It seems a long time ago that Fitz and Gabby were together, with his work on extinct species about to make him world-famous. Now, it's his career that is almost extinct. Suddenly, though, the beautiful Gabby reappears in his life. She wants his help in tracing the history of The Mysterious Bird of Ulieta, a creature once owned by the great 18th Century naturalist Joseph Banks. It soon becomes clear that Fitz is getting involved in something more complicated -- and dangerous -- than the search for a stuffed bird. To solve the puzzle, he must uncover the identity of the amazing woman Banks loved -- a woman who has disappeared from history as effectively as the specimen he is hunting. A mixture of detection, romance and history, THE CONJUROR'S BIRD has all the makings of a word-of-mouth bestseller.
The Conjuror's Bird
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Review
'A pacy confection of history, mystery and romance' -- The Times
'Two gripping, intercut narratives ... a lyricism that captures the joy of the natural world' -- Independent
'[An] absorbing historical detective story ... a beautifully evoked narrative from the past' -- Guardian
'Two gripping, intercut narratives ... a lyricism that captures the joy of the natural world' -- Independent
'[An] absorbing historical detective story ... a beautifully evoked narrative from the past' -- Guardian
From the Publisher
Martin Davies' novel is a great read, and the audiobook edition really catptures the atmosphere of the two narratives, one from the present, one from the past. Martin himself carefully fine-tuned the abridgement to make sure that this audio is both an excellent extra dimension for anyone who enjoyed the book, and a great listen for fans of fiction on audio who are coming to it for the first time.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By Rowie
Format:Paperback
I LOVED this book! Who'd have thought that a story about an extinct bird, a 18th-century naturalist's mistress and an emotionally challenged contemporary detective could be so gripping?! The narratives alternate between the different times cleverly, sucking you in, then turning to a new chapter just as you feel you're getting somewhere and understanding the mystery a little bit more.
The themes are big - we're talking about Man's destruction of the natural world, the reasons why some species survive and others don't, creation myths - but at its heart is a love story, and one that'll have you hooked from start to finish.
Like all good books, it makes you feel AND think. It's a really good yarn. All I can say is read it, enjoy it, read it again!
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By Strobs
Format:Paperback
In essence, the story revolves around two interlinked tales, an historical love story and modern day thriller. For me the most successful part is the eighteenth century love story between the real Joseph Bank's and his unnamed mistress and the fate of a preserved specimen of a very rare bird, The Mysterious Bird of Ulieta. The narrative alternates between the different times cleverly. The emotionally challenged modern detective Fitz and his hunt for the bird lead him to having to decode the puzzle of the identity of the woman Banks loved - a woman who has disappeared from history as effectively as the specimen he is hunting. In doing so Fitz must face a demon or two of his own and resolve his feelings for Gaby and their past life. I loved this book I found the story plausible and the love story moving. Great stuff.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I was drawn away from my usual read and did what they tell you never to do...I judged this book on its beautiful cover. The pages within are not disappointing either.
Martin Davies flits between the two periods of the story with gentle ease, which keeps you waiting for the emerging stories and characters, it is almost two novels in one and the way they interweave is fascinating.
And all because of a small, brown, quite unimpressive little stuffed bird, which vanished and the race for its discovery by the wealthy and the academics.
Just read and enjoy, it is a lovely book, suitable for both male and female readers, with not too much romance but just enough to keep it interesting.
Martin Davies flits between the two periods of the story with gentle ease, which keeps you waiting for the emerging stories and characters, it is almost two novels in one and the way they interweave is fascinating.
And all because of a small, brown, quite unimpressive little stuffed bird, which vanished and the race for its discovery by the wealthy and the academics.
Just read and enjoy, it is a lovely book, suitable for both male and female readers, with not too much romance but just enough to keep it interesting.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hard to put down
I found this book compelling and just culdn't put it down. My only critisism would be that I found the ending a bit muddley and confusing. Otherwise, top marks, a good read.
Published 14 days ago by High Speed Mum
4.0 out of 5 stars
Mysterious Bird, I Want To Get Close To You
Hugely enjoyable novel with an arresting opening and engaging characters.
Davies uses a dual narrative, one set in the present where first person narrator John... Read more
Davies uses a dual narrative, one set in the present where first person narrator John... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Rotgut
4.0 out of 5 stars
Unusual subject matter
I really liked this book. The subject was very unusual but extremely interesting. Joseph Banks was a complex character and a man of his time. Read more
Published 4 months ago by m
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conjuror's Bird
Excellent book. Well researched and such an unusual "detective" story. Would appeal to a wide variety of readers - naturalists, historical fiction and detective story... Read more
Published 5 months ago by suzie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Is it fiction or non-fiction
A modern day professor sets out on a journey to look for a specimen of an extinct bird which was only ever spotted once, on Captain Cooks second voyage. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Janie U
4.0 out of 5 stars
Just wonderful !
I loved this book ! Both stories unfolded and interchanged with great ease. I loved the Joseph Banks/Mary Burnett storyline, what an amazing character Mary was. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Conchie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Intriguing mystery, tender romance
I loved this book and its two side-by-side narratives. Part mystery, part romance, it kept me hooked as the two stories unfolded and developed. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Joppa Rox
5.0 out of 5 stars
Light, pacy and warmly romantic, a lovely gentle read!
This was really enjoyable, a light, pacy and swift read seamlessly and effortlessly weaving historical fact with fiction to create a neat, rounded and warmly romantic tale. Read more
Published on 24 Aug 2010 by Loupop
4.0 out of 5 stars
Thoroughly Enjoyable!
Who would think that the hunt for a stuffed bird could be so enjoyable? This was cleverly constructed, giving us the pace of the present-day quest for the bird and taking us back... Read more
Published on 14 Oct 2009 by Banjo Cat
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting Mystery about a Missing Bird
The book has two parallel stories, separated by almost 300 years. The 1700's story gave you a real feel of how difficult and different life was for a young woman with no prospects... Read more
Published on 31 Mar 2009 by Mrs. C. Colbert
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