This is book 3 in the Vera Stanhope series by Ann Cleeves.  In this episode the killer engages in some rather artistic death scenes for his victims, leading Vera and her team on a chase to make the connections.  There is an interesting connection back to Vera’s roots, with references to birds and bird watchers.

The book opens with a single mum returning home to find her son murdered and left displayed for her to find.  There are plenty of suspects and clues to keep the reader the guessing about the connection between the victims and the reason behind the killings.  Vera is her usual self, pushing her team hard in her frustration with the case and the memories of her father that parts of it evoke.  Vera is such a wonderfully drawn character, I always feel as though I am reading about a real person when reading these books.

Great atmospheric  mystery read in a great series!