Book Review: The Night on the Darling River by Darry Fraser

 The Night on the Darling River is a wonderfully immersive historical fiction set in 1894 Australia, during the rising tensions of the shearers' strikes.

 

Whilst most of the story is set in Echuca on the Murray River, it was the night Tess spent on the Darling River that changed her life forever.

 

Tess has finally summoned the courage to leave her abusive husband, stealing away in the dead of night, only to find herself hiding on the wrong boat. She is inadvertently caught up in the violence between union and non-union shearers and ends up wounded and stranded on the banks of the Darling River. Tess finds friendship in Ava, a young woman deserted by her husband.

Darry Fraser brings to life the tent cities on the banks of the Darling where women have the choice of following their husbands from town to town or staying put and praying they will return.

 

I was totally addicted to Tess's story and the action and danger never let up. Fraser has created some marvelous characters; strong women banding together, kind generous men and there are always those we want to see get their just deserts. 

I love Australian Historical Fiction and The Night on the Darling River did not disappoint. Darry Fraser has given her readers a story that is rich in danger with a light romance thread dispersed throughout. Fraser highlights the plight of women during this period of history and the devastating effects of flooding on the riverside towns and their residents.

 

I'm excited to read more of Darry's backlog!

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Content: domestic violence

 

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 4th December 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 416

RRP: AU$32.99 (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Other books I've read by Darry Fraser:

The Milliner of Benigo

The Last Truehart 

 

Book Review: Murder at the Loch by Dee MacDonald

Murder at the Loch is book 2 in Dee MacDonald's Ally McKinley Mystery Series.

 

Murder at the Loch is another fun cosy mystery set in the Scottish Highlands. If you've read the first book, Murder in the Scottish Highlands, you will already know all the delightful residents of Locharran. However if you haven't, MacDonald includes plenty of backstory on everyone, so you will know exactly who is who.

Murder at the Loch involves two murders, seemingly unrelated, but when Ally finds herself on the suspect list she is determined to find out who did  the killings.

 

Murder at the Loch is an easy read. The story mainly focuses on the quirky characters, and I loved them all. Lots of red herrings had me guessing then back tracking as a few people had plausible motives to murder the women. 

The Ally McKinley Mystery series is an enjoyable series. Ally is a likeable protagonist as are all the supporting characters. I am eager for the next book.

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication date: 3rd March 2025 

Series: Ally McKinley Mystery #2

Genre: Cosy Crime 

Pages: 252

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley

 

 

 

 

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: 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: 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: 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: Head for the Hills by Tricia Stringer

 I'm finding Head for the Hills very hard to review. Whilst I enjoyed the storyline, and it kept me reading and engaged, I didn't enjoy the characters. For me, the story needed at least one character that was fun and cheerful.

 

When a local of Jesserton, a small town in the Adelaide Hills, dies unexpectedly the sale of his land to a large hotel chain divides the community and causes animosity between sisters Margot and Roslyn.

 

Margot is very much against the idea of the hotel and decides to gather the community together to voice their concerns. However as the hotel's sales team start to sweet talk the local business owners' allegiances move, causing conflict in the community. 

The story of the development revolves around a side story of relationships within Margot's own family. Which includes her children, their partners, her sister and sister-in-law.

There were lots of secrets being kept and I felt Roslyn seemed to undermine Margot by not being open with her about the things she was doing. The sisters were close; they lived next door to each other and there was plenty of opportunity to be honest and upfront.

I found all the characters to be very judgy of each other. The adult children came across as entitled and Margot's husband really got my ire up.

There is also a theme of homelessness when Roslyn is coerced into taking in a homeless teen who is escaping an abusive relationship. Amber is angry with the whole world but Roslyn starts to warm to her as she sees that Amber is really trying to make a go at life. This leads to Roslyn looking into what more she can do for the homeless and disadvantaged.

 

I did love the menu chapter headings for the family dinner nights.

Head for the Hills is a story about small towns, progress, homelessness and family. It would make for a great holiday read.

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 2nd October 2024 

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 464

RRP: AU$34.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Books I've read and rated 5 stars by Tricia Stringer

TABLE FOR EIGHT

BIRDS OF A FEATHER
BACK ON TRACK

Also worth a read

KEEPING UP APPEARANCES

 

Book Review: The Seachangers by Meredith Appleyard

 The Seachangers

by

Meredith Appleyard

It's never too late for a new beginning.

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 4th September 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 400

RRP: AU$32.99

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

 

Review: The Seachangers

The Seachangers by Meredith Appleyard is a beautiful story about ageing, retirement and new beginnings.

 

Ruth is in her early 60's and after 5 years running Rosie's Cafe in Cutlers Bay she has become tired and worn down. She is reluctant to retire, as all her money is tied up in the cafe, but can't see herself continuing at this pace without her health being compromised.

 

Hamish, now retired, has a big flash city apartment and plenty of time to play golf but finds himself bored and lonely. When his father dies he travels to Cutlers Bay to clear out the house and sell it. Being back in the house brings back memories and regrets but he also finds a friendly atmosphere in the town he's never felt in the city.

 

The Seachangers is a clever and engaging story about life's problems and how we cope with change as we age.

 

Meredith Appleyard highlights the difficulties faced with self-employment, especially in the hospitality industry when patrons expect you to be open everyday, and the difficulty of finding reliable staff in a small town.

 

I loved that there was a romance element with an older couple. The romance evolved slowly and natural with no gushing or angst, making it very believable. 

 

The Seachangers is a wonderful contemporary fiction story that delves into the everyday questions of when to stop working, do I have enough money and what to do after retirement.

I know some of my friends are grappling with this right now.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: Murder in the Scottish Highlands by Dee MacDonald

Murder in the Scottish Highlands

by

Dee MacDonald

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication date: 2nd September 2024

Series: An Ally McKinley Mystery #1

Genre: Cosy Mystery

Pages: 282

Source: eBook courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Murder in the Scottish Highlands

Murder in the Scottish Highlands is the first in a new cosy mystery series by Dee MacDonald.

 

Ally McKinley has opened the guesthouse of her dreams in the tiny village of Locharran in the Scottish Highlands. Just when she feels she is settling into the village and making friends, one of her guests, an American tourist, is found murdered in the courtyard.

Not having much faith in the local police, Ally can't resist launching her own investigation to find the murderer. The list of suspects mounts and has Ally even questioning her new friends.

 

Murder in the Scottish Highlands is a fun read. Ally is a likeable main character and the imagery of the delightful Scottish village is superb.

As this is the first in a series there is lots about getting to know the supporting characters as Dee MacDonald introduces each of the residents of the village and how they interact with each other.

There are a mixed lot of characters who all had a good reason for wanting the tourist dead.

 

I did feel like the murder investigation slowed through the middle of the book until the end when it was all wrapped up very quickly.

 

Lots of humour, cups of tea, local gossip and the introduction of a love interest for Ally make this a fun and entertaining read. I finished this eager for the next book.

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

 

Book Review: Liars by James O'Loghlin

 Liars

by

James O'Loghlin

Everyone is guilty of something

 

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 30th July 2024

Genre: Crime / Mystery

Pages: 464

RRP: AU$32.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Liars

Barbara Young, a bored middle aged woman whose husband recently left her, and Seb Baxter, a young country cop who isn't taken seriously by his superiors, take it upon themselves to investigate the murder of a newcomer to Bullford Point when Barb's employee, Joe, becomes the prime suspect.

The story starts with a unique style of narration with texts, emails, a letter and report notices. This was an interesting way to get to know  some of the characters and their background.

 

The plot centres around a group of friends all having grown up in Bullford Point and have since returned there as adults. One of the group was murdered seven years ago. The case was never solved. Joe decides to start a true crime podcast, his first one focusing on Sal's murder.

Liars is a highly engaging police procedural with a twist; this is an off- the-books investigation. I loved the way Barb sifted through information finding little anomalies and dug deeper doing her own research and questioning people. I was totally invested in this story. O'Loghlin's characterisation is superb, everyone had something to hide and as the story progressed the mystery mounted which kept me guessing until the very end.

Liars is a cleverly plotted murder mystery and I enjoyed O'Loghlin's use of a lay person as the investigator (a modern day Miss Marple). I would love to see more of the Barb and Seb duo.

My rating 4.5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Plus an extra 🌟for a character named Veronica. (I hope she didn't get cut from the final copy)

 

Book Review: All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

 All the Colours of the Dark

by

Chris Whitaker

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Imprint: Orion

Publication date: 25th June 2024

Genre: Crime/ Mystery/ Thriller

Pages: 580

RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Good Reading

 

Review: All the Colours of the Dark

When Teenager Joseph 'Patch' Macauley is kidnapped his best friend Saint Brown makes it her mission to find him. Long after the authorities have given up Saint relentlessly looks for clues.

 

All the Colours of the Dark is a compelling crime read. I loved the short chapters that kept the story moving along at a fast pace and the 500+ pages flew by in no time.

 

The story starts with the abduction of a young teen and soon turns into a fast-paced mystery thriller that had me totally captivated.

 

A small town setting, flawed nuanced characters, lyrical prose and perfect imagery make All the Colours of the Dark an immersive and emotional read that spans almost three decades.

 

All the Colours of the Dark is an epic love story that will change the lives of two people forever, steering them towards an unknown destiny filled with heartache and despair. 

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: The Wartime Vet by Ellie Curzon

 The Wartime Vet

by

Ellie Curzon

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication date: 4th April 2024

Series: A Village at War #3 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 331

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Wartime Vet

The Wartime Vet is a cozy mystery/historical fiction set in 1942 country England during WWII.

 

Laura moves from her job as a small animal vet to the country town of Bramble Heath where she is employed to care for the local farm animals; the sheep and cows that will provide food for the nation.

 

I loved that Laura was strong and determined, the 1940's were a hard time for women to be taken seriously in jobs that were usually undertaken by men. When she believes that someone is sabotaging the farms she does not falter at going over her curmudgeonly bosses head to notify a higher authority. 

 

Ellie Curzon includes the invaluable work of the Land Girls Army and how they had to overcome sexism and suspicion.

I could easily imagine the small country town of Bramble Heath with children evacuated from the city running around on the farms. However these idyllic little towns didn't escape the air raid-sirens and the danger of enemy bombs.

 

The Wartime Vet is a cozy mystery novel with a light romance thread running through the story. It also explores heavier themes of PTSD, disrespect for servicemen with mental health problems, traitors, the land girls army and how women had to fight for the same recognition given to men.

 

My only complaint is that it became quite repetitive at times, going over and over things that had already been explained.  

 

My rating 3.5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐½ 

 

 

Book Review: Shock Waves by Fleur McDonald

Shock Waves

by

Fleur McDonald

When a bomb blast rips apart a quiet country town Detective Dave Burrows kicks into action.

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd April 2024

Series: Detective Dave Burrows

Genre: Crime / Thriller / Suspense

Pages: 352

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Shock Waves

Shock Waves opens with gripping suspense right from the first page when a bomb is set off in a quiet country town. I was pulled straight into the mystery and I loved that Fleur McDonald didn't divulge too many clues making it nigh on impossible to guess the final reveal.

Fleur highlights many issues that are faced by farmers today and the bureaucracy they must all deal with via laws that have no leeway for compassion, driving some farmers over the edge.

Dave's greatest struggles in this novel are his own personal demons. The plot not only deals with the issues of farming and the bomb investigation but also Dave's psychological problems over not seeing his young daughters. We also see the heartfelt interactions between Dave and his boss, Bob Holden, as Bob struggles with ongoing medical treatment and letting go of his working career.

Shock Waves is another brilliantly written novel that champions farmers and remote communities whilst also giving readers a great dose of drama and suspense.

If you've read the later Dave Burrows novels we see a strong, resilient Dave sure of himself and happily married to Kim but he wasn't always like that. In Shock Waves we learn more about the young Dave, heartbroken after his marriage breakdown, he wears his heart on his sleeve.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reviews for other Fleur McDonald books I've read:

DECEPTION CREEK

INTO THE NIGHT

RED DUST 

RED DIRT COUNTRY

RISING DUST 

THE SHEARER'S WIFE 

SOMETHING TO HIDE

VOICES IN THE DARK

WITHOUT A DOUBT 

 

 

 

Book Review: Body of Lies by Sarah Bailey

 Body of Lies

by

Sarah Bailey

A MISSING CORPSE. A SHOCKING CRIME. 

FAMILY SECRETS TOO CLOSE TO HOME.

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 27th February 2024

Series: Gemma Woodstock #4

Genre: Crime / Mystery / Thriller

Pages: 480

RRP: $34.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Body of Lies

Body of Lies opens about 18 months after Where the Dead Go and Gemma is on maternity leave. She is currently living back in her hometown of Smithson with partner Mac, son Ben and baby Scarlett.

 

When a woman dies in a car accident and her body is stolen from the hospital morgue and the next day a newborn baby is found abandoned on a walking track Gemma is convinced these two cases are related and asks if she can return to work to work on the case. Gemma has to juggle motherhood and working, along with rivalry in the workforce.

 

Body of Lies is another shrewdly plotted police procedural. The action never stops which keeps the pace up throughout the book.

It was nice to see Gemma in a good place psychologically in this novel. She had grown up a lot but still had trouble distancing herself from the victims which caused her much distress.

 

Body of Lies is another highly entertaining novel from Sarah Bailey with plenty of jaw-dropping twists and a light exploration of some ethical issues.

I found it a fitting finale to the series.

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Other Sarah Bailey novels reviewed:

THE DARK LAKE

INTO THE NIGHT 

WHERE THE DEAD GO

 

 

 

Book Review: Where the Dead Go by Sarah Bailey

 Where the Dead Go

by

Sarah Bailey

A MISSING GIRL. HER MURDERED BOYFRIEND. A COP ON THE EDGE.

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 4th August 2019

Series: Gemma Woodstock #3

Genre: Crime / Mystery

Pages: 464

RRP: $22.99AU (B format paperback)

Source: Uncorrected proof from publisher

 

Review: Where the Dead Go

As Into the Night wasn't a big hit with me I was eager to read the next Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock novel. Can Sarah Bailey recreate the atmosphere and suspense from The Dark Lake? Well that was a resounding Yes! I could not put this book down! I read it in two days picking it up every spare minute I had.

 

Where the Dead Go hooked me right from the prologue. A young teen out late at night after a fight with her boyfriend disappears without a trace.

 

In Into the Night Gemma was living in Melbourne and we find out she has since been living in Sydney with a new love interest, Mac. She is visiting her hometown of Smithson when a report of a murder and a missing teen, in a small town just north of Byron Bay, comes through. Gemma is keen to take the case and get away for a while.

 

Gemma is still full of self-doubt and crippling anxiety and has flash-backs of another missing teen case that didn't end well.

I love how Sarah Bailey portrayed the small seaside town of Fairhaven where everyone knew each other but there was still the underlying feeling that people were being evasive and secretive. I was quick to think many of the characters were a bit suspect and that Gemma shouldn't trust anyone.

 

Where the Dead Go was well plotted with plenty of drama that kept me turning the pages. 

The story ends with a bombshell from Gemma which I am sure will be played out in the next book. 

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

THE DARK LAKE REVIEW

INTO THE NIGHT REVIEW

 

Book Review: Devil's Lair by Sarah Barrie

 Devil's Lair

by

Sarah Barrie

A lonely widow, a sinister act, a darkness rising from the past.

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 17th June 2019

Series: Calico Mountain #2

Genre: Crime / Thriller

Pages: 448

RRP: $29.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Devil's Lair  

I just found out whilst posting my review that this is book 2 in a series! I can confidently say it reads well as a standalone. 

Devil's Lair opens with a ritualistic cult-like killing and I initially thought the story might be too dark for me however it soon settles into a compelling mystery with dark elements, allusions to paranormal activity and some nice creepy stalking. There are more killings but they are spread throughout the book and by this time I was hooked on the mystery.

Devil's Lair is a taut, gothic small town thriller and the perfect setting of a Tasmanian winter adds to the atmosphere of seclusion. I enjoyed the light romance thread that ran through the novel. It gave me some relief from the spine-tingling drama that had me on the edge of my seat.

Sarah Barrie pulled me into the world of gothic Tasmania and when the jaw-dropping twists started revealing themselves I was totally addicted.

 

If you enjoyed The Dry and The Dark Lake you will love Devil's Lair

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you haven't read Sarah Barrie before I highly recommend her Lexi Winter series.

UNFORGIVEN: https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2022/01/book-review-giveaway-unforgiven-by.html

RETRIBUTION: https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2023/02/book-review-retribution-by-sarah-barrie.html

VENDETTA: https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2023/11/book-review-vendetta-by-sarah-barrie.html 

 

#tbrchallenge

Book Review: The Accident by Fiona Lowe

The Accident

by

Fiona Lowe

She thought their life was perfect.  She was wrong.

 

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 6th March 2024

Genre: Contemporary fiction

Pages: 480

RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Accident

Trying my best at a spoiler free review here as it's best to go into this story with a limited idea of what unfolds. 

 

I was pulled into the story right from the prologue. The Accident opens with a tragic car accident but the reader is left in the dark as to who is in the accident and the details.

What ensues is a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking story rich in female-centric and emotive issues such as; posthumous IVF, women's choice to have, or not to have children, the many ways childless women are judged and child neglect.

 

Freya & Ryan and Hannah & Jamie are the best of friends however when one of them dies those left behind start questioning their own lives and each other. Lies and secrets surface and all their lives are irrevocably changed.

 

The Accident is a page-turning and thought-provoking story. Fiona Lowe thrusts her characters into moral dilemmas. The plot had me on a roller-coaster of emotions, tears, anger, a what would I do moment and delight. 

 

The Accident is a taut and absorbing mystery that is sure to be a huge hit with Fiona Lowe's fans and also with readers who enjoy Liane Moriarty and Sally Hepworth. 

 

My rating 4 /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: The Beacon by P. A. Thomas

 The Beacon

by

P. A. Thomas

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 30th January 2024

Genre: Crime / Mystery

Pages: 416

RRP: $ 32.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Beacon

Jack Harris, son of media giant Malcolm Harris, is sent from his high profile Melbourne office of Harris Media to their lowest regional newspaper, The Beacon, at Byron Bay. His father wants him to learn the business from the ground up but Jack thinks it may be punishment for questioning some of his father's actions.

 

Jack is eager for some journalistic work but when he arrives his mentor, Patrick O'Shaughnessy, is nowhere to be seen. Jack soon meets the colourful Caitlin O'Shaughnessy, Patrick's daughter. 

Patrick's body is found days later looking very much like the victim of a shark attack. Some things about the death don't add up for Jack so he and Caitlin decide to do some investigating of their own and soon find there are a few people that Patrick had managed to get on the wrong side of via his journalistic reporting.

 

The Beacon is such an entertaining page-turner. Set in the beach-side town of Byron Bay. P. A. Thomas cleverly portrays Byron's beauty and its flaws. Showcasing Bryon's eclectic and diverse cast of residents and their relationship with the missing reporter.

Thomas includes lots of fun banter, a main protagonist who can be a bit naive at times and a compelling mystery that kept me intrigued with plenty of twists and numerous antagonists. I was eager to see how the story would end.

 

Jack is the type of character you will find hard to let go of. He's honest, funny and a bit naive at times. He gets himself in and out of plenty of sticky situations. I closed the book hoping we would be seeing more of Jack Harris in the future. 

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ plus an extra ⭐ because there was a character named Veronica 💖

Book Review: Her Time to Shine by Fiona McCallum

 Her Time to Shine

by

Fiona McCallum

It's never too late to find your true self.

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 30th March 2022

Genre: Contemporary Fiction/ *Up Lit 

Pages: 432

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

*Up Lit: stories filled with kindness, optimism and heart

 

Review: Her Time to Shine

Her Time to Shine follows straight on from Trick of the Light. The story opens with Erica now living in the small country town of Melrose. She is about to start a new job in a funeral home. Erica is still somewhat amazed at the turn of events in her life as she approaches fifty.

 

Trick of the Light was my favourite Fiona McCallum book to date and Her Time to Shine is a fabulous follow up novel.

McCallum includes enough backstory to bring new readers up to date. I was already endeared to Erica from the previous book and within a few pages I felt the same about Walter, owner of the funeral home.

 

With the main setting being a funeral home there is a theme of death and loss, and McCallum delivers this with compassion.

 

I raced through this book! All the characters were likeable, interesting people. There is also a bit of a mystery running through the story with Erica having flashbacks of repressed memories.

 

Her Time to Shine is a heartwarming story about new friendships, facing your fears, taking new opportunities in life and never giving up on your dreams.

 

I highly recommend this uplifting read for anyone who likes characters that will make you smile and a story that is all wrapped up nicely at the end. Although not entirely necessary, I would suggest reading Trick of the Light first. You will love it too!

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

my review of Trick of the Light