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A Petticoat Police Mystery #1
The Death of Dora Black: A Petticoat Police Mystery
Summer, Adelaide, 1917. The impeccably dressed Miss Kate Cocks might look more like a schoolmistress than a policewoman, but don't let that fool you. She's a household name, wrangling wayward husbands into repentance, seeing through deceptive clairvoyants, and rescuing young women (whether they like it or not) with the help of a five-foot cane and her sassy junior constable, Ethel Bromley.
When shop assistant Dora Black is found dead on a city beach, Miss Cocks and Ethel are ordered to stay out of the investigation and leave it to the men. But when Dora's workmate goes missing soon after, the women suspect something sinister, and determine to take matters into their own hands. After all, who knows Adelaide better than the indomitable Miss Cocks?
*In 1915, Fanny Kate Boadicea Cocks became the first policewoman in the British Empire employed on the same salary as men. This novel is a rich exploration of that little-known chapter of Australian history.*
When shop assistant Dora Black is found dead on a city beach, Miss Cocks and Ethel are ordered to stay out of the investigation and leave it to the men. But when Dora's workmate goes missing soon after, the women suspect something sinister, and determine to take matters into their own hands. After all, who knows Adelaide better than the indomitable Miss Cocks?
*In 1915, Fanny Kate Boadicea Cocks became the first policewoman in the British Empire employed on the same salary as men. This novel is a rich exploration of that little-known chapter of Australian history.*
320 pages, Paperback
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About the author
Lainie Anderson
8 books62 followersLainie Anderson is the author of The Death of Dora Black and Long Flight Home. Her 35-year career in journalism and public relations includes 17 years as a columnist with Sunday Mail, as well as stints at the Herald Sun, London's The Times and the South Australian Tourism Commission. After being awarded a Churchill Fellowship, Lainie published her debut novel Long Flight Home in 2019. In 2024, Lainie completed a PhD with the University of South Australia, researching the life of Kate Cocks, the inspiration behind The Death of Dora Black.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
April 23, 2025
Well this was a trip to 1917 where a woman named Kate Cocks was the first woman in charge of South Australia’s women’s police force.
A murder has taken place in Glenelg beach 🏖️ where I have actually visited the body was found near a pylon her body mangled its up to Kate Cocks & her team to find the murderer, the body is that of Dora Black.
As we go further into the book more bodies turn up this takes its toll on Kate she is determined to find the killer.
I would have given this a 5 but the political side of the novel was long winded suffice to say this was a strong police historical mystery I enjoyed.
A murder has taken place in Glenelg beach 🏖️ where I have actually visited the body was found near a pylon her body mangled its up to Kate Cocks & her team to find the murderer, the body is that of Dora Black.
As we go further into the book more bodies turn up this takes its toll on Kate she is determined to find the killer.
I would have given this a 5 but the political side of the novel was long winded suffice to say this was a strong police historical mystery I enjoyed.
August 7, 2024
'What's the point of the South Australian Police Force employing women officers if they don't take you seriously'.
It's January 1917 and a body is found floating, face down, beside the Glenelg Jetty. Inspector Clarke is determined that it's a clear case of misadventure or even suicide. However, Policewoman Katie Cocks and her young colleague Ethel believe he's surely being too quick to solve the case. Despite being regarded as no more than the 'petticoat police', employed more for 'morality enforcement' than any real crime fighting, the ladies can't help doing some quiet investigation of their own, as they go about their daily business helping the community with burgeoning city problems and the effect of WW1.
3.5 stars rounded up. Initially, I felt this book would be a 3 star read as the sleuthing wasn't gelling for me. However, as I read on, I realised that this book is a lot more than just a cosy mystery. It’s a great insight into some of the history of Adelaide at the close of WW1 and all the issues the growing city and state faced. This book was inspired by the real-life, Katie Cocks, who joined the police in 1915. Although a policewoman's role was more like a social worker than a crime fighter, Katie did indeed help foil crime.
Overall, I did enjoy discovering just who killed Dora Black but even more so, I enjoyed learning more about Adelaide's history and community during the early 20th Century.
'Miss Cocks is a window to another era, and to the women of World War One Adelaide who deserve to be celebrated'.
It's January 1917 and a body is found floating, face down, beside the Glenelg Jetty. Inspector Clarke is determined that it's a clear case of misadventure or even suicide. However, Policewoman Katie Cocks and her young colleague Ethel believe he's surely being too quick to solve the case. Despite being regarded as no more than the 'petticoat police', employed more for 'morality enforcement' than any real crime fighting, the ladies can't help doing some quiet investigation of their own, as they go about their daily business helping the community with burgeoning city problems and the effect of WW1.
