What do you think?
Rate this book
A Scout Davis Investigation #2
Good News, Bad News
Intrepid investigative journalist Scout Davis has given herself a holiday, but when Hermione Longfellow floats towards her in the supermarket, wanting to engage her services, she stops to listen.
Most people in Byron Bay are aware of the eccentric Anemone sisters. Always dressed in black, they rarely leave their home nestled in the hills – but Scout is sure that the drinking of chicken blood is just idle gossip. When Hermione asks Scout to track down sister Nemony's AWOL husband, believed to have died at sea thirty years ago, but recently popped up again on the Great Barrier Reef, Scout, checking there is no eye of newt in Hermione's shopping trolley, jumps at the chance.
Another source of intrigue falls close to home when Scout's sister Harper despairs over her husband's odd behaviour. And if that weren't enough, Scout's journalist boyfriend is finally coming home from Afghanistan. Trouble is, Scout thinks she may be falling in love with irresistible local cop Rafe – who coincidentally is also Toby's best friend...
Delightfully witty and addictively fast-paced, this is the second hilarious outing for unforgettable sleuth Scout Davis. Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich and Alexander McCall Smith, this is storytelling at its laugh-out-loud best.
Most people in Byron Bay are aware of the eccentric Anemone sisters. Always dressed in black, they rarely leave their home nestled in the hills – but Scout is sure that the drinking of chicken blood is just idle gossip. When Hermione asks Scout to track down sister Nemony's AWOL husband, believed to have died at sea thirty years ago, but recently popped up again on the Great Barrier Reef, Scout, checking there is no eye of newt in Hermione's shopping trolley, jumps at the chance.
Another source of intrigue falls close to home when Scout's sister Harper despairs over her husband's odd behaviour. And if that weren't enough, Scout's journalist boyfriend is finally coming home from Afghanistan. Trouble is, Scout thinks she may be falling in love with irresistible local cop Rafe – who coincidentally is also Toby's best friend...
Delightfully witty and addictively fast-paced, this is the second hilarious outing for unforgettable sleuth Scout Davis. Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich and Alexander McCall Smith, this is storytelling at its laugh-out-loud best.
369 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2013
4 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Groff
10 books35 followersMaggie Groff is a multi-award-winning novelist, columnist and non-fiction writer living and working in Australia. She is the author of two non-fiction books: the best-selling Mothers Behaving Badly (1999) which showcased her hilarious experiences as a mother, and Hoax Cuisine (2001) which garnered a loyal following and led to a regular column in Fairfax weekend newspapers.
Her first novel Mad Men, Bad Girls (originally titled Mad Men, Bad Girls and the Guerilla Knitters Institute) was published in 2012 and received rave reviews. It was nominated for the Ned Kelly Award and went on to win both Australian Sisters in Crime 13th Davitt Awards for crime fiction – Best First Fiction and Best Adult Novel. Her second novel Good News, Bad News was also published to high acclaim and voted one of the top fifty books you can’t put down in the 2013 Australian Get Reading Campaign. Both novels have been published internationally.
Maggie’s latest book Not Your Average Nurse is a memoir of her richly-varied career working as a nurse at some of the world’s most iconic locations. Publication date is May 2017 in the UK and Australia.
Her first novel Mad Men, Bad Girls (originally titled Mad Men, Bad Girls and the Guerilla Knitters Institute) was published in 2012 and received rave reviews. It was nominated for the Ned Kelly Award and went on to win both Australian Sisters in Crime 13th Davitt Awards for crime fiction – Best First Fiction and Best Adult Novel. Her second novel Good News, Bad News was also published to high acclaim and voted one of the top fifty books you can’t put down in the 2013 Australian Get Reading Campaign. Both novels have been published internationally.
Maggie’s latest book Not Your Average Nurse is a memoir of her richly-varied career working as a nurse at some of the world’s most iconic locations. Publication date is May 2017 in the UK and Australia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 22, 2022
Eine Journalistin wird um Hilfe gebeten. Auf einem Zeitungsfoto wurde ein Mann erkannt, der seit Jahren als tot gilt. Die Schwägerin des vermeintlich Toten bittet Scout, sich der Sache anzunehmen. Scout willigt ein und kommt bald einem Verbrechen auf die Spur...
Ein sehr interessantes Buch! Für echte Krimifans mag es vielleicht ein bisschen zu seicht erscheinen, denn die Krimihandlung bzw. die Ermittlungen stehen hier nicht immer im Vordergrund, aber mir hat es viel Spaß gemacht. Es geht eigentlich um die Journalistin Scout, die irgendwie zwischen zwei Männern steht und sich außerdem um ihre Schwester kümmern muss, die glaubt, dass ihr Mann sie betrügt...
