The Bird Yard

by Julia Wallis Martin

Book Overview

When 12-year-old Joseph Coyne is missing and is assumed to have been abducted, Detective Parker makes a promise to the boy's mother: We'll get him back, alive. It proves to be a promise that Parker... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312205007
• ISBN13: 9780312205003
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Length: 340 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

The Bird Yard

Electrifying and unusual! The scope of the plot has depth and holds your interest until the last page. Having read "Likeness in Stone" and noting its unique approach, I could hardly wait to read her next book. I wasn't disappointed as this author has skillfully designed a wonderful, descriptive mystery that centers around a ritualistic use of beautiful birds,"finches", and the pursuit of young boys for sexual favors. Using a criminologist and a policeman to develop the bizare, sexual deviate's plot to kill the boys, you hang on every strand desperately hoping against hope that another boy is not an innocent victim. I have read all of Minette Walters' books and I rather think this author is better.

DEATH AND HORROR AMID THE BEATS OF SPARROW WINGS

THIS IS A THOUGHTFUL AND WELL PACED MYSTERY WHICH DOES NOT SCIMP ON CHARACTER AND PLACE DEVELOPMENT AS IT TIGHTENS THE SCREWS OF FEAR. A WONDERFUL READ FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SEEN THE FACE OF EVIL IN THE MOST ORDINARY OF THOSE AMONGST US, AND HAVE NOT TURNED AWAY. THE WRITING IS FLUID. THE ATMOSPHERE IS PERMEATING. AND THE END RESULT IS A TALE LIKELY TO KEEP EVEN THE MOST HARDENED MYSTERY FAN AWAKE AT NIGHT LONG AFTER THE FINAL PAGE IS TURNED.

an absolutely wonderful read - I can only wait for more!

This psychological thriller is a masterpiece. Well-written with a carefully thought-out plot, The Bird Yard deserves an Edgar Award immediately! It's hard to believe the author has only written one other book, (A Likeness in Stone). My only complaint is that I can't start her next one right away.

A grim and compelling thriller

This book left me breathless! It is a tightly paced and beautifully written novel that is as fascinating as it is disturbing. The well developed characters really pull you into the story and the author's depiction of Brogan, a lonely and abandoned boy haunted by the memories of his dead mother, is poignant. It is a human story but one that dwells on the dark thoughts that reside in the human mind. Martin has been compared to Minette Walters and while I have not read enough of Walters book to agree to the comparison, I will say that Martin's writing is as compelling as Ruth Rendell, my favorite mystery writer. I think Martin has a bright writing career ahead of her, and I can't wait to read her next book.

A fascinating and breathtaking story

Julia Wallis Martin has been able to keep up the pace and level of "A Likeness in Stone". The story is very well written and keeps the reader fascinated to the very last page. Julia Wallis Martin are of the same quality as The Alienist, The Memory Game and The Church of Dead Girls.