(Poll Ballot Tally) A Siege of Bitterns by Steve Burrows

[annapi]

Detective Inspector Dominic JeJeune has transferred from Canada to the small town of Saltmarsh in Norfolk. Jejeune has a reputation for being a mystery-solving genius, and his chance to prove himself to the rather insular town comes when a local ecological activist is found dead. But Jejeune is not happy as a detective; he would much rather indulge in his passion, birdwatching. Luckily Saltmarsh is one of the premier birdwatching locations in the UK, possibly the world.

The biggest impression this had on me was the slow, ponderous pace of the story, but somehow it still manages to capture the reader's interest. The characters, particularly Jejeune and his sergeant, are interesting, though Jejeune is a bit scattered and rather too much is made of his "genius". But there is a lot of room for improvement here - I felt the author was too sparing with JeJeune's background story, which comes out only in dribs and drabs to tantalize and puzzle the reader. And it's not complete - I feel the intent was to slowly reveal this over several books. The mystery too was very convoluted, with a plethora of red herrings, but I zeroed in on the murderer pretty early. But the ending lacked punch. Still and all, there is much potential for the series and I will probably continue with it as the mood suits me.

[Booknblues]

I pretty much agree with you about this one, but there is something pulling me into this series and it is probably the birds.

Having read 3, they are all a bit convoluted, the third one particularly so. I intend to continue with the series as there are not that many, but it isn't one I would continue through 20 books.