Fritz Tullis is hiding out from everyone and from his life which hasn't been too swell lately. While hiding out, he witnesses a murder and then he tries to forget it. None of that really does this book justice. It is excellent. A rich story with rich characters. Makes me want to go back and ensure I've read everything he's written. ( )

Not a bad story and not badly written, but ultimately very predictable. It would also have been nice to have a protagonist who had at least one thought that wasn't about himself. ( )

Fritz Tullis has retreated to a shack on the family property in Maryland to recover from a disastrous affair, which led to the loss of his position as American history professor at the University of Texas. Each morning he spends time observing and photographing birds, especially Ollie, an endangered whooping crane also out of his element. One day Fritz unintentionally witnesses a plane landing on a neighbor's airstrip and inadvertently photographs a murder. The victim turns out to be a Russian Senior Counselor, and the neighbor an assistant Secretary of State. Fritz is unwilling to get involved and uncertain how to proceed. But against his survival instincts and better judgment, Fritz nevertheless becomes drawn into the case. Further complicating his quiet rustic life is a woman ornithologist who discovers the secret of Ollie. A compelling story despite a main character with numerous faults.