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Dawn Grave #3
Grave Mistake
When Detective Dawn Grave escaped the tragedy of her youth, she left everything behind—Including her brother’s unsolved murder.
After twenty years, the case surrounding her brother’s death has been reopened. And Dawn is back in the remote Australian town where her nightmares began.
But she’s no longer a victim. She’s a cop, who’s taken a position with the local police to stay close to the investigation … Until a local woman is brutally murdered.
Dawn takes lead in the new investigation and quickly discovers the young woman has made more than a few enemies. But when the victim’s best friend is found dead, Dawn is left searching for a motive.
With two victims, she’s desperate to find the killer.
Before they strike again …
After twenty years, the case surrounding her brother’s death has been reopened. And Dawn is back in the remote Australian town where her nightmares began.
But she’s no longer a victim. She’s a cop, who’s taken a position with the local police to stay close to the investigation … Until a local woman is brutally murdered.
Dawn takes lead in the new investigation and quickly discovers the young woman has made more than a few enemies. But when the victim’s best friend is found dead, Dawn is left searching for a motive.
With two victims, she’s desperate to find the killer.
Before they strike again …
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2025
About the author
Fiona Tarr
42 books175 followersFiona's stories are captivating, bold, suspense reads featuring strong female leads, small, rural town settings and quirky Australian characters.
Her most recent Opal Fields Crime Fiction series has been described as “a fast paced action packed thrill ride through the outback”.
Writing runs in the family. Fiona’s Great Uncle was Australian Literary author George Johnston (My Brother Jack) and although her style is more contemporary, her Uncle’s social commentary tone is evident.
Recently compared to Jane Harper, Patricia Wolf and Melinda Leigh—Fiona’s crime and mystery suspense novels have been well received, reaching #1 Best Seller in the Amazon Australia store and beyond.
Fiona lives in Noosa Australia with her husband, and not far from her two adult children.
A self confessed people watcher, she loves to interpret body language and social cues. With a history of farming, working in male dominated industries and navigating the world of community services, Fiona is equipped with the experience and insight to develop truely memorable characters, authentic settings and action packed stories.
When not writing, you'll likely find Fiona travelling in the outback, enjoying watersports on the local pristine beaches, or spending time with family and friends.
Join Fiona's Reader's Club and discover what motivate her stories, the process she uses to research and to be the first to know about future releases.
You'll also get a free copy of her latest series prequel novella Grave Doubt
Just copy and paste this link. https://www.subscribepage.com/c8s0o4_...
Her most recent Opal Fields Crime Fiction series has been described as “a fast paced action packed thrill ride through the outback”.
Writing runs in the family. Fiona’s Great Uncle was Australian Literary author George Johnston (My Brother Jack) and although her style is more contemporary, her Uncle’s social commentary tone is evident.
Recently compared to Jane Harper, Patricia Wolf and Melinda Leigh—Fiona’s crime and mystery suspense novels have been well received, reaching #1 Best Seller in the Amazon Australia store and beyond.
Fiona lives in Noosa Australia with her husband, and not far from her two adult children.
A self confessed people watcher, she loves to interpret body language and social cues. With a history of farming, working in male dominated industries and navigating the world of community services, Fiona is equipped with the experience and insight to develop truely memorable characters, authentic settings and action packed stories.
When not writing, you'll likely find Fiona travelling in the outback, enjoying watersports on the local pristine beaches, or spending time with family and friends.
Join Fiona's Reader's Club and discover what motivate her stories, the process she uses to research and to be the first to know about future releases.
You'll also get a free copy of her latest series prequel novella Grave Doubt
Just copy and paste this link. https://www.subscribepage.com/c8s0o4_...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 29, 2026
This is the third book in this compelling series about a police woman who not only is a determined investigator into murder cases as part of her job, but also is desperate to solve a case much closer to home.
Finally Dawn Grave can investigate the alleged suicide of her brother, dormant for twenty years, but before following up on an important new lead with her partner Ryan, another murder in the outback takes all their attention.
As they begin to investigate the murder they also find themselves circling around each other as unspoken feelings come to the surface. Dawn carries a lot of baggage from her past and it doesn’t make it easy to get over that.
As things become more complicated, Dawn’s greatest fear is that the current investigation would put at risk the new found relationship with her sister and family. However, as more and more lines of enquiry involve other members of the community and hidden secrets come to light, it puts members of the team in danger.
The author refers back to the earlier books in the series, including some of the colourful residents of the town and the team that Dawn has been working with on previous cases. This is needed especially as the investigation into Dawn’s brother’s case is now active and past events are relevant to the progress being made. However, whilst I recommend you read the first two books, this could easily stand alone.
As the investigation gathers momentum there is plenty of action, unexpected connections and a satisfying twist at the end. As always great new characters and a well researched crime thriller. I look forward to book four in the series.
Finally Dawn Grave can investigate the alleged suicide of her brother, dormant for twenty years, but before following up on an important new lead with her partner Ryan, another murder in the outback takes all their attention.
As they begin to investigate the murder they also find themselves circling around each other as unspoken feelings come to the surface. Dawn carries a lot of baggage from her past and it doesn’t make it easy to get over that.
As things become more complicated, Dawn’s greatest fear is that the current investigation would put at risk the new found relationship with her sister and family. However, as more and more lines of enquiry involve other members of the community and hidden secrets come to light, it puts members of the team in danger.
The author refers back to the earlier books in the series, including some of the colourful residents of the town and the team that Dawn has been working with on previous cases. This is needed especially as the investigation into Dawn’s brother’s case is now active and past events are relevant to the progress being made. However, whilst I recommend you read the first two books, this could easily stand alone.
As the investigation gathers momentum there is plenty of action, unexpected connections and a satisfying twist at the end. As always great new characters and a well researched crime thriller. I look forward to book four in the series.
February 28, 2025
When Detective Dawn Grave escaped the tragedy of her youth, she left everything behind—Including her brother’s unsolved murder.
After twenty years, the case surrounding her brother’s death has been reopened. And Dawn is back in the remote Australian town where her nightmares began.
But she’s no longer a victim. She’s a cop, who’s taken a position with the local police to stay close to the investigation … Until a local woman is brutally murdered.
Dawn takes lead in the new investigation and quickly discovers the young woman has made more than a few enemies. But when the victim’s best friend is found dead, Dawn is left searching for a motive.
With two victims, she’s desperate to find the killer.
This series just gets better with every new book.
Awesome story ,characters so vivid it is like you are there and a part of the action.
After twenty years, the case surrounding her brother’s death has been reopened. And Dawn is back in the remote Australian town where her nightmares began.
But she’s no longer a victim. She’s a cop, who’s taken a position with the local police to stay close to the investigation … Until a local woman is brutally murdered.
Dawn takes lead in the new investigation and quickly discovers the young woman has made more than a few enemies. But when the victim’s best friend is found dead, Dawn is left searching for a motive.
With two victims, she’s desperate to find the killer.
This series just gets better with every new book.
Awesome story ,characters so vivid it is like you are there and a part of the action.
January 23, 2025
Another winner! This one kept me guessing right until the end. Thoroughly enjoyed it and kept wondering if Dawn and Clint will get it on!
January 19, 2025
Great read - I could not put it down
January 20, 2025
An amazing read, plenty of intense drama a whodunit how will the family dynamics of Dawn and Lisa cope with the latest case when it's getting a bit closer to home. Will Clint and Dawn just be work partners but most of all is the 2 cases, the old one her brothers murder and then a body turns up.
With so much in Dawn's life so up in the air you can never tell what's going to happen next then there's murder, with plenty of unsavoury characters this is an epic thriller. I really loved every page which can be a bit cliche in book reviews but I genuinely did. There is so much to get your attention and great writing ✍️ or typing 🤔 but whichever it is the results fantastic. A nurses body is found in the outback and there is a lot to take in for the team and some folk are a lot less helpful than it's wise but that's what helps to make this special.
I loved the cast the detectives but the town folk the good and the bad all make this an extra special read one I talky hope you enjoy a much as I have it's a 5 star read so sticky take long to decide that every page makes you want the next desperate to know the answers whats going on around the corner and so on. You really can't go wrong with this one I certainly loved it.
With so much in Dawn's life so up in the air you can never tell what's going to happen next then there's murder, with plenty of unsavoury characters this is an epic thriller. I really loved every page which can be a bit cliche in book reviews but I genuinely did. There is so much to get your attention and great writing ✍️ or typing 🤔 but whichever it is the results fantastic. A nurses body is found in the outback and there is a lot to take in for the team and some folk are a lot less helpful than it's wise but that's what helps to make this special.
I loved the cast the detectives but the town folk the good and the bad all make this an extra special read one I talky hope you enjoy a much as I have it's a 5 star read so sticky take long to decide that every page makes you want the next desperate to know the answers whats going on around the corner and so on. You really can't go wrong with this one I certainly loved it.
January 22, 2025
Another great book set in Queensland, Australia following Detective Dawn Grave as she and her new partner Clint Reynolds are trying to find who killed a young nurse and left her body in the bush. Although this is the third in the series you can read it as a stand alone. Full of twists and well written this book is well worth a read.
March 24, 2026
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Last year I read a collection of freebies which are set in Australia. There were a few police procedurals from Fiona Tarr. Somehow I got two more of the Dawn Grave series free and so I am reviewing them here. Dawn is a Detective in Adelaide and apparently this is the same world as her Opal Fields series .
Kindle freebie on February 13, 2026 (currently $4.99 at Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)
I thought Grave Mistake would be about solving the cold case of Dawn's brother's death. Ryan is leading that case. The next lead is the Constables, Senior and his brother-in-law Rick. But they have disappeared.
In the meantime, a body is found way out in the wilderness near the National Park. It turns out to be a nurse who volunteered and tried to help a lot of people. She used to date Michael so that is a sticky part to investigate. But the nurse, Hannah, was also out to an anti government compound try to rescue the wife.
There are connections to poaching, maybe more of the art ring from the last book. Really there are too many suspects and motives, so they need to narrow things down. Collecting information is dangerous and there are attempts on Ryan and Dawn's lives.
I enjoyed this more than the previous book. The investigation was steady and smart. Dawn really read the witnesses and suspects well, while under great stress. Her personal connection with Ryan continues to grow. He wants more but she isn't sure she is ready. It looks like maybe her brother's death will be tackled in the next book, Grave Secret, which I don't have. But it's on Hoopla!
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Last year I read a collection of freebies which are set in Australia. There were a few police procedurals from Fiona Tarr. Somehow I got two more of the Dawn Grave series free and so I am reviewing them here. Dawn is a Detective in Adelaide and apparently this is the same world as her Opal Fields series .
Kindle freebie on February 13, 2026 (currently $4.99 at Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)
I thought Grave Mistake would be about solving the cold case of Dawn's brother's death. Ryan is leading that case. The next lead is the Constables, Senior and his brother-in-law Rick. But they have disappeared.
In the meantime, a body is found way out in the wilderness near the National Park. It turns out to be a nurse who volunteered and tried to help a lot of people. She used to date Michael so that is a sticky part to investigate. But the nurse, Hannah, was also out to an anti government compound try to rescue the wife.
There are connections to poaching, maybe more of the art ring from the last book. Really there are too many suspects and motives, so they need to narrow things down. Collecting information is dangerous and there are attempts on Ryan and Dawn's lives.
I enjoyed this more than the previous book. The investigation was steady and smart. Dawn really read the witnesses and suspects well, while under great stress. Her personal connection with Ryan continues to grow. He wants more but she isn't sure she is ready. It looks like maybe her brother's death will be tackled in the next book, Grave Secret, which I don't have. But it's on Hoopla!
February 24, 2025
I love all things Fiona Tarr and this does not disappoint; this is book three in the Dawn Grave series. Detective Dawn Grave is still in Cooktown Australia, trying to find out who and why killed her brother Fraser. Dawn hasn't decided if she's staying in Cooktown, or returning to Adelaide after her extended leave is up. A body of a female is found in a secluded area , her face is blown off. A phone is found with the picture of two females. The deceased is a nurse Hannah, the other is her friend Bridget. When they talk to Bridget she is very nervous, and the next day she is missing. What is going on? How does Detective Grave work with her new partner Detective Clint Ryan? Is their any new information on Dawn's brother Fraser? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Fiona Tarr!!!
March 19, 2025
Not that keen on...
....the main character. She is brash, emotional, and leads herself and/or her team into dangerous situations. She doesn't listen to her partner or her boss. I thought the story was good, but the answer was pretty obvious. I love stories written in Australia, but I didn't get much of a sense of place in this book. She has a great boss, but he acts more like her friendly uncle and let's her run the place. I gave this four stars because of the reasons stated above. I would recommend this book to anyone because I could just be biased and other people could feel the exact opposite.
....the main character. She is brash, emotional, and leads herself and/or her team into dangerous situations. She doesn't listen to her partner or her boss. I thought the story was good, but the answer was pretty obvious. I love stories written in Australia, but I didn't get much of a sense of place in this book. She has a great boss, but he acts more like her friendly uncle and let's her run the place. I gave this four stars because of the reasons stated above. I would recommend this book to anyone because I could just be biased and other people could feel the exact opposite.
August 26, 2026
Another spellbinder from Fiona Tarr
This book probably didn't grab me as much as the earlier ones in the series, but it's still excellent reading.
There are certainly some, interesting scenarios presented in this book, with the usual backdrop of Tropical Queensland. Ms Tarr certainly packs a lot of information into her books.
The slow burn relationship between her leaf detectives is getting to the point where I'm going to throw out a challenge. GET A ROOM!
I think I need a break from Dawn Grave so I come back with fresh eyes. I know I won't be long. It's very addictive reading.
This book probably didn't grab me as much as the earlier ones in the series, but it's still excellent reading.
There are certainly some, interesting scenarios presented in this book, with the usual backdrop of Tropical Queensland. Ms Tarr certainly packs a lot of information into her books.
The slow burn relationship between her leaf detectives is getting to the point where I'm going to throw out a challenge. GET A ROOM!
I think I need a break from Dawn Grave so I come back with fresh eyes. I know I won't be long. It's very addictive reading.
January 21, 2025
Fiona Tarr has become one of my favourite authors, not just Australian authors, but authors. I love her murder mystery books. This series is about Detective Dawn Grave and has a bit of everything in it including romance. I love Dawn's stories. She seems so real.
I guess I will have to wait for the next book to find out what happened to her brother. That's if all is revealed then!
This is a book I found hard to put down. I recommend this series. As this is book three is is best to read them in order but not necessary.
I received this book as an ARC and thank the author.
I guess I will have to wait for the next book to find out what happened to her brother. That's if all is revealed then!
This is a book I found hard to put down. I recommend this series. As this is book three is is best to read them in order but not necessary.
I received this book as an ARC and thank the author.
January 24, 2025
I enjoy reading books by Fiona Tarr. I think this one is her best so far. This is a murder mystery that takes place in the Australian outback in Dawn’s hometown of Cooktown. She and detective Ryan are paired up again to solve the brutal murder of a young nurse. Sparks are present between the two of them. Several suspects are under investigation but Dawn’s gut instincts tell her something is not right. Great cooperative working team with much action. Well written. I received an ARC and voluntarily am leaving my honest review.
January 25, 2025
The third in the Detective Dawn Grave series does not disappoint, other than leaving me wanting more!
The cold case into Dawn’s brothers death 20 years ago is reopened but before they can concentrate on that, the body of a young nurse is found in bushland and Graves and Ryan investigate.
I do recommend reading the first two books in the series' first as there is a lot going on with the characters and an ongoing thread which you won’t fully appreciate otherwise.
All three are excellent reads.
Another great Aussie page turner from Fiona Tarr.
The cold case into Dawn’s brothers death 20 years ago is reopened but before they can concentrate on that, the body of a young nurse is found in bushland and Graves and Ryan investigate.
I do recommend reading the first two books in the series' first as there is a lot going on with the characters and an ongoing thread which you won’t fully appreciate otherwise.
All three are excellent reads.
Another great Aussie page turner from Fiona Tarr.
February 28, 2025
Grave Mistake: An Australian Small Town Crime Mystery (Dawn Grave Book 3), my twelfth read from author Fiona Tarr. Tarr has become one of my go-to authors! Maybe Tarr's best character to date. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Grave Secret: An Australian Small Town Crime Mystery (Dawn Grave Book 4) is due out on August31, 2025 & has just been put on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
February 2, 2025
Dawn has a murder to solve. Her partner Clint is hot and she is trying to resist her desire for him. Lots of action. She's wanting to be lead the investigation into her brothers murder but Clint is the lead. Dawn is trying her best to take care of everyone and solve the murder when another one is thrown in. Can they discover who did it? Are the murders related? Will Dawn give in to her desire for Clint? You have to read this excellent addition to this series.
March 1, 2025
Book 3 is awesome, properly written. The case was complicated enough and the way Fiona wrote it is just perfect. The story is engaging enough and the cast is just so awesome. From the main characters to all the supporting characters in the community there is such a wholesome experience reading it. This is worth reading.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 24, 2025
A very well written Australian small town murder mystery with a believable storyline and a good cast of realistic characters. The story includes intense drama, plenty of action, and several twists. A page turning read that I highly recommend. Part of a series but can be read as a standalone. Ready for the next adventure with Dawn and Clint.
January 25, 2025
Once again the author has given us a mystery book that will keep you intrigued. Detective Dawn has had a difficult past and now it seems to be haunting her again. Will she be able to discover the truth this time about her brother after all these years. Suspenseful and full of danger. Not to be missed.
March 6, 2025
Page turner
Grace and Ryan make a brilliant team, the chemistry is there but not acted on yet! The case throws up some interesting questions and many suspects gradually ruled out. Really enjoyed book 3 which could be read alone but much better if 1 & 2 read first so can follow characters story too.
Grace and Ryan make a brilliant team, the chemistry is there but not acted on yet! The case throws up some interesting questions and many suspects gradually ruled out. Really enjoyed book 3 which could be read alone but much better if 1 & 2 read first so can follow characters story too.
January 26, 2025
A great read,this book will keep you guessing. Keep your schedule open, once you start it you won't want to stop until the end. And when you do finish you will be impatiently waiting for the next book!
March 1, 2025
Who killed whom?
With several deaths and attempts on the life of a couple of police this story keeps you wondering. Who is killing these people and why? There are many theories as to what is going on.
I enjoyed this well written story that I received as an ARC.
With several deaths and attempts on the life of a couple of police this story keeps you wondering. Who is killing these people and why? There are many theories as to what is going on.
I enjoyed this well written story that I received as an ARC.
February 17, 2026
Gut Instincts
I gave a very generous rating of four stars even though the story was difficult to read. There were missing commas whenever people were called by name and missing identities for who was talking. Otherwise a good story.
I gave a very generous rating of four stars even though the story was difficult to read. There were missing commas whenever people were called by name and missing identities for who was talking. Otherwise a good story.
January 21, 2025
Fast paced action throughout.
Dawn Grave is challenged to find clues to the gruesome death of a young woman in her home town of Cooktown, then another death occurs to muddy the waters even more. Partnered once again with Cairns Detective Clint Ryan and backed by a small but efficient squad, she gradually puts pieces of the puzzle together but puts her own life and those of her team at risk. An old adversary appears to be involved somehow behind the scenes with drug running and the illegal sale of protected native species. In the midst of the turmoil surrounding the deaths, Dawn must deal with the reopening of her brother’s suicide case and try to make sense of her attraction to Detective Ryan. Once again, Fiona Tarr has written a totally engrossing story with sizzling action scenes and believable story line. I cannot wait to read the next step in Dawn’s journey. I received an ARC for this book - this is my true and honest opinion.
Dawn Grave is challenged to find clues to the gruesome death of a young woman in her home town of Cooktown, then another death occurs to muddy the waters even more. Partnered once again with Cairns Detective Clint Ryan and backed by a small but efficient squad, she gradually puts pieces of the puzzle together but puts her own life and those of her team at risk. An old adversary appears to be involved somehow behind the scenes with drug running and the illegal sale of protected native species. In the midst of the turmoil surrounding the deaths, Dawn must deal with the reopening of her brother’s suicide case and try to make sense of her attraction to Detective Ryan. Once again, Fiona Tarr has written a totally engrossing story with sizzling action scenes and believable story line. I cannot wait to read the next step in Dawn’s journey. I received an ARC for this book - this is my true and honest opinion.
January 28, 2025
Another great book in the Dawn Grave series. Well developed characters, and good substance to storyline
January 28, 2025
Enjoyed reading the next installment..looking forward already for the next one!
March 4, 2025
Grave
Another good book great storyline and Dawn always gets the murderer . Ryan seems very happy with him self I’m thinking they will be together in the next book
Another good book great storyline and Dawn always gets the murderer . Ryan seems very happy with him self I’m thinking they will be together in the next book
March 19, 2025
This book was amazing I’ve loved the series and can’t wait for the next book I couldn’t put it done
April 6, 2025
Great story, twists and turns. Loved it. Can’t wait for the next one.
April 10, 2025
Dawn Grave is a star
Kept my attention
Bruno and had me guess g till nearly r
the end
Roll on the next episode..
Fs
Kept my attention
Bruno and had me guess g till nearly r
the end
Roll on the next episode..
Fs
April 15, 2025
Great stories, best read in order. The characters interactions more involved and the plot line has several twists. These books are page turners and a joy to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews