Murder on North Terrace

by Lainie Anderson

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 23, 2026

Reviews

[Karen]

An easy enjoyable read and I cannot resist including this quote from early on in the novel

"Well, it's the arts, sir - chronically underfunded by politicians whose idea of culture is watching men kick a football. Arts institutions are left to fight over the scraps."

History continues to repeat - thanks Lainie.

[Irena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please note that this book has already been published in Australia and New Zealand.
Wonderful historic, cosy murder mystery set in my home town in 1917, about our first female police officer, Kate Cocks.

[Anthea Makings · Rating 4 out of 5]

We return to 1917 Adelaide, six months after solving the Dora Black case, where women police officers Kate Cocks and Ethel Bromley are back walking the beat and ensuring the safety of the women of Adelaide, especially when soldiers are returning home, broken from the war. When the board governor is found murdered beneath a controversial painting in the art gallery the town are calling out for swift justice. With Ethel seconded to the Detective Branch to help solve the murder, Kate struggles to solve a brutal assault on a school girl. Working their cases separately, they must uncover the truth of the crimes and ensure justice is served.

Another enjoyable murder mystery, with real stories of Kate Cocks’ life and experiences woven within the book. Sequels are generally tough, but this one continues to move the characters stories forward. The history embedded within the book of a time long ago was also well done. Looking forward to the next outing for these police officers.

[SelfDeveloper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Likes-
I liked the local historical factor. I liked the way the author wrote, never too obvious, never too boring, nor too complicated. I found it very well balanced. The characters were rich, the plot was also well balanced. I liked the strong female leads and feminist undertones. I liked that so much of it was based on real events and I learnt lots in the process of reading it.

Dislikes-
It is difficult to find fault in the book to be honest. Personally it isn’t a genre i think i’d like to explore much further, not a great fan of the police or crime aspect. Not even a big fan of history really so credit to the author for making a book in the genre that can be enjoyed even by someone like me.

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has already been published in Australia and New Zealand

Set during WWI Katie Cocks and Ethel continue their exploits in the Women’s Police Branch of the South Australian Police Force.

This book focuses more on Ethel as she is seconded to the detective branch. Katie of course continues to help the needy and also has her own investigation under way.

This series is so good. I can’t wait for the next one.

Thank you Lainie for setting a book in the wonderful city of Adelaide.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story set in Victorian Adelaide. Victorian attitudes with futuristic improvement to society lurking in the corners! Such as understanding of returned solders pain.
The historical information adds much enjoyment while reading this engaging murder mystery. Kate Cocks & Ethel Bromley, Women Police Officers of 1917, have much work to do protecting the women of Adelaide.

[Kathy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable read. Once again I enjoyed this murder mystery set in Adelaide during the First World War. Love the characters Kate Cocks and Ethel and all the tidbits of local history of the time. Growing up in Adelaide and now living in the Copper Coast all the places mentioned are so real to me.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable and so very Adelaide, with a solid plot using WWI as an interesting setting even if it was a touch predictable.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can see why people enjoyed this book. It's got good character development, but is very slow paced. I wouldn't call it a murder mystery, more of a "a day in the life of" sort of book. Honestly, I found it rather boring