Step into the thrilling world of the Birder Murder Mystery series, where binoculars and crime scenes collide in a feathered frenzy of suspense! Crafted by Steve Burrows, this unique blend of ornithology and crime fiction follows reluctant detective Domenic Jejeune, a bird enthusiast solving murders in the birding paradise of Norfolk, England. With its clever mysteries and love for nature, this series is a must-read for fans of cozy crime and winged wonders alike.
Unlike typical whodunits, Birder Murder Mystery weaves the serene art of birdwatching into gritty investigations, offering a fresh take on the genre. Whether you’re a birder or a mystery lover, the series’ vivid settings and intricate plots will hook you from the first page. Let’s explore how this avian-inspired series took flight and why it continues to soar.
How Birder Murder Mystery Began
Steve Burrows, a passionate birder who’s chased birds across six continents, turned his love for feathered friends into a literary gem. With a background in environmental journalism and a master’s in environmental science, Burrows drew inspiration from his global birding adventures and his time editing the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society magazine. His debut novel, A Siege of Bitterns, published in 2014, introduced Domenic Jejeune, a Canadian detective in Norfolk, and won the 2015 Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel. This success launched the series, blending Burrows’ ornithological expertise with his knack for storytelling.
Burrows’ move from nonfiction to fiction was a bold leap, fueled by his desire to craft narratives as engaging as the wildlife stories he once covered. His goal? To create a series that entertains mystery fans while celebrating the quirks and passions of the birding community. The result is a genre Burrows coined: the 'birder murder' mystery.
The Heart of Birder Murder Mystery
The series, set in the saltmarshes and coastal wetlands of Norfolk—Britain’s birding heartland—stars Domenic Jejeune, a detective who’d rather scan the skies for rare species than chase criminals. In A Siege of Bitterns (2014), Jejeune investigates the murder of a TV eco-activist, unraveling a web of birding rivalries and environmental disputes. A Pitying of Doves (2015) sees him tackle a double murder at a bird sanctuary, where missing turtledoves hint at deeper motives. A Cast of Falcons (2016) takes him to Scotland’s cliffs, linking a death to falcon poaching, while A Foreboding of Petrels (2022) explores a killing at an Antarctic research station, tying petrels to ecological concerns.
Each book’s title, drawn from poetic collective nouns for birds (e.g., a 'siege' of bitterns), reflects the series’ lyrical style. Themes of identity, duty, and conservation run deep, with Jejeune’s outsider status as a Canadian in England mirroring the isolation of Norfolk’s landscapes. Burrows’ vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, making the marshes a character in their own right. The mysteries, packed with red herrings and twists, balance cozy charm with procedural grit, appealing to fans of Agatha Christie and M.C. Beaton.
Birding isn’t just a backdrop—it drives the plots. From competitive life lists to habitat disputes, Burrows captures the birding world’s intensity, educating readers on species like bitterns and petrels while keeping the suspense tight. This fusion of nature and noir sets the series apart, offering a refreshing escape into a niche subculture.
Why Birder Murder Mystery Resonates
The Birder Murder Mystery series has carved a unique niche, blending environmental awareness with classic mystery tropes. Its appeal lies in its authenticity—Burrows’ birding expertise shines, earning praise from Audubon and 10,000 Birds for nailing the hobby’s nuances. Fans love Jejeune’s relatable struggle between duty and passion, while the series’ eco-conscious themes resonate with readers concerned about conservation. Its TV adaptation deal with Shaftesbury Films and Company Pictures signals its growing cultural footprint.
With nine books and counting, including the upcoming A Deceit of Lapwings (2025), the series continues to captivate. Its blend of cerebral puzzles, flawed characters, and love for nature ensures lasting appeal, making it a gem for readers seeking something beyond standard crime fare.
- First Book: A Siege of Bitterns (2014)
- Latest Book: A Deceit of Lapwings (2025)
- Awards: 2015 Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel
- Books in Series: Nine (as of 2025)
Grab A Siege of Bitterns and dive into the Birder Murder Mystery’s world of feathered clues and coastal intrigue! Whether you’re spotting suspects or rare birds, this series promises a flight of fancy you won’t forget.