Shock Waves

Detective Dave Burrows

by Fleur McDonald

Detective Dave Burrows returns in a page-turning new novel of rural suspense from Voice of the Outback, Fleur McDonald.

Detective Dave Burrows has longed for the top job in the Stock Squad but never thought he'd be acting in that role while his partner and best mate, Detective Bob Holden, is treated for melanoma.

Bob is keen to get back on the road and Dave can't wait to go bush either, expecting the trip will be much the same as usual.

But the trip doesn't play out that way.

Multiple bomb blasts in the small country town of Kallygarn send shock waves through the state of Western Australia, and Dave and Bob are once again drawn into the criminal underworld.

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Suspense

Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2024

About the author

After growing up on a farm near Orroroo in South Australia, Fleur McDonald’s first job was jillarooing in the outback. She has been involved in agriculture all her life, including helping manage a 8000-acre station for twenty years. Today Fleur and her energetic kelpie, Jack, live in Esperance, Western Australia,

Fleur is the author of 23 bestselling novels and two children's books.

Fleur chats about her daily writing life on her blog http://fleurmcdonald.com,
Facebook - Fleur McDonald Author
Instagram @fleurmcdonald
Tiktok @fleurmcdonaldauthor

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Bob Holden was undergoing chemotherapy for melanoma, and Detective Dave Burrows was acting boss of the Stock Squad while Bob was on medical leave. The two men were best mates and Bob had been Dave's mentor for a long time. Now Bob had two weeks between treatments and wanted to go on a bush trip with Dave. He needed the job; needed to get the adrenalin pumping. So with medication and lists from Bob's wife Betty, and instructions for Dave, they headed off.

When Dave and Bob were a few hours from the small town of Kallygarn in Western Australia, they heard the news of a huge bomb blast which had taken out the headquarters of several of the businesses in town. No one was hurt, thankfully, as it had happened in the middle of the night. When the two men arrived at the town, Bob saw his old mate and one time partner, Johnny Campbell, who ran the force out of Kallygarn. Immediately they put their heads together while all the top dogs from Perth began arriving. Would they discover the culprits? Suspicions and gut feelings led Dave and Bob in directions they hadn't expected to go...

Shock Waves by Aussie author Fleur McDonald is set in Dave Burrows' earlier days in the force, when he was younger. The story covers grief, loss and overwhelming sadness, as well as the usual adrenalin rush as they came closer to the "bad guys". As is usual for Fleur McDonald, Shock Waves is written well, covering a variety of topics and I was captivated, while all the threads tied together neatly at the end. Highly recommended.

With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my uncorrected ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dave Burrows and am always excited to know there is another one coming, whether it be a young Dave or the older Dave both are awesome characters and in my opinion must reads, I still have a few to catch up on, which is good. This one is set in Dave’s younger years and it was a fabulous read, lots of emotions in this one.

Detective Dave Burrows is acting boss of the rural crime squad at the moment as his partner and friend, Bob Holden is going through Chemotherapy for melanoma, but as we all know Bob well he wants to be back on the road and he has a couple of weeks between treatments and convinces Dave that a trip to the bush will help in his recovery and Dave is eager to help even if he is worried, but when Dave’s partner Betty gives her approval with conditions they are in the troopy and off, thinking it will be an easy trip checking a few abattoirs along the way but things change quickly when the small town of Kallygarn is rocked by a couple of explosions.

It doesn’t take long for Dave and Bob to arrive in Kallygarn and find Bob’s first partner Johnny Campbell in charge of Kallygarn Police station and then to be in the thick of things and investigating the explosions. Dave and Bob soon have a few leads to follow up but will they lead to the instigators of the bombs and will they every find out why these bombs were activated?

Yes this is another fabulous book in the Dave Burrows series, so well written there is a lot going on in this one and I did find it hard to discover who the culprit or culprits were and of course knowing Dave and Bob as well as any reader of this series does then there are of course a few emotional themes in this one, it is of course a book I highly recommend and as always look forward to another Dave Burros story soon.

Truly this is a must read series don’t miss it, many thanks again MS McDonald for another fabulous story.

My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating story, with a suspenseful mixture family drama and a high-stakes investigation.

Detective Bob Holden is on medical leave for chemotherapy treatment due to melanoma, and Detective Dave Burrows is now in the top job of the stock squad. Bob has two weeks between treatments and is keen to get back on the road with Dave. They are expecting the trip will play out as usual, until they learn of multiple bomb blasts in the small country town of Kallygarn, that send shock waves through Western Australia.

I appreciate the intricately woven plot points, and the authentic depiction of life on the land, family estrangement, and grief offered in this fabulous rural crime story.

I listened to audiobook in tandem with reading the paperback book. The audiobook was narrated brilliantly by Lani Tupu.

Format: Tandem read - paperback book and audiobook from Libby
Page count: 342 pages
Audio time: 9 hours (approx)

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be more character driven than the plot. We hear a lot more about relationships, especially Dave and his kids, and his past and present partners. Other characters relationships are also mentioned. Such as Connie and her brother, Darryl and his wife, and Bob and his previous workmate Johnny. What I loved most about this book was the unpredictability of who the perpetrator was. It could have been anyone, lots of people had grudges against the government.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always excited when I know Aussie author Fleur McDonald has a new release coming out and even more excited when I know Dave Burrows will be in it.

I enjoyed this book from start to finish with a good amount of suspense that kept me intrigued which had me turning the pages wondering how it would end. Shock Waves is a well-written novel and I can’t wait till the next book. Highly recommended.

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shock Waves opens with gripping suspense right from the first page when a bomb is set off in a quiet country town. I was pulled straight into the mystery and I loved that Fleur McDonald didn't divulge too many clues making it nigh on impossible to guess the final reveal.

Fleur highlights many issues that are faced by farmers today and the bureaucracy they must all deal with via laws that have no leeway for compassion, driving some farmers over the edge.

Dave's greatest struggles in this novel are his own personal demons. The plot not only deals with the issues of farming and the bomb investigation but also Dave's psychological problems over not seeing his young daughters. We also see the heartfelt interactions between Dave and his boss, Bob Holden, as Bob struggles with ongoing medical treatment and letting go of his working career.

Shock Waves is another brilliantly written novel that champions farmers and remote communities whilst also giving readers a great dose of drama and suspense.

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...

Published on 3rd April 2024, Shock Waves is the latest page turning treat from rural suspense specialist Fleur McDonald. In this new early Detective Dave Burrows outfit, the enigmatic officer of the law must contend with the destruction of council offices in a country town via a bomb attack. In a township that is overrun by bikies and theft, Dave has a big case on his hands.

Shock Waves reintroduces Detective Dave Burrows, a regular character and big name in Fleur McDonald’s back catalogue. This particular story travels back to the past as Dave is in the earlier stages of his career. Dave’s solid partnership with his boss Bob is compromised by Bob’s health issues. With Dave concerned about the welfare of his right-hand man, the case at hand becomes even more challenging. In the background, Dave is grappling with yet another personal setback. His recent separation from his partner has resulted in less contact with his young daughters. This upsets hardworking and loyal Dave, making things rather complicated for him on the personal front. However, Dave is a man of business and he persists in cracking his latest case.

Shock Waves had a number of different plot points and I appreciated the focus on the lives of farmers as well as men estranged from their children in custody issues. McDonald shines a light on these important male-related mental health issues as well as the fight our farmers must endure at the hands of those who wish to steal from them or sabotage their assets. Whilst this story featured a rural intrigue-based plot, there was a greater focus on the relationships, choices and connections the characters are challenged with aa the main events unfurled.

Shock Waves represents another sound addition to the Fleur McDonald Detective Dave collection.

Thank you to @allenandunwin for the #gifted copy

[Craig and Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Shock Waves is the latest rural fiction by accomplished author Fleur McDonald featuring a young Detective Dave Burrows in one of his earlier cases.
A tangled web of mystery in the new country crime tale and with Dave on the crisis it will be solved in no time.
Detective Sergeant Bob Holden is unwell with melanoma and Detective Dave is taking the lead for the moment.
But Bob is very keen to get back into it and out on the road so with Dave taking the top spot, off they go.
Before long a series of bombs go off and the men are dragged into the chaos and try to unravel the story and catch the enemy.
The “voice of the outback” has bequeathed her audience a standard adventure with a returning cast.
While Detective Dave is always a standout character, I found the story a little shaky in places and the build up was ok with the final 50 pages being the best.
The pace was slow, not much suspense, somewhat predictable and a rushed ending.
What Fleur excels at is putting the reader in the idyllic setting and the chaotic situation, you get the impression and feelings of being there.
Overall it didn’t hit the mark for me but I’m hoping the next Dave book will.

[Dragonladymoi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all of Fleur McDonald’s books, I can’t wait to read them, devour them compulsively and I’m sad when I’ve finished. This is a four and a half star book.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dave Burrows is back! And so is Fleur McDonald and her fab rural crime and suspense writing!

This book starts with a bang…right from the first page, when a bomb blast rocks a small rural community. While the storyline weaves through multiple points of view, it was really difficult to figure who the responsible party was and that kept me so intrigued.

One thing I didn’t expect from this book was a focus on the challenges farmers face around bureaucracy on their own land. Nor the challenges Dave faces in his personal life while he watches his boss Bob Holden struggle with cancer, and the guilt he feels acting in Bob’s role…all while his personal life is imploding. You really sympathise with Dave in this novel.

This was a really emotive and fabulous read that highlights rural communities, champions farmers and keeps you in suspense!

[Beccabeccabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always great to catch up with a younger Dave Burrows. In Shock Waves, our favourite detective is temporarily heading up the Rural Crime Squad, whilst his partner and friend Bob Holden receives cancer treatment. Dave's always wanted the top job, but not like this. In his opinion, there's only one man for the job, and he's feeling guilty for taking his place. Combined with this guilt, concern for Bob's health, and battling the never-ending legal case that's preventing him from seeing his daughters, Dave is more subdued than we've ever seen him before.

Still, that doesn't stop him and Bob from setting off on a road trip. Bob's got a break from chemo and is up for a bit of the good old times, so why not? It'll certainly distract Dave from his woes - or so he hopes. Armed with Bob's medications and clear instructions from his partner Betty, they set off into the sunset, intent on reminding some that they're still out there and ready to throw the book if necessary.

Yet, on the way, news breaks. There's been a bombing in the township of Kallygarn. Someone wants to send a message, but to whom? The building housed a variety of government and non government services. With the entire town in shock, of course, they'll turn to the police for guidance. Bob's old colleague, Johnny Campbell, is in charge, but all of it is way over his head. Luckily, Dave and Bob are there to provide much needed assistance, right?

With so many unanswered questions and with no idea where to start, Dave must rely on his gut instincts once more. Remember, there's no such thing as a coincidence in policing- or is there?

Shock Waves was definitely more character than plot driven, and oh boy, that was a great study in human emotions. Every character brought something new and different to the page, providing multiple points of view towards the unravelling mystery. What was intriguing was the way any minor character introduced could've been held responsible as plenty held a grudge... therefore having a motive to act.

The only thing I don't like about this series is that the wait between books is FOREVER. Thank goodness that older (and wiser) Dave will make a return later in the year! *Already eagerly anticipating more time with by bookish beau*

4.75 🌟

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another detective dave story putting more history around the character. I found this one almost has too many moving parts and took a while to get it all straight but enjoyed it once the parts fell into place

[Lisa Laming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob & Dave head to Kallygarn to investigate a bombing after Bob finishes a round of chemo. The suspects don't turn out to be the bombers, but a group of people you wouldn't suspect. Exciting to read and a little sad at the end

[Stef O'connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded to 3. So many characters with not many seemingly relevant to the story. It was a light read so didn’t need a great amount of thought.

[Martin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was most disappointing read.
It was vapid.
Dave came across bored....as was I.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shock Waves is another fantastic rural suspense and an excellent addition to Fleur McDonald's Detective Dave Burrows series. Detective Dave Burrows plays the role he always wanted but does not expect to do it over his best friend. When Bob asks to come with David when he goes on an inspection tour of a new abattoir, David says yes. However, on the way, David and Bob became involved in investigating the bombings in the small country town of Kallygarn. The readers of Shock Waves will continue to follow Detective Dave Burrows and Detective Bob Holden to discover what happens.

I love Fleur McDonald's writing style, ensuring I engage with her stories and characters. Shock Waves continues the tradition with Fleur McDonald's books. I had trouble putting it down as soon as I started reading this book. I love Fleur McDonald's portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other. Shock Waves was well-written and researched. I like Fleur McDonald's description of the settings of Shock Waves, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

The readers of Shock Waves will understand the issues cancer patients go through with their chemotreatment. Also, the readers of Shock Waves will learn another consequence of grief.

I recommend this book.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fleur McDonald’s writing about rural and isolated Australia has always appealed to me. She has a deft grasp of the people in those places: the struggles, the clashes with authority, lawless intruders and the need for love.
In Shock Waves she highlights the bond between Dave Burrows and Bob Holden, longtime mates and Detectives in the stock squad now known as the Rural Crime squad. Bob is cranky, determined to work yet enduring the effects of chemo treatment for cancer. Dave is protective of Bob but silently frustrated at the position he finds himself in, having to slow down and take into account Bobs lack of stamina.

What starts out as a fairly gentle drive to inspect standards in rural abattoirs turns into a stress filled week being part of two bombings in a small country town.

For me, the various characters were the main interest in the story. Darryl and his wife Jasmine, struggling to fulfill their dreams of living on their farm, but thwarted by ill health and the laws of the land regarding clearing of native vegetation.

Connie hates the Police who she believes persecuted her brother into crashing his car and dying. Her hate has cramped her life into bitter disappointment and revenge.

As always the outcome is not always one I expected and so my hat off to Fleur McDonald yet again.

[Lyn Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of two Stock police, Dave Burrows (the protégé) and his boss Bob Holden on medical leave head out on a journey to do their jobs are interrupted in this role with some bomb blasts in Kallygarn. This makes for a big distraction for Dave who is caring for his mate Bob, trying to do his job but whilst interviewing the locals he is caught up in receiving information that may lead to who were involved in the recent bomb blasts.

In the small country towns they've all been badly impacted by harsh times, harsh weather, harsh rules but this has only made them more resilient and tougher, until they aren't.

McDonald creates a story with believable characters and reminds us city dwellers that life in the country remains the backbone of the Australian economy and gives us an interesting insight into the world of Kallygarn and surrounds and its people, intense times, enduring friendships and the lengths that people will go for their family.

This wasn't a genre I would normally be drawn to but the storyline sounded interesting and I enjoy Fleur McDonald's writings. I learned about this author by attending an author talk at my local library where I was inspired by her talk.

I listened to the audio version of this book and found it kept me wanting to hear more as I was constantly trying to figure out who the bomber was and my guesses kept changing as the story progressed.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dave and Bob are on a trip out to Stockdale as part of the Rural Crime Squad to do a check and update on the abattoir. When there is an explosion in a small country town prior to their arrival at Stockdale, Dave and Bob stop off to check it out. Officer in Charge at the Kallygarn Police Station is one of Bob's partners from some years back. The explosion has destroyed the building obtaining a number of Government Departments including Police. When there is a further explosion in the same town of Kallygarn, shock waves reverberate throughout Western Australia. Bob and Dave are keen to be part of the investigation of both bombings and, despite Dave's reluctance to risk Bob's health further, they both join forces with local Police and authorities to find out who and what is behind two different bomb blasts.

This book is a bit different to the previous six books I have read in this catch-up of Fleur McDonald's books. Throughout, the story has a more sombre feel and though there is still the humour and ribbing between Dave and Bob, the feeling in this story reflects very much the supporting characters and their situations as well as Dave and Bob. I loved it and am sad to now have to wait for the next episode and new book Out Of Nowhere due for release at the end of October.

[Deborah (debbishdotcom) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shock Waves by Fleur McDonald is the latest book in the 'young' Detective Dave Burrows series.

Here his mentor and Stock Squad boss Bob has been undergoing cancer treatment and is off work. Despite that (and because Bob is bored) Dave involves him on a routine work trip but enroute they get waylaid after hearing about an explosion at council offices.

In many ways this book is more about Dave accepting Bob's condition (and fallibility) and recognising what an important role he's played in his life. The whodunnit takes a backseat. Dave and Bob do however stumble across some of our suspects, though they're hours from Kallygarn so links seem tenuous. 

3.5 stars

Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...

[Robyn Coyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline, but not as exciting as the usual Detective Dave Burrows stories. I understand it had a lot to do with Bob, his partner, and his cancer, but it didn't get really exciting till over 3/4 the way through the book, then that ended quickly. Also I was disappointed at the many grammar errors in the book - just small, but still annoying to someone who picks up on all the grammar errors - far too many in one book. Sometimes I wonder about so called proof readers!!!! I have always enjoyed Fleur McDonald's books, this one was just a little disappointing as I think I expected more of a Detective Dave Burrows book.

[Rajanand Pandaraparambil Kuttappan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always loved Fleur’s writing style—her ability to delve deep into the characters’ minds, making the reader truly empathize with their thoughts and emotions. She masterfully takes us through the struggles and sorrowful phases of certain characters’ lives, offering profound reminders about the real people around us and how to approach and understand their thought processes. My only disappointment was that the climax felt a bit rushed and forced, leaving me wishing for a more natural resolution.

[Susan Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dave Burrows is back! And so is Fleur McDonald and her fab rural crime and suspense writing!

Nothing like an arson explosion to start off the story, rocking a small rural community. While the storyline weaves through Det Sergeant Holden and his chemo treatment and enforced sick leave, Bob insists on accompanying Dave on a road-trip, that leads to tips and a complex weave of disgruntled people. A harrowing story of a farmer charged with desecrating his own property, leading to him and his wife's death.

[Robyn Peterie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Audio book version. DNF - did not, could not finish.

The audio reading was horrendous. The reader kept stopping at weird places in sentences for strange pauses where there would be no punctuation.

It was so distracting. I tried the first 3 chapters at different speeds but could not stand the stop start delivery.

Will not listen to another book read by Lani Tupu.

Unfortunately I don’t know if the book was any good or not.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite enjoyed this book. I got rather jaded with Fleur's latest books but this one with a young Dave Burrows seemed more in the ilk of how I recalled her earlier stories.
Bob is/was such a character, but like all older people has his issues with health. It did bog down at times though with Dave's kids and divorce problems.
The storyline was a good one, angst and hatred abound! Found it plausible at the connections between the characters.

[Alyce Caswell]

An engaging story, but it's hard to stay focused when I was sure we'd get more follow-up on the letter from Dave's mother. I'm also a bit... put off by how hard this book went on being pro-police. Probably my bad for reading books starring a cop lol (not my usual genre, but McDonald has hooked me) but it seemed overly prominent this time.

Content warning: cancer, murder of disabled person

[Sheree Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book about Detective Dave Burrows from Fleur McDonald. Like most people, I love Detective Dave & eagerly wait for each book to be released. As soon as I get my hands on the latest book, I drop everything & devour the latest instalment until I’ve finished. Looking forward to the next book in November. Such a long time to wait.

[Wendy Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Dave Burrows is working up as boss of the stock squad will his boss & partner, Bob, is having treatment for melanoma. The two head out together to check on what is happening around the area. They quickly become involved with something entirely different. There has been several bomb blasts which is most uncharacteristic for the area.

I score this 4.2 🌟

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit I love books with Dave in them and I’ve read a few now. This was no exception. This book though I felt like I learnt so much about Dave and his relationships which I loved. I enjoyed the whole story and the characters and loved the plot of the buildings being blown up. Another great book with Dave in it.

[Ann D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Fleur. This is one about Dave Burrows when he was younger with his partner being Bob Holden. They set off on a trip in Western Australia, but with bomb blasts in a small town their trip, they are detoured to this town to solve the crime of the bombs.