“The Woodpecker Always Pecks Twice” A Bird Lover’s Mystery By J.R. Ripley

by Cynthia Chow

Details on how to win a copy of this book or the first book in the series, at the end of the review & a link to purchase it.

A bit groggy after once again being awoken by the red-bellied woodpecker named Drummy, Amy Simms can barely believe the scene she glimpses through the rain at the McKutcheon house across Ruby Lake. As the owner of Birds & Bees, an aviary, bee, & nature supplies store, Amy may not be an ornithologist, but she definitely knows the difference between a bird and a falling body. The rest of the town is not so certain though, and when Ruby Lake’s chief of police Jerry Kennedy finds no evidence of a corpse, his mocking doubt even has Amy questioning herself. Determined to find some sort of evidence, Amy leads her monthly bird-watching hike to McKutcheon house and its apparent conversion into a hostel. Amy is stunned to discover what she believes what could be a fresh grave, but before she can return to (literally) uncover more, she finds an even fresher corpse propped up against a tree. Irritable Bessie Hammond has grumbled about her last bird-watching venture, and this time even Jerry has to admit that it is murder.

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The chief of police still behaves as though he was the high school student who once dated Amy and was a student in her mother’s classes, so Amy doesn’t have much confidence that he will be able to solve this latest murder. This leads her to invite herself over to the McKutcheon house, whose owner Grant McKutcheon has filled with youthful Europeans. The relationships of these newcomers pale in comparison to the locals, who are using the McKutcheon’s connection to the legendary widow in the Lake to attract tourists to her annual ghostly appearance.

Image source: Lyrical Press

This third in the Bird Lover’s Mystery series entertains with the impulsive escapades led by the very focused and determined Amy. This allows her very little time to operate Birds & Bees, so it’s fortunate that he she has the help of her mother, Aunt Betty, and much less reliable cousin Riley for daily operations. As the investigation leads in completely unexpected directions, it ensures for a surprising conclusion that few readers will see coming. Amy’s humorous insights provide endless laughter for readers; to put off a possible “we need to talk” breakup session with her boyfriend, Amy determines that all she needs to do is to completely avoid him. Amy’s best friend Kim is dating the latest in her string of short-term boyfriends, so she’s prime for an epic breakup soon. Amy may lead more with her intuition than actual evidence, but she continues to be an undeniable delight who will have readers giggling long after the crime is solved.

To enter to win a copy of The Woodpecker Always Pecks Twice or the first book in the series, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “woodpecker,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen May 27, 2017. U.S. residents only. PLEASE STATE WHICH BOOK YOU WANT. If entering via email please included your mailing address.

You can use this link to purchase the book. If you have adblocker on you may not be able to see the Amazon link:

The Woodpecker Always Pecks Twice

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.