*The story revolves around Jessica Weston, an ornithology student who, twenty years ago, recorded a lyrebird mimicking the chilling screams of a woman in terror. Initially dismissed by the police due to the lack of a missing person or a body, Jessica's claims resurface when a body is discovered exactly where she had indicated.

Now an associate professor, Jessica teams up with Megan Blaxland, a retired detective who originally supported her claims, to solve the cold case. Together, they navigate a web of danger and secrets, determined to uncover the truth. The novel is praised for its unique premise, atmospheric storytelling, and exploration of themes like justice, belief, and resilience. A gripping read for fans of twisty mysteries and compelling characters!

Ok, first things first, I have a fear of birds, so being drawn to this title was a bit odd. I don’t think I had actually heard of a Lyrebird, but my nana owned a myna bird that was an amazing mimic (yes I was scared of it) so that intrigued me, the thought of a bird being the sole witness and holding secrets.

A bird calling out in Spanish for help in the Australian bush caught on camera by student Jessica, Jessica knows the bird is mimicking what it’s heard, at the time detective Meghan believed Jessica was right, the bird had captured the scene of a crime but with no evidence the case was closed.

20 years later, a body is found, Meghan is called back from retirement, a cold case is reopened and Jessica’s evidence is looked at anew. The way the story played out was perfect for my liking. A proper police procedural, that does wrap up, but we actually get the whole story, and I appreciate that.

I really liked our protagonists, both Meghan and Jessica were great examples of strong female lead characters. They’ve remained great friends over the years and Jessica is now an ornithology professor.

The author has a clear climate change message throughout the story, but I felt that while the message was clear, it also fit the story perfectly and that’s a hard thing to do.


Jessica Douglas-Henry’s narration was fantastic!

My gratitude to Wavesound from W.F Howes LTD via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