Picture a British storyteller who swapped binoculars for a pen to craft thrilling crime novels—meet Steve Burrows! This Oshawa-based author has woven his lifelong passion for birdwatching into the acclaimed Birder Murder Mystery series, blending suspense with the serene world of ornithology. With awards like the Arthur Ellis and a knack for 'fowl play,' Burrows has captivated mystery lovers and birders alike.
The Making of Steve Burrows
Born and raised in Birmingham, UK, Steve Burrows discovered his love for nature in urban parks, sparking a birdwatching obsession that would shape his life. After moving to Ontario post-grammar school, he earned an English degree from York University, fueling his literary ambitions. His career took flight in Hong Kong, where he edited the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society magazine and contributed to Asian Geographic, earning BBC Wildlife’s Nature Writer of the Year award.
Steve Burrows’s Unforgettable Stories
In 2014, Burrows debuted with A Siege of Bitterns, introducing Detective Chief Inspector Domenic Jejeune, a Canadian birder-turned-sleuth in Norfolk’s marshlands. This novel, lauded by The Globe and Mail as a top 100 book of 2014, won the 2015 Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel. Its blend of environmental themes and intricate whodunits set the tone for the series. A Pitying of Doves (2015) dives into a double murder at an animal shelter, showcasing Burrows’s knack for vivid settings and moral ambiguity. A Cast of Falcons (2016) explores climate research and betrayal, while A Nye of Pheasants (2024) keeps readers hooked with fresh mysteries. Burrows’s style—rich with birding lore, atmospheric Norfolk landscapes, and clever plotting—makes each book a masterclass in character-driven suspense.
His titles, drawn from collective nouns for birds (e.g., 'a siege of bitterns'), add a playful yet ominous charm. Burrows crafts Jejeune as a reluctant detective, more at home with binoculars than crime scenes, reflecting the author’s own passion. Fans praise the series for its originality, with Audubon noting how Burrows 'intertwines avians with the classic whodunit' in a wholly unique way.
Why Steve Burrows Matters
Steve Burrows has carved a niche in crime fiction by merging birdwatching with murder mysteries, appealing to both nature enthusiasts and thriller fans. His series educates readers about environmental issues while delivering gripping narratives, earning international acclaim and a TV adaptation deal. From Oshawa to global bookshelves, Burrows’s work proves that even the quietest hobbies can inspire electrifying stories.
- Birthplace: Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Current Home: Oshawa, Ontario
- Key Works: A Siege of Bitterns, A Pitying of Doves, A Cast of Falcons, A Nye of Pheasants
- Awards: 2015 Arthur Ellis Award, BBC Wildlife Nature Writer of the Year
About Steve Burrows
Snag A Siege of Bitterns and dive into Steve Burrows’s thrilling world of feathered clues and clever crimes!