Und dann noch dieser mysteriöse Fall...
Mich hat das Buch sehr gut unterhalten können. Es ist eine kurzweilige und interessante Geschichte. Ein bisschen Krimi, ein bisschen Liebe, ganz viel Unterhaltung. Und das alles spielt in Australien; ein tolles Setting! 💜
Ein sehr interessantes Buch! Für echte Krimifans mag es vielleicht ein bisschen zu seicht erscheinen, denn die Krimihandlung bzw. die Ermittlungen stehen hier nicht immer im Vordergrund, aber mir hat es viel Spaß gemacht. Es geht eigentlich um die Journalistin Scout, die irgendwie zwischen zwei Männern steht und sich außerdem um ihre Schwester kümmern muss, die glaubt, dass ihr Mann sie betrügt...
Und dann noch dieser mysteriöse Fall...
Mich hat das Buch sehr gut unterhalten können. Es ist eine kurzweilige und interessante Geschichte. Ein bisschen Krimi, ein bisschen Liebe, ganz viel Unterhaltung. Und das alles spielt in Australien; ein tolles Setting! 💜
July 13, 2018
Three and a half stars
Scout Davis is an investigative journalist who lives at Byron Bay. When Hermione, one of the Anemone Sisters contacts Scout with a story to check out, Scout is initially reluctant. But when she learns it concerns Nemony’s husband who was believed dead thirty years earlier but now appears to be very much alive, she becomes intrigued. She is also bemused when Nemony does not appear to be suffering depression as her sister claims. What is going on? Then there is Scout’s sister Harper who suspect her husband is having an affair. But is he? And are there more shocks in store for Harper? Add to these two plots, Scout’s difficulty deciding between her long-time lover Toby and the newest love interest, Rafe, and there is a lot happening. This is all wrapped up with a cast of eccentric characters, a mystery that gets more intriguing as it goes along and involves some dangerous situations.
I wasn’t sure how I would go with this as I often don’t respond well to humorous books. But this is an amusing romp and an enjoyable read. Scout is a spunky character, more interesting when she is not fantasising or obsessing over her love life. Thankfully though, the reader is not given the graphic details of her sexual encounters. I loved the relationship between Scout and her sister and also her nephew and the Guerrilla Knitting Institute and its antics. Chairman Meow is also a fun character. This was my first encounter with this author and the indomitable Scout Davis and although it gets a bit far-fetched, it is all handled in such an easy manner that I was happy enough to go along with it. If you want a light, amusing read with some way out characters, a picturesque Australian coastal setting and a mystery with threats of danger, you may well enjoy this one as I did.
Scout Davis is an investigative journalist who lives at Byron Bay. When Hermione, one of the Anemone Sisters contacts Scout with a story to check out, Scout is initially reluctant. But when she learns it concerns Nemony’s husband who was believed dead thirty years earlier but now appears to be very much alive, she becomes intrigued. She is also bemused when Nemony does not appear to be suffering depression as her sister claims. What is going on? Then there is Scout’s sister Harper who suspect her husband is having an affair. But is he? And are there more shocks in store for Harper? Add to these two plots, Scout’s difficulty deciding between her long-time lover Toby and the newest love interest, Rafe, and there is a lot happening. This is all wrapped up with a cast of eccentric characters, a mystery that gets more intriguing as it goes along and involves some dangerous situations.
I wasn’t sure how I would go with this as I often don’t respond well to humorous books. But this is an amusing romp and an enjoyable read. Scout is a spunky character, more interesting when she is not fantasising or obsessing over her love life. Thankfully though, the reader is not given the graphic details of her sexual encounters. I loved the relationship between Scout and her sister and also her nephew and the Guerrilla Knitting Institute and its antics. Chairman Meow is also a fun character. This was my first encounter with this author and the indomitable Scout Davis and although it gets a bit far-fetched, it is all handled in such an easy manner that I was happy enough to go along with it. If you want a light, amusing read with some way out characters, a picturesque Australian coastal setting and a mystery with threats of danger, you may well enjoy this one as I did.
September 26, 2016
Dubbed as "Australia's Janet Evanovich", I found Maggie Groff much more subtle and every bit as imaginative - probably more believable & less outrageous in her plotting and delivery. There was no occasion where I laughed out loud or had tears streaming down my face, but she is genuinely funny and engagingly quirky.
I particularly love the familiar Aussie settings and attention to detail, and that her romantic angst isn't excruciatingly drawn-out and ridiculous as many writers are prone to thrust upon us.
I particularly love the familiar Aussie settings and attention to detail, and that her romantic angst isn't excruciatingly drawn-out and ridiculous as many writers are prone to thrust upon us.
March 12, 2013
Good News, Bad News is the second entertaining book by Maggie Groff featuring investigative journalist Scout Davis. Though taking a break after her last case left her with broken ribs, Scout is intrigued when Hermoine Longfellow, one of Byron Bay's more eccentric characters, approaches her with a recent news article that includes a photo of her sister's husband, a man presumed drowned more than thirty years ago. A little digging suggests Nemony O'Leary nee Longfellow was the victim of a conman and Scout is on his trail.
Once again, Scout flirts with danger, disaster and romance in this entertaining contemporary mystery. As she traces Nemony's wayward husband, doing her best to avoid the abrasive Hermoine, she begins to develop a theory involving bigamy, insurance fraud and deception. I really like the way in which Groff allows Scout to unearth the clues that connect the past to the present through realistic investigation - trawling through paperwork, browsing Google and cultivating sources.
In Mad Men, Bad Girls and the Guerilla Knitters Institute (now retitled simply Mad Men, Bad Girls) Scout finally succumbed to the attentions of handsome police detective Rafe Kelly but with the return of her long time lover imminent she has to decide what, or rather who, she wants. Paired with Scout's sister's suspicions her husband is having an affair, Groff's subplots add interest and help to round out Scout's character. I like that Scout is so well grounded in her family, with her sister, nephews and daughters making regular appearances while the yarn bombing group (GKI) and her quid pro quo relationship with restaurant owner Miles illustrates her ties to the community.
I didn't think Good News, Bad News had quite the same fast pace or sense of danger that Mad Men, Bad Girls had. Most of the action is condensed into the last chapter or so when Scout travels to Gull Island to get the final piece of evidence needed for her story, however, there is a good balance between lighthearted moments and the more serious themes.
An engaging read to accompany a good cup of tea and a sunny afternoon, Good News, Bad News is an entertaining mystery with authentic characters.
September 8, 2016
Scout Davis is an investigative journalist who gets herself into sticky situations. In this second book, she is chasing a man who supposedly died in a boating accident. On the home front she is also helping her sister find out if her husband is cheating on her and deciding how she is going to juggle the two men in her life. Well written with a good sense of fun - excellent for reading at the beach or on a long trip.
January 1, 2019
I broke my cardinal rule of not reading others' reviews before I wrote my own. But hey. Rules are made to be broken.
And I have to agree with some of the other readers - none of whom canned GN BN btw - that they too zipped along with the story, making it an excellent summertime read, but there were a few annoying things (more on that soon).
I try to read a Byron Bay novel at least every summer. I've only been there once, so I am not too sure of the connection. I guess I am interested in seeing how other people see the town.
I liked GN BN. It sort of never took itself too seriously, and how could it, with character names like The Anemone Sisters. But Nemony Anemone? Really? I think Maggie Groff likes names. I think she likes the way they roll off the tongue. I can almost see her sitting there, in her leather or faux leather chair, chuckling to herself as she writes them down. Dandy McCormack, with family members Mandy and Randy. Stop it now! And who could forget Chairman Meow and Overton Siliphant. There's a story right there.
Quirksville names aside, I agree with the other readers that there may have been a little too much discussion about clothing and the side-plaiting of the hair. That particularly annoyed me as I had Scout (there's another name/theme) discussing at length (pardon the pun) which side her plait should go. And the washing out of the vomit. Euw. TMI. In my mind Scout was a tomboy with tousled unkempt hair, prone to vagaries all of its own.
And even after the vomit incident, there was discussion about Scout having the good sense to put on a 'crisp white shirt' after being bashed, gagged and self-vomited upon - becoz the bf was in town!
The maritime insurance stuff and plates and pin numbers also was a bit longwinded. But the twist with the sisters was good and I liked Daisy. I didn't really see the need for Dave. He drove them to the airport and wore secret safari suits and writes. Pfft. Who doesn't?
What did I like? Well. Most of the story tbh. The guerilla knitting. Although I never quite got the significance of the curtains on the ATMs. And I was grateful for Rafe (what a name) at least having a sense of humour in there re Ned Kelly and the knitted top. Otherwise, he was a little two-dimensional. Sexpot cop.
But my biggest bug bear. And here it comes. Was the swimsuit swim to the boat and the shoving of the monies, passports and BOLTCUTTERS down the front of the cossie. Now. Come on. I'd like to see that done.
All in all. Lots of fun. How could it be improved? I'd get rid of the sculpted men's bodies and adorable man curls, perfectly framing the manly men's faces, because as they tell me, men (esp marbled-bodied curly haired man-Gods) really are lining up one after the other to date middle-aged single mums. I'd concentrate on Scout and Daisy (maybe an offbeat on again off again queer liaison) and more of Miles as their manbag (surely he's got a secret or too stuffed away in his butler's pantry). Then, let the good times roll.
And I have to agree with some of the other readers - none of whom canned GN BN btw - that they too zipped along with the story, making it an excellent summertime read, but there were a few annoying things (more on that soon).
I try to read a Byron Bay novel at least every summer. I've only been there once, so I am not too sure of the connection. I guess I am interested in seeing how other people see the town.
I liked GN BN. It sort of never took itself too seriously, and how could it, with character names like The Anemone Sisters. But Nemony Anemone? Really? I think Maggie Groff likes names. I think she likes the way they roll off the tongue. I can almost see her sitting there, in her leather or faux leather chair, chuckling to herself as she writes them down. Dandy McCormack, with family members Mandy and Randy. Stop it now! And who could forget Chairman Meow and Overton Siliphant. There's a story right there.
Quirksville names aside, I agree with the other readers that there may have been a little too much discussion about clothing and the side-plaiting of the hair. That particularly annoyed me as I had Scout (there's another name/theme) discussing at length (pardon the pun) which side her plait should go. And the washing out of the vomit. Euw. TMI. In my mind Scout was a tomboy with tousled unkempt hair, prone to vagaries all of its own.
And even after the vomit incident, there was discussion about Scout having the good sense to put on a 'crisp white shirt' after being bashed, gagged and self-vomited upon - becoz the bf was in town!
The maritime insurance stuff and plates and pin numbers also was a bit longwinded. But the twist with the sisters was good and I liked Daisy. I didn't really see the need for Dave. He drove them to the airport and wore secret safari suits and writes. Pfft. Who doesn't?
What did I like? Well. Most of the story tbh. The guerilla knitting. Although I never quite got the significance of the curtains on the ATMs. And I was grateful for Rafe (what a name) at least having a sense of humour in there re Ned Kelly and the knitted top. Otherwise, he was a little two-dimensional. Sexpot cop.
But my biggest bug bear. And here it comes. Was the swimsuit swim to the boat and the shoving of the monies, passports and BOLTCUTTERS down the front of the cossie. Now. Come on. I'd like to see that done.
All in all. Lots of fun. How could it be improved? I'd get rid of the sculpted men's bodies and adorable man curls, perfectly framing the manly men's faces, because as they tell me, men (esp marbled-bodied curly haired man-Gods) really are lining up one after the other to date middle-aged single mums. I'd concentrate on Scout and Daisy (maybe an offbeat on again off again queer liaison) and more of Miles as their manbag (surely he's got a secret or too stuffed away in his butler's pantry). Then, let the good times roll.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2018
Whilst the storylines and drama in this second 'Scout Davis' book were, for me, less complex and engaging than those in the first, and the book had a more 'chick-lit' feel (I'm not a big reader of the genre), the characters overwhelming remained enjoyable and recognisable with some lovely touches of humour.
A nicely read, generally light hearted easy listen, on a couple of hot days whilst I crafted.
A nicely read, generally light hearted easy listen, on a couple of hot days whilst I crafted.
November 26, 2016
I totally loved this book. I enjoyed all the chatty, detailed things in the character's life as well as the mystery being played out. I actually liked this narrator better than the one for the first book. I hope the author writes another book in this series! If not, it still had a great end.
December 2, 2017
This book was so much fun. Investigative journalist Scout Davis of Byron Bay gets the scoop and solves another crime. This is the second book I have read in this series and I hope there are more. Preferred this one to the first.
October 9, 2018
It was nice think that men might desire middle age females and the story was rather a good one - bit of mystery and humour but goodness me - what has happened to editors? The constant wrong use of the personal pronoun at the end of a sentence was something to jar in an otherwise ok novel.
October 29, 2020
I really quite enjoyed this second Scout adventure. Wasn't quite as 'can't put down' as the first one, but still left me wishing there was a third.
It's a shame there are only two in the series. I really think Scout and her associates have more adventures brewing.
It's a shame there are only two in the series. I really think Scout and her associates have more adventures brewing.
June 13, 2021
If I could continue to read stories about the people in these books forever, I probably would. Such interesting and likable characters, set in familiar places, with all of the intrigue and adventure is just a great combination. Just an all round enjoyable read :)
July 19, 2018
A fun read with lot's of everything a good easy read needs. The author has great imagination and gives her character different habits and hobbies to what other authors might do. I found that really interesting.
November 10, 2018
Nice easy read. Funny
March 23, 2021
Great light and funny read. Love the characters. This is the second one I’ve read and hoping there is a third.
July 7, 2024
Absolutely loved this wish she had done more in this series
January 27, 2024
I’m so sad there weren’t any more in this series.
March 18, 2014
I actually listened to this book as an audio book, rather than read a hard copy.
The narrator, Catherine Milte (although the download and cover of the audiobook says it's Georgie Parker who narrated, but thankfully not)… Catherine Milte was very expressive and I was completely taken with her various voices for the many characters in the story. Her narrating impressed me with her take on the different characters and especially the males and she made the story very enjoyable.
The story line itself was not anything too surprising, however, between the author and narrator I think I would very much enjoy a holiday on the Whitsunday Islands as it sounds idyllic.
I'm very keen to read the first 'Scout' book now as I have enjoyed the audio version of this one so much.
The narrator, Catherine Milte (although the download and cover of the audiobook says it's Georgie Parker who narrated, but thankfully not)… Catherine Milte was very expressive and I was completely taken with her various voices for the many characters in the story. Her narrating impressed me with her take on the different characters and especially the males and she made the story very enjoyable.
The story line itself was not anything too surprising, however, between the author and narrator I think I would very much enjoy a holiday on the Whitsunday Islands as it sounds idyllic.
I'm very keen to read the first 'Scout' book now as I have enjoyed the audio version of this one so much.
February 1, 2016
My initial reaction to this second book has been confirmed, not as good as the first, but I finished some sewing listening to it so all good. Admittedly, I did speed it up. For me, far too many descriptions of clothes worn, meals eaten, her plait and her diabetes, and far too many sub-plots which seemed to me to be largely padding. Thrown in for good measure were a couple of adorable greyhounds, a crisis in her sister's marriage, her ex's travelling companions, another investigative journo in a corduroy jacket, details ad nauseum about Byron Bay and, of course her latest squeeze, the monosyllabic Rafe.
Please quit the use of the Americanisms ... Australians do not 'shuck' broad beans ... We.Peel.Them
Two stars for the adorable Chairman Miaow.
Please quit the use of the Americanisms ... Australians do not 'shuck' broad beans ... We.Peel.Them
Two stars for the adorable Chairman Miaow.
October 26, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I wasn't expecting much (I was expecting an Evanovich rip-off full of Aussie stereotypes to be honest). It was a light, fun read as most 'chick lit' is but the writing was quite good quality, the 'Aussie-ness' wasn't excessive, the women characters were smart and independent, and there were lots of little references to interesting topics like yarn bombing, living with diabetes, mature age pregnancy, care for people with disabilities, rescuing retired greyhounds and more which gave the story some substance. It is definitely a holiday read, but one that is much more worth your time than many others.
May 26, 2013
Touted as Australia's answer to Janet Evanovich but it's much better. Scout is older and not relying on her youth and skimpy clothing to find out information. I loved the GKI (Guerrilla Knitter's Institute) in the first book - not so much knitting in this one. Fast paced; multi- plotted - great Sunday read
July 11, 2014
Well paced and entertaining with interesting characters and story lines
Sometimes the subplots just felt like padding as they didn't seem to gel with the main story, and the descriptions of appearances or clothes were distracting at times.
But overall they were likeable characters and it was fun to read.
Sometimes the subplots just felt like padding as they didn't seem to gel with the main story, and the descriptions of appearances or clothes were distracting at times.
But overall they were likeable characters and it was fun to read.
December 19, 2015
Tis didn't fit my reading challenge for the year - but I'm not going to make target anyway. But - it was light, and fun, and that is just what I needed to get me through the last couple of weeks of school!
January 16, 2016
Having enjoyed the first book by Maggie Groff I enjoying getting in to the second novel about investigative journalist, Scout Davis. I enjoyed this book as much as the first in the series - an easy going holiday read. Storyline was interesting but not too heavy for a relaxing summer holiday.
April 29, 2013
I wish I could give half stars. Not quite a 3 but more thAN a 2. Cliched and predictable but easy to read
March 9, 2013
What can I say other than a fantastic, fun, fabulous and a must read book. Scout Davis and friends are an absolute joy and I loved every minute reading this delicious book. WONDERFUL!
March 16, 2013
Another amazing book by Maggie Groff. Funny, entertaining and mildly suspenseful. Couldn't wait to get to the end to see if I had guessed the ending right.
April 18, 2013
Light and fun chick lit.
May 1, 2013
Absolutely loved this! Couldn't put it down but didn't want to finish it either. Hope there is more to come.
June 16, 2013
I enjoyed good news bad news good characters and its funny not laugh out loud Jane Evanovich funny but a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews