The Language of the Birds

By K.A. Merson
** Publication Date 13 May 2025 **
4.5 stars

Gotta love books that delve into the mysteries of the mind. In this case, Arizona. A 17 year old brilliant but socially awkward young woman. Her dad had a tragic motorcycle accident while out exploring in Death Valley. Arizona hasn’t even come to terms with that when her mother goes missing.

Alone with her dog Mojo, Arizona must figure out what happened to her mom and how to get her home safely. The mystery will involve solving ciphers, reading history, and possibly learning to make some friends along the way.

This is a fabulously written novel. K.A. Merson has fashioned a story that is both mind-boggling and extremely riveting. Arizona is such a relatable character, in that she struggles to make friends or trust others. Her parents have striven to make her very self-sufficient, in that she can survive on her own, with her dog, in an Airstream trailer. Arizona rarely flinches at the challenges thrown to her in this process. She simply puts her head down and plows through any obstacle she faces.

Truly enjoyed this one immensely. I think there is a target audience for this, as Arizona is not your average teen. While it is a YA novel, as an adult, I think adults who gravitate toward puzzles, math, and mystery will enjoy it as well.