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Opal Fields #5
Her Lonely Bones: An Australian Outback Crime Thriller
They say she's a murder magnet. They could be right...
Constable Jenny Williams became a cop to find her missing cousin. Since arriving in the small, outback mining town, she’s uncovered secrets, lies and murder. Now a fun day fossicking for opals has revealed yet another body.
A woman has been found crushed and mutilated inside mining equipment. Jenny is sure the woman’s death was no accident. She investigates and uncovers a link to an extremist Sovereigntist cult who don’t take kindly to strangers.
As if fanatics weren’t scary enough – the commune is full of armed men and what appears to be women held captive. Her gut instincts are telling her this cult is trouble, but she needs proof.
Jenny’s boss tells her to do what she’s never been good at – be patient, don’t stir up trouble and keep her mouth shut. But when she discovers a local barmaid is a former cult member, she pushes the woman for answers.
Until the barmaid goes missing….
Constable Jenny Williams became a cop to find her missing cousin. Since arriving in the small, outback mining town, she’s uncovered secrets, lies and murder. Now a fun day fossicking for opals has revealed yet another body.
A woman has been found crushed and mutilated inside mining equipment. Jenny is sure the woman’s death was no accident. She investigates and uncovers a link to an extremist Sovereigntist cult who don’t take kindly to strangers.
As if fanatics weren’t scary enough – the commune is full of armed men and what appears to be women held captive. Her gut instincts are telling her this cult is trouble, but she needs proof.
Jenny’s boss tells her to do what she’s never been good at – be patient, don’t stir up trouble and keep her mouth shut. But when she discovers a local barmaid is a former cult member, she pushes the woman for answers.
Until the barmaid goes missing….
- GenresMystery
252 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2023
521 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Tarr
46 books133 followersFiona's stories are captivating, bold, suspense reads featuring strong female leads, small, rural town settings and quirky Australian characters.
Her most recent Opal Fields Crime Fiction series has been described as “a fast paced action packed thrill ride through the outback”.
Writing runs in the family. Fiona’s Great Uncle was Australian Literary author George Johnston (My Brother Jack) and although her style is more contemporary, her Uncle’s social commentary tone is evident.
Recently compared to Jane Harper, Patricia Wolf and Melinda Leigh—Fiona’s crime and mystery suspense novels have been well received, reaching #1 Best Seller in the Amazon Australia store and beyond.
Fiona lives in Noosa Australia with her husband, and not far from her two adult children.
A self confessed people watcher, she loves to interpret body language and social cues. With a history of farming, working in male dominated industries and navigating the world of community services, Fiona is equipped with the experience and insight to develop truely memorable characters, authentic settings and action packed stories.
When not writing, you'll likely find Fiona travelling in the outback, enjoying watersports on the local pristine beaches, or spending time with family and friends.
Join Fiona's Reader's Club and discover what motivate her stories, the process she uses to research and to be the first to know about future releases.
You'll also get a free copy of her latest series prequel novella Grave Doubt
Just copy and paste this link. https://www.subscribepage.com/c8s0o4_...
Her most recent Opal Fields Crime Fiction series has been described as “a fast paced action packed thrill ride through the outback”.
Writing runs in the family. Fiona’s Great Uncle was Australian Literary author George Johnston (My Brother Jack) and although her style is more contemporary, her Uncle’s social commentary tone is evident.
Recently compared to Jane Harper, Patricia Wolf and Melinda Leigh—Fiona’s crime and mystery suspense novels have been well received, reaching #1 Best Seller in the Amazon Australia store and beyond.
Fiona lives in Noosa Australia with her husband, and not far from her two adult children.
A self confessed people watcher, she loves to interpret body language and social cues. With a history of farming, working in male dominated industries and navigating the world of community services, Fiona is equipped with the experience and insight to develop truely memorable characters, authentic settings and action packed stories.
When not writing, you'll likely find Fiona travelling in the outback, enjoying watersports on the local pristine beaches, or spending time with family and friends.
Join Fiona's Reader's Club and discover what motivate her stories, the process she uses to research and to be the first to know about future releases.
You'll also get a free copy of her latest series prequel novella Grave Doubt
Just copy and paste this link. https://www.subscribepage.com/c8s0o4_...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 12, 2025
Constable Jenny Williams was about to leave the mining area where opals were being fossicked, when there was a dreadful noise of grinding machinery. Rushing to the site, she discovered an arm in the teeth of the machine, and a shocked and ashen-faced miner sitting nearby. The discovery halted all work, while Jenny organised the troops, and phoned for her friend Penny, the forensic pathologist from Adelaide, to head to Coober Pedy to help out. That was the beginning of a brutal, disturbing case which affected them all.
When a local extremist group was linked to their case, Jenny and Philips made their way out to the site. The cult was guarded well, with teenagers as young as sixteen holding rifles, guarding against strangers. And the law wasn't something they would take any notice of. But Jenny saw enough to be worried. Were there women being held against their wills? And why were there so many children, and only one adult man? When Jenny discovered a young barmaid, Kelly, had connections to the cult, and then she disappeared, the race was on...
Her Lonely Bones is #5 in the Opal Fields series by Aussie author Fiona Tarr and I enjoyed the plot very much. Action packed, with danger around many corners, vast areas of red dust and not much else; the opal fields of Coober Pedy are different from almost anywhere else in Australia. All that said, there are so many minor editing errors that would be so easy to fix, if it was edited. It breaks the flow of the story, which is extremely frustrating.
When a local extremist group was linked to their case, Jenny and Philips made their way out to the site. The cult was guarded well, with teenagers as young as sixteen holding rifles, guarding against strangers. And the law wasn't something they would take any notice of. But Jenny saw enough to be worried. Were there women being held against their wills? And why were there so many children, and only one adult man? When Jenny discovered a young barmaid, Kelly, had connections to the cult, and then she disappeared, the race was on...
Her Lonely Bones is #5 in the Opal Fields series by Aussie author Fiona Tarr and I enjoyed the plot very much. Action packed, with danger around many corners, vast areas of red dust and not much else; the opal fields of Coober Pedy are different from almost anywhere else in Australia. All that said, there are so many minor editing errors that would be so easy to fix, if it was edited. It breaks the flow of the story, which is extremely frustrating.
February 17, 2024
This has been a compelling series so far and the fifth book has lost none of the pace or page turning appeal of the first four stories.
The main characters are very familiar now and it is easy to slip into the story, picking up where it left off in the previous book. Jenny Williams is living up to her growing reputation as a murder magnet, and as always her intrepid approach to policing, leads her into some potenitally dangerous situations. Add the fact she doesn’t suffer fools gladly and some prominent citizens are subject to her persistent intrusion into their lives, past and present.
As the mystery of the body parts found in a mine is unravelled, Jenny also need to come to terms with her own suspicions about her family. Whilst celebrating the return of her cousin and her son after so many years, she wants to to find out more about why they went missing in the first place. Especially as it could well be important to the murder of rancher, and now boyfriend, Nick’s father.
The author maintains the fast pace in excellent style with new characters being introduced and hitting on some important social issues regarding cults and corruption. The next and final book is due out at the end of March, and I am looking forward to more action and further revelations about the overarching mystery surrounding Jenny’s family throughout the series.
I can highly recommend to lovers of crime thrillers and mysteries and I also believe this would make an excellent television series.
The main characters are very familiar now and it is easy to slip into the story, picking up where it left off in the previous book. Jenny Williams is living up to her growing reputation as a murder magnet, and as always her intrepid approach to policing, leads her into some potenitally dangerous situations. Add the fact she doesn’t suffer fools gladly and some prominent citizens are subject to her persistent intrusion into their lives, past and present.
As the mystery of the body parts found in a mine is unravelled, Jenny also need to come to terms with her own suspicions about her family. Whilst celebrating the return of her cousin and her son after so many years, she wants to to find out more about why they went missing in the first place. Especially as it could well be important to the murder of rancher, and now boyfriend, Nick’s father.
The author maintains the fast pace in excellent style with new characters being introduced and hitting on some important social issues regarding cults and corruption. The next and final book is due out at the end of March, and I am looking forward to more action and further revelations about the overarching mystery surrounding Jenny’s family throughout the series.
I can highly recommend to lovers of crime thrillers and mysteries and I also believe this would make an excellent television series.
October 20, 2023
Wow this series get better with every addition.
Fiona the murder magnet 🧲 is active again this time an old timer starts work on his new mine only the 1st strike is a lady's arm yep gross I know but that's murder for you. Plus there's all the latest from the Jennys cousin what is she not getting????
So there a lot going on and there's Nick plus the regulars mind the cop shop isn't quite as badly as normal however at least this time is not Fiona and the boss. And the coffee is still keeping the smiles and energy but we get more on Nicko the Barista and his guilty secret.
I said it gets better and better so let me explain why I think so, or maybe because we know the characters and its easier to drop right in in but to be honest I found it easy from the first book. I personally believe its because its a great author and I'm loving her work more and more. (I'm not related) I just enjoy a good storyline that's well written with great twists and amazing characters. This has them all so and with each episode I feel that they just get better. Even the Penny isn't a bad one. I just enjoyed every page and can't wait for the next episode 😍
So it's no surprise I want to highly recommend this 5+star read to You..
Fiona the murder magnet 🧲 is active again this time an old timer starts work on his new mine only the 1st strike is a lady's arm yep gross I know but that's murder for you. Plus there's all the latest from the Jennys cousin what is she not getting????
So there a lot going on and there's Nick plus the regulars mind the cop shop isn't quite as badly as normal however at least this time is not Fiona and the boss. And the coffee is still keeping the smiles and energy but we get more on Nicko the Barista and his guilty secret.
I said it gets better and better so let me explain why I think so, or maybe because we know the characters and its easier to drop right in in but to be honest I found it easy from the first book. I personally believe its because its a great author and I'm loving her work more and more. (I'm not related) I just enjoy a good storyline that's well written with great twists and amazing characters. This has them all so and with each episode I feel that they just get better. Even the Penny isn't a bad one. I just enjoyed every page and can't wait for the next episode 😍
So it's no surprise I want to highly recommend this 5+star read to You.
Fiona the murder magnet 🧲 is active again this time an old timer starts work on his new mine only the 1st strike is a lady's arm yep gross I know but that's murder for you. Plus there's all the latest from the Jennys cousin what is she not getting????
So there a lot going on and there's Nick plus the regulars mind the cop shop isn't quite as badly as normal however at least this time is not Fiona and the boss. And the coffee is still keeping the smiles and energy but we get more on Nicko the Barista and his guilty secret.
I said it gets better and better so let me explain why I think so, or maybe because we know the characters and its easier to drop right in in but to be honest I found it easy from the first book. I personally believe its because its a great author and I'm loving her work more and more. (I'm not related) I just enjoy a good storyline that's well written with great twists and amazing characters. This has them all so and with each episode I feel that they just get better. Even the Penny isn't a bad one. I just enjoyed every page and can't wait for the next episode 😍
So it's no surprise I want to highly recommend this 5+star read to You..
Fiona the murder magnet 🧲 is active again this time an old timer starts work on his new mine only the 1st strike is a lady's arm yep gross I know but that's murder for you. Plus there's all the latest from the Jennys cousin what is she not getting????
So there a lot going on and there's Nick plus the regulars mind the cop shop isn't quite as badly as normal however at least this time is not Fiona and the boss. And the coffee is still keeping the smiles and energy but we get more on Nicko the Barista and his guilty secret.
I said it gets better and better so let me explain why I think so, or maybe because we know the characters and its easier to drop right in in but to be honest I found it easy from the first book. I personally believe its because its a great author and I'm loving her work more and more. (I'm not related) I just enjoy a good storyline that's well written with great twists and amazing characters. This has them all so and with each episode I feel that they just get better. Even the Penny isn't a bad one. I just enjoyed every page and can't wait for the next episode 😍
So it's no surprise I want to highly recommend this 5+star read to You.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2023
Things are not always black and white. Jenny is finding out that there is grey. She needs to find a murderer, interview cult members and her cousins stalker could be close!
October 19, 2023
Constable Jenny Williams became a cop to find her missing cousin. Since arriving in the small, outback mining town, she’s uncovered secrets, lies and murder. Now a fun day fossicking for opals has revealed yet another body.
A woman has been found crushed and mutilated inside mining equipment. Jenny is sure the woman’s death was no accident. She investigates and uncovers a link to an extremist Sovereigntist cult who don’t take kindly to strangers.
As if fanatics weren’t scary enough – the commune is full of armed men and what appears to be women held captive. Her gut instincts are telling her this cult is trouble, but she needs proof.
Jenny’s boss tells her to do what she’s never been good at – be patient, don’t stir up trouble and keep her mouth shut. But when she discovers a local barmaid is a former cult member, she pushes the woman for answers.
Not everything is what you think it is or will be ,its good we see things differently or is it.
This series just gets better all the time .
Do not miss out.
A woman has been found crushed and mutilated inside mining equipment. Jenny is sure the woman’s death was no accident. She investigates and uncovers a link to an extremist Sovereigntist cult who don’t take kindly to strangers.
As if fanatics weren’t scary enough – the commune is full of armed men and what appears to be women held captive. Her gut instincts are telling her this cult is trouble, but she needs proof.
Jenny’s boss tells her to do what she’s never been good at – be patient, don’t stir up trouble and keep her mouth shut. But when she discovers a local barmaid is a former cult member, she pushes the woman for answers.
Not everything is what you think it is or will be ,its good we see things differently or is it.
This series just gets better all the time .
Do not miss out.
October 4, 2023
Constable Jenny Wheeler certainly does seem like a murder magnet. She has only been in Coober Peddy for 6 months and now has to investigate a 5th murder. This body is found in a mine sold by the Sovereign Commune of preppers who don’t like outsiders. Difficult to I.D. the body when evidence mysteriously disappears. The new bartender, Katie, has a relationship with this commune but Jenny is having trouble getting her to communicate what she knows about the commune. Niko, the barista, has an avid curiosity about this case and we quickly learn why. Jenny’s cousin, Melanie, is keeping secrets and Jenny is wondering why. It’s a surprise when we do find out who was in the mine and what happened to her. Good group of characters and realistic dialogs.
Looking forward to book 6 of the Opal Fields to find out what Melanie is hiding. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Looking forward to book 6 of the Opal Fields to find out what Melanie is hiding. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
December 27, 2023
The end is closing in
The threaded mystery of the entire series is close to conclusion. Each of the first five books in the six book series were great mysteries of their own. However, the common mystery that has been skillfully threaded within each book has revealed additional clues to help solve a ten year personal family mystery.
The author has woven each newly revealed secret to grab your interest to read the next book of the series. A great puzzle with the intrigue that has captured your desires to read to the conclusion.
I can’t wait to continue the drama til conclusion. I appreciate the entertainment I've received from this series. Good clean entertainment. Thank you Fiona Tarr for your skillful writing talents.
The threaded mystery of the entire series is close to conclusion. Each of the first five books in the six book series were great mysteries of their own. However, the common mystery that has been skillfully threaded within each book has revealed additional clues to help solve a ten year personal family mystery.
The author has woven each newly revealed secret to grab your interest to read the next book of the series. A great puzzle with the intrigue that has captured your desires to read to the conclusion.
I can’t wait to continue the drama til conclusion. I appreciate the entertainment I've received from this series. Good clean entertainment. Thank you Fiona Tarr for your skillful writing talents.
September 7, 2024
Mysteries in the opal fields
Tarr is an excellent writer who crafts a great mystery and police procedural. She captures the essence of Coober Pedy based on real shows I have watched about the specific location and the opal fields in generral. I am impressed with her attention to the detail of people's idiosyncratic actions and subtle moves. The character development seems spot on making it easy to visualize the people. The stories in this series are very believable, especially when it is reported that abuse of women is significant issue in the area. The mysteries are detailed and keep you guessing throughout. I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a good mystery in an interesting environment with a strong female lead.
Tarr is an excellent writer who crafts a great mystery and police procedural. She captures the essence of Coober Pedy based on real shows I have watched about the specific location and the opal fields in generral. I am impressed with her attention to the detail of people's idiosyncratic actions and subtle moves. The character development seems spot on making it easy to visualize the people. The stories in this series are very believable, especially when it is reported that abuse of women is significant issue in the area. The mysteries are detailed and keep you guessing throughout. I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a good mystery in an interesting environment with a strong female lead.
October 17, 2023
Every book so far in this series has enthralled me and this one is no exception.
Yet again, the main plot is Jenny amidst yet another murder in the remote outback town of Coober Pedy, the but the reader is also pulled tantalisingly closer to the story behind her cousin’s disappearance 10 years earlier.
The author’s attention to detail almost has me breathing in the red dust and feeling every bump in the long road to Williams Creek Station. Without a doubt the twists and turns in this story keep you begging for the next one.
Yet again, the main plot is Jenny amidst yet another murder in the remote outback town of Coober Pedy, the but the reader is also pulled tantalisingly closer to the story behind her cousin’s disappearance 10 years earlier.
The author’s attention to detail almost has me breathing in the red dust and feeling every bump in the long road to Williams Creek Station. Without a doubt the twists and turns in this story keep you begging for the next one.
November 9, 2023
As has been said in other reviews, this series just keeps getting.better and better! Right from book one I have devoured each book as soon as it hit my inbox. Fiona Tarr is a gifted writer who can keep me on the edge of my seat and cause me to keep reading well past my bedtime. Jenny, Peggy, Nick and the rest of the characters are well developed, realistic and interesting. Obviously I am a major fan and anticipate each book Fiona writes. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a review.
February 8, 2024
I've really enjoyed finding out about Opal Fields and the Australian outback.
The characters are now familiar friends along the way.
As with the previous stories, it starts straight away with a body!
There are reminders of the previous events and back story which means that you don't have to worry about if you missed anything.
The pace of the story is well set and keeps you wanting to know more.
It is good to not only get reminders but to also see how the characters and their relationships develop.
What next?
I'd like to find out
The characters are now familiar friends along the way.
As with the previous stories, it starts straight away with a body!
There are reminders of the previous events and back story which means that you don't have to worry about if you missed anything.
The pace of the story is well set and keeps you wanting to know more.
It is good to not only get reminders but to also see how the characters and their relationships develop.
What next?
I'd like to find out
November 10, 2024
Wow. This is some story. Things are not always as they seem. The team once again solve another murder, but are they getting anywhere with Nick's father's cold case?
Who killed Nick's father?
Who is Triston's father?
Is Melonie telling the truth?
If not, why would she be lying?
Is she about to run?
Do Jenny's parents know anything?
This is the fifth book in the Opal Fields series and it does not disappoint. The book can be read as a standalone, but it is better if the six books are read in turn.
I am loving this set of books and the ongoing stories.
Who killed Nick's father?
Who is Triston's father?
Is Melonie telling the truth?
If not, why would she be lying?
Is she about to run?
Do Jenny's parents know anything?
This is the fifth book in the Opal Fields series and it does not disappoint. The book can be read as a standalone, but it is better if the six books are read in turn.
I am loving this set of books and the ongoing stories.
May 22, 2025
Another page turner from Fiona Tarr
In the opal fields of outback Coober Pedy, a body is found down mine shaft. PC Jenny Williams and her fellow officers piece together who the body belongs to and what the connection is to a strange "Sovereign" cult compound and discover more questions than answers. Well written, descriptive, fast paced. Familiar characters from the series feel like family. I love a book set in my own home state of South Australia- I enjoy the familiarity of the setting. Highly recommended to those who love Australian authors who bring the country to life.
In the opal fields of outback Coober Pedy, a body is found down mine shaft. PC Jenny Williams and her fellow officers piece together who the body belongs to and what the connection is to a strange "Sovereign" cult compound and discover more questions than answers. Well written, descriptive, fast paced. Familiar characters from the series feel like family. I love a book set in my own home state of South Australia- I enjoy the familiarity of the setting. Highly recommended to those who love Australian authors who bring the country to life.
October 16, 2023
Love all things Fiona Tarr, and this series is fantastic! Constable Jenny Williams of Coober Pedy is the "Murder Magnet." Does Constable Williams have more information on her missing Aunt and cousin Melanie? Melanie is keeping secrets from Jenny, and that is hurting everyone. There are many twists and turns to keep you guessing. Loved this thriller and the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. Can't wait for book six in the series!!
October 25, 2023
Her Lonely Bones: An Australian Outback Crime Thriller (Opal Fields Book 5), my seventh read from author Fiona Tarr. Enjoyable mystery carrying over from the first four books. With this series Tarr has become one of my go-to authors! “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
October 16, 2023
Fantastic. Fiona Tarr never fails to please. Lonely Bones once again hit the mark. Murder and mystery. Tantalizingly pieces of information about her family.
The romance that has developed for Jenny and Nick and the never ending questions that keep coming.
I am hooked and can’t wait to find out what happens next on the Opal Fields.
The romance that has developed for Jenny and Nick and the never ending questions that keep coming.
I am hooked and can’t wait to find out what happens next on the Opal Fields.
March 19, 2024
A good next installment
I liked this continuation of Jenny's police cases. Good story. I did feel that the author needs to do some more research into how the aboriginal people were treated. There is no if or maybe about it. It is just one small paragraph but I felt that the author could have been braver about this...
I liked this continuation of Jenny's police cases. Good story. I did feel that the author needs to do some more research into how the aboriginal people were treated. There is no if or maybe about it. It is just one small paragraph but I felt that the author could have been braver about this...
June 21, 2024
Her Lonely Bones
The adventures of Jenny searching for her favorite Aunt and Cousin is almost over. With each murder she solves the closer to the truth she will find. This is an amazing story. Very hard to stop reading, can't wait to read what will happen next. Highly recommend!
The adventures of Jenny searching for her favorite Aunt and Cousin is almost over. With each murder she solves the closer to the truth she will find. This is an amazing story. Very hard to stop reading, can't wait to read what will happen next. Highly recommend!
August 10, 2024
This is an AMAZING series. I couldn't put the books down once I started and couldn't wait to read the next one. Well written storyline that draws you in. Likeable well rounded an believable characters. I have read almost all six books in about a week. Just about 3 chapters left in book 6. Highly recommend to mystery book lovers.
September 29, 2023
Constable Jenny Williams deals with more murders in the outback. Contains a very good storyline with great characters in this outstanding murder mystery. A page turning read that was quite enjoyable. Plenty of action and suspense in this outback thriller. Highly recommended book and series.
October 15, 2023
It seems she is a magnet for murder as yet another body appears and it seems one group will not be happy with her investigations. They are a cult who do not like strangers let alone cops. What is going on? Will she find the killer? Can she stay safe? See just what is going to happen
October 22, 2023
What an intriguing story full of action. Constable Jenny seems to always be the one to find the bodies. Even on her day off, no peace. Well written, great characters that make the story what it is. If anyone solves the case, it will be her.
December 21, 2023
Surprise ending!
This series has been a page turner. Slowly adding romance, more personal intrigue at the workplace, and learning more about each character lends this series an A+ grade from me.
This series has been a page turner. Slowly adding romance, more personal intrigue at the workplace, and learning more about each character lends this series an A+ grade from me.
August 5, 2024
Terrible - story was disjointed and poorly written IMO.
Typing/ spelling errors.
The character Jenny kept referring to her cousins son as her nephew ??? Her cousins son would be her 2nd cousin not her nephew.
Very disappointing on so many levels.
Typing/ spelling errors.
The character Jenny kept referring to her cousins son as her nephew ??? Her cousins son would be her 2nd cousin not her nephew.
Very disappointing on so many levels.
October 13, 2023
This book had me hooked right from the beginning. I love all the twists and turns. If you haven't started this series you should.
December 6, 2023
The best so far. Can’t wait to read the final instalment.
December 25, 2023
great series
Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Love the Coober peedy setting. Jenny is great as the local copper
Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Love the Coober peedy setting. Jenny is great as the local copper
March 9, 2024
Fourth book in the Opal Fields series and by far the best. Couldn't put it down.
March 20, 2024
Loved this whole series so far. Although disappointed to read a slur used to reference a transgender person.
April 29, 2024
This is the fifth book in the series and they just keep getting better, I can't wait to read the next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews