The Naming of the Birds is something very special: meaty, dark, exuberant, full of complicated people doing difficult things in terrible circumstances, and gesturing mutely towards love. I recommend it to both those who love Victorian Gothic, and those who usually run a mile from anything described as that but enjoy having their preconceptions confounded.--Jon McGregor

Exceptional. . . . a delicious, breathtaking romp that will have readers looking over their shoulders as they quickly turn its pages.-- "Book Page, Starred Review"

Dynamic. . . . O'Donnell's expert pacing never falters as he explores what makes his characters tick. . . . Series fans will be captivated.-- "Publishers Weekly"

Takes readers back to dark and gloomy Victorian London with a relentless killer on the loose.-- "B&N Poured Over"

O'Donnell revivifies Victorian and Gothic genre conventions. . . . lyrical, clever, and evocative, rich in detail without being overstuffed. . . . a delectable mixture of old-fashioned storytelling and contemporary verve.-- "Adroit Journal"

Bliss and Cutter are two of the most intriguing investigators this reviewer has encountered.-- "Historical Novel Society"

Publisher: Tin House Books

Pub date: 2025-01-07

Length: 336 pages