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Four Dogs Missing
Art theft, revenge and murder play out against the vineyards of the Mudgee wine region in this 'edge of your seat' thriller.
'Theo. Come to Oliver's winery. Search for Four Dogs Missing. You'll find me there. We need to talk.'
While estranged twins Oliver and Theo Wingfield are identical in appearance, they couldn't be more different. Theo, an extrovert verging on arrogant, was always a drifter, a nomad, operating on the fringes of the law. Oliver, intense, creative and introspective, was destined to become a winemaker. Each vintage, every bottle from Oliver's Mudgee-based label, Four Dogs Missing, sells out.
And now, after fifteen years without contact, Theo unexpectedly turns up at his brother's vineyard, bearing an invitation that his twin knows nothing about. The quiet and fulfilling life that the winemaker has built for himself is about to change overnight: Theo's arrival is the catalyst for a series of murders involving those closest to Oliver. Finding himself the main suspect, Oliver soon discovers that not everyone in Mudgee supports a reclusive and unorthodox vigneron who's shied away from the community that helped him succeed.
Oliver is inexorably drawn into a sinister world where poisoned liquor and stolen art leave a deadly trail. Abandoning his grapevines, he sets out to solve the crimes – and confront his damaged past – before someone else he loves is found dead … beside a bottle of his own wine.
'Theo. Come to Oliver's winery. Search for Four Dogs Missing. You'll find me there. We need to talk.'
While estranged twins Oliver and Theo Wingfield are identical in appearance, they couldn't be more different. Theo, an extrovert verging on arrogant, was always a drifter, a nomad, operating on the fringes of the law. Oliver, intense, creative and introspective, was destined to become a winemaker. Each vintage, every bottle from Oliver's Mudgee-based label, Four Dogs Missing, sells out.
And now, after fifteen years without contact, Theo unexpectedly turns up at his brother's vineyard, bearing an invitation that his twin knows nothing about. The quiet and fulfilling life that the winemaker has built for himself is about to change overnight: Theo's arrival is the catalyst for a series of murders involving those closest to Oliver. Finding himself the main suspect, Oliver soon discovers that not everyone in Mudgee supports a reclusive and unorthodox vigneron who's shied away from the community that helped him succeed.
Oliver is inexorably drawn into a sinister world where poisoned liquor and stolen art leave a deadly trail. Abandoning his grapevines, he sets out to solve the crimes – and confront his damaged past – before someone else he loves is found dead … beside a bottle of his own wine.
336 pages, Paperback
Published July 4, 2023
14 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Gard
1 book12 followersEnglish was the only exam paper of Rhys’ where teachers scrawled anything nice in the margins. After school, he decided he might become a full-time novelist. Career advisors and publishers suggested that while his prose wasn't awful, he might need some ‘life experience’ before he had anything interesting to say. To keep the wolf from the door he worked in cafés and restaurants before enrolling in an arts degree at the University of New South Wales.
After graduating with a double major English and Film Studies, he wrote theatre, film and food reviews for various blogs and mastheads. During this time he curated content for brands like Qantas, Dan Murphy’s and Australian First Families of Wine.
Deciding he enjoyed preparing food just as much as writing about it, Rhys devoted the next five years to cooking professionally. At one stage, he owned two of his own restaurants in regional NSW. In 2020, he decided it was time to hang up the apron and sharpen the pencils, honing the manuscript that will soon become his first published crime novel.
Rhys has worked across sales, marketing, and journalism. He understands what’s required to enthral and rouse a reader, but also how to pitch, market and find the right audience for the job.
Based in Mudgee, NSW, Rhys loves reading, writing and talking about food, wine and any kind of crime.
If you’d like to discuss copywriting or content marketing work, please get in touch.
FOUR DOGS MISSING will be published by Echo Bonnier in July 2023. Rhys is represented by Gaby Naher at Left Bank Literary.
After graduating with a double major English and Film Studies, he wrote theatre, film and food reviews for various blogs and mastheads. During this time he curated content for brands like Qantas, Dan Murphy’s and Australian First Families of Wine.
Deciding he enjoyed preparing food just as much as writing about it, Rhys devoted the next five years to cooking professionally. At one stage, he owned two of his own restaurants in regional NSW. In 2020, he decided it was time to hang up the apron and sharpen the pencils, honing the manuscript that will soon become his first published crime novel.
Rhys has worked across sales, marketing, and journalism. He understands what’s required to enthral and rouse a reader, but also how to pitch, market and find the right audience for the job.
Based in Mudgee, NSW, Rhys loves reading, writing and talking about food, wine and any kind of crime.
If you’d like to discuss copywriting or content marketing work, please get in touch.
FOUR DOGS MISSING will be published by Echo Bonnier in July 2023. Rhys is represented by Gaby Naher at Left Bank Literary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 22, 2024
4.5★s
Oliver Wingfield was the successful owner of the winery in Mudgee, NSW, Four Dogs Missing. He was known as a recluse but garnered a lot of respect throughout the region as well as the wine industry. When Oliver's estranged twin, Theo, arrived, it had been fifteen years since they'd seen each other. As different as chalk and cheese in everything except looks, Theo brought trouble with him, but no one was aware at the time of his arrival. Two days later, Theo was dead. Murdered. And Oliver was in the frame for his murder.
As Oliver tried to make sense of what was going on, the news of his Californian mentor's death shocked him to his core. He wasn't close to many people, but were those few people being targeted? His girlfriend, Penny, was concerned for him. But he was far more concerned for her. What had happened to his quiet, organised life that he reveled in? Oliver needed to prove to the police that he was being framed - but was it too late for that?
Four Dogs Missing is Aussie author Rhys Gard's debut novel and it was excellent! Set in the wine region of Mudgee, NSW; touching on Terrigal on the Central Coast and Sydney, as well as Orange not far from Mudgee, Oliver was a great character who was naïve and an introvert, with a few friends he trusted, Gabe being one. His knowledge of the wine industry saw him in good stead, while his past he kept shut down. A great crime novel which I recommend.
Oliver Wingfield was the successful owner of the winery in Mudgee, NSW, Four Dogs Missing. He was known as a recluse but garnered a lot of respect throughout the region as well as the wine industry. When Oliver's estranged twin, Theo, arrived, it had been fifteen years since they'd seen each other. As different as chalk and cheese in everything except looks, Theo brought trouble with him, but no one was aware at the time of his arrival. Two days later, Theo was dead. Murdered. And Oliver was in the frame for his murder.
As Oliver tried to make sense of what was going on, the news of his Californian mentor's death shocked him to his core. He wasn't close to many people, but were those few people being targeted? His girlfriend, Penny, was concerned for him. But he was far more concerned for her. What had happened to his quiet, organised life that he reveled in? Oliver needed to prove to the police that he was being framed - but was it too late for that?
Four Dogs Missing is Aussie author Rhys Gard's debut novel and it was excellent! Set in the wine region of Mudgee, NSW; touching on Terrigal on the Central Coast and Sydney, as well as Orange not far from Mudgee, Oliver was a great character who was naïve and an introvert, with a few friends he trusted, Gabe being one. His knowledge of the wine industry saw him in good stead, while his past he kept shut down. A great crime novel which I recommend.
September 16, 2023
Okay, before we get started I just want to say that I love the fantasy that Mudgee wine could become part of the elite drops commanding premium prices in Australia. It would be a far cry from the proud proclamation of “Mudgee Mud” that has typified the region in the past, that’s for sure. But the wine from the Four Dogs Missing Winery is exactly that and provides a solid base for this murder mystery to settle upon.
Oliver Wingfield is an oenological genius capable of creating liquid gold from the juice of the grapes grown on his Mudgee property. But his quiet life as a semi-reclusive winemaker is interrupted by the sudden arrival at the front gate of his property of his twin brother, Theo. He hadn’t seen his brother for over a decade and, although they’re not exactly estranged, they haven’t been close either. Not for twins, anyway.
Oliver’s life begins to spin out of control when, one by one, people he’s closest to start to die. Whether by accident or on purpose, each death looks suspicious and could quite possibly be traced back to Oliver himself. The mere fact that he’s such a recluse places him immediately under suspicion in the eyes of everyone in the town.
It turns out he has a troubled past and the details of his turbulent family life become unearthed as the police investigation digs deeper and deeper into his life.
But he has a strong network of people around him prepared to help and support him. But, for us, this provides a solid selection of possible suspects to choose from and it pays to pay close attention to everyone who moves in and out of his orbit. He may trust his vineyard manager Gabe, his girlfriend Penny and his next door neighbour Murray but, equally, it’s possible that one of them may be harbouring some kind of resentment that has resulted in setting him up for murder.
Although Oliver shuns the outside world to a large extent, he still maintains some deep and abiding friendships with the people he trusts. It’s clear that he’s a loyal and sympathetic character who is misunderstood by those outside his inner circle. It’s because of this that it becomes easy for the police to believe he may be responsible for the string of deaths that appear to be connected to him.
I found myself completely drawn into this murder mystery finding that I was sympathetic to Oliver’s plight. The plotting is tight and momentum is maintained throughout, right up to the explosive ending. I must admit, I’ve always been a wine devotee and the deep dive into the industry was another big draw that captured my undivided attention.
Four Dogs Missing is a complex murder mystery with an amateur investigator (Oliver) who is fighting desperately to clear his name, keep himself out of prison and work out who the real killer is. I thought this was a high quality debut set in one of the most idyllic spots in New South Wales’ Central West and was cleverly crafted to provide a nasty surprise ending.
Oliver Wingfield is an oenological genius capable of creating liquid gold from the juice of the grapes grown on his Mudgee property. But his quiet life as a semi-reclusive winemaker is interrupted by the sudden arrival at the front gate of his property of his twin brother, Theo. He hadn’t seen his brother for over a decade and, although they’re not exactly estranged, they haven’t been close either. Not for twins, anyway.
Oliver’s life begins to spin out of control when, one by one, people he’s closest to start to die. Whether by accident or on purpose, each death looks suspicious and could quite possibly be traced back to Oliver himself. The mere fact that he’s such a recluse places him immediately under suspicion in the eyes of everyone in the town.
It turns out he has a troubled past and the details of his turbulent family life become unearthed as the police investigation digs deeper and deeper into his life.
But he has a strong network of people around him prepared to help and support him. But, for us, this provides a solid selection of possible suspects to choose from and it pays to pay close attention to everyone who moves in and out of his orbit. He may trust his vineyard manager Gabe, his girlfriend Penny and his next door neighbour Murray but, equally, it’s possible that one of them may be harbouring some kind of resentment that has resulted in setting him up for murder.
Although Oliver shuns the outside world to a large extent, he still maintains some deep and abiding friendships with the people he trusts. It’s clear that he’s a loyal and sympathetic character who is misunderstood by those outside his inner circle. It’s because of this that it becomes easy for the police to believe he may be responsible for the string of deaths that appear to be connected to him.
I found myself completely drawn into this murder mystery finding that I was sympathetic to Oliver’s plight. The plotting is tight and momentum is maintained throughout, right up to the explosive ending. I must admit, I’ve always been a wine devotee and the deep dive into the industry was another big draw that captured my undivided attention.
Four Dogs Missing is a complex murder mystery with an amateur investigator (Oliver) who is fighting desperately to clear his name, keep himself out of prison and work out who the real killer is. I thought this was a high quality debut set in one of the most idyllic spots in New South Wales’ Central West and was cleverly crafted to provide a nasty surprise ending.
September 21, 2023
What a brilliant debut novel from Rhys Gard!! Australia sure is having a great run with crime writers at the moment and I hope it continues for many many years.
First of all, please be aware that despite the title, no dogs are harmed or indeed missing in this story. There are plenty of dogs though.. my favourite being Luna the greyhound. She made me think of my own greyhound Becky who passed over the rainbow bridge earlier this year. Made me smile.
Now, we have so much going on in this book. I was thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it, which is the sign of a great story. We have estranged identical twins Theo and Oliver. Oliver is running a successful vineyard in Mudgee and hasn’t seen his brother for over 10 years, until he knocks on the door out of the blue. This is the start of multiple shocking incidents and bodies turning up. And Oliver is the prime suspect.
There is murder, poison, art theft, intrigue, this book has it all. Who do you trust? There are plenty of nasty characters in this one. Do yourself a favour and add this to your TBR now.
First of all, please be aware that despite the title, no dogs are harmed or indeed missing in this story. There are plenty of dogs though.. my favourite being Luna the greyhound. She made me think of my own greyhound Becky who passed over the rainbow bridge earlier this year. Made me smile.
Now, we have so much going on in this book. I was thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it, which is the sign of a great story. We have estranged identical twins Theo and Oliver. Oliver is running a successful vineyard in Mudgee and hasn’t seen his brother for over 10 years, until he knocks on the door out of the blue. This is the start of multiple shocking incidents and bodies turning up. And Oliver is the prime suspect.
There is murder, poison, art theft, intrigue, this book has it all. Who do you trust? There are plenty of nasty characters in this one. Do yourself a favour and add this to your TBR now.
September 7, 2024
**3.5 stars**
I've had this one on my to be read list for awhile and finally got around to it. I thought it started off quite intriguing, however by the end I have to admit that I'd rate it as an average read for me. On the other hand I do think it was a great debut novel for the author and fans of Australian crime thrillers may appreciate it as it has primarily positive reviews on Goodreads. Set in wine country in Mudgee, New South Wales, there were a lot of references to the wine making industry and the art industry - neither are my forte so it was probably a bit lost on this reader. I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect of the storyline with the gradual reveal of who the perpetrator was mixed in with some clever red herrings.
I've had this one on my to be read list for awhile and finally got around to it. I thought it started off quite intriguing, however by the end I have to admit that I'd rate it as an average read for me. On the other hand I do think it was a great debut novel for the author and fans of Australian crime thrillers may appreciate it as it has primarily positive reviews on Goodreads. Set in wine country in Mudgee, New South Wales, there were a lot of references to the wine making industry and the art industry - neither are my forte so it was probably a bit lost on this reader. I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect of the storyline with the gradual reveal of who the perpetrator was mixed in with some clever red herrings.
July 26, 2023
For more reviews: https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
There are multiple mysteries running through the storyline and as the body count starts to mount with no clear motive for the murders, all clues point to Oliver.
Four Dogs Missing has an intricate and twisty plot. I was bouncing back and forward as to who I thought the murderer was.
Rhys's characters are complex and we are given a huge insight into their individual thoughts and personalities. This gave me an added connection to the characters which in turn had me eager for another book involving the same characters. Let's just say I'm not ready to let them go just yet.
Rhys Gard portrays an astute sense of the remoteness and solitude the area evokes which adds to the overall atmosphere of the story.
Four Dogs Missing is not your typical police procedural crime novel as Oliver, the winemaker, does all the detective work himself, leaving the police mostly in the dark.
If you like your crime with a splash of good wine, this is the book for you!
There are multiple mysteries running through the storyline and as the body count starts to mount with no clear motive for the murders, all clues point to Oliver.
Four Dogs Missing has an intricate and twisty plot. I was bouncing back and forward as to who I thought the murderer was.
Rhys's characters are complex and we are given a huge insight into their individual thoughts and personalities. This gave me an added connection to the characters which in turn had me eager for another book involving the same characters. Let's just say I'm not ready to let them go just yet.
Rhys Gard portrays an astute sense of the remoteness and solitude the area evokes which adds to the overall atmosphere of the story.
Four Dogs Missing is not your typical police procedural crime novel as Oliver, the winemaker, does all the detective work himself, leaving the police mostly in the dark.
If you like your crime with a splash of good wine, this is the book for you!
December 19, 2023
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Four Dogs Missing by Rhys Gard
Identical, estranged twins Oliver and Theo, a murder mystery set in the vineyards of Mudgee, poison and stolen art makes for a thrilling tale and a thirst for a glass of good wine! I couldn’t put this book down!
Successful and reclusive winemaker Oliver Wingfield finds himself in the middle of a spate of mysterious murders of those close to him. Oliver naturally becomes the prime suspect and sets out to dangerously solve the murders himself.
I loved the winery setting and insight into wine making, the mystery, interesting characters and the pacing . An excellent debut, cleverly written. Gard is an exciting new Australian crime author to watch out for.
Publication Date 04 July 2023
Publisher Echo Publishing
Thank you so much Echo Publishing for a copy of the book.
Four Dogs Missing by Rhys Gard
Identical, estranged twins Oliver and Theo, a murder mystery set in the vineyards of Mudgee, poison and stolen art makes for a thrilling tale and a thirst for a glass of good wine! I couldn’t put this book down!
Successful and reclusive winemaker Oliver Wingfield finds himself in the middle of a spate of mysterious murders of those close to him. Oliver naturally becomes the prime suspect and sets out to dangerously solve the murders himself.
I loved the winery setting and insight into wine making, the mystery, interesting characters and the pacing . An excellent debut, cleverly written. Gard is an exciting new Australian crime author to watch out for.
Publication Date 04 July 2023
Publisher Echo Publishing
Thank you so much Echo Publishing for a copy of the book.
April 14, 2024
Four Dogs Missing is about winemaking and corruption in the art industry and the love between two brothers. Oliver was happy with his life working at his winery, Four Dogs Missing, until his twin brother Theo turned up and, a couple of days later, was murdered. To find out what Theo was up to and the reason for his death, Oliver had to leave the winery and face his demons to get the necessary closure and to clear his name. The readers of Four Dogs Missing will continue to follow Oliver to discover what happens.
Looking at the title of Four Dogs Missing, you would not think the book is about wine and art threats. Somehow, the book drew me to read it, and I am pleased I did. Four Dogs Missing is the debut book by Rhys Gard, and if his second book is written in the same style as Four Dogs Missing, he will have a fantastic literacy journey. I did engage with the story and the plot from the first page of Four Dogs Missing. I love Rhys Gard's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Four Dogs Missing is well-written and researched by Rhys Gard. I like Rhys Gard's description of the settings of Four Dogs Missing, which complemented the book's plot.
The readers of Four Dogs Missing will understand the work involved in running a successful wine business and see the shady side of the art world.
I recommend this book.
Looking at the title of Four Dogs Missing, you would not think the book is about wine and art threats. Somehow, the book drew me to read it, and I am pleased I did. Four Dogs Missing is the debut book by Rhys Gard, and if his second book is written in the same style as Four Dogs Missing, he will have a fantastic literacy journey. I did engage with the story and the plot from the first page of Four Dogs Missing. I love Rhys Gard's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Four Dogs Missing is well-written and researched by Rhys Gard. I like Rhys Gard's description of the settings of Four Dogs Missing, which complemented the book's plot.
The readers of Four Dogs Missing will understand the work involved in running a successful wine business and see the shady side of the art world.
I recommend this book.
July 4, 2023
You wouldn't think reading crime fiction would leave you with a taste for wine, but here we are.
Set in the idyllic surrounds of the Mudgee (New South Wales) wine region, Oliver Wingfield has set himself up as a winemaker with a fine reputation for his wines, even if everyone talks about his reclusive nature and unorthodox techniques. He's a man with a complicated past, which is dragged kicking and screaming into the light after his estranged twin brother Theo suddenly arrives after a fifteen year period of no contact whatsoever, and is promptly murdered. Physically identical twins, they could not be more different personalities, or have lead such opposing lives. Theo, it seems, has been in decidedly dodgy territory since Oliver last saw him, but his death in Oliver's house, is not clear cut. Was the intended victim Theo, or is this a case of mistaken identity? Either way Oliver finds himself drawn into a series of murders, poison, stolen art and dangerous threats - to him and the people closest to him.
Readers of this debut novel will need to pay attention - for a reclusive individual Oliver has a largish supporting cast to keep track of, all of whom are well fleshed out, interesting / complicated in their own right. From his present - there's vineyard manager Gabe, as well as girlfriend and winebar owner Penny, and assorted supporters and winemaking mentors, near and far. There's also a few grumpy neighbours and slightly sniffy locals, who don't approve of Oliver testing the boundaries of winemaking norms. From his and Theo's past, there's a gallery manager, and friend of their now deceased mother, and there's something about her death, and their father that is slowly revealed as Oliver's carefully guarded past becomes clearer and the present gets messier and more people in his orbit start to die. All of which happens at a good pace, with lots of those red herrings being sprinkled in the reader's path as you go.
There's a lot going on in FOUR DOGS MISSING. A good cast of possible villains and victims, some past stuffing up the present, with decisions and actions coming back to haunt, and taunt, and some people who don't deserve the aggravation, or pain, or ending up dead as a result. The idea that the initial victim is the identical twin of the main seeker of truth is an interesting twist, especially as the life of the estranged Theo starts to reveal itself, right down to the correspondence between Theo and a woman who turns out to be a big help to Oliver when he needs it.
Despite the busy nature of the plot, the reader is played fair with, and even though the truth is there in the background all along, it's an interesting ride to sit with a brother as he searches for the truth about his twin, their family and how to handle a past hurtling straight at you.
To play fair with the reader of this review, FOUR DOGS MISSING is the name of the winery - and there's a reasonably innocuous reason for that. There are two dogs that, whilst unharmed, also seemed to disappear from the narrative which stretched this reader's nerves just a tad (the world sucks - I need to know what's right with it at the moment!), but that's a bit of personal nitpicking, in what is, overall a nicely balanced debut, with a most unlikely central protagonist. A piano playing, wine making reclusive, with a girlfriend he finds out he cares about more than he realised, a place in a small community he didn't see coming, and lots of people who have his back.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Set in the idyllic surrounds of the Mudgee (New South Wales) wine region, Oliver Wingfield has set himself up as a winemaker with a fine reputation for his wines, even if everyone talks about his reclusive nature and unorthodox techniques. He's a man with a complicated past, which is dragged kicking and screaming into the light after his estranged twin brother Theo suddenly arrives after a fifteen year period of no contact whatsoever, and is promptly murdered. Physically identical twins, they could not be more different personalities, or have lead such opposing lives. Theo, it seems, has been in decidedly dodgy territory since Oliver last saw him, but his death in Oliver's house, is not clear cut. Was the intended victim Theo, or is this a case of mistaken identity? Either way Oliver finds himself drawn into a series of murders, poison, stolen art and dangerous threats - to him and the people closest to him.
Readers of this debut novel will need to pay attention - for a reclusive individual Oliver has a largish supporting cast to keep track of, all of whom are well fleshed out, interesting / complicated in their own right. From his present - there's vineyard manager Gabe, as well as girlfriend and winebar owner Penny, and assorted supporters and winemaking mentors, near and far. There's also a few grumpy neighbours and slightly sniffy locals, who don't approve of Oliver testing the boundaries of winemaking norms. From his and Theo's past, there's a gallery manager, and friend of their now deceased mother, and there's something about her death, and their father that is slowly revealed as Oliver's carefully guarded past becomes clearer and the present gets messier and more people in his orbit start to die. All of which happens at a good pace, with lots of those red herrings being sprinkled in the reader's path as you go.
There's a lot going on in FOUR DOGS MISSING. A good cast of possible villains and victims, some past stuffing up the present, with decisions and actions coming back to haunt, and taunt, and some people who don't deserve the aggravation, or pain, or ending up dead as a result. The idea that the initial victim is the identical twin of the main seeker of truth is an interesting twist, especially as the life of the estranged Theo starts to reveal itself, right down to the correspondence between Theo and a woman who turns out to be a big help to Oliver when he needs it.
Despite the busy nature of the plot, the reader is played fair with, and even though the truth is there in the background all along, it's an interesting ride to sit with a brother as he searches for the truth about his twin, their family and how to handle a past hurtling straight at you.
To play fair with the reader of this review, FOUR DOGS MISSING is the name of the winery - and there's a reasonably innocuous reason for that. There are two dogs that, whilst unharmed, also seemed to disappear from the narrative which stretched this reader's nerves just a tad (the world sucks - I need to know what's right with it at the moment!), but that's a bit of personal nitpicking, in what is, overall a nicely balanced debut, with a most unlikely central protagonist. A piano playing, wine making reclusive, with a girlfriend he finds out he cares about more than he realised, a place in a small community he didn't see coming, and lots of people who have his back.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
July 14, 2023
Mix together a dash of wine, some food, a small town aussie wine region, poison, and murder and you have a recipe for a successful thriller. What a debut crime thriller by Rhys - fast-paced and gripping. So well written, you will not want to put this one down.
When identical twin brothers Oliver and Theo reunite the past and present collide. But is it a coincidence that quickly the wine town of Mudgee is thrown into a murderous whodunit? "Don't they say a coincidence will always be a coincidence until its significance is realised?" Will you piece together all the clues and realise who the true villian is?
That ending! All the twists and turns of a true thriller.
When identical twin brothers Oliver and Theo reunite the past and present collide. But is it a coincidence that quickly the wine town of Mudgee is thrown into a murderous whodunit? "Don't they say a coincidence will always be a coincidence until its significance is realised?" Will you piece together all the clues and realise who the true villian is?
That ending! All the twists and turns of a true thriller.
July 16, 2023
What a great debut from Rhys Gard. Pay yarn set against the Mudgee wine region (a beautiful place to visit). Complex family history, shady crime figures, fine art, fine wine. It's got it.
December 22, 2023
A crime thriller set in MUDGEE, absolutely yes. The plot was twisty and shocking and I was hooked from the start. Loved it, such a great debut.
June 21, 2023
A brilliant debut murder mystery. Rhys's writing showcases his love of the genre and enduring passion for wine. Fast paced yet believable. He manages to pull off that rare feat of a truly surprising ending balanced with plenty of clues laid throughout that when looked back upon all falls in to place. None of the lazy out of leftfield whodunnit writing here. Can't wait for the next novel from this exciting, young, up and coming Australian author.
March 28, 2024
It started as quite a good book, but the longer it went the worse it got. Quite well written which means I will read the author's next work - I just mark this one down for poor story line (better editing would have helped!). There were too many characters added that didn't go anywhere - not necessarily a bad thing in crime fiction as they are the red herrings. However, the story line became less credible the further it went - too many deaths; too many people doing stupid things; too many characters acting out of character; too many central characters going missing at the peak (e.g. the police!). Oh, and can people really drink a couple of bottles of wine each day? I suspect half the cast would be technically considered as functioning alcoholics.
September 7, 2023
Expected so much more from this. Too many characters, too many big unnecessary words, glad I was reading on a kindle otherwise a dictionary would have been needed. Seemed to mention Mudgee on every other page maybe trying to cash in on the towns tourist popularity
Not a great plot either.
Not a great plot either.
October 13, 2024
It was a bit long winded and I fell asleep quite a few times while reading this book. Probably thats why the revelation felt quite out of left field and didn't make a lot a sense, but maybe not.
October 6, 2024
A competent crime fiction with decent clues and mystery. However , on occasion, I felt that some detailed descriptions got in the way of the tension that was building.
Theo. Come to Oliver's winery. Search for Four Dogs Missing. You'll find me there. We need to talk.' While estranged twins Oliver and Theo Wingfield are identical in appearance, they couldn't be more different. Theo, an extrovert verging on arrogant, was always a drifter, a nomad, operating on the fringes of the law. Oliver, intense, creative and introspective, was destined to become a winemaker. Each vintage, every bottle from Oliver's Mudgee-based label, Four Dogs Missing, sells out. And now, after fifteen years without contact, Theo unexpectedly turns up at his brother's vineyard, bearing an invitation that his twin knows nothing about. The quiet and fulfilling life that the winemaker has built for himself is about to change Theo's arrival is the catalyst for a series of murders involving those closest to Oliver. Finding himself the main suspect, Oliver soon discovers that not everyone in Mudgee supports a reclusive and unorthodox vigneron who's shied away from the community that helped him succeed. Oliver is inexorably drawn into a sinister world where poisoned liquor and stolen art leave a deadly trail. Abandoning his grapevines, he sets out to solve the crimes - and confront his damaged past - before someone else he loves is found dead ... beside a bottle of his own wine.
Theo. Come to Oliver's winery. Search for Four Dogs Missing. You'll find me there. We need to talk.' While estranged twins Oliver and Theo Wingfield are identical in appearance, they couldn't be more different. Theo, an extrovert verging on arrogant, was always a drifter, a nomad, operating on the fringes of the law. Oliver, intense, creative and introspective, was destined to become a winemaker. Each vintage, every bottle from Oliver's Mudgee-based label, Four Dogs Missing, sells out. And now, after fifteen years without contact, Theo unexpectedly turns up at his brother's vineyard, bearing an invitation that his twin knows nothing about. The quiet and fulfilling life that the winemaker has built for himself is about to change Theo's arrival is the catalyst for a series of murders involving those closest to Oliver. Finding himself the main suspect, Oliver soon discovers that not everyone in Mudgee supports a reclusive and unorthodox vigneron who's shied away from the community that helped him succeed. Oliver is inexorably drawn into a sinister world where poisoned liquor and stolen art leave a deadly trail. Abandoning his grapevines, he sets out to solve the crimes - and confront his damaged past - before someone else he loves is found dead ... beside a bottle of his own wine.
August 3, 2023
✍️ Oliver Wingfield is the local winemaker in Mudgee with a spiralling reputation but also with a complex family history. When his twin brother Theo arrives in town after a fifteen year absence and then goes on to be murdered, Oliver finds himself in a situation where murders are occurring around him. Is it a case of mistaken identity or is there something else going on.
This was a FABULOUS Debut that had me instantly transported to the Picturesque and Epicurean town of Mudgee and its surrounding Wine Regions. Intrigue and Suspense were the two main themes that I initially felt upon starting and after that I was HOOKED! I couldn't put it down.
The story started and ended very up-tempo and thought-provoking as I was feeling suspicious about the characters and their motivations in the story.
Art, Wine, Murder and Retribution, the story was cleverly and thoroughly written with thrilling and compelling storytelling that kept me guessing till the end.
I appreciated the Author's Perceptiveness and Erudition about Wines and their agricultural practices in the region. A lush and appealing premise for a crime story that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Highly recommend!
This was a FABULOUS Debut that had me instantly transported to the Picturesque and Epicurean town of Mudgee and its surrounding Wine Regions. Intrigue and Suspense were the two main themes that I initially felt upon starting and after that I was HOOKED! I couldn't put it down.
The story started and ended very up-tempo and thought-provoking as I was feeling suspicious about the characters and their motivations in the story.
Art, Wine, Murder and Retribution, the story was cleverly and thoroughly written with thrilling and compelling storytelling that kept me guessing till the end.
I appreciated the Author's Perceptiveness and Erudition about Wines and their agricultural practices in the region. A lush and appealing premise for a crime story that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Highly recommend!
January 4, 2024
Oliver Wingfield has been living a quiet life as an award winning winemaker in Mudgee. But then his estranged identical twin brother, Theo turns up & it's goodbye quiet life, hello art theft; mayhem; & murder aplenty.
In order to protect those he loves & to get out from under a very elaborate frame up, Oliver sets out to solve the mystery of who & why someone is trying to destroy his life before he is arrested for a crime he didn't commit or he dies himself.
This is certainly an action packed story & I love the why of the title - "... beside the sale sign was a board with "four dogs missing" sprayed on it. No one could ever tell me about the dogs or the person who wrote the sign. It was all a big mystery. I needed a name so I kept it."
I thought there was way too many characters to keep track of, I had worked out the murderer halfway through & while that story seemed to wrap up fairly well, I thought the art theft side was left dangling. Although that may be to allow room for a sequel?
In order to protect those he loves & to get out from under a very elaborate frame up, Oliver sets out to solve the mystery of who & why someone is trying to destroy his life before he is arrested for a crime he didn't commit or he dies himself.
This is certainly an action packed story & I love the why of the title - "... beside the sale sign was a board with "four dogs missing" sprayed on it. No one could ever tell me about the dogs or the person who wrote the sign. It was all a big mystery. I needed a name so I kept it."
I thought there was way too many characters to keep track of, I had worked out the murderer halfway through & while that story seemed to wrap up fairly well, I thought the art theft side was left dangling. Although that may be to allow room for a sequel?
August 18, 2024
I enjoyed the originality of this Mystery/Thriller story, being that it was set around a winemaker and his vineyard, in the Australian country. I live in a town just out of wine country and I can tell you, when driving through such areas at night and when it isn’t growing season, these parts can definitely give off a creepy and dark vibe and the atmosphere created in this book, gave just that.
There was a lot going on though within this story and many many characters, where I found myself unable to keep track at times. I did also find it all a bit too much - with art theft, secrets, poisonings, family drama with an estranged brother and parental issues and there were many many deaths that occurred - really I just found it quite unrealistic and when the deaths occurred, I found it lacking in the emotions department and unfortunately by the end I wasn’t super invested in the story anymore.
This is Rhys’s debut novel and with the atmosphere that he was able to create with this, I definitely would still like to see what he comes up with next.
There was a lot going on though within this story and many many characters, where I found myself unable to keep track at times. I did also find it all a bit too much - with art theft, secrets, poisonings, family drama with an estranged brother and parental issues and there were many many deaths that occurred - really I just found it quite unrealistic and when the deaths occurred, I found it lacking in the emotions department and unfortunately by the end I wasn’t super invested in the story anymore.
This is Rhys’s debut novel and with the atmosphere that he was able to create with this, I definitely would still like to see what he comes up with next.
October 29, 2024
A debut Aussie crime novel, Four Dogs Missing (2024) by Rhys Gard is a murder mystery. Twin brothers, Oliver and Theo Wingfield have not spoken to each other in over fifteen years, when Theo turns up at Oliver’s winery one day. Their initial tension soon dissipates and a few days later, Theo is found murdered in Oliver’s house. As police investigate, with Oliver a person of interest, another wine growing colleague of his is found poisoned, having drunk Oliver’s wine. More a family saga with flashbacks revealing the closeness of the identical twins, as Olivier tries to discover Theo’s recent past and connection to stolen art. With its psychological building tension and gripping atmosphere, this makes for a three and a half stars rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.
June 2, 2025
Australia is now the country for amazing crime writers, and Rhys Gard is now one of these great writers. What an amazing debut novel.
I absolutely loved this novel. It has an amazing storyline with just the right amount of complex characters with plenty of nasty characters that keep you guessing until the end. It had me rooting for Oliver and his plight for justice and to clear his name, all while working out who is killing everyone in Oliver's life, including his identical twin brother. I was left intrigued by Oliver's childhood family history and the connection to what is happening in the now. I am still thinking about this book after finishing it yesterday.
This book is unlike any other I've read. I highly recommend. Cantcread to read more from Rhys Gard 👌 ☺️ @echo_publishing @rhysgard #echopublications #australiancrimefiction
I absolutely loved this novel. It has an amazing storyline with just the right amount of complex characters with plenty of nasty characters that keep you guessing until the end. It had me rooting for Oliver and his plight for justice and to clear his name, all while working out who is killing everyone in Oliver's life, including his identical twin brother. I was left intrigued by Oliver's childhood family history and the connection to what is happening in the now. I am still thinking about this book after finishing it yesterday.
This book is unlike any other I've read. I highly recommend. Cantcread to read more from Rhys Gard 👌 ☺️ @echo_publishing @rhysgard #echopublications #australiancrimefiction
August 24, 2023
Rhys takes readers through a reclusive but celebrated wine maker's descent through trauma and spiralling paranoia as those close to him are mysteriously murdered. Interspersed in this crime thriller, Rhys weaves an appreciation for good food and wine, along with colorful depictions of rural Australia that transcend the tired cliches of red dust, utes, and sheep dogs.
I loved being pulled into the deteriorating mind of Oliver Wingfield that had me second guessing every suspected conspirator until the very end of the book.
Highly recommend for fans of crime and thrillers - though I don't necessarily consider myself to be one.
I loved being pulled into the deteriorating mind of Oliver Wingfield that had me second guessing every suspected conspirator until the very end of the book.
Highly recommend for fans of crime and thrillers - though I don't necessarily consider myself to be one.
July 12, 2024
Oliver and Theo Wingfield are identical twins who haven't seen each other for a little over ten years after their troubled family life exploded. Suddenly Theo turns up out of the blue at Oliver's home and winery in an old kombi to stay.
He is only there a short time, and whilst Oliver stays at his girlfriend's place over night he returns to find his brother deceased in a pool of blood. A numbers of murders occur to those closet to Oliver and he is the prime suspect.
It is not Oliver and he is trying to find out who it is, before he may be next!
If you like reading Chris Hammer novels you will definitely like this.
He is only there a short time, and whilst Oliver stays at his girlfriend's place over night he returns to find his brother deceased in a pool of blood. A numbers of murders occur to those closet to Oliver and he is the prime suspect.
It is not Oliver and he is trying to find out who it is, before he may be next!
If you like reading Chris Hammer novels you will definitely like this.
January 13, 2024
I guess I'm not really into the Crime genre. Especially when there are so many unrealistic murders.
This story is well written, so that I did keep reading to the end. I wanted to know if my 'spotto' of the murderer at quarter the way through, was correct. Yes.
Well written definable characters, even if some were a little over the top.
If you like whodunits with lots of art thefts, drugs, poisoning, shootings and murders, have a read.
I think these kinds of fiction are written in the hope that someone will pick it up to make a TV series.
This story is well written, so that I did keep reading to the end. I wanted to know if my 'spotto' of the murderer at quarter the way through, was correct. Yes.
Well written definable characters, even if some were a little over the top.
If you like whodunits with lots of art thefts, drugs, poisoning, shootings and murders, have a read.
I think these kinds of fiction are written in the hope that someone will pick it up to make a TV series.
November 29, 2023
I started a GoodReads account just because I needed to share how much I loved this book. The momentum of the story kept me hooked from the first chapter. The broad cast of supporting characters are each fleshed out and complex in their own way. I have recommended this book to countless friends, and I love watching them go through the same process of trying to pinpoint the culprit. A fantastic debut from Rhys that has me excited for future releases.
March 29, 2025
3.5 up to 4 for a great debut novel. A mystery, a murder, a family secrets novel; well plotted with likeable, mostly, and believable characters. The setting of Mudgee, west of Sydney, is great too. The author has created incredible award winning wines in an area usually with the soubriquet of 'Mudgee Mud'! As a wine drinker I really liked the side steps into wine speak, but others may be turned off by this. Candice Fox has put her name on the cover, high praise indeed.
August 27, 2023
So continues my “murder mystery in Australia” consumption!
I did enjoy this and I think there were some good twists and turns! I fell out of it a little as there were two characters in this book with the same name as characters in the last book.
I recommended this to my sister as we both love Mudgee.
Finished in Palermo, Sicily.
I did enjoy this and I think there were some good twists and turns! I fell out of it a little as there were two characters in this book with the same name as characters in the last book.
I recommended this to my sister as we both love Mudgee.
Finished in Palermo, Sicily.
June 13, 2024
Loved this debut by Rhys Gard set in the Mudgee wine-growing region of NSW. It features identical twins who have been estranged till very recently. It was such a gripping read and kept me turning the page as the story pulled me in and the characters and what was portrayed kept me there. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 14, 2024
Excellent debut novel set in Mudgee, (with nod to Orange and Terrigal) in regional NSW.
Wine, murder, revenge, art theft, a complex mystery and a well drawn supporting cast for the main character; whose sometimes frustrating foibles are given pleasingly realistic treatment (and are reasonable if you intuit the why early on)
Plenty to like here!
Wine, murder, revenge, art theft, a complex mystery and a well drawn supporting cast for the main character; whose sometimes frustrating foibles are given pleasingly realistic treatment (and are reasonable if you intuit the why early on)
Plenty to like here!
August 6, 2024
A really good crime story set in and around beautiful Mudgee, describing the area and the vineyards so well - Oliver is likeable, including his introvert characteristics .. the story moves along at good pace and the characters are easy to follow even though the complexity increases .. will be looking out for Gard’s next one - he’s set a high bar for himself
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