The Birdcage Library - by Freya Berry (Paperback)

About the Book

It's 1932: Australian-based Scottish adventuress (and surviving twin) Emily Blackwood accepts a commission from Heinrich Vogel, a former dealer of exotic animals in Manhattan. Vogel now lives with his macabre collection of taxidermy in a remote Scottish castle. Emily is tasked with finding a long-lost treasure that Heinrich believes has been hidden within. Instead, she discovers pages from a diary written by his sister-in-law, Hester, who died after falling from the Brooklyn Bridge on the eve of its opening in 1883. Hester's diary leads Emily to an old book, The Birdcage Library, and into a treasure hunt of another kind--one that will take her down a dangerous path for clues, and force her to confront her own darkest secret . . .

Book Synopsis

Spanning Gilded Age New York society to the 1930s Scottish Highlands, this gothic novel is a mystery within a mystery, featuring a compelling heroine, an engrossing puzzle with fiendish clues, and not one but three big twists.

It's 1932: Scottish adventuress and plant-hunter (and surviving twin) Emily Blackwood, now living in Australia, accepts a commission from Heinrich Vogel, a former dealer of exotic animals in Manhattan. Vogel now lives with his macabre collection of taxidermy in a remote Scottish castle. Emily is tasked with finding a long-lost treasure that Heinrich believes has been hidden within the castle walls. But instead, she discovers the pages of a diary written by Hester Vogel, who died after falling from the Brooklyn Bridge on the eve of its opening in 1883. Hester's diary leads Emily to an old book, The Birdcage Library, and into a treasure hunt of another kind--one that will take her down a dangerous path for clues, and force her to confront her own darkest secret . . .

Review Quotes

"Outstanding . . . has Berry's signature way of drawing a reader in, and keeping hold of them until the very last page. Lovers of crime, mystery, and intrigue should order this immediately."--Harper's BazaarUK

"In 1932, adventuress Emily Blackwood journeys to a ruined castle where a treasure hunt sees dark, long-buried secrets begin to unravel. . . . Wonderfully gothic and immersive."--New European

"An atmospheric read--add in a literary treasure hunt, and this is irresistible."--Good Housekeeping UK

"Very clever. Keeps you glued until the final twist."--Woman & Home

"Claustrophobic and clever storytelling."--Jane Shemilt, international bestselling author of The Daughter

"Compulsive. A twisty, atmospheric tale of dark secrets and hidden clues."--Kate Hamer, author of The Girl in the Red Coat

"Gorgeous, atmospheric; an immersive page-turner to be swept up in."--Ellery Lloyd

"If you like gothic novels, this is a feast. . . . Wonderfully atmospheric."--Historical Novel Society

"Addictive. Beautifully atmospheric and darkly compelling, this tale of two unusual women, murder and obsession will draw you in and keep you guessing until the final page."--Heat magazine

"A most intriguing detective story within the most gothic of atmospheres - a double shiver of pleasure."--The Chap magazine

About the Author

Freya Berry studied English literature at Trinity College, Cambridge, graduating with honors, and worked for several years as a financial and political journalist at Reuters and then the Daily Mail. The Dictator's Wife, her debut novel, was inspired by the close observation of the wives of some of the world's most powerful leaders. It was a BBC2 Between the Covers pick and shortlisted for the Authors' Club Best First Novel award. The Birdcage Library was an Amazon UK Book of the Year 2023 Editor's Pick. Berry is British-Indian and lives in London.