I've been eagerly awaiting a new Jane Caro book since absolutely loving The Mother (2022), and Lyrebird did not disappoint!

Lyrebirds are expert mimics, so when an ornithology student hears one deep in the bush echoing a woman’s screams for help, she immediately reports it. But with no evidence—only a bird as the witness—her claims are dismissed. Twenty years later, a body is found in the same area, reuniting the now-retired detective who always believed her and the professor who never forgot what she heard. Together, they set out to uncover the truth, leading them down an unpredictable path.

I loved the unique premise and found the cold-case angle especially compelling. The story weaves past and present seamlessly, keeping the suspense high. The two female leads bring different strengths to the investigation, making them a team I'd love to read more about.
The book also explores the timely themes of climate change and environmental issues, adding depth to the story. Given the devastating weather events affecting Australians in recent years, this felt particularly relevant.

Lyrebird is a gripping, twist-filled page-turner that I highly recommend to Aussie crime lovers!

Thank you to Netgalley and Allen and Unwin for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Jane Caro, Lyrebird, Allen & Unwin, April 2025.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

A lyrebird’s cry in a lonely bush site echoes a desperate woman’s cry for help. It is overheard by a student, who aware of its possible significance, takes her recording to the police. With no body, and no respect for Jessica Weston’s theory, the case remains unresolved. Twenty years later a body is found at the site and Jessica, now Associate Professor, and retired Megan Blaxland brought back for the new inquiry, together are determined to solve the case.

Caro makes superb use of features of the Australian bush - the loneliness, silence, foliage and undergrowth, and its beauty which hides a heinous crime. Her commitment to caring for the environment is made through engaging characters, the exposition becoming an integral part of the social commentary which provides a thoughtful background to solving the crime.

Characterisation is a strong feature of this novel, Megan Blaxland becoming a figure who would make excellent returning character. However, she is not alone in being a well-developed personality. Caro achieves complexity in her characters by weaving their flaws together with positive characteristics. At the same time, a sense of chill surrounds even the friendliest of interactions. This is a crime that, despite the possibility of wider ramifications has a small town, claustrophobic feel about it, the bush and the lyre bird’s lonely song playing a sinister part in achieving this.

This is the first of Jane Caro’s novels that I have read, although I follow her shorter contributions in the media. I found Caro’s combination of good story telling, social commentary, and a complex crime to be solved very inviting and look forward to reading her past and future work.

I enjoyed the story of body found 20 years ago and nothing was found till now and only thing they have video of the lyrebird it was easy to read ad the characters were ok would like more detailed description of various character to know them more on a deeper emotional level

A fascinating and compelling thriller story, that offered a unique premise and plenty of twists to hold my attention right to the end.

Lyrebirds are brilliant mimics, so when a lyrebird is recorded mimicking a woman screaming in terror and begging for her life, how will a young PhD ornithologist and a new detective convince anyone that a native Australian bird could have been a witness to a murder, particularly when there is no body?

Twenty years later, when a body is unearthed, Associate Professor Jessica Weston and recently retired detective Megan Blaxland are determined to uncover the truth, about this unusual cold case.

I enjoyed the varying perspectives offered throughout this story, and the light police procedural elements.

Jane Caro is a skilled writer and social commentator, and this story is no exception. Many complex topics have been mentioned in this book and have been portrayed with nuance and respect. The acknowledgements section also highlights the high level of research undertaken in the writing of this story.

With special thanks to Allen & Unwin, Jane Caro and NetGalley for this e-ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

The dedication is also timely and relevant – ‘This book is dedicated to everyone who is doing what they can to combat climate change. It is written in the hope that more of us will join this existential fight”.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars)
📖 Lyrebird by Jane Caro
📅 Published 1 April 2025
📚 Thank you to NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

What if the only witness to a murder was a bird?

Deep in the wild heart of the Barrington Tops, a young ornithology student hears something chilling—a woman screaming for her life. But when Jessica Weston tracks the sound, she discovers its source: a lyrebird. And lyrebirds don’t invent—they mimic.

Haunted by what she’s heard, Jessica takes her recording to the police, but with no body and no missing person, her claims are dismissed. Only one person believes her—rookie detective Megan Blaxland.

Fast forward twenty years. Jessica is now an associate professor, Megan a retired cop. And a body has just been unearthed, exactly where Jessica once insisted it would be.

Determined to find the truth, the two women reunite to solve a murder that should never have been forgotten. But as they uncover long-buried secrets, they realise they’re not just chasing a killer. Someone is watching them. And this time, the lyrebird may not be the only one echoing the past.

✨ Lyrebird is mesmerising—an atmospheric thriller where the Australian bush is as vivid and untamed as the mystery itself. Jane Caro’s writing is evocative and immersive, making every rustle of leaves and shadow between trees feel alive with possibility—and danger.

🦜 Jessica and Megan are exceptional protagonists: strong, smart, and relentless in their pursuit of justice. Their dynamic crackles with intelligence and drive, and I adored watching them piece together a case that once slipped through the cracks.

🔥 Twisty, fast-paced, and utterly gripping, Lyrebird kept me hooked from start to finish. Original, compelling, and impossible to put down—this is Australian crime fiction at its best.

#Lyrebird #JaneCaro #CrimeFiction #ThrillerReads #AustralianFiction #BookReview #MysteryThriller #NetGalley #Bookstagram

A great read, from story set in NSW, Australia. In depth characters and lots of twists and turns. Enjoyable read. Thank you to the author. Thank you to # netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.