A SIEGE OF BITTERNS

Narrator David Thorpe deftly conveys the stunning beauty of Saltmarsh, Norfolk, an ever-present character in this first Birder Murder Mystery. Canadian DCI Domenic Jejeune is renowned for his skill at ferreting out even the most elusive criminal. Thorpe portrays him perfectly--uncommunicative and secretive, he'd rather be birding than investigating. So it's intriguing to hear the change in Jejeune, who is energized when ecologist and bird lover Cameron Brae is found hanging from a tree. Nonetheless, Jejeune's partner, warm and talkative Danny Maik, is Thorpe's best creation. After many suspects, it's a relief to hear the surprising perpetrator apprehended. Listeners will be shocked to hear how fanatical (enough to kill?) birders can be regarding the species they've seen, verified, and put on their competitive lists. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2016]