A mystery story built on the back of an egg hunt and no ordinary egg hunt. It all starts in 1926 on the cliff tops near Bridlington in Yorkshire where men climb down to steal birds eggs and sell them on. One section is so dangerous it’s treated as forbidden territory. However, one day a young girl, Celie, climbs down and brings back a remarkable red coloured guillemot egg. Selling it, and repeating the climb for another every year, changes life for her and her family. This was a compelling, dual timeline read even though I found the subject matter a little upsetting.

Briefly, 100 years later that one single egg results in the most startling crime story because that first egg has not been seen since and obsessive collectors need it to complete their collection. But after the egg is put on eBay, not knowing its value, the owner, Nick, is robbed and only the egg is taken. Attempting to recover it, along with his friend Patrick, the two men get tangled up in the illicit and illegal trade in bird eggs.

This is a completely absorbing novel of greed and obsession. Well paced with some great characters, Celie and Patrick were particularly well done and I felt empathy with both of them. The treatment of the birds and the eggs I found distressing and cruel, humans can be so selfish. However, this is a really well written and plotted story and I was completely engrossed in it. 4.5⭐️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Impossible Thing - Belinda Bauer

If anyone can write a good crime mystery about egg thefts - Belinda can!

Split across two timelines, this was a captivating tale, getting to the bottom of the Metland eggs.

Having grown up in Bridlington - this was a part of history I never knew about….the Climmers of Bempton cliffs. It was a good opportunity to dig a little deeper into local history - utterly fascinating!

Thanks Belinda - an unusual topic for a thriller mystery - but thoroughly enjoyable!

I loved this! I remember enjoying Belinda Bauer’s first two books, Blacklands and Darkside, around the time they were published in 2009 and 2011 respectively, but I seemed to lose track of her work after that. When this one caught my eye, I decided to give it a try and I’m very pleased that I did. The plot is completely different from any other crime novel I’ve read.

The Impossible Thing is a novel set in two different periods almost one hundred years apart and linked by the same crime – the theft and illegal trading of wild birds’ eggs. In 1926, gangs of ‘egg-climmers’ gather on the Yorkshire coast and lower each other from ropes over the cliffs to steal eggs from the seabirds nesting there. Traders and collectors are willing to hand over large sums of money for the most rare and beautiful eggs, so when little Celie Sheppard from Metland Farm makes the dangerous descent through a crack in a ledge of rock and obtains a perfect red guillemot egg, it creates a sensation.

In the present day, in rural Wales, Patrick Fort decides to visit his friend, Nick, and arrives just in time to discover that both Nick and his mother have been tied up and robbed. The only thing stolen is an old wooden box containing a red egg. Nick had found the egg in the attic and put it on eBay, only for it to be taken down almost immediately for breaching eBay’s policy on selling illegal items. It seems that, even in the short space of time it was advertised, someone saw it, tracked it down to Nick’s address and decided they must have it no matter what. Although Nick had no idea that owning birds’ eggs was illegal, he is afraid to admit to the police that he had one, so he and Patrick set out to find the thief themselves.

This is definitely the first book I’ve read about egg trafficking! It’s an unusual subject for a crime novel, but Bauer builds a story around it that I found completely fascinating and unexpectedly exciting. I assumed that everything in the book was fictional, so I was interested to learn that the red Metland Egg really existed – or to be more accurate, Metland Eggs, as one was collected every year for over twenty years from the same location on the Bempton Cliffs near Bridlington. Something I learned from the novel is that female guillemots lay only one egg a year and if it is stolen, they will return to the same spot the following year to lay an almost identical egg. It made me feel sad to think of the bird that laid the red eggs never actually getting to see one hatch and I’m so glad that the Protection of Birds Act 1954 made egg theft illegal in the UK – even though it hasn’t stopped it completely, it’s a big step in the right direction.

Patrick Fort, the main character in the present day sections of the novel, was apparently introduced in a previous Belinda Bauer novel, Rubbernecker, which I haven’t read. I can see why she decided to bring him back for a second book, because he’s a very engaging, intelligent and likeable character. Patrick has a form of autism which affects his social interactions, but he has a good friend in Nick, who understands why he sometimes behaves the way he does. I loved seeing them work together to hunt down the egg thieves and I must go back and read about their earlier adventures in Rubbernecker!

The historical sections are also very well done; the scenes where young Celie Sheppard is dangled over the cliff in search of the eggs are very dramatic; I can’t imagine how dangerous and terrifying that would be, yet Celie did it year after year from such an early age. At least she was rewarded financially for her efforts, at a time of poverty when her family desperately needed the money. It was interesting to see how big and well organised the egg trafficking industry was in those days, with collectors and traders prepared to go to great lengths – and great expense – to obtain the rarest and most unusual eggs.

I picked a great book for my return to Belinda Bauer after such a long time and am looking forward to reading the others that I’ve missed.

The Impossible Thing
Despite being a keen bird watcher I was not put off reading about egg collecting and the destruction of the chicks. If anything I enjoyed learning a bit more about the birds that nest on the clifffs and just accepted that in different times there was a completely different moral code.
Was not sure if the title referred to a unique egg or something else.
Have read several of this author’s book and this was a change of theme and style but I certainly enjoyed it and one of her earlier books was a bit too creepy for me.
I thought it felt like an old fashioned mystery book , but in a positive way.
We have very poor farming families on the Yorkshire coast who in the 1920’s lower family members on ropes to collect and sell eggs.
In contrast we have rich land owners and rich obsessive egg collectors.
A unique egg is collected by Celie of the Metland farm and it is then a mystery why this egg is never seen despite all the egg collectors knowing about it. The mystery ties in nicely with events a century later when Nick finds an egg in his loft and tries to sell it and triggers off exciting turn of events and a mystery thriller.
The narrative jumps back and forward between the years but it was easy to follow as the main characters were all well described and easy to remember.
I liked the end when Cerie’s personal situation leads to a change in her outlook on egg collecting.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC

I loved The Impossible Thing so much! I've admired Belinda Bauer's writing for a long time, but this novel was unlike anything I'd read of hers before. A very clever dual-timeline tale, set mostly on the Yorkshire coast, it follows a cast of characters so richly drawn I was utterly beguiled by every one of them. Celie was the perfect unassuming heroine, and Patrick in the present day was equally compelling. As the two timelines gradually and suspensefully converged, my heart was in my mouth. Bauer deftly weaves a tale both tragic and comic in parts, and I also learned an extraordinary amount about eggs, illegal egg collecting, and the plight of wild birds. All fascinating, and this added to the story's rich depth. Great stuff!

A fascinating insight into the now-illegal trade in bird's eggs a century ago and the repercussions felt in recent times. It's a quick and quirky read with sort of cartoonish characters and I much preferred the earlier time line of Bempton Cliffs and the life of Celia, the misfit. But it's very entertaining and I learnt a lot.

A swashbuckling tale that flits between1926 and the present day.
It explores the history of stealing sea bird eggs for profit and the mysterious disappearance of a priceless collection of red guillemot eggs, stolen over a period of years from the same nest by little Celie Sheppard.
Moving forward to the present day young Patrick Fort and his friend Nick find themselves mixed up in the world of egg trafficking in an attempt to retrieve one of these missing eggs.
Patrick, who featured in an earlier book, is an endearing character, while some of the characters from the 1926 era are almost Dickensian.
Whilst it is an original tale and the historical detail of egg stealing from the North Yorkshire cliffs by local families is fascinating, I think the book is perhaps more suited to young adults.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for an ARC

I have never read a Belinda Bauer book before so I didn’t know what to expect. This is an absorbing duel-timeline story about the trade ( now illegal ) in sea-bird eggs. I certainly learned a lot about this heartless pastime! I loved the characters of Patrick and Celie and enjoyed the mystery of the missing egg.

I thought that this book was very original. I have certainly never read anything like it before. It was quirky with an interesting and very different plot and characters ,I really wasn't sure where the plot was going to take me.

An enjoyable historic / modern now-and-then tale about egg collectors and the mania around rare guillemot eggs.

This was an interesting tale in two timelines revolving around the lucrative trade in sea bird eggs and in particular the Metland Red. In 1926 Celie finds the first and its discovery alters the course of her life and that of her farming family.

A century later Patrick Fort finds his friend, Nick and his mum tied up after a robbery - the only missing item a guillemot red egg he tried to sell online. Their attempts to retrieve it bring them into the cutthroat world of obsessive egg collectors.

I found the characters in both timelines fascinating and the plot full of suspense and thrills.

An absorbing read.

The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer is an enthralling and intricately crafted crime novel that weaves together historical intrigue and contemporary suspense. Set across two timelines—1926 and the present day—the story explores a world of egg trafficking, a strange obsession with rare eggs, and the mysterious consequences of an ancient discovery.

In 1926, young Celie Sheppard makes a life-changing find while living on the towering cliffs of Yorkshire. Amidst the perilous task of stealing seabird eggs, Celie stumbles upon a rare red egg, an "impossible" find that sets off a chain of events that will forever alter her life. The egg, beautifully unique, becomes a symbol of both fortune and misfortune, with Celie unknowingly stepping into a world filled with danger, greed, and secrets.

Fast forward to the present day, where Patrick Fort is drawn into a web of mystery when he discovers his friend Nick and his mother tied up and robbed in their remote Welsh cottage. The only thing missing: a carved case containing a rare scarlet egg, a link to Celie's long-lost treasure. As Patrick and Nick delve deeper into the crime, they uncover a history of egg trafficking and embark on a journey to trace a priceless collection of eggs lost to time.

Bauer’s storytelling is masterful, seamlessly blending historical fiction with a contemporary crime plot. The research into the world of egg trafficking, a subject that may be unknown to many readers, is detailed and compelling, adding a layer of realism to the otherwise fantastical idea of the 'impossible' red egg. The plot is engaging and full of unexpected twists, with Bauer’s knack for suspense and tension keeping the reader hooked from beginning to end.

What makes The Impossible Thing stand out is Bauer's ability to create memorable characters and build an atmosphere of creeping menace, both in the quiet moments and the moments of high tension. The mystery surrounding the egg and its history unfolds slowly, with Bauer revealing just enough at each stage to keep the reader invested in both the characters and the unfolding drama.

This is another fantastic book from an author whose previous work I’ve greatly enjoyed. The Impossible Thing is a thought-provoking and gripping read that not only sheds light on an obscure crime but also offers a brilliant examination of obsession, desire, and the lengths people will go to for something they believe is priceless. A must-read for fans of crime fiction, historical mysteries, and anyone looking for a unique, captivating story.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

What a story.
Cleverly told in dual timelines, it will break your heart and make it race at times.
As easy to read and entertaining as always with Belinda's writing, the characters are so well drawn you are never confused by who is who or which era you are in and the sections have wonderful titles. Amusing and informative.
That it is based on a true mystery heard on radio, makes it even more unbelievable. It also makes you realise how far we have come in the protection and consideration of wildlife. How ridiculous and greedy we can be as apex predators against helplessness. And for what. So shameful.
Of the cast of characters, in contemporary times, Patrick is so likeable and accidentally brilliant. In the 1920s, Celie is the true heart of the tale and a more spirited soul, I challenge you to find. It was a miracle she survived her childhood.
This is a compelling and eye-opening yarn, woven with Belinda Bauer's typical skill. Definitely worth spending some time on the cliffs of Yorkshire. I may even take a trip to the RSPB sanctuary myself.

I’ve been waiting for this book ever since Exit, Belinda Bauer’s last book back in 2021. The Queen of quirky character-driven Crime is back to claim her crown!

The Impossible Thing delves into the hidden world and history of collecting rare birds‘ eggs. In 1926 organised gangs dangle men on ropes to snatch the eggs from the nests of the sides of towering cliffs in Yorkshire, the rarest eggs sell for big money. 100 years later in a remote cottage in Wales, Patrick Fort finds his friend and his mother have been burgled, the only thing missing an old carved case containing an unusual egg.

You may remember Patrick from Belinda Bauer’s classic Rubbernecker, one of the original neurodivergent protagonists, long before Strange Sally Diamond, Eleanor Oliphant or Dawn Schiff. You don’t need to have read Rubbernecker before The Impossible Thing, but you HAVE TO read it at some point!

Belinda Bauer weaves a wonderful tale, through past and present, emerging us in the murky world of egg collecting, the present day efforts to crack down on the trade, and of course Patrick’s quest to recover the egg.

Inspired by a news story on the radio, Belinda Bauer has achieved the impossible by creating a complex and captivating mystery around rare egg collecting. The mix of past and present is enchanting, Sarah Penner fans need to read this book. Fans of Belinda Bauer’s recent books Snap and Exit need to read this book. Fans of Belinda Bauer’s early darker works, such Blacklands, The Facts Of Life And Death and Rubbernecker need to read this book which still captivates and grips the readers without the death and darkness.

Hugely entertaining, a must read which deserves to be widely read and celebrated. Belinda Bauer is one of the finest character writers in Crime fiction today, the crown still fits.

Thanks to Belinda Bauer, Transworld Publishers and Netgalley.

I loved this book about a subject I know little about ,the illegal world of egg collecting ,the most precious and valuable egg being the Metland Egg a red egg from the guillemot pair .Set in two timelines 1920's to present day .the characters are interesting, Celie in the 1920's a tiny young girl who lives on a farm but is dangled over a cliff edge to retrieve these special eggs and is paid a small proportion of it's value but it helps her Family greatly .Patrick and Weird Nick in the present day find a red egg in the attic and put it on Ebay ,it is only on 30 minutes before it is taken down because it is illegal to sell these eggs but then Weird Nick's house is broken into and the egg is stolen and both the boys are determined to find out who did this ,then the fun begins .A fascinating story of a historical adventure and a mystery .Many thanks to NetGalley for my ARC .

Who knew that a tale of illegal egg hunting would be not only fascinating to read but absolutely brilliant.

1926, Celie Sheppard, has been hauled down a cliff to retrieve guillemot eggs, They are able to sell them to the highest bidder which im her poor family this is able to buy food and help them survive.

One day she finds a unique red egg and this changes the family fortunes forever.

Years later Patrick visits his friend Nick and finds them tied up having been robbed.. The only thing taken was a red egg that was kept in a beautiful case.

Set in Yorkshire this is a unique tale that tells of theft, friendship and loyalty, I loved the dual timelines and how ths tory unfolded. It is filled with history and drama and I found myself stopping reading to google interetsing facts about egg hunting.

Just brilliant and highly recommended

I have always loved this author so was really pleased to receive this copy. Historical in part and I felt somewhat different to her usual style but I did enjoy the storyline once I had my head around how different it was.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my arc.

I was somewhat bemused when I started this book, and realised it was about people stealing birds’ egg, (which, by the way, is now illegal in England). I never thought I’d be drawn into a story about obsessive egg collectors, in the present day, and in the 1920s.

In present day Wales, Patrick (from a previous book) and his friend Nick, are on the trail of someone who stole an unusual red egg that Nick found in his loft.
In the 1920s egg collectors gather on a Yorkshire cliff top to gather guillemots’ eggs, which are all unique.
Celie is a penniless girl who retrieves an egg and changes the course of her life, and that of her family.
There are heroes and villains (sometimes not sure who is in which camp), egg protectors, and collectors, not to mention guillemots, and lots of fun, games and drama along the way.
A brilliant read, with a satisfying end where most people get their just desserts.

Thanks to Netgalley and Transworld Digital for the opportunity to read this book.

I have only read one Belinda Bauer book previously - a dark thriller - but I enjoyed it, and I was keen to try another. This one starts out in a very creepy, tense way. I hadn't actually realised that the book was about egg collecting, so initially I thought I was reading about some awful child-killer being tracked! So, having discovered the book wasn't quite about what I'd thought I had to readjust my expectations a little and initially it felt like a bit of a bump. But then I was soon gripped by all the different characters in this complicated, inter-woven story. I really liked Patrick and Nick as characters, and really that carried the book along for me. Sometimes I enjoyed the flashbacks in time, and sometimes I felt they dragged a little, but ultimately I was completely caught up in Celie's life and what was going to happen alongside of Patrick and Nick's investigations.

Rating: 3.0/5

There can't be that many fictional mysteries that have been based around the subject of illegal egg trafficking - this may even be the first. On that basis, the author, Belimda Bauer, deserves some credit for originality. I have to confess that I struggled with the opening quarter of this novel, as it really hadn't piqued my interest at that point. Thankfully, the intrigue level did increase thereafter, thanks to the entertaining interaction between Weird Nick and Patrick Ford. Neurodivergent Patrick is particularly appealing. Were it not for these two characters (who, I believe, have appeared in a previous novel by this author) then "The Impossible Thing" would have significantly less to recommend it.

The narrative is split between two timelines: the modern day and flashbacks to the period between the two World Wars. Although I recognize that these flashbacks were necessary in order to supply essential background to the plot, I did find them a touch dull at times and also felt as if they were drifting into Catherine Cookson territory. The mystery itself is adequately engaging, although it does lean very much towards the cosy end of the genre for the most part. Overall, this is well-written with some memorable elements, but in a crowded marketplace, there are more appealing options out there.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.