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Detective Dave Burrows
Sapphire Falls
Fiona Forrest is devastated when her husband Charlie commits suicide after the accidental shooting of his mate, Eddie. Though Fiona decides to keep farming their successful property, rumours that she intends to sell keep circulating.
When Detective Dave Burrows arrives to sign off on the investigation into Eddie's death his suspicions are aroused by some strange anomalies at the scene. As Dave becomes increasingly convinced that something sinister is going on, Fiona finds herself dealing with a series of disasters on the farm...
By the bestselling author of Crimson Dawn, this suspenseful novel about a woman fighting to preserve her husband's dream and a detective determined to uncover the truth will keep you guessing til the very last page.
When Detective Dave Burrows arrives to sign off on the investigation into Eddie's death his suspicions are aroused by some strange anomalies at the scene. As Dave becomes increasingly convinced that something sinister is going on, Fiona finds herself dealing with a series of disasters on the farm...
By the bestselling author of Crimson Dawn, this suspenseful novel about a woman fighting to preserve her husband's dream and a detective determined to uncover the truth will keep you guessing til the very last page.
400 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2016
61 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Fleur McDonald
44 books543 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 74 reviews
November 29, 2017
The night Charlie and his friends, Eddie, Leigh and Geoff went shooting, it was raining. They almost called it off, but they’d all been affected by the wild dog which was killing sheep in the area. The terrible accident changed many lives that night – but it was Charlie’s suicide in the following months that shocked the small community to its core. Fiona, Charlie’s wife, was devastated. She couldn’t understand why he’d done it – she knew he blamed himself, but he’d covered his deep depression well.
Fiona was determined to run their sheep and crop farm, Charona, by herself and when she started getting well-meaning advice to sell the farm, she reiterated her wish to keep it. But still the rumour continued. And when the odd thing began to go wrong, Fiona struggled to work out what was happening.
But it was Detective Dave Burrows who felt there was something not quite right on Charona. Dave was in the area to finalise paperwork – his suspicions and gut instincts sent alarm bells clambering. Could Dave discover the truth? Or were his instincts wrong?
Sapphire Falls by Aussie author Fleur McDonald is an intense, gripping and heart-stopping read which held my interest from the very first page. Set in country South Australia, the rural outlook was perfectly written. I loved meeting up with Detective Dave Burrows again who I’d been introduced to in Suddenly One Summer (Sapphire Falls was published prior to Suddenly One Summer though) as well as others in the story. The suspense was electric – a highly recommendable read!
Fiona was determined to run their sheep and crop farm, Charona, by herself and when she started getting well-meaning advice to sell the farm, she reiterated her wish to keep it. But still the rumour continued. And when the odd thing began to go wrong, Fiona struggled to work out what was happening.
But it was Detective Dave Burrows who felt there was something not quite right on Charona. Dave was in the area to finalise paperwork – his suspicions and gut instincts sent alarm bells clambering. Could Dave discover the truth? Or were his instincts wrong?
Sapphire Falls by Aussie author Fleur McDonald is an intense, gripping and heart-stopping read which held my interest from the very first page. Set in country South Australia, the rural outlook was perfectly written. I loved meeting up with Detective Dave Burrows again who I’d been introduced to in Suddenly One Summer (Sapphire Falls was published prior to Suddenly One Summer though) as well as others in the story. The suspense was electric – a highly recommendable read!
December 4, 2018
Overcome with grief after her husband Charlie committed suicide, Fiona Forrest must try and pull herself together. She decides she will keep their farm going even though there are whispers amongst some of the locals that they believe she will sell up.
Detective Dave Burrows was investigating the accidental death of Charlie's mate, Eddie. At first Dave thought this was a straight forward case, but now he is starting to question a few things and some things don't seem to be adding up. And then Fiona finds things are not going so well on the farm and she is confronted with difficult times ahead.
Sapphire Falls was a brilliant page turner that kept you guessing till the very last page. Aussie author Fleur McDonald has performed an outstanding job in writing this book. Packed with suspense and mystery as well as a bit of romance this book is well worth reading. Highly recommended.
Detective Dave Burrows was investigating the accidental death of Charlie's mate, Eddie. At first Dave thought this was a straight forward case, but now he is starting to question a few things and some things don't seem to be adding up. And then Fiona finds things are not going so well on the farm and she is confronted with difficult times ahead.
Sapphire Falls was a brilliant page turner that kept you guessing till the very last page. Aussie author Fleur McDonald has performed an outstanding job in writing this book. Packed with suspense and mystery as well as a bit of romance this book is well worth reading. Highly recommended.
July 14, 2017
Sapphire Falls is about how you can recover after the death of your husband. Everyone thought Fiona Forrest would sell after Charlie die and Fiona did think her life was over. However, when she found out that she was pregnant with their first child, realises that she needs to start running the farm for her baby's inheritance. The Readers of Sapphire Falls will follow how Fiona did this and began to wonder if Charlie Forrest death was murder or suicide. Also, readers of Sapphire Falls will be surprised and happy with the conclusion of this book.
I love this book. Wow, Fleur McDonald does know how to keep her readers glued to their chairs. I nearly forgot about going to bed because I had to find out what happens next. I like the way Fleur McDonald portrays her characters especially Leigh Bunter. I also like the way Fleur McDonald intertwine her characters and the different plots throughout the story. Sapphire Falls is a great book to show readers that you can still run and achieve your dream on a rural property while pregnant.
Readers of Sapphire Falls will learn about running a large property and the problems. Also, readers, Sapphire Falls will learn about mental illness and how it affects the suffer. Sapphire Falls highlights the importance of friendship and family.
I recommend this book.
I love this book. Wow, Fleur McDonald does know how to keep her readers glued to their chairs. I nearly forgot about going to bed because I had to find out what happens next. I like the way Fleur McDonald portrays her characters especially Leigh Bunter. I also like the way Fleur McDonald intertwine her characters and the different plots throughout the story. Sapphire Falls is a great book to show readers that you can still run and achieve your dream on a rural property while pregnant.
Readers of Sapphire Falls will learn about running a large property and the problems. Also, readers, Sapphire Falls will learn about mental illness and how it affects the suffer. Sapphire Falls highlights the importance of friendship and family.
I recommend this book.
November 30, 2016
Fiona Forrest is trying to come to terms with the death of her young husband. Everything points to the fact that Charlie had been unable to live with guilt after the accidental shooting of his mate Eddie while several friends were wild dog hunting. Detective Dave Burrows is not convinced that an adequate policing job was done by the young officer who arrived at the scene on the night of the accident. Meanwhile Dave is trying to battle fears that surround Kim, the love of his life.
Fiona has more than a few issues to confront with the changes in her life and problems she encounters on the farm. There are those who insist she should sell as a couple of other properties have done. Fiona is just as adamant she will not. But can she keep it going? Or will the weight of increasing problems get to her?
I liked Fiona. She is a hardworking woman who pitches in and does what needs to be done. It made me think how tough life on the land is. You’d have to be a certain type to cope with it. I also liked the friendship that sprang up between Fiona and Kim and the relationship between Fiona and her mother. There is a lot going on in this book and you can feel the tension throughout. Although I did twig as to who was responsible for the things that happen to Fiona, it is no way diminished the effect of the story. This is an enjoyable read that gathers pace as it gets closer to the end. I recommend this as another good Aussie writer worth reading. Thanks to Allen&Unwin for my copy to read and review. A book that is worth buying for those who like family stories, rural stories, and books about friendship and relationships. There are a number of really likable characters and at least one suitably villainous character that brings in issues of date rape and abuse.
Fiona has more than a few issues to confront with the changes in her life and problems she encounters on the farm. There are those who insist she should sell as a couple of other properties have done. Fiona is just as adamant she will not. But can she keep it going? Or will the weight of increasing problems get to her?
I liked Fiona. She is a hardworking woman who pitches in and does what needs to be done. It made me think how tough life on the land is. You’d have to be a certain type to cope with it. I also liked the friendship that sprang up between Fiona and Kim and the relationship between Fiona and her mother. There is a lot going on in this book and you can feel the tension throughout. Although I did twig as to who was responsible for the things that happen to Fiona, it is no way diminished the effect of the story. This is an enjoyable read that gathers pace as it gets closer to the end. I recommend this as another good Aussie writer worth reading. Thanks to Allen&Unwin for my copy to read and review. A book that is worth buying for those who like family stories, rural stories, and books about friendship and relationships. There are a number of really likable characters and at least one suitably villainous character that brings in issues of date rape and abuse.
December 18, 2016
My first of Fleur McDonald's books and it is a ripper!
November 11, 2016
Sapphire Falls in one word? Tension.
The tension McDonald conveys in her writing takes on a role as important as the storyline and characters themselves. It is this that keeps the reader turning the pages and McDonald is vigilant in leaving no stone unturned or question unanswered throughout.
Fleur McDonald weaves a mysterious story of suspense and intrigue with Sapphire Falls, with an admirable lead female character in Fiona, who despite everything thrown her way remains steadfastly true to herself and her country roots. Fiona is certainly a character of substance and though we see her resilience, McDonald also offers us a depth of vulnerability in Fiona that is heartening.
The tension McDonald conveys in her writing takes on a role as important as the storyline and characters themselves. It is this that keeps the reader turning the pages and McDonald is vigilant in leaving no stone unturned or question unanswered throughout.
Fleur McDonald weaves a mysterious story of suspense and intrigue with Sapphire Falls, with an admirable lead female character in Fiona, who despite everything thrown her way remains steadfastly true to herself and her country roots. Fiona is certainly a character of substance and though we see her resilience, McDonald also offers us a depth of vulnerability in Fiona that is heartening.
March 25, 2017
Sapphire Falls by Fleur McDonald
A notable detective/crime novel set in an Australian country town. Fleur McDonald understands and imparts the feel and lifestyle of living in a farming area. In Sapphire Falls she develops a credible story around the working relationships of her protagonists, the possible connections between their friendship groups and the mischievous gossiping that often happens in a rural community. She places many plausible options and motives for the crimes that are linked in the story and kept me reading to almost the end to reveal the criminal and their reasons for their wicked intentions.
Her main character Fiona Forrest, is a likeable young woman who willingly becomes a farmer after falling in love with her husband who had inherited his grandfather’s farm. Like many contemporary country women, she is tough and determined and readily adapts to the life in the small rural community. When she suddenly becomes a widow, after her husband commits suicide, she doesn’t buckle but is desperate to remain on the farm especially. Nevertheless, when things go from bad to worse and she is maliciously targeted by unknown persons, Fiona finds it all almost unbearable.
I enjoyed Fleur McDonald’s detective Dave Burrows. He is an old school decent detective who is being reprimanded for not “following orders” but realises this wouldn’t have happened earlier in his career “but policing is changing and he wasn’t sure he was up to it”. Dave has the unpleasant job of re-examining the deaths of Eddie and Charlie because the “bright young” policeman who originally attended both scenes did not thoroughly consider all possibilities.
An excellent holiday/weekend read.
A notable detective/crime novel set in an Australian country town. Fleur McDonald understands and imparts the feel and lifestyle of living in a farming area. In Sapphire Falls she develops a credible story around the working relationships of her protagonists, the possible connections between their friendship groups and the mischievous gossiping that often happens in a rural community. She places many plausible options and motives for the crimes that are linked in the story and kept me reading to almost the end to reveal the criminal and their reasons for their wicked intentions.
Her main character Fiona Forrest, is a likeable young woman who willingly becomes a farmer after falling in love with her husband who had inherited his grandfather’s farm. Like many contemporary country women, she is tough and determined and readily adapts to the life in the small rural community. When she suddenly becomes a widow, after her husband commits suicide, she doesn’t buckle but is desperate to remain on the farm especially. Nevertheless, when things go from bad to worse and she is maliciously targeted by unknown persons, Fiona finds it all almost unbearable.
I enjoyed Fleur McDonald’s detective Dave Burrows. He is an old school decent detective who is being reprimanded for not “following orders” but realises this wouldn’t have happened earlier in his career “but policing is changing and he wasn’t sure he was up to it”. Dave has the unpleasant job of re-examining the deaths of Eddie and Charlie because the “bright young” policeman who originally attended both scenes did not thoroughly consider all possibilities.
An excellent holiday/weekend read.
March 29, 2017
Sapphire Falls by Fleur McDonald is a wonderful book that shows the strength and determination a woman has after the tragic suicide of her husband. Fiona Fortest is determined to keep her loved property going. She fights a losing battle with many unexplained disasters occuring.
This novel is about love, tragedy, heartache, determination, loyalty and betrayal. You will be kept guessinng until the final shocking chapter.
This novel is about love, tragedy, heartache, determination, loyalty and betrayal. You will be kept guessinng until the final shocking chapter.
December 30, 2018
Fleur McDonald captures outback landscapes and the resilience, struggles and strength of "bush" people.
September 23, 2019
Started a bit slowly but finished with a bang.
January 10, 2017
Sapphire Falls is Fleur McDonald’s eighth novel showcasing rural Australia and the reader is introduced to young widow Fiona, whose husband has just taken his life, one tragedy after another. Although Fiona only really came to farming when she met and married Charlie, now that he is gone she finds herself motivated to stay on the property and continue their work. Wherever she goes though she is dogged by rumours that she’s going to sell, finding herself almost harassed about it.
Fiona is strong and stubborn despite her grief or perhaps because of it. She had slowly immersed herself in more and more of farming during her marriage to Charlie but there was still a lot she didn’t know, such as the finances. She pushes herself to get through the daily tasks, working mostly on her own probably doing the work of two people. Her tasks suddenly begin to seem even more difficult when there are a few suspicious incidents around the farm that are beginning to look a bit like deliberate sabotage. Coupled with the rumours that she’s selling, Fiona begins to wonder just exactly who wants her farm so badly…and why.
Detective Dave Burrows is asked to look into the investigation of the tragic shooting that occurred on Fiona and Charlie’s farm before Charlie committed suicide. A young, enthusiastic officer was quick to write it off without dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s and now it falls to Dave to tidy up some of the sloppy policework. Dave is methodical, a fan of the proper process. The more Dave digs the more he finds to make him question if this was really the tragic accident it seemed.
I didn’t envy Dave his job in this circumstance. The local community has been rocked by the tragic shooting of Eddie during an accident while Charlie and some mates were out attempting to hunt a wild dog killing stock. Charlie then took his own life leaving behind a devastated widow and a town that was trying to heal. He knew no one would want him coming in and stirring up memories again, asking questions but it was something that had to be done. Dave’s personality made the reader sympathetic towards him and his attempt to make sure that everything was done correctly. Dave is also dealing with something potentially devastating in his personal life with his partner Kim. Fiona and Kim cross paths quite by accident one night and strike up a mutually supportive friendship. Fiona needs all the supportive people she can get in her life to be honest and although the friendship did seem a bit random and rapid, the exchange of text messages seemed a format that worked well for both of them, kept busy by their day to day lives.
There’s a thread of suspense running through the story in several layers and really my only real kind of curiosity with this book was that I found it too easy to put together the pieces of what was going on quite early on which then meant I had to wait for everyone to catch up and then I got to see if I was right. It was still a clever idea, I just think that perhaps for me, it was signposted a bit too easily in the beginning and I never really had that chance to think about whether or not I was right or if there was going to be another twist. To be honest figuring it out early didn’t at all alter my enjoyment of the book because the suspense plot I think, was secondary to me behind Fiona’s development as a character and how events played out for her personally. I think Fleur McDonald did a fantastic job constructing the character of Fiona – her heartbreak and grief, her mixed emotions at the news she gets soon after Charlie’s death, her determination, her stubbornness, her fear and confusion and then anger at what is going on with her farm and her cautious hope for the future.
Sapphire Falls is a wonderfully enjoyable story with a strength in showcasing human relationships. In particular, the long distance relationship that Fiona has with her brother who lives in New York, was fantastic. It plays out via messaging online but in few words it managed to create a very close sibling relationship that was also realistic. I also really enjoyed the depiction of the rural farming town and some of the issues that farmers face in terms of weather, wild animals, stress with prices and things like spraying for weeds and pests. Fiona has such admirable determination – she could’ve leased out the farm but kept it as a legacy but she chooses (for good reason) to stay and work it herself, even though it must’ve been so exhausting and daunting to face it alone, especially while she would’ve been in such a fragile mental state. She does have a few people to support her but a lot of what Fiona does falls to her alone and she just keeps going, even when things are looking pretty grim.
This is easily a novel you can sink into and become invested. I read it in two sittings, specifically setting it aside for when I was waiting for my youngest son to finish appointments because I knew it would hold my interest and make the time fly.
Fiona is strong and stubborn despite her grief or perhaps because of it. She had slowly immersed herself in more and more of farming during her marriage to Charlie but there was still a lot she didn’t know, such as the finances. She pushes herself to get through the daily tasks, working mostly on her own probably doing the work of two people. Her tasks suddenly begin to seem even more difficult when there are a few suspicious incidents around the farm that are beginning to look a bit like deliberate sabotage. Coupled with the rumours that she’s selling, Fiona begins to wonder just exactly who wants her farm so badly…and why.
Detective Dave Burrows is asked to look into the investigation of the tragic shooting that occurred on Fiona and Charlie’s farm before Charlie committed suicide. A young, enthusiastic officer was quick to write it off without dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s and now it falls to Dave to tidy up some of the sloppy policework. Dave is methodical, a fan of the proper process. The more Dave digs the more he finds to make him question if this was really the tragic accident it seemed.
I didn’t envy Dave his job in this circumstance. The local community has been rocked by the tragic shooting of Eddie during an accident while Charlie and some mates were out attempting to hunt a wild dog killing stock. Charlie then took his own life leaving behind a devastated widow and a town that was trying to heal. He knew no one would want him coming in and stirring up memories again, asking questions but it was something that had to be done. Dave’s personality made the reader sympathetic towards him and his attempt to make sure that everything was done correctly. Dave is also dealing with something potentially devastating in his personal life with his partner Kim. Fiona and Kim cross paths quite by accident one night and strike up a mutually supportive friendship. Fiona needs all the supportive people she can get in her life to be honest and although the friendship did seem a bit random and rapid, the exchange of text messages seemed a format that worked well for both of them, kept busy by their day to day lives.
There’s a thread of suspense running through the story in several layers and really my only real kind of curiosity with this book was that I found it too easy to put together the pieces of what was going on quite early on which then meant I had to wait for everyone to catch up and then I got to see if I was right. It was still a clever idea, I just think that perhaps for me, it was signposted a bit too easily in the beginning and I never really had that chance to think about whether or not I was right or if there was going to be another twist. To be honest figuring it out early didn’t at all alter my enjoyment of the book because the suspense plot I think, was secondary to me behind Fiona’s development as a character and how events played out for her personally. I think Fleur McDonald did a fantastic job constructing the character of Fiona – her heartbreak and grief, her mixed emotions at the news she gets soon after Charlie’s death, her determination, her stubbornness, her fear and confusion and then anger at what is going on with her farm and her cautious hope for the future.
Sapphire Falls is a wonderfully enjoyable story with a strength in showcasing human relationships. In particular, the long distance relationship that Fiona has with her brother who lives in New York, was fantastic. It plays out via messaging online but in few words it managed to create a very close sibling relationship that was also realistic. I also really enjoyed the depiction of the rural farming town and some of the issues that farmers face in terms of weather, wild animals, stress with prices and things like spraying for weeds and pests. Fiona has such admirable determination – she could’ve leased out the farm but kept it as a legacy but she chooses (for good reason) to stay and work it herself, even though it must’ve been so exhausting and daunting to face it alone, especially while she would’ve been in such a fragile mental state. She does have a few people to support her but a lot of what Fiona does falls to her alone and she just keeps going, even when things are looking pretty grim.
This is easily a novel you can sink into and become invested. I read it in two sittings, specifically setting it aside for when I was waiting for my youngest son to finish appointments because I knew it would hold my interest and make the time fly.
March 5, 2020
First book of this author I have read....loved it
November 3, 2016
This was a highly enjoyable read. The tension as you flip those pages just keeps building! It's amazing how the author is able to slither through the reader's mind through her intriguing and charismatic writing. She masks the truth behind clever words leaves you hanging until the very last page.
I did have a problem with the pacing, however. Some parts weren't necessary yet the story lacked detail. The book is centred around a certain problem that is linked to something that happened in the past, therefore I feel like things were to connect better if we got more than just a prologue of what happened. Nonetheless, the story flowed smoothly and no questions were left unanswered.
Also, there's just something about the characters you read about in Australian novels that make them really admirable - their inner strength. I've only ever read through the perspective of a female lead in OZ novels, and they share this very trait, and I love it! These ladies show how women can stand up for what they believe in and lead a life without having to depend on anyone. I enjoyed reading about Fiona and Kim and how they struggle with different problems in their life yet still being able to fulfil their dreams of doing hard labor work. Take note, people! These are the types of women we need in Fiction novels.
A hidden gem of a book with bold characters and an interesting plot. It's not heavy with the crime but it sure is packed with surprises and mystery. Definitely not a book you'd want to miss. It's actually also fairly light considering the pacing of the book. I flew through it in two sittings, so I highly recommend it if you want a quick read!
I did have a problem with the pacing, however. Some parts weren't necessary yet the story lacked detail. The book is centred around a certain problem that is linked to something that happened in the past, therefore I feel like things were to connect better if we got more than just a prologue of what happened. Nonetheless, the story flowed smoothly and no questions were left unanswered.
Also, there's just something about the characters you read about in Australian novels that make them really admirable - their inner strength. I've only ever read through the perspective of a female lead in OZ novels, and they share this very trait, and I love it! These ladies show how women can stand up for what they believe in and lead a life without having to depend on anyone. I enjoyed reading about Fiona and Kim and how they struggle with different problems in their life yet still being able to fulfil their dreams of doing hard labor work. Take note, people! These are the types of women we need in Fiction novels.
A hidden gem of a book with bold characters and an interesting plot. It's not heavy with the crime but it sure is packed with surprises and mystery. Definitely not a book you'd want to miss. It's actually also fairly light considering the pacing of the book. I flew through it in two sittings, so I highly recommend it if you want a quick read!
July 30, 2017
The pace of this book was appealing to me. it starts off slowly in the South Australian countryside. Gradually picks up speed. The last few chapters are a rush of excitement that I couldn't stop reading.
November 4, 2016
When I started reading this book I thought it was another run of the mill rural romance, where someone dies and there are complications. However I was wrong. Woven throughout this story is a mystery. I was able to work out who the guilty party was from the hints dropped in the story.
An enjoyable read.
An enjoyable read.
November 25, 2016
I actually got to chapter 31 and thought there was going to be a sequel. I found the discovery of.......a bit rushed towards the end but I still really enjoyed the story as I always do with Fleur's books.
November 14, 2016
Fantastic book. OMG so much suspense. Couldn't put it down.
November 23, 2016
Although not normally a book I would think of picking up, I did enjoy this and it was an easy read.
October 31, 2016
I’m not a fan of romance novels and was – perhaps fooled a little by the beautiful cover. As it happens, rather than being rural romance, Sapphire Falls is more reminiscent of the recent wonderful read – The Dry – by Jane Harper. Intrigue in the outback. Kinda.
The book kicks off with the event that changes Fiona’s life… along with her husband’s. And when Charlie takes his own life Fiona’s left to pick up the pieces and do everything she can to prevent losing their farm.
Interestingly