Review: Great thriller steeped in deception and folklore
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 25, 2014
Described as a murder mystery or crime thriller, I found myself much more interested in the behaviors of the birds and I would have liked to see much more on the symbology, as that mixed with ancient folklore is always of interest to me. It’s difficult to provide a review without giving too much away (you can find out more by reading the story’s synopsis and other reviewer comments), but there are several backstories going on that eventually culminate in a way that is both tragic and just. And while normally, I don’t like it when stories bounce around, in this case, Darcy does an excellent job of providing information in a way that doesn’t give too much away until the end. And you have to admit, what fun would a thriller steeped in folklore be if you had it all figured out before the end?I enjoyed the novel and would definitely recommend it to others. For me, I would have liked to read more about the folklore behind it all. Perhaps even more of a hint as to who is/was involved. And as someone who finds animal behavior in general, fascinating: watching a crow use a lid as a sled to play in the snow or a stick as a tool, only hints at the level or depth of intelligence behind species. “The Curious Prophecy of Birds” takes it to an entirely different dimension, as they become the conduits for those souls who cannot leave the earth. And while the actions of the birds at times have a very Hitchcockian element, their reasons are far less primal and much more cunning.This is not a short novel nor should it be rushed. Take your time. You’ll be glad that you did.