Who knew that a book on falcon eggs could be so interesting and the pursuit of them so dangerous? The relationship between the "thief" and law enforcement was fascinating. This is a true crime adventure story that is offbeat but apparently a very serious business. the research the author did is impressive.

The authors desire to write this book occurred after reading an article in the newspaper about a thief who had stolen falcon eggs and had jumped bail. He did not believe that there is a black market that has the potential for someone to make a lot of money. But with a little research this book came about. When I read the description of this book it was one I could not wait to get my hands on it.

The majority of this book follows two individuals one being Andy McWilliam who is a police officer who develops a deep interest going after who commit various crimes against animals and wildlife and the trafficking of wildlife and their parts. The other Jeffery Lendrum who is from South Africa and Rhodesia ( which is now the nation of Zimbabwe. Jeffery from an early age learned to be an oologist ( a collector of bird eggs) which included many that are rare and endangered. He is a world traveler and criminal who traffics in Falcon eggs.

There are a variety of birds discussed in this book with as you would guess from the title the main focus is the Falcon family as the are the fast prey bird and the desire of many especially royal families in the middle east. They have developed falcon racing. Can you imagine thinking about paying $400,000 for one bird ? There are many adventures following individuals in this book and the methods they will go to steal eggs.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for providing me with an advanced copy of "The Falcon Thief" to review. I enjoyed this book. It was a thorough and entertaining account of the lives of a serial egg thief and a wildlife law enforcement official. The collection and theft of rare bird eggs is a rather off the beaten path topic but Hammer turned it into an educational and interesting read.