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Detective Dave Burrows
Indigo Storm
When Ashleigh decides to flee her controlling husband, Dominic, she knows he'll hunt her down. The only way to escape is to disappear and reinvent herself.
Changing her name to Eliza and driving by night, she is drawn to the tiny rural town of Blinman. There she begins the long road to healing and regaining her self-confidence.
Then one day, on an excursion to a ruined homestead in the area, Eliza becomes fascinated by a family who lived there during the nineteenth century. But just as she begins to unlock the secrets of her own past, Dominic arrives in town, determined to punish her ...
With its fast-moving plot and nail-biting suspense, Indigo Storm is the story of a courageous woman fiercely determined to reclaim her life and her belief in herself.
Changing her name to Eliza and driving by night, she is drawn to the tiny rural town of Blinman. There she begins the long road to healing and regaining her self-confidence.
Then one day, on an excursion to a ruined homestead in the area, Eliza becomes fascinated by a family who lived there during the nineteenth century. But just as she begins to unlock the secrets of her own past, Dominic arrives in town, determined to punish her ...
With its fast-moving plot and nail-biting suspense, Indigo Storm is the story of a courageous woman fiercely determined to reclaim her life and her belief in herself.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2016
50 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Fleur McDonald
44 books532 followersAfter growing up on a farm near Orroroo in South Australia, Fleur McDonald’s first job was jillarooing in the outback. She has been involved in agriculture all her life, including helping manage a 8000-acre station for twenty years. Today Fleur and her energetic kelpie, Jack, live in Esperance, Western Australia,
Fleur is the author of 23 bestselling novels and two children's books.
Fleur chats about her daily writing life on her blog http://fleurmcdonald.com,
Facebook - Fleur McDonald Author
Instagram @fleurmcdonald
Tiktok @fleurmcdonaldauthor
Fleur is the author of 23 bestselling novels and two children's books.
Fleur chats about her daily writing life on her blog http://fleurmcdonald.com,
Facebook - Fleur McDonald Author
Instagram @fleurmcdonald
Tiktok @fleurmcdonaldauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 19, 2022
I really liked this book! Very much a lighter read to refresh my palate after many heavier items. I’ve been reading a lot about toxic masculinity (I don’t like using cliches, but this term seems to encompass it well). I didn’t really look at the blurb, but did notice the cover, and went with it as it had a girl with a rural landscape. I am guilty of generalising girls in Akubras and landscapes such as these as being rural romances, and this book reminded me I should not be judgemental in my bookish ways.
Ashleigh is an orphan, was abandoned at birth and left at a church. This is all she knows. Her husband Dominic knows this too and relies on her lack of family to keep her as his ‘property’. He is a manipulator, violent and a nasty piece of work. He is corrupt and seems to have everyone as part of his dark network.
Ashleigh quickly refuses to be used like this, and immediately starts to plan her escape, saving money frugally from housekeeping (this idea always makes my blood boil). The woman given an allowance by the controlling husband. She also had to give up work; she had been a gifted schoolteacher.
So, make her escape she does, ending up in a lovely rural town after she has a car accident, quickly being accepted into the rural community. These stories are quite neat and tidy, but I think they have their place, and I was so relieved to be listening to an easy story.
Ashleigh quickly discovers links to this part of Australia, and the descriptions of the harsh Australian climate were realistic and enjoyable. While the negative relationship between man and wife was certainly a part of this story, it did not take over, and the link between community and family and the notion of friendship was always there.
I will seek more romantic suspense stories and was pleased with my choice. It also is an effective way to churn through my TBR while choosing books on my physical shelf to listen to on audio which was deftly read by Anna Hruby. Recommended!
Ashleigh is an orphan, was abandoned at birth and left at a church. This is all she knows. Her husband Dominic knows this too and relies on her lack of family to keep her as his ‘property’. He is a manipulator, violent and a nasty piece of work. He is corrupt and seems to have everyone as part of his dark network.
Ashleigh quickly refuses to be used like this, and immediately starts to plan her escape, saving money frugally from housekeeping (this idea always makes my blood boil). The woman given an allowance by the controlling husband. She also had to give up work; she had been a gifted schoolteacher.
So, make her escape she does, ending up in a lovely rural town after she has a car accident, quickly being accepted into the rural community. These stories are quite neat and tidy, but I think they have their place, and I was so relieved to be listening to an easy story.
Ashleigh quickly discovers links to this part of Australia, and the descriptions of the harsh Australian climate were realistic and enjoyable. While the negative relationship between man and wife was certainly a part of this story, it did not take over, and the link between community and family and the notion of friendship was always there.
I will seek more romantic suspense stories and was pleased with my choice. It also is an effective way to churn through my TBR while choosing books on my physical shelf to listen to on audio which was deftly read by Anna Hruby. Recommended!
April 1, 2016
4.5 stars
Indigo Storm is a breath-holding romantic suspense. The reader is immediately thrown into Ashleigh’s traumatic life. He husband Dominic has become abusive and as his abuse escalates she feels she must get away from him but with no family or friends to turn to she must carefully plot and plan to one day start a new life.
Ashleigh changes her name to Eliza and flees to Blinman, a tiny rural town, and soon finds that family isn’t only the people related by blood. The residents of Blinman are like one big family.
Three different storylines weave together throughout the novel. Ashleigh’s quest for a new life and a place to belong, the allegations of animal poaching in the local national park and an underlying story of Ashleigh’s parentage.
An abusive relationship, blackmail and animal poaching make for a lively plot with plenty of drama and tension.
I came to love the little town of Blinman (it’s a real town and they really do have a cook out) and its residents that’s why I was a little bit shattered by the ending (no spoilers).
If you enjoy a well crafted romantic suspense with strong women and a true community feel you can’t go past Indigo Storm.
With my thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
Indigo Storm is a breath-holding romantic suspense. The reader is immediately thrown into Ashleigh’s traumatic life. He husband Dominic has become abusive and as his abuse escalates she feels she must get away from him but with no family or friends to turn to she must carefully plot and plan to one day start a new life.
Ashleigh changes her name to Eliza and flees to Blinman, a tiny rural town, and soon finds that family isn’t only the people related by blood. The residents of Blinman are like one big family.
Three different storylines weave together throughout the novel. Ashleigh’s quest for a new life and a place to belong, the allegations of animal poaching in the local national park and an underlying story of Ashleigh’s parentage.
An abusive relationship, blackmail and animal poaching make for a lively plot with plenty of drama and tension.
I came to love the little town of Blinman (it’s a real town and they really do have a cook out) and its residents that’s why I was a little bit shattered by the ending (no spoilers).
If you enjoy a well crafted romantic suspense with strong women and a true community feel you can’t go past Indigo Storm.
With my thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
March 22, 2016
When Ashleigh finally decided she would leave her dominating and cruel husband Dominic, she set a plan in motion. He was sly and sneaky; she had to do it right as she figured she’d only have one chance. Twelve months later she was close, but then the decision was made for her. When he stormed off to the pub after the vicious beating, she gathered her few possessions and fled her old life and her home in Jindabyne for good – Ashleigh had no idea where she would go, but she knew the further the better. He wouldn’t stop looking for her, and he’d kill her when he found her…
As she drove, she thought ahead to what she would do – she was Eliza now; she would change her looks and do everything to be unrecognisable. She remembered an article from a magazine she’d read – she’d felt the calm peacefulness shining from the page so decided there was as good a place as any; and headed to a small rural town called Blinman in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia.
After days of driving, Eliza arrived in Blinman and rented a room. It wasn’t too long and she was becoming friendly with the townsfolk especially Maureen (Reen to her friends) who owned the local café/gift shop. She also met Chris and his two young daughters Tilly and Heidi – she felt a sense of belonging which she hadn’t known before. Eliza felt she could heal in this peaceful place. But she kept her secrets close to her chest – she couldn’t risk anyone knowing who she really was.
But slowly, inevitably, things began to unravel. Dominic’s reach was long – would he find her? And what was happening in the National Park that had the police on edge? Would Eliza’s courage and determination fail her? She couldn’t go back to her old life – she’d rather be dead…
Wow! Deep and gripping suspense ripples through Aussie author Fleur McDonald’s latest romantic suspense novel, Indigo Storm. Domestic violence, crime and corruption laced this book, along with courage and hope, determination and a gently growing love – family isn’t always blood related. The author’s note at the end of the book is really interesting, telling about Blinman which is a township 511 kilometres north of Adelaide, plus other sites of interest which appear in Indigo Storm. This author continues to get better in my opinion, and I’ll be reading more of her work. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
As she drove, she thought ahead to what she would do – she was Eliza now; she would change her looks and do everything to be unrecognisable. She remembered an article from a magazine she’d read – she’d felt the calm peacefulness shining from the page so decided there was as good a place as any; and headed to a small rural town called Blinman in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia.
After days of driving, Eliza arrived in Blinman and rented a room. It wasn’t too long and she was becoming friendly with the townsfolk especially Maureen (Reen to her friends) who owned the local café/gift shop. She also met Chris and his two young daughters Tilly and Heidi – she felt a sense of belonging which she hadn’t known before. Eliza felt she could heal in this peaceful place. But she kept her secrets close to her chest – she couldn’t risk anyone knowing who she really was.
But slowly, inevitably, things began to unravel. Dominic’s reach was long – would he find her? And what was happening in the National Park that had the police on edge? Would Eliza’s courage and determination fail her? She couldn’t go back to her old life – she’d rather be dead…
Wow! Deep and gripping suspense ripples through Aussie author Fleur McDonald’s latest romantic suspense novel, Indigo Storm. Domestic violence, crime and corruption laced this book, along with courage and hope, determination and a gently growing love – family isn’t always blood related. The author’s note at the end of the book is really interesting, telling about Blinman which is a township 511 kilometres north of Adelaide, plus other sites of interest which appear in Indigo Storm. This author continues to get better in my opinion, and I’ll be reading more of her work. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
November 26, 2021
Review to follow.
March 25, 2016
I couldn't put this down. I bought it yesterday (24/3/16) and planned to read a bit before I went to sleep. Well, that plan failed.
I got so engrossed I just had to finish it! 3 hours later... *yawn*
Anyway, I won't spoil for anyone, but, I did thoroughly enjoy this, and would recommend it highly.
I liked the characters, and perhaps in the future, we might revisit Blinman and the characters within, to see how their stories develop. *hint*
Also, I may be a little bit in love with Dave Burrows...
I got so engrossed I just had to finish it! 3 hours later... *yawn*
Anyway, I won't spoil for anyone, but, I did thoroughly enjoy this, and would recommend it highly.
I liked the characters, and perhaps in the future, we might revisit Blinman and the characters within, to see how their stories develop. *hint*
Also, I may be a little bit in love with Dave Burrows...
May 16, 2016
The story begins with a tense scene of Ashleigh having a meal with her husband Dominic, giving you an insight of what her life is like living with an abusive husband.
After seeing an article in a magazine Ashleigh begins to plan her escape, meticulously covering every aspect before taking the brave step to flee.
Having changed her appearance, and with a new identity she finds herself in a tiny rural town called Blinman, a place she feels drawn to but doesn't know why, as she has no idea who she is or where she came from, being abandoned on the steps of a church as a baby, never knowing who her birth parents were.
The author's description of the town and it's people were so vivid I could feel myself there, I could feel the activity of the big cook out, and smell the smoke from the burning wood. Without giving out any spoilers, there was only one aspect about this book that disappointed me, the reason I am giving 4 instead of 5 stars.
This is the first book I have read by Fleur McDonald, and it certainly won't be my last, and would not hesitate to recommend this book.
After seeing an article in a magazine Ashleigh begins to plan her escape, meticulously covering every aspect before taking the brave step to flee.
Having changed her appearance, and with a new identity she finds herself in a tiny rural town called Blinman, a place she feels drawn to but doesn't know why, as she has no idea who she is or where she came from, being abandoned on the steps of a church as a baby, never knowing who her birth parents were.
The author's description of the town and it's people were so vivid I could feel myself there, I could feel the activity of the big cook out, and smell the smoke from the burning wood. Without giving out any spoilers, there was only one aspect about this book that disappointed me, the reason I am giving 4 instead of 5 stars.
This is the first book I have read by Fleur McDonald, and it certainly won't be my last, and would not hesitate to recommend this book.
March 17, 2017
Sapphire Falls was the first book I'd read in Fleur McDonald's popular rural fiction series and I was surprised at how much I loved it. I probably didn't enjoy Indigo Storm quite as much although McDonald definitely offered up some great characters.
Ashleigh / Eliza is a very likeable lead. I suspect McDonald was playing her cards close to her chest in terms of Eliza's affection and we weren't sure exactly who would win her heart (the old Chris vs Jacob conundrum). And of course, then there was Eliza's evil husband Dominic and the cop-in-his-pocket Simon... as well as a bunch of friendly locals.
Although I read most of this book in a sitting I didn't find the 'mystery' quite as gripping (as Sapphire Falls) and there were probably too many coincidences - something acknowledged by the characters and in the plot.
Having said that I enjoyed meeting Eliza and her 'growth' given the challenges she'd faced in the past. I probably would have liked to know a little more about her childhood and adolescence. And felt there might have been some gaps around Dominic's evilness, his business interests and his relationship with his sister - and wondered if this was addressed in a related book as is sometimes the case with series.
Oh and - for those who've read the book - I wasn't sure if the local rustler was the person who was getting messages to Simon and trying to protect Eliza. Did they know about her husband and who she was all along?
Ashleigh / Eliza is a very likeable lead. I suspect McDonald was playing her cards close to her chest in terms of Eliza's affection and we weren't sure exactly who would win her heart (the old Chris vs Jacob conundrum). And of course, then there was Eliza's evil husband Dominic and the cop-in-his-pocket Simon... as well as a bunch of friendly locals.
Although I read most of this book in a sitting I didn't find the 'mystery' quite as gripping (as Sapphire Falls) and there were probably too many coincidences - something acknowledged by the characters and in the plot.
Having said that I enjoyed meeting Eliza and her 'growth' given the challenges she'd faced in the past. I probably would have liked to know a little more about her childhood and adolescence. And felt there might have been some gaps around Dominic's evilness, his business interests and his relationship with his sister - and wondered if this was addressed in a related book as is sometimes the case with series.
Oh and - for those who've read the book - I wasn't sure if the local rustler was the person who was getting messages to Simon and trying to protect Eliza. Did they know about her husband and who she was all along?
August 25, 2016
Not long into reading the latest and seventh book from Australian author Fleur McDonald, it became apparent to me that this is an author that just keeps getting better with every new book she releases. Reviewing McDonald’s previous book Emerald Springs last year, I’m sure I stated it was her best yet, well again McDonald has served up an outback treat for her readers.
In Indigo Storm, drama is definitely the order of the day, from the opening page. McDonald’s protagonist is Ashleigh Alberto, a young woman who is the victim of an abusive relationship both physically and mentally at the hands of her husband, Dominic. Ashleigh doesn’t want to be the victim anymore and hatches an escape plan. She knows she cannot trust or gain the help of the townsfolk of Jindabyne, where she lives. Dominic is a manipulative man, who has the whole town wrapped around his finger. The reader quickly becomes immersed in Ashleigh’s escape, I know I was on tenterhooks for much of this section of the novel. Ashleigh makes as far as a small rural town of Blinman, when she has a pretty major car crash. In Blinman she finds a community that treats each other as family, a secure place to stay and employment. Not all the residents are won over by newcomer Ashleigh who is now assuming the identity of Eliza Norwood. Blinman’s resident detective has his reservations about Eliza’s sudden appearance in the town. Eliza’s arrival in Blinman coincides with a spate of wildlife poaching in the national park. Dave’s investigations eventually lead him to discover Eliza’s true identity and that her life may be in serious danger due to her violent ex.
Fleur McDonald amazes me yet again with this brilliant outback tale, combining abuse, outback crime, corruption, family and romance all within a spectacular rural setting. Ashleigh/Eliza is the type of character who readers will find easy to empathise with. Her plight echoes the silent voices of many victims of spousal abuse. McDonald handles this theme with the care, sensitivity and awareness raising it rightly deserves. The scenes involving Ashleigh’s escape and the time it takes for her to settle in Blinman, definitely had me resorting to biting my nails. McDonald knows how to evoke feelings of high tension in her romantic suspense novels. The romance side of this book is more of a side plot, it does not detract from the main plot which runs a number of stories. I found the story thread on wildlife poaching from national parks really engaged me, not knowing about this extent of this outback crime until reading Indigo Storm. The other story thread in this novel is based on Ashleigh/Eliza’s family background and parentage. This part did have me wondering about the coincidence side of this story, but I did not sway me from loving this novel. Readers will be sure to appreciate the authentic dialogue and interactions that occur between Ashleigh/Eliza and the residents of Blinman, they are quite a likeable bunch. I could also easily picture these realistic set of characters inhabiting the magnificent outback location of Blinman. McDonald draws on her expertise in the area of explaining outback settings, to give her readers a truly vivid picture of life in her rural South Australian backdrop, the setting for Indigo Storm.
If you enjoy outback stories that lean of the side of romance, suspense and intrigue, Fleur McDonald’s books are the way to go. Indigo Storm is another fantastic rural fiction novel from an author I never cease to recommend highly.
*This review also appears on my blog: https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com/
In Indigo Storm, drama is definitely the order of the day, from the opening page. McDonald’s protagonist is Ashleigh Alberto, a young woman who is the victim of an abusive relationship both physically and mentally at the hands of her husband, Dominic. Ashleigh doesn’t want to be the victim anymore and hatches an escape plan. She knows she cannot trust or gain the help of the townsfolk of Jindabyne, where she lives. Dominic is a manipulative man, who has the whole town wrapped around his finger. The reader quickly becomes immersed in Ashleigh’s escape, I know I was on tenterhooks for much of this section of the novel. Ashleigh makes as far as a small rural town of Blinman, when she has a pretty major car crash. In Blinman she finds a community that treats each other as family, a secure place to stay and employment. Not all the residents are won over by newcomer Ashleigh who is now assuming the identity of Eliza Norwood. Blinman’s resident detective has his reservations about Eliza’s sudden appearance in the town. Eliza’s arrival in Blinman coincides with a spate of wildlife poaching in the national park. Dave’s investigations eventually lead him to discover Eliza’s true identity and that her life may be in serious danger due to her violent ex.
Fleur McDonald amazes me yet again with this brilliant outback tale, combining abuse, outback crime, corruption, family and romance all within a spectacular rural setting. Ashleigh/Eliza is the type of character who readers will find easy to empathise with. Her plight echoes the silent voices of many victims of spousal abuse. McDonald handles this theme with the care, sensitivity and awareness raising it rightly deserves. The scenes involving Ashleigh’s escape and the time it takes for her to settle in Blinman, definitely had me resorting to biting my nails. McDonald knows how to evoke feelings of high tension in her romantic suspense novels. The romance side of this book is more of a side plot, it does not detract from the main plot which runs a number of stories. I found the story thread on wildlife poaching from national parks really engaged me, not knowing about this extent of this outback crime until reading Indigo Storm. The other story thread in this novel is based on Ashleigh/Eliza’s family background and parentage. This part did have me wondering about the coincidence side of this story, but I did not sway me from loving this novel. Readers will be sure to appreciate the authentic dialogue and interactions that occur between Ashleigh/Eliza and the residents of Blinman, they are quite a likeable bunch. I could also easily picture these realistic set of characters inhabiting the magnificent outback location of Blinman. McDonald draws on her expertise in the area of explaining outback settings, to give her readers a truly vivid picture of life in her rural South Australian backdrop, the setting for Indigo Storm.
If you enjoy outback stories that lean of the side of romance, suspense and intrigue, Fleur McDonald’s books are the way to go. Indigo Storm is another fantastic rural fiction novel from an author I never cease to recommend highly.
*This review also appears on my blog: https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com/
December 18, 2017
Badly written, no character development, full of clichés. Can't believe this book has so many five stars.
April 25, 2021
Indigo Storm is about a woman with courage and determination and how a small community gave her strength. Ashleigh needs to get away from her controlling and abusive husband. However, Ashleigh knows that she needs to disappear; otherwise, her husband Dominic will find her. Ashleigh changed her name to Eliza and move to the small rural community of Blinman. The readers of Indigo Storm will continue to follow Ashleigh to find out what happens.
The more books I read of Fleur McDonald, the more I fall in love with her plots and characters. Indigo Storm continued my love affair with Fleur McDonald's books, and I could not put the book down until the last page. I love Fleur McDonald's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout the book. Indigo Storm is well written and researched by Fleur McDonald. I like the way Fleur McDonald describes the settings of Indigo Storm that allows me to imagine been part of the book's plot.
The readers of Indigo Storm will learn about how to survivor domestic violence and find love again. Also, the readers of Indigo Storm will learn about the importance of learning about your local community's history.
I recommend this book.
The more books I read of Fleur McDonald, the more I fall in love with her plots and characters. Indigo Storm continued my love affair with Fleur McDonald's books, and I could not put the book down until the last page. I love Fleur McDonald's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout the book. Indigo Storm is well written and researched by Fleur McDonald. I like the way Fleur McDonald describes the settings of Indigo Storm that allows me to imagine been part of the book's plot.
The readers of Indigo Storm will learn about how to survivor domestic violence and find love again. Also, the readers of Indigo Storm will learn about the importance of learning about your local community's history.
I recommend this book.
December 5, 2021
Trapped in a loveless and abusive marriage, Ashleigh knew she only had once chance of escaping. After a year saving and planning, she finally drives off in the middle of the night. From there, Ashleigh changes her appearance and name to Eliza.
Feeling drawn to the small town of Blinman, Eliza soon settles in and falls in love with the community. However, back in Jindabyne, her dangerous husband is still looking for her. And he won't stop until she is found...
Ｉｎｄｉｇｏ Ｓｔｏｒｍ is yet another novel that features Detective Dave Burrows. Whilst my favourite Detective doesn't turn up for a fair few chapters, there was more than enough to keep me reading! I really loved the supportive community of Blinman- the characters are very friendly and approachable. The subplot that brings Dave to Blinman in the first place is very interesting as well.
I have to say that this is my favourite Fleur McDonald novel to date.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Feeling drawn to the small town of Blinman, Eliza soon settles in and falls in love with the community. However, back in Jindabyne, her dangerous husband is still looking for her. And he won't stop until she is found...
Ｉｎｄｉｇｏ Ｓｔｏｒｍ is yet another novel that features Detective Dave Burrows. Whilst my favourite Detective doesn't turn up for a fair few chapters, there was more than enough to keep me reading! I really loved the supportive community of Blinman- the characters are very friendly and approachable. The subplot that brings Dave to Blinman in the first place is very interesting as well.
I have to say that this is my favourite Fleur McDonald novel to date.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
December 14, 2024
4.5 stars.
When Ashleigh decides to flee her controlling husband, Dominic, she knows he'll hunt her down. The only way to escape is to disappear and reinvent herself.
Ohh now I think this is my new favourite book of Fleur’s (which I have been saying constantly for the past few books)!
Again, this was a lot more enjoyable with Dave Burrows taking a more centre stage in the story with his personal life. But aside from that, I was fully invested in Ashleigh/Eliza’s story. The suspense that came with identity change just added that extra thrill to my reading experience.
I went through this in a day, listening to the audiobook that was again narrated well. Would recommend for a relatively quick, ‘easy’ (despite of the topic) crime drama listening.
See my bookstagram review.
When Ashleigh decides to flee her controlling husband, Dominic, she knows he'll hunt her down. The only way to escape is to disappear and reinvent herself.
Ohh now I think this is my new favourite book of Fleur’s (which I have been saying constantly for the past few books)!
Again, this was a lot more enjoyable with Dave Burrows taking a more centre stage in the story with his personal life. But aside from that, I was fully invested in Ashleigh/Eliza’s story. The suspense that came with identity change just added that extra thrill to my reading experience.
I went through this in a day, listening to the audiobook that was again narrated well. Would recommend for a relatively quick, ‘easy’ (despite of the topic) crime drama listening.
See my bookstagram review.
August 11, 2024
Ashleigh makes a plan to leave her violent husband and is drawn to a remote part of South Australia. Though she has made her escape, Ashleigh has no doubt that her husband Dominic will follow her, punish her or perhaps worse. She changes her appearance and settles into a small country community hoping against hope that her escape will change her life.
When it becomes evident that there is poaching of birds and animals in the National Park, Detective Dave Burrows becomes involved. Ashleigh's arrival in the district raises his suspicions and he doubts her innocence. Strange sightings and behaviours become suspect and Dave can see there is more to this than he can handle alone.
This is a very emotional story by Fleur McDonald. Though I loved it as I have all her books, this one about domestic violence and domination is, in places, a difficult read.
When it becomes evident that there is poaching of birds and animals in the National Park, Detective Dave Burrows becomes involved. Ashleigh's arrival in the district raises his suspicions and he doubts her innocence. Strange sightings and behaviours become suspect and Dave can see there is more to this than he can handle alone.
This is a very emotional story by Fleur McDonald. Though I loved it as I have all her books, this one about domestic violence and domination is, in places, a difficult read.
April 18, 2024
I bloody loved this Fleur McDonald book, after becoming obsessed with her books a few weeks ago this one didn’t disappoint. It pulled you and kept you there.
Well written about domestic violence well done in that regard.
I’ve been going into all Fleur books blind as I have just decided I liked it after reading Red Dust a few weeks ago and decided to marathon her work.
This one surprised me when it started in Jindabyne and I was at Jindabyne at the time, so it made me go oh cool! I was like omg I’m looking at lake Jindabyne! Was kinda cool 😎
I binged the shit out of this I loved it.
The Fleur McDonald Binge Fest continues!!!
Well written about domestic violence well done in that regard.
I’ve been going into all Fleur books blind as I have just decided I liked it after reading Red Dust a few weeks ago and decided to marathon her work.
This one surprised me when it started in Jindabyne and I was at Jindabyne at the time, so it made me go oh cool! I was like omg I’m looking at lake Jindabyne! Was kinda cool 😎
I binged the shit out of this I loved it.
The Fleur McDonald Binge Fest continues!!!
June 23, 2017
I like getting books from the local library and then to see Fleur had signed the book made it extra special. Dave the detective is married to Kim in this story. While reading the story I have postcard pictures of Blinman on my wall which I got over 30 years ago on my visit to the rangers. I also got myself a jumper that had Blinman stamped on it. I was a little apprehensive in reading this story as some parts are my story n I didn't really need the reminder. Just berate myself for choosing this book scenario even if things turn out ok. Onto the next Dave story.
April 23, 2019
This book was passed on to me from a friend in our little book swap meeting and it's not the type of book I would reach for when making a purchase. I actually didn't mind it and did enjoy it as there were enough things going on to make it interesting. I have to agree with some of the other reviewers and say there were lots of cliches and too many coincidences. It was well written and some of the characters were very likeable and the descriptions of the countryside and wildlife were pretty good.
Overall, a nice light read that would appeal to lovers of rural romance.
Overall, a nice light read that would appeal to lovers of rural romance.
March 15, 2021
I really enjoyed my time with this book that had a fast paced story that I never felt like halted at all and the cast of characters and the setting for the book I loved the small town feel and found myself really caring about the wonderful characters that the book has in it and the themes that it presented like abuse abandonment finding your courage and I hated Dominic and the way he treated Eliza or ashleigh who fast became my favourite as we watched as she grow stronger every minute she was away from Dominic
April 26, 2023
Phew...a real page turner. Ashleigh is an orphan and is married to a domineering man called Dominic who fancies himself as a big of a gangster. Dominic has several business men and a local cop under his thumb and bribes or threatens them to get his way. Ashleigh is an orphan and is becoming a victim of domestic violence as Dominic berates her and makes her life miserable, until one night when she has had enough and runs away. Don't want to spoil this review of others who may read this story... but I couldn't put the book down.
January 17, 2017
So ... apparently 'rural romance' is a genre and a popular one no less! Who knew?
This is my first FM book. The story was gentle, the scenery pretty ... easy to read and engaging enough that I wanted to see what happened to our heroine in the end.
But for me, the writing is not strong enough. Too many adjectives and adverbs, repetition and cliched phrasing.
Sweet like a lamington and a mug of sugared tea ... one is enough for me!
This is my first FM book. The story was gentle, the scenery pretty ... easy to read and engaging enough that I wanted to see what happened to our heroine in the end.
But for me, the writing is not strong enough. Too many adjectives and adverbs, repetition and cliched phrasing.
Sweet like a lamington and a mug of sugared tea ... one is enough for me!
December 17, 2019
I really enjoy Fleur McDonald books and this one was not an exception. Interesting storyline with an edge of domestic violence and the fear of being pursued, accompanied by old favourites Detective Dave and his wife, Kim, investigating animal smuggling. Underlying all of this was the mystery of Ashleigh/Eliza’s birth and why she was drawn to the small town. Never a dull moment. One of those books that you want to sit down and read to the end.
February 4, 2024
I found this book too contrived... domestic violence is bad enough; no need to add in
August 4, 2024
I really enjoyed listening to this book. Ashleigh is living with Domestic violence. Finally she needs to get out of of this & plans her escape. She sees an article referring to a small rural which draws her to it. She ends up changing her name, appearance etc & manages to leave. She becomes involved with the community & helping locals to cover her costs. Eventually her husband catches up with her. The story comes to quite a surprising conclusion.
I score this 4,25 🌟
I score this 4,25 🌟
January 6, 2018
Excellent book, thoroughly recommend reading it. I was almost put off at the beginning as I thought the heroine was weak and insipid. However as I kept reading the character developed into a strong and resourceful young woman. The storyline is great and I was kept guessing about which suitor she would choose. This is only the second book I have read by Fleur McDonald and I will be reading more!
December 30, 2018
My foray into rural romance began well with an engrossing, page-turning story that captured the outback landscapes and the turmoil of central character Eliza/Ashleigh in her escape from brutal husband Dominic. Fast paced, with realistic characters and sympathetic understanding of issues. One point: a generous dollop of coincidence can be allowed in the service of plotting.
June 21, 2020
Awesome!
Awesome and wonderful! Well written and plot is quite intriguing and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Get your handkerchief out, shed some tears especially towards the end (thats how drawn in I was) and I do love how there's always a love story interwoven! Another great one from Fleur McDonald.
Awesome and wonderful! Well written and plot is quite intriguing and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Get your handkerchief out, shed some tears especially towards the end (thats how drawn in I was) and I do love how there's always a love story interwoven! Another great one from Fleur McDonald.
May 10, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it tells the story of someone who is brave enough whilst at the same time terrified to leave an abusive relationship. It had suspense, romance and real everyday people.
February 22, 2018
Oh my goodness! What an exciting book. So many twists and turns, sadness, love, shock and of course the mention of some beautiful scenery. Small town communities are great places to set books! 5 well earned stars.
March 17, 2019
Loved it A great supence thriller by Fluer McDonald. Dave Barrows the Detective features in this one too. As he investigates another crime and falls in love with Kim after his divorce from his first wife Melissa which he has two children with. Ash
May 16, 2017
Lots of twists and turns. Great read!! Really enjoyed it 👍🏼
May 17, 2017
Good storyline. Would have like to see a bit more drama about her husband coming to find her though. But overall enjoyed the book.
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