Fleur McDonaldCritiques

Rising Dust is a rural suspense in the Detective Dave Burrows series, by Australian author Fleur McDonald dubbed the “Voice of the Outback.” Partners Bob Holden and Dave Burrows are sent to a sheep station north of Carnarvon to investigate possible stock theft. Everything changes when a dead body, then a second body and a stash of drugs are found washed up on the beach at Corbett Station Stay where they are based.

Dave is recovering from the trauma of his broken family and the disintegration of his marriage after his mother-in-law was shot by a criminal he was chasing. He is currently facing the stress of a legal custody battle to see his daughters. The arrival of smart and beautiful forensic pathologist Shannon is a pleasant distraction from these dark thoughts.

This was a pleasant enough read, somewhat slow and rambling, and I may have felt more connected to Dave as a character if I had read some of the earlier books.

Voices in the Dark is the 22nd novel in which Detective Dave Burrows appears. He features in six, the most recent being Into the Night, and has a peripheral role in sixteen others, including this one, which follows the events of Broad River Station, but can be read as a stand alone.

Informed that her grandmother is gravely ill, Sassi Stapleton doesn’t hesitate to make the long drive from New South Wales to the South Australian town of Barker, hoping for the chance to say goodbye to the woman who raised her. It’s just past dawn when a kangaroo causes Sassi to veer off the road, trapping her in her rolled car, and while she is rescued with only minor injuries, Sassi is devastated to learn that her beloved grandmother is already gone. Being back in Barker is not easy for Sassi, who is still disappointed that there was no opportunity for her to work on the family’s farm, and it becomes more difficult when her estranged mother, Amber, shows up, but Sassi has resolved to do whatever she can to support her Pa, who struggles with daily tasks after a crippling stroke.

As the main character, Sassi carries the story well, with the Stapleton family drama dominating the storyline of Voices in the Dark. McDonald explores the issues of family estrangement, farm succession, and racism, as well as some particular sensitive subjects such as rape, and elder abuse. Somewhat surprisingly there is very little suspense in the plot, though there are some tense incidents. There’s no romance either, but I enjoyed the blossoming of new friendships.

Though Dave doesn’t feature in Voices of the Dark, readers familiar with his character will enjoy the scenes in which he appears. While some simply involve him doing his job as a police officer, and mentoring his new constable, Mia Worth, others reveal glimpses of his personal life, including his relationship with his wife Kim, and his two, now adult, daughters from his first marriage.

An engaging novel, I spent an afternoon happy immersed in Voices of the Dark, and I look forward to the next book to feature Dave Burrows and the community of Barker.½

Into the Night is Fleur McDonald’s seventh novel to feature Detective Dave Burrows though the twelfth in which he appears, chronologically it takes place in 2002, just a few months after the events in Rising Dust.

No one has seen nor heard from Leo Perry, or his dog Coffee, since he placed a frantic call for help when fire broke out on his farm on the outskirts of Yorkenup. After a search determines there is no body among the ashes of the devastated property, Dave and his partner Detective Bob Holden are called in to investigate Leo’s puzzling disappearance.

The mystery element of this novel is really well-crafted, Leo’s wife, family, and friends all insist he is a good man who wouldn’t simply vanish so Dave and Bob start by examining alternative possibilities, but nothing really makes sense. The complicated case suits Dave’s methodical investigative skills and it takes a lot of digging before they make some headway. Though there’s not a great deal of action in Into the
Night, there are some surprising twists leading to a dramatic conclusion.

Dave is almost relieved to have something to focus on other than how difficult his ex-wife, Melinda, and her father, are making it to see his kids. Readers familiar with the series will understand the tense relations and how deeply it hurts him. Unfortunately it’s not the only upset Dave is facing when Bob delivers some bad news.

I’m a genuine fan of the Detective Dave Burrows series, each book offers intriguing suspense, thoughtful character development, and an authenticity in detail and setting. Into the Night is another terrific read from Fleur McDonald.

Two seemingly unrelated story threads eventually overlap in Deception Creek, the fifth Australian rural mystery novel by Fleur McDonald to feature Detective Dave Burrows in the town of Barker, though the ninth in which he appears.

When Joel Hammond returns to Barker after serving a nine year jail sentence, Dave is surprised by the venom directed at him by a handful of locals. Their anger, Dave learns, is unrelated to the financial crimes that Joel claims he is innocent of. When Joel was a teenager his girlfriend, Maggie, died after a fall from a water tower, and though he was cleared of any involvement, her family have always believed him responsible.

Though Emma Cameron’s marriage has ended in divorce, she’s proud that all her hard work means the farm she inherited from her parents in Deception Creek is almost debt free. She doesn’t want to be alone forever though and when Kyle Pengilly, with whom she shares a tragic memory, comes to town, she finds his obvious interest flattering.

McDonald’s plot is skilfully crafted, well paced, and offers a truly unexpected ending. While Dave, and his partner Senior Constable Jack Higgins try to keep peace in town as Maggie’s brother, Steve, becomes increasingly confrontational with Joel, their partners, Kim Burrows and journalist Zara Ellison, grow curious not only about Joel’s insistence that he was not guilty of fraud, but also what really happened the night Maggie died. I was caught up in the drama and suspense as their questions unravel shocking truths that have been hidden for decades.

I’ve grown familiar with the core characters, who share a strong sense of community and justice, over previous instalments and find them to be an appealing foursome. I liked Emma, an independent, capable farmer, and Joel who, despite the accusations levelled against him, is sympathetic. Interestingly, both these characters give McDonald another opportunity to explore facets of PTSD, as she has done in several previous novels.

Though it can be read as a stand alone, Deception Creek is another great read is what is an engaging series that combines suspense and romance in an authentic rural Australian setting.

Something to Hide is the fourth engrossing rural suspense novel to feature Detective Dave Burrows, though the seventh in which he appears, by bestselling Australian writer Fleur McDonald.

Something to Hide brings closure to the undercover assignment investigating a stock theft ring that resulted in Dave being shot and the escape of the ringleaders, brothers Bulldust and Scotty, in Without A Doubt. Set a few months after the events of Red Dirt Country, Dave’s relationship with his wife, Melinda, is just getting back on track when, while grocery shopping, she’s confronted by a stranger with a message for her husband.

Dave’s been expecting the ruthless brothers to seek their revenge ever since the judge carelessly revealed his identity during his testimony in the case, and now that they’ve finally made their first move, Dave is keen to end the threat. McDonald develops a tense, fast-paced plot as the inevitable confrontation between Dave and Bulldust edges ever closer. Not knowing when, or where it will take place, but assuming it will be deadly, ensures suspense remains high throughout the story, particularly as both men grow more reckless in their pursuit of each other.

Stonewalled by the Major Crimes squad tracking Bulldust and his brother, Dave’s partner, Bob, tries to distract him with another case involving stock theft, moving the action from Perth back to Barrabine, adding a further layer of interest to the novel. It also reunites Dave with his mentor and handler on the undercover case, Spencer, who, in a shocking twist, gets caught up in Bulldust’s vendetta.

The entire situation is the last straw for Mel who issues Dave an ultimatum, insisting he choose between her and the job. McDonald explores Dave’s struggle to make such a choice, and the fears that drive the spouse of a police officer to demand one. Though I do not find Mel to be a likeable character, McDonald’s skill with creating authentic characters ensures I do sympathise with her concerns. Unsurprisingly, Dave remains hopeful that he can still have it all, until tragedy ensures the decision is made for him.

Though Something to Hide could be read as a stand-alone, I wouldn’t recommend it given it provides closure to two major threads developed in the previous books, plus you’d be missing out on what is an excellent series. Well crafted, with exciting action, Something to Hide is a stellar instalment, and I can’t wait to discover how Dave moves forward from here.

++++++

If you’ve enjoyed this review, (and even if you haven’t) please consider donating to the charity Fleur McDonald founded, DV assist, which offers information, resources and practical support for those experiencing or concerned about others who may be experiencing domestic and family violence in regional, rural or remote Western Australia experiencing family and domestic violence.
Go to DVAssist.org.au½

The Shearer’s Wife is the fourth Australian rural mystery novel by Fleur McDonald to feature Detective Dave Burrows, and the seventh in which he appears, but can nevertheless be read as a stand-alone.

The Shearer’s Wife is divided between two timelines, the first of which is set in the present day. When the Australian Federal Police arrive in Barker to arrest an elderly resident for drug distribution, Dave and his colleague Senior Constable Jack Higgins are convinced that Essie must be acting under duress. Warned off from interfering in the case, Dave asks Jack’s girlfriend, journalist Zara Ellison, to investigate.
Zara, while trying to ignore her symptoms of PTSD, throws herself into the case, looking for a reason Essie would risk the well-being of her young granddaughter by dealing drugs, and in doing so also uncovers a forty year old secret.

The second timeline tells the story of itinerant shearer, Ian Kelly and his very pregnant wife, Rose, who are heading to a station outside of Barker in 1980. When Rose goes into labour prematurely and gives birth to twins, she insists the new family remain in town but, unwilling to settle down, Ian chooses to leave them behind.

I enjoyed the pacing of both timelines, though Essie’s situation is the more compelling of the two storylines. The clues are provided early on to unravel the mystery of Essie’s motive, which is not unexpected, but does result in some moments of suspense, and a twist that endangers the lives of several of the characters is filled with tension. The fate of Rose and her family ties in at the end, providing a moving and uplifting conclusion.

I really like the character of Dave, an ethical, empathetic man who has a wonderful relationship with his wife, Kim. As a police officer in a small rural South Australian town, Dave occasionally finds himself walking a fine line between the professional and personal, but he is incensed when accused by the AFP of being myopic. He’s willing to risk his career in order to see justice is done, but not break the law.

One of the main issues explored in The Shearer’s Wife is the effects of PTSD. After the trauma of losing her father in a horrific car accident, and then her brother from a brief battle with cancer just six months previously (in Starting From Now) Zara is struggling, but unwilling to admit it. McDonald’s portrayal of Zara’s emotional state is thoughtful and sensitive, and addresses the general reluctance of people to seek help.

An engaging and entertaining novel, I spent an afternoon pleasantly immersed in The Shearer’s Wife, and I look forward to the next book to feature Dave Burrows and the community of Barker.

I haven’t read all the Detective Dave Burrows books in Fleur McDonald’s series, which is kind of stupid on my behalf. (It does mean that I have a lot to look forward to though). Detective Dave doesn’t disappoint in providing the reader with a solid story, intriguing mystery and unforgettable characters. The Shearer’s Wife puts together two seemingly unconnected stories and holds the reader’s interest as the links are gradually revealed. It certainly makes no difference if you haven’t read the previous novels, as the characters and their relationships are all clearly explained.

The narrative of The Shearer’s Wife goes between two storylines, one set in present day and one set in 1980. Back in the eighties, Rose and Ian are making their way to another shearing shed. Rose is heavily pregnant with twins and isn’t doing so well. When she goes into labour early, Ian stays at the shed to continue working. This is the start of the breakdown of their relationship. Meanwhile in the small country town of Barker, Detective Dave Burrows gets a visit from the Federal Police. They are in town to intercept a package of drugs sent through the mail to a local resident. Dave is left in the dark about the identity of the recipient, but left to deal with the fallout of the arrest. His wife Kim helps to care for a child left without family and negotiates to assist the accused. Local reporter Zara is also on the case, making her relationship with her boyfriend Jack (a policeman) difficult. As Zara struggles with her past, she is determined to find out the truth. She just might be the one who links the two stories together…

The Shearer’s Wife is a perfect weekend read. It was just the right book to sit down and read over a lazy Sunday afternoon. Fleur McDonald tells the story well, switching timelines just when the reader becomes desperate to know what’s happening with Rose (or Dave and Zara). It’s a great mix of police procedural entangled with the lives and consequences of regular people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. The latter part of the novel is laced with tension as Dave, Jack and Zara close in on their suspect making for an urgent not-moving-from-the-couch reading session. The novel doesn’t end there though, but pulls together the last threads of the two timelines and brings them together in a heartfelt way. It is a really uplifting ending to a novel with multiple missed chances and some poor decisions by particular characters. The pacing of plot is done well, as is the reunion with familiar characters like Kim, Dave and Jack and the new characters of Rose and Ian. The story combines together to bring the best of an Aussie outback novel, bringing the natural elements of the bush together with great characters. A fun read.

Thank you to Allen & Unwin for the copy of this book. My review is honest.

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com

Red Dirt Country is Fleur McDonald’s third book to feature Detective Dave Burrows, but the sixth in which he appears.

Several months after his undercover assignment chasing cattle thieves in North Queensland led to him being shot, Dave is relieved that he has finally been given the go ahead to return to work, gaining his dream job with the Perth Livestock Squad. His very pregnant wife, Mel, is not. Torn between his love for his family, and his passion for his job, Dave may be forced to make some difficult choices.

Dave’s first case in Western Australia partners him with his new chief, Bob Holden. Livestock is being stolen from an Aboriginal owned station, and the thefts are stirring up long held rivalries, spilling out across the community. While the identity of the culprits are easy to guess, I enjoyed the way in which the investigation unfolded. Bob and Dave work well as partners, with the senior proving to be a capable and canny, if not wholly traditional, mentor.

The case allows McDonald to explore the historical and current issues related to Aboriginal managed stations. I felt for Kevin, torn between his Elder’s warnings, and his own judgement. It’s disheartening that prejudice and resentment persist along racial lines, and the author captures that well.

McDonald also alludes to the continuing drought which places pressure on farmers, along with other common stressors like inheritance, and stock sale prices. Her knowledge and experience of farming ensures the authenticity of the setting, and her characters.

Ramping up the tension in the novel is Dave’s impending appearance at the trial of the crooked cop unmasked during the undercover North Queensland investigation. Bulldust, the mastermind behind the theft ring who has yet to be apprehended, is determined to avenge his destruction, and the threat he poses to Dave, and his family, is edging closer.

If you have read McDonald’s contemporary novels in which Dave has a role but does not feature, you will know how the relationship between Dave and Melinda pans out. In Red Dirt Country, Mel, heavily pregnant and suffering bouts of high blood pressure, is worried about Dave’s safety, and resentful of his return to work. Dave loves his wife, and children, but knows he wouldn’t be happy doing anything else. I felt that McDonald portrayed the feelings of both Dave and Mel sympathetically, there is no easy solution to the issue that divides them.

With its engaging mystery and authentic rural setting, I enjoyed Red Dirt Country, and the (sort of) cliff hanger has me anticipating the next instalment.½

The start of an early summer heat wave was the perfect time to read Fleur McDonald’s Suddenly One Summer – can’t you just feel the sizzling temperature portrayed on the cover? I felt like reading something close to home and this story of family and mystery in country Australia was just the ticket. It’s an easy read, great for lazy days when all you are capable of is lying under the air conditioning. What made Suddenly One Summer stand out from the pack is the wonderful combination of rural life with a mystery that seemingly has no connection to the characters.

It’s the middle of summer in rural Western Australia when we meet Brianna Donahue, a farmer and mother. She’s got it tough – her husband is a fly in, fly out lawyer in the city and she’s looking after her sons alone most of the time. There’s the possibility that fire could strike any moment…and now one of her sons is missing. It leaves Brianna almost at breaking point, but she’s got to keep going for herself, her farm and her family. Meanwhile, thousands of kilometres away in country South Australia, a farmer has reported missing sheep. When detective Dave Burrows investigates, it seems to be more than that with the old man talking about a woman in the shed and wool missing. But the family is much more mysterious than that – how could a young girl be forgotten in a country town? What does this have to do with Brianna?

The great thing about Suddenly One Summer is that it’s pretty much impossible to predict the twist until it’s staring the reader in the face. The two narratives are immensely enjoyable with a number of different issues facing both Dave and Brianna. There definitely wasn’t the sense of frustration that I sometimes get when reading dual narratives of preferring one to the other. I enjoyed reading about Dave and partner Kim’s life in a country town just as much as I did about Brianna’s life between family and farm. Both main characters were strong and fascinating – Dave with his powers of deduction and Brianna’s fierce determination to do the best for her children and her property. I must admit that I’d like to know more about Kim – she sounds very wise, plus she is an excellent baker!

As the two stories come closer together, the narrative picks up to a frantic pace, almost like a wildfire. I defy anyone not to keep reading until the very end! As I’ve mentioned, the twist is clever and the growing sense of unease as events of the novel begin to make more sense if palpable. While Fleur McDonald has a wonderful way with telling rural stories in a special way, it was the mystery that made this a stellar read in my eyes. I felt that it showed off her skills as a writer even more, luring the reader into a sense of safety and then hitting us with some truths that made events even more shocking! A great summer read that won’t disappoint.

Thanks to Allen & Unwin for the copy. My review is honest.

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of The Missing Pieces of Us in a GoodReads give-away and because of my personal experiences with adoption in Australia I was keen to read it.

At it's core it is a story about love, family and learning to either accept or let go of the past in order to embrace the future.

The book itself was a quick read, written in a comfortable and easy manner, though the content touched on heavier subjects, such as bullying, the darker side of social media, feelings of rejection and one's own mortality. Don't let the "easy read" fool you into thinking this is a "light read". If you are prone to be emotional... grab the Kleenex first.

The three man characters are all likable and you do get drawn into each of their stories.

Here, however is my sticking point - and why it's a 4 star review rather than 5.

I felt the story arcs for all three women were concluded in a way that was too neat and tidy. To me the endings felt slightly contrived and maybe a touch too feel good and unrealistic for the subject matter. I think over the past few years we've been conditioned not to expect happy endings... and when they occur, its almost disappointing. And maybe this a downfall of our society rather than a fault on the part of the author.

The Missing Pieces of Us will probably appeal to fans of Liane Moriarty although you will find it a quicker read and perhaps missing the unexpected twists that Moriarty is known for throwing in at the end.

Overall though, I did love the book and will definitely recommend to others.

Anna & Matt lose their farm to drought and the story that endures, i thought it was very basic and repeating and weak , "lovey dovey" wouldnt recommend it .

You can see my review of Red Dust here: http://abshepherdsreinventedreader.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/red-dust-by-fleur-mcd...

Read my review here: http://abshepherdsreinventedreader.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/blue-skies-by-fleur-m...

Twenty four year old Tessa Mathison is working hard, and playing harder, in London when she receives word her beloved Aunty 'Spider' has died. To honour her great-aunt she must return home to the Nullarbor for the funeral but she doesn't plan on staying long. She has avoided Danjar Plains where possible over the last ten years, unwilling to confront the tragedy that drove her away. But then Tessa's drunken carousing finally catches up with her and, finding herself unemployed with no where else to go, she agrees to stay at Danjar Plains and take on the task of emptying her Great-Aunt's home. Away from the frantic pace of London, and distracted by her interest in unraveling the family secret Aunty Spider left behind, Tessa begins to find the half remembered rhythm of country life soothing and may be finally ready to put her past behind her.

Silver Clouds is primarily about Tessa's journey to make peace with her past. She never dealt properly with the tragic death of her best friend and in her desperation to outrun her guilt and pain she has made choices she is not proud of. On returning home, she is forced to confront her demons and reevaluate what and who she truly wants.

McDonald explores a number of issues in Silver Clouds though it is alcoholism that her protagonist struggles with. Like many of today's young women, Tessa has found that her binge drinking has spiraled out of control and the repercussions are not just personal, but also professional. At Danjar Plains, Tessa is confronted with her dependence and is forced to deal with it.

I most enjoyed the intrigue surrounding the family history. Aunty Spider (Violet) leaves oblique references to a decades old secret for Tessa to discover. The clues includes a pair of inscribed but unworn wedding rings, two unmarked graves and cryptic diary entries from Violet's youth which reference the camel traders that serviced the Nullarbor in the early to mid twentieth century. I found this historical aspect of the novel very interesting and I think the author worked this into the story very well.

Tessa's dalliance with the charming Brendan McKenzie was obviously doomed from the start, though I liked that Tessa came to her own conclusion about his character.
Unfortunately I found the development of the romantic relationship between Tessa and Harrison rather abrupt. There is very little interaction between the pair, and in those moments Tessa is rarely shown in a good light and Harrison is generally disapproving. I don't have an issue with the age difference, which is considerable, but as the two have very little in common I am not sure where the attraction between them comes from.

Silver Clouds is an easy, engaging read which combines intrigue, drama and romance in a vivid Australian setting. Fleur McDonald's fans are sure to enjoy this, her fourth rural fiction offering.½

This is a very easy read. It is set in Western Australia down on the south coast. It tells the story of Amanda's love for the family farm and the dramas that follow her Mother's death. I really loved reading the intricate details of what Amanda did on the farm and found it true to life. It's quite a compelling read as we wonder why Amanda's father didn't like Adrian and who is the person scaring Amanda? Is it the shearer she threw off the farm?

Purple Roads is Fleur McDonald's third novel set in rural Australia, a region and lifestyle that she is familiar with as a stock and crop farmer in Western Australia. Teetering on the brink of financial collapse after several harsh seasons, Anna and Matt Butler lose their farm when they are targeted by a thief. Anna is devastated but determined to provide the best life she can for the couple's young daughter, hoping to eventually return to a life of farming. Matt however, is broken, angry and depressed, he is obsessed with discovering the identity of the thief that he holds responsible for the loss of his farm. As Matt's bitterness drives a wedge between himself and his wife, he becomes reckless in his pursuit for justice and finds himself in danger of losing everything.

Purple Roads is a contemporary Australian story of rural life, relationships and family with a surprising twist. I say surprising, because I was expecting, based on the cover and a cursory glance at publicity materials, something more grounded in the romance or chick lit genre. Instead, Purple Roads has a strong element of suspense and while the state of the relationship between Anna and Matt is integral to the story, it does not play out as a traditional romance. I'm not sure if the publicity spin does the novel any favours, even if labeled more generically 'women's fiction', it poses some issues given that Matt tends to edge out Anna as the protagonist of the story. However if I put aside the issues of which genre niche Purple Roads fits most comfortably, it is simply an enjoyable and engaging story.

Though written in the third person the story unfolds through several narratives. Matt and Anna's stories moves on from the loss of their farm through a difficult year both together and apart, Jimmy's begins during his memories of the Vietnam War and sporadically we are privy to the concerns of the unnamed thief in the midst of his crimes. Initially I thought the inclusion of Jimmy's story was out of left field but it does eventually make sense within the context of the story. For me, however, Matt is the dominant character within the novel, despite the female profile that graces the cover. I think its because Matt's emotions are more intense and he is more actively involved in the plot than Anna.

Childhood sweethearts, the loss of the farm divides them as Matt takes out his distress on Anna and spurns her support. The relationship between Anna and Matt is a feature of the plot and McDonald sensitively explores the breakdown of their marriage in a way that makes neither party the enemy, Matt's tortured emotions are credible as is Anna's frustration.
The suspense element hinges on Matt's obsession with finding the culprits who stole the load of fertiliser that crippled his farm. To begin with Matt's investigation is fairly aimless, even as he is harassed by a black sports car. It takes some time for him to do more than idly collect bits of information and I would have liked him to be more proactive from the start. The clues are there for the reader, though its not until the end of the book that it all comes together.
The depiction of the setting and rural lifestyle is certainly a strength of the novel, from the description of the Butler's farm, to the country town general store and community. McDonald also features long haul truckers that criss cross the vast outback, routes familiar to her from traveling with her father.

I enjoyed Purple Roads, the blend of genres appeals to me and I always appreciate a strong Australian setting. I hope to read more from Fleur McDonald soon.½