Book Review: Opal by Patricia Wolf

A DS WALKER THRILLER

 

Opal delves into the high-stakes dog eat dog world of opal mining. 

 

Mark is rumoured to have found a million dollar opal, soon after he is found dead, in bed with his ex business partner's wife. Both have been  brutally murdered.

Is this the work of a jealous husband or someone looking for the rumoured opal?

 When DS Walker arrives in the small outback town to pick up his cousin, Blair, he is immediately pulled into the investigation. Overnight the town becomes isolated by rising flood waters and there is no way out.

 

A town isolated by flood waters, relentless heat and a killer in their midst makes for compelling reading.

 

As DS Walker assists local police the suspect list rises and it appears many in the small town had a grudge against the murdered man. Throw in the mix disgruntled opal miners and a fugitive who doesn't want to be found and Wolf has created a tense and atmospheric read.

 

Each book in the series reads well as a standalone with the major murder investigation wrapped up by the end of the book. However there is also an ongoing story, throughout the three books, with an outlaw motorcycle gang involved in drug manufacture.

 

Even though Opal got a little bogged down at times this dark and gritty police procedural kept me invested until the final breath holding conclusion.

 

I highly recommend all three books to crime readers looking for a new series to delve into. 

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher:  Echo Publishing

Publication date: 1st October 2024

Series: DS Walker #3

Genre: Crime / Thriller

Pages: 320

RRP: AU$32.99 (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Other books in the series

OUTBACK 

PARADISE

Book Review: Australia's Greatest Stories by Graham Seal

 Australia's Greatest Stories wasn't quite the book I was expecting it to be. With a subheading of TrueTales, Legends and Larrikins, I was expecting a book of great Aussie yarns, true stories with a bit of a Banjo Patterson feel. 

Australia's Greatest Stories is more a series of events that formed Australia as we know it today. 

From pre-colonisation to major events in history that formed our nation; the changing face of politics in Australia, the gold rush, the Spanish flu, the great depression, world war two, major inroads by Australian women just to name a few.

 

Graham Seal has written a comprehensive history of Australia including facts and achievements by people who have previously been excluded from our history. 

I found these little known historical events to be quite interesting and at times amusing.

 

The book is not written in chronological order but rather through a series of nine headings with events, stories, poems and images that fit under each heading.

 

Graham Seal adds a very extensive notes section with links to articles to verify his research.

 

Australia's Greatest Stories would be of interest to anyone wanting to know the real Australia and the people behind some of the country's little known events. 

 

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 1st October 2024

Genre: Non Fiction / History

Pages: 343

RRP: AU$34.99 (trade paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

 

Book Review: Endgame by Sarah Barrie

A CHAIN OF MURDERS, A PSYCHOTIC KILLER, A GAME SHE CANNOT WIN.

 

Endgame is the fourth and final book in Sarah Barrie's Lexi Winter series. 

 

I think anyone who has read the first three books in this series can't help but feel empathy and admiration for Lexi. She had an abusive childhood and problematic youth however turned her life around and became a vigilante chasing child abusers and dishing out her own justice until she was employed by the police to use her skills to uncover abusers with the law on her side.

Endgame is another action packed story and the pace is non-stop. Lexi must stop her nemesis, Damon Vaughn, a serial child predator, before more people are killed. Vaughn's mind games are relentless and Lexi starts to second-guess who she can really trust. 

 

Endgame has dual plot-lines of teen rape culture and drug use, and Lexi's chase to stop Vaughn. I was intrigued to see how the two storylines would connect.

There is also a myth about a ghost that haunts the beach causing paranoia to run rife amongst the teens of the town. 

 

Endgame is dark and gritty, a compelling read. I found Lexi wasn't as self-assured and hard hitting as in previous books but it was a fitting ending to the series with all loose ends nicely tied up.

 

The Lexi Winter series is a series that I would recommend be read in order to attain the full benefit of the stories.

 

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 13th November 2024

Series: Lexi Winter #4

Genre: Crime / Thriller

Pages: 416

RRP: AU$34.99 (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Other books in the Lexi Winter Series

UNFORGIVEN

RETRIBUTION 

VENDETTA

 

 

Book Review: Paradise by Patricia Wolf

Paradise is the second instalment in Patricia Wolf's DS Walker Thriller series. Paradise is another riveting crime novel that includes brutal murders and outlaw bikie drug gangs.

 

AFP officer Lucas Walker is in Surfers Paradise on the Queensland coast, on leave to recover from injuries sustained in Outback. He is also under review for putting a huge undercover operation at risk.

 

Lucas once again gets involved in a murder investigation, helping out the overburdened Queensland police force.

 

There is never a dull moment in Paradise! I was pulled into the story right from the prologue and was intrigued to see how Wolf would pull the different plot-lines together.

Characters from the previous book do feature in Paradise however with a bit of backstory included it reads well as a standalone.

 

Wolf combines a compelling mystery with non-stop action and a perfect sense of place with vivid descriptions of the Gold Coast making Paradise a book I found hard to put down. 

The use of colloquial language and Aussie slang plus Walker's longing for his hometown and connection to country give the book a unique Aussie flavour.

I loved Paradise even more than Outback. It is a wonderful follow on for this new series. I'm looking forward to the next book!

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 17th May 2023

Series: DS Walker #2

Genre: Crime / Thriller

Pages: 357

Source: Own copy

OUTBACK

 

 

 

Book Review: Getting Back Up Again by Craig Semple

In a world that often glorifies toughness and resilience, acknowledging vulnerability can be challenging, especially in professions that are lauded for their ability to endure and overcome. 

Getting Back Up Again gives step by step strategies to getting your life back on track.

 

After twenty-five years on the police force, and a sudden and devastating collapse of his mental health, Craig Semple realised he could no longer outrun the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Craig talks about his struggles, and in his inspiring book Getting Back Up Again, offers readers a candid and profound exploration of his own mental health journey.

Craig candidly shares his struggles and triumphs. This down to earth approach not only makes his experiences relatable but also paves the way for others to recognise their own challenges and embark on their own journey towards recovery. 

 

Getting Back Up Again is not merely a recounting of personal struggles, it is a roadmap for resilience. Craig offers readers practical strategies for navigating life's challenges and illustrating that recovery is possible for anyone willing to take that first step.

 

Getting Back Up Again is not only a powerful tool for people battling with mental health issues but also for their family and loved ones.

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 24th September 2024

Genre: Non Fiction / Self Help

Pages: 192 

RRP: AU$24.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Outback by Patricia Wolf

A few months ago I received Opal by Patricia Wolf for review. I saw then that this was book #3 in a series and book #1, Outback, had garnered many rave reviews. I knew then I had to purchase the first two books and read them before I delved into Opal.

 

Outback is the debut crime fiction novel from Australian author Patricia Wolf and an introduction to AFP officer DS Lucas Walker. 

 

Walker is on leave in his hometown of Caloodie, in remote western Queensland, to spend time with his sick grandmother. When a couple of German backpackers go missing in the area he is asked to help out on the case. Every day is crucial in this hot, dry, desolate land. 

Patricia Wolf never lets her readers forget how hot it is! The heat, isolation and danger is so well portrayed you can feel yourself overheating and feeling parched.

 

The author uses dramatic irony as we know details the police don't have which adds to the tension. Chapter heading with number of days missing adds to the intensity of suspense.

 

The introduction of Barbara Guerra from the Berlin police department was a great addition and I hope she will be back in future books.

 

Outback reads well as a stand alone as the major crime is wrapped up in this book however there is a minor plot involving a motorcycle gang that has the potential to run through future books. 

 

When you can feel the searing heat and see the haze lifting off the road you know the author has the setting just right. What started at a mildly slow pace soon picked up with an intensity that had me glued to the pages.

 

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 8th November 2022

Genre: Crime

Pages: 356

Source: Own copy

 

  

Book Review: The Girls from Fitzroy by Jennie Jones

The Girls from Fitzroy is a remarkable story of the power of friendship.

 

Set in 1945 post war Melbourne the story follows Maggie who comes from a well to do family and Lil who lives in the slums on the other side of town. Two unlikely friends meet during the end of war celebrations and secretly become the best of friends.

 

The Girls from Fitzroy is a beautiful story about friendship and women supporting each other. Jennie Jones highlights the differences between the haves and have-nots and how during this period of history there was definitely a class divide, neither venturing into the other's territory.

 

I loved how Maggie could see beyond the poverty, to the people of the slums and how they helped each other. Jennie Jones highlights how hard times could befall anyone.

 

I enjoyed both Maggie's and Lil's stories, their ups and downs, and how they worked together for a better life for the whole community.

Through The Girls from Fitzroy Jennie Jones shows the judgemental side of high society but also highlights the best of humankind with women like Maggie and Lil who pushed for better conditions for women and workplace childcare. There were also many businesses behind the scenes that gave to the poor.

The story was slow to start but once I was immersed in Maggie's world the pages flew by and I was eager to see where Maggie and Lil's stories would take them.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 30th July 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 384 (paperback)

Source: Own copy

 

Book Review: Daughter of the Home Front by Jennie Jones

Daughter of the Home Front is set in Queensland during WWII and follows the hopes and dreams of Emma as she battles against societal expectations of women.

Living in a small country town not far from Townsville 15-year-old Emma has dreams of one day travelling the world. The American soldiers have come to town, splashing their money around and showing local girls a whole new way of life. Emma quickly gets caught up in the excitement and glamour.

 

I quickly became totally invested in Emma's world. As the men go off to fight, many women are left to bring up the children and work to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. However the war also opened up new opportunities for single women and Emma soon finds herself working in Townsville and free of the constraints of her mother and younger siblings. Emma is young and naive and soon finds herself pregnant and alone. Society has a dim view of unmarried mothers and Emma is sent to a prison-like home to await the forcible adoption of her baby.

 

Daughter of the Home Front is a heartrending story of enduring friendship and resilience of spirit that encompasses many societal issues of the time.

 

Daughter of the Home Front is a story about true friendships, war brides, bad choices, unmarried mothers, stolen babies and second chances.

I always enjoy stories set during WWII and more so if they are from the perspective of Australians during the war, whether it be soldiers or civilians and Daughter of the Home Front didn't disappoint. The story is beautifully drawn with believable characters and a powerful and emotional plot.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 5th October 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 419 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

Book Review: Wings Above the Mallee by Léonie Kelsall

Wings Above the Mallee is Léonie Kelsall's 7th novel and finds us back in Settlers Bridge, a small town that has entered my heart along with all of its residents. I love the community spirit, the gossip and the matchmaking seniors.

Amelia arrives in Settlers with her rescue pets, dusty the magpie and Biggles the possum. She is running from heartache and won't connect with anyone too deeply as the fear of caring again is too great. She has come to visit good friend Taylor and work a temp job for a few months before moving on again.

 

Heath is now living in Settlers Bridge with his father Sean who is battling an alcohol addiction. Heath is angry and despondent which is his way of coping with the guilt and grief over the death of his wife.

I loved the relationship between Sean and Heath. Sean kept an eye on Heath and always looked for some brightness in every day and made sure to point this out to Heath. He never gave up on Heath even though he had his own problems.

Wings Above the Mallee is the story of two broken people coming together but fearing that their combined grief may be too much to bear. There is always an underlying message of hope that they could help each other to heal.

You will find lots of heartache in Wings Above the Mallee, which overwhelmed me at times, however the lovely community balanced this out with their matchmaking and fun gossip. Throw in a dose of animal rescue, communities working together and some teenage rage all making Wings Above the Mallee a book not to be missed.

Wings Above the Mallee is an exploration of grief, loss, guilt and addiction and the long process to forgiveness and healing.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 7th January 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Rural Romance

Pages: 338

RRP: AU$32.99 (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Other books by Leonie Kelsall

THE FARM AT PEPPERTREE CROSSING

THE WATTLE SEED INN 

THE WILLOW TREE WHARF

THE RIVER GUM COTTAGE 

THE BLUE GUM CAMP

THE HOMESTEAD IN THE EUCALYPTS

 

 

Book Review: The Homestead in the Eucalypts by Léonie Kelsall

Firstly I want to thank fellow blogger Helen Sibbritt for generously sending me a copy of The Homestead in the Eucalypts. I absolutely loved it!! I think it may be my favourite book of 2025. I'm calling it early. What a way to start the year! 

 

The Homestead in the Eucalypts is a dual time-line narration which is something different from Léonie's previous book and she really smashed it. The change between time-lines was smooth and the connection was well plotted.

The prose are beautiful and the historical love story between Anna & Luke was perfectly portrayed. But I've digressed because The Homestead in the Eucalypts is Taylor's story. Taylor is the compassionate and hardworking doctor we have all come to love from the previous books. Taylor initially comes across as self-centred as she is having a hard time with life not quite going her way. She is pulled between living her own life and also supporting her mother. But underneath this pouty exterior is the Taylor we love and we see it emerge throughout the book.

 

I loved how Léonie Kelsall connected the two time-lines with parallels between Taylor and Anna's lives. There is lots of character growth and even though it includes two love stories Anna & Luke's captured my heart.

 

The Homestead in the Eucalypts also brought together exactly how many of Setters Bridge residents  are related and it truly added another dimension to the previous books.

 

Bravo Léonie Kelsall, you went out on a limb and made it work!! More historical fiction please! 

 

My rating 5 / 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 2nd July 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction / Romance

Pages: 432

Source: Gifted from a friend

 

Other books by Leonie Kelsall

THE FARM AT PEPPERTREE CROSSING

THE WATTLE SEED INN 

THE WILLOW TREE WHARF

THE RIVER GUM COTTAGE 

THE BLUE GUM CAMP

 

 

Book Review: Out in Nowhere by Fleur McDonald

 Out in Nowhere is the novel where we say goodbye to Detective Dave Burrows, the country detective who wears his heart on his sleeve. Readers have been through much with Dave and it's sad to see him hang up his hat. However, Barker Police Station looks to be in good hands with Constable Mia Worth.

 

Mia really proved she's got what it takes to be a great country cop in Out in Nowhere.

Fleur McDonald knows how to pull her readers into a story and I was fully invested within the first few pages.

A young farmer is found dead at the bottom of a windmill. It is written off as a farming accident by everyone including Dave, but Mia is not so sure and thinks more questioning and more digging needs to be done. I loved Mia's tenacity and drive!

When the deceased's old Uni friends gather for the funeral another of their group is found dead after a terrible accident.

 

With a compelling, tension filled mystery and cliff-hanger chapter endings Out in Nowhere is a book I found impossible to put down. I read it in one day.

 

Fleur McDonald writes about the hardships, remoteness and isolation of rural life with an authentic rural voice.

Out in Nowhere is a fitting, suspense filled ending to the Det Dave Burrows series.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 29th October 2024

Genre: Crime / Mystery / Suspense

Pages: 336

RRP: AU$32.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

 

Other books I've read by Fleur McDonald

RED DUST

THE SHEARER"S WIFE 

BROAD RIVER STATION

VOICES IN THE DARK 

INTO THE NIGHT

DECEPTION CREEK 

WITHOUT A DOUBT

RED DIRT COUNTRY 

SOMETHING TO HIDE 

RISING DUST

SHOCK WAVES 

 

Book Review: Kookaburra Cottage by Maya Linnell

Kookaburra Cottage is set in the wine region of rural South Australia. I love that Maya Linnell showcases different types of agriculture in her books, such as wineries, horticulture and floriculture.

 

April Lacey is a horticulturist and her produce wins many awards at the local Penwarra Show each year. Her father owns and runs the Lacewing Estate winery.

April hopes to bring the tired looking winery up to date but is facing resistance from her father. She decides to start on the old cottage turning it into a B&B.

Connor Jamison has arrived from England to learn all he can from Australian wine makers and secures a job at Lacewing Estate.

 

Kookaburra Cottage is a gorgeous heart-warming story filled with the most fabulous characters. I loved the fun of the baking disasters and the cooking classes taken by April and Connor. The lead up to the Penwarra Show and all the events of the day were a delightful part of the story.

 

There are ups and downs for April and Connor to work through and a disastrous event that has everyone pitching in to help out.

Both April and Connor have old hurts to overcome. Can they let go of their past to start over again?

 

Kookaburra Cottage is a heart-warming story filled with sweet country charm, perfect to sit back, relax and immerse yourself in rural South Australia's wine country.

Kookaburra Cottage would have to be my favourite of all Maya Linnell's novels.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 1st January 2023

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Rural Romance

Pages: 376

Source: Own Copy

 

Other books by Maya Linnell

PAPERBARK HILL

MAGPIE'S BEND

BOTTLEBRUSH CREEK 

WALLABY LANE

 

 

Book Review: Paperbark Hill by Maya Linnell

Paperbark Hill is Maya Linnell's fourth novel featuring the McIntyre sisters Lara, Diana, Penny and Angie. 

 

Paperbark Hill is Diana's story. Two years on from her husband's tragic death from an accident Diana is realising her dream of growing dahlias on a commercial level whilst also caring for her four young sons.

 

Ned Gardiner and his two children are off to their next stop for Ned's locum work as a pharmacist when he gets a call that his father has died. Putting his job on hold he returns to the family farm to sort out his father's affairs.

 

Paperbark Hill is such a fun story. I loved Diana! She is bubbly and confident, speaks her mind and is not afraid to ask for help.

Ned and Diana both have tragedy in their past and whilst Ned needs to reconcile with his mother and forgive the past, Diana is wracked with feelings of betrayal when she thinks about spending time with Ned. She also must deal with her eldest son's antagonism toward Ned as he feels he will take his father's place.

Paperbark Hill is not only Diana's story but a story about the whole community and how they come together and help each other.

 

Maya Linnell's sweet, slow-burn romance reads are very realistic. Spend a country Christmas with the McIntyre clan. I enjoyed being back with Diana, Lara, Penny and Angie. 

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 31st May 2022

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Rural Romance

Pages: 384 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

Book Review: Magpie's Bend by Maya Linnell

 Magpie's Bend is Lara McIntyre's story and as with the previous books all McIntyre sisters pop in and out of the story showing what a close-knit family they are.

 

Lara is a single mother to teenager Evie, who is at boarding school. When the general store owner has a fall and ends up in hospital the whole town , led by Lara, pitches in to help run the store.

Journalist Toby Paxton is new to town and Lara has caught his eye. Their first meeting didn't go so well and now he is eager to make a good impression volunteering to help out at the store.

 

Magpie's Bend is a fabulous story that showcases country community spirit with everyone helping with the store and fundraising events including a singles ball.

I love that Maya's love for baking makes its way into all her books.

 

We get a little of Lara's backstory and find out why she values her privacy. The community is tight-lipped as they close around one of their own. Can Lara put her trust in someone again and find love? 

 

Magpie's Bend is a super sweet, clean romance story that is more about the community than the burgeoning romance between Lara and Toby. It's a slow burn romance but we still get that much anticipated HEA.

 

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐ 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 1st June 2021

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Rural Romance

Pages: 360

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Previous books by Maya Linnell

BOTTLEBRUSH CREEK

 

Book Review: Bottlebrush Creek by Maya Linnell

I've had a pile of Maya Linnell books on my shelf, crying out to be read, for a while now. So, I decided to read the four books back-to-back.

There is nothing like immersing yourself in an author's characters knowing you will be back with them all again as soon as you open the next book. 

 

First off is Bottlebrush Creek where I was introduced to the McIntyre sisters, Lara, Diana, Penny and Angie.

Bottlebrush Creek is Angie's story. She has moved away from her family with her husband Rob Jones and their young daughter Claudia. Rob and Angie have purchased a cottage that needs extensive renovations. It is not until they move that Angie finds out it borders Rob's parents farm.

Bottlebrush Creek is a highly engaging family centric story about compromise, the stress of money worries and the involvement of well meaning grandparents.

Angie finds it hard to cope with Rosa's over zealous grandparenting and constant advice, always comparing her actions to what she thinks her deceased mother would do. All Rosa wants is her whole family together again and is overjoyed to spend time with her granddaughter.

 

Bottlebrush Creek is a heart-wrenching story of a family at breaking point that will have readers eager for a second chance for the whole Jones family.

 

Maya Linnell focuses her novels on country communities and the problems that can be faced in rural areas. However, her readers can always be assured of a happy ending.

 

Bottlebrush Creek is a delightfully sweet story about family, forgiveness and helping each other.

 

My rating 5 / 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 2nd June 2020

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Rural romance

Pages: 352

Source: Own Copy

Book Review: Sarah Evans by Bernice Barry

 Sarah Evans is the powerful debut novel by Australian author Bernice Barry and I was totally immersed from the first to the very last page. After I'd read the last page and closed the book I actually said Wow! It was that impactful.

Set in early 1800's London, the story follows the life of Sarah Evans. Wrongly accused of theft she is sentenced to transportation to Australia (a fate considered worse than death). However when she catches the eye of the imperious Governor Aris he spirits her away to be his housemaid. What follows is a life of physical and sexual abuse in a time when women had no rights, none more so than those in poverty.

 

Sarah Evans is a totally captivating and heart-wrenching story. Closely based on the real life circumstances of Sarah Evans with events and dialogue drawn from original documents and prison records.

 

Bernice Barry brings her readers into a world filled with violence, corruption and ingrained poverty. It was a time of political upheaval and men championing social justice and equality were imprisoned. 

 

Through Sarah Evans we are given a protagonist who is down trodden, beaten and raped but still finds her voice for women's rights and never gives up the hope of freedom.

Sarah Evans is a powerful story where women don't judge each other's actions but do whatever they can to help each other whether it be a morsel of food or a bed for the night.

If you read historical fiction, Sarah Evans is one book not to be missed.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 3rd September 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 304

RRP: AU$32.99 ( trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Book Review: Twist of Fate by Karly Lane

 Before I add my review of Twist of Fate I will just add the giveaway link again as third time lucky I'm sure it's all okay now. If you didn't get to enter for all the packs you were interested in just fill out the form and enter again. https://forms.gle/SdVozaKVmv2tPNRS8

 

Twist of Fate is yet another brilliant read from Australian author Karly Lane. It is funny, engaging and heartwarming.

 

Bel Buckley is all about positive affirmation and believes all she needs to do to manifest her soul mate is write a list of exactly what she wants in a soulmate and sit back and wait.

 

I sped through Twist of Fate. It is the perfect holiday read. A closed door rural romance with all the feels. 

Karly Lane adeptly writes about rural life and the ups and downs of living in the same small town all your 

life. 

Bel had always dreamed of leaving the small town of Wessex as soon as she could but when her grandmother became ill she decided to stay and care for her. Now she is content to escape through her romance novels where there is always the perfect hero to sweep a girl off her feet. That is until the embodiment of her latest book crush turns up in town to be best man at her cousin's wedding.

Twist of Fate is the un-put-downable story about small-town communities, people banding together in times of need, farming accidents, regenerative farming and taking a chance on love.

Twist of Fate is beautifully written with an authentic rural flavour, natural banter and unforgettable characters making it an absolute delight to read.

My rating 5/ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd December 2024

Genre: Rural romance

Pages: 352

RRP: AU$32.99

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Other books I've read by Karly Lane.

TAKE ME HOME

THE WRONG CALLAHAN

MR RIGHT NOW 

A STONE'S THROW AWAY 

SOMETHING LIKE THIS

FOOL ME ONCE

ONCE BURNT, TWICE SHY 

TIME AFTER TIME 

FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE 

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY

 

 

Book Review: Mural by Stephen Downes

Mural is a taut and haunting work of literary fiction. I wouldn't be at all surprised if it won awards one day. 

 

Most of the story went over my head. Literary fiction is not one of my strong points but I could still see the underlying genius of it.

In Mural Stephen Downes explores the mind of a criminal. D, all the reader knows him by, is imprisoned for an unknown crime. He is asked by his psychiatrist Dr Reynolds to write a journal of his thoughts, his life's reflections. 

 

Mural will appeal to readers working in the mental health industry and, with black & white images of artwork throughout, readers interested in the arts. 

 

I will leave you with this review by Nick Haslam as it sums the book up perfectly.

 

"A gripping interior account of an unhinged and violent mind. The narrator, D, institutionalised and guilty of unnamed atrocities, directs an extended monologue to his psychiatrist that is in turn reflective, cultured and misanthropic. D is a memorable character, vividly painted; a sharp-edged combination of erudition and paranoia. Downes skillfully creates a growing sense of menace as D's thoughts twist and turn around his varied tics and fixations. This is a viscerally compelling portrait of derangement that will appeal to readers of quality fiction."  Nick Haslam, Professor of Psychology, University of Melbourne and co-author of Troubled Minds.

 

My rating 3/ 5 ⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Transit Lounge

Publication date: 1st September 2024

Genre: Literary Fiction

Pages: 208

RRP: AU$32.99 (hardback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Quikmark Media 

Book Review: Grace & Marigold by Mira Robertson

Through Grace & Marigold Australian author Mira Robertson brings 1970's bohemian London to life on the page.

 

It's 1974 when 20 year old Grace leaves Australia to reinvent herself. Sloughing off her Australian accent she immerses herself in what she believes is the real London experience, living in communal squats, debating politics, attending drug fueled street parties and taking part in protest rallies.

The story follows Grace and her new found friends as she struggles with her sexuality and falls secretly in love with the charismatic and furtive Marigold.

 

Grace & Marigold will appeal to anyone who lived these rebellious, tumultuous days of the mid seventies and will bring back memories of a wild untamed freedom enjoyed by many of the 20somethings of that time. Young adult readers will enjoy an insight into the lives of their boomer parents/grandparents and may just be surprised how radical they were.

 

Grace & Marigold is a sapphic coming-of-age story and I enjoyed Grace's evolution. There are many tender moments and moments of tension with plenty of humour interspersed throughout the story.

 

My rating 3 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Spinifex Press 

Publication date: 6th August 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction / LGBT

Pages: 272

RRP: AU$32.95

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

 

Book Review: The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth is a compelling mystery thriller centred around two married couples, Pippa & Gabe and Amanda & Max, and their unconventional love stories.

The Soulmate had me totally hooked right from the start! Sally Hepworth highlights all the messiness of marriage in this domestic suspense novel, and questions what makes the perfect marriage.

This is one of those stories where everyone is behaving badly and all the main characters have something to hide. So be prepared for unlikeable characters.

There is lots of back and forth with the then and now timelines which did cause some disconnection with the story for me.

The omniscient point of view of a character after they had died was a novel idea and I loved it!

The Soulmate is an  entertaining read filled with twists and turns. A story about love, family, betrayal, secrets and forgiveness. Sally Hepworth raises the question; What lengths would you go to for your soulmate?

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Content: suicide, postnatal depression, infidelity, mental illness.

Publisher: Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 25th October 2022

Genre: Mystery / Thriller

Pages: 320

Source: Own copy

Other books I've read by Sally Hepworth

THE MOTHER-IN-LAW