High Island Blues

Swarms of migrating birds fall from the sky seeking shelter as the spring storms begin, but the birders are distracted by a far more shocking sight: Mick Brownscombe's dead body...

Old college friends Rob, Oliver, and Mick reunite on a birdwatching tour to America. It is the first time in twenty years the three have been together since the fateful holiday to America during which they met the enigmatic Laurie. The tour party is hoping for spectacular sights at High Island on the Upper Texas coast, but as the rain pours down and the birds descend, Mick is discovered dead. The serene birdwatching trip quickly turns into a scene of chaos and suspicion.

Back in Britain, private investigators George and Molly Palmer-Jones are working on a minor fraud case connected to Brownscombe Associates. The peaceful investigation is disrupted when George receives a desperate transatlantic call from his friend Rob, urgently seeking help with Mick's mysterious death. Without a moment's hesitation, George flies to Texas, bringing his sharp mind and keen observational skills to the fore.

As George delves deeper into the case, his investigations initially make little progress. Tension rises, and the intrigue thickens as he uncovers fragments of secrets and lies surrounding the old friends. The plot takes an even darker turn when a second body is found, making it increasingly clear that the first death was no mere accident. In a race against time and stormy weather, George must piece together the clues before more lives are lost.

High Island Blues brilliantly combines Cleeves' talent for creating atmospheric settings with intricate character development and a gripping storyline. Fans of her work will find themselves deeply engaged in this masterful conclusion to the George and Molly Palmer-Jones series. The novel not only thrills with its suspenseful narrative but also provides a poignant exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the passage of time.