2 souls pursue justice while navigating their own paths to healing

Set between 1964 and 1972 in Meridien, Virginia, "The Little Bird" is a true-life-based psychological novel by the historical fiction author of "The Crossing," Ashby Jones. In "The Little Bird," the murder of a black teenage boy by a white cop unites two kindred spirits who are individually grappling with grief and guilt.

In 1964, Shane McCauley witnessed the murder of Jesse, his best friend and surrogate brother, by Sergeant Talley, a drunken white police officer. Feeling responsible for failing to protect his best friend, and devastated by the news that the court has declared Talley innocent, Shane joined the Marine Corps to escape his grief. Nearly eight years later, Shane returns to his hometown with a single mission: to avenge Jesse’s death by killing Talley.

Meanwhile, Suzanne de Ville is also back in Meridien for the anniversary of her father’s death. Her father, George de Ville, was the lawyer who failed to convict Jesse’s killer. George’s mental torment over his failure to convict Talley eventually led him to take his own life. Apart from her grief over her father’s death, Suzanne also carries her guilt of an unforgivable deed she has done. So just like Shane, she is back with a mission; she must uncover the truth behind her father’s failure and then follow in his final footsteps.

When Shane and Suzanne finally meet for the first time, their connection is instant and powerful. However, neither is aware of the other’s plans. As their bond deepens, they are torn between their desire for redemption and the possibility of a new path through love and forgiveness.

At its heart, "The Little Bird" is a psychologically moving tale about the union of two tormented souls who need to find healing in each other, amidst the chaos of their past. Jones’ writing style is...