A SIEGE OF BITTERNSSteve Burrows

Steve Burrows converges birdwatching and a murder mystery in this unique crime novel. The first book in the series, Steve Burrows introduces you to the protagonist Domenic Jejeune, a detective and poster boy for the police, who would rather spend his time birdwatching than solving crimes. Jejeune’s two worlds collide in A Siege of Bitterns and the results could be catastrophic. Burrows explores the themes of greed, power and misplaced ambition in this unputdownable quirky crime novel. The questions below are designed to enhance your discussion of A Siege of Bitterns.

Questions for Discussion

1. We are introduced to Jejeune after the big case that made him famous, consequently finding him at an unusual point in his career. Do you think this is a novel about self-discovery, as well as murder?

2. The novel has a strong environmental undertone. Discuss the way in which eco-consciousness is explored in this book.

3. Do you think Jejeune’s avid bird-watching makes him extra qualified for studying and reading human behaviour, too?

4. Does Jejeune’s position as an outsider make him short-sighted to the struggle of the local people?

5. The novel plays on rural isolation, and the idea of losing yourself to nature. Do you think this makes for a more menacing setting than one in an urban location?

6. We see Maik withholding certain elements of his cases so as not to cause unnecessary hurt to the families of the deceased. Do you think he has a right to do this?

7. Do you think that Burrows recognises the more bizarre elements of the birding community through characters like Lindy and Maik – in knowledge that his readers might not share the same appreciation for the activity as him?

8. Discuss the relationship between Maik and Jejeune. Why do you think they complement each other so well as partners?

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9. The top Birders in the community are men, and there is a fierce competition between them. Do you think Burrows is commenting on male bravado and the negative consequences that can arise as a result?

10. The book ends implying that in the case of the Saltmarsh birder murders, the victims might not be the only casualties. What do you think?

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