Grave Secret

Dawn Grave #4

by Fiona Tarr

Sometimes the truth can set you free — Sometimes it can kill you…

Detective Dawn Grave never expected to return to the remote rural town she fled as a teen. But when the cold case surrounding her brother’s suspicious death is reopened, she’s sucked back into a terrifying past.

Tackling her demons, she begins clearing out her brother’s belongings, exposing a secret that local police officer Rick Constable has kept close to his chest for too long. It might explain Rick’s instant animosity toward her, but it could implicate him in her brother’s death. She needs to interview him to discover more.

There’s only one problem…

Rick’s car has been discovered near a remote outback tourist resort, abandoned, with blood inside—leaving Dawn wondering if Rick is a murderer, or the killer’s next victim...

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2025

About the author

Fiona'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_...

Reviews

[Keishea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth installment of the Dawn Grave series is an emotionally charged and intense experience, with the undeniable chemistry between Dawn and Clint taking center stage as they investigate Rick's potential involvement in Dawn's brother's death. They find Rick's car with blood inside in the sweltering heat of Undara Mt Surprise, a remote outback tourist resort in Queensland offering restored vintage railway carriages and a unique outback pub experience. The resort is located near the Undara Lava Tubes, a significant geological formation. Concurrently, they tackle another case, to assist in finding a missing woman, which to their dismay, results in the discovery of a deceased woman. As they commence their investigation, they find key wounds from an old Cairns case. Currently, they are attempting to track a serial killer targeting backpackers. As Dawn searches for answers surrounding her brother's death, she develops a growing reliance on her instincts, though some questions persist, hopefully to be addressed in the next book. Thanks to Fiona Tarr, Author, for the ARC, another engaging 4-star read. I have always appreciated Fiona's writing style, the vivid descriptions of the setting, and the Australian outback.

[Judy Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Grave Secret, we see Dawn and Clint travel west to the Undara-Mount Surprise region, following discovery of Rick Constable's vehicle. Dawn hopes to get information on her brother's murder case, but the mystery deepens with Rick's disappearance, and the discovery of a body in one of the lava tubes, along with a missing woman. Is a serial killer operating in the area, previously undetected? A complex plot, with many twists, makes this book hard to put down until the ending is resolved. I have enjoyed all four of the Dawn Grave mysteries, and recommend reading them in order, as the characters evolve through the series.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Fiona really enjoyed this edition of Dawns story. She is developing so much and is a great heroine.Excellent read.👏👏👏

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuation of a great series.

The author has managed to entwine two storylines into this book, each linking to the other via an unusual path. Detective Dawn Grave is following a lead into the reopened case of her brother’s death when she and Detective Clint Ryan become embroiled in the search for a missing woman in the Australian Outback. There are several twists and turns in the plot before Dawn is able to link the two investigations and unearth a killer hiding in plain sight. However, her life and well being is under threat from more than one source and betrayal bites deep. Dawn Grave is a complex and often troubled character who struggles sometimes to cope with the curve balls that life throws her way, but you will become immersed in her personal battles and triumphs. She is still deciding whether to take a chance on a relationship with Detective Ryan but let’s be honest, he is the total package with his good looks, money and undeniable charm. The secondary characters all play important roles and you will enjoy their interactions with Dawn. This is a really great series and I can’t wait to see what happens next, although I have a feeling that one particular character from Dawn’s past may feature heavily in the next book.

[Trish Goodgame · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great instalment in the Dawn Grave series, this one set in Cooktown, Queensland. great characters who we have met in the previous books and new colourful characters. The writing is descriptive and you feel as though you are right there in the hot climate with the people involved. While Dawn and her partner Ryan are looking for a missing colleague, a backpacker goes missing and there is more to the case than meets the eye.
steady pace to begin with then increases in tempo from about halfway through building to a rapid pace by the final conclusion of the book.
I really enjoyed this story, although I recommend reading the other books in the series first.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Fiona Tarr, and this does not disappoint; this is book four in The Dawn Grave Series. Detective Dawn Grave has returned to the rural town she grew up in and fled; Cooktown. The cold case of her brother Fraser's death was reopened as a suspicious death, does Dawn get any answers? Senior Constable, Rick Constable; is missing, did he have anything to do with Fraser's death? Young women are going missing, is this related to Fraser's death? Dawn is getting overwhelmed, will we ever find out about Fraser? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Fiona Tarr!!!

[Wendy Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another interesting, entertaining story set in the outback of Australia.

Dawn Grave is a detective. She and her detective partner Clint Ryan, believe that a serial killer is active after a body is found when the SES are searching for missing woman Milly. This body seems to be connected to an old case some years ago. The rush is on to find Milly before the serial killer kills again.

Will they be successful or will it be Milly's body they find next?

I loved this story.

Thank you, Fiona Tarr, for the wonderful ARC.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawn and Rick are following a report of Rick Constable’s car being found abandoned when they get to the area they discover people are out from the resort searching for a missing employee, Milly. They immediately join the search, but when they discover a body hidden in one of the lava tubes, it is not Milly.
I really couldn’t put this down, it is full on from the start to the end, the missing girl, the dead body and also looking for Rick and his brother in law Jim Warren in relation to Dawn’s brother’s murder.
Definitely one to read.

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona Tarr writes in a way that brings locations to life - the setting felt vivid and real, like I was right there with the characters. It adds so much atmosphere to the story and makes it easy to get completely drawn in.
The characters continue to be a highlight for me. Good or bad, they’re well written and always evolving.
As always, there is plenty of action and some good twists.
I enjoyed reading this book and I’m already looking forward to the next one!
I received an ARC of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grave Secret: An Australian Small Town Crime Mystery (Dawn Grave Book 4), my fifteenth read from author Fiona Tarr. Tarr has become one of my go-to authors! Dawn Grave is maybe Tarr's best character to date. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Grave Catch: An Australian Small Town Crime Mystery (Dawn Grave Book 5) is due out on May 31, 2026 & has just been put on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Anne Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book in the Grave series from this wonderful author. As with all the other books, this one races along, with many twists and turns. Don't start reading unless you have some spare time as you will not want to put it down. There are quite a few references to events from the earlier books in the series, so you might want to read them first (I recommend them), but this one still works as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again another fast paced thriller where you spend so much of your time on the edge of your seat wanting to get to the end but not wanting it to finish too soon. The plot had a good number of twists, believable and yes the romance is a thread running through without taking over the story. Still love the way when you are reading the story you are there feeling the heat, the humidity and enjoying the scenery with Dawn and her team.

Looking forward to the next instalment.

[Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect blend of stand-alone murder mystery with the ongoing investigation to discover the killer of detective Dawn Grave's brother.

Dawn's senior constable has gone missing and whilst searching they discover the body of a backpacker. What starts as a lead in her brother's murder turns into a deadly hunt for a serial killer.

Great characters and an on-going mystery that leaves you begging for the next installment

[Ngoni Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant story this is. As Dawn continues her search for the truth about her brother's murder she stumbles upon what seems to be a serial killer, who might or may not be connected to the mysterious disappearance of Rick constable. Rick is key to finding what happened to her brother. This book is so beautifully written and it takes you through a roller coaster of emotions. I really enjoyed reading it and I totally recommend it.

[Mrs Anita Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant read from Fiona Tarr following Dawn's investigation into her brother's death. There are so many twists and turns within this plot which draws in a 2nd case of missing/dead girls over number of years. Keeps the same characters from previous 3 books as well as introducing new. Had me guessing all the way with unexpected twists.
Couldn't put it down read in 2 nights good job I'm retired😆

[David Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona Tarr has written another great book, number 4 in the Dawn Grave series. The book is fast paced and is centred around a possible serial killer who had dumped a body in a lava tube. The investigation into the murder of Dawn’s brother continues. Dawn’s relationship with Clint continues. It is pleasing to see strong females involved in the investigation.

[Hope Gerhardstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona Tarr’s novels with Dawn Graves just keep getting better. In this the 4th in the series, Dawn and Clint Ryan are tracking Jim Warren who is suspected of killing Dawn’s brother. They find themselves in the middle of a missing woman investigation which leads to the discovery of female body in a lava tube. The case is eerily similar to a case from 5 years prior. They find that there are other similar cases of dead young women. Do they have a serial killer? Great story from beginning to the end. Dawn is aware of some of her shortcomings and desires to work on improving them. Dawn has to face her abusive ex husband. Someone else is now missing.

[Jo-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love these novels. Detective Grave is always on the ball, solving the murder mysteries. Her personal life adds the need touch to feel more personable, and keep you reading to see where she will end up in her life. Always a great interaction between the characters, which you can definitely identify with. Absolutely love it! Keep them coming!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another compelling chapter in the Dawn Grave series and her quest to clear her brother's name and bring his murderer to justice.
If you have not read the previous books in this series I highly recommend that you do.
This all seemed to wrap up rather neatly at the end, so I am hoping that this is not the final chapter for Dawn, and eagerly await the next installment.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most awesome book in the series.
This is a great story. With Dawn getting shot at, a missing person, an old murder, a kidnapped detective, and the truth about her brothers death it is hard to but the book down. When it is all said and done you want more stories about Dawn. Looking forward to the next book

[Jim Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent outback murder mystery with a good storyline and an outstanding strong female character. Very well written with plenty of action, lots of suspense, and great detective work. Detective Dawn Grave hat to work hard to solve this case. Very enjoyable read that I highly recommend.

[Laura Poppenwimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and great character development. The plot has several twists and turns that I didn't see coming. The pages speed by and you are at the end before you know it. The loose strings tied up and interesting to see what the next novel will bring but not due out until 2026.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful mystery that keeps you guessing. Clean with a touch of romance. I love the entire series.

[Becky Fisher]

Interesting story. Well written

[Karen Templeton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting (impatiently) for this latest instalment in the Dawn Grave series. This is another cracker of a murder mystery set in the outback. All characters continue to grow and evolve and this makes for an interesting and engaging book. Fiona’s descriptions of the outback environment are always evocative and and her storylines thought provoking.
In Dawn she has created a very strong and tenacious character who is softening somewhat as her relationship with those around her grows, but she doesn’t lose any of her feistiness as a detective.
It was nice to see Dawn and Clint finally reveal their relationship to those they care about and also for Dawn to gain some closure over her brothers death.

[LeeanneH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in the Detective Dawn Grave series. I love Fiona’s style of writing, you’re drawn in from the start and invested in the storyline and characters.

[Dave Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sizzling, gritty encounter for Detective Dawn Grave this time it's taking her and Ryan out to the sticks and Sergeant Sergeant car is discovered.But what looks like a personal case?case takes on even more sinister twist when......

I love the writing of Fiona Tarr her books are captivating exciting and her mysteries are gripping. The Detective Dawn Grave series is just Excellent definitely with a capital E each one more tension than the previous. The action always starts from the offor early on.you're not waiting to get into the story.she just kits on with and doesn't let a dull moment take hold. or even exist in her books. What appears a simple case of fetching a rogue officer turns darker when a young woman disappears and awell in not going to spoil it but this is definitely a much deeper story than the blur suggests and so much better for it.

I can't recommend this highly enough you love mystery whodunits this is a must read.

[Margarita Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. I was hooked from the first sentence. Heart pounding action. Horrible murder and possibly a serial killer. Can Dawn and Clint find the person that has been taken in time to save the girl? Will Dawn find the answer to her brothers murder?

[Annes Symons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona’s done it again, another page turner that I couldn’t put down

Dawn’s return to the small rural town in Northern Queensland to look into the unexplained death of her brother has been a roller coaster of emotions. Working closely with Detective Clint Ryan they were able to reopen the case which has now been recategorizes as murder. But will she ever find out what police officer Rick constable knows, finding his blood stained car in the sweltering heat is starting to make it look doubtful . Searching for answers leads to a missing girl and a potential serial killer, Dawn must prioritise the search to find Millie before it’s too late, will she get there in time? will she find out what has happened to Rick? Strong and focused on the job Dawn will never stop looking for justice for her brother no matter what it takes , but she is starting to get used to life surrounded by family and Clint wants more, is she strong enough to let him in? Another fabulous book in the series, full of adventure, mystery, action and as always a twist in the tail, thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend the series

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grave Secrets is an excellent addition to the Dawn Graves series. Dawn and friends are trying to track down Senior Constable Rick Constable to get information about Dawns brothers murder when a backpacker goes missing at a nearby resort.

While searching for the missing woman, evidence is uncovered which might indicate a serial killer is on the loose. A frustrated Dawn, a sort of frustrated Ryan, an abusive ex, an unhappy Tammy, an ambitious young female constable Barrett, a cunning reporter who seems overly familiar with Ryan, lava tubes, and Detective Parker all jumble together into an enjoyably stressful read.

A lot of books claim to be ' unputdownable' but this one really was for me.