I received this book for free from Netgalley and Random House in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book for free from Netgalley and Random House in exchange for an honest review.
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