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Opal Fields #8
Her Stowed Bones
Jenny Williams never set out to be an outback cop. It just happened.
Now she’s juggling her career, her wedding plans and a pending Christmas visit from her parents. All while her fiancé Nick plays amateur sleuth to uncover a mining company scheme to force farmers from their land.
She’s almost relieved to attend a routine traffic incident. It seems like a walk in the park. But it quickly becomes compilated when the intoxicated driver abandons the scene, leaving Jenny literally holding the baby. She’s sure the situation can’t get any worse.
Until she opens the boot to reveal a dead woman, bound and gagged, with injuries that have nothing to do with a car crash...
Now she’s juggling her career, her wedding plans and a pending Christmas visit from her parents. All while her fiancé Nick plays amateur sleuth to uncover a mining company scheme to force farmers from their land.
She’s almost relieved to attend a routine traffic incident. It seems like a walk in the park. But it quickly becomes compilated when the intoxicated driver abandons the scene, leaving Jenny literally holding the baby. She’s sure the situation can’t get any worse.
Until she opens the boot to reveal a dead woman, bound and gagged, with injuries that have nothing to do with a car crash...
323 pages, Paperback
Published November 24, 2025
172 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Tarr
46 books133 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_...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 17, 2025
Jenny Williams never set out to be an outback cop. It just happened.
Now she’s juggling her career, her wedding plans and a pending Christmas visit from her parents. All while her fiancé Nick plays amateur sleuth to uncover a mining company scheme to force farmers from their land.
She’s almost relieved to attend a routine traffic incident. It seems like a walk in the park. But it quickly becomes complicated when the intoxicated driver abandons the scene, leaving Jenny literally holding the baby. She’s sure the situation can’t get any worse.
Until she opens the boot to reveal a dead woman, bound and gagged, with injuries that have nothing to do with a car crash...
Jenny's life is a juggling act between her personal and professional life, which is just a fancy way of saying she's a hot mess. This narrative is like a wild goose chase, full of mystery and intrigue, and just when you think you've got it figured out, BAM, a twist comes out of nowhere. I was so hooked that I read the whole thing in one sitting, and let me tell you, my bladder was not happy about it. As a huge fan of this series, I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good whodunit. Fiona has done it again, folks. This latest mystery is like a big ol' puzzle, and I'm already itching for the next piece.
Now she’s juggling her career, her wedding plans and a pending Christmas visit from her parents. All while her fiancé Nick plays amateur sleuth to uncover a mining company scheme to force farmers from their land.
She’s almost relieved to attend a routine traffic incident. It seems like a walk in the park. But it quickly becomes complicated when the intoxicated driver abandons the scene, leaving Jenny literally holding the baby. She’s sure the situation can’t get any worse.
Until she opens the boot to reveal a dead woman, bound and gagged, with injuries that have nothing to do with a car crash...
Jenny's life is a juggling act between her personal and professional life, which is just a fancy way of saying she's a hot mess. This narrative is like a wild goose chase, full of mystery and intrigue, and just when you think you've got it figured out, BAM, a twist comes out of nowhere. I was so hooked that I read the whole thing in one sitting, and let me tell you, my bladder was not happy about it. As a huge fan of this series, I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good whodunit. Fiona has done it again, folks. This latest mystery is like a big ol' puzzle, and I'm already itching for the next piece.
December 6, 2025
Didn't see that !!!
Well that really kept me reading thorough the night, all the usual characters with what starts with Jenny off duty trying to defuse an incident in street involving a drunk female driver who vanished leaving a toddler in rear seat and on opening the boot finding a dead body. The twists and turns that follow with illegal workers and casinos, intimidation and missing witnesses. Brilliant read roll on book 9.
Well that really kept me reading thorough the night, all the usual characters with what starts with Jenny off duty trying to defuse an incident in street involving a drunk female driver who vanished leaving a toddler in rear seat and on opening the boot finding a dead body. The twists and turns that follow with illegal workers and casinos, intimidation and missing witnesses. Brilliant read roll on book 9.
November 17, 2025
The escapades of our favorite constable, Jenny Williams return. This time with a mystery like no other. Building from past mysteries some questions gets answers and some don't and new ones arise but that doesn't dull the book at all. I truly enjoyed reading this book.
November 29, 2025
Now she’s juggling her career, her wedding plans and a pending Christmas visit from her parents. All while her fiancé Nick plays amateur sleuth to uncover a mining company scheme to force farmers from their land.
She’s almost relieved to attend a routine traffic incident. It seems like a walk in the park. But it quickly becomes complicated when the intoxicated driver abandons the scene, leaving Jenny literally holding the baby. She’s sure the situation can’t get any worse.
Until she opens the boot to reveal a dead woman, bound and gagged, with injuries that have nothing to do with a car crash.
A mystery strange things keep happening will it end.
Will the case get solved and things get back to normal.
She’s almost relieved to attend a routine traffic incident. It seems like a walk in the park. But it quickly becomes complicated when the intoxicated driver abandons the scene, leaving Jenny literally holding the baby. She’s sure the situation can’t get any worse.
Until she opens the boot to reveal a dead woman, bound and gagged, with injuries that have nothing to do with a car crash.
A mystery strange things keep happening will it end.
Will the case get solved and things get back to normal.
December 1, 2025
Jenny Williams a cop in the outback had another dead body to deal with, they seem to find her but she's seems to find the murderers so it's a good match.
This may be book 8 in the series but if you've not read the others that you can still enjoy this one but the others and excellent so why not read them all, that's my advice as I've loved them all and this one is a i said is excellent as well. the body of a young woman is found in the boot of a drunk drivers car and things get even messier when a young child (alive) is also found in the backseat when they lose the driver, but careless. The team have their work cut out sorting this one out and being a small town in the Australian outback there are connections that can hinder the investigation.
Fiona is a great story teller and her characters are also convincing as in believable as well as interesting, like the storylines no boring pages or fill in pages, each one as engrossing as the next. There are back storylines that add to the plot and experience rather than detract as some authors have been know to do. All in all this is a great read and very much advised in my opinion. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Another excellent novel. from Fiona.
This may be book 8 in the series but if you've not read the others that you can still enjoy this one but the others and excellent so why not read them all, that's my advice as I've loved them all and this one is a i said is excellent as well. the body of a young woman is found in the boot of a drunk drivers car and things get even messier when a young child (alive) is also found in the backseat when they lose the driver, but careless. The team have their work cut out sorting this one out and being a small town in the Australian outback there are connections that can hinder the investigation.
Fiona is a great story teller and her characters are also convincing as in believable as well as interesting, like the storylines no boring pages or fill in pages, each one as engrossing as the next. There are back storylines that add to the plot and experience rather than detract as some authors have been know to do. All in all this is a great read and very much advised in my opinion. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Another excellent novel. from Fiona.
December 2, 2025
Another awesome continuation of the series. I love these books as Jenny Williams is a likable character and these murder mysteries have a surprise twist. I have book #9 pre-ordered. Apparently the release date of this next book is August 2026 rather than late 2025 as stated at the end of Her Stowed Bones. An extra year? Ugh!
If you like this series, I recommend you join Jenny Williams in Tarr's other series, Foxy Mysteries.
If you like this series, I recommend you join Jenny Williams in Tarr's other series, Foxy Mysteries.
November 29, 2025
Fiona Tarr has done it again with Her Stowed Bones. Another crime thriller set in the outback town of Coober Pedy where Jenny and the team solve yet another murder. This book is a great read and a page turner.
November 25, 2025
Another great story in the Opal Fields series.
November 23, 2025
Fiona mined gems with this one. If you're looking for a female driven mystery,this is for you. Jenny Williams is strong, relatable and will solve the case. This is part of a series but can be read alone, be warned you will want to read the entire series!
November 25, 2025
This series just keeps getting better and better, keeping my fingers crossed all settles down soon for this great couple.
November 15, 2025
Her Stowed Bones" is the latest entry of Fiona Tarrs Opal Fields series. It's December in Coober Pedy, but that means sweat, and not snow.
Constable Jenny Williams is called out to a road traffic accident. One of the drivers is high or drunk and runs off. When Jenny checks the car, she finds a baby in the back who the woman has now abandoned, and the surprises aren't over yet.
This is a twisty police investigation involving murder, high level corruption, lots of secrets, and the auburn haired cop who is determined to solve the case.
Penny is back, of course, and Nellie has completed police training and joins the crew. Gwen is very Gwen, but thankfully, not showing up too often this time.
Another entertaining read in the series
Constable Jenny Williams is called out to a road traffic accident. One of the drivers is high or drunk and runs off. When Jenny checks the car, she finds a baby in the back who the woman has now abandoned, and the surprises aren't over yet.
This is a twisty police investigation involving murder, high level corruption, lots of secrets, and the auburn haired cop who is determined to solve the case.
Penny is back, of course, and Nellie has completed police training and joins the crew. Gwen is very Gwen, but thankfully, not showing up too often this time.
Another entertaining read in the series
November 15, 2025
Another page turner from Fiona. I was really looking forward to this book, and it did not disappoint -I was hooked from the very first sentence. Jenny is looking forward to spending time with Nick and her family over the Christmas period, but a routine RTA quickly turns into something more sinister when a body is discovered in the boot of the car. Who is the deceased? and could Nick be connected in some way?
Once again Jenny is having to walk a fine line between her personal and professional life, creating tension and suspense. The story takes you on a journey of mystery and intrigued with a really brilliant twist that you don’t see coming. I couldn’t stop reading until the end, there is no putting this book down to finish the next day. I love this series and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys gripping crime fiction. Fiona has done it again
Once again Jenny is having to walk a fine line between her personal and professional life, creating tension and suspense. The story takes you on a journey of mystery and intrigued with a really brilliant twist that you don’t see coming. I couldn’t stop reading until the end, there is no putting this book down to finish the next day. I love this series and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys gripping crime fiction. Fiona has done it again
December 3, 2025
Her Stowed Bones: An Australian Outback Crime Mystery Thriller (Opal Fields Book 8), my sixteenth read from author Fiona Tarr. Enjoyable mystery carrying over from the first seven books. Tarr has become one of my go-to authors & I look to read every one of her books as they're released! “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. I look forward to more from this author with Grave Catch: An Australian Small Town Crime Mystery (Dawn Grave Book 5) due out on May 31, 2026 & Death Beneath the Covers: A Crime Fiction Mystery Romantic Suspense Novel (Foxy Mysteries Book 1) high on my TBR list. Her Stolen Bones: An Australian Outback Crime Mystery Thriller (Opal Fields Book 9) the next book in this series is due out in August of next year. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
December 1, 2025
Another rollercoaster of a journey as outback cop Jenny Williams seems to attract trouble like nectar attracts bees,landing her the moniker 'murder magnet'. While planning her upcoming wedding should be a priority this is interrupted by murder, corruption, illegal activities linked to a union and abduction attempts. This leaves her fiance`Nick most unhappy although he is harbouring his own secrets and has been unusually cagey about recent events near his property and the continued AFP involvement.
Fiona has created great characters that continue to engage and each read leaves you feeling you know them as well as you would a family member.
I read this in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down!
Fiona has created great characters that continue to engage and each read leaves you feeling you know them as well as you would a family member.
I read this in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down!
December 2, 2025
Murder and mayhem in the dusty outback.
Well this story has all the twists and turns that you’d expect in this series – I just had to read it in one sitting. Jenny is up to her ears dealing with illegal immigrants, clandestine gambling, bad guys tied to the workers union and of course she has a murder to solve, with links to all three issues. Throw in the pressure of planning her wedding to Nick, plus a visit from her family for Christmas and you have the usual chaos and mayhem that surrounds Jenny Williams. All the usual side characters add depth to this original storyline, especially her sidekick Penny from Adelaide. Only one more book to complete this series and I am anxious to see where it leads for Jenny.
Well this story has all the twists and turns that you’d expect in this series – I just had to read it in one sitting. Jenny is up to her ears dealing with illegal immigrants, clandestine gambling, bad guys tied to the workers union and of course she has a murder to solve, with links to all three issues. Throw in the pressure of planning her wedding to Nick, plus a visit from her family for Christmas and you have the usual chaos and mayhem that surrounds Jenny Williams. All the usual side characters add depth to this original storyline, especially her sidekick Penny from Adelaide. Only one more book to complete this series and I am anxious to see where it leads for Jenny.
November 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this latest instalment in the series. It was especially good to see Nellie stepping into a bigger role this time. I liked her development and the extra depth it brought to the storyline.
It was also nice to have more of Jenny’s family involved, even if her parents didn't play as big a part as I thought they may have. The mix of familiar faces and new characters worked really well.
As always, there were plenty of twists to keep things interesting. This was a really enjoyable read and a great continuation to the series.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
It was also nice to have more of Jenny’s family involved, even if her parents didn't play as big a part as I thought they may have. The mix of familiar faces and new characters worked really well.
As always, there were plenty of twists to keep things interesting. This was a really enjoyable read and a great continuation to the series.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
November 26, 2025
This series just gets better and better, and I found this even harder to put down that the previous books.
When constable Jenny Williams investigates a drunk driver, she gets more than she bargained for with a mutilated body in the car boot and a missing toddler.
The driver, the child's mother refuses to speak until her child is found, and so opens up a web of intrigue involving a powerful union boss, illegal gambling and illegal immigrant workers.
All this whilst trying to plan Christmas with her family and her wedding to Nick down the track is giving Jenny more than headaches
When constable Jenny Williams investigates a drunk driver, she gets more than she bargained for with a mutilated body in the car boot and a missing toddler.
The driver, the child's mother refuses to speak until her child is found, and so opens up a web of intrigue involving a powerful union boss, illegal gambling and illegal immigrant workers.
All this whilst trying to plan Christmas with her family and her wedding to Nick down the track is giving Jenny more than headaches
November 30, 2025
I love all things Fiona Tarr, and this does not disappoint; this is book eight in The Opal Fields series. Constable Jenny Williams is the Murder Magnet in the town of Coober Pedy. She is called to a routine traffic stop, the driver Tanya is drunk or high, and their is a baby in the back seat that is not secured! She finds a dead body in the boot (trunk). Who, what, where, when why, and how? The body is not part of the crash. Their is more going on than meets the eye!! Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Fiona Tarr!!!
December 27, 2025
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book, and unfortunately in my opinion didn't quite hit the mark compared to others in the series.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous opal fields books with well developed characters and storyline, but this one felt to jump around a bit, and felt a bit forced.
normally I devour fionas books, but this one was a struggle to complete.
predicting a spin off with Nellie given the main character vibes that were being pushed through this book.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous opal fields books with well developed characters and storyline, but this one felt to jump around a bit, and felt a bit forced.
normally I devour fionas books, but this one was a struggle to complete.
predicting a spin off with Nellie given the main character vibes that were being pushed through this book.
November 16, 2025
Another wonderful, interesting, page-turning story about Constable Jenny Williams, her friends and colleagues, in the outback town of Coober Pedy in Australia.
The story continues with Nick and Jenny planning their wedding. However, Jenny is consumed with a new case with involves Nick's foreman Ben. Is Ben good or evil? Nick trusts him. Why can't she?
This story also brings Jenny's family to Coober Pedy to celebrate Christmas.
I loved this book and recommend it.
The story continues with Nick and Jenny planning their wedding. However, Jenny is consumed with a new case with involves Nick's foreman Ben. Is Ben good or evil? Nick trusts him. Why can't she?
This story also brings Jenny's family to Coober Pedy to celebrate Christmas.
I loved this book and recommend it.
November 25, 2025
An Australian murder mystery with a well written storyline, a cast of outstanding characters, and a great location. A page turning story with plenty of action, intrigue, and a final unpredictable conclusion. Constable Jenny Williams always seems to have a conflict between her job and her social life. A very enjoyable read that I highly recommend. An excellent series that takes place in the Australian outback.
November 16, 2025
Another fab mystery by Fiona Tarr building on some past mysteries, with a hint that some happenings may pop up in a future story. Well written, it is obvious the author takes notice of her ARC team of proof readers. It's a shame that some otherwise great writers do not display the same level of care.
November 30, 2025
Excellent addition to this series. Jenny does a drunk driving stop and Tanya is in a mountain of trouble. In her car is her son and a dead body. Did she kill with her son there? Did he see anything? Can she prove her innocence? Jenny is on the case and she's tenacious. Great characters and visual descriptions.
December 4, 2025
I've loved this series from the very beginning and the latest offering does not disappoint. Yet another body turns up in the not so sleepy town of Coober Pedy and Jenny's detective skills are called back into action.
I enjoy the characters and their relationships to each other. The pace of the plot is fast paced and includes all the necessary twists and turns to make a good story.
I enjoy the characters and their relationships to each other. The pace of the plot is fast paced and includes all the necessary twists and turns to make a good story.
December 1, 2025
This book continues the series with new twists..An enjoyable series that I must read in one sitting...Recommend for everyone..Thanks Fiona!
December 19, 2025
Hard to put down
A car trunk with a body, expensive rings, expired passports, Illicit drugs, illegal gambling venues, coercion of locals and kidnapping make this a very good mystery.
A car trunk with a body, expensive rings, expired passports, Illicit drugs, illegal gambling venues, coercion of locals and kidnapping make this a very good mystery.
January 5, 2026
Not the greatest writing but I enjoy the setting in Coober Pedy and the characters.
January 15, 2026
I love this Australian police procedural series with personality. Her Stowed Bones, the 8 book in the Opal Fields series offers a perfect example of a series that pulls me back over and over. I love the relationships among the officers and their support system. Despite how serious the series is, every book offers lightness and humor to help balance out the sadness and unfairness that the team faces regularly.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews