The Birder Murder

From New York Times bestselling author Michael Northrop comes this unputdownable cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Deanna Raybourn.

A retired spy—now enjoying a quiet life as a B&B owner—dusts off his binoculars when he finds a local birdwatcher dead.

Figman’s life has taken a much-needed one-eighty since he retired from the spy business. He now spends his days at his B&B in the Berkshires, grilling on the deck with his faithful dog, Rufus, and warning birdwatchers off the pristine lawn. But his newfound peace goes up in smoke when he discovers the former president of the local birder’s club floating facedown in the lake.

With flocks of birdwatchers arriving in the area, on the hunt for the elusive bluecrested hop-and-go, Figman knows the murderer may strike again. Together with his neighbor, Detective Niko Hondo, Figman is on the killer’s trail.

But when internet sleuths catch wind of the case and go sniffing into his history, Figman has no choice but to remind everyone of the pecking order.

The Birder Murder is a delightful cozy mystery full of New England charm.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs