Solid thriller premise and I was super excited to get into this… it went in an entirely different direction than I anticipated though that unfortunately did not pay off. I feel kind of “meh” about it overall. Didn’t hate it, I wouldn’t say that. It was just okay.

Review for the audio specifically: I liked the narrator! Did really well and have no complaints.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early audio in exchange for a review.

I picked this one up on a bit of a whim. I loved the idea of an ornithology driven thriller/ murder investigation. And it didn't disappoint. I didn't quite expect as crazy of a plot as was presented, but despite how horrifying it was, it was an enjoyable reading experience. Some parts were maybe a bit more convoluted than they should have been (and I don't mean in a "building up mystery and suspense" kind of way although there was also a lot of that) but it didn't detract from the story too much. I also loved how climate change and Australian wildfires were woven into the plot without detracting from the main events.

Also, this isn't really related to everything but Brydee (I listened to the audiobook so sorry if I misspelled that) gave me strong aroace vibes and I loved that! I think she's probably the character that grew on me the most, especially as she grew. (Okay, I also loved Jessica because yes, ornithology and discussions of how global change impact birds! Massive area of interest to me and I'd definitely be interested in working with her if I ran across her in real life).

Jane Caro’s Lyrebird had potential, but it leans too much on broad statements and clichés. The characters lack real depth, making it hard to fully connect with their journeys. It’s an easy read, but it doesn’t dig deep enough. Good premise, and I appreciate there were a lot of political messages in there, though not always well placed. It could have been richer, which is a shame because the premise in the blurb, really drew me in - for me, it just didn't quite deliver.

4.5 rounded up. Lyrebird by Jane Caro is a gripping crime thriller set against the eerie beauty of the Australian bush. The story begins when ornithology student Jessica Weston records a lyrebird mimicking the screams of a woman in fear. Years later, a body is found exactly where Jessica once said it would be—reopening a cold case that was never taken seriously.

Caro, known for her work as a feminist and social commentator, brings a strong voice to issues like the silencing of women and the fight for justice. Her insight adds real depth to the story, without slowing down the suspense.

With vivid writing, believable characters, a focus on the victim as well as those living and a chilling mystery at its core, Lyrebird is both a page-turner and a powerful reflection on truth and resilience. A haunting, unforgettable read.

The audio narrative was great, but the cover reminded me of fantasy about a dragon-until I worked out what it was. It didn’t draw me, a crime and mystery enthusiast to it for fear it was about dragons!

Well developed characters and a strong storyline make this a great book and the excellent narrator was a delight to listen to. It kept me completely entertained on a long journey so I’m happy to recommend.

Twenty years ago, Jessica, an ornithology student in Australia, records the chilling sounds of a woman's screams being mimiced by a lyrebird. Distressed by what she had heard she took the recording to the local police station but with the only witness to a possible attack on a woman being a lyrebird, the case was dismissed. The only person at the time who took the case seriously was detective Megan Blaxland.

Twenty years on a body of a woman is found in the same spot Jessica reported hearing the lyrebird's cry. The cold case is re-opened, Megan is lured out of police retirement and the two women along with a cast of supporting characters seek to solve the murder mystery.

As the case unfolds and secrets from the past are unearthed it is clear that they are also in danger in the present.

Beautifully written, fast paced and twisty with strong women characters. A highly recommended compelling crime thriller.

The audiobook was expertly narrated offering a very immersive experience.

I am grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced listener copy of this book.

I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. The story kept me gripped from the outset and I though that the narrator did a good job with the diverse range of characters that she portrayed. Not a light-hearted subject, as it deals with a young woman's death and more which I will not reveal as I don't wish to spoil the plot. It did however, feel ultimately hopeful and ended on a kind of positive note. I would love it if Megan didn't go back to retirement and we see her investigating another case in a new book soon.

*The story revolves around Jessica Weston, an ornithology student who, twenty years ago, recorded a lyrebird mimicking the chilling screams of a woman in terror. Initially dismissed by the police due to the lack of a missing person or a body, Jessica's claims resurface when a body is discovered exactly where she had indicated.

Now an associate professor, Jessica teams up with Megan Blaxland, a retired detective who originally supported her claims, to solve the cold case. Together, they navigate a web of danger and secrets, determined to uncover the truth. The novel is praised for its unique premise, atmospheric storytelling, and exploration of themes like justice, belief, and resilience. A gripping read for fans of twisty mysteries and compelling characters!

Ok, first things first, I have a fear of birds, so being drawn to this title was a bit odd. I don’t think I had actually heard of a Lyrebird, but my nana owned a myna bird that was an amazing mimic (yes I was scared of it) so that intrigued me, the thought of a bird being the sole witness and holding secrets.

A bird calling out in Spanish for help in the Australian bush caught on camera by student Jessica, Jessica knows the bird is mimicking what it’s heard, at the time detective Meghan believed Jessica was right, the bird had captured the scene of a crime but with no evidence the case was closed.

20 years later, a body is found, Meghan is called back from retirement, a cold case is reopened and Jessica’s evidence is looked at anew. The way the story played out was perfect for my liking. A proper police procedural, that does wrap up, but we actually get the whole story, and I appreciate that.

I really liked our protagonists, both Meghan and Jessica were great examples of strong female lead characters. They’ve remained great friends over the years and Jessica is now an ornithology professor.

The author has a clear climate change message throughout the story, but I felt that while the message was clear, it also fit the story perfectly and that’s a hard thing to do.


Jessica Douglas-Henry’s narration was fantastic!

My gratitude to Wavesound from W.F Howes LTD via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