The Curious Case of the Bludgeoned Birder

In this thrilling second installment, Dr. Gwen Griffiths confronts her biggest fear in order to hunt down the latest killer threatening the small Welsh city of Dillynaidd.

It’s nearing St. David’s Day in Dillynaidd, and the city will be filled with parades and good tidings for all. Of course Gwen volunteers to help in whatever way she can, which is how she finds herself facing one of her biggest fears: getting up close and personal with feathered friends at a local bird sanctuary. At least Gwen gets to complete her volunteer hours with her capable assistant, Ellis, and her best friend, Carolyn.

But when tragedy strikes at the sanctuary, Gwen and her friends find themselves in the middle of yet another investigation that becomes more confusing by the minute. The so-called good guy who was murdered may have done a bit more than just ruffle some feathers. The investigation hints at the victim’s dark secrets—secrets that someone will go to any length to keep hidden from the masses.

Even with the help of Dr. Griffiths, Ellis, and Carolyn, the local detective cannot fend off the killer as the looming threat draws closer. If they fail to apprehend the killer in time, the whole town will be in danger on St. David’s Day.

From Lucy Connelly, bestselling author of the Scottish Isle mystery series, The Curious Case of the Bludgeoned Birder will delight cozy mystery fans and birders alike.

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