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The Prospect
When you dig, will you strike gold ... or unearth dangerous secrets? An exciting new series from the queen of rural crime.
No matter how much or how little you find, you will never, ever own the gold. It will always own you.
After a scandal, investigative reporter Zara Ellison and her partner, policeman Jack Higgins have moved to Kalgoorlie - each struggling with this fresh start. This wild mining town has its own rules, and its inhabitants - drawn by the lure of gold and riches - guard their secrets carefully.
Zara feels adrift in the swirling red dust of the lawless, bush city, without sources or any leads for the hard-hitting stories she's known for. Jack is out of the detective squad and trying to find his feet back in uniform.
On an isolated stretch of highway, a pair of grey nomads is involved in a devastating accident which leaves more questions than answers. Zara starts digging for her own kind of gold, while Jack's investigation sends him on a parallel path towards a dangerous smuggling ring.
In the wide open spaces of the outback, some secrets are buried deep.
No matter how much or how little you find, you will never, ever own the gold. It will always own you.
After a scandal, investigative reporter Zara Ellison and her partner, policeman Jack Higgins have moved to Kalgoorlie - each struggling with this fresh start. This wild mining town has its own rules, and its inhabitants - drawn by the lure of gold and riches - guard their secrets carefully.
Zara feels adrift in the swirling red dust of the lawless, bush city, without sources or any leads for the hard-hitting stories she's known for. Jack is out of the detective squad and trying to find his feet back in uniform.
On an isolated stretch of highway, a pair of grey nomads is involved in a devastating accident which leaves more questions than answers. Zara starts digging for her own kind of gold, while Jack's investigation sends him on a parallel path towards a dangerous smuggling ring.
In the wide open spaces of the outback, some secrets are buried deep.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2025
142 people are currently reading
566 people want to read
About the author
Fleur McDonald
44 books541 followersAfter growing up on a farm near Orroroo in South Australia, Fleur McDonald’s first job was jillarooing in the outback. She has been involved in agriculture all her life, including helping manage a 8000-acre station for twenty years. Today Fleur and her energetic kelpie, Jack, live in Esperance, Western Australia,
Fleur is the author of 23 bestselling novels and two children's books.
Fleur chats about her daily writing life on her blog http://fleurmcdonald.com,
Facebook - Fleur McDonald Author
Instagram @fleurmcdonald
Tiktok @fleurmcdonaldauthor
Fleur is the author of 23 bestselling novels and two children's books.
Fleur chats about her daily writing life on her blog http://fleurmcdonald.com,
Facebook - Fleur McDonald Author
Instagram @fleurmcdonald
Tiktok @fleurmcdonaldauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
November 18, 2025
EXCERPT: 'Heard anything about gold being stolen?' Lucas asked. 'As in bars.'
'They're not stealing bars, Lucas.' His tone was bemused, as if he really couldn't believe Lucas had said something so ridiculous. 'Wherever it's coming from, the pieces will be small. They'll wait until there's enough for a bar and then melt it down and cast one. Geez, no one steals bars!'
'You know there's gold being stolen?'
'And that's another silly question.' Casper turned to Jack. 'One thing you need to know about gold thieves, prospectors or anyone who has got the fever, Jack. You can put ten thousand dollars cash in front of them and they won't touch it. If you put gold on the table, they will have worked out how to steal it in three seconds flat.'
ABOUT 'THE PROSPECT': When you dig, will you strike gold ... or unearth dangerous secrets?
No matter how much or how little you find, you will never, ever own the gold. It will always own you.
After a scandal, investigative reporter Zara Ellison and her partner, policeman Jack Higgins have moved to Kalgoorlie - each struggling with this fresh start. This wild mining town has its own rules, and its inhabitants - drawn by the lure of gold and riches - guard their secrets carefully.
Zara feels adrift in the swirling red dust of the lawless, bush city, without sources or any leads for the hard-hitting stories she's known for. Jack is out of the detective squad and trying to find his feet back in uniform.
On an isolated stretch of highway, a pair of grey nomads is involved in a devastating accident which leaves more questions than answers. Zara starts digging for her own kind of gold, while Jack's investigation sends him on a parallel path towards a dangerous smuggling ring.
In the wide open spaces of the outback, some secrets are buried deep.
MY THOUGHTS: A fresh start in Kalgoorlie for reporter Zara Ellison and her partner, policeman Jack Higgins, doesn't run as smoothly as the couple had hoped . . .
The Prospect is apparently the first book in a new series featuring these two characters which does help make sense of the ending which is a bit of a cliffhanger.
A tragic accident claiming the lives of two grey nomads has a surprising outcome leading to an investigation with far reaching consequences.
I loved the unpredictable plot. There are connections between some of the characters that are not immediately visible and add to the incrementally increasing tension and suspense.
Of the characters, Ted (Edwina) is my favorite. She's an independent woman with a surprising secret or two.
If you want to get in at the beginning of a stunning new Aussie Outback crime series, The Prospect is a great place to start.
⭐⭐⭐.9
#TheProspect @WaitomoDistrictLibrary
MEET THE AUTHOR: FLEUR MCDONALD After growing up on a farm near Orroroo in South Australia, Fleur McDonald’s first job was jillarooing in the outback. She has been involved in agriculture all her life, including helping manage an 8000-acre station for twenty years. Today Fleur and her energetic kelpie, Jack, live in Esperance, Western Australia.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'They're not stealing bars, Lucas.' His tone was bemused, as if he really couldn't believe Lucas had said something so ridiculous. 'Wherever it's coming from, the pieces will be small. They'll wait until there's enough for a bar and then melt it down and cast one. Geez, no one steals bars!'
'You know there's gold being stolen?'
'And that's another silly question.' Casper turned to Jack. 'One thing you need to know about gold thieves, prospectors or anyone who has got the fever, Jack. You can put ten thousand dollars cash in front of them and they won't touch it. If you put gold on the table, they will have worked out how to steal it in three seconds flat.'
ABOUT 'THE PROSPECT': When you dig, will you strike gold ... or unearth dangerous secrets?
No matter how much or how little you find, you will never, ever own the gold. It will always own you.
After a scandal, investigative reporter Zara Ellison and her partner, policeman Jack Higgins have moved to Kalgoorlie - each struggling with this fresh start. This wild mining town has its own rules, and its inhabitants - drawn by the lure of gold and riches - guard their secrets carefully.
Zara feels adrift in the swirling red dust of the lawless, bush city, without sources or any leads for the hard-hitting stories she's known for. Jack is out of the detective squad and trying to find his feet back in uniform.
On an isolated stretch of highway, a pair of grey nomads is involved in a devastating accident which leaves more questions than answers. Zara starts digging for her own kind of gold, while Jack's investigation sends him on a parallel path towards a dangerous smuggling ring.
In the wide open spaces of the outback, some secrets are buried deep.
MY THOUGHTS: A fresh start in Kalgoorlie for reporter Zara Ellison and her partner, policeman Jack Higgins, doesn't run as smoothly as the couple had hoped . . .
The Prospect is apparently the first book in a new series featuring these two characters which does help make sense of the ending which is a bit of a cliffhanger.
A tragic accident claiming the lives of two grey nomads has a surprising outcome leading to an investigation with far reaching consequences.
I loved the unpredictable plot. There are connections between some of the characters that are not immediately visible and add to the incrementally increasing tension and suspense.
Of the characters, Ted (Edwina) is my favorite. She's an independent woman with a surprising secret or two.
If you want to get in at the beginning of a stunning new Aussie Outback crime series, The Prospect is a great place to start.
⭐⭐⭐.9
#TheProspect @WaitomoDistrictLibrary
MEET THE AUTHOR: FLEUR MCDONALD After growing up on a farm near Orroroo in South Australia, Fleur McDonald’s first job was jillarooing in the outback. She has been involved in agriculture all her life, including helping manage an 8000-acre station for twenty years. Today Fleur and her energetic kelpie, Jack, live in Esperance, Western Australia.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
May 22, 2025
Zara Ellison, investigative reporter and her partner, Detective Jack Higgins, moved from Adelaide in South Australia, to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia after a scandal threatened Zara's future. A new start for them both. The small paper Zara joined didn't impress her, while Jack converted back to uniform, although only for a day instead of the promised year. When there was a dreadful MVA on the main road, where Zara was first on scene, and Jack and his partner arrived soon after, sparks flew - journalist and police officer together caused said sparks. But it was what was discovered in and on the caravan and vehicle that set Jack's antennae vibrating.
Meanwhile Zara was doing some investigating of her own. Her meeting with Ted, prospector, proved very interesting. And when she and another reporter - Jo - teamed up, they were a formidable pair. Jack and his detective team were digging deeply and secrets were rising to the surface. Kalgoorlie was a mining town, in many ways, lawless. The police in the town did their best...
The Prospect is another exciting crime thriller from Aussie author Fleur McDonald, whom I always read, and this one was no different. Jack used to work with Detective Dave Burrows, and made mention of him, which was nice. But there is a glaring editorial error on Page 38, something that shouldn't have made it through professional editors.
"It's 2025."
"Well, I came out here when I was twenty one and I was born in 1975."
Zara did some quick calculations. "You bought this land in 1986?"
Judge for yourself. Recommended for the great story!
Meanwhile Zara was doing some investigating of her own. Her meeting with Ted, prospector, proved very interesting. And when she and another reporter - Jo - teamed up, they were a formidable pair. Jack and his detective team were digging deeply and secrets were rising to the surface. Kalgoorlie was a mining town, in many ways, lawless. The police in the town did their best...
The Prospect is another exciting crime thriller from Aussie author Fleur McDonald, whom I always read, and this one was no different. Jack used to work with Detective Dave Burrows, and made mention of him, which was nice. But there is a glaring editorial error on Page 38, something that shouldn't have made it through professional editors.
"It's 2025."
"Well, I came out here when I was twenty one and I was born in 1975."
Zara did some quick calculations. "You bought this land in 1986?"
Judge for yourself. Recommended for the great story!
May 9, 2025
I am a big fan of Fleur McDonald and this new book was absolutely fabulous, this one is set in Kalgoorlie Western Australia and with people we have met before Jack Higgins, police officer and Zara Ellison, journalist, after a scandal in Adelaide Jack takes a demotion from detective to constable when Zara is sent to the small paper in Kalgoorlie and they arrive to a totally different place that they are used to.
It is not always easy to start over again and Jack and his new partner Aiden are at odds after their first day and Zara feels different at this new paper her scandal has followed her but there is no way she will give up her tenacity and courage, she is determined to make her way here and uncover as many stories as she can, and this starts with the terrible accident of a couple towing a caravan, Zara is the first on the scene, here start her mind thinking and soon she is digging up a mystery.
Jack is soon called up to detective again as the caravan crash discovers a link to gold stealing and smuggling, with both Zara searching out clues as well as Jack and the police things are heating up big time, and what they uncover will blow the lid of this case, but will they all be safe? They have really started stirring the pot in this town and the pressure is on.
I loved this one so much, it was very hard to put down, fabulous setting, MS. McDonald made me feel like I was there with her descriptive words, another Fleur McDonald story that I highly recommend she is a must read author for me, and the ending wow, and I am looking forward to more fabulous stories, can’t wait.
It is not always easy to start over again and Jack and his new partner Aiden are at odds after their first day and Zara feels different at this new paper her scandal has followed her but there is no way she will give up her tenacity and courage, she is determined to make her way here and uncover as many stories as she can, and this starts with the terrible accident of a couple towing a caravan, Zara is the first on the scene, here start her mind thinking and soon she is digging up a mystery.
Jack is soon called up to detective again as the caravan crash discovers a link to gold stealing and smuggling, with both Zara searching out clues as well as Jack and the police things are heating up big time, and what they uncover will blow the lid of this case, but will they all be safe? They have really started stirring the pot in this town and the pressure is on.
I loved this one so much, it was very hard to put down, fabulous setting, MS. McDonald made me feel like I was there with her descriptive words, another Fleur McDonald story that I highly recommend she is a must read author for me, and the ending wow, and I am looking forward to more fabulous stories, can’t wait.
November 28, 2025
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
💰The Prospect harks a brand new direction for much loved Australian author Fleur McDonald. With a new publisher and a new approach, blending her body of knowledge of outback Australia within a crime mystery frame, this was a winner in many ways.
💰The Prospect delves into the lives of Zara Ellison and Jack Higgins. This couple have made the move to Kalgoorlie after a scandal, but their fresh start quickly takes an unexpected turn. A suspicious and sadly fatal crash involving two grey nomads compels Zara to uncover the truth, while Jack’s police work lands him in the midst of a smuggling operation. It is clear the outback has its secrets to tell.
💰I listened to The Prospect on BorrowBox, which was delivered by Tayla Thomas, a new narrator to me. Thomas delivered a strong narration that depicted the author’s voice and writing style perfectly. I also recently heard Fleur McDonald speak at a local festival and her panel experience added an extra layer to my overall reading experience with this story. Fleur McDonald’s discussions on life in Kalgoorlie, prospecting and rural crime was captivating.
💰This book captures everything that is Fleur McDonald. We have a strong regional setting, authentic investigative work, believable cast interactions, a thick line of plot tension, characters with intriguing backstories and a good serve of narrative action that keeps you both entertained and on your toes. With themes of new beginnings, public setbacks, personal redemption, community secrets, hidden agendas, nomad lifestyles, justice, risk, corruption, outback crime, rural underworld cells, remote living, trust and doubt play a vital role in this story. For me, it was the WA based Kalgoorlie setting that won me over, it was so well done.
💰There is much to love about this new direction for Fleur thanks to the release of The Prospect. I’m excited to read her next release The Missing and I do have an inkling there is so much more to come from the talented author, who truly does know our country’s landscape inside out.
💰The Prospect harks a brand new direction for much loved Australian author Fleur McDonald. With a new publisher and a new approach, blending her body of knowledge of outback Australia within a crime mystery frame, this was a winner in many ways.
💰The Prospect delves into the lives of Zara Ellison and Jack Higgins. This couple have made the move to Kalgoorlie after a scandal, but their fresh start quickly takes an unexpected turn. A suspicious and sadly fatal crash involving two grey nomads compels Zara to uncover the truth, while Jack’s police work lands him in the midst of a smuggling operation. It is clear the outback has its secrets to tell.
💰I listened to The Prospect on BorrowBox, which was delivered by Tayla Thomas, a new narrator to me. Thomas delivered a strong narration that depicted the author’s voice and writing style perfectly. I also recently heard Fleur McDonald speak at a local festival and her panel experience added an extra layer to my overall reading experience with this story. Fleur McDonald’s discussions on life in Kalgoorlie, prospecting and rural crime was captivating.
💰This book captures everything that is Fleur McDonald. We have a strong regional setting, authentic investigative work, believable cast interactions, a thick line of plot tension, characters with intriguing backstories and a good serve of narrative action that keeps you both entertained and on your toes. With themes of new beginnings, public setbacks, personal redemption, community secrets, hidden agendas, nomad lifestyles, justice, risk, corruption, outback crime, rural underworld cells, remote living, trust and doubt play a vital role in this story. For me, it was the WA based Kalgoorlie setting that won me over, it was so well done.
💰There is much to love about this new direction for Fleur thanks to the release of The Prospect. I’m excited to read her next release The Missing and I do have an inkling there is so much more to come from the talented author, who truly does know our country’s landscape inside out.
April 23, 2025
Big thanks to Harper Collins for sending us a copy to read and review.
A new publisher, a new series, a new spotlight on two lead characters and a brand new rural suspense tale from the voice of the outback.
Fleur McDonald has presented readers with an authentic country crime mystery which sees the return of two of her past popular fictional players.
A pair of grey nomads are in a tragic accident, that opens an investigation.
Reporter Zara Ellison and boyfriend policeman Jack Higgins have arrived in Kalgoorlie after a public embarrassment, hoping for a new start.
They are immediately thrown among the drama and into the inquiry.
Getting more than they bargained for, opening secrets and ruffling a few feathers.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this new line of crime mystery books.
With Fleur’s trademark striking landscape descriptions, suspenseful plots, sneaky characters and fleshed out scenes.
I’ve enjoyed this new direction with a new head cast and the open ending, ready for the next chapter.
Another super read from the popular author.
A new publisher, a new series, a new spotlight on two lead characters and a brand new rural suspense tale from the voice of the outback.
Fleur McDonald has presented readers with an authentic country crime mystery which sees the return of two of her past popular fictional players.
A pair of grey nomads are in a tragic accident, that opens an investigation.
Reporter Zara Ellison and boyfriend policeman Jack Higgins have arrived in Kalgoorlie after a public embarrassment, hoping for a new start.
They are immediately thrown among the drama and into the inquiry.
Getting more than they bargained for, opening secrets and ruffling a few feathers.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this new line of crime mystery books.
With Fleur’s trademark striking landscape descriptions, suspenseful plots, sneaky characters and fleshed out scenes.
I’ve enjoyed this new direction with a new head cast and the open ending, ready for the next chapter.
Another super read from the popular author.
May 16, 2025
Ok as far as it went, but I felt this book could have been so much more. There is good characterisation and the story and tension builds nicely, then suddenly it ends. Possibly this signals a sequel, but there were so many loose ends and unanswered questions.
July 2, 2025
Review to follow.
May 9, 2025
Boring. Disjointed and waffely. Not even a satisfying ending. Don’t bother.
October 23, 2025
The Prospect heralds a new series and publisher for our favourite Voice of the Outback. Set in the Goldfields of Kalgoorlie, we become reacquainted with two familiar faces whilst undertaking an action-packed journey of crime and mystery.
Jack Higgins, Detective (yay) and all-around good guy returns with his journalist partner, Zara Ellison. The last we heard of the couple, they were off to Adelaide to chase bigger aspirations. So, how did they end up in Kalgoorlie, and why?
Turns out Zara has gotten herself in a spot of bother and dutifully, Jack has followed, even though it means he'll be demoted back to uniform. It's a hard change of pace for the pair as they adjust to their new normal.
Zara has taken up a position at the local paper, which she's not too happy about. She's always been passionate, chasing the next story, something that's impossible out West. The townsfolk aren't exactly willing to talk and that frustrates Zara. Yet, when she becomes the sole witness to a motor vehicle accident, Zara stumbles onto something HUGE. Why were a retired couple transporting gold in their van and what's with the GPS trackers affixed? This fatality wasn't an accident after all.
Meanwhile, Jack is on duty with a new partner, Aiden. Whilst they initially got on well, tempers flare when Aiden learns of Jack's relationship with Zara. Calling out to the MVA makes things worse. In an effort to diffuse the situation, Jack is quickly promoted back to Detective status and joins the Gold Squad, trying to figure out the bigger picture. Turns out Kal is the hub of a darker underbelly of a motorbike gang that's controlling everything.
In a first, Fleur escalates the drama, leaving us hanging by the nails off a cliff. NGL, it's making me anxious about a certain character.
I've been a fan of Fleur's for a long time now. Detective Dave Burrowes is one of my favourite all-time fictional characters. I was scared that his absence was going to felt, yet that's not the case. Zara and Jack rightfully take the reins of MCs, turning something that should've been extremely awkward into a fantastic read.
I'm looking forward to returning to Kal in The Missing.
4.75 🌟
Jack Higgins, Detective (yay) and all-around good guy returns with his journalist partner, Zara Ellison. The last we heard of the couple, they were off to Adelaide to chase bigger aspirations. So, how did they end up in Kalgoorlie, and why?
Turns out Zara has gotten herself in a spot of bother and dutifully, Jack has followed, even though it means he'll be demoted back to uniform. It's a hard change of pace for the pair as they adjust to their new normal.
Zara has taken up a position at the local paper, which she's not too happy about. She's always been passionate, chasing the next story, something that's impossible out West. The townsfolk aren't exactly willing to talk and that frustrates Zara. Yet, when she becomes the sole witness to a motor vehicle accident, Zara stumbles onto something HUGE. Why were a retired couple transporting gold in their van and what's with the GPS trackers affixed? This fatality wasn't an accident after all.
Meanwhile, Jack is on duty with a new partner, Aiden. Whilst they initially got on well, tempers flare when Aiden learns of Jack's relationship with Zara. Calling out to the MVA makes things worse. In an effort to diffuse the situation, Jack is quickly promoted back to Detective status and joins the Gold Squad, trying to figure out the bigger picture. Turns out Kal is the hub of a darker underbelly of a motorbike gang that's controlling everything.
In a first, Fleur escalates the drama, leaving us hanging by the nails off a cliff. NGL, it's making me anxious about a certain character.
I've been a fan of Fleur's for a long time now. Detective Dave Burrowes is one of my favourite all-time fictional characters. I was scared that his absence was going to felt, yet that's not the case. Zara and Jack rightfully take the reins of MCs, turning something that should've been extremely awkward into a fantastic read.
I'm looking forward to returning to Kal in The Missing.
4.75 🌟
May 14, 2025
Disappointing!
May 20, 2025
Would have been a 4 star book, if it had an ending. Was like they forgot the final chapter.
May 27, 2025
Left me on a cliff hanger! I need the next one to be released
August 20, 2025
It was the tutu for me
December 28, 2025
This is marked up to 1, because I cannot give it a half score or 0.
Straight to the op shop box for this one.
I am going against the general opinion of many Goodreads reviewers by stating that in my opinion, this was not a good book. This is due to a combination of a poorly executed plot and writing, but also the editing/ proofing.
A driver towing a full size caravan behind his vehicle can apparently see a vehicle approaching behind him using the rear view mirror. I initially let it go thinking that maybe she was referring to the wide side mirrors. But, no, a few paragraph's later, he looked at his side mirrors. Possibly, the usage of rear view mirror in the writing was done automatically because most people use their rear view mirrors more often than their side mirrors, so is this bad writing or bad editing?
Three GPS tags were attached to the caravan, which is a lot of GPS tags. I know this because everyone felt the need to repeat this fact to everyone else. I got it the first time, I got it the second time, every time after that was unnecessary word fillage.
A small dark coloured box, not even big enough for a house key was found in the wreckage of a vehicle accident, in poor light. Slightly unbelievable, but acceptable to 'move the story foward'.
It seems that 500 grams of gold is dangerously heavy and people have to be warned about it before they attempt to pick it up. Not just a 'gold is a deceptively weighty thing', but a 'be careful, it's very heavy'. And not just once, but again, it seems everyone had to tell every one else. And folks, 500 grams of anything is not heavy.
A copper who acts like an ingénue constable. Yes, Jack is back in uniform from detectives, but on one page he is made out to be an unknowledgeable new recruit, yet on another page, he can spout examples of his long years of experience in the police service.
Zara... where do I start? She has just given the cadet a really good lead for a new job with a new paper, and said cadet has been gushing in her thanks and praise to Zara. Yet, a few paragraphs later, that same cadet watches in glee (the author's word, not mine), when Zara is getting a dressing down from the boss. This is noted as a look on the face before Zara has, with a few cutting statements put said boss in his place, so it cannot be a look of glee about Zara's response to the boss. Poor placement of the 'glee' statement? Perhaps. But again, this should have been picked up in the editing.
Ted asks Zara what year it is, and Zara says it's 2025. Ted then tells Zara she came to Kalgoorlie when she was 21, and she was born in 1975. Zara does a quick calculation and says, "You bought this land in 1986?". This is confirmed by Ted. Yes, this could well have been an error in the editing (another one), but I did spend some time trying to work out if the error was the year of birth, or the poor maths skills of Zara, and then working out how old Ted really is. Until Ted after staring into the distance, says, 'Nearly forty years'. So now we know how old Ted is.
Yet.... later in the book Zara says to the cadet in reference to Ted, "She's one of those women who could be forty or seventy. Ageless. But I think she's around sixty. And Ted later muses to herself that she cannot remember how old she is. But, you both had a discussion where Ted's year of birth was mentioned.... bad editing?
I got half way through the book and all I knew about this storyline was that: 500 grams of gold is very heavy, three GPs tags are excessive, coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee, caravans are invisible, and people can't work out an age when given the birth and current years.
There was an awful lot of fillage, and very little storyline. My copy of the book was 353 pages, but it could have been cut down significantly if all the waffle was removed.
The worst possible stereotypes have been used to describe the people, and there is very little character development. Given that the author is from a rural background I am disappointed in the stereotypes she engaged in, and the lack of depth of her characters.
By half way through I lost what little interest I had left in a book that had shoddy writing and editing. I did get to the end of the book, but I really did not care about who, how, or why.
I had been rather looking forward to reading this book, but now, I will never feel any interest in reading anything further from this author.
I see that a lot of people have enjoyed this book, and have give it high praise. However, I didn't and I cannot. I will not be recommending this to any of my fellow readers.
Straight to the op shop box for this one.
I am going against the general opinion of many Goodreads reviewers by stating that in my opinion, this was not a good book. This is due to a combination of a poorly executed plot and writing, but also the editing/ proofing.
A driver towing a full size caravan behind his vehicle can apparently see a vehicle approaching behind him using the rear view mirror. I initially let it go thinking that maybe she was referring to the wide side mirrors. But, no, a few paragraph's later, he looked at his side mirrors. Possibly, the usage of rear view mirror in the writing was done automatically because most people use their rear view mirrors more often than their side mirrors, so is this bad writing or bad editing?
Three GPS tags were attached to the caravan, which is a lot of GPS tags. I know this because everyone felt the need to repeat this fact to everyone else. I got it the first time, I got it the second time, every time after that was unnecessary word fillage.
A small dark coloured box, not even big enough for a house key was found in the wreckage of a vehicle accident, in poor light. Slightly unbelievable, but acceptable to 'move the story foward'.
It seems that 500 grams of gold is dangerously heavy and people have to be warned about it before they attempt to pick it up. Not just a 'gold is a deceptively weighty thing', but a 'be careful, it's very heavy'. And not just once, but again, it seems everyone had to tell every one else. And folks, 500 grams of anything is not heavy.
A copper who acts like an ingénue constable. Yes, Jack is back in uniform from detectives, but on one page he is made out to be an unknowledgeable new recruit, yet on another page, he can spout examples of his long years of experience in the police service.
Zara... where do I start? She has just given the cadet a really good lead for a new job with a new paper, and said cadet has been gushing in her thanks and praise to Zara. Yet, a few paragraphs later, that same cadet watches in glee (the author's word, not mine), when Zara is getting a dressing down from the boss. This is noted as a look on the face before Zara has, with a few cutting statements put said boss in his place, so it cannot be a look of glee about Zara's response to the boss. Poor placement of the 'glee' statement? Perhaps. But again, this should have been picked up in the editing.
Ted asks Zara what year it is, and Zara says it's 2025. Ted then tells Zara she came to Kalgoorlie when she was 21, and she was born in 1975. Zara does a quick calculation and says, "You bought this land in 1986?". This is confirmed by Ted. Yes, this could well have been an error in the editing (another one), but I did spend some time trying to work out if the error was the year of birth, or the poor maths skills of Zara, and then working out how old Ted really is. Until Ted after staring into the distance, says, 'Nearly forty years'. So now we know how old Ted is.
Yet.... later in the book Zara says to the cadet in reference to Ted, "She's one of those women who could be forty or seventy. Ageless. But I think she's around sixty. And Ted later muses to herself that she cannot remember how old she is. But, you both had a discussion where Ted's year of birth was mentioned.... bad editing?
I got half way through the book and all I knew about this storyline was that: 500 grams of gold is very heavy, three GPs tags are excessive, coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee, caravans are invisible, and people can't work out an age when given the birth and current years.
There was an awful lot of fillage, and very little storyline. My copy of the book was 353 pages, but it could have been cut down significantly if all the waffle was removed.
The worst possible stereotypes have been used to describe the people, and there is very little character development. Given that the author is from a rural background I am disappointed in the stereotypes she engaged in, and the lack of depth of her characters.
By half way through I lost what little interest I had left in a book that had shoddy writing and editing. I did get to the end of the book, but I really did not care about who, how, or why.
I had been rather looking forward to reading this book, but now, I will never feel any interest in reading anything further from this author.
I see that a lot of people have enjoyed this book, and have give it high praise. However, I didn't and I cannot. I will not be recommending this to any of my fellow readers.
June 5, 2025
Outback town
Police with past issues who run in their spare time
Lots of little subplots that don’t add to the story
Think I need to find a new genre- these books are being churned out and hard to find something fresh
Police with past issues who run in their spare time
Lots of little subplots that don’t add to the story
Think I need to find a new genre- these books are being churned out and hard to find something fresh
July 30, 2025
An easy read, with a fast pace and an interesting crime / mystery. I loved the setting of Kalgoorlie, the descriptions of the bush and red dust, and learning more about the local gold trade and prospecting.
The story focuses mostly on Zara (journalist) and husband Jack (detective) who move to Kalgoorlie when two old caravanners are killed in a car crash and it’s found that their van has GPS trackers and gold on it.
Noooo idea what the point of Percy the pawnshop guy was in this story lol
Feels harsh giving 3 stars but UGH that ending sucked. Everything was wrapped up way too quickly in the most obvious and easy way. We learn that the Bikies are behind the gold transportation (duh) and that the chick from Janelle Salters No Mines office is also in on it (duh).
And then we learn that Ted is the mother and ex-wife of the two. Why??? this added nothing, explained nothing about Ted who was otherwise a really great character.
The story focuses mostly on Zara (journalist) and husband Jack (detective) who move to Kalgoorlie when two old caravanners are killed in a car crash and it’s found that their van has GPS trackers and gold on it.
Noooo idea what the point of Percy the pawnshop guy was in this story lol
Feels harsh giving 3 stars but UGH that ending sucked. Everything was wrapped up way too quickly in the most obvious and easy way. We learn that the Bikies are behind the gold transportation (duh) and that the chick from Janelle Salters No Mines office is also in on it (duh).
And then we learn that Ted is the mother and ex-wife of the two. Why??? this added nothing, explained nothing about Ted who was otherwise a really great character.
April 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The setting was vivid, the characters colourful and the lies swirled in a community as secretive and mysterious as the gold they’re trying to find in the ground.
Zara and Jack are characters that feature in some of Fleur’s prior books, but please note you don’t have to be familiar with them at all to enjoy The Prospect! It’s written in a way that allows new and older readers alike to get to know them both.
Zara and Jack are characters that feature in some of Fleur’s prior books, but please note you don’t have to be familiar with them at all to enjoy The Prospect! It’s written in a way that allows new and older readers alike to get to know them both.
April 12, 2025
Absolutely Loved this book!!!
Was so great to see what young Jack and Zara are getting up to!
This book kept me guessing till the end!!!
Was so great to see what young Jack and Zara are getting up to!
This book kept me guessing till the end!!!
July 10, 2025
Excellent- highly recommend
August 14, 2025
A gripping Aussie thriller that kept me turning the pages… until the ending stopped me in my tracks.
The Prospect was my first Fleur McDonald read, and I loved the distinctly Australian setting, vivid detail, and steadily building suspense in this fast-paced story.
But the ending left me with more questions than answers. If it’s the set-up for a sequel, I’m in. If it’s a standalone, it felt disappointingly unfinished.
Still, I enjoyed the ride and would happily pick up more of her books.
The Prospect was my first Fleur McDonald read, and I loved the distinctly Australian setting, vivid detail, and steadily building suspense in this fast-paced story.
But the ending left me with more questions than answers. If it’s the set-up for a sequel, I’m in. If it’s a standalone, it felt disappointingly unfinished.
Still, I enjoyed the ride and would happily pick up more of her books.
April 27, 2025
Always worth remembering: no matter how much gold you own, it will always own you.
Following a scandal, Journalist Zara Ellison has moved from Adelaide to the Western Australian town of Kalgoorlie. With her is her partner Detective Jack Higgins. To enable him to move to another State, Jack is once more in uniform. As both struggle with a fresh start in a mining town with its own rules, its inhabitants and the never ending red dust of the area, they are determined to make the most of where life and circumstance has taken them.
Zara is employed by The Prospector newspaper, with a careless editor and the threat of the newspaper closing. Now out of the detective squad, Jack finds himself at odds with his fellow officers once they learn that his partner is a journalist and they make it known to him what he already knows, journalists and Police are not usually a good combo.
When Zara is witness to a devastating accident involving a pair of grey nomads, she soon discovers there are more questions than answers. She begins her own investigation while Jack's investigation leads him and Zara both into the dangerous territory of a smuggling ring.
I loved this new story by Fleur McDonald. After reading all her previous books, I am very familiar with her writing and the reality of life in remote areas that they always explore. Fleur's ability for research for her books is amazing! She doesn't just write about these remote areas, she researches and visits them first and gives us the incredible reads we love so much. Jack and Zara are characters from previous stories and I am delighted to once more catch up with their lives and stories. I hope they will be around for a very long time. So, Fleur McDonald, more, more, more of Jack and Zara and your wonderful books!! Thank you once more Fleur and I wish you every success in the future as a crime writer. I am a forever fan.
Following a scandal, Journalist Zara Ellison has moved from Adelaide to the Western Australian town of Kalgoorlie. With her is her partner Detective Jack Higgins. To enable him to move to another State, Jack is once more in uniform. As both struggle with a fresh start in a mining town with its own rules, its inhabitants and the never ending red dust of the area, they are determined to make the most of where life and circumstance has taken them.
Zara is employed by The Prospector newspaper, with a careless editor and the threat of the newspaper closing. Now out of the detective squad, Jack finds himself at odds with his fellow officers once they learn that his partner is a journalist and they make it known to him what he already knows, journalists and Police are not usually a good combo.
When Zara is witness to a devastating accident involving a pair of grey nomads, she soon discovers there are more questions than answers. She begins her own investigation while Jack's investigation leads him and Zara both into the dangerous territory of a smuggling ring.
I loved this new story by Fleur McDonald. After reading all her previous books, I am very familiar with her writing and the reality of life in remote areas that they always explore. Fleur's ability for research for her books is amazing! She doesn't just write about these remote areas, she researches and visits them first and gives us the incredible reads we love so much. Jack and Zara are characters from previous stories and I am delighted to once more catch up with their lives and stories. I hope they will be around for a very long time. So, Fleur McDonald, more, more, more of Jack and Zara and your wonderful books!! Thank you once more Fleur and I wish you every success in the future as a crime writer. I am a forever fan.
June 1, 2025
I've been eager to read this book, seeing as it was based in my home town. Whilst I really enjoyed it, I felt the ending was rushed and it could have all wrapped up without the unanswered ramifications that I felt were needed. This is the first book I've read of Fleur's novels and I look forward to reading others.
May 25, 2025
I’ve never read anything by Fleur McDonald before, I picked this one up exclusively because it was set in Kalgoorlie and I used to live there. It’s an average book. Probably closer to a 2.5 but I’m rounding down.
March 30, 2025
The book starts off with a couple of grey nomads being run off the road a couple of hours from Kalgoorlie. How that causes a ripple effect for a journalist and the police… well, you’ll just have to read to find out.
This is the first Fleur McDonald book I’ve picked up, and I kind of regret not reading it sooner. It was enjoyable and there were times where I was definitely rooting for people to get their just desserts, and it was very good to see it happen.
Kind of ends on a cliffhanger, but hopefully it will all work out in the next book.
This is the first Fleur McDonald book I’ve picked up, and I kind of regret not reading it sooner. It was enjoyable and there were times where I was definitely rooting for people to get their just desserts, and it was very good to see it happen.
Kind of ends on a cliffhanger, but hopefully it will all work out in the next book.
April 4, 2025
A fast-paced read - can certainly envision as a netflix thriller. Thanks to publisher for ARC.
3.5 stars
May 13, 2025
A great, easy read that kept me wanting more.
May 24, 2025
I had the pleasure of chatting with Fleur McDonald at our recent ‘In conversation’ event at our library. Fleur is such an interesting person and everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed hearing the stories behind this book.
I love that this book has Fleur in the Outback crime genre and I believe it’s her at her best. It’s grittier than her previous works. It has gold stealing, motorcycle gangs, smuggling, brothels. Lots of twists and reveals too. Fleur captures the heart of outback Australia with interesting characters and a unique sense of place.
I love that this book has Fleur in the Outback crime genre and I believe it’s her at her best. It’s grittier than her previous works. It has gold stealing, motorcycle gangs, smuggling, brothels. Lots of twists and reveals too. Fleur captures the heart of outback Australia with interesting characters and a unique sense of place.
June 27, 2025
3.5 stars This is apparently the author’s first crime novel and I thought it was interesting and I bit different. I enjoyed the setting, gold mining aspect and the grey nomad parts to the story.
July 12, 2025
Nowhere near as good as her last book that I just read, but still an enjoyable read. The story just dragged and wasn’t an overly gripping one
July 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this story! I loved the setting of Kalgoorlie and incorporation of mining/gold/bikies/policing into the plot. The character of Ted was a treat too!
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