A Shimmer of Hummingbirds, by Steve Burrows (Dundurn, 2017)

“The cold lay across the land like a punishment.”

How’s that for an opening line to set the scene? In this classic mystery, the cold land is coastal northern England in December. When readers start getting too vicariously chilly, the next chapter will take us to the heat of Colombia.

Not only is there a murder for the local British constabulary to solve, but Detective Chief Inspector Domenic Jejeune has left the country. After a rival is brought in to replace him—one who appears easier to work with—will Jejeune have a job to come back to?

And will his impulsive birding trip to Colombia turn up anything that can clear his brother of the serious criminal charges against him?

A Shimmer of Hummingbirds is book 4 in the Birder Murder Mystery series: clean, engaging mysteries with vibrant settings, complex characters, and clever turns of phrase. I am so enjoying this series, which seems to draw me further in with each book.

Readers could begin here and not feel lost, but to fully appreciate the characters’ backgrounds and relationships it’s worth beginning with book 1, A Siege of Bitterns.

Readers with an interest in birds and birding, in the English countryside, and in environmental issues will most appreciate the series, but it’s an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates well-told mysteries that make you think.

To learn about author Steve Burrows and his books, visit steveburrows.org.

[Review copy from the public library.]