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Detective Jenny Williams #1
On Barren Ground
Not yet published
Expected 28 Feb 27A murder case she never should have taken…
Detective Jenny Williams left the Outback opal mining town of Coober Pedy for one very painful reason. Returning was never part of the plan.
But when a young woman is found dead, shot and dumped in the rubble of a demolished building, what Jenny wants no longer matters. Solving murders is her job and she’s bloody good at it. She owes it to the victim to bury the past and get on with it.
When a second body surfaces, the case begins to fall into place. But one piece of evidence in the rubble will bring her past tumbling down around her. Are these deaths linked to a cold case she thought unsolvable?
If they are, chasing down the killer out here is going to be one hell of a ride.
Detective Jenny Williams left the Outback opal mining town of Coober Pedy for one very painful reason. Returning was never part of the plan.
But when a young woman is found dead, shot and dumped in the rubble of a demolished building, what Jenny wants no longer matters. Solving murders is her job and she’s bloody good at it. She owes it to the victim to bury the past and get on with it.
When a second body surfaces, the case begins to fall into place. But one piece of evidence in the rubble will bring her past tumbling down around her. Are these deaths linked to a cold case she thought unsolvable?
If they are, chasing down the killer out here is going to be one hell of a ride.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 28, 2027
About the author
Fiona Tarr
40 books173 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 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jenny Williams is a force of nature.
Well this is another rollercoaster of a ride from one of my favorite authors and as usual, her descriptive writing of outback Australia immerses you into the story. We are gradually fed glimpses of past events which took place after the finale of the Opal Fields series and many questions are answered with regard to Jenny's career pathway.
After an absence of 5 years, Jenny slots back into life in Coober Pedy when she and her boss Jack Cunningham are sent to investigate the suspected murder of a young woman. Solving this case will test her skills as tension simmers beneath the surface everywhere and their investigation hits stumbling blocks at every turn. Then another body is found and Jenny's emotions are catapulted back into the painful past.
There is plenty of mystery and intrigue in this book, ensuring that the reader is never quite sure of the killer's identity as old faces surface and the AFP becomes involved. Powerful mining companies and corruption at high levels feature at the centre of this story but they are no match for Jenny's determination to uncover the truth. This new series promises to be a good one.
Well this is another rollercoaster of a ride from one of my favorite authors and as usual, her descriptive writing of outback Australia immerses you into the story. We are gradually fed glimpses of past events which took place after the finale of the Opal Fields series and many questions are answered with regard to Jenny's career pathway.
After an absence of 5 years, Jenny slots back into life in Coober Pedy when she and her boss Jack Cunningham are sent to investigate the suspected murder of a young woman. Solving this case will test her skills as tension simmers beneath the surface everywhere and their investigation hits stumbling blocks at every turn. Then another body is found and Jenny's emotions are catapulted back into the painful past.
There is plenty of mystery and intrigue in this book, ensuring that the reader is never quite sure of the killer's identity as old faces surface and the AFP becomes involved. Powerful mining companies and corruption at high levels feature at the centre of this story but they are no match for Jenny's determination to uncover the truth. This new series promises to be a good one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An Intense, Connected, and Unputdownable Instalment!
Fiona has absolutely outdone herself with this book! I was thrilled to see her masterfully connect everything from both the Opal Fields and Foxy Mysteries series.
Jenny "Murder Magnet" Williams is back in the blistering heat of Coober Pedy, but this time as a detective. While she is immediately thrown into yet another gripping murder investigation, the biggest payoff for long-time readers is that we seem to be getting some answers about what actually happened to her husband's station hand Ben also some answers involving her husband.
Reading this book was an absolute emotional rollercoaster. The writing is incredibly well-done, and the stakes feel way more intense than ever before. If you have been following these series, you cannot miss this instalment!
Fiona has absolutely outdone herself with this book! I was thrilled to see her masterfully connect everything from both the Opal Fields and Foxy Mysteries series.
Jenny "Murder Magnet" Williams is back in the blistering heat of Coober Pedy, but this time as a detective. While she is immediately thrown into yet another gripping murder investigation, the biggest payoff for long-time readers is that we seem to be getting some answers about what actually happened to her husband's station hand Ben also some answers involving her husband.
Reading this book was an absolute emotional rollercoaster. The writing is incredibly well-done, and the stakes feel way more intense than ever before. If you have been following these series, you cannot miss this instalment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fiona's books just get better and better! A fantastic start to the new 'Jenny' series! This book seamlessly transitions from the Opal Fields series, taking us right back into Jenny's world.
Jenny is now a detective and arrives back in Coober Pedy to investigate a suspicious death. She has been gone for five years, which immediately raises so many intriguing questions: what kept her away all this time, what is the situation with Nick?
I wasn't even a page into the book before I was totally engrossed in the storyline and desperate for answers. As I have come to expect from Fiona, the plot is exciting, moving, and packed with plenty of twists to keep you guessing until the very end.
I am really looking forward to following Jenny on all the adventures she has ahead of her. I am already excited for the next book!
Jenny is now a detective and arrives back in Coober Pedy to investigate a suspicious death. She has been gone for five years, which immediately raises so many intriguing questions: what kept her away all this time, what is the situation with Nick?
I wasn't even a page into the book before I was totally engrossed in the storyline and desperate for answers. As I have come to expect from Fiona, the plot is exciting, moving, and packed with plenty of twists to keep you guessing until the very end.
I am really looking forward to following Jenny on all the adventures she has ahead of her. I am already excited for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Characters from The Opal Field and Foxy Lady series come together in the first Detective Jenny Williams book.
5 years on from her marriage to Nick, Jenny is now Detective Seargent and is called to investigate the death of a teenage girl visiting the property Neighbouring Nicks property Williams Creek for Schoolies. But the investigation leads to links to the AFP investigation which Nick and station hand Bob had been working on.
Stonewalled by the wealthy owners of the property backed by Forsyth Mining and their high flying lawyer Jenny and partner Jack try to piece together the events leading to the girls murder.
With a lot going on this takes you on a fast pace ride. And an ending leaving you wanting the New Year and the next instalment to come soon.
5 years on from her marriage to Nick, Jenny is now Detective Seargent and is called to investigate the death of a teenage girl visiting the property Neighbouring Nicks property Williams Creek for Schoolies. But the investigation leads to links to the AFP investigation which Nick and station hand Bob had been working on.
Stonewalled by the wealthy owners of the property backed by Forsyth Mining and their high flying lawyer Jenny and partner Jack try to piece together the events leading to the girls murder.
With a lot going on this takes you on a fast pace ride. And an ending leaving you wanting the New Year and the next instalment to come soon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jenny returns to Coober Pedy after 5 years to investigate a young girl's death. The story moves quickly, uncovering clues for an older murder as well as the girl's death. Jenny and her team face reluctant witnesses, political pressure and violence as they unravel the clues.
Jenny is welcomed back by her many friends. The characters are well written and each has his or her own voice.
Many twists in the mystery make this am enjoyable read in the outback.
Jenny is welcomed back by her many friends. The characters are well written and each has his or her own voice.
Many twists in the mystery make this am enjoyable read in the outback.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well the Nick issue hmmmm
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews




