Dead Shot

Sergeant Frank Hardy #3

by Wendy M. Wilson

To help financially during hard times in 1880 New Zealand, Sergeant Frank Hardy and his new wife Mette take on Dead Shot, a thoroughbred stallion from a town near the front who is being targeted by a brutal Australian gang. When Hardy's wife disappears after an argument with him, apparently kidnapped by the gang, he searches desperately. But the kidnapper is closer to home than he realizes.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2018

Reviews

[TXGAL1(Private Profile? Pass me by)]

DEAD SHOT, by Wendy M Wilson, is another mystery thriller in the 19th century series which features Sergeant Frank Hardy.

I enjoyed this mystery and my continued education about historical life in the country of New Zealand on the North Island. DEAD SHOT was an enjoyable and quick read.

LYING UNDER WATER is the next book in the series. I’ll be adding it to my TBR list!

[Ivonne Rovira]

The title refers to the name of a prized stud horse, although “dead shot” well describes Frank Hardy, a former sergeant in the Imperial Army and former coach driver for the Royal Mail, turned private detective and horse farmer. It’s 1880, a time of economic depression in colonial New Zealand, and Hardy’s overdrawn at the bank and in danger of losing his farm.

That’s where Dead Shot comes in. The owner of the spectacular horse has been subjected to a sabotage campaign farther north on New Zealand’s North Island; desperate for money, Hardy agrees to take Dead Shot south to Palmerston (North) to breed in exchange for a cut of the stud fees.

Will trouble follow Dead Shot south? Would there be a novel if it didn’t? That said, I enjoyed this third novel in this series nearly as much as the first two, both five-star reads, Not the Faintest Trace and Recalled to Life. The only thing that kept this novel from a five-star rating was the predictability of who the gang leader was.

We also see that a war between the persecuted Māori and their British colonizers appears inevitable, terrible news for the Frank and Mette Hardy, who have adopted two Māori boys. Like the Hardy family, I dread such a senseless new war, especially at a time that I fear for war in my own homeland.

[Petra]

I couldn't put this one down.
This is a tightly woven story, with twists & turns & deceptions throughout. It's very well written and includes some New Zealand way of life in the 1880s, some history, the difficulties between white and Maori peoples and more. Plus it has a good mystery with likeable, interesting characters.

Since it's a murder mystery, I won't give away any of the plot. Suffice to say that this story has all the elements of surprise, interest, plot, and warm characters. I hope to find more of this author's books available in my area.

[Jan Mc]

This is a good historical fiction/historical mystery series and I enjoy it quite a bit. The setting in 1880s New Zealand is unique. The main characters are likeable and the story is well-paced.

I do wonder at the equitable attitude of the MCs to aboriginals; is that a modern point of view sneaking in? Obviously, there were some Europeans who were unbiased at the time, but the many conflicts and sad treatment of the native population are well-documented.

Sam Devereaux does a fine narration of the audiobook.

[L Kate]

Wonderful Tale of Adventure

Another wonderful tale of life during the early colonization (by Europeans) of New Zealand. Once again Sergeant Hardy and his wife Mette are faced with danger from villains, even some family members. This series is full of excitement and adventure and mystery; with wonderful characters, and a lovely setting.

[Cindy B.]

Always well written and plotted the author again succeeds at entertaining her public. Some profanity, violence, and sexual situations (use FF). The narrator is perfect and adds to the readers enjoyment.

[Henry David]

I have read three of the Sgt Frank Hardy mysteries, and although they have no pretense to be classic literature they are well written and engaging. My criteria for mystery novels are that every line and every page should be moving the story forward, without too much time spent exploring personality traits or character motivations, and that minimal time should be spent examining back-stories which can pause the narrative. Wendy meets this requirement in the same way that Lee Child or Harlan Coben create 'page turners'. What makes the Sgt Frank Hardy books almost unique is that they are set in a time when a new country was being developed with all the triumphs and hurdles that go with that. Actual historical events and characters are interwoven, as are prejudices and preferences (many of which can still be seen in NZ society today). This is crime-solving without access to abundant resources, in a world with limited communications and lack of information, just old fashioned deduction and sheer doggedness. My only criticism is that the author regularly uses the same literary device which becomes a little predictable - you just know that every time Frank leaves Mette alone for a short while, something bad is going to happen, and you want to cry out, "Frank, are you stupid? Where are you going, stay with her!". But I guess that shows how deeply the reader can get caught up in the story!

[Diane Shearer]

I’m obsessed with Sergeant Frank Hardy and Wendy M. Wilson. How I’ve never found these books before is the real mystery. I find each story better than the last. In fact, I’m beginning to think that if WMW wrote it it’s a five star book and I’m dying to read it. This series is such a wonderful combination of good writing, history, and adventure in a place I’m fascinated with yet know so little about. The newer books have audiobooks so I’ll finally know how to pronounce these unpronounceable places and names. Highly recommended, but don’t start it unless you have time to read. You won’t want to stop until you’ve finished it.

[Libbie Harr]

In this third book, the wonderful story of Frank and Meta Hardy continues with the mystery involving a very evil gang of racing horse thieves and blood thirsty killers who will stop at nothing to get what they want. Frank is just beginning his life as a horse breeder and Meta is learning all about being an independent woman as well as a housewife. In a life that should be filled with joy, they both end of fighting for their lives. Excellent book!

[Linda C]

I am really enjoying this series set on New Zealand's north island in the 1880s. Sergeant Frank Hardy and his Danish immigrant wife are starting a horse farm while he is also training the local volunteer militia. His plan to stable a stud thoroughbred for its owner up north, rent him out for stud and get a percent of the profits runs into trouble when people attempt to steal the horse. Looking forward to the next volume.

[Holly Lenz]

Dead Shot is a period mystery surrounding a stallion. The story takes place in New Zealand and provides a window into a part of history I am not familiar with. It’s an entertaining story, but it’s a bit melodramatic and over the top at times. This is part of a series though I have not read or listened to any of the other books.

The narrator of the audiobook does a good job bringing the story to life.

[Peggy]

A good story, but not great IMO. Book is well edited and written. Very well developed characters that reader gets a real feel for their activities and trials--it was indeed a tough time for settlers and natives. Additional problems created by the criminals deported to Australia coming over to New Zealand.

[Bob Willis]

Another historical fiction based on actual events in New Zealand history. Well written and fast paced this book holds the readers interest. Frank Hardy and his wife are struggling on the farm so Frank accepts an offer to bring a stallion to his farm to stud local horses. Then the trouble begins. Recommend reading books 1 and 2, before reading this 3rd installment in the series.

[Rubia La Faye]

Very thrilling mystery novel

What is it why a horse seems to bring bad luck? And what is going on in the house of sister in law Agnete?
Frank and Mette have to fight for their lives in this fast paced murder mystery set in 19th century New Zealand.

[Karen]

Excellent read

This is an exciting and wonderfully written story. It's got clean, (yes CLEAN) romance , it is action packed and historical. I love hearing details about New Zealands history also.

[Libby]

Frank and Mette are a progressive couple for their time. Another great adventure, this time involving a horse and Temperance fools.

[Wytzia Raspe]

Very very good story that has your hair on ends.

[Denise Bentley]

Time Warp

I've enjoyed not just walking with the characters back in time, but with the norms and culture of another nation.

[Te-ge Bramhall]

I read the box set of 3 Frank Hardy mysteries. I really enjoyed the first 2, the third, not as much, it felt incomplete. Still, the stories were fun and interesting.

[Duncan Maccoll]

Shorter than others so far.

[Patrick Ryer]

Frontier of New Zealand.

This is a great series, and I’m totally hooked. The series is full of action with a little romance thrown in.

[Susan Herring]

4.5 ⭐️

[Adonna]

great book

Love Wendy Wilson’s writing. This is my fourth book and it didn’t disappoint. I love reading about New Zealand and the Māori.