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Opal Fields #3
Her Scorched Bones
Missing motive for murder…
Constable Jenny Williams took a job in a remote opal mining town for answers. When the case surrounding her missing cousin goes cold, she embraces an invitation to party with the locals. But the night is cut short when the live music event turns into a crowded crime scene.
A high-pitched scream and the smell of burning flesh has left a woman burned to death. No one saw the perpetrator, not even Jenny. Now it’s her job to catch the psychopath before they kill again. With no ID, no witnesses and no one coming forward who knows the woman, her case has no leads – not even a motive.
Until the victim’s best friend wanders into the police station, nearly three days later.
Constable Jenny Williams took a job in a remote opal mining town for answers. When the case surrounding her missing cousin goes cold, she embraces an invitation to party with the locals. But the night is cut short when the live music event turns into a crowded crime scene.
A high-pitched scream and the smell of burning flesh has left a woman burned to death. No one saw the perpetrator, not even Jenny. Now it’s her job to catch the psychopath before they kill again. With no ID, no witnesses and no one coming forward who knows the woman, her case has no leads – not even a motive.
Until the victim’s best friend wanders into the police station, nearly three days later.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2023
583 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Tarr
46 books132 followersFiona's stories are captivating, bold, suspense reads featuring strong female leads, small, rural town settings and quirky Australian characters.
Her most recent Opal Fields Crime Fiction series has been described as “a fast paced action packed thrill ride through the outback”.
Writing runs in the family. Fiona’s Great Uncle was Australian Literary author George Johnston (My Brother Jack) and although her style is more contemporary, her Uncle’s social commentary tone is evident.
Recently compared to Jane Harper, Patricia Wolf and Melinda Leigh—Fiona’s crime and mystery suspense novels have been well received, reaching #1 Best Seller in the Amazon Australia store and beyond.
Fiona lives in Noosa Australia with her husband, and not far from her two adult children.
A self confessed people watcher, she loves to interpret body language and social cues. With a history of farming, working in male dominated industries and navigating the world of community services, Fiona is equipped with the experience and insight to develop truely memorable characters, authentic settings and action packed stories.
When not writing, you'll likely find Fiona travelling in the outback, enjoying watersports on the local pristine beaches, or spending time with family and friends.
Join Fiona's Reader's Club and discover what motivate her stories, the process she uses to research and to be the first to know about future releases.
You'll also get a free copy of her latest series prequel novella Grave Doubt
Just copy and paste this link. https://www.subscribepage.com/c8s0o4_...
Her most recent Opal Fields Crime Fiction series has been described as “a fast paced action packed thrill ride through the outback”.
Writing runs in the family. Fiona’s Great Uncle was Australian Literary author George Johnston (My Brother Jack) and although her style is more contemporary, her Uncle’s social commentary tone is evident.
Recently compared to Jane Harper, Patricia Wolf and Melinda Leigh—Fiona’s crime and mystery suspense novels have been well received, reaching #1 Best Seller in the Amazon Australia store and beyond.
Fiona lives in Noosa Australia with her husband, and not far from her two adult children.
A self confessed people watcher, she loves to interpret body language and social cues. With a history of farming, working in male dominated industries and navigating the world of community services, Fiona is equipped with the experience and insight to develop truely memorable characters, authentic settings and action packed stories.
When not writing, you'll likely find Fiona travelling in the outback, enjoying watersports on the local pristine beaches, or spending time with family and friends.
Join Fiona's Reader's Club and discover what motivate her stories, the process she uses to research and to be the first to know about future releases.
You'll also get a free copy of her latest series prequel novella Grave Doubt
Just copy and paste this link. https://www.subscribepage.com/c8s0o4_...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 17, 2024
The Bachelor & Spinster Ball was in full swing when Constable Jenny Williams went outside with Nick for some air. The band was on a break and the cool night air was what they needed. When a loud scream drew their attention to a person running toward them, flames surrounding the victim, Nick threw his coat around her while the ambulance was called and Jenny hurriedly spoke to her colleagues. The horrible act of murder was the beginning of a dark, sinister case which put Jenny, Nick and her colleagues in danger, and involved secrets, drugs and undercover operatives...
Her Scorched Bones is #3 in the Opal Fields series by Aussie author Fiona Tarr, and is another good police procedural - along with the first two - which was let down by a lack of editing. Unfortunately the errors threw me out of the story each time, they were so obvious. Jenny is an excellent character and her friend Penny, forensics officer from Adelaide, is also. The setting, in the harsh outback environment of Coober Pedy north of Adelaide, is the opal capital of Australia, and a perfect place for murder!! Recommended.
Her Scorched Bones is #3 in the Opal Fields series by Aussie author Fiona Tarr, and is another good police procedural - along with the first two - which was let down by a lack of editing. Unfortunately the errors threw me out of the story each time, they were so obvious. Jenny is an excellent character and her friend Penny, forensics officer from Adelaide, is also. The setting, in the harsh outback environment of Coober Pedy north of Adelaide, is the opal capital of Australia, and a perfect place for murder!! Recommended.
May 30, 2025
Her Scorched Bones is book three in the Opal Fields series by Fiona Tarr. Constable Jenny Williams was having an enjoyable time at the local B&S dance when she heard a scream and rushed to the aid of a young girl who was set on fire. There was no witness or reason for the murder, so it became a race to find the murderer before someone else died. Readers of Her Scorched Bones will continue to follow Constable Jenny Williams's investigation to discover what happens next.
Her Scorched Bones is another fantastic book by Fiona Tarr that kept me glued to my chair until the end. The way Fiona Tarr incorporated her twists in the plot of this book was done in a way that ensured I engaged with the characters and the story. Her Scorched Bones got me thinking about the challenges that law enforcement officers face when they go undercover.
I love the way Fiona Tarr portrays her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Her Scorched Bones is well-written and researched by Fiona Tarr. I appreciate Fiona Tarr's description of the settings, which enabled me to envision myself as part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
Her Scorched Bones is another fantastic book by Fiona Tarr that kept me glued to my chair until the end. The way Fiona Tarr incorporated her twists in the plot of this book was done in a way that ensured I engaged with the characters and the story. Her Scorched Bones got me thinking about the challenges that law enforcement officers face when they go undercover.
I love the way Fiona Tarr portrays her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Her Scorched Bones is well-written and researched by Fiona Tarr. I appreciate Fiona Tarr's description of the settings, which enabled me to envision myself as part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
September 28, 2025
Setting: Coober Pedy, South Australia; modern day.
In this third book in the Opal Fields series, outback cop Jenny Williams is drawn into a complex and life-threatening investigation after a young woman is burnt alive in front of her at a local singles dance.
Drugs, illegal adoptions and possibly corrupt cops distract Jenny from her ultimate aim of discovering the fates of her aunt and niece, who disappeared several years earlier from the town...
A fast-paced and gripping tale with great characters and a real Aussie vibe means that I will inevitably be seeking out the next in the series, if only to get some resolution to Jenny's historical quest for answers - and whether she is going to hook up with local landowner Nick! - 9/10.
In this third book in the Opal Fields series, outback cop Jenny Williams is drawn into a complex and life-threatening investigation after a young woman is burnt alive in front of her at a local singles dance.
Drugs, illegal adoptions and possibly corrupt cops distract Jenny from her ultimate aim of discovering the fates of her aunt and niece, who disappeared several years earlier from the town...
A fast-paced and gripping tale with great characters and a real Aussie vibe means that I will inevitably be seeking out the next in the series, if only to get some resolution to Jenny's historical quest for answers - and whether she is going to hook up with local landowner Nick! - 9/10.
April 24, 2023
After the brilliant second book, I never expected this book to blow me away this much. This series is very exciting and absolutely worth your time. The cases keep getting better. I salute the Author for how clean this series is, there are not fillers, every single page is filled with all the good stuff. The way the characters work together and the way the investigations go, there is no dull moment at all. I loved it.
It's totally worth checking out.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's totally worth checking out.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2023
This series has me sitting on pins and needles waiting for the next story! Jenny seems to have arrived at Cooper Peddy Station just at the right moment as young women are ending up dead one right after another! The murders are not related and between Jenny and Penny(the forensic officer from the city) they manage to solve each case. In this book the young woman burns to death right in front of Jenny. A great read as she walks through the case, finds the culprit and still manages to keep trying to find out what happened to her aunt and cousin. Ms. Tarr definitely has a gift fir writing a great story with a well developed plot and characters that are believable! I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a review
April 21, 2023
Each book in this series gets better and better. This is the third book in this series and it kept me hooked the whole time. Definitely a 5 star must read series. I love the characters and the story line.
September 8, 2024
Absolutely fantastic. I'm loving this series. Always keeps me engaged!
June 5, 2023
I've really enjoyed this series so far. The characters are believable and the story lines are intriguing, leaving you unsure of 'who dunnit' until the end. Fiona seamlessly intertwines her descriptions of the Aussie outback with the story, so you feel like you can breathe the hot air along with the characters. I like seeing the main characters grow and develop through the series. I think I devoured all 3 books over the one weekend, and now I can't wait for the next book!
October 7, 2023
Having read the first two books in this gripping series, I was keen to find out how Constable Jenny Williams was progressing with her need to find answers about her missing relatives and what new crime would focus her attention.
The characters in the series are now becoming more familiar, with the author creating back stories and connections between them. Jenny is forming deeper relationships with her colleagues, but also her new housemates who she comes to depend on along with Penny the forensic scientist who comes to town when needed.
In this book, the murder is particularly gruesome with a young woman bursting into flames outside a venue where a packed audience is enjoying a concert by a visiting band.
What begins as a murder enquiry develops into a dangerous investigation with a number of suspects who are not talking, outside law and legal interventions that impede the local police forces efforts and someone intent on killing again.
The romantic thread running through the previous two books does so in this story too, with Jenny’s feelings for the enigmatic but increasingingly more attentive Nick developing as they open up to each other.
I can certainly recommend all the books so far and I am looking forward to book four soon.
The characters in the series are now becoming more familiar, with the author creating back stories and connections between them. Jenny is forming deeper relationships with her colleagues, but also her new housemates who she comes to depend on along with Penny the forensic scientist who comes to town when needed.
In this book, the murder is particularly gruesome with a young woman bursting into flames outside a venue where a packed audience is enjoying a concert by a visiting band.
What begins as a murder enquiry develops into a dangerous investigation with a number of suspects who are not talking, outside law and legal interventions that impede the local police forces efforts and someone intent on killing again.
The romantic thread running through the previous two books does so in this story too, with Jenny’s feelings for the enigmatic but increasingingly more attentive Nick developing as they open up to each other.
I can certainly recommend all the books so far and I am looking forward to book four soon.
April 30, 2023
Each book in this series is better than the one before. Constable Jenny Williams is witness to a blazing victim running from a trailer. The young girl dies and Jenny and the team at Coober Peay is on the hunt for the killer. An aggressive young female layer quickly arrives to advise certain witnesses but something feels off to Jenny. Then we add an undercover officer and things get more complicated and the Coober Pedy PD is told to back off. Jenny has good instincts and is developing improving work relationships and trust with her team. Still no resolution to the issue of her missing aunt and cousin. Nick and Jenny are becoming a bit more than friends and Jenny has Penny looking over Nick’s dad’s death. Great group of characters with a good storyline.
December 15, 2023
It's not very often that I will give the book I'm reading a high score. I could be picky and comment on a few mis-spellings but they didn't detract from the story.
Today I had planned on starting my Christmas baking, but "Her Scorched Bones" won that battle.
It is the second of Tarr's books that I've read, and I must admit that her books being set in and around Coober Pedy influenced my original choice.
The story never lacked action and it's been interesting watching over a couple of books how Jenny's character develops.
I'll say no more in case I spoil the drama. But...do read a good yarn set in the real outback.
Tomorrow I hope to commence Her Broken Bones.
Thanks Fiona for a great read.
Today I had planned on starting my Christmas baking, but "Her Scorched Bones" won that battle.
It is the second of Tarr's books that I've read, and I must admit that her books being set in and around Coober Pedy influenced my original choice.
The story never lacked action and it's been interesting watching over a couple of books how Jenny's character develops.
I'll say no more in case I spoil the drama. But...do read a good yarn set in the real outback.
Tomorrow I hope to commence Her Broken Bones.
Thanks Fiona for a great read.
January 25, 2025
A pearler of an Australian crime thriller
This is the third in the Opal Fields series I have read, and by far the best so far.
Fiona Tarr has developed her main characters more fully in this fast paced, tightly written crime thriller. I doubt if Coober Pedy has ever seen so much action before.
The story is quite complex with a very satisfying conclusion. There is a lot of humour, plenty of action and suspense, and even a dash of romance. What's not to like?
There are not many more iconic, remote places in the world than Coober Pedy. Ms Tarr does an excellent job of making this outback setting accessible to a wide audience. She retains a uniquely Australian style without relying heavily on slang or stereotypes. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
Good luck with putting this book down.
This is the third in the Opal Fields series I have read, and by far the best so far.
Fiona Tarr has developed her main characters more fully in this fast paced, tightly written crime thriller. I doubt if Coober Pedy has ever seen so much action before.
The story is quite complex with a very satisfying conclusion. There is a lot of humour, plenty of action and suspense, and even a dash of romance. What's not to like?
There are not many more iconic, remote places in the world than Coober Pedy. Ms Tarr does an excellent job of making this outback setting accessible to a wide audience. She retains a uniquely Australian style without relying heavily on slang or stereotypes. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
Good luck with putting this book down.
April 28, 2025
Missing motive for murder…
Constable Jenny Williams took a job in a remote opal mining town for answers. When the case surrounding her missing cousin goes cold, she embraces an invitation to party with the locals. But the night is cut short when the live music event turns into a crowded crime scene.
A high-pitched scream and the smell of burning flesh has left a woman burned to death. No one saw the perpetrator, not even Jenny. Now it’s her job to catch the psychopath before they kill again. With no ID, no witnesses and no one coming forward who knows the woman, her case has no leads – not even a motive.
Until the victim’s best friend wanders into the police station, nearly three days later.
burned women straight up the bat intriguing and smelly burning flesh I would say a great book
Constable Jenny Williams took a job in a remote opal mining town for answers. When the case surrounding her missing cousin goes cold, she embraces an invitation to party with the locals. But the night is cut short when the live music event turns into a crowded crime scene.
A high-pitched scream and the smell of burning flesh has left a woman burned to death. No one saw the perpetrator, not even Jenny. Now it’s her job to catch the psychopath before they kill again. With no ID, no witnesses and no one coming forward who knows the woman, her case has no leads – not even a motive.
Until the victim’s best friend wanders into the police station, nearly three days later.
burned women straight up the bat intriguing and smelly burning flesh I would say a great book
June 22, 2023
Her Scorched Bones: An Australian Outback Crime Novel
by Fiona Tarr
5 stars
Absorbing fast paced police procedural
I love this Opal Fields crime series. Fiona Tarr captures the Australian outback with its quirky characters and customs with affection and authenticity. This is Jenny Williams third murder: the unidentified body, the lack of obvious motive and the unravelling of the mystery is a true page turner. I so enjoy Fiona's sparse, clean writing style; no internal monologues and no angsty love scenes. The slow burn romance with Nick, station owner (ranch owner for our Northern friends) is fresh and believable. Highly recommended.
by Fiona Tarr
5 stars
Absorbing fast paced police procedural
I love this Opal Fields crime series. Fiona Tarr captures the Australian outback with its quirky characters and customs with affection and authenticity. This is Jenny Williams third murder: the unidentified body, the lack of obvious motive and the unravelling of the mystery is a true page turner. I so enjoy Fiona's sparse, clean writing style; no internal monologues and no angsty love scenes. The slow burn romance with Nick, station owner (ranch owner for our Northern friends) is fresh and believable. Highly recommended.
July 16, 2025
Never a dull moment in the outback!
This is book 3 in the Opal Fields series, continuing the story of Constable Jenny Williams posting at Coober Pedy with the initial reason being to find her missing aunt and cousin. All of that is put on the back burner as she & her fellow officers try to solve a murder and survive further attacks on witnesses and themselves. Jenny's "relationship" with Nick is developing as he tries to keep her safe from harm.
The book is action packed from start to finish and almost impossible to put down.
Highly recommended reading. I can't wait to read book 4 in the series.
This is book 3 in the Opal Fields series, continuing the story of Constable Jenny Williams posting at Coober Pedy with the initial reason being to find her missing aunt and cousin. All of that is put on the back burner as she & her fellow officers try to solve a murder and survive further attacks on witnesses and themselves. Jenny's "relationship" with Nick is developing as he tries to keep her safe from harm.
The book is action packed from start to finish and almost impossible to put down.
Highly recommended reading. I can't wait to read book 4 in the series.
August 12, 2025
This is a great series and just gets better with every book. Jenny is at the local B&S Ball (Bachelors and Spinsters) when proceedings are interrupted by the horrific death of a young woman burnt alive. Jenny's investigation into her death lead her and the team into the murky waters of drugs and violence and puts them all at risk. The writing is fast-paced and exciting - you never see the surprises coming. Jenny's ongoing investigation into her relatives' disappearance takes a back seat in this investigation but is still alluded to. Describing the scenery of this Australian Mining town, the author makes you feel as if you are really there amidst the dust and heat.
May 2, 2024
A WONDERFUL READ
A nother wonderful read from Fiona Tarr.
I find it a real pleasure reading her books that are in Australia, expecially Coober Pedy where there is brown soil, and heat you can see and feel all around you.
The storyline has plenty of action from the start, leading up to an very exciting and brilliant ending.
All characters are well developed, good and bad, you feel you are starting to know the main characters well. This is the third book in the series, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
A Highly recommended read. Frances
A nother wonderful read from Fiona Tarr.
I find it a real pleasure reading her books that are in Australia, expecially Coober Pedy where there is brown soil, and heat you can see and feel all around you.
The storyline has plenty of action from the start, leading up to an very exciting and brilliant ending.
All characters are well developed, good and bad, you feel you are starting to know the main characters well. This is the third book in the series, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
A Highly recommended read. Frances
May 3, 2023
This is book three in The Opal Fields series. Each book gets better and better, Fiona Tarr never disappoints!! This book begins with Constable Jenny Williams hearing a woman scream and seeing her on fire. What is going on? We have explosions, fire, missing people, and possible drugs. Still no new information on Jenny's missing cousin and Aunt. Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. Can't wait for the next book in the series!!
Read
May 16, 2023Her Scorched Bones: An Australian Outback Crime Novel (Opal Fields Book 3), my fourth read from author Fiona Tarr. Enjoyable mystery carrying over from the first two books. With this series Tarr is rapidly becoming one of my go-to authors! “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
July 22, 2023
Things are heating up in the remote Outback town of Coober Pedy when a young woman is set ablaze outside a venue where a country-rock band is playing.
Constable Jenny Williams and her friend Nick witnessed the incident. There is a range of suspects—among them the band members, a haughty lawyer from Adelaide, and an undercover cop.
As Jenny and the team investigate, they discover some characters aren’t what they seem. There’s plenty of action and the author keeps you guessing. I look forward to the next installment of this series.
Constable Jenny Williams and her friend Nick witnessed the incident. There is a range of suspects—among them the band members, a haughty lawyer from Adelaide, and an undercover cop.
As Jenny and the team investigate, they discover some characters aren’t what they seem. There’s plenty of action and the author keeps you guessing. I look forward to the next installment of this series.
December 15, 2023
Jenny's good
The character development keeps growing. All the locals in the Opal Fields are present in each book of this series. The stories evolve very well and their mystery keeps you guessing. This is my third book of this six book series and I'm just as intrigued as I was with the first book. Each book is a fresh case with nothing repetitive to bore the reader. The books are just clean entertainment.
The character development keeps growing. All the locals in the Opal Fields are present in each book of this series. The stories evolve very well and their mystery keeps you guessing. This is my third book of this six book series and I'm just as intrigued as I was with the first book. Each book is a fresh case with nothing repetitive to bore the reader. The books are just clean entertainment.
February 6, 2024
Well this book certainly draws you in. Constable Jenny and her sidekicks are really up against it when a young lady is burned to death with no identity and no one claiming she is missing from a b&s ball in the Aussie outback. The story weaves together several themes and leaves you wondering who done it and why. A great sequel with the main characters getting more familiar with each read. Enjoyed right up to the end.
October 31, 2024
I actually really love this series! It reminds me of a crime tv show with each boon being an episode. I have really enjoyed each book! There are some grammar and punctuation errors, which normally drive me crazy, but I am so invested in Jenny and the rest of the cast. The books aren’t the most twisty and turny but they’re well written. And I’m so happy Jenny and Nick finally got together! Looking forward to the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2025
I like how the team is getting all together and... team-like, that Jenny finally stopped behaving like some lone she-wolf and started actually cooperating with others. So, I'm not exactly sure why this entry didn't feel like a four-star one to me. It was even more action driven than the previous volumes and yet... I don't know. Maybe because the plot was more... worldly and not at all related to the community? Argh, who knows! *hands*
April 30, 2023
An excellent outback murder mystery with a well written storyline and outstanding realistic characters. Action packed read with plenty of suspense. A page turning read that was very exciting and enjoyable. Highly recommended story, series, and author. Will Constable Jenny ever find out what happened to her missing aunt and cousin?
May 13, 2023
Fiona has outdone herself. This is the best yet. Jenny is such a strong character and I am enjoying following the emerging romance between her and Nick.
Each novel can stand alone with a rich and vivid storyline. The plots that tie each novel to each other keep you on the edge of your seat looking for more clues.
Hanging out for the next instalment.
Each novel can stand alone with a rich and vivid storyline. The plots that tie each novel to each other keep you on the edge of your seat looking for more clues.
Hanging out for the next instalment.
July 6, 2023
Just like the first two I couldn’t put this book down I’m loving this whole series. You had me from page one, the slow boil romance, the suspense and head scratching who the heck did this had me hooked. Can see each of the characters and really getting to know them now and I can’t wait for the next one .
Lynne x
Lynne x
February 8, 2024
Having enjoyed the ease and flow of the previous story book I wanted to find out more so I bought the third book.
The story once again got going right from the start and I was hooked.
It was good to find out more about the characters themselve and to get the reiminders from the back story.
Another read that flowed along at the right pace.
The story once again got going right from the start and I was hooked.
It was good to find out more about the characters themselve and to get the reiminders from the back story.
Another read that flowed along at the right pace.
November 6, 2024
so good!
This is the third book in this series and it is as good as the other two. I love these stories. The descriptions of the outback are so life-like. It makes you feel as if you are there.
Each of these books can be read as standalone, but it is better to start with book one.
I recommend this book.
This is the third book in this series and it is as good as the other two. I love these stories. The descriptions of the outback are so life-like. It makes you feel as if you are there.
Each of these books can be read as standalone, but it is better to start with book one.
I recommend this book.
January 3, 2026
Complicated mystery with a sizzle of romance
This third book in the Opal Fields series has even more plot twists that the first two! Read it in one day. Great strong female lead character, plus several well-developed secondary characters keep the intertwined storyline moving. Highly recommended.
This third book in the Opal Fields series has even more plot twists that the first two! Read it in one day. Great strong female lead character, plus several well-developed secondary characters keep the intertwined storyline moving. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews