We are introduced to many of Amy's friends, family, and business partners. Also the cars! If you care about the difference between a Chevy Impala and a Chrysler 300B, you'll feel right at home. One of the classic cars, a rare '56 El Morocco, owned by Chick Sherman, assumes a greater significance when it is involved in an accident and a sudden death follows. In addition to the murder involving Chick's car, there are also a set of original Audubon bird prints missing from his collection that Amy is very interested in recovering. So don't expect to pick up too many birdwatching tips, but you may pick up some amateur sleuthing skills! Roland Ibarra also makes an appearance as a falconer, adding another feathered dimension.

If you enjoyed the other books in the series by J.R. Ripley you'll want to pick up this installment. I recommend it mainly to anyone who'd like to read a cozy set in small-town North Carolina and won't mind a lot of information about classic cars. You don't need to have read the earlier books, but because of an expanding cast list, it may be better if you have. CHICKADEE CHICKADEE BANG BANG will be followed by How The Finch Stole Christmas, so we certainly need to give the author marks for original and fun, birdy titles.