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Dawn Grave #6
Grave Risk
She has millions of online follows. And every single one of them is a witness…
Mega superstar Brooke Rendall dies on screen. And the internet explodes. Scenarios and conspiracy theories are flooding social media, forcing Detective Dawn Grave to fly into croc-infested tropical North Australia to investigate.
Dawn isn’t a fan of heavily dramatized so-called reality shows, but as she sifts through the evidence, she realises differentiating fact from fiction isn’t going to be easy.
When the victim’s death is confirmed as suspicious, Dawn realises she has more than mosquitos, wildlife, and oppressive humidity to deal with. Now thousands of fans are flocking into the remote location, interfering with evidence and hampering the investigation.
But when another body is found, Dawn is left wondering if Brooke was the intended victim or bait…
Mega superstar Brooke Rendall dies on screen. And the internet explodes. Scenarios and conspiracy theories are flooding social media, forcing Detective Dawn Grave to fly into croc-infested tropical North Australia to investigate.
Dawn isn’t a fan of heavily dramatized so-called reality shows, but as she sifts through the evidence, she realises differentiating fact from fiction isn’t going to be easy.
When the victim’s death is confirmed as suspicious, Dawn realises she has more than mosquitos, wildlife, and oppressive humidity to deal with. Now thousands of fans are flocking into the remote location, interfering with evidence and hampering the investigation.
But when another body is found, Dawn is left wondering if Brooke was the intended victim or bait…
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2026
About the author
Fiona Tarr
42 books175 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
When a reality show becomes real.
Detectives Dawn Grave and Clint Ryan are faced with an unusual situation when they are sent to investigate a death in remote North Australia. A reality show superstar becomes a croc attack victim and recorded footage is published online, so proving that she was actually murdered will test the Detectives' investigative skills. Multiple suspects with motives complicate the matter and then a second death muddies the water further, so Dawn and Clint must determine whether more than one murderer is responsible. As usual, this author weaves many twists and turns within the story and leaves you guessing at the truth. Clint will win your heart yet again by allowing Dawn to lead the investigation but asserts himself when necessary and there is one scene that will have you on the edge of your seat when Clint's life is at risk. The truth of both deaths will surprise you when it is uncovered and then we are left with a thread for Dawn to follow into her brother's cold case. So now I am already looking forward to book 7 in this series.
Detectives Dawn Grave and Clint Ryan are faced with an unusual situation when they are sent to investigate a death in remote North Australia. A reality show superstar becomes a croc attack victim and recorded footage is published online, so proving that she was actually murdered will test the Detectives' investigative skills. Multiple suspects with motives complicate the matter and then a second death muddies the water further, so Dawn and Clint must determine whether more than one murderer is responsible. As usual, this author weaves many twists and turns within the story and leaves you guessing at the truth. Clint will win your heart yet again by allowing Dawn to lead the investigation but asserts himself when necessary and there is one scene that will have you on the edge of your seat when Clint's life is at risk. The truth of both deaths will surprise you when it is uncovered and then we are left with a thread for Dawn to follow into her brother's cold case. So now I am already looking forward to book 7 in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 6 on the Detective Dawn Grave series and for me the best yet!
I particularly like the writers style in describing the environment, you feel the oppression of FNQ heat and the sweat trickling down your back as you read.
Dawn and partner Clint Ryan are called to the set of a reality TV show where celebrities are pitted against each other in extreme conditions. Influencer Brook Rendell was taken by a croc during filming but when her body is found upriver, it is obvious that after escaping the croc she met a more deadly foe.
The cast are all spoil and very wealthy so not the most cooperative lot.
When a 2nd body is discovered killed right under their nose’s things really hot up.
As always there is the undercurrent of Dawn trying to get to the bottom of her brothers murder, so discovering the not so cooperative sergeant at the local police station was serving in Cooktown at the time of his death is playing on her mind as well.
If you have not read the previous books in the series I recommend you do , they are all good reads and will enhance your enjoyment of this volume.
I particularly like the writers style in describing the environment, you feel the oppression of FNQ heat and the sweat trickling down your back as you read.
Dawn and partner Clint Ryan are called to the set of a reality TV show where celebrities are pitted against each other in extreme conditions. Influencer Brook Rendell was taken by a croc during filming but when her body is found upriver, it is obvious that after escaping the croc she met a more deadly foe.
The cast are all spoil and very wealthy so not the most cooperative lot.
When a 2nd body is discovered killed right under their nose’s things really hot up.
As always there is the undercurrent of Dawn trying to get to the bottom of her brothers murder, so discovering the not so cooperative sergeant at the local police station was serving in Cooktown at the time of his death is playing on her mind as well.
If you have not read the previous books in the series I recommend you do , they are all good reads and will enhance your enjoyment of this volume.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book grabbed me from the very beginning and kept me guessing until the very end!
Detectives Dawn Grave and Clint Ryan are sent to remote North Queensland after a reality-show superstar is apparently killed in a terrifying crocodile attack—and the cameras captured it all. But what looks like a tragic accident soon becomes a murder investigation filled with secrets, grudges, suspicious suspects, and plenty of twists.
I love the partnership between Dawn and Clint. Clint gives Dawn the freedom to lead while always stepping in when she needs him. One scene had me absolutely on the edge of my seat when Clint's life was in danger!
The twists kept coming, and the truth behind the deaths completely surprised me. And I loved that the ending leaves Dawn with another clue to follow in her brother's cold case.
Another fantastic addition to the series! Definitely a don't-miss read for mystery lovers!
Detectives Dawn Grave and Clint Ryan are sent to remote North Queensland after a reality-show superstar is apparently killed in a terrifying crocodile attack—and the cameras captured it all. But what looks like a tragic accident soon becomes a murder investigation filled with secrets, grudges, suspicious suspects, and plenty of twists.
I love the partnership between Dawn and Clint. Clint gives Dawn the freedom to lead while always stepping in when she needs him. One scene had me absolutely on the edge of my seat when Clint's life was in danger!
The twists kept coming, and the truth behind the deaths completely surprised me. And I loved that the ending leaves Dawn with another clue to follow in her brother's cold case.
Another fantastic addition to the series! Definitely a don't-miss read for mystery lovers!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great book in the series, and probably my favourite so far. I really enjoy seeing all the regular characters develop as the series continues, and I particularly enjoyed watching Dawn and Clint’s relationship grow.
There are quite a lot of characters introduced in this one, so I did find it a little difficult to keep track of who was who at the beginning. Once I got everyone straight, though, I really enjoyed the story.
The descriptive settings are another highlight for me. Fiona Tarr does such a great job of bringing the locations to life that I often feel like I’m right there in the story. I also really enjoyed the scary moments involving the Australian wildlife - definitely a reminder that the wildlife can be just as dangerous as the criminals!
Another engaging mystery with characters I’ve come to really enjoy. I’m already looking forward to the next one!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
There are quite a lot of characters introduced in this one, so I did find it a little difficult to keep track of who was who at the beginning. Once I got everyone straight, though, I really enjoyed the story.
The descriptive settings are another highlight for me. Fiona Tarr does such a great job of bringing the locations to life that I often feel like I’m right there in the story. I also really enjoyed the scary moments involving the Australian wildlife - definitely a reminder that the wildlife can be just as dangerous as the criminals!
Another engaging mystery with characters I’ve come to really enjoy. I’m already looking forward to the next one!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
September 6, 2026
Good mystery but needs editing.
I’ve enjoyed all these mysteries but they do need a good editor. There’s lots of extraneous info that slows the pacing down and it gets tedious to read. Every movement is recorded when it’s not necessary.
…He isn’t.’ Ryan slammed his door, slipped his belt on and reached forward to hit the lights and sirens…
Ryan slammed his door and hit the lights and sirens.
And if “her partner” was used one more time—I thought I’d scream. His name is Ryan. Use it or he.
Typos like who’s instead of whose. Lack of capital letters on Constable and the like. And no commas before names or when there is speech.
‘That’s okay, Sergeant,’ he said.
Not: ‘That’s okay sergeant.’ He said.
I do like the characters and the setting. The inclusion of First Nations culture and portrayal is excellent. The mystery was good and I don’t work out who the culprit was.
I’ve enjoyed all these mysteries but they do need a good editor. There’s lots of extraneous info that slows the pacing down and it gets tedious to read. Every movement is recorded when it’s not necessary.
…He isn’t.’ Ryan slammed his door, slipped his belt on and reached forward to hit the lights and sirens…
Ryan slammed his door and hit the lights and sirens.
And if “her partner” was used one more time—I thought I’d scream. His name is Ryan. Use it or he.
Typos like who’s instead of whose. Lack of capital letters on Constable and the like. And no commas before names or when there is speech.
‘That’s okay, Sergeant,’ he said.
Not: ‘That’s okay sergeant.’ He said.
I do like the characters and the setting. The inclusion of First Nations culture and portrayal is excellent. The mystery was good and I don’t work out who the culprit was.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great addition to the Dawn Grave series.
When a "mega celebrity" is killed Dawn and Ryan are called to investigate on a crocodile infested film set, egos deadlines will not be allowed to interfere with the investigation Fiona is an awesome author so this is not sterio typed cosy mystery but gritty page turning addictive reading. As well as great characters you will find a great storyline that's not predictable but definitely captivating.
They are filming a celebrity survival style show so it's design to set them against each other as that's good for the ratings to grow, Fiona does realist so that's what you get. So with it hero Dawn asks not going to let that happer or mislead her investigation so you get realism with great storytelling and I loved it
So I highly recommend this to you and hope you love it as much as i have.
When a "mega celebrity" is killed Dawn and Ryan are called to investigate on a crocodile infested film set, egos deadlines will not be allowed to interfere with the investigation Fiona is an awesome author so this is not sterio typed cosy mystery but gritty page turning addictive reading. As well as great characters you will find a great storyline that's not predictable but definitely captivating.
They are filming a celebrity survival style show so it's design to set them against each other as that's good for the ratings to grow, Fiona does realist so that's what you get. So with it hero Dawn asks not going to let that happer or mislead her investigation so you get realism with great storytelling and I loved it
So I highly recommend this to you and hope you love it as much as i have.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fiona Tarrs Dawn Graves series hits a new high with 'Grave Risk'. A group of celebrities have been recruited for a reality competition show set in dangerous,steamy north Queensland and things get a little too real. You know it's unscripted when the biggest star on the show is attacked by a huge croc and dragged away. And the cameras were already rolling, so why wouldn't one of the crew upload it to the net 'for ratings'?
Dawn and Ryan are dispatched to the back end of nowhere to investigate what happened, and all is not as it appears.
There's a great pool of suspects, who each have a grudge, they all seem rich enough to not murder for money, the local guide keeps vanishing, possible crocodile poachers?, eco tourists, no Internet or phone access, and the local understaffed police station is run by a nightmare from Dawns past.
This definitely a "don't miss" new release.
Dawn and Ryan are dispatched to the back end of nowhere to investigate what happened, and all is not as it appears.
There's a great pool of suspects, who each have a grudge, they all seem rich enough to not murder for money, the local guide keeps vanishing, possible crocodile poachers?, eco tourists, no Internet or phone access, and the local understaffed police station is run by a nightmare from Dawns past.
This definitely a "don't miss" new release.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another interesting story set in steamy Northern Queensland.
Dawn Grave and her partner Clint Ryan are sent to the set of a reality TV show in a remote outback area of Queensland, after one of the stars tragically dies. Was it an unfortunate accident or murder? Forensic scientist, Tammy Gleeson, says murder.
When another member of the cast is murdered, Dawn and Ryan have their work cut out trying to find out who killed the two people. There are false leads, plenty of people who have reasons to not like either person, but there does not seem to be a link between the two for murder.
I love the Dawn Grave stories and this one is well worth reading.
Thank you to the author Fiona Tarr for such an interesting book.
Dawn Grave and her partner Clint Ryan are sent to the set of a reality TV show in a remote outback area of Queensland, after one of the stars tragically dies. Was it an unfortunate accident or murder? Forensic scientist, Tammy Gleeson, says murder.
When another member of the cast is murdered, Dawn and Ryan have their work cut out trying to find out who killed the two people. There are false leads, plenty of people who have reasons to not like either person, but there does not seem to be a link between the two for murder.
I love the Dawn Grave stories and this one is well worth reading.
Thank you to the author Fiona Tarr for such an interesting book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another winner in this series. Dawn is a strong detective sent to a filming location for a reality show. With limited communication resources and a cast of minor celebrities, Dawn and her partner Ryan face unusual challenges in solving a murder disguised as a crocodile attack. The cast and crew all seem to have motives to kill the victim. The tension mounts as more crimes are committed. Dawn makes little progress in her investigation of her brother's murder from 20 years ago. Ryan and Dawn work well together and consider informing their bosses of their personal relationship.
A good continuation of this series, hope to read more.
A good continuation of this series, hope to read more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book and think it's the best one yet. A real page-turner that takes you on a journey and completely draws you into the story. I was hooked from the very beginning.
Dawn and Clint are sent to investigate a suspicious death in crocodile country in Northern Queensland, but this is far from a quiet, sleepy place. The area has been invaded by the cast and crew of a reality TV series, with one of them ending up dead.
A fantastic read that kept me guessing right until the end. Full of suspense with plenty of twists, it's just fabulous. I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next one!
Dawn and Clint are sent to investigate a suspicious death in crocodile country in Northern Queensland, but this is far from a quiet, sleepy place. The area has been invaded by the cast and crew of a reality TV series, with one of them ending up dead.
A fantastic read that kept me guessing right until the end. Full of suspense with plenty of twists, it's just fabulous. I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once again, Fiona delivers a fantastic read in Book 6 of the Detective Dawn Grave series! Her vivid descriptions of the Far North Queensland heat, landscape, and atmosphere really bring the setting to life. With crocodile poachers adding an intriguing layer to the plot and a long list of suspects, the story is packed with action, suspense, and non-stop momentum—a true page-turner that I highly recommend. I love these outback investigative thrillers and can't wait for Book 7, especially with Dawn set to tackle her brother's cold case next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Good book. 2 well known personalities are found dead during a reality show filming and Detectives Dawn and Clint are sent to investigate. Things just don’t seem to be making sense. Everyone is a suspect. Evidence gets planted and/or disappears. Every time I thought I had figured it out, another twist, another suspect, and more questions.. Well written. The answer not evident until the end. I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well yet another great Aussie adventure where everything is trying to bite you and I am not just talking about the mosquitos! Love the balance of suspense, humour and fast paced by the seat of your pants action, with a healthy dose of romance to round off.
I love that the very real issues facing Australia are not glossed over, and that the new age of insta celebrity is shown in all its grubby detail for what it is. Will stop before I add a spoiler. Cannot wait for the next instalment.
I love that the very real issues facing Australia are not glossed over, and that the new age of insta celebrity is shown in all its grubby detail for what it is. Will stop before I add a spoiler. Cannot wait for the next instalment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another exciting investigation of a murder case. In the far outback of Australia, terrible things can happen, especially when wild life and reality shows meet. Money, jealousy, and outrageous characters fuel the complex investigation. Grave always comes through. Thoroughly enjoyed to novel. Still waiting to find out the final outcome of who was involved in the murder of Grave's brother Fraser. I look forward to the next one in the series.
September 29, 2026
Grave Risk: An Australian Small Town Crime Mystery (Dawn Grave Book 6), my eighteenth read from author Fiona Tarr. Tarr has become one of my go-to authors & Dawn Grave is Tarr's best character to date. “I received a complimentary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Next up is Grave Death (Dawn Grave #7). (RIP Marley, January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dawn and Ryan are trying to solve murders in the crocodile infested north Australia with the cast of a reality show as suspects. Crocodile poachers also play a part in the story. Lots of suspects to be investigated resulting in plenty of action and suspense. A page turning enjoyable read that I highly recommend. Bring on more investigative stories in the outback of Australia.
July 28, 2026
Once again from the first page you are hooked. Every page has a new twist and you have to keep reading. The suspense is real and makes you want more. Fiona Tarr writes a well written crime thriller that is set in Far North Queensland. Having travelled through this area it is very easy to see the country that she so aptly describes. Thanks Fiona can’t wait for Dawns next adventure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great story as usual from Fiona, her books are intriguing and keep you interested always twists and turns. I am hoping that Dawn and her partner Clint Ryan get it together and am looking forward to where their relationship is headed. I am curious who in the police force was involved in her brothers death. Can’t wait for the next book because as usual I am eager to read more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, what a mystery this book is. I truly enjoyed this one. At one point I wasn't sure how Dawn was going to solve this one. I was not prepared for the ending.
It's always a great thing to witness when Dawn puts people in their places and proves wrong some arrogant self involved people. It was a marvel.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's always a great thing to witness when Dawn puts people in their places and proves wrong some arrogant self involved people. It was a marvel.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 6, 2026
Another fantastic instalment in the Grave series, having been to Cape York myself the scenes involving crocodiles were enough to send shivers down your spine.
The plot kept me turning pages later than I should have and the imagery was perfect, I could almost feel the humidity through the pages. I’m already counting down until the next book in the series.
The plot kept me turning pages later than I should have and the imagery was perfect, I could almost feel the humidity through the pages. I’m already counting down until the next book in the series.
September 7, 2026
Couldn't put down
Brilliant love the series the chemistry between the characters, the humour and the way Fiona describes the scenes brings them to life. This was a complicated case for Grave and Ryan with lots of suspects that kept me reading all night to find out who did it.
Brilliant love the series the chemistry between the characters, the humour and the way Fiona describes the scenes brings them to life. This was a complicated case for Grave and Ryan with lots of suspects that kept me reading all night to find out who did it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another gripping story from Fiona Tarr in the Dawn Grave series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews