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Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte #6
The Bone is Pointed
Jack Anderson was a big man with a foul temper, a sadist and a drunk. Five months after his horse appeared riderless, no trace of the man has surfaced and no one seems to care. But Bony is determined to follow the cold trail and smoke out some answers.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1938
32 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
About the author
Arthur W. Upfield
70 books108 followersAka Arthur Upfield
Arthur William Upfield (1 September 1890 – 13 February 1964) was an Australian writer, best known for his works of detective fiction featuring Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte ('Bony') of the Queensland Police Force, a half-caste Aborigine.
Born in England, Upfield moved to Australia in 1910 and fought with the Australian military during the First World War. Following his war service, he travelled extensively throughout Australia, obtaining a knowledge of Australian Aboriginal culture that would later be used extensively in his written works. In addition to his detective fiction, Upfield was also a member of the Australian Geological Society and was involved in numerous scientific expeditions. Upfield's works remained popular after his death, and in the 1970s were the basis for an Australian television series entitled "Boney".
Arthur William Upfield (1 September 1890 – 13 February 1964) was an Australian writer, best known for his works of detective fiction featuring Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte ('Bony') of the Queensland Police Force, a half-caste Aborigine.
Born in England, Upfield moved to Australia in 1910 and fought with the Australian military during the First World War. Following his war service, he travelled extensively throughout Australia, obtaining a knowledge of Australian Aboriginal culture that would later be used extensively in his written works. In addition to his detective fiction, Upfield was also a member of the Australian Geological Society and was involved in numerous scientific expeditions. Upfield's works remained popular after his death, and in the 1970s were the basis for an Australian television series entitled "Boney".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 2, 2025
In this sixth episode D.I. Napoleon Bonapart or Boney as he likes to be called, investigates the case of a man who has been missing for five months. One day when Jack Anderson was riding the fences his horse returned without him and he has not been seen since. Boney hopes to solve the mystery with his own exceptional skills.
Every book in this series so far has been a pleasure to read with its realistic historical account of life in the Australian outback as it was a hundred years ago. The description of the rabbit migration is amazing as is the idea that so many eagles ever existed in one place.
I feel I learn something from all of these books but this one is special. Pointing the bone is a feature of more than one indigenous culture and in this case it is used by the local Aboriginal tribe. The way it works on the victim's mind is described particularly well, and in a way that makes the whole idea believable and mystical at the same time.
Altogether a very enjoyable book and a great learning experience. Highly recommended.
Every book in this series so far has been a pleasure to read with its realistic historical account of life in the Australian outback as it was a hundred years ago. The description of the rabbit migration is amazing as is the idea that so many eagles ever existed in one place.
I feel I learn something from all of these books but this one is special. Pointing the bone is a feature of more than one indigenous culture and in this case it is used by the local Aboriginal tribe. The way it works on the victim's mind is described particularly well, and in a way that makes the whole idea believable and mystical at the same time.
Altogether a very enjoyable book and a great learning experience. Highly recommended.
December 12, 2025
An early book from the Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte series from Arthur Upfield, published in 1938. This is number 6 in the series, and the fifth book I have read (not being read in order).
I have decided to plant the following on author and character in each of my 'Bony' reviews as background: - Upfield is an interesting writer, British by birth, emigrated to Australia at the age of twenty. He fought in the Australian Army in WWI. Following the war he travelled extensively in Australia working with stock and farming and developed an understanding of the Aboriginal culture which was to inform much of his writing. His 'Bony' character is a Detective Inspector in the Queensland Police Force, and is of mixed parentage - his mother an Aboriginal and his father white. It is rare to have a mixed race Aboriginal character held in high regard, and protagonist of a series of books.
In this book Bony is sent to a remote Queensland outback to a station where a worker has been missing for 5 months. In bad weather, station worker Jack Anderson was out riding fences but went missing, his horse returning without him. He was not a well liked man, cruel, and with a fierce temper, but despite extensive searching, not trace was found, so foul play was assumed. Eventually Bony is sent to investigate - given two weeks, which he immediately says is inadequate, expecting to take months to resolve.
Using his investigative skills, mixed with his understanding of human nature (Aboriginal and white man) he begins the time consuming task of searching for clues a long time after the event. There are those who know more than they will let on, and those who work actively against his investigation, but what is it they are covering up?
As obvious from the name of the novel, the local Aboriginal tribe resent Bony's intrusion, and 'point the bone' at him in a ritual to cause his death through a curse. I am not too sure about the accuracy of the description of this, having not heard much about mental telepathy by Aboriginals, but it is an interesting turn in the novel where he literally becomes too unwell to progress his case.
Another feature of the book, the rabbit migration, leaves me skeptical of the accuracy of the book. I wasn't able to find another reference to this phenomenon when I looked...
I wont spoil the twists and turns for other readers, but this was another interesting book in the series, albeit a little longer than the others I have read.
3 stars.
I have decided to plant the following on author and character in each of my 'Bony' reviews as background: - Upfield is an interesting writer, British by birth, emigrated to Australia at the age of twenty. He fought in the Australian Army in WWI. Following the war he travelled extensively in Australia working with stock and farming and developed an understanding of the Aboriginal culture which was to inform much of his writing. His 'Bony' character is a Detective Inspector in the Queensland Police Force, and is of mixed parentage - his mother an Aboriginal and his father white. It is rare to have a mixed race Aboriginal character held in high regard, and protagonist of a series of books.
In this book Bony is sent to a remote Queensland outback to a station where a worker has been missing for 5 months. In bad weather, station worker Jack Anderson was out riding fences but went missing, his horse returning without him. He was not a well liked man, cruel, and with a fierce temper, but despite extensive searching, not trace was found, so foul play was assumed. Eventually Bony is sent to investigate - given two weeks, which he immediately says is inadequate, expecting to take months to resolve.
Using his investigative skills, mixed with his understanding of human nature (Aboriginal and white man) he begins the time consuming task of searching for clues a long time after the event. There are those who know more than they will let on, and those who work actively against his investigation, but what is it they are covering up?
As obvious from the name of the novel, the local Aboriginal tribe resent Bony's intrusion, and 'point the bone' at him in a ritual to cause his death through a curse. I am not too sure about the accuracy of the description of this, having not heard much about mental telepathy by Aboriginals, but it is an interesting turn in the novel where he literally becomes too unwell to progress his case.
Another feature of the book, the rabbit migration, leaves me skeptical of the accuracy of the book. I wasn't able to find another reference to this phenomenon when I looked...
I wont spoil the twists and turns for other readers, but this was another interesting book in the series, albeit a little longer than the others I have read.
3 stars.
October 2, 2016
Detective-Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte is a half-caste. His mother is an aborigine and his father is white. Given the choice to live a life as an aborigine or a white person. He chooses the latter. He is proud of the fact he has solved all of his cases. To Napoleon Bonaparte, who is called Bony, this represents the intellect of the aborigine and dispels the myth that aborigines are inferior to whites.
Jeffery Anderson has disappeared and the case is five months old. Bony is sent by his superiors to solve the disappearance. The place is Karwir in the outback of Australia and little evidence is left to be retrieved. With all the rituals and beliefs of the Kalchut, tribe of aborigines, who take Bony closer to his heritage than mere words, the case evolves into a suspense of whose secret will be revealed first. A good read.
Quotes
" I must work against time as well as against the insidious mental poison now beginning to be administered."
"That's strange, dear. The Inspector has been frightfully ill with Barcoo sickness. Sergeant Blake says he's so ill that he can hardly walk at all. Are you sure you don't know anything about it?"
Jeffery Anderson has disappeared and the case is five months old. Bony is sent by his superiors to solve the disappearance. The place is Karwir in the outback of Australia and little evidence is left to be retrieved. With all the rituals and beliefs of the Kalchut, tribe of aborigines, who take Bony closer to his heritage than mere words, the case evolves into a suspense of whose secret will be revealed first. A good read.
Quotes
" I must work against time as well as against the insidious mental poison now beginning to be administered."
"That's strange, dear. The Inspector has been frightfully ill with Barcoo sickness. Sergeant Blake says he's so ill that he can hardly walk at all. Are you sure you don't know anything about it?"
December 13, 2018
Not my favourite Boney story, particularly because of the rank paternalism. Gordon and his mom are "protecting" their personal tribe of Aborigines from "detribalisation" (ie the noxious effects of civilisation, symbolised by Christianity, medical care and clothing--and yet no mention of the real menace, alcohol) yet they constantly speak of the Kalchut people as "their" people, as if they were personal property. The Gordons provide a money-making opportunity for the tribe, mostly via trapping dingoes and rabbits to cure and sell the skins--but then the Gordons take all the money and put it in a bank account which only the white "protectors" control, doling out the money in dribs and drabs so that the men can buy tobacco and a few blankets and garments. No mention of the Aboriginal women getting so much as a look-in for a string of beads. And Boney applauds this controlling ownership repeatedly!! I wonder how a real half-caste would have felt about it? Gordon gives away his slave-owner mentality when he says to the Aborigine raised in his home, who was instrumental in Gordon's being initiated as a full member of the tribe he "protects": "Don't you ever again persuade the Kalchut to act without my orders." Yes suh, mistah Johnny Boss, suh.
Then there's the whole deal of Boney arguing with himself over the "boning" (ie cursing)--supposedly his white half is dominant and smart enough to keep him alive, but only just. If things hadn't gone the way they did in the novel, it's obvious to the reader he would have died. From what I read online, Upfield invented the whole "mental telepathy" thing, as this is the only reference to long distance killing by thought transference found re: Aboriginal magic.
Many motifs are repeated from previous books, from the feathered-feet in order to eliminate one's tracks to Boney dealing with a months-old cold case. Far too much description of nature, buildings etc in order to pad out the text. And then there's the rabbit migration thing, which reminded me of the (faked, as it happens) lemming migration idea put forward by Wonderful World of Disney back in the sixties. I couldn't find out if this massive migration actually ever happened in Australia or not. Upfield says rabbits "seldom attack each other", and in the very next sentence he describes the bucks sporting scars of old wounds "gotten in frequent combat." Which is it? Upfield doesn't know. I happen to know that rabbits in the wild do indeed fight and sometimes kill each other. There's usually some gripping force-of-nature scene at the end of the Boney novels, from fire to flood to storm, but this time the bunnies on the move is all Upfield had to offer.
Two and a quarter stars.
Then there's the whole deal of Boney arguing with himself over the "boning" (ie cursing)--supposedly his white half is dominant and smart enough to keep him alive, but only just. If things hadn't gone the way they did in the novel, it's obvious to the reader he would have died. From what I read online, Upfield invented the whole "mental telepathy" thing, as this is the only reference to long distance killing by thought transference found re: Aboriginal magic.
Many motifs are repeated from previous books, from the feathered-feet in order to eliminate one's tracks to Boney dealing with a months-old cold case. Far too much description of nature, buildings etc in order to pad out the text. And then there's the rabbit migration thing, which reminded me of the (faked, as it happens) lemming migration idea put forward by Wonderful World of Disney back in the sixties. I couldn't find out if this massive migration actually ever happened in Australia or not. Upfield says rabbits "seldom attack each other", and in the very next sentence he describes the bucks sporting scars of old wounds "gotten in frequent combat." Which is it? Upfield doesn't know. I happen to know that rabbits in the wild do indeed fight and sometimes kill each other. There's usually some gripping force-of-nature scene at the end of the Boney novels, from fire to flood to storm, but this time the bunnies on the move is all Upfield had to offer.
Two and a quarter stars.
November 17, 2012
The Bone Is Pointed is the sixth novel in Arthur W. Upfield's detective series featuring Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte. It is the second of the these novels which I have read. In this outing Bony is called to the bush country where a man went missing five months ago. Few people really care what happened to Jack Anderson. He was a cruel man with a nasty temper...a man who wasn't afraid to use his whip on those who crossed him. Have the bush men exacted revenge for his beating of one of their own? Has his rival in love disposed of him? Or has something else happened to him. Bony must follow the clues along a trail long gone cold--but he is half aboriginal himself and knows the ways of the back country. And....he has never left a case unsolved yet.
But it looks like he might have to. As his sharp eyes pick out small signs along the missing man's last known trail, there are those who are worried. And they're not afraid to use bush country magic to curse this outsider who seems to have magic of his own when it comes to unearthing secrets they would prefer to stay buried. Can Bony fight the "boning" magic that most back country men believe can kill? He'll have to if he's to get to the bottom of the disappearance of Anderson.
This is a solid mystery novel. Upfield's writing is, as it was in his other novel (An Author Bites the Dust), full of intelligent prose and fine detail. He gives us plenty of information about the beliefs and practices of the Australian aboriginents of the early 20th C. The descriptions of the bush country and the rabbit migration in particular are quite spectacular. Unfortunately, the mystery itself and Bony's investigation were not quite as compelling in this one. I found myself a bit exasperated with the inspector's feeling of inferiority which drives him to his perfect record. He can't leave the case unsolved no matter how cold the trail, how few the clues, or how sick the "boning" makes him. Not because he wants to see justice done, but because his pride won't stand it. The theme gets a little old after a while, and I'm glad that it did not make such an emphatic appearance in Author....or I might not be willing to try any more of the series.
I did appreciate Bony's very humane way of wrapping up the case and I enjoyed the story overall. A solid three star mystery.
This was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
But it looks like he might have to. As his sharp eyes pick out small signs along the missing man's last known trail, there are those who are worried. And they're not afraid to use bush country magic to curse this outsider who seems to have magic of his own when it comes to unearthing secrets they would prefer to stay buried. Can Bony fight the "boning" magic that most back country men believe can kill? He'll have to if he's to get to the bottom of the disappearance of Anderson.
This is a solid mystery novel. Upfield's writing is, as it was in his other novel (An Author Bites the Dust), full of intelligent prose and fine detail. He gives us plenty of information about the beliefs and practices of the Australian aboriginents of the early 20th C. The descriptions of the bush country and the rabbit migration in particular are quite spectacular. Unfortunately, the mystery itself and Bony's investigation were not quite as compelling in this one. I found myself a bit exasperated with the inspector's feeling of inferiority which drives him to his perfect record. He can't leave the case unsolved no matter how cold the trail, how few the clues, or how sick the "boning" makes him. Not because he wants to see justice done, but because his pride won't stand it. The theme gets a little old after a while, and I'm glad that it did not make such an emphatic appearance in Author....or I might not be willing to try any more of the series.
I did appreciate Bony's very humane way of wrapping up the case and I enjoyed the story overall. A solid three star mystery.
This was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
April 23, 2010
I have read all the "Bony" books before, but in this mystery the natural features of the Australian Outback are vivid and gritty. The migration of the rabbits (world gone mad) and the Aboriginal "pointing of the bone" make this like a lesson in natural history and anthropology. Done with the ever charming detective Napoleon Bonaparte, who's ancestry is part European and part Aborigine. Fascinating. Was there a TV series made based on these books? Arthur W.Upfield is the Tony Hillerman of Australia. I love all the books. Some are out of print but well worth finding through interlibrary loan.
October 11, 2019
A slow, but interesting read. Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte is a complex character; a man torn between his half Aborigine and half white heritage. It is amazing that such a character would be one of Australia's most popular detectives considering the first story was written in 1929. The writer is white but he did have extensive knowledge of Australia, the Outback and Aborigine people and culture. These books deal with race, how little whites are held responsible for terrible treatment and down right murder of Aborigines, and the difficulties half-castes have being accepted by either side. Quite enlightened for the time period. But there is prejudice, blatant paternalism and the attitude that whites are better. Bony credits his intelligence to his white half but he is also credits his patience and tracking abilities to his Aborigine side. He is a very proud man and what he has accomplished. He would not be as good as he is without both sides.
This book is not so much of a whodunit but more where's the body. The book moves slowly as time does in the Outback, except when the weather suddenly turns or there is a violent clash of people. Then things happen quickly and dramatically. Atmospheric but it raises a lot of complicated issues.
This book is not so much of a whodunit but more where's the body. The book moves slowly as time does in the Outback, except when the weather suddenly turns or there is a violent clash of people. Then things happen quickly and dramatically. Atmospheric but it raises a lot of complicated issues.
August 26, 2022
The Bone is Pointed by Arthur W. Upfield is the sixth book of the Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte mystery series set in 1920s Australian outback. Jeffrey Anderson was widely hated. When he went missing, no one cared. Five months later, Bony wants to solve the ice-cold case. Bony is confident of his superior mind and exemplary tracking skills.
But in this case, Bony has an enemy to fight from within as well as without. Once he is seen to be making progress, the Kalchut tribe of aborigines "points the bone" to kill him with black magic (the secret ritual ceremony is described in vivid detail). Bony is half-caste: half aborigine, half white. His aborigine half succumbs, while his white half valiantly fights to survive, and solve the case.
As always, the story vividly portrays the vast landscape of the Australian outback, and its fierce weather. A rare (wildly hard to imagine) event takes place near the end of the book: a rabbit migration.
As in previous cases, Bony determines and dispenses justice in his own way.
But in this case, Bony has an enemy to fight from within as well as without. Once he is seen to be making progress, the Kalchut tribe of aborigines "points the bone" to kill him with black magic (the secret ritual ceremony is described in vivid detail). Bony is half-caste: half aborigine, half white. His aborigine half succumbs, while his white half valiantly fights to survive, and solve the case.
As always, the story vividly portrays the vast landscape of the Australian outback, and its fierce weather. A rare (wildly hard to imagine) event takes place near the end of the book: a rabbit migration.
As in previous cases, Bony determines and dispenses justice in his own way.
July 29, 2019
I have a nostalgic remembrance of the TV series - part of my childhood - with a spray tanned English actor in the lead role - sighs. I saw him recently on something (I think it was Father Brown.)
Saw this at the library and thought I'd give it a go. I am surprised that it dates from 1938 - and this is clearly a print on demand copy - the page numbers are on the wrong side.
The Gordons protect the local tribe and keep missionaries away [well done, people] but it earns them few favours with their white neighbours one of whom continues to employ a man who is violent towards the local people. His rage comes from thwarted ambition: denied a promotion and turned down by the daughter of the house. [jeez why would you marry a guy who has raped and beaten people?] But his employer Lacy wants answers, and months after angry guy disappears, he pushes the police to send an investigator. Given months have passed, there is only one choice.
Bony is a half caste - as he refers to it - but he is uniquely conflicted about this. He relies on his tracking skills, his understanding of the bush and his ethnicity (?) to wait patiently etc but it is a two edged sword, because when the locals fear him and how close he is to solving the crime, they point the bone at him. A uniquely aboriginal punishment. And their magic starts to affect Bony, even though he knows it is just that, magic. He believes in it. But this is not a man who will run away or give up; especially not now they have raised the stakes to deathly levels.
Man... I guess it's a solid 3 stars. There's a lot here to cringe at but it is also a product of its time.
Saw this at the library and thought I'd give it a go. I am surprised that it dates from 1938 - and this is clearly a print on demand copy - the page numbers are on the wrong side.
The Gordons protect the local tribe and keep missionaries away [well done, people] but it earns them few favours with their white neighbours one of whom continues to employ a man who is violent towards the local people. His rage comes from thwarted ambition: denied a promotion and turned down by the daughter of the house. [jeez why would you marry a guy who has raped and beaten people?] But his employer Lacy wants answers, and months after angry guy disappears, he pushes the police to send an investigator. Given months have passed, there is only one choice.
Bony is a half caste - as he refers to it - but he is uniquely conflicted about this. He relies on his tracking skills, his understanding of the bush and his ethnicity (?) to wait patiently etc but it is a two edged sword, because when the locals fear him and how close he is to solving the crime, they point the bone at him. A uniquely aboriginal punishment. And their magic starts to affect Bony, even though he knows it is just that, magic. He believes in it. But this is not a man who will run away or give up; especially not now they have raised the stakes to deathly levels.
Man... I guess it's a solid 3 stars. There's a lot here to cringe at but it is also a product of its time.
July 23, 2014
"In this country colour is no bar to a keen man's progress providing that he has twice the ability of his rivals. I have devoted my gifts to the detection of crime, believing that when justice is sure the community is less troubled by the criminal. That I stand midway between the black man, who makes fire with a stick, and the white man, who kills women and babes with bombs and machine guns, should not be accounted against me. I have been satisfied with the employment of my mental and inherited gifts. Others, of course, have employed their gifts in amassing money, inventing bombs and guns and gases, even in picking winners on a racecourse. Money, and the ownership of a huge leasehold property, does not make a man superior to another who happens to have been born a half-caste, and who has devoted his life to the detection of crime so that normal people should be safe from the abnormal and the subnormal individual" (51).
November 25, 2021
3-*
This story really highlights the (racist) mindset towards the Aborigines many non-Aborigines had during the 1930s. I found it harder to appreciate the mystery portion because of that, which was actually quite interesting, in and of itself. The way the author wrote about Bonaparte being cursed, “having the bone pointed at him”, showcased that animistic spirituality of the Aboriginal tribe, the Kalchut people and the threat that ‘civilised’ / ‘modern’ society is to their way whole way of life.
This story really highlights the (racist) mindset towards the Aborigines many non-Aborigines had during the 1930s. I found it harder to appreciate the mystery portion because of that, which was actually quite interesting, in and of itself. The way the author wrote about Bonaparte being cursed, “having the bone pointed at him”, showcased that animistic spirituality of the Aboriginal tribe, the Kalchut people and the threat that ‘civilised’ / ‘modern’ society is to their way whole way of life.
Read
June 1, 2010If you haven't discovered Arthur Upfield--well, you'll love his setting. It's Australia in the 30's with a half-aborigine detective named Napoleon Bonaparte. The best of this series is THE BONE IS POINTED.
December 31, 2020
I'm on a Bony-binge - am missing my home country.
This mystery is intriguing, more about characters than events. And the characters, as Upfield's so often are, are deeply engaging.
First published in 1938, the novel is like a time capsule. Fascinating.
This mystery is intriguing, more about characters than events. And the characters, as Upfield's so often are, are deeply engaging.
First published in 1938, the novel is like a time capsule. Fascinating.
July 17, 2019
Just re-read this after some years and thoroughly enjoyed it. Whether or not one believes in the "magic" of the aboriginal people, this story rattles along really well.
February 25, 2018
Slow moving, but intentionally so. Interesting commentary on some bits of Australian history and race relations.
September 16, 2023
3.5 stars
This is the other book in the series that my library had. I'm sorry they don't have more so I'll just have to check out the bookshops & maybe some of the ebooks the library does have.
Detective Bony grows on you. I did learn more about him in this book. There were more details about him sprinkled throughout the narrative. He's married w/sons and he's half white/half Aboriginal, plus his attitude/intelligence towards solving a case, make him relentless in proving his worth.
His philosophy for his job:
"Never race Time. Make Time an ally, for Time is the greatest detective that ever was or ever will be."
Another quote to sum up his attitude towards the case:
"..were I not a rebel against red tape and discipline I should be numbered among the ordinary detectives who go here and go there and do this and that as directed. Team work, they call it. I am never part of a team. I am always the team. As I told you, I think, once I begin an investigation I stick to it until it is finished. Authority and time mean little to me, the investigation everything."
Very Sherlock Holmes!!
A man has been killed on a ranch in the Outback. His body was never found so what happened to him becomes a mystery. Five months later, this case intrigues Bony and so he's determined to solve it. It's his toughest case yet.
The story progresses slowly as the location and landscape details become almost another character. The writer does a good job of depicting the Outback. It does drag a bit but the mystery keeps the reader interested. We learn clues along w/Bony.
The title refers to a curse placed on him by the local Aboriginal tribe. He's also ill.
Character depth is added as he struggles to balance his mother's aboriginal superstitious beliefs with his father's white man's logic.
***FYI: As per the preface of the book, the narrative needs to be read in the reference of the time period. Therefore, the racist/prejudiced attitudes towards the aboriginal/black characters was consistent with that generation's mindset and not the more contemporary mindset we have.
This is the other book in the series that my library had. I'm sorry they don't have more so I'll just have to check out the bookshops & maybe some of the ebooks the library does have.
Detective Bony grows on you. I did learn more about him in this book. There were more details about him sprinkled throughout the narrative. He's married w/sons and he's half white/half Aboriginal, plus his attitude/intelligence towards solving a case, make him relentless in proving his worth.
His philosophy for his job:
"Never race Time. Make Time an ally, for Time is the greatest detective that ever was or ever will be."
Another quote to sum up his attitude towards the case:
"..were I not a rebel against red tape and discipline I should be numbered among the ordinary detectives who go here and go there and do this and that as directed. Team work, they call it. I am never part of a team. I am always the team. As I told you, I think, once I begin an investigation I stick to it until it is finished. Authority and time mean little to me, the investigation everything."
Very Sherlock Holmes!!
A man has been killed on a ranch in the Outback. His body was never found so what happened to him becomes a mystery. Five months later, this case intrigues Bony and so he's determined to solve it. It's his toughest case yet.
The story progresses slowly as the location and landscape details become almost another character. The writer does a good job of depicting the Outback. It does drag a bit but the mystery keeps the reader interested. We learn clues along w/Bony.
The title refers to a curse placed on him by the local Aboriginal tribe. He's also ill.
Character depth is added as he struggles to balance his mother's aboriginal superstitious beliefs with his father's white man's logic.
***FYI: As per the preface of the book, the narrative needs to be read in the reference of the time period. Therefore, the racist/prejudiced attitudes towards the aboriginal/black characters was consistent with that generation's mindset and not the more contemporary mindset we have.
March 18, 2018
In this tale Bony appears as a Queensland C.I.B. detective on leave, turning up at an outback station where a rouseabout has gone missing during a storm. His horse turns up at the station the morning after the storm riderless and there is no trace of Jack Anderson. No black trackers are available because the whole local tribe has gone to visit a female elder thought to be dying. By the time a tracker can be found heavy rains have obliterated Anderson's tracks.
During the story Bony becomes ill with the "Barcoo sickness" but station owner is convinced that the bones has been pointed at him. At first Bony is determined that he will not succumb but he becomes weaker and weaker despite the attempts of the local policeman to help him.
Bony is also proud of his reputation that no case that he has tackled has ever gone unsolved, but that is because he stays on the case until the very end, despite telegrams from his superiors that he must return to the city immediately.
What impressed me was the detailed observations of Aboriginal culture and customs that the author must have recorded. He also presents both sides of the argument with regard to preserving aboriginal heritage. One station family in particular recognise the damage that contact with white people has done to the aborigines, but at the same time are a bit patronising in the way they deal with the aborigines on their station. The character who has disappeared has mistreated aboriginal stockmen, whipping one almost to death, and so is very unpopular. No-one can work out why "Old Lacey" the station owner has kept him on.
There is more than one mystery in this book, and it is good reading, despite the warning from the publisher that Arthur Upfield reflects attitudes of his time, not necessarily views we would share today.
During the story Bony becomes ill with the "Barcoo sickness" but station owner is convinced that the bones has been pointed at him. At first Bony is determined that he will not succumb but he becomes weaker and weaker despite the attempts of the local policeman to help him.
Bony is also proud of his reputation that no case that he has tackled has ever gone unsolved, but that is because he stays on the case until the very end, despite telegrams from his superiors that he must return to the city immediately.
What impressed me was the detailed observations of Aboriginal culture and customs that the author must have recorded. He also presents both sides of the argument with regard to preserving aboriginal heritage. One station family in particular recognise the damage that contact with white people has done to the aborigines, but at the same time are a bit patronising in the way they deal with the aborigines on their station. The character who has disappeared has mistreated aboriginal stockmen, whipping one almost to death, and so is very unpopular. No-one can work out why "Old Lacey" the station owner has kept him on.
There is more than one mystery in this book, and it is good reading, despite the warning from the publisher that Arthur Upfield reflects attitudes of his time, not necessarily views we would share today.
January 9, 2025
There are some great passages in here about how the "shadow of [white] civilisation" has permanently ruined the indigenous Australian way of life; and how the indigenous culture is to be respected and admired for its complexity and sophistry. Really progressive stuff for its time. (Of course, the book isn't perfect - but comparatively speaking it's quite remarkable).
I also find it greatly amusing that Bony never seems to actually arrest anyone. Inevitably Bony becomes "sentimental" (usually there are "lovers" involved) and there is always some reason or another why the culprit avoids official persecution from the law. It's a consistent plot point in all the books thus far. Amusing, but I'd like *someone* to get arrested eventually! Give me a proper villain!! A truly evil and despicable person for Bony to hunt! That would be exciting. Hopefully I shall come across such a villain in the later books. Onward I go...
I also find it greatly amusing that Bony never seems to actually arrest anyone. Inevitably Bony becomes "sentimental" (usually there are "lovers" involved) and there is always some reason or another why the culprit avoids official persecution from the law. It's a consistent plot point in all the books thus far. Amusing, but I'd like *someone* to get arrested eventually! Give me a proper villain!! A truly evil and despicable person for Bony to hunt! That would be exciting. Hopefully I shall come across such a villain in the later books. Onward I go...
August 28, 2025
Another fascinating look at the Australian outback of a century ago, it must have been a passion of the author's because I'm certainly captivated by his words; rabbit migration, notwithstanding. There's a lot of mysticism in this book as we delve into the mysteries of "boning" - not an interest of mine, but Upfield made it an integral part of the tale, providing further insight into our protagonist's mind.
Bony is on the hunt for a missing man, coming to the party several months after he disappeared. With his usual tenacity, the Inspector soon discerns that Anderson is most likely dead rather than scarpered, directing his efforts towards finding a body & a killer, putting his own life at risk when not everyone is pleased to have him on the case. Throughout, Bony's sunny nature is severely put to the test, but the romantic sentimentalist will out.
Bony is on the hunt for a missing man, coming to the party several months after he disappeared. With his usual tenacity, the Inspector soon discerns that Anderson is most likely dead rather than scarpered, directing his efforts towards finding a body & a killer, putting his own life at risk when not everyone is pleased to have him on the case. Throughout, Bony's sunny nature is severely put to the test, but the romantic sentimentalist will out.
September 14, 2025
I love this author, I have nearly a complete set of these books. Haven’t read them for awhile so am rereading them. This one involves “Bony” getting himself in serious trouble with a native tribe, and nearly dies, but as always he does solve the mystery.
He was a prolific writer, but there is so much Aboriginal history they are a pleasure to read. We first learned of him when we lived in Ketchikan, and bought all the books there, but we traveled to Australia, and when we were in Tasmania we wandered into a bookstore and they had a shelf of the books, I think we came home with about 15 of them!
I just finished “The Bushman Who Came Back” and Murder on Swordfish Reef, haven’t decided which one I will read next, but this is 3 books
He was a prolific writer, but there is so much Aboriginal history they are a pleasure to read. We first learned of him when we lived in Ketchikan, and bought all the books there, but we traveled to Australia, and when we were in Tasmania we wandered into a bookstore and they had a shelf of the books, I think we came home with about 15 of them!
I just finished “The Bushman Who Came Back” and Murder on Swordfish Reef, haven’t decided which one I will read next, but this is 3 books
July 1, 2021
I have been listening to the Bony books on audio in roughly the best order I could with the available titles from our local library on BorrowBox. Learning more about idigenous culture. Some scary stuff.
But the stories I would in no way describe as dark. Yes, some serious stuff, but it's more learning and listening to what life was like back in rural Australia for idigenous and non idigenous Australians. And there is plenty of humour. The audio comes with a proviso that the books depict attitudes from the time, so you learn what it was like, at least from one author who had plenty of experience in rural Australia at the time, and he shows compassion for human weaknesses and foibles.
But the stories I would in no way describe as dark. Yes, some serious stuff, but it's more learning and listening to what life was like back in rural Australia for idigenous and non idigenous Australians. And there is plenty of humour. The audio comes with a proviso that the books depict attitudes from the time, so you learn what it was like, at least from one author who had plenty of experience in rural Australia at the time, and he shows compassion for human weaknesses and foibles.
July 11, 2022
This is my favorite episode so far in the series. In this one we get a deeper exposure to aborigine culture, as Boney struggles with his combined Western and indigenous heritage. In addition to the cultural aspects, the end of the book details an astounding natural event in Australia that I had read about before. The description of the event was fascinating, though the actions of the "squatters" were never fully explained.
I'm enjoying the series quite a bit and will continue through the 25+ episodes.
I'm enjoying the series quite a bit and will continue through the 25+ episodes.
June 7, 2017
Way out west, a man has disappeared. No one seems to have liked him. Bony arrives on the scene and is hit by a feeling of unease. Is he being followed, and by whom? Soon Bony is mentally struck down, knowing the bone has been pointed. Will Bony get his man, or die in the attempt. Obviously he doesn't, but as usual the story grabs the reader and just doesn't let up.
June 16, 2019
#6 in the Bony series but really it feels like Upfield exposes the essence of Bonepart's character in this work. The investigation involves class, racial and economic conflicts and Bony tells of his weird existence, each foot in another word. Spiritualism, witchcraft and beauty. A must read of all of Upfield's works
January 28, 2023
The story is set in the outback of Australia. The inspector's name is Napoleon Boneparte and is half Aborigine. A murder was committed several months ago and not body has been found. "Boney", as the detective is called is amazing at finding sign and putting the pieces together. The ending is quite satisfying and isn't revealed until the end.
November 27, 2017
42 WORD REVIEW:
This mystery doesn’t take much solving, but neither did many of Arthur Conan Doyle’s. As with Sherlock Holmes, it is the character of half-caste Aboriginal detective Napoleon Bonaparte that bewitches the reader, plus in this case Upfield’s vivid descriptions of outback Australia.
This mystery doesn’t take much solving, but neither did many of Arthur Conan Doyle’s. As with Sherlock Holmes, it is the character of half-caste Aboriginal detective Napoleon Bonaparte that bewitches the reader, plus in this case Upfield’s vivid descriptions of outback Australia.
November 25, 2020
Another lovely surprise from the little free libraries, a series set in Australia from the 1930's-1950's featuring a part aboriginal detective who is brilliant named Napoleon Bonaparte, nicknamed Bony. This one is infused with aboriginal magic. 3.6
July 13, 2022
Of the three Bony novels I’ve read so far, this entry is my favorite. The first third of the book is a slow burn, but from there on it’s a classic detective tale set in wilds of Australia with a real point to make about the natives of that land. Very much recommended for mystery fans.
February 3, 2017
At one time I read a lot of Upfield and was hoping to enjoy this one. However, I found the book very slow and Boney no longer as appealing a character as before. Maybe I have outgrown this series.
June 8, 2018
A fascinating view of the aboriginal culture as Bony has to survive a deadly curse while solving the mystery. The description of the rabbit migration showed another surprise of life in the bush.
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