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Goodabri #3
Sunset Shadows
Secrets, lies and murder in the Australian wilderness... A nail-biting novel of romantic suspense by the award-winning author of DEAD HEAT and STORM CLOUDS, Bronwyn Parry
'Dammit, Tess, he doesn't seem worth protecting.’
'I'm not protecting him, Sarge,' she said. She dropped her gaze, biting her lip, and for the first time in his experience she spoke in a small voice. 'I'm protecting me.’
For police officers Steve Fraser and Tess Ballard, a split-second decision saves the lives of fifty members of a cult - but also puts their careers on the line. Tess's work is everything to her; she's forged a new life through sheer determination, so when her past returns to haunt her, Steve must race through wild country if he is to save the people he most cares about.
In SUNSET SHADOWS, the thrilling new novel by multi-award-winning author Bronwyn Parry, you will feel immersed in the dramatic beauty,isolation, wind and the sun of the deep Australian bush - and its sinister shadows . . .
The third book in the page-turning Goodabri series. Book 1 is DEAD HEAT; Book 2 is STORM CLOUDS.
INCLUDES BONUS CHAPTERS of STORM CLOUDS
'[Bronwyn] remains firmly in my autobuy list' - BOOKTOPIA'S ROMANCE BUZZ
'beguiling mix of Australian bush, appealing characters and light romance' - READPLUS on STORM CLOUDS
'Dammit, Tess, he doesn't seem worth protecting.’
'I'm not protecting him, Sarge,' she said. She dropped her gaze, biting her lip, and for the first time in his experience she spoke in a small voice. 'I'm protecting me.’
For police officers Steve Fraser and Tess Ballard, a split-second decision saves the lives of fifty members of a cult - but also puts their careers on the line. Tess's work is everything to her; she's forged a new life through sheer determination, so when her past returns to haunt her, Steve must race through wild country if he is to save the people he most cares about.
In SUNSET SHADOWS, the thrilling new novel by multi-award-winning author Bronwyn Parry, you will feel immersed in the dramatic beauty,isolation, wind and the sun of the deep Australian bush - and its sinister shadows . . .
The third book in the page-turning Goodabri series. Book 1 is DEAD HEAT; Book 2 is STORM CLOUDS.
INCLUDES BONUS CHAPTERS of STORM CLOUDS
'[Bronwyn] remains firmly in my autobuy list' - BOOKTOPIA'S ROMANCE BUZZ
'beguiling mix of Australian bush, appealing characters and light romance' - READPLUS on STORM CLOUDS
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2016
9 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Bronwyn Parry
14 books186 followersInternational award-winning author Bronwyn Parry has previously written six romantic thrillers set in outback Australia, published by Hachette Australia. Her first novel won the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart Award, and two of her books were finalists in RWA's RITA™ and Daphne du Maurier awards. She has also won the Australian Romance Readers award for Favourite Romantic Suspense three times.
With her latest book, The Clothier’s Daughter, Bronwyn turns her pen to another genre she loves, historical romance, and draws on her long interest in history and particularly textile and costume history to weave a story of intrigue, drama and passion.
When she’s not working at her keyboard, she enjoys researching and making historical clothing, and she's a skilled spinner, weaver, seamstress and knitter. The Clothier’s Daughter is in part inspired by her Honors thesis research on British worsted textiles.
Bronwyn lives in the New England tablelands of northern New South Wales, Australia, and loves to travel.
You can find out more about me and my books at my website, http://bronwynparry.com
With her latest book, The Clothier’s Daughter, Bronwyn turns her pen to another genre she loves, historical romance, and draws on her long interest in history and particularly textile and costume history to weave a story of intrigue, drama and passion.
When she’s not working at her keyboard, she enjoys researching and making historical clothing, and she's a skilled spinner, weaver, seamstress and knitter. The Clothier’s Daughter is in part inspired by her Honors thesis research on British worsted textiles.
Bronwyn lives in the New England tablelands of northern New South Wales, Australia, and loves to travel.
You can find out more about me and my books at my website, http://bronwynparry.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 2, 2016
Senior Constable Tess Ballard and Detective Sergeant Steve Fraser hadn’t worked together before but Steve could already see Tess was a reliable and competent fellow officer – a great person to have by his side with the circumstances unfolding as they were. Deep in the Australian bush in rural New South Wales, and full dark, they were at the cusp of the investigation into a cult. Already young women had died – they hoped to stop further deaths and take the cult leader into custody…
Decisions made by both Ballard and Fraser on that night would have two-fold consequences – lives were saved, but careers were in jeopardy. It also set in motion a chain of catastrophic events which brought Tess’ past back to her in a terrifying manner – a past she’d had locked away for a long time. And put the lives of Steve and Tess, their colleagues and their loved ones in incredible danger. There was a madman on the loose – and he was determined to win…
With National Parks rangers Simon and Erin by their sides, their superior, Inspector Nick Matheson and others working around the clock, they expected results quickly. But madmen are unpredictable and frustrations ran high as the police seemed to be one step behind. Amid the isolation and stark beauty of the Australian bush where dangers lurked from every side, mobile coverage was almost non-existent and the places to hide were vast, Tess and Steve wondered if they would even survive.
Sunset Shadows by Aussie author Bronwyn Parry is the 3rd in the Dungirri series, and wow! What a story it is! Filled with emotion, drama, friendships, loyalty and heartbreak, I couldn’t put it down. The gritty tension was breathtaking; the twists incredible. Such a brilliant read from an author well and truly at the top of her game. Bronwyn Parry is high up on my list of favourite authors, and Sunset Shadows would have to be her best yet, in my opinion. (And I said that about her last one!) Highly recommended!
With thanks to Hachette Australia for this paperback copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
Decisions made by both Ballard and Fraser on that night would have two-fold consequences – lives were saved, but careers were in jeopardy. It also set in motion a chain of catastrophic events which brought Tess’ past back to her in a terrifying manner – a past she’d had locked away for a long time. And put the lives of Steve and Tess, their colleagues and their loved ones in incredible danger. There was a madman on the loose – and he was determined to win…
With National Parks rangers Simon and Erin by their sides, their superior, Inspector Nick Matheson and others working around the clock, they expected results quickly. But madmen are unpredictable and frustrations ran high as the police seemed to be one step behind. Amid the isolation and stark beauty of the Australian bush where dangers lurked from every side, mobile coverage was almost non-existent and the places to hide were vast, Tess and Steve wondered if they would even survive.
Sunset Shadows by Aussie author Bronwyn Parry is the 3rd in the Dungirri series, and wow! What a story it is! Filled with emotion, drama, friendships, loyalty and heartbreak, I couldn’t put it down. The gritty tension was breathtaking; the twists incredible. Such a brilliant read from an author well and truly at the top of her game. Bronwyn Parry is high up on my list of favourite authors, and Sunset Shadows would have to be her best yet, in my opinion. (And I said that about her last one!) Highly recommended!
With thanks to Hachette Australia for this paperback copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
January 15, 2017
Sunset Shadows, the sixth novel written by Bronwyn Parry and the third book in the Goodbari series. It looks at the sinister undercurrents of the Australian bush – melding together a story of crime, family and romance.
For those new to the work of Bronwyn Parry, Sunset Shadows picks up where Parry’s previous novel, Storm Clouds left off. Set in Northern NSW, it is the story of police officer Steve, who many years ago lost his mother and then his sister in a suspected suicide. While investigating a shady cult operation, Steve’s sister Maddie is found living in this isolated community. However, the cult’s charismatic and dangerous leader Joshua has plans in store for Maddie and his followers – a mass suicide. Steve and his offsider, an officer named Tess Ballard, work together to save the cult community from falling into leader Joshua’s deadly plan. Confronting Joshua at a waterfall leads to a deadly standoff that sees the leader meet foul play. The absence of a body of the cult leader leaves Steve, Tess and many others on tenterhooks, knowing Joshua will come back to finish what he set out to do. As Steve works hard to ensure his sister and her young family’s safety, officer Tess must confront painful memories from the past to save the innocent.
It seems a fair amount of time had passed since I read Storm Clouds by Bronwyn Parry. I had to jig my memory at the opening of Sunset Shadows to recall the plot details and main players from the previous book. Once I had this information at hand, I soon settled into the story of Sunset Shadows.
In terms of plot, Parry has crafted a suspenseful tale, with plenty of twists, moments of danger and terror present in Sunset Shadows. Joshua, the cult leader, was a terrifying character, sending shivers down my spine. Likewise, I also found his son equally creepy. The use of an isolated cult community in the remote location of Northern NSW, was a compelling choice by Parry, I found it fascinating. It also allowed plenty of narrative depth for Parry to explore.
Compared to other novels I have read by Parry, the romance side of Sunset Shadows is much more understated. The two main protagonists share a slow burn style of romance. The book chooses to focus more on the background and personal tragedy both the main characters have faced and overcome. Steve and Tess are resilient characters and I was impressed by their actions in the novel. Steve was a perfectly cast hero and an admirable character, who has to make pretty big life transition as the novel progresses.
The remote backdrop to the story really sets this novel on fire. I could feel the dust, dirt, heat and pure isolation of the location in which Sunset Shadows is set. The setting also gives Parry a chance to explore police procedures and limitations in these isolated regions of Australia. This part of the story definitely carried me away.
Sunset Shadows is another ripper read from Australia’s queen of suspense, Bronwyn Parry. It would make an ideal holiday or weekend read, as it is a novel you can completely surrender yourself in.
*I wish to thank Books With Heart for a copy of this book which I received via an online competition.
https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
For those new to the work of Bronwyn Parry, Sunset Shadows picks up where Parry’s previous novel, Storm Clouds left off. Set in Northern NSW, it is the story of police officer Steve, who many years ago lost his mother and then his sister in a suspected suicide. While investigating a shady cult operation, Steve’s sister Maddie is found living in this isolated community. However, the cult’s charismatic and dangerous leader Joshua has plans in store for Maddie and his followers – a mass suicide. Steve and his offsider, an officer named Tess Ballard, work together to save the cult community from falling into leader Joshua’s deadly plan. Confronting Joshua at a waterfall leads to a deadly standoff that sees the leader meet foul play. The absence of a body of the cult leader leaves Steve, Tess and many others on tenterhooks, knowing Joshua will come back to finish what he set out to do. As Steve works hard to ensure his sister and her young family’s safety, officer Tess must confront painful memories from the past to save the innocent.
It seems a fair amount of time had passed since I read Storm Clouds by Bronwyn Parry. I had to jig my memory at the opening of Sunset Shadows to recall the plot details and main players from the previous book. Once I had this information at hand, I soon settled into the story of Sunset Shadows.
In terms of plot, Parry has crafted a suspenseful tale, with plenty of twists, moments of danger and terror present in Sunset Shadows. Joshua, the cult leader, was a terrifying character, sending shivers down my spine. Likewise, I also found his son equally creepy. The use of an isolated cult community in the remote location of Northern NSW, was a compelling choice by Parry, I found it fascinating. It also allowed plenty of narrative depth for Parry to explore.
Compared to other novels I have read by Parry, the romance side of Sunset Shadows is much more understated. The two main protagonists share a slow burn style of romance. The book chooses to focus more on the background and personal tragedy both the main characters have faced and overcome. Steve and Tess are resilient characters and I was impressed by their actions in the novel. Steve was a perfectly cast hero and an admirable character, who has to make pretty big life transition as the novel progresses.
The remote backdrop to the story really sets this novel on fire. I could feel the dust, dirt, heat and pure isolation of the location in which Sunset Shadows is set. The setting also gives Parry a chance to explore police procedures and limitations in these isolated regions of Australia. This part of the story definitely carried me away.
Sunset Shadows is another ripper read from Australia’s queen of suspense, Bronwyn Parry. It would make an ideal holiday or weekend read, as it is a novel you can completely surrender yourself in.
*I wish to thank Books With Heart for a copy of this book which I received via an online competition.
https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
April 17, 2017
Four and a half stars.
Sunset Shadows follows on from where the previous book Storm Clouds finished, so that at the beginning I was a little confused, thinking I had read this story about the cult before. But then the brain kicked into year and I remembered the characters and what had happened previously. There are actually two others in this series but I hadn’t read the first book and that didn’t matter. But for the impact make sure you have at least read Storm Clouds before tackling this one. It opens with police officers Steve Fraser and Tess Ballard faced with a spilt second decision. That one decision could save the lives of fifty cult members. It could also mean an end to their careers. For Tess that is the most important thing in her life. She has battled her way from her own hard past to turn her life around. But the past returns to haunt her.
This is a fast paced book with plenty of action that shows the dangers and problems police face in their work, and also the impact of a dynamic cult leader on so many other lives. It is shows how power can corrupt. It contains crime and action but there is also a romance burbling along. Add to that some serious changes in family dynamics for more than one person. Believable characters, moments of anger and sadness plus a great Aussie setting all work together to ensure you have a book guaranteed to keep your attention. Towards the end I was turning the pages faster and faster as tension is ramped up. It is a story with suspense and twists and I was thoroughly involved from start to finish. Highly recommended.
Sunset Shadows follows on from where the previous book Storm Clouds finished, so that at the beginning I was a little confused, thinking I had read this story about the cult before. But then the brain kicked into year and I remembered the characters and what had happened previously. There are actually two others in this series but I hadn’t read the first book and that didn’t matter. But for the impact make sure you have at least read Storm Clouds before tackling this one. It opens with police officers Steve Fraser and Tess Ballard faced with a spilt second decision. That one decision could save the lives of fifty cult members. It could also mean an end to their careers. For Tess that is the most important thing in her life. She has battled her way from her own hard past to turn her life around. But the past returns to haunt her.
This is a fast paced book with plenty of action that shows the dangers and problems police face in their work, and also the impact of a dynamic cult leader on so many other lives. It is shows how power can corrupt. It contains crime and action but there is also a romance burbling along. Add to that some serious changes in family dynamics for more than one person. Believable characters, moments of anger and sadness plus a great Aussie setting all work together to ensure you have a book guaranteed to keep your attention. Towards the end I was turning the pages faster and faster as tension is ramped up. It is a story with suspense and twists and I was thoroughly involved from start to finish. Highly recommended.
August 1, 2016
If, like me, you have loved every Bronwyn Parry book, then you need to read this one.
If you have never read a Bronwyn Parry book, then you need to read this one!
Not normally a fan of books that introduce a whole lot of character names in the opening chapters, I knew, as a reader, I was in good hands with Bronwyn who avoids padding out her stories. I knew all those characters would serve a purpose (I was right!) and pretty soon I was on the ride and lapping up the scenery and the slow burn of a blossoming romance that Bronwyn brings to her pages with such restraint that it’s natural and moves the story forward.
The pace the author sets in Sunset Shadows is literally breathtaking. I had to take several breaks in the latter parts of this book to regroup—mostly to slow down so I didn’t miss a single one of the perfectly positioned plot threads that wrap up so wonderfully in the final pages that I was fist-pumping the air as I read.
If this is your first Bronwyn Parry book then lucky you! You have five more to look forward to. For devotees like me, there are so many treats sprinkled throughout this story it’s like walking into a room and catching up with good friends. Dungirri fans will understand what I mean. ;)
If you have never read a Bronwyn Parry book, then you need to read this one!
Not normally a fan of books that introduce a whole lot of character names in the opening chapters, I knew, as a reader, I was in good hands with Bronwyn who avoids padding out her stories. I knew all those characters would serve a purpose (I was right!) and pretty soon I was on the ride and lapping up the scenery and the slow burn of a blossoming romance that Bronwyn brings to her pages with such restraint that it’s natural and moves the story forward.
The pace the author sets in Sunset Shadows is literally breathtaking. I had to take several breaks in the latter parts of this book to regroup—mostly to slow down so I didn’t miss a single one of the perfectly positioned plot threads that wrap up so wonderfully in the final pages that I was fist-pumping the air as I read.
If this is your first Bronwyn Parry book then lucky you! You have five more to look forward to. For devotees like me, there are so many treats sprinkled throughout this story it’s like walking into a room and catching up with good friends. Dungirri fans will understand what I mean. ;)
November 8, 2024
Sunset Shadows by Aussie author Bronwyn Parry is the third book in the Dungirri series. If you enjoy romantic suspense, then this book and this series are for you. This is one you won’t be able to put down. I loved it from start to finish. Highly recommended
August 5, 2016
For me Bronwyn Parry's stories are a must read and this one is brilliant and I am sure they get better the more she writes. I fell into this one from page one and that was it I was lost in the world of cults and police officers and park rangers as lives are put in danger and snap decisions are made and two people that are so deserving of each other journey a road to love and happiness.
Tess Ballard is quiet and sticks to herself and she has a very good understanding of cult life she has been working as a police officer in the small town of Goodabri but when she is called out to help another local police officer Steve Fraser with a cult and the murders of two young woman her life is about to be turned upside down but she is also going to open up with so much danger and a threat to her life and many other lives I think that Tess is such an amazing person and loved getting to know her and seeing her so happy.
Steve Fraser works hard as a detective but his life has been through turmoil as a young boy he lost his sister when he was young and with his father being assistant commissioner they do not get on well but when a couple of young woman are found murdered and he finds his sister Maddie alive. Lives are going to change with so much danger and so much needing to be uncovered. Steve is so caring and strong but with so many worries he needs someone as well and that would be Tess.
This is such a fabulous story MS Parry writes edge of your seat suspense with awesome settings and true to life characters that are believable and well loved. I was crying bucket loads of tears I was so invested in Steve and Tess then Maddie and her children it is emotional moving and inspiring to see Tess come to life with the help from Steve and to catch up with so many "friends" that I have met in previous stories. This is a story that again will stay with me for a long time to come one for the keeper shelf and a must read that I highly recommend. I hope I have done this one justice I truly loved it, it has left me gobsmacked and smiling.
Tess Ballard is quiet and sticks to herself and she has a very good understanding of cult life she has been working as a police officer in the small town of Goodabri but when she is called out to help another local police officer Steve Fraser with a cult and the murders of two young woman her life is about to be turned upside down but she is also going to open up with so much danger and a threat to her life and many other lives I think that Tess is such an amazing person and loved getting to know her and seeing her so happy.
Steve Fraser works hard as a detective but his life has been through turmoil as a young boy he lost his sister when he was young and with his father being assistant commissioner they do not get on well but when a couple of young woman are found murdered and he finds his sister Maddie alive. Lives are going to change with so much danger and so much needing to be uncovered. Steve is so caring and strong but with so many worries he needs someone as well and that would be Tess.
This is such a fabulous story MS Parry writes edge of your seat suspense with awesome settings and true to life characters that are believable and well loved. I was crying bucket loads of tears I was so invested in Steve and Tess then Maddie and her children it is emotional moving and inspiring to see Tess come to life with the help from Steve and to catch up with so many "friends" that I have met in previous stories. This is a story that again will stay with me for a long time to come one for the keeper shelf and a must read that I highly recommend. I hope I have done this one justice I truly loved it, it has left me gobsmacked and smiling.
August 22, 2016
The blurb for this book is not overwhelmingly forthcoming, but Sunset Shadows very definitely picks up where Storm Clouds left off. In fact - even though I remembered events of that novel - I struggled a little with the beginning as I didn't remember the specifics and needed to be reminded who was who.
Tess and Steve are likeable leads and Parry throws a lot of challenges in their direction. I didn't really remember either from Storm Clouds although I recalled guessing who Parry would next bring into the limelight. (And - checking out the earlier review - I was right!)
As I'm not your typical romance reader I'm relieved Parry doesn't play games. There are no excessive 'will they / won't they?' scenarios and their 'secrets' are laid bare pretty early rather than being unfurled at the most inopportune time. Indeed, any romance plays second fiddle to the unfolding narrative and the book keeps a good pace with constant activity and unpredictable villains.
I read this in a sitting and enjoyed it immensely. Again Parry offers up romance and the quintessential country town settings without falling into clichés. I look forward to what comes next.
Read the full review on my site: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
Tess and Steve are likeable leads and Parry throws a lot of challenges in their direction. I didn't really remember either from Storm Clouds although I recalled guessing who Parry would next bring into the limelight. (And - checking out the earlier review - I was right!)
As I'm not your typical romance reader I'm relieved Parry doesn't play games. There are no excessive 'will they / won't they?' scenarios and their 'secrets' are laid bare pretty early rather than being unfurled at the most inopportune time. Indeed, any romance plays second fiddle to the unfolding narrative and the book keeps a good pace with constant activity and unpredictable villains.
I read this in a sitting and enjoyed it immensely. Again Parry offers up romance and the quintessential country town settings without falling into clichés. I look forward to what comes next.
Read the full review on my site: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
August 18, 2016
My first 5 star for the year..I think. To be honest it's probably a 4.5 only because I didn't realise that it effectively picked up where Storm Clouds left off- that had seemed to be resolved. But that only phased me for the first few chapters while I reacquainted myself with what had come before- it's been a long time between drinks...so to speak. I think if I'd known, I would have re-read Storm Clouds immediately before reading this one. Then it really would have been 5 stars.
September 7, 2016
Although not a reader of this genre, I enjoyed the story line. Knowing the land and the atmosphere that the author created, I relished the descriptions and the people I encountered. The details of the intense police procedures is compelling and the characters are well developed and believable.
My empathy lies with Steve who had to make the transition from a happy go lucky bachelor to a single parent and he handled it so well. The inevitable romance came as no surprise to me and Tess is excellent as a career cop and her character impressed me immensely.
This was the first I have read of this author and I have a passion for Australian authors who capture the Australia I know and love. Bronwyn Parry has excelled in this and I rate this book 4 stars.
My empathy lies with Steve who had to make the transition from a happy go lucky bachelor to a single parent and he handled it so well. The inevitable romance came as no surprise to me and Tess is excellent as a career cop and her character impressed me immensely.
This was the first I have read of this author and I have a passion for Australian authors who capture the Australia I know and love. Bronwyn Parry has excelled in this and I rate this book 4 stars.
September 16, 2016
This was a great, fast paced read. My only problem was remembering the characters from the previous books and keeping track of them through this book as there were a lot of characters and places in this book.
August 1, 2016
Book blurb…
For police officers Steve Fraser and Tess Ballard, a split-second decision saves the lives of fifty members of a cult - but also puts their careers on the line. Tess’s work is everything to her; she’s forged a new life through sheer determination. When Tess’s past returns to haunt her, Steve must race through the wild country if he is to save the people he most cares about.
A nail-biting novel of romantic suspense by the multi-award-winning author of Dead Heat and Storm Clouds.
My thoughts…
I have read all Bronwyn Parry’s books and have never been disapointed. This book is no exception.
Both lead characters, Steve Frazer and Tess Ballard, will take you on a journey into troubled pasts and back into the present with a pace that will have you quite breathless and unwilling to put the book down until the action-packed end. In fact the entire story is non-stop with characters that endure more than their fair share of troubles. The plot is a nail biting and emotional one and one that leaves this Bronwyn Parry fan very satisfied.
For police officers Steve Fraser and Tess Ballard, a split-second decision saves the lives of fifty members of a cult - but also puts their careers on the line. Tess’s work is everything to her; she’s forged a new life through sheer determination. When Tess’s past returns to haunt her, Steve must race through the wild country if he is to save the people he most cares about.
A nail-biting novel of romantic suspense by the multi-award-winning author of Dead Heat and Storm Clouds.
My thoughts…
I have read all Bronwyn Parry’s books and have never been disapointed. This book is no exception.
Both lead characters, Steve Frazer and Tess Ballard, will take you on a journey into troubled pasts and back into the present with a pace that will have you quite breathless and unwilling to put the book down until the action-packed end. In fact the entire story is non-stop with characters that endure more than their fair share of troubles. The plot is a nail biting and emotional one and one that leaves this Bronwyn Parry fan very satisfied.
September 23, 2016
Solid plot, although I'm not a huge fan of cults or drug syndicates, etc. I prefer tighter mysteries and whodunnits. Bronwyn Parry's style has clearly evolved to sit more comfortably within rural suspense fiction, and I miss the more romancey feel of her earlier books. Steve and Tess's romance felt perfunctory at times, although there are also some super lovely moments where Steve demonstrates how deeply he cares for Tess by a gesture or a word. But as a romance reader, I need more!
August 28, 2016
Parry has done it again. To date this would be my favourite novel of hers. She always delivers a non-stop action ride with great suspense and sweet romance that makes me go all gooey. For a girl who loves her urban conveniences I'd go rural just for the chance to live in her beautifully crafted world and meet her real, down to earth heroes. No billionaires for me. Give me a Steve Fraser any day!
November 16, 2024
Sunset Shadows is book three of the Goodabri series and allows the bad boy Steve to finally find the person to love and understand him. I love the way Bronwyn Parry inter-twin the stories from Goodabri series one and two to complete the plot. In this book, Steve grew to be a good man and a good policeman. I recommend this book
November 9, 2016
Not much to say.... but... loved it!! It's been a while since reading Storm Clouds but this one followed straight on from it. Bronwyn really knows how to capture the reader and hold on to them until the last page. A perfect ratio of crime/suspense/romance..... do yourself a favour, read Bronwyn Parry's Goodabri series.
September 24, 2016
Here is another amazing book from Bronwyn! It Will have you reading into the early hours. Couldn't put it down.
May 20, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
For police officers Steve Fraser and Tess Ballard, a split-second decision saves the lives of fifty members of a cult - but also puts their careers on the line. Tess's work is everything to her; she's forged a new life through sheer determination, so when her past returns to haunt her, Steve must race through wild country if he is to save the people he most cares about.
*3.5 stars*
This is the third book by Bronwyn Parry in the Goodabri series. I do think having read the previous novels will help with the backstory to some of the elements in this book.
This book picks up pretty much straight after the previous novel, Storm Clouds. And while it has been a while (and a LOT of other books) since I read it, the characters came back pretty quickly.
If you are looking for a typical romantic suspense novel, then this probably isn't for you. Everything about this budding romance is out in the open - no "will they/won't they?" rubbish - and it is not the focus of the novel. And I truly appreciate that. There were times when I thought it could have gone down the path of overly sickly-sweet, it didn't - it stuck to the plot and narrative as I had hoped.
As for the characters that inhabit this novel, Steve and Tess are quite likeable but certainly not "best characters ever" level. The highlight, character-wise, in this book is most definitely the cult's dangerous leader Joshua. Every single page he appears on is downright creepy and Parry has created a character that will stick with you for a while.
The plot itself was a little weaker than the previous ones, I think. While I really loved the cult and their many "interesting" characters, it was pretty much a straightforward story. It had lots of action, some great twists and turns - but it never really achieved the heights I thought Storm Clouds did.
Finally, in all good Australian novels set in the outback, you should always be able to smell the dust, shoo the flies and need a drink of water just reading the pages. And Parry does that aspect very well. I felt every moment of living in rural Australia and loved every minute of that. The descriptions were splendid and the sense of isolation was overwhelming.
All in all, a great addition to the series and I think all romantic suspense lovers will enjoy it too.
Paul
ARH
For police officers Steve Fraser and Tess Ballard, a split-second decision saves the lives of fifty members of a cult - but also puts their careers on the line. Tess's work is everything to her; she's forged a new life through sheer determination, so when her past returns to haunt her, Steve must race through wild country if he is to save the people he most cares about.
*3.5 stars*
This is the third book by Bronwyn Parry in the Goodabri series. I do think having read the previous novels will help with the backstory to some of the elements in this book.
This book picks up pretty much straight after the previous novel, Storm Clouds. And while it has been a while (and a LOT of other books) since I read it, the characters came back pretty quickly.
If you are looking for a typical romantic suspense novel, then this probably isn't for you. Everything about this budding romance is out in the open - no "will they/won't they?" rubbish - and it is not the focus of the novel. And I truly appreciate that. There were times when I thought it could have gone down the path of overly sickly-sweet, it didn't - it stuck to the plot and narrative as I had hoped.
As for the characters that inhabit this novel, Steve and Tess are quite likeable but certainly not "best characters ever" level. The highlight, character-wise, in this book is most definitely the cult's dangerous leader Joshua. Every single page he appears on is downright creepy and Parry has created a character that will stick with you for a while.
The plot itself was a little weaker than the previous ones, I think. While I really loved the cult and their many "interesting" characters, it was pretty much a straightforward story. It had lots of action, some great twists and turns - but it never really achieved the heights I thought Storm Clouds did.
Finally, in all good Australian novels set in the outback, you should always be able to smell the dust, shoo the flies and need a drink of water just reading the pages. And Parry does that aspect very well. I felt every moment of living in rural Australia and loved every minute of that. The descriptions were splendid and the sense of isolation was overwhelming.
All in all, a great addition to the series and I think all romantic suspense lovers will enjoy it too.
Paul
ARH
August 31, 2017
I thoroughly loved Sunset Shadows by Bronwyn Parry. This book continues on from Storm Clouds. It starts where police officers Steve Fraser and Tessa Ballard save people from cult leader Joshua Kristos and discover that two people from the cult are from their past.
Steve Fraser sister Madeline who he thought was dead as she supposed to have committed suicide at 14 years old and for Tessa Ballard a man from her Issac Mathis saying he is her husband. We learn that Steve Fraser Sister Madeline was brainwashed by her doctor who turn out to be their leader and has two children Tristan a seventeen years old boy and six year old daughter Lily and that Tessa was brought up in cult as well called The Berthen where Issac was part of and Tessa got.
Joshua Kristos tries to get his followers to commit suicide in the river when Steve, Tessa and Simon shoot him and he dies.
Joshua Kristos eldest son David takes up where his father left of avanging his death claiming police brutality and still has a hold on some followers. Steve sister Madeline is murdered by Issac which leaves Steve to care for them. Simon and Erin Feature in this book as well. There is plenty of spence in the book as Tessa and Lily are kidnapped by David and Steve has save the people he loves as he found that Tessa felt the same way about him. A great read highly recommend this book.
Steve Fraser sister Madeline who he thought was dead as she supposed to have committed suicide at 14 years old and for Tessa Ballard a man from her Issac Mathis saying he is her husband. We learn that Steve Fraser Sister Madeline was brainwashed by her doctor who turn out to be their leader and has two children Tristan a seventeen years old boy and six year old daughter Lily and that Tessa was brought up in cult as well called The Berthen where Issac was part of and Tessa got.
Joshua Kristos tries to get his followers to commit suicide in the river when Steve, Tessa and Simon shoot him and he dies.
Joshua Kristos eldest son David takes up where his father left of avanging his death claiming police brutality and still has a hold on some followers. Steve sister Madeline is murdered by Issac which leaves Steve to care for them. Simon and Erin Feature in this book as well. There is plenty of spence in the book as Tessa and Lily are kidnapped by David and Steve has save the people he loves as he found that Tessa felt the same way about him. A great read highly recommend this book.
March 8, 2017
For police officers Steve Fraser and Tess Ballard, a split-second decision saves the lives of fifty members of a cult - but also puts their careers on the line. Tess's work is everything to her; she's forged a new life through sheer determination, so when her past returns to haunt her, Steve must race through wild country if he is to save the people he most cares about.
Found this book EXTREMELY hard to follow and later found out it is #3 in a series. There is NOWHERE on the cover or in the book that states this and I probably would never have read it if I had known as I have not read the first 2.
Found this book EXTREMELY hard to follow and later found out it is #3 in a series. There is NOWHERE on the cover or in the book that states this and I probably would never have read it if I had known as I have not read the first 2.
May 24, 2017
I'm so glad I read this book not long after Storm Clouds as this story continues on. I didn't pickup Steve n Tess's attraction but this is there story as such. I hope there are other books written with so many characters in this series. I liked Gabe, Sam, Aaron that added personality to the content.
I like this Australian author and the award on this book is well deserved.
I like this Australian author and the award on this book is well deserved.
August 28, 2017
Great story. However, make sure you read the previous books first.
February 21, 2020
loved it. A great Australian suspense novel with characters who have terrifying back stories which make them very interesting and empathetic police persons. Keep up the good work Bronwyn.
July 16, 2022
Great book
March 26, 2017
Judging from the reviews for Bronwyn Parry's 'Sunset Shadows' I am in the minority here. A sequel to 'Storm Clouds', the novel assumes you know what's going on (uncovering a weird cult), who everyone is, and the towns that keep getting mentioned. I have enjoyed most of Parry's novels, but this one was so uninspiring. It lacked suspense, romance and heart, and was swamped with characters. I think it may have been because I had no sympathy for the cult members and, despite all these police and park rangers hunting the leaders, they kept evading capture. The novel played out on the one breathless level with loads of conversations between the characters concerning strategies for catching the cult leaders, strategies for protecting the many children born to the leader from many mothers, strategies for finding the man who was terrorising a police officer... I found it all very distasteful and unsatisfying and lost interest.
January 20, 2017
I tore through this book in record time, absolutely loved it. Pacey and intriguing, there were scenes towards the end when I actually ripped the page in my hast to read on.
As for the romance, what can I say? Bronwyn is a master of the slow burn that focusses on meaningful connection rather than first-glance attraction. I just loved the way Tess and Steve interacted. There were sparks. There was conflict. There was friendship and warmth. Sigh! Both characters were in denial, so their delicious growing awareness of each other was a real treat.
I enjoyed the themes of past mistakes and divided loyalties. And I love the way Bronwyn brings to life a landscape so deftly. A great read.
As for the romance, what can I say? Bronwyn is a master of the slow burn that focusses on meaningful connection rather than first-glance attraction. I just loved the way Tess and Steve interacted. There were sparks. There was conflict. There was friendship and warmth. Sigh! Both characters were in denial, so their delicious growing awareness of each other was a real treat.
I enjoyed the themes of past mistakes and divided loyalties. And I love the way Bronwyn brings to life a landscape so deftly. A great read.
January 1, 2017
I love Bronwyn Parry's stories of outback police, park rangers, small towns with people who look out for each other along with the problems of under-staffing, long distances, loneliness. This story has familiar characters in it as well as new. The sweet slow romance between two of its characters with the complications of added family responsibilities adds to the story. As does the background of cults, some driven by religious fervour, others by a need for power, others by greed. Well written and well paced thrilling story.
October 25, 2016
This is such an emotive book. I became quite choked up when Madeleine was killed and also at her funeral. Thanks Bronwyn Parry, I'm hooked on your books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2016
Another enjoyable read, from a great Australian author.
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March 9, 2021An outback cult, two police officers, and a well written story with plenty of twists and turns. Romantic suspense isn’t my thing, but if it is your thing I would highly recommend this book.
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