Title: Birds of a Feather
Author: Michelle Wallace Campanelli
Publisher: Author Reputation Press LLC
ISBN: 979-8-88514-927-3
Pages: 202
Genre: Fiction / Thriller
Reviewed By: Margie Przybylski
Hollywood Book Reviews
Birds of a Feather by author Michelle Wallace Campanelli is a thrilling novel which explores a world where the vultures in Florida turn into crazed killers. The story is narrated by Officer Laura Camp, a corrections officer who witnesses the first vulture attack and sets out to stop the birds from wreaking havoc on the town of Palm Bay.
Set in present day Florida, Campanelli’s realistic descriptions of the setting effortlessly make the book feel real, and as though the strange events which begin to take place could happen to us any day now. The descriptions of the wildlife and landscapes make the reader feel like they are right there with Laura, experiencing the terror and chaos of the vulture attacks. The author also does an excellent job of building tension throughout the book, with each attack more gruesome and terrifying than the last. While the vulture attacks are quite serious within the plot of the novel – to the reader they appear comically dramatic. Throughout the book the characters point out how unbelievable and improbable a vulture attack could be, making these episodes all the more hilarious.
The characters in the book are well-developed, with Laura Camp being a standout protagonist. She is a strong and determined woman who is not afraid to take risks to protect her town. She is a character that young readers could look up to, even though she has a number of minor flaws, just like any human being. The supporting characters are also memorable, particularly Laura’s partner, Officer Dirk, and a local bird expert, Dr. Rafferty.
The plot of the book is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, with plenty of action and suspense to keep the reader engaged and chuckling throughout the journey. The vulture attacks are described in graphic detail, which may be unsettling for some readers, but it adds to the overall sense of danger and urgency.
Campanelli’s work touches on the importance of teamwork and trust in times of crisis. Laura and her colleagues must work together to find a way to stop the vultures before they destroy the town. The author also explores the consequences of human actions on the environment, as the vulture attacks are caused by a toxic spill from a local company.
Overall, Birds of a Feather is an exciting and well-written thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The combination of a unique and compelling premise, well-developed characters, and a fast-paced plot make it a must-read for fans of the genre.