Reviewed on Richard and Judy on 8 February 2006. Flowing easily back and forth from the present to the 18th century and dipping in and out of two equally fascinating mysteries, in fact three by the time you’ve finished, this part detective, part love, part historical story is based on fact and is truly fascinating. At the centre is a search for a rare, now extinct, bird captured during one of Cook’s voyages, stuffed and owned by the celebrated naturalist of the time, one Joseph Banks, an unlikely spoil now sought by many dubious characters. It is a thumping good read.
It seems a long time ago that Fitz and Gabby were together, with his work on extinct species about to make him world-famous. Now, it’s his career that is almost extinct. Suddenly, though, the beautiful Gabby reappears in his life. She wants his help in tracing the history of The Mysterious Bird of Ulieta, a creature once owned by the great 18th Century naturalist Joseph Banks. It soon becomes clear that Fitz is getting involved in something more complicated – and dangerous – than the search for a stuffed bird. To solve the puzzle, he must uncover the identity of the amazing woman Banks loved – a woman who has disappeared from history as effectively as the specimen he is hunting. A mixture of detection, romance and history, The Conjuror's Bird has all the makings of a word-of-mouth bestseller.
Martin Davies grew up in North West England. He has travelled widely, including in the Middle East and India, and his plan for THE CONJUROR'S BIRD was put together on a trekking holiday in Greenland. He lives in South West London and works for the BBC as a producer.
