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Dawn Grave #5
Grave Catch
Risking her life for the job has never been an issue... Until Now!
Detective Dawn Grave returned to the remote town of her youth to help her estranged sister. She never intended to stay.
That all changed after she met her precocious six-year-old niece. Now Dawn is settling down and working with the local police to do what she does best-hunt down killers and put them away.
When a young woman's body is discovered entangled in a local fishing trawler's net, Dawn finds herself investigating a former adversary. Les Richardson plays at being an art dealer, but his connection to organised crime is undeniable. The smuggler even orchestrated an attempt on Dawn's life, but she was never able to prove anything before he disappeared.
As the evidence mounts, Dawn tracks Richardson down and discovers a new connection she never saw coming-One that paints a huge target on her back.
With family so close, she's suddenly afraid it's no longer just her in the killer's cross hairs.
Detective Dawn Grave returned to the remote town of her youth to help her estranged sister. She never intended to stay.
That all changed after she met her precocious six-year-old niece. Now Dawn is settling down and working with the local police to do what she does best-hunt down killers and put them away.
When a young woman's body is discovered entangled in a local fishing trawler's net, Dawn finds herself investigating a former adversary. Les Richardson plays at being an art dealer, but his connection to organised crime is undeniable. The smuggler even orchestrated an attempt on Dawn's life, but she was never able to prove anything before he disappeared.
As the evidence mounts, Dawn tracks Richardson down and discovers a new connection she never saw coming-One that paints a huge target on her back.
With family so close, she's suddenly afraid it's no longer just her in the killer's cross hairs.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2026
About the author
Fiona Tarr
40 books171 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 37 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Detective Dawn Grave is starting to settle into a new life surrounded by family In Northern Queensland when a body is found ensnared in a fishing net.
Dawn and Ryan seem to have a lot of questions, but none of the answers are getting them anywhere. Why is Declan Rossi around? The last time Dawn saw him, he assaulted here and disappeared. Is the death tied to the drugs hidden by some of the crew? Why is the Coast Guard being less than helpful?
There are strings everywhere, and the team is having trouble weaving them into a solution. Another enjoyable read in the series!
Dawn and Ryan seem to have a lot of questions, but none of the answers are getting them anywhere. Why is Declan Rossi around? The last time Dawn saw him, he assaulted here and disappeared. Is the death tied to the drugs hidden by some of the crew? Why is the Coast Guard being less than helpful?
There are strings everywhere, and the team is having trouble weaving them into a solution. Another enjoyable read in the series!
March 2, 2026
Risking her life for the job has never been an issue... Until Now!
Detective Dawn Grave returned to the remote town of her youth to help her estranged sister. She never intended to stay.
That all changed after she met her precocious six-year-old niece. Now Dawn is settling down and working with the local police to do what she does best-hunt down killers and put them away.
When a young woman's body is discovered entangled in a local fishing trawler's net, Dawn finds herself investigating a former adversary. Les Richardson plays at being an art dealer, but his connection to organised crime is undeniable. The smuggler even orchestrated an attempt on Dawn's life, but she was never able to prove anything before he disappeared.
As the evidence mounts, Dawn tracks Richardson down and discovers a new connection she never saw coming-One that paints a huge target on her back.
With family so close, she's suddenly afraid it's no longer just her in the killer's cross hairs.
Awesome characters.
Great plot.
what can she do now.
Detective Dawn Grave returned to the remote town of her youth to help her estranged sister. She never intended to stay.
That all changed after she met her precocious six-year-old niece. Now Dawn is settling down and working with the local police to do what she does best-hunt down killers and put them away.
When a young woman's body is discovered entangled in a local fishing trawler's net, Dawn finds herself investigating a former adversary. Les Richardson plays at being an art dealer, but his connection to organised crime is undeniable. The smuggler even orchestrated an attempt on Dawn's life, but she was never able to prove anything before he disappeared.
As the evidence mounts, Dawn tracks Richardson down and discovers a new connection she never saw coming-One that paints a huge target on her back.
With family so close, she's suddenly afraid it's no longer just her in the killer's cross hairs.
Awesome characters.
Great plot.
what can she do now.
March 3, 2026
Grave Catch: An Australian Small Town Crime Mystery (Dawn Grave Book 5), my seventeenth read from author Fiona Tarr that was released earlier than its projected release date. 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 Risk: An Australian Small Town Crime Mystery (Dawn Grave Book 6) isn't due out on January of 2027 & has just been put on my TBR list. I certainly hope it comes out earlier as well. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Review of advance copy received from Author
A gripping and emotionally charged crime mystery with a strong plot, a vivid small-town setting, and unforgettable characters. Detective Dawn Grave is pulled into a tangled web of clues while fighting to protect the people she loves most. Fast-paced, suspenseful, and impossible to put down. A powerful, highly recommended read—and I’m eagerly awaiting the next Detective Grave thriller. I couldn't put it down.
March 1, 2026
Every time I think I know what is happening you throw in another twist.
Grave is a wonderful character. She is so real you can feel her emotions through the words.
The twists and turns in this novel are mind blowing and now I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one.
Grave is a wonderful character. She is so real you can feel her emotions through the words.
The twists and turns in this novel are mind blowing and now I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is another in an awesome series could it be the final. well you need to read to get any clues.
After returning to her home town to find her missing sister in the 1st of the series (but not her 1st appearance in one of Fiona's books) she had been established as part of the team of the local detectives and is doing a great job. so when a body turns up on a fishing boat pulled from the sea it's her next and possible most challenging case to date, if hunting your kidnapped sister apart.
There is are old foes and kick back from previous cases but this can definitely be read as a stand alone but I'd recommend the whole series as is excellent one of the best I've read. Fiona has a great storytelling gift and this is definitely up there in the ranking of her best so far in my opinion. I really do give it a highly highly recommended and if you like her other work then it's a must read.
After returning to her home town to find her missing sister in the 1st of the series (but not her 1st appearance in one of Fiona's books) she had been established as part of the team of the local detectives and is doing a great job. so when a body turns up on a fishing boat pulled from the sea it's her next and possible most challenging case to date, if hunting your kidnapped sister apart.
There is are old foes and kick back from previous cases but this can definitely be read as a stand alone but I'd recommend the whole series as is excellent one of the best I've read. Fiona has a great storytelling gift and this is definitely up there in the ranking of her best so far in my opinion. I really do give it a highly highly recommended and if you like her other work then it's a must read.
Want to Read
February 18, 2026Book 5 in the Dawn Grave series does not disappoint but leaves you craving more.
It is good to see the story of Dawn, her newly rekindled relationship with her sister and love interest with Clint develop whilst once again faced with a very complicated crime which brings back more old foes including he ex.
Best to read the first four books so you know the characters, but can be read as stand alone.
It is good to see the story of Dawn, her newly rekindled relationship with her sister and love interest with Clint develop whilst once again faced with a very complicated crime which brings back more old foes including he ex.
Best to read the first four books so you know the characters, but can be read as stand alone.
Currently Reading
June 6, 2026I had the privilege to review this book it’s amazing so genuine that you get lost in it I was so sad to. Get to the end I just wanted more this book is pure escapism and I loved it I strongly recommend you. Read it
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 (rounding up to 5 because I'm enjoying the series).
One of my favourite things about this series is how the characters keep growing and shifting - their relationships feel real. You can really feel the history between them now, and it adds so much to the tension.
The setting continues to be a winner too. It’s vivid without overpowering the story, and it gives everything a slightly edgy atmosphere. Fiona Tarr really knows how to dial up the intrigue. Just when you think you’ve figured something out, she throws in another twist or plants a new question that keeps you turning the pages.
There are a few loose ends tied up from earlier books, but plenty of new questions to be answered in future books.
Looking forward to the next one.
I received an ARC from the author. These are my honest thoughts.
One of my favourite things about this series is how the characters keep growing and shifting - their relationships feel real. You can really feel the history between them now, and it adds so much to the tension.
The setting continues to be a winner too. It’s vivid without overpowering the story, and it gives everything a slightly edgy atmosphere. Fiona Tarr really knows how to dial up the intrigue. Just when you think you’ve figured something out, she throws in another twist or plants a new question that keeps you turning the pages.
There are a few loose ends tied up from earlier books, but plenty of new questions to be answered in future books.
Looking forward to the next one.
I received an ARC from the author. These are my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Links in the chain of murder.
I love this author's work. She manages to create intriguing storylines within each and every book, taking the reader on a journey of discovery revolving around key characters. Once again Dawn Graves finds herself knee deep in murder and suspects, trying to deal with spectres from the past. There are many twists and turns in the story with Dawn struggling to link all the facts together and dealing with personal threats. Detective Clint Ryan is back on the scene as her partner in more ways than one and he helps to keep Dawn grounded. Quite a few loose ends are tied up within this book and it will be interesting to see what happens in the series as Dawn considers her future.
I love this author's work. She manages to create intriguing storylines within each and every book, taking the reader on a journey of discovery revolving around key characters. Once again Dawn Graves finds herself knee deep in murder and suspects, trying to deal with spectres from the past. There are many twists and turns in the story with Dawn struggling to link all the facts together and dealing with personal threats. Detective Clint Ryan is back on the scene as her partner in more ways than one and he helps to keep Dawn grounded. Quite a few loose ends are tied up within this book and it will be interesting to see what happens in the series as Dawn considers her future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fiona crafts her characters and rural settings with meticulous care, employing a remarkably descriptive writing style that captivates readers and skillfully builds tension as the mystery unfolds with exceptional expertise, culminating in significant questions at the end that leave readers bewildered.
The narrative continually unfolds with increasing complexity, particularly in Grave's relationship, as she gradually becomes receptive to the prospect of finding happiness with her small family unit, only to be torn away by yet another murder investigation, raising the fundamental question of what one would do for their family.
The narrative continually unfolds with increasing complexity, particularly in Grave's relationship, as she gradually becomes receptive to the prospect of finding happiness with her small family unit, only to be torn away by yet another murder investigation, raising the fundamental question of what one would do for their family.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fiona takes us on another roller-coaster ride with a cracking twist. A body found at sea by a fishing trawler initially seems like a fairly straightforward case, but it soon becomes far more complex. Old adversaries resurface, and with the return of Rossie, nothing is quite as it seems.
Dawn’s family is the lynchpin of her very being, alongside her developing relationship with Clint, but how can she walk the tightrope between her work and her personal life? Fiona’s characters are vivid and relatable, and the more you get to know them, the more you want to know. Another great read in this series I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommended.
Dawn’s family is the lynchpin of her very being, alongside her developing relationship with Clint, but how can she walk the tightrope between her work and her personal life? Fiona’s characters are vivid and relatable, and the more you get to know them, the more you want to know. Another great read in this series I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommended.
March 31, 2026
I love all things Fiona Tarr, and this does not disappoint; this is book five in The Dawn Grave series!! Detective Dawn Grave is currently staying in her hometown of Cooktown, with her sister Lisa and her niece Abby. A woman's body is found tangled in a fishing net, Dawn is asked to help with the investigation. Is this related to Dawn's family, her murdered brother Fraser, or her sister Lisa??? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Fiona Tarr!!!!
August 8, 2026
This should be 3.5 stars.
I really enjoy Fiona Tarr’s books and particularly the Grave series, but I felt that the last quarter of the story was a bit garbled and rushed. There is a flurry of explanations to wrap up the investigations when we already know the perpetrator. The first 3/4 of the story gives every detail of who says what, down to exchanging glances, etc, yet as it races to the conclusion we don’t know which of the officers were discovering what evidence. While it’s not necessarily important to the story, it interrupts the rhythm and flow for the reader.
I really enjoy Fiona Tarr’s books and particularly the Grave series, but I felt that the last quarter of the story was a bit garbled and rushed. There is a flurry of explanations to wrap up the investigations when we already know the perpetrator. The first 3/4 of the story gives every detail of who says what, down to exchanging glances, etc, yet as it races to the conclusion we don’t know which of the officers were discovering what evidence. While it’s not necessarily important to the story, it interrupts the rhythm and flow for the reader.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another wonderful story about Detective Dawn Grave and the people in Cooktown, a town in the northern part of Queensland, Australia.
I loved this story and hope there will be another one soon.
Fiona Tarr is a talented author and her books are always interesting.
I received a copy of this book from the author and thank her very much for such an enjoyable read. I found it hard to put this book down.
I loved this story and hope there will be another one soon.
Fiona Tarr is a talented author and her books are always interesting.
I received a copy of this book from the author and thank her very much for such an enjoyable read. I found it hard to put this book down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An excellent crime mystery with a well-developed storyline, an excellent location, and a cast of outstanding characters. Detective Dawn Grave has an abundance of clues to deal with in this small-town crime mystery, besides protecting her family. A very enjoyable and page turning read with plenty of action and suspense. Highly recommended book by an outstanding author. Bring on the next Detective Grave crime mystery thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A journalist’s body is dragged onto a fishing vessel with the net holding the catch. Detectives Dawn Graves and Clint Ryan are called to investigate. As Dawn is on the vessel investigating, drugs are located in the engine room. Soon another murder is discovered and Dawn’s family is targeted. Her ex makes a return appearance. Many red herrings, twists and turns. Anther great novel by Fiona Tarr.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG, another spectacular novel by Fiona Tarr. Grave investigates multiple murders all stemming from the illegal drug trade...or is it. Twist, turns and amazing discoveries. Grave always catches her guy, even if it may affect her or her family. And the final line...makes me want to know more, and read the next book. Amazing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
another winner in this series. Dawn and Clint work together well, following leads and having each other's back. When he family is threatened, Dawn has to push through her fear and track down the murderer. The plot is twisty, I could not solve the mystery until the very end. The characters are well developed and interesting. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.
March 11, 2026
Fiona's done it again
Another captivating read in the Dawn Grave series keeping at times humour, sexual tensions and murder entwined into storyline I couldn't put down. What a twist at the end roll on Book 6.
Could be read alone but definitely better as part of series to be able to picture how people and past issues relate.
Another captivating read in the Dawn Grave series keeping at times humour, sexual tensions and murder entwined into storyline I couldn't put down. What a twist at the end roll on Book 6.
Could be read alone but definitely better as part of series to be able to picture how people and past issues relate.
April 12, 2026
Another gripping Dawn Grave mystery
When Dawn Grave and her team are called to investigate a young female body caught in a fishing net, there are more questions than answers. So many loose ends to tie up and connected threads to untangle. A very well woven story coming to a dramatic conclusion.
Great characters, fast timing, hard to put down.
When Dawn Grave and her team are called to investigate a young female body caught in a fishing net, there are more questions than answers. So many loose ends to tie up and connected threads to untangle. A very well woven story coming to a dramatic conclusion.
Great characters, fast timing, hard to put down.
February 15, 2026
Wow! What a story! Dawn and Clint are given a real run around with this one. Nothing is as it seems and I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but oh my you will not know what’s going on until the end and even that has a twist. You definitely need to read Grave Catch.
March 4, 2026
This book was quite the mystery, as synonymous with Fiona there was a lot going on at same time. I loved how the story was paced and how it was pitched. The Th character development was on another level. I truly enjoyed the read and I absolutely recommend it.
April 17, 2026
Another Grave story that kept me glued to the page
A well-written Australian adventure based in the tropical north. Bring on the next adventure! The characters are interesting and the pace is perfect.
A well-written Australian adventure based in the tropical north. Bring on the next adventure! The characters are interesting and the pace is perfect.
May 19, 2026
Another great read
I love a book series and this didn’t fail to have me immersed in Dawns latest crime solving tale
I thoroughly enjoy reading all Fiona’s books
Can’t wait for Book 6 and a new Mystery to read
I love a book series and this didn’t fail to have me immersed in Dawns latest crime solving tale
I thoroughly enjoy reading all Fiona’s books
Can’t wait for Book 6 and a new Mystery to read
August 4, 2026
Another easy read. I enjoy this series as it doesn’t require any thinking by me. It can be put down and picked up again.
It’s enough to keep my attention, but it’s not overwhelming in any way.
Im enjoying seeing the characters develop and interested in where they are taking me.
It’s enough to keep my attention, but it’s not overwhelming in any way.
Im enjoying seeing the characters develop and interested in where they are taking me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well done, plot just keeps bubbling along. Loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a whirlwind of a read! Fast paced, couldn’t read it fast enough. Don’t want to give anything away but an absolutely great read and cannot wait for the next one!
Read
March 27, 2026A great who done it, set on the lovely Cooktown. It captures the area perfectly.a very enjoyable read.
April 24, 2026
Too many character names, many too similar. And then sometimes called by first name sometimes last. Impossible to keep track of who was who. I’ve read the entire series and was still confused.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews