Birds Alive by Jen Dodrill is this week’s Reaer Friday. Here’s the first line: “I could write blog posts and headings, research keywords, and create printables for my Mamma Birds blog readers. In. My. Dreams. Not today, though.”
I loved this mystery, but first the photo and verse. It’s actually a meme I’ve used before. But I’ve been thinking of this verse all week and so I found it again. Just looking at it and reading the verse calmed my spirit. It’s been a hard week, and I’m sure some readers share those sentiments. It’s so good to have verses to fall back on, don’t you think?
Now onto Birds Alive by Jen Dodrill. Here’s the cover and back blurb:
My Take:
I loved this book! Not exactly a cozy, but definitely a mystery…more like a Jessica Fletcher story. Peg Howard has written her very successful Mama Birds blog for 13 years, but now that she’s an empty nester, how can she advise young moms any longer? How does she start a new career/find a hobby? She settles on birding and calls it the Empty Nesters Birding Group. What she didn’t expect was to find bodies instead of birds. Or get involved in the investigations, much like Jessica Fletcher.
Jen Dodrill’s secondary characters were amazing, especially Peg’s mother-in-law, Hazel, and her pet dog and bird who temporarily moved in with her. There is a hint of romance, but which man will win? Shorty, who stands over six feet and is quite handsome, or the grumpy detective, Marcus Sharp.
There are plenty of suspects and for once I didn’t figure out the killer until the end. If you love good mysteries, engaging characters, and a little romance, you’ll enjoy this amazing book.
You can purchase it on Kindle or read it in KU.
Discover more from Patricia Bradley
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
Comments 27
Enjoyable. As always the verse & photo was a balm.
Author
Thanks, Lisa. That’s one of my favorite go-to verses!
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Author
It is, Diana! I can’t wait until the next book comes out.
Birds Alive! sounds fantastic. I love a good mystery. Good review, Patricia!
Author
Thanks, Priscilla. I think you’d really enjoy Birds Alive!
Pat, your photo provides great imagery for that verse in Scripture. We should always be thirsty for God’s Word and rush to it.
I just finished Cara Putman’s “The Vanished”, and it was really great! This morning I will start “Her Duty Bound Defender” by Sharee Stover. It begins with ” A tragic murder in a blissful setting. That’s how the Denver media sensationalized Peter Windham’s horrifying Valentine’s Day Murder.” This is the second in the series called Mountain Country K-9 with multiple authors.
Author
I always enjoy Sharee Stover’s books, Tim. Sounds like a good read. And when I think of that verse a picture of deer drinking water always comes to mind.
It’s a great book. I’m glad you’re featuring it 🙂
Author
Glad you enjoyed it, Delores!
I don’t remember seeing this meme before, but I agree with you—just reading the verse calmed my soul. The photo is restful, as well.
This looks like a fun book to read. I’m ready for a Jessica Fletcher type of story right now. Great review. Thanks, Pat. Adding to my list!!!
“Benny Garza tore down the gravel road like a bunch of gang-bangers were chasing him.
He was used to that.” This is Kelly Irvin’s book, No Child of Mine.
Author
Funny you should be reading one of Kelly Irvin’s books, Barbara. I’ll be reviewing The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos next week. This one is on my Kindle and I’ll be reading it soon!
Pat, The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is a powerful book. It’s very thought provoking, helpful and also has a great storyline.
Author
It is definitely a powerful book! More on that next week, Barbara…
“No Child of Mine” was a great book, Barbara. But, then Kelly’s books are dependably great.
I agree, Tim. Kelly’s books are great. She puts her heart and soul into them. Thanks for the extra comment on No Child of Mine.
Author
I so agree, Tim!
Sometimes your scriptures are all I need to have a great day.
Author
Thanks, Judy. They do the same for me.
This book sounds like a fun one. I put it on my Amazon list. I am reading Loyally, Luke by Pepper Basham. The first line is:
Prologue
Don’t read this book.
It’s embarrassing.
And private.
Author
I think you’d enjoy it, Gloria! And Pepper’s book sounds funny.
I love that peaceful picture with that verse. It’s as though the psalmist was looking at that very sight when he wrote the verse.
I don’t think I have read any Jen Dodrill books, but this one sounds quite entertaining.
I’m finally getting to Double Take by Lynette Eason. I always enjoy her books. I’m fairly sure the first line was shared shortly after the book was released, which would have been from the Prologue. This is the first line from chapter one: Lainie Jackson glanced at the clock on the dash and pressed the gas a little harder even though the rain came down in sheets.
Author
I feel the same way about the picture, Edward. This is Jen Dodrill’s debut book. I should have said that!
Thank so much, Pat! I’m working hard on book #2!
Author
here;s Caryl Kane’s comment on the Reader Friday post:
Exquisite photo for the scripture, Pat!
Happy weekend!
Love the deer photo and the book sounds great.
Author
Thanks, Sally Jo!