The Birdcage was a 2022 novel written by Eve Chase. I love Eve Chase novels. I’ve never read one I didn’t enjoy. Her novels always combine evocative settings and family secrets with a compelling mystery at the heart of the narrative.
I was therefore thrilled to be able to read an advanced copy of her latest book, The Birdcage.
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Plot
Lauren, Kat and Flora may have different mothers but they all share the same father, famous artist Charlie Finch. Over the years they have all gone on to lead completely different lives yet they are all drawn back to Rock Point, the location of their childhood summers, when their father mysteriously invites them all back.
Rock Point is not just a place of rugged beauty overlooking the Cornish coastline, it’s a place full of secrets and scandal. The three half-sisters haven’t returned to Rock Point in twenty years as they’ve tried to escape the memories of a summer where their lives all changed forever.
The sisters should feel safe back in their family home, but somebody isn’t happy that they are back. As threatening notes start to appear, they realise they’re not the only ones living with the consequences of that summer night two decades ago.
The Birdcage Book Review
I was first introduced to Eve Chase’s novel after seeing The Glass House was part of the Richard and Judy Book Club. The Birdcage has a similar theme to Black Rabbit Hall and The Glass House, which I was pleased about as I enjoyed them both. I love family mysteries and big old houses full of secrets.
This was another Eve Chase book that I really enjoyed. She always manages to create really atmospheric page-turners and I love her style of writing. Rock Point, as with houses in her previous novels, was so vividly described, as was the harsh and rugged beauty of the Cornish coastline.
The family was clearly a dysfunctional one, as all the daughters were desperate for the love and attention of the patriarch Charlie. While he certainly wouldn’t be winning any dad of the year awards, it was easy to see why he was so loved by his daughters (if not their mothers!) Some of the later revelations didn’t come as a complete surprise to me as I predicted them quite early on. However, it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. I still loved the story and how the loose ends were all tied up at the end.
It was an unsettling read at times but also perfectly displayed the complexities of sibling rivalries and familial love. Another great book from Eve Chase that I would definitely recommend.
What should I read after The Birdcage by Eve Chase?
If you enjoyed The Birdcage by Eve Chase, I’d definitely recommend you read her other novels.
If you enjoy Eve Chase’s style of writing, I think you would also enjoy Vita and The Birds by Polly Crosby.
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I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. For more information please see my disclosure policy.