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Roly’s Yard is an aviary tacked on to the back of a squat in Central Manchester and Roland Barnes is a killer. Or is he? Boy after boy has come to visit the finches he raises in his aviary, and two of them have disappeared. One of them has been found dead.
Detective Superindent Parker and psychological profiler Murray Hanson are closing in on Roly, but will it be in time to save Roly’s latest visitor, Brogan Healey?
Detective Superindent Parker and psychological profiler Murray Hanson are closing in on Roly, but will it be in time to save Roly’s latest visitor, Brogan Healey?
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Reviews
Martin's second novel propels her forward in the ranks of British crime writers... It will definitely rank among the best crime books of the year
'Martin's second novel propels her forward in the ranks of British crime writers... An intelligent, thoughtful story which leaves the reader on the edge of their seat. Well constructed, beautifully written. It will definitely rank among the best crime books of the year'
Yorkshire Post
'A nail-biting thriller that builds tension'
Val McDermid, Manchester Evening News
A nail-biting thriller that builds tension
'You won't be able to put it down'
Essentials
Martin cleverly portrays the innocent obstinacy of vulnerable young boys, propelled towards a fate they can neither imagine nor believe
The writing has a nice, hairs-rising-on-the-back-of-the-neck tone to it, and I wouldn't recommend staying up into the small hours to finish this one. Better to peruse it in daylight, with a hatchet close to hand
'A gripping tale of abuse and murder which doesn't rely on sensationalist detail to deliver the goods'
Prima
The Bird Yard is extremely well written and grips the reader with a very real fear
'A gripping, well-paced story, in which Martin displays a considerable depth of insight into the adolescent mind'
Yorkshire Evening Post
A chilling tale of psychological suspense
'Martin cleverly portrays the innocent obstinacy of vulnerable young boys, propelled towards a fate they can neither imagine nor believe'
Sunday Telegraph
'A superb psychological thriller. I couldn't put it down. If you like Minette Walters and Ruth Rendell, look out for this talented author'
Choice
'A compulsive read'
Reading Chronicle
'Grim and intense, this novel gives readers an instant jolt . . . Parker is a winning protagonist, shrewd and compassionate . . . Martin, whose last book, A Likeness in Stone, was nominated for an Edgar Award, has worked a keen note of malevolence into her novel and
created a gripping story that has firm psychological underpinnings' Publishers Weekly
'The writing has a nice, hairs-rising-on-the-back-of-the-neck tone to it, and I wouldn't recommend staying up into the small hours to finish this one. Better to peruse it in daylight, with a hatchet close to hand' IRISH TIMES
'The Bird Yard is extremely well written and grips the reader with a very real fear' STIRLING OBSERVER