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Opal Fields #4
Les Ossements Cachés d’une Femme: Un thriller policier de l'Outback australien (CHAMPS D'OPALE t. 4)
Elle savait qu'elle découvrirait des secrets. Elle ne s'attendait pas à ce que ce soit les siens.
L'agent Jenny Williams s'est installée dans une ville minière de l'arrière-pays pour retrouver son cousin disparu. L'affaire est enfin résolue, mais il semble que la communauté isolée et désolée du désert cache d'autres secrets.
Lorsqu'une voiture s'écrase sur la réception du motel local, Jenny se jette à l'eau pour aider à dégager le propriétaire des débris, mais c'est la tragédie qui l'attend. Le cadavre d'une femme est découvert caché dans le carnage, transformant la scène de l'accident en scène de crime.
Jenny commence à creuser, mais découvre rapidement que le principal suspect est son amie, la femme qui a été son roc depuis qu'elle est arrivée en ville. L'instinct de Jenny lui dit que Marj n'a tué personne, mais elle va devoir faire ce que son patron déteste : froisser des plumes pour découvrir la vérité.
En déterrant le passé, Jenny se retrouve dans la ligne de mire du tueur. Quelqu'un veut que le passé reste dans le passé. Ils sont prêts à tout pour garder leurs secrets cachés.
Même tuer un flic !
L'agent Jenny Williams s'est installée dans une ville minière de l'arrière-pays pour retrouver son cousin disparu. L'affaire est enfin résolue, mais il semble que la communauté isolée et désolée du désert cache d'autres secrets.
Lorsqu'une voiture s'écrase sur la réception du motel local, Jenny se jette à l'eau pour aider à dégager le propriétaire des débris, mais c'est la tragédie qui l'attend. Le cadavre d'une femme est découvert caché dans le carnage, transformant la scène de l'accident en scène de crime.
Jenny commence à creuser, mais découvre rapidement que le principal suspect est son amie, la femme qui a été son roc depuis qu'elle est arrivée en ville. L'instinct de Jenny lui dit que Marj n'a tué personne, mais elle va devoir faire ce que son patron déteste : froisser des plumes pour découvrir la vérité.
En déterrant le passé, Jenny se retrouve dans la ligne de mire du tueur. Quelqu'un veut que le passé reste dans le passé. Ils sont prêts à tout pour garder leurs secrets cachés.
Même tuer un flic !
- GenresMystery
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2025
520 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Tarr
55 books128 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
December 16, 2023
I was keen to catch up with policewoman Jenny Williams with regards to both her professional and personal life. On the professional front as expected, there is another body, which reinforces her colleagues increasing conviction that she is a murder magnet. To be fair they tend to have been committed before her arrival rather than in the few short months of her time there.
This particular murder mystery has very strong family connections with cultural implications and long held secrets. It does enable her friendship with forensic scientist Penny to thrive although it does put her in danger as she continues to dig deeper into a tangled web of gossip and circumstantial evidence.
At the same time Jenny is continuing to delve into the mystery of her missing relatives, and after keeping the details of this close to her chest since her arrival, she now has learnt to trust those around her to not judge her motives for coming to this sleepy outback town. There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel… but it looks like the next book in the series will shed more of that light on the mystery.
Lovely to see her romantic relationship with the sometimes enigmtic Nick developing and that they are beginning to make some progress with their investigation into his father’s suicide and mother’s disappearance, a burden he has carried for many years.
Another brilliant episode in this series and I am looking forward to the next book.
This particular murder mystery has very strong family connections with cultural implications and long held secrets. It does enable her friendship with forensic scientist Penny to thrive although it does put her in danger as she continues to dig deeper into a tangled web of gossip and circumstantial evidence.
At the same time Jenny is continuing to delve into the mystery of her missing relatives, and after keeping the details of this close to her chest since her arrival, she now has learnt to trust those around her to not judge her motives for coming to this sleepy outback town. There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel… but it looks like the next book in the series will shed more of that light on the mystery.
Lovely to see her romantic relationship with the sometimes enigmtic Nick developing and that they are beginning to make some progress with their investigation into his father’s suicide and mother’s disappearance, a burden he has carried for many years.
Another brilliant episode in this series and I am looking forward to the next book.
November 15, 2024
Wow, I'm really loving this series. Set in the harsh Australian outback of Coober Pedy it's the story of the new police woman in town. Determined to find her own family who are missing, she has to walk the fine line between personal and professional work.
June 20, 2023
This series just gets better, and it started at a high level, in my opinion that is.
As usual the action starts from the start, and there's something on every page, action, great characters plus a believable plot. Jenny is on a double misson her duty as a local cop in the outback and a search for loved ones hers and Nicks! And murder which seems to be prevalent to the area since Jenny arrived comes to light when an old lady drives into the motel Marj runs.
There's a major breakthrough for Jenny that comes to light and a cold case that this time no one knew was there, if that counts as a cold case. Jenny continues to learn team work and has to ...... well you need to read this as I can't spoil it for you. It is so good you will want to read it yourself. I'm kind like that 😌
So I want to highly recommend this if you like the others you will this one, I've loved them all so far and in my view this is the best so far I know I'm repeating myself but if it's good shout it out.
As usual the action starts from the start, and there's something on every page, action, great characters plus a believable plot. Jenny is on a double misson her duty as a local cop in the outback and a search for loved ones hers and Nicks! And murder which seems to be prevalent to the area since Jenny arrived comes to light when an old lady drives into the motel Marj runs.
There's a major breakthrough for Jenny that comes to light and a cold case that this time no one knew was there, if that counts as a cold case. Jenny continues to learn team work and has to ...... well you need to read this as I can't spoil it for you. It is so good you will want to read it yourself. I'm kind like that 😌
So I want to highly recommend this if you like the others you will this one, I've loved them all so far and in my view this is the best so far I know I'm repeating myself but if it's good shout it out.
July 5, 2023
The Opal Fields series by this author has caught me hook, line and sinker! Fiona definitely has a gift for writing a story that draws you in and keeps you reading. She has the what, where and who covered in the suspense! Add the romance between Jenny and Nick, who both have their own mysteries to help each other with, and the makings of a great story is all here! The plot is very well developed and the characters are all relatable. In other words, it was another story I had a hard time putting down! I have become a big fan of Fiona Tarr’s books! I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a review.
June 12, 2023
Another great installment to the series. Jenny and Nick are going to have lunch when a car comes barreling through the reception area. In the wreckage a body is found wrapped in plastic. Who is it and why is it hidden in the wall? This is a fast paced action packed read. Surprises are coming to light with Jenny's missing family members.
July 3, 2023
Her hidden bones starts with a bang. I loved this book so much. There was no fillers at all. Every page had so much action and so much scenes that leave you with so much satisfaction. Jenny as always is brilliant and so is every character that is in this book. I love the intensity of the story and the way it is so realistic. Everything in this book is believable and it leaves you wanting more.
I loved everything about it.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved everything about it.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 14, 2024
Very entertaining series, great setting in Australia's Coober Pedy.
May 16, 2024
Good story
November 15, 2024
Fantastic book! Can't wait to get onto the next two.
June 13, 2023
Another amazing book in this series. Once you start these books they are hard to put down until you finish them
July 1, 2023
When a car crashes into the front of the local motel, nobody expected to find a body among the rubble. So begins yet another murder investigation for Jenny and the rest of the town constabulary.
Fiona Tarr has created a brilliant world in the Australian outback filled with quirky characters full of Aussie charm.
Another engaging plot that digs up yet more secrets of Coober Pedy whilst slowly shedding light on the disappearance of Jenny's own family and the mystery behind her boyfriends parents.
This is a great series and I can't wait for book 5
Fiona Tarr has created a brilliant world in the Australian outback filled with quirky characters full of Aussie charm.
Another engaging plot that digs up yet more secrets of Coober Pedy whilst slowly shedding light on the disappearance of Jenny's own family and the mystery behind her boyfriends parents.
This is a great series and I can't wait for book 5
December 22, 2023
Jenny and Nick
As you grow deeper and deeper into the series, the characters take on a family relationship to the reader. The author has developed each of the characters in a warming way. I really like that the villains are on the sidelines of the main characters.
In this book 4 of the series you can get a better feel of Jenny Asa ream player/member of the local sheriff's team. She is fitting in well with the community.
I hope you enjoy the journey as Fiona Tarr leads the way. Thank you Fiona for not wasting your story telling talents using foul language, graphic violance or sexual overtones to spice up your narrative.
As you grow deeper and deeper into the series, the characters take on a family relationship to the reader. The author has developed each of the characters in a warming way. I really like that the villains are on the sidelines of the main characters.
In this book 4 of the series you can get a better feel of Jenny Asa ream player/member of the local sheriff's team. She is fitting in well with the community.
I hope you enjoy the journey as Fiona Tarr leads the way. Thank you Fiona for not wasting your story telling talents using foul language, graphic violance or sexual overtones to spice up your narrative.
September 25, 2024
Constable Jenny Williams moves to the iconic desert community of Coober Pedy to locate her missing cousin and aunt and discovers this outback opal mining town has many secrets they want to keep hidden, the least of which is a dead body. There are descriptive scenes of rural life, light aircraft parked next to cars, rough tough friendly country people and a relatively awkward role for Jenny trying to find and expose a murderer. She herself is an interesting character, lowkey but readable. This police procedural would be a good series to follow from the beginning. I’ve jumped into the fourth book so I am not up to speed with Jenny’s love life, e.g. Nick, or her policing record (she appears well-known) so everything that happens is new to me. It’s Aussie and I love it for that fact although the slang is airbrushed and sometimes the generic TV dialogue doesn’t work for me. The big question in everyone’s mind is who killed Franny? Her body is found in quite a spectacular fashion.
There are a number of likely suspects so Jenny has her work cut out to narrow the field. Characters, gestures and personalities are relaxed and believable. I’m a city person so the landscape is quite foreign to me. I don’t think I could handle the dry, dusty opal mining lifestyle although it doesn’t feature strongly. But food does, mainly the classic hot pie in brown paper bag. Jenny (Penny is the forensic officer) is on the job searching for the murderer when crucial family information punctures her calm exterior “Her stomach bucked and roiled like a wild brumby...” And there is someone out there desperately trying to get her off the case by running her down. As author Fiona Tarr twists and turns the action, pressure builds and I realised Jenny has a magic connection with softie Senior Constable O’Connell. On the editing side I noted a couple of glitches and had difficulty with the comma/paragraph placement which could be sharper. Otherwise an engaging crime read, closing chapters are tense, atmospheric and worthy of the combat reveal.
There are a number of likely suspects so Jenny has her work cut out to narrow the field. Characters, gestures and personalities are relaxed and believable. I’m a city person so the landscape is quite foreign to me. I don’t think I could handle the dry, dusty opal mining lifestyle although it doesn’t feature strongly. But food does, mainly the classic hot pie in brown paper bag. Jenny (Penny is the forensic officer) is on the job searching for the murderer when crucial family information punctures her calm exterior “Her stomach bucked and roiled like a wild brumby...” And there is someone out there desperately trying to get her off the case by running her down. As author Fiona Tarr twists and turns the action, pressure builds and I realised Jenny has a magic connection with softie Senior Constable O’Connell. On the editing side I noted a couple of glitches and had difficulty with the comma/paragraph placement which could be sharper. Otherwise an engaging crime read, closing chapters are tense, atmospheric and worthy of the combat reveal.
July 4, 2023
She knew she’d uncover secrets. She didn’t expect them to be her own.
Constable Jenny Williams moved to an outback mining town to find her missing cousin. The cold case is finally warming up, but it appears the remote, desolate desert community is hiding more secrets.
When a car crashes into the local motel reception, Jenny jumps in to help dig the owner from the debris – only to find tragedy. A women’s corpse is discovered hidden in the carnage, turning the crash scene into a crime scene.
Jenny starts digging, but quickly discovers the prime suspect is her friend, the woman who’s been her rock since she came to town. Jenny’s gut is telling her Marj didn’t kill anyone, but she’ll need do what her boss hates – ruffle feathers to find the truth.
Dredging up the past puts Jenny in the killer’s sights. Someone wants the past kept in the past. They’ll do anything to keep their secrets hidden.
Even kill a cop!
Action from start to finish ,amazing characters and a story that will leave you excited for more.
Constable Jenny Williams moved to an outback mining town to find her missing cousin. The cold case is finally warming up, but it appears the remote, desolate desert community is hiding more secrets.
When a car crashes into the local motel reception, Jenny jumps in to help dig the owner from the debris – only to find tragedy. A women’s corpse is discovered hidden in the carnage, turning the crash scene into a crime scene.
Jenny starts digging, but quickly discovers the prime suspect is her friend, the woman who’s been her rock since she came to town. Jenny’s gut is telling her Marj didn’t kill anyone, but she’ll need do what her boss hates – ruffle feathers to find the truth.
Dredging up the past puts Jenny in the killer’s sights. Someone wants the past kept in the past. They’ll do anything to keep their secrets hidden.
Even kill a cop!
Action from start to finish ,amazing characters and a story that will leave you excited for more.
April 28, 2025
knew she’d uncover secrets. She didn’t expect them to be her own.
Constable Jenny Williams moved to an outback mining town to find her missing cousin. The cold case is finally warming up, but it appears the remote, desolate desert community is hiding more secrets.
When a car crashes into the local motel r…��
Jenny starts digging, but quickly discovers the prime suspect is her friend, the woman who’s been her rock since she came to town. Jenny’s gut is telling her Marj didn’t kill anyone, but she’ll need do what her boss hates – ruffle feathers to find the truth.
Dredging up the past puts Jenny in the killer’s sights. Someone wants the past kept in the past. They’ll do anything to keep their secrets hidden.
Even kill a cop!
omg marj's a suspect I thought holy cow this is going to be good. and it was someone close to marj to great book woah
Constable Jenny Williams moved to an outback mining town to find her missing cousin. The cold case is finally warming up, but it appears the remote, desolate desert community is hiding more secrets.
When a car crashes into the local motel r…��
Jenny starts digging, but quickly discovers the prime suspect is her friend, the woman who’s been her rock since she came to town. Jenny’s gut is telling her Marj didn’t kill anyone, but she’ll need do what her boss hates – ruffle feathers to find the truth.
Dredging up the past puts Jenny in the killer’s sights. Someone wants the past kept in the past. They’ll do anything to keep their secrets hidden.
Even kill a cop!
omg marj's a suspect I thought holy cow this is going to be good. and it was someone close to marj to great book woah
June 19, 2023
This is the 4th book in the Opal Fields series and each consecutive book is better than the one before. They are all independent reads. In this a body is found behind the wall after a car crashes into the motel of the small outback town of Coober Pedy. Constable Jenny Williams is on the hunt for another murderer. Great group of characters and potential villains. Lots of action and suspense. Keeps you guessing until the very end. Jenny gets some resolution regarding her missing family members and continues to develop a relationship with Nick. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. Great read.
August 6, 2023
I got hooked on Fiona Tarr’s Opal Fields series and rapidly read four of the five books. This one is my favorite so far.
When a car crashes into a local motel, Constable Jenny Williams finds more than she bargained for—a body hidden with the walls. Jokingly called a “murder magnet” by her fellow officers, Jenny’s tenaciousness and persistence once again shines.
There’s a developing romance between Jenny and Nick, and familiar characters return. I’ve come to love the little town of Coober Pedy. The action begins on page one and doesn’t stop until the end.
Will Jenny Finally get some answers about her cousin and aunt? I eagerly await book five.
When a car crashes into a local motel, Constable Jenny Williams finds more than she bargained for—a body hidden with the walls. Jokingly called a “murder magnet” by her fellow officers, Jenny’s tenaciousness and persistence once again shines.
There’s a developing romance between Jenny and Nick, and familiar characters return. I’ve come to love the little town of Coober Pedy. The action begins on page one and doesn’t stop until the end.
Will Jenny Finally get some answers about her cousin and aunt? I eagerly await book five.
June 16, 2023
Her Hidden Bones (Opal Fields Book 4), my fifth read from author Fiona Tarr. Enjoyable mystery carrying over from the first three books. Well-written and enjoyable, with this series Tarr is rapidly becoming one of my go-to authors!“I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
July 17, 2023
I love all things Fiona Tarr, and this did not disappoint! This is the fourth book in the Opal Fields series. Is Constable Jenny Williams still the "Murder Magnet?" After a car crashes into the motel that Marj owns, a dead body wrapped in plastic is discovered. Who could possibly have done this? Jenny gets some information on her missing cousin and aunt, is good or bad? Love the plot, great setting and strong intense interesting characters.
August 31, 2023
Thrilling
This series just gets better, murder mystery and romance rolled into one. Written so you can visualise the area, feel as though you are getting to know the characters as the series builds. There are many clues along the way and at times Jenny irritates me but keeps me reading ( just one more chapter 😃) before I go to sleep. The endings gives a tantalizing glimpse into the next in the series can't wait for number 5.
This series just gets better, murder mystery and romance rolled into one. Written so you can visualise the area, feel as though you are getting to know the characters as the series builds. There are many clues along the way and at times Jenny irritates me but keeps me reading ( just one more chapter 😃) before I go to sleep. The endings gives a tantalizing glimpse into the next in the series can't wait for number 5.
June 17, 2023
An excellent murder mystery in the outback with a good storyline and outstanding characters. Very well written and enjoyable book in this amazing series. Contains plenty of action and suspense. Constable Jenny Williams at her best in trying to solve another murder. Highly recommended book and series!
June 24, 2023
Another great read. Through sheer determination, Jenny once again manages to piece together a puzzle to solve a mysterious death and finally she makes some headway into the disappearance of her aunt and cousin. Looking forward to book 5.
January 30, 2024
Her Hidden Bones
Another great story,knowing the characters well by now, makes the story more real.Glad things are turning out good for Jenny, looking forward to next story in the series!
Another great story,knowing the characters well by now, makes the story more real.Glad things are turning out good for Jenny, looking forward to next story in the series!
February 8, 2024
Another story in the series and like the previous books they start straight away with a body.
It is great to meet the characters from previous books and to be reminded of events.
The story is fast paced and full of intrigue along the way.
It is great to meet the characters from previous books and to be reminded of events.
The story is fast paced and full of intrigue along the way.
June 12, 2024
Her Hidden Bones
This series is amazing, just when I think its over something else happens. Love Jenny, and her boyfriend Nick, they make s great couple. The characters in this story are really interesting. Now on to book 5!
This series is amazing, just when I think its over something else happens. Love Jenny, and her boyfriend Nick, they make s great couple. The characters in this story are really interesting. Now on to book 5!
August 5, 2024
Can't put it down .
Amazingly written. You really feel as though you know the characters personally. The plots are rivetting and never predictable. Can't wait to start the next book. Also not encountered any typos which is rare. Highly recommended
Amazingly written. You really feel as though you know the characters personally. The plots are rivetting and never predictable. Can't wait to start the next book. Also not encountered any typos which is rare. Highly recommended
June 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. It's well written and holds my attention.
July 6, 2023
What a fantastic story, one that will keep you intrigued. Constable Jenny goes to a mining town to try and find her cousin. Little does she expect so much danger involved not to be missed
July 26, 2023
Oh my what a story, what a mystery from beginning to the jaw dropping ending.
I am waiting to find out what’s next for Jenny and the gang.
I am waiting to find out what’s next for Jenny and the gang.
December 16, 2023
Another page turner!
Love this series. I love the characters and the plot. I was unsure until nearly the end who did it! I can't wait to read the next book!
Love this series. I love the characters and the plot. I was unsure until nearly the end who did it! I can't wait to read the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews