The Birdwatcher
- Judith D Collins
- Dec 11
- 8 min read
Narrator: Gail Shalan
ISBN: 9780778368670
Publisher: Harlequin Audio | MIRA
Publication Date: 12/09/2025
Format: Audiobook
My Rating: 5 Stars
A Zibby's Most Anticipated Book of Fall 2025!
From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Mitchard comes a page-turning drama that explores the beauty of female friendship; the relationship between money, power, and sex; and the very human desire to protect the ones we love most.
When she is convicted of a double murder, Felicity Wild, a brilliant grad student turned high-priced escort, declares, “I may not be innocent, but I’m innocent of this.”
Reenie Bigelow never doubted it. A jury may have given Felicity a life sentence, but Reenie knows that her childhood best friend is not capable of murder. And so Reenie, a journalist, decides to use her deep connections to Felicity’s past to unravel the truth.
The more she uncovers, the more Reenie is convinced that the story the prosecution told is wrong, despite the puzzling fact that Felicity said not one single word in her own defense. But there's one thing Reenie knows for certain: Felicity would never lie.
My Review
In Jacquelyn Mitchard's gripping novel, THE BIRDWATCHER, a suspenseful and emotionally charged narrative unfolds through the perspective of a tenacious journalist. As she immerses herself in the harrowing double murder case of her childhood best friend, she unearths a labyrinth of hidden truths and shattered connections. The bond they once shared, fragile and complex, begins to unravel, revealing the darker undercurrents of their intertwined lives and the haunting shadows of the past.
Driven by an unwavering conviction of her friend's innocence—despite the silence that surrounds her during the trial—she embarks on a gripping quest for the truth. This narrative unfolds like a rich tapestry, intertwining themes of friendship, power, loyalty, and the hidden nuances of human relationship dynamics.
Moreover, the avian world serves not only as a backdrop but also as a poignant thematic guide throughout the story. The behavior of birds, woven seamlessly into the narrative, reflects the intricate complexities of friendship, betrayal, and unspoken secrets, offering readers a profound commentary on the nature of trust and human connection within this mesmerizing literary mystery.
About...
Felicity Wild, a former brilliant biology student who became a high-priced escort, is convicted of the double murder of two of her clients. The victims were an economics professor and a dairy salesman, both of whom had named Felicity as a beneficiary on their life insurance policies.
Reenie Bigelow, a fashion journalist with no crime reporting experience, gets permission to cover the story for her magazine and use her personal connection to Felicity to find the truth. Reenie is determined to prove her friend's innocence and clear her name.
A major point of intrigue is that Felicity, while declaring her innocence of this specific crime, refuses to say a single word in her own defense during the trial, confounding her attorney and the public.
Reenie returns to their shared hometown in Wisconsin to investigate Felicity's past and the circumstances of the murders, interviewing old acquaintances and family members.
As part of her investigation, Reenie takes a job as a bartender at "Ophelia," the strip club where Felicity worked, and uncovers details about the club's criminal underbelly and the interplay between sex, money, and power. How did her brilliant friend become involved in this industry and get caught up in a double murder?
Reenie faces opposition from her boss, Felicity's attorney, and others who don't want her to proceed. Her investigation leads to a shocking discovery that ultimately changes everything she thought she knew about her friend and their shared past.
The story builds tension around the question of why Felicity is protecting the real murderer or what secret she is hiding, culminating in a dramatic, shocking discovery that reveals the actual circumstances of the crimes.
My Thoughts...
In THE BIRDWATCHER, an intricate web of mystery envelops Felicity, whose silence during her dramatic murder trial serves as a haunting veil over a deep, buried secret. What truths is she shielding from the world, and what sacrifices is she willing to endure to protect them?
The narrative crescendos with tension as Reenie, a determined journalist, embarks on an investigative journey to peel back the layers of Felicity’s enigmatic life. It’s a quest driven by loyalty and an unshakeable belief that her friend would never deceive her.
THE BIRDWATCHER is a beautifully crafted novel, richly layered with symbolism and metaphor. The title resonates deeply within the story, as birds take center stage, intertwined with both thematic and structural elements.
Each chapter begins with an enchanting, imaginative description of a unique bird species—details that not only fascinate but also mirror the events and emotional undertones within that chapter.
From the majestic Sandhill cranes to the familiar robins and the mysterious crows, each avian metaphor serves to illuminate human behavior through the discerning eye of a birdwatcher. Reenie becomes the observer, painstakingly surveying those around her to unlock profound truths hidden beneath the surface.
Patience and observation emerge as the primary connections between the birds and the narrative, reflecting the painstaking process of uncovering mysteries. This slow-burning literary mystery invites readers to take their time, much like a dedicated birdwatcher who must remain still and silent, waiting with bated breath for the elusive beauty of nature to reveal itself.
As Reenie Bigelow delves deeper into her investigation, her journey mirrors that of a birdwatcher traversing the wild, uncovering secrets through careful observation of human actions and motivations. Felicity’s trial silence demands the same patient understanding from those around her, emphasizing the complexities that define her true motivations—challenges similar to deciphering the subtle behaviors of a wild bird.
Mitchard's portrayal of female friendship within THE BIRDWATCHER enriches the narrative’s themes, showcasing a bond so profound that it eclipses reason and external evidence. It underscores notions of unwavering loyalty, identity, and the hidden sacrifices women often bear, crafting layers of connection that bind the characters tightly together.
Key Themes...
~ Unquestioning Loyalty
~Unwavering Friendship
~ The Power of Shared History and Memory
~ The Nuances of Trust and Betrayal
~ Secrets and Protection
~ Identity and Perception
~ Contrast and Class Distinction
~ A Return to Roots
~ Small Town Secrets
The relentless drive of loyalty propels Reenie forward, compelling her to risk her career and safety in the pursuit of truth. This investigation transcends mere procedural detail; it is a profound journey back to the roots of the people and places that shaped their intertwined lives. It suggests that our deepest understanding of another often comes from a history woven over a lifetime, not solely from the cold confines of a courtroom.
The Audiobook...
I had the pleasure of listening to the spectacular audiobook. You’ll find yourself irresistibly drawn to every mention of birds and quotes intricately woven throughout the narrative. The audiobook, in particular, is a true gem, brought to life by the talented and award-winning narrator, Gail Shalan, who happens to be one of my personal favorites. I am continually amazed by her remarkable ability to breathe life into the characters with distinct, (with many unique voices), each so perfectly crafted that it feels as if you’re conversing with them directly. Her enchanting performance pulls you into the immersive story from the very first word, creating a spellbinding atmosphere. With expert pacing and rich expression, she transforms the listening experience into an exhilarating journey filled with suspense, mystery, and an ever-present intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Recs...
For those captivated by the rich tapestry of mystery, complex female friendships, and deep-seated secrets in THE BIRTHWATCHER, I recommend exploring these compelling titles:
- The Good Son by Jacquelyn Mitchard
- None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
- Friends and Liars by Kit Frick
- Best of Friends by Kamila Shamsie
- Sadie by Courtney Summers
- When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain
Each of these selections offers a unique blend of suspense and emotional depth, sure to resonate with readers who appreciate the intricacies of the human experience.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Dec 09, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
Praise
“True to form, Mitchard delivers another masterful, multi-dimensional, riveting novel.”
—Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of We Are all Guilty Here
“The Birdwatcher is special, pushing the limits of friendship in a story that's as satisfying as it is heartbreaking, a compelling and insightful novel that readers won’t soon forget. I loved this book!”
—Karen Dionne, internationally bestselling author of The Marsh King’s Daughter
“As taut, compelling and unnerving as it is witty and compassionate, The Birdwatcher is one hell of a mystery. Mitchard illuminates friendship, romance and family with a bright and even tender light.”
—Amy Bloom, New York Times bestselling author of In Love
“A deliciously dark novel with the kind of distinctive narrative voice every writer hopes to achieve.”
—Zibby Owens, bestselling author of Bookends
“A suspenseful, twisty, and page-turning drama. Fans of Jacquelyn Mitchard are going to love this one.”
—Lisa Genova, author of Still Alice
“Jacquelyn Mitchard’s The Birdwatcher is at once a gripping mystery and a nuanced portrait of a complicated friendship. With her trademark insight and compassion, Mitchard explores the ways our pasts can both bind and betray us. I couldn’t put it down.”
—Adrienne Brodeur, bestselling author of Little Monsters
“Witty and insightful…[Mitchard] does an admirable job of creating a complex criminal scenario and portraying characters with nuanced feelings about old friendships, while also highlighting the interplay between sex, money, and power.”
—Kirkus
About the Author
Jacquelyn Mitchard is the New York Times bestselling author of 23 novels for adults and teenagers, and the recipient of Great Britain’s Talkabout prize, The Bram Stoker and Shirley Jackson awards, and named to the short list for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. Her first novel, The Deep End of the Ocean, was the inaugural selection of the Oprah Winfrey Book Club, with more than 3 million copies in print in 34 languages. It was later adapted into a major feature film starring Michelle Pfeiffer. Her novel Still Summer has also been adapted for a film still in production and her teen trilogy The Midnight Twins, is in development for a limited series by Kaleidoscope Entertainment. Her essay collection, The Rest of Us: Dispatches from the Mother Ship, was drawn from her newspaper column syndicated by Tribune Media. Mitchard’s essays also have been published in magazines worldwide, widely anthologized, and incorporated into school curricula. She served on the Fiction jury for the 2003 National Book Awards and was editor-in-chief of Merit Press, a Young Adult imprint under the aegis of Simon and Schuster.
A Chicago native, Mitchard grew up the daughter of a plumber and a hardware store clerk who met as rodeo riders. She is a Distinguished Fellow at the Ragdale Foundation and a DeWitt Clinton Readers Digest Fellow at the MacDowell Colony. She has taught in MFA program for Creative Writing at Vermont College of Fine Arts, Miami University of Ohio and Western New England University and was a speechwriter for former U.S. Rep. and Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna E. Shalala. An avid Italian cook, she lives on Cape Cod with her husband and their nine children. Her newest novel, A Very Inconvenient Scandal, the story of Frankie Attleboro, an acclaimed young underwater photographer reeling from her mother’s shocking death, whose famous marine biologist father shatters the family by marrying Frankie’s best friend, is out from Mira/HarperCollins. WEBSITE
