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The Mistress of Dara Island
The captivating new novel from the author of Those Hamilton Sisters and The Girls of Lake Evelyn
In the 1960s, a tropical island in the Coral Sea hides dark secrets behind its primordial beauty.
Thalia - Tally - Ramsey has grown up barefoot, wild and free on the island purchased by her maternal grandfather. It is a paradise with two faces: an idyllic honeymoon resort for the rich and famous; and an untamed coastline with steeply rising peaks covered in impenetrable jungle. Tally has always known she will one day become the Mistress of Dara Island in her mother Nerissa's stead. A belief founded on her mother's promise.
But as she matures, her determination and wilfulness bring her into conflict with her ruthless father, 'Bullshark' Richard Ramsey, a powerful figure feared by everyone, including his wife. Ultimately, Tally must face the heartbreaking realisation that her promised future is slipping from her grasp. After a sudden disappearance from the island, Tally embarks on a desperate search that leads her deep into Dara's treacherous wilderness, a journey that will challenge all her assumptions about herself, her home and the people she loves.
In the 1960s, a tropical island in the Coral Sea hides dark secrets behind its primordial beauty.
Thalia - Tally - Ramsey has grown up barefoot, wild and free on the island purchased by her maternal grandfather. It is a paradise with two faces: an idyllic honeymoon resort for the rich and famous; and an untamed coastline with steeply rising peaks covered in impenetrable jungle. Tally has always known she will one day become the Mistress of Dara Island in her mother Nerissa's stead. A belief founded on her mother's promise.
But as she matures, her determination and wilfulness bring her into conflict with her ruthless father, 'Bullshark' Richard Ramsey, a powerful figure feared by everyone, including his wife. Ultimately, Tally must face the heartbreaking realisation that her promised future is slipping from her grasp. After a sudden disappearance from the island, Tally embarks on a desperate search that leads her deep into Dara's treacherous wilderness, a journey that will challenge all her assumptions about herself, her home and the people she loves.
- GenresMystery
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2024
2 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 25, 2024
Thalia Blue Ramsey has grown up on Dara Island in the Far North of Queensland, Australia. Tally’s grandfather Bertie bought the island in 1932, he wanted to escape the rat race of Sydney and he left it to Tally and her mother Nerissa. Tally grew up running bare foot on the sand, investigation rock pools and playing with her friend Lila.
Her father Richard Ramsey has created Mermaid Bay Resort, an idyllic honeymoon destination for the rich and it's his way of showing off the Great Barrier Reef. One day Tally will be the Mistress of Dara Island, her mother is smart and has hidden away the documentation to prove it. Tally hates her father, Richard, his nick name is ‘Bullshark’ he gets his own way and is a bully, everyone is scared of him and the resort turns over a lot of staff.
Tally furious when she’s sent away to school on the mainland, she knows her father doesn’t like her and he wants her out of the way. Tally and with help from Drew Huxley look for clues of what happened on Dara Island and near Mount Teasdale, who was involved and when, why and does it have anything to do with the latest person whose gone missing?
I received a digital copy of The Mistress of Dara Island by Averil Kenny from Echo Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Set in the 1960’s, on a fictional island and Ms. Kenny knows the Great Barrier Reef well, it's coral species and the ocean creatures and it shows in her descriptive writing. The story has elements of intrigue, suspense, secrets, mystery, drama and even a little romance.
I have read the author’s previous book Those Hamilton Sisters, she has certainly upped the ante with her use of characters and prose in The Mistress of Dara Island and five stars from me. The book is released on the 3rd of April and run-out and buy a copy and you won’t be disappointed with this compelling novel.
Her father Richard Ramsey has created Mermaid Bay Resort, an idyllic honeymoon destination for the rich and it's his way of showing off the Great Barrier Reef. One day Tally will be the Mistress of Dara Island, her mother is smart and has hidden away the documentation to prove it. Tally hates her father, Richard, his nick name is ‘Bullshark’ he gets his own way and is a bully, everyone is scared of him and the resort turns over a lot of staff.
Tally furious when she’s sent away to school on the mainland, she knows her father doesn’t like her and he wants her out of the way. Tally and with help from Drew Huxley look for clues of what happened on Dara Island and near Mount Teasdale, who was involved and when, why and does it have anything to do with the latest person whose gone missing?
I received a digital copy of The Mistress of Dara Island by Averil Kenny from Echo Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Set in the 1960’s, on a fictional island and Ms. Kenny knows the Great Barrier Reef well, it's coral species and the ocean creatures and it shows in her descriptive writing. The story has elements of intrigue, suspense, secrets, mystery, drama and even a little romance.
I have read the author’s previous book Those Hamilton Sisters, she has certainly upped the ante with her use of characters and prose in The Mistress of Dara Island and five stars from me. The book is released on the 3rd of April and run-out and buy a copy and you won’t be disappointed with this compelling novel.
April 2, 2024
Dara Island was a tropical island nestled in the Coral Sea, off Australia, and had been home to Thalia - Tally - Ramsey, her whole life. Her mother, Nerissa, had let Tally know she would be the island's owner, passed down from Nerissa's father to Nerissa, then on to her daughter. Tally just had to reach adulthood, and manage to avoid the father she hated, until it was time to take the reins, caring for the island she loved; the island that was in her blood.
Richard Ramsey, a man most were in fear of, including Nerissa, was determined to own Dara Island outright. He had married Nerissa with his eyes firmly on the prize. Now he had to remove his wild, reckless and wilful daughter for his plan to come to fruition. Tally had finally had enough of her father, leaving the island, her mother and her best friend, behind. Her life in Cairns as a Girl Reporter, was perfect. But one day she heard news from Dara Island that made her drop everything to go there. What would she find? She had been away for so long...
The Mistress of Dara Island is a powerful novel from Aussie author Averil Kenny which holds dark secrets, bitter rivalry and intimidation. Set in a beautiful part of Australia, the small (fictitious) island is covered with vegetation, surrounded by the sea, overlooked by a mountain, and a honeymooners paradise - unless the tourist were to get mixed up in the nefarious events occurring on the island. Tally and Lila are excellent characters, as is Nerissa. But there were a few "not so nice" characters as well. An exceptional read, The Mistress of Dara Island is one I recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Richard Ramsey, a man most were in fear of, including Nerissa, was determined to own Dara Island outright. He had married Nerissa with his eyes firmly on the prize. Now he had to remove his wild, reckless and wilful daughter for his plan to come to fruition. Tally had finally had enough of her father, leaving the island, her mother and her best friend, behind. Her life in Cairns as a Girl Reporter, was perfect. But one day she heard news from Dara Island that made her drop everything to go there. What would she find? She had been away for so long...
The Mistress of Dara Island is a powerful novel from Aussie author Averil Kenny which holds dark secrets, bitter rivalry and intimidation. Set in a beautiful part of Australia, the small (fictitious) island is covered with vegetation, surrounded by the sea, overlooked by a mountain, and a honeymooners paradise - unless the tourist were to get mixed up in the nefarious events occurring on the island. Tally and Lila are excellent characters, as is Nerissa. But there were a few "not so nice" characters as well. An exceptional read, The Mistress of Dara Island is one I recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2024
The Mistress of Dara Island is an enchanting story of power, money and long held secrets, set on a fictitious island off the coast of far north Queensland.
Tahlia (Tally) is the only child of Nerissa the owner of Dara Island and one day the land that she loves will pass to her. However the exclusive resort is currently run by her rich and powerful father, and he wants Tally to have nothing to do with it.
The willful and determined Tally was not scared to stand-up to her cruel and militant father. He banishes her from the island but she vows to return and claim her birthright.
Set in the 1960's Averil Kenny richly evokes the beauty and seclusion of the island with a luxury resort on one side and the other filled with treacherous peaks covered in jungle.
I loved the wonderfully portrayed characters in this story and many of the chapters ended on little cliff-hangers that kept me eagerly reading.
What starts as a story about a willful girl and her love of the island soon morphs into a suspenseful mystery with plenty of jaw-dropping twists.
The Mistress of Dara Island is the perfect holiday read!
Tahlia (Tally) is the only child of Nerissa the owner of Dara Island and one day the land that she loves will pass to her. However the exclusive resort is currently run by her rich and powerful father, and he wants Tally to have nothing to do with it.
The willful and determined Tally was not scared to stand-up to her cruel and militant father. He banishes her from the island but she vows to return and claim her birthright.
Set in the 1960's Averil Kenny richly evokes the beauty and seclusion of the island with a luxury resort on one side and the other filled with treacherous peaks covered in jungle.
I loved the wonderfully portrayed characters in this story and many of the chapters ended on little cliff-hangers that kept me eagerly reading.
What starts as a story about a willful girl and her love of the island soon morphs into a suspenseful mystery with plenty of jaw-dropping twists.
The Mistress of Dara Island is the perfect holiday read!
June 23, 2024
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
The Mistress of Dara Island by Averil Kenny is an absolute must read family saga filled with adventure and secrets, truly enchanting.
A privately owned and secluded tropical island paradise in Northern Queensland, a prison for some and an idyllic holiday for others. Dara Island holds many secrets and they are about to become unleashed.
Thalia Ramsey (Tally) is a wild, rebellious and determined young woman, she has grown up on the island since she was six, her grandfather Bertie bought the island in 1932 and one day she will inherit Dara Island.
I felt immersed in the exquisite scenery and landscapes and the surrounding turquoise Coral Sea.
A story packed with surprises, intrigue and charm, the writing is beautiful and I highly recommend you read.
Publication Date 03 April 2024
Publisher Echo Publishing
Thank you to the lovely team Echo Publishing for a copy of the book.
The Mistress of Dara Island by Averil Kenny is an absolute must read family saga filled with adventure and secrets, truly enchanting.
A privately owned and secluded tropical island paradise in Northern Queensland, a prison for some and an idyllic holiday for others. Dara Island holds many secrets and they are about to become unleashed.
Thalia Ramsey (Tally) is a wild, rebellious and determined young woman, she has grown up on the island since she was six, her grandfather Bertie bought the island in 1932 and one day she will inherit Dara Island.
I felt immersed in the exquisite scenery and landscapes and the surrounding turquoise Coral Sea.
A story packed with surprises, intrigue and charm, the writing is beautiful and I highly recommend you read.
Publication Date 03 April 2024
Publisher Echo Publishing
Thank you to the lovely team Echo Publishing for a copy of the book.
April 25, 2024
Absolutely captivating!
In “The Mistress of Dara Island” Averil Kenny uses masterful storytelling to create a plot filled with romance, humour, mystery and intrigue. However, it is her richly developed characters and ability to vividly depict their rugged island paradise that stays with you.
I will never forget Tally and her isle In the Coral Sea … they have my heart!
October 4, 2024
Imagine if the wild sea itself were to weave a story—its salty whispers curling around your soul and carrying you to a forgotten island, somewhere between reality and a dream. That’s precisely the sensation The Mistress of Dara Island by Averil Kenny delivers. It’s not just a book; it’s a storm-drenched daydream where misty cliffs, storm-battered hearts, and long-buried secrets unfurl at the pace of an incoming tide.
Kenny’s writing is a melodic wave, lapping at your feet and occasionally dragging you under in the most delightful way. You’ll gasp for air as plot twists sneak up like rogue waves, leaving you soaked in intrigue.
A hypnotic, windswept gem of a novel. Dive in, but don’t be surprised if you leave a piece of your heart on Dara Island’s shores.
August 18, 2024
A great read by a an awesome local FNQ author. Loved that I could picture the island perfectly.
March 9, 2024
"If you want the truth, then lie."
I absolutely adored The Mistress of Dara Island by Averil Kenny.
At the beginning, I felt the story was a bit slow paced but soon after, I didn't want to put the book down.
After finishing the story, I am grateful for the slow build and plethora of details as I really felt what Tally felt.
When I did have to put the book down, I hated remembering the characters are fictional, with one of my favourites being Dara Island itself.
Tally, the narrator, is due to inherit her own island in paradise on the Great Barrier Reef.
For some reason, her parents are trying to keep her away from it.
Tally wants to know why she's being constantly taken away from her island home and once you start reading this book, you will want to know why too!
Full of intrigue, I am not at all surprised that Echo Publishing has put out yet another loveable tale!
Averil's other books are now on my WTR list!
Thank you to Echo Publishing and NetGalley for access to this ARC!
I absolutely adored The Mistress of Dara Island by Averil Kenny.
At the beginning, I felt the story was a bit slow paced but soon after, I didn't want to put the book down.
After finishing the story, I am grateful for the slow build and plethora of details as I really felt what Tally felt.
When I did have to put the book down, I hated remembering the characters are fictional, with one of my favourites being Dara Island itself.
Tally, the narrator, is due to inherit her own island in paradise on the Great Barrier Reef.
For some reason, her parents are trying to keep her away from it.
Tally wants to know why she's being constantly taken away from her island home and once you start reading this book, you will want to know why too!
Full of intrigue, I am not at all surprised that Echo Publishing has put out yet another loveable tale!
Averil's other books are now on my WTR list!
Thank you to Echo Publishing and NetGalley for access to this ARC!
April 2, 2024
Thank you Echo Publishing for sending us a copy to read and review.
An island conjures up many visions and evokes many emotions.
A place for a tropical holiday, secluded and idyllic or on the other extreme a prison. Dara Island unleashes her secrets in this gripping and tense narrative.
Thalia was born and bred on the island and a carefree upbringing abruptly ends when she is sent to school on the mainland.
Cracks in the family unit emerge and an estrangement with her father flourishes.
She knows she will own Dara one day as sole heir.
Her mother’s disappearance will shake the core of existence, her safety cocoon is now a dangerous place and the hunt for answers will reveal truths that will rock her to the core.
Her mother Nerissa was trapped on the Island and a marriage that was miserable.
A family saga set in the 1960s with flashbacks to the 1940s is the high quality I expected from this author who nails familial relations and dynamics and places them in a period of history that creates intrigue.
Destiny is a powerful thing.
An island conjures up many visions and evokes many emotions.
A place for a tropical holiday, secluded and idyllic or on the other extreme a prison. Dara Island unleashes her secrets in this gripping and tense narrative.
Thalia was born and bred on the island and a carefree upbringing abruptly ends when she is sent to school on the mainland.
Cracks in the family unit emerge and an estrangement with her father flourishes.
She knows she will own Dara one day as sole heir.
Her mother’s disappearance will shake the core of existence, her safety cocoon is now a dangerous place and the hunt for answers will reveal truths that will rock her to the core.
Her mother Nerissa was trapped on the Island and a marriage that was miserable.
A family saga set in the 1960s with flashbacks to the 1940s is the high quality I expected from this author who nails familial relations and dynamics and places them in a period of history that creates intrigue.
Destiny is a powerful thing.
April 7, 2024
I know, a 5 heart read that you’ve never heard of?? That’s right! Picture this- 1960’s - Tropical North Queensland - A Privately Owned Island - Family Secrets - Mystery and Intrigue.
.
I’m not quite sure what genre this fits into - it’s part mystery, past suspense, part adventure, part drama and part romance. I have never read such vivid descriptions of places, I was instantly transported to Dara Island (fictional) on the Great Barrier Reef, and completely invested in the tale of Tally as she uncovers deep family secrets and the mystery of Dara Island, which is also her inheritance.
.
This story was a complete rollercoaster that I wasn’t prepared for! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it. Incredible writing
.
I’m not quite sure what genre this fits into - it’s part mystery, past suspense, part adventure, part drama and part romance. I have never read such vivid descriptions of places, I was instantly transported to Dara Island (fictional) on the Great Barrier Reef, and completely invested in the tale of Tally as she uncovers deep family secrets and the mystery of Dara Island, which is also her inheritance.
.
This story was a complete rollercoaster that I wasn’t prepared for! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it. Incredible writing
August 18, 2024
A beautifully written historical fiction story with exactly the right amount of romance and mystery. There's something about Kenny's lyrically descriptive writing that centres you firmly in tropical north Queensland and makes you never want to leave. The setting is lush and sweeping; a character in its own right.
And Tally is a marvellous character, fiery and particular, launching herself into the story with gusto so that we can experience it alongside her.
I loved this 💙
And Tally is a marvellous character, fiery and particular, launching herself into the story with gusto so that we can experience it alongside her.
I loved this 💙
April 20, 2024
Loved it… it warms up in the first quarter and then you can’t put it down! I want a holiday on Dara Island!
August 2, 2024
“The Mistress of Dara Island” turns out to be a title that has many layers of meaning, some not evident until very late in Averil Kenny’s third novel. I found this both entertaining and thoughtful.
Thalia Ramsey has grown up barefoot and wild, and nothing like a young lady of the 1950s is expected to behave. This doesn’t bother her. She expects to spend her life on Dara Island, which she’ll one day inherit from her mother, who in turn inherited it from her father. The Island is all he had to leave, but Thalia sees it as a paradise.
Thalia’s father has turned the previously untamed island into a thriving honeymoon resort, upmarket and profitable. Yet his wife retains ownership, and she and Thalia share a dream of how the island should be. Excessive development is not part of it.
Conflict with her bullying father leads Thalia to fear for her promised future. And then a sudden disappearance leads her on a search for answers which will turn up far more secrets than Thalia ever expected.
Readers will spot many of the answers before Thalia does, but will likely still find a surprise or two. Regardless of how much of the plot you anticipate, the unwinding is satisfying and largely believable. This is quite a grounded novel, and you’re not going to have to suspend your disbelief by much.
Kenny’s previous novels have been set in much the same time period. In each Kenny provides a strong sense of the attitudes of the time, particularly those around how women are expected to behave. I found some parts of this novel quite hard to read, I was so infuriated, and I suspect that’s exactly what Kenny wanted to evoke.
I don’t find a strong sense of the time period in Kenny’s novels, but she evokes the island very strongly. Her descriptions are atmospheric and empathetic, presenting a vivid picture which engages the reader.
Most importantly, the characters are vivid, believable, and in most cases understandable. Indeed, even the less pleasant characters become more understandable as we see more of the past and the secrets which reach forward from it. Few readers could resist empathising with Thalia and her mother. You’ll care about what happens to them, and there’s every chance you’ll be so deeply involved with them that you’ll find some moments in the plot take you off guard.
The writing style isn’t fancy, but it’s absorbing. It’s also quite an easy read, in part because it is so absorbing. The story moves between two distinct time periods – you won’t have trouble keeping them separate, and I found the transitions were smooth.
This is a highly entertaining piece of historical fiction, although the historical aspect sits very lightly on it. Empathetic characters and an interesting plot will give most readers a very satisfying read.
You may also be interested in my review of Avril Kenny’s debut novel:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
An edited version of this review first appeared on www.beautyandlace.net as part of their bookclub.
Thalia Ramsey has grown up barefoot and wild, and nothing like a young lady of the 1950s is expected to behave. This doesn’t bother her. She expects to spend her life on Dara Island, which she’ll one day inherit from her mother, who in turn inherited it from her father. The Island is all he had to leave, but Thalia sees it as a paradise.
Thalia’s father has turned the previously untamed island into a thriving honeymoon resort, upmarket and profitable. Yet his wife retains ownership, and she and Thalia share a dream of how the island should be. Excessive development is not part of it.
Conflict with her bullying father leads Thalia to fear for her promised future. And then a sudden disappearance leads her on a search for answers which will turn up far more secrets than Thalia ever expected.
Readers will spot many of the answers before Thalia does, but will likely still find a surprise or two. Regardless of how much of the plot you anticipate, the unwinding is satisfying and largely believable. This is quite a grounded novel, and you’re not going to have to suspend your disbelief by much.
Kenny’s previous novels have been set in much the same time period. In each Kenny provides a strong sense of the attitudes of the time, particularly those around how women are expected to behave. I found some parts of this novel quite hard to read, I was so infuriated, and I suspect that’s exactly what Kenny wanted to evoke.
I don’t find a strong sense of the time period in Kenny’s novels, but she evokes the island very strongly. Her descriptions are atmospheric and empathetic, presenting a vivid picture which engages the reader.
Most importantly, the characters are vivid, believable, and in most cases understandable. Indeed, even the less pleasant characters become more understandable as we see more of the past and the secrets which reach forward from it. Few readers could resist empathising with Thalia and her mother. You’ll care about what happens to them, and there’s every chance you’ll be so deeply involved with them that you’ll find some moments in the plot take you off guard.
The writing style isn’t fancy, but it’s absorbing. It’s also quite an easy read, in part because it is so absorbing. The story moves between two distinct time periods – you won’t have trouble keeping them separate, and I found the transitions were smooth.
This is a highly entertaining piece of historical fiction, although the historical aspect sits very lightly on it. Empathetic characters and an interesting plot will give most readers a very satisfying read.
You may also be interested in my review of Avril Kenny’s debut novel:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
An edited version of this review first appeared on www.beautyandlace.net as part of their bookclub.
June 22, 2024
Okay I read it all - as an eaudiobook, but it’s not one of my favourite reads. I did feel a bit robbed of what could have been an amazing mystery tale.
But….
There truly was an excess of the most complex words used in the dialogue. I enjoy an author using an extensive range of language but this feels as if a thesaurus was used constantly. It felt rather like being hit over the head with the same thesaurus.
Tally and her mum certainly have the ability to jump to incorrect conclusions with monotonous regularity.
Lots of very immature schoolgirl romance. It did feel a bit like reading a juvenile fiction mystery, which is a genre I usually enjoy, but for me this just didn’t work. It was all just a bit much
But….
There truly was an excess of the most complex words used in the dialogue. I enjoy an author using an extensive range of language but this feels as if a thesaurus was used constantly. It felt rather like being hit over the head with the same thesaurus.
Tally and her mum certainly have the ability to jump to incorrect conclusions with monotonous regularity.
Lots of very immature schoolgirl romance. It did feel a bit like reading a juvenile fiction mystery, which is a genre I usually enjoy, but for me this just didn’t work. It was all just a bit much
March 5, 2024
I adored Averil's first book, Those Hamilton Sisters so was delighted when I stumbled across The Mistress of Dara Island. Unfortunately I missed her second book, The Girls of Lake Evelyn, but have it on hold with the library.
Averil has written another amazing tale. Set on a fictitious island in tropical North Queensland, an area I'm familiar with seeing as my parents are both from up North, I felt like I was right there with Tally, growing up on the island with her.
Love and loss, mystery and intrigue, this book has it all. What a truly wonderful read.
Thank you to @NetGalley and @EchoPublishing for the digital ARC.
Averil has written another amazing tale. Set on a fictitious island in tropical North Queensland, an area I'm familiar with seeing as my parents are both from up North, I felt like I was right there with Tally, growing up on the island with her.
Love and loss, mystery and intrigue, this book has it all. What a truly wonderful read.
Thank you to @NetGalley and @EchoPublishing for the digital ARC.
May 27, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley, Echo Publishing, and the author for the chance to read this book.
This is a story of love in many of its kinds, power and greed. There are some dark undercurrents within that make for a gripping story.
Tally grew up loving her island home and hating her father for sending her to the mainland for school. Tally's mother has felt trapped by the island for years and has many secrets she hasn't shared with her daughter. When Tally begins to unravel the lies, her world is upended, and her life is put in danger.
This is a story of love in many of its kinds, power and greed. There are some dark undercurrents within that make for a gripping story.
Tally grew up loving her island home and hating her father for sending her to the mainland for school. Tally's mother has felt trapped by the island for years and has many secrets she hasn't shared with her daughter. When Tally begins to unravel the lies, her world is upended, and her life is put in danger.
March 29, 2024
After a slow start, this book found its pacing and was, overall, a good read. The author managed to capture the magic of Far North Queensland adequately enough, and the characters were solid and kept you engaged throughout the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.
July 29, 2024
A beautiful story set in Queensland of life on an island. The love of the land and what it means to those who believe they will inherit it. There is hate, love, lies and betrayal. Who will inherit the island and who will die trying. Averil has once again written an unputadownable page turner. Loved it.
September 25, 2024
Wonderfully written, it was easy to imagine the tropical Queensland island setting. The characters were well developed and the infuriating ones were particularly infuriating. Switching between timelines revealed the stories of the characters and they came together well at the climatic ending. I really enjoyed this, it felt quite original and was a great read.
December 28, 2025
2.25-2.5 stars - I’ve owned this for several years now and the reason I first acquired it was because it reminded me of Barbie as the Island Princess! And it was an okay read, but also mind-numbingly dull at times with a frustrating protagonist and I’ve already forgotten so much that happened… oh well.
March 14, 2024
So lucky to get an early review copy of this one. I love this author’s books and this one takes the reader on an island adventure. It’s a rich and evocative story just like the island setting. Loved it
May 9, 2024
A few twists and turns in this story. Love vs duty. Living your own life vs the one someone has planned for you. Complex parental relationships, secrets, blackmail and coercive power. Romance and crime. All set on a beautiful Australian island. Definitely worth the read.
August 10, 2025
I found myself unable to put this book down once I started reading it. The storyline was engaging from the first chapter until the end. I found the book had some great lessons, too, that could be applied to real-life situations. I would highly recommend reading it.
May 19, 2024
Averil is an excellent writer of place. Always a thrill when a book evokes a visceral memory.
August 14, 2024
Started slow, but in the end, I really enjoyed this book. Alot of twists and turns that I loved in the book for a australian author
August 18, 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Best book of the year
Best book of the year
September 3, 2024
4.5 stars. This one is up there with Those Hamilton Sisters. Brilliant Aussie read.
September 14, 2024
I just picked this randomly off the library shelf and really enjoyed it I would call it a mystery and abit of a love story easy to pickup and put down a good read
June 25, 2024
The Mistress of Dara Island is the first book of Averil Kenny's I've read, it definitely won't be the last, it was brilliant!
Set on a beautiful resort island in north Queensland in the 1960's the story follows Thalia 'Tally' Ramsey as she's grows up on the island she adores but after always being at loggerheads with her father all her life, she leaves as she can't see a future on the island.
She's eventually drawn back to solve a mystery disappearance, where she realises the island and people she thought she knew are hiding decades old secrets. Determined to reveal the hidden secrets she puts herself in dangers way in order to do so.
This story is crafted beautifully, the mystery has you guessing all the way through with little twists and turns, you think you have it figured out then another curve ball is thrown in. The characters are well written, some lovable and others hatable!
A great story that had me reading late into the night to finish it and see how it all panned out! I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for Kennys other books!
Thankyou Echo publishing and Beauty and Lace for the copy to read and review
Set on a beautiful resort island in north Queensland in the 1960's the story follows Thalia 'Tally' Ramsey as she's grows up on the island she adores but after always being at loggerheads with her father all her life, she leaves as she can't see a future on the island.
She's eventually drawn back to solve a mystery disappearance, where she realises the island and people she thought she knew are hiding decades old secrets. Determined to reveal the hidden secrets she puts herself in dangers way in order to do so.
This story is crafted beautifully, the mystery has you guessing all the way through with little twists and turns, you think you have it figured out then another curve ball is thrown in. The characters are well written, some lovable and others hatable!
A great story that had me reading late into the night to finish it and see how it all panned out! I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for Kennys other books!
Thankyou Echo publishing and Beauty and Lace for the copy to read and review
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews