EMPTY NEST (Birds of a Feather # 2)
Marty Wingate
Random House Alibi
December 1, 2015


Long-time travel and gardening writer Marty Wingate has branched out in the past couple of years and produced not one but two utterly charming series; The Potting Shed Mysteries and Birds of a Feather Mysteries. I have had hours of enjoyment from each series and Empty Nest does not disappoint. It is a feast for the unashamed Anglophile. Julia Lanchester, daughter of famed environmentalist and birder, Rupert Lanchester, is settling into her new position as head of tourism for the Fotheringill Estate. Her relationship with her father's assistant, Michael Sedgewick, is going well despite frequent job-related separations. Her only problems are her mold contaminated cottage and Lord Fotheringill's evident infatuation with her. She has been bunking at the Hall while the cottage is being decontaminated and longs to get back her own place. When Lord Fotheringill's son Cecil arrives unexpectedly with an obnoxious friend in tow, things begin to go downhill fast. Cecil shows every sign that he would like to get rid of Julia and sets up roadblocks to her every plan. The new estate manager seems to be set against her as well. A murder at the Hall makes things even more complicated.

Empty Nest  has wonderful descriptions of the countryside and village life, lots of birding and environmental lore and many of the wonderful characters we met in the previous book, The Rhyme of the Magpie. The addition of a very twisted mystery and a little romantic spice make for a very enjoyable read. Thanks to NetGalley and Alibi for an advance digital copy in return for an honest review.

RATING- 4.5 Stars