High Island Blues

By: Ann Cleeves

Narrated by: Sean Barrett

High Island Blues is the eighth and final mystery novel featuring George and Molly Palmer-Jones by Ann Cleeves, author of the Shetland and Vera Stanhope crime series.

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 bird watching 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.

Back in Britain, Private Investigators George and Molly Palmer-Jones are working on a minor fraud case with name of Brownscombe Associates attached. So when George receives a desperate transatlantic call from his friend Rob, he is on the first plane to Texas.

His investigations make little progress – until the second body is found . . .

'Nobody does unsettling undercurrents better than Ann Cleeves' – Val McDermid, author of the Karen Pirie series

Critic reviews

A fine writer

Cleeves is quietly carving out a reputation as the new Queen of Crime

Ann Cleeves is a skilful technician, keeping our interest alive and building slowly up to the denouement. Her easy use of language and clever story construction make her one of the best natural writers of detective fiction

Nobody does unsettling undercurrents better than Ann Cleeves (Val McDermid)

Ann Cleeves has an enviable talent . . . I love these books

Excellent Account of a High Island Fall Out

I liked the setting and the story, having spent some time birding oat High Island, Anahuac, and the Bolivar Flats. I found the story compelling, with all Cleeves's expected red herrings. I did not car for the dreadful attempts at Texas accents, usually rich and varied.

A good story

Interesting surprising ending kept my interest all the time we’ll performed
Enjoy this author always

First time I ever figured out who the killer was before the end and Ann cleeves

Great story and narration. Specially, with all the tricky accents. I will miss George and Molly Palmer Jones.

Not up to par

I find it hard to believe Ann Cleeves wrote this. I don’t think it’s only the performance that makes it such a drudge. I enjoyed all the others. Not sure I’ll finish this one:(