Freya Berry Books

"The answers to a puzzle lie hidden within an old book. Open The Birdcage Library and let the treasure hunt begin... It's 1932 and adventuress and plant-hunter Emily Blackwood accepts a commission from Heinrich Vogel, a former dealer of exotic animals in Manhattan, living now with his macabre collection in a remote Scottish castle. Emily is tasked to find a long-lost treasure which 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. 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..." - goodreads.com

A diary hidden. A crime buried. A secret to be freed... In 1932, Emily Blackwood, a young adventuress and plant hunter, embarks on a peculiar commission to catalogue a gentleman's extensive collection of taxidermied creatures. Upon her arrival at a ruined castle, she encounters an owner haunted by the memory of a woman who vanished five decades earlier. When Emily discovers ripped pages of an old diary concealed within the walls, she realizes a dark secret awaits, threatening to ensnare her as well. The narrative is filled with beautiful writing, a thrilling plot, and a literary treasure hunt that captivates readers. Critics praise it as an outstanding blend of crime, mystery, and intrigue, making it a must-read. The atmospheric setting and gothic elements create an immersive experience, while the clever twists keep readers engaged until the final revelation. This tale of murder and obsession is both addictive and darkly compelling, ensuring that the story lingers long after the last page is turned. With its intricate layers and haunting ambiance, it promises a double shiver of pleasure for those who delve into its depths.

"ONE WOMAN KNOWS THE TRUTH. Laura flies to her parents' homeland for the defence case of her life. Facing trial is Marija Popa, 'the Black Widow'; a constant at her husband's side until the day his people rose up and executed him. Beautiful and beguiling, Marija insists she knew nothing of her husband's dark affairs.CAN YOU TRUST HER TO TELL IT? For Laura, the case has a personal meaning. Her mother has never spoken of the horrors she witnessed under the old regime, and remains a shadow of the woman she used to be. As Laura prepares for the trial, she realises that to find the truth, she must enter the web of the dictator's wife. But what secrets lie within?"-- Back cover