Publication Date: 1 September 2022

The Blurb

When Jack rescues a wounded cat, he quickly suspects foul play. Could there be a wildlife criminal on the loose in Briddvale? Jack rushes to investigate, determined to catch the culprit, only to stumble into a deepening mystery and a sinister criminal plot. Can Jack and The Twitchers stop the villains before it’s too late?

The Review

A highly entertaining, immersive mystery with conservation at its heart.

When Jack resolves to solve the mystery of the evil cat killers, little does he know that an even bigger plot it waiting to be uncovered. With Twitch distracted by news of a very rare bird likely to pass over, Jack is left to solve the mysteries without his friend.

I loved seeing Jack take centre stage, growing in confidence as he follows his own path, while being respectful of others’ interests. His hurt at Twitch’s lack of interest in what he is doing is plain to see, but with help from others, he is able to navigate his feelings and friendship. His ability to pick up on tiny details and build a bigger picture to solve the crime sits at odds with his lack of belief in himself when it comes to twitching.

Maya creates a wonderfully rich, natural world for our Twitchers to roam in while solving the mystery. From the depths of Aves Wood to the heath land of Mord Hall, and up to the lofty heights of Passerine Pike, we are immersed in the flora and fauna of the settings, feeling the biting wind and damp pervade the characters.

Great for fans of:

• The Rewilders by Lindsay Galvin
• Eagle Warrior by Gill Lewis
• The Whale Watchers by Dougie Poynter
• Witchstorm by Tim Tilley

You can find out more about becoming birdwatchers at home and in your local area in Dara McAnulty’s fabulous book A Wild Child’s Book Of Birds.

Huge thanks to Walker Books for sending me a copy.