3.5 stars rounded up. Initially, I felt this book would be a 3 star read as the sleuthing wasn't gelling for me. However, as I read on, I realised that this book is a lot more than just a cosy mystery. It’s a great insight into some of the history of Adelaide at the close of WW1 and all the issues the growing city and state faced. This book was inspired by the real-life, Katie Cocks, who joined the police in 1915. Although a policewoman's role was more like a social worker than a crime fighter, Katie did indeed help foil crime.
Overall, I did enjoy discovering just who killed Dora Black but even more so, I enjoyed learning more about Adelaide's history and community during the early 20th Century.
'Miss Cocks is a window to another era, and to the women of World War One Adelaide who deserve to be celebrated'.
August 9, 2024
I thought this was going to be a fun, cosy crime..and it is but goodness it’s SO much more!! What a fantastic insight into 1917 Adelaide..all the class prejudices and such atrocious sexism, all the worry with ww1 ongoing, sly grog and prostitution…I loved every page and every storyline. This is such a page turner of a novel. I loved meeting Kate Cocks (South Australia’s first equally paid police woman) with her ‘three feet apart’ cane and really getting an understanding of her being ‘both of her time and ahead of her time’..fascinating…Ethel Bromley is a hoot, I just adored the jujitsu comrade of Kate’s.
I love their partnership and I’m SO hoping for more Petticoat Police Mysteries!!!!!!!
Thanks so much for letting me read the ARC Hachette!!!!
I love their partnership and I’m SO hoping for more Petticoat Police Mysteries!!!!!!!
Thanks so much for letting me read the ARC Hachette!!!!
August 13, 2024
The Death of Dora Black is a wonderfully written historical murder mystery, filled with twists and turns and lots of whit and banter. Not only is the novel based heavily on the world’s first policewoman, Miss Katie Cocks, but it’s also a thrilling and entertaining read. I loved the character development, and Ethel Bromley was a smart edition to the novel. As Lainie Anderson said in her authors note, “Ethel is us” we can observe the world of Miss Cocks with all her flaws but also perfections, through a twenty-first century lens. The plot itself was also very enticing, this was one of those novels for me where I felt the need to keep turning the page and continue exploring this mystery. If you’re looking for a fantastic and engaging historical murder mystery, that also happens to be set in Australia, with an amazing cast of charming characters and a thrilling plot, then The Death of Dora Black is the perfect book for you.
September 21, 2025
Set in Adelaide 1917, this cosy features the first SA female police officer, Kate Cocks, solving the mystery of the death of shop assistant Dora Black.
Most cosies have less than stellar mystery plots, but this one was layered enough to keep me interested. Anderson managed to weave drug smuggling, domestic violence, prostitution and white slavery into her murder plot.
I loved the Adelaide setting; Anderson made the city of churches shine and made me want to visit. She also made full use of the time setting with the sexism, racism and classism themes, and the added complication of Australia being fully involved in WWI.
Cocks was a real life person and that's why I shaved the half star off my rating. Some of her best traits were not invented by Anderson. Kudos to her research, however.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you're looking for a good cosy and/or historical mystery and I'm looking forward to its sequel.
4 1/2 out of 5.
Most cosies have less than stellar mystery plots, but this one was layered enough to keep me interested. Anderson managed to weave drug smuggling, domestic violence, prostitution and white slavery into her murder plot.
I loved the Adelaide setting; Anderson made the city of churches shine and made me want to visit. She also made full use of the time setting with the sexism, racism and classism themes, and the added complication of Australia being fully involved in WWI.
Cocks was a real life person and that's why I shaved the half star off my rating. Some of her best traits were not invented by Anderson. Kudos to her research, however.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you're looking for a good cosy and/or historical mystery and I'm looking forward to its sequel.
4 1/2 out of 5.
October 14, 2024
2.5 rounded up
An enjoyable easy read staring South Australia's women police and set in Adelaide during WWI. I struggled a little with voice. The book appears to be written from the point of view of Kate Cocks and her side kick Ethel and then there are sections that felt a little like an omniscient narrator. The other issue I suspect lies with me as the women police and the White Slave Trade are very well known to me so it felt like old ground with few surprises and I suspect that took a bit away and made it somewhat predictable for this reader.
An enjoyable easy read staring South Australia's women police and set in Adelaide during WWI. I struggled a little with voice. The book appears to be written from the point of view of Kate Cocks and her side kick Ethel and then there are sections that felt a little like an omniscient narrator. The other issue I suspect lies with me as the women police and the White Slave Trade are very well known to me so it felt like old ground with few surprises and I suspect that took a bit away and made it somewhat predictable for this reader.
November 19, 2024
2.5 stars 🌟
Eh
Eh
April 6, 2025
Absolutely adored this book, a real page turner that I couldn’t put down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the history of my home city. Cannot wait to read the next book.
October 8, 2024
What at first appears to be a cosy, fun mystery set in little old Adelaide in 1917 … is soon revealed to actually be a community read based on the history of the first women police officers - a story about war, prostitution, drug trafficking, gender exploitation and life in the early 1900’s.
The research that went into this book is evident as the story unfolds. As an Adelaide resident it was so enjoyable to read about places I knew!
I loved Miss Cocks for her hard exterior but gentle heart and I also loved her colleague, Ethel Bromley for her more modern approach to police work. She was a 5 star character!
The book was definitely detail heavy and did have the potential to drag in certain places!
The front cover was amazing!
The research that went into this book is evident as the story unfolds. As an Adelaide resident it was so enjoyable to read about places I knew!
I loved Miss Cocks for her hard exterior but gentle heart and I also loved her colleague, Ethel Bromley for her more modern approach to police work. She was a 5 star character!
The book was definitely detail heavy and did have the potential to drag in certain places!
The front cover was amazing!
September 10, 2024
This book was a huge departure to my normal genre and I loved it!! Based on the real first policewoman in Adelaide, Australia. The story starts in 1917 was fictional and was engrossing from start to finish. It was a murder mystery but so much more than that. I thoroughly recommend this book
August 23, 2025
A pleasant trip down memory lane. I enjoyed following Katie Cocks the first policewoman to receive equal pay and the power to arrest in SAPOL in and around Adelaide during the time of World War 1 and the associated crime and social disruption that it caused mostly amongst the women and widows. Train trips and tram rides on lines that don't run any more much to our loss. An uplifting tale about an independent highly motivated woman keeping the peace
January 7, 2025
It’s okay.
It didn’t grip me.
Everything was solved very easily without much intrigue.
It didn’t grip me.
Everything was solved very easily without much intrigue.
January 19, 2025
A pleasant stroll through 1917 Adelaide. City of churches (and brothels) and the outlandish ‘three feet apart’ rule.
We meet Kate Cocks, officer in charge of South Australia’s women police and her deputy Ethel Bromley; Australia’s first female police officers.
It’s a fascinating historical cosy crime about a time and place that feels worlds away (the term petticoat police mystery makes me want to vom).
It starts with the mysterious death of Dora Black and gently meanders through to a resolution.
It is evident how meticulously this was researched. The details of 1917 Adelaide felt lush and authentic. I was less invested in the storyline than I was with just enjoying being transported to another time.
I didn’t love Kate Cocks. I don’t think you’re meant to. She’s prickly and dutiful and humourless.
But she did exist, as a real person in Australian history and this is likely a close representation of who she may have been.
One thing she did do well was smash through the glass ceiling and pave an easier path for those who followed her.
The respite that came with Ethel’s character was delightful (and essential).
Kate’s relationship with her parents felt unresolved given what occurred during her formative years; if there was to be a sequel it may need to unpack this a bit further. A bit more about how Kate became Kate. 3.5 stars rounded up.
We meet Kate Cocks, officer in charge of South Australia’s women police and her deputy Ethel Bromley; Australia’s first female police officers.
It’s a fascinating historical cosy crime about a time and place that feels worlds away (the term petticoat police mystery makes me want to vom).
It starts with the mysterious death of Dora Black and gently meanders through to a resolution.
It is evident how meticulously this was researched. The details of 1917 Adelaide felt lush and authentic. I was less invested in the storyline than I was with just enjoying being transported to another time.
I didn’t love Kate Cocks. I don’t think you’re meant to. She’s prickly and dutiful and humourless.
But she did exist, as a real person in Australian history and this is likely a close representation of who she may have been.
One thing she did do well was smash through the glass ceiling and pave an easier path for those who followed her.
The respite that came with Ethel’s character was delightful (and essential).
Kate’s relationship with her parents felt unresolved given what occurred during her formative years; if there was to be a sequel it may need to unpack this a bit further. A bit more about how Kate became Kate. 3.5 stars rounded up.
November 20, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale built around the historical Kate Cocks, Australia's first female police officer. Kate is strongly imagined, and her sidekick Ethel, a much younger woman, is able to express many of the concerns of young women striving for more freedom, influence and responsibility as the new century proceeds.
Set in 1917, the story puts the status of women in the community front and centre in this cosy, highly readable book that's similar to Kerry Greenwood's Miss Fisher series, but set in time more like the Murdoch Mysteries series by Maureen Jennings - it's somewhere between the two both in historical period and style.
I loved the setting of Adelaide (where one side of my family hails from) and the Great War background, because that was the focus of my research. The author drops in quite a few interesting historical facts, which I enjoyed because I was able to say 'yes, that's right!' (eg South Australia being an early adopter of votes for women), but mostly these didn't interrupt the narrative.
Overall, such a great read. I'm eagerly looking forward to Book #2 in 2025.
Set in 1917, the story puts the status of women in the community front and centre in this cosy, highly readable book that's similar to Kerry Greenwood's Miss Fisher series, but set in time more like the Murdoch Mysteries series by Maureen Jennings - it's somewhere between the two both in historical period and style.
I loved the setting of Adelaide (where one side of my family hails from) and the Great War background, because that was the focus of my research. The author drops in quite a few interesting historical facts, which I enjoyed because I was able to say 'yes, that's right!' (eg South Australia being an early adopter of votes for women), but mostly these didn't interrupt the narrative.
Overall, such a great read. I'm eagerly looking forward to Book #2 in 2025.
January 1, 2025
Charming. Historically relevant. It was a treat to read about Adelaide in the early 20th century.
February 3, 2025
The social, political and atmospheric vibes of Adelaide in a time where war was being fought and women’s rights were moving in the right direction is an added bonus to this cosy murder mystery.
Let Miss Cocks enlighten you on how things were in the day.
A notable police woman who was known locally for her stealth and ability to extract the truth is hindered by patriarchal oppression at times.
Dora Black was found washed up on the beach.
Who did this and why?
Together with her offsider Ethel they embark on a thorough investigation.
Delving into the seedier side of Adelaide’s society they question women in the brothels and in prison.
I really enjoyed the historical elements of fact within this and the fight women in some careers had to fight for equality.
Miss Cocks was easy to imagine and hear as her character development was fantastic.
I look forward to more cases that will involve her prowess.
Let Miss Cocks enlighten you on how things were in the day.
A notable police woman who was known locally for her stealth and ability to extract the truth is hindered by patriarchal oppression at times.
Dora Black was found washed up on the beach.
Who did this and why?
Together with her offsider Ethel they embark on a thorough investigation.
Delving into the seedier side of Adelaide’s society they question women in the brothels and in prison.
I really enjoyed the historical elements of fact within this and the fight women in some careers had to fight for equality.
Miss Cocks was easy to imagine and hear as her character development was fantastic.
I look forward to more cases that will involve her prowess.
September 30, 2024
“A little way ahead, a young couple lay pressed together under a picnic blanket, oblivious to the approaching policewomen.
Miss Cocks strode forward, cane poised. "Three feet apart!' She struck the lad's upper thigh through the woven fabric.
The couple scrambled apart, sand flying, as the flustered man spoke up. 'Sorry! Sorry!'
Geoffrey Maher!' she tutted. 'I'm sure your mother would prefer you were sitting on that blanket instead of fumbling about with a young woman beneath it.'
Ethel nodded, waiting a few moments for her boss to walk on. 'Yes, Geoffrey. Think of all those dreadful places the sand gets in?”
Miss Cocks strode forward, cane poised. "Three feet apart!' She struck the lad's upper thigh through the woven fabric.
The couple scrambled apart, sand flying, as the flustered man spoke up. 'Sorry! Sorry!'
Geoffrey Maher!' she tutted. 'I'm sure your mother would prefer you were sitting on that blanket instead of fumbling about with a young woman beneath it.'
Ethel nodded, waiting a few moments for her boss to walk on. 'Yes, Geoffrey. Think of all those dreadful places the sand gets in?”
September 27, 2025
This was an engaging whodunit mystery with a good amount of twists and turns, whilst also providing an interesting local history and look back at 1917 Adelaide and the social issues at the time.
I was keen to discover the main character is based on a real woman which has sent me down a thoughtful rabbit hole (especially as a social worker in the adoption space).
I do appreciate the author's efforts to reference the lives of Aboriginal Australians at the time without being tokenistic, but do wish their lives had been more meaningfully included.
Was a good read :)
I was keen to discover the main character is based on a real woman which has sent me down a thoughtful rabbit hole (especially as a social worker in the adoption space).
I do appreciate the author's efforts to reference the lives of Aboriginal Australians at the time without being tokenistic, but do wish their lives had been more meaningfully included.
Was a good read :)
October 13, 2024
I do not read murder mystery books, not my “thing” and the reason single-handedly for purchasing this book was because I one worked with its author and miss my home town of Adelaide. So all that said, this is a great book!! I loved the reflections into Adelaide at that time, the story was well laid out but with a personal touch about the characters. And the actual mystery was well explained and had me trying to work it out as we ventured through the story. And there’s another book on the way! And guess what? I’m going to buy that one too!! Seems I do like murder mystery’s!?
October 11, 2025
Hardly groundbreaking but well-written characters and a cleverly interweaved history of Adelaide
December 8, 2024
I really enjoyed reading about the "Petticoat Police" and I am looking forward to more in this series.
October 19, 2024
Inspired by the true story of Kate Cocks and the South Australian Women’s Police Branch, The Death of Dora Black is a cosy and intriguing mystery that I enjoyed from start to finish. It’s perfectly paced plot and wonderfully engaging characters made for a delightful read.
When shop assistant, Dora Black, is found dead on Glenelg beach, Miss Cocks and her junior constable Ethel are told to leave the investigating to the men. However, when Dora’s work colleague, Ruby, also goes missing, the women police know something sinister is going on and that they need to find out what.
Set In 1915, Lainie Andersen’s cosy detective novel celebrates the women of WWI Adelaide. The hardness of life, especially for women and children, was highlighted and the classist attitudes of the period were on full display as Miss Cocks and Ethel attempt to keep women and children safe.
I absolutely adored Kate Cocks and Ethel! Painted in all their humanness, neither woman was perfect and both made mistakes, but this just endeared them to me all the more. I also enjoyed seeing the Police Commissioner support their roles and recognise all they brought to policing, despite the dismissive attitudes of many others.
“We never stop getting things wrong. It’s the price we pay for getting things done.”
The Death Of Dora Black was a tale of hardship, poverty, loss and grief beautifully balanced by resilience, bravery and hope in a fantastic historical setting.
When shop assistant, Dora Black, is found dead on Glenelg beach, Miss Cocks and her junior constable Ethel are told to leave the investigating to the men. However, when Dora’s work colleague, Ruby, also goes missing, the women police know something sinister is going on and that they need to find out what.
Set In 1915, Lainie Andersen’s cosy detective novel celebrates the women of WWI Adelaide. The hardness of life, especially for women and children, was highlighted and the classist attitudes of the period were on full display as Miss Cocks and Ethel attempt to keep women and children safe.
I absolutely adored Kate Cocks and Ethel! Painted in all their humanness, neither woman was perfect and both made mistakes, but this just endeared them to me all the more. I also enjoyed seeing the Police Commissioner support their roles and recognise all they brought to policing, despite the dismissive attitudes of many others.
“We never stop getting things wrong. It’s the price we pay for getting things done.”
The Death Of Dora Black was a tale of hardship, poverty, loss and grief beautifully balanced by resilience, bravery and hope in a fantastic historical setting.
April 17, 2025
The Death of Dora Black is a cosy and intriguing story that is inspired by the true story of Miss Kate Cocks, South Australia’s first equally paid police woman, and the South Australian Women’s Police Branch.
This is more than just a crime novel, it is a great historical insight into Adelaide during WWI. It is a tale of love, loss, grief and sacrifice and class prejudices of that time.
I loved Kate and her ‘three feet apart’ five-foot cane, her love of fashion and also Ethel Bromley her jujitsu loving partner. They have a great partnership and I hope to see them both again soon in another Petticoat Police Mystery.
This is more than just a crime novel, it is a great historical insight into Adelaide during WWI. It is a tale of love, loss, grief and sacrifice and class prejudices of that time.
I loved Kate and her ‘three feet apart’ five-foot cane, her love of fashion and also Ethel Bromley her jujitsu loving partner. They have a great partnership and I hope to see them both again soon in another Petticoat Police Mystery.
July 1, 2025
kinda boring. lucky it was short quick read
November 3, 2025
3 1/2 ⭐️
September 23, 2024
As I finished The Death of Dora Black I was pleased to see the next Petticoat Police mystery is already underway.
Miss Cocks is in charge of the first Women Police service in South Australia. It is 1917 and tensions are high. Young men are being sent to fight in the war and the struggle between conservative and more progressive views is growing.
Miss Cocks and her offsider Ethel are responsible for ensuring the morality and safety of women but are certainly not wanted when the body of Dora Black is found washed up under the Glenelg Pier. Determined to ensure justice is served Miss Cocks and Ethel start their own investigations.
Miss Cocks was actually a real person and the author does a great job of balancing the good work she did with the fact that she very much believed the conservative views of her time. As the story progressed I got to like her more. Ethel is charming and fun and brings a lot of joy to the story. I am looking forward to seeing how the characters develop in the next installment.
Miss Cocks is in charge of the first Women Police service in South Australia. It is 1917 and tensions are high. Young men are being sent to fight in the war and the struggle between conservative and more progressive views is growing.
Miss Cocks and her offsider Ethel are responsible for ensuring the morality and safety of women but are certainly not wanted when the body of Dora Black is found washed up under the Glenelg Pier. Determined to ensure justice is served Miss Cocks and Ethel start their own investigations.
Miss Cocks was actually a real person and the author does a great job of balancing the good work she did with the fact that she very much believed the conservative views of her time. As the story progressed I got to like her more. Ethel is charming and fun and brings a lot of joy to the story. I am looking forward to seeing how the characters develop in the next installment.
August 20, 2024
A good cosy Murder Mystery debut to dive into,
It's Summer in Adelaide, Australia 1917 a girl is found face down in the water near the Glenelg Jetty with a handbag left on the jetty inside the bag is two small vials of a drug. It's up to Policewoman Miss Kate Cocks and Constable Ethel Bromley to figure out who is the suspect to this Murder.
Thoughts:
I truly enjoyed reading about the first Policewoman Miss Kate Cocks and her sassy junior constable Ethel Bromley in figuring out who did the crime to poor Miss dora black, definitely had me guessing who did it and the storyline behind it, I also enjoyed learning a little slice of south Australian history back in that time when world war one was happening and definitely inspiring on the historics as it is based on a true person named Fanny Kate Boadicea Cocks.
I would like to thank Hachette Australia and Netgalley for letting me read an advance copy!
It's Summer in Adelaide, Australia 1917 a girl is found face down in the water near the Glenelg Jetty with a handbag left on the jetty inside the bag is two small vials of a drug. It's up to Policewoman Miss Kate Cocks and Constable Ethel Bromley to figure out who is the suspect to this Murder.
Thoughts:
I truly enjoyed reading about the first Policewoman Miss Kate Cocks and her sassy junior constable Ethel Bromley in figuring out who did the crime to poor Miss dora black, definitely had me guessing who did it and the storyline behind it, I also enjoyed learning a little slice of south Australian history back in that time when world war one was happening and definitely inspiring on the historics as it is based on a true person named Fanny Kate Boadicea Cocks.
I would like to thank Hachette Australia and Netgalley for letting me read an advance copy!
October 19, 2024
Superb historical crime story set in the Summer of 1917 in Adelaide, South Australia, my home city. The novel is inspired by the true story of Kate Cocks, Australia’s pioneering policewoman who received the same remuneration as her male colleagues. The reader is offered a fascinating insight into the society of the times, moral values and expectations, the treatment of widowed women and their children, the exploitation of young women and the effects of the war on the returning men. When the body of a Dora Black, a young woman, is found floating off the Glenelg Jetty Kate and her intrepid and sassy junior constable, Ethel Bromley, are not, at first, permitted to assist their Detective Sergeant with the investigation. The Police Commissioner is, however, prepared to gradually listen to their concerns and findings. Meticulously researched and utterly intriguing, featuring so many familiar landmarks and settings. Highly recommended.
September 22, 2025
An engaging, well written historical whodunnit, set in my home city around the time of the first world war and featuring South Australia's first woman police officer. What's not to like?
Well I did like it, but it felt a little like it was just setting the stage for the petticoat crime series. It also felt like it was written with the same audience in mind that like the Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries, with plenty of fashion commentary and feminist banter ahead of its time.
There was so much detail about Adelaide that made me wonder if anyone other than South Australians would care. But it made sense after I read that this book started as a PhD.
Well I did like it, but it felt a little like it was just setting the stage for the petticoat crime series. It also felt like it was written with the same audience in mind that like the Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries, with plenty of fashion commentary and feminist banter ahead of its time.
There was so much detail about Adelaide that made me wonder if anyone other than South Australians would care. But it made sense after I read that this book started as a PhD.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews