THE BIRDWATCHER

Gail Shalan gives an energetic and appealing narration of Mitchard's latest novel. Fashion writer Reenie's old friend, Felicity, has been charged with the murder of two of her clients. Felicity, a birdwatcher and biologist, was also a professional escort. Reenie hasn't seen Felicity in years but knows in her heart that she's innocent of the charges. Reenie is determined to find out the truth and write the story. But Felicity doesn't want Reenie to dig into her life. Shalan smoothly handles Reenie's interviewees, her magazine's editor, and others, doing a creditable job creating character voices amid a somewhat sluggish plot. As long-hidden secrets are revealed, Shalan's performance heightens the drama, making audio a great choice for this novel. [Published: JANUARY 2026]