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Lyrebird

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Lyrebird

By: Jane Caro
Narrated by: Jessica Douglas-Henry
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About this listen

Lyrebirds were mimics. They didn't create the sounds they made, only repeated what they had heard. Had the bird actually listened to some poor woman begging for her life? Jessica looked around uneasily. The bush that had seemed so benign and beautiful only minutes before now seemed sinister.

Twenty years ago, ornithology student Jessica Weston filmed a lyrebird mimicking the dying screams of a woman in the Barrington Tops National Park. Terrified, she took her recordings to the Maitland police to report a murder. Despite support from newly minted detective, Megan Blaxland, no one was reported missing in the area and no body found, so Jessica's claims were mocked and dismissed.

Twenty years later, a body is unearthed. Exactly where Jessica said it would be.

Megan Blaxland, now a retired senior sergeant, is persuaded to return and lead the cold case investigation. The first thing she does is contact Jessica Weston, now an Associate Professor at Newcastle University.

Jessica and Megan are appalled that the dead woman, whose last moments were heard by only a lyrebird and her killer, has been ignored and forgotten for so long. They both feel they have let the victim down, and are determined to find the killer, whatever it takes.

What they do not realise is it is not just their own lives that may be in danger.

As with her previous novel, The Mother, where she shines a light on the tragedy of domestic violence, Jane Caro once again expertly illuminates the injustices perpetrated against women, particularly those who are marginalised, within a gripping, suspenseful thriller.

©2025 Jane Caro (P)2025 W. F. Howes Ltd.
Crime Thrillers Espionage Mystery Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Exciting
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Critic Reviews

'Ripper story - couldn't put it down!' BRYAN BROWN

What listeners say about Lyrebird

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Great story and characters, beautifully narrated.

The role of the bird is a great device and plausible, if you’re familiar with the capabilities of the lyrebird. Jane Caro’s characters and context all ring true. Jessica Douglas-Henry’s narration is an added bonus. Her characterisations are easily recognised and yet nuanced, convincing but not caricatures.

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Excellent well written plot

Superb read. This book deserves to be read by all crime fiction fans. The horror of bushfires is very well drawn and devastating to read.

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Brilliant read (or listen)

Jane Caro has outdone herself! This quintessential Aussie setting is perfect for a complex and brilliantly written murder mystery. Jane winds important issues through the action and intrigue. Her best book yet!

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Worth it

I found this book very enjoyable. Once I started I couldn’t stop listening to it. Wonderful book.

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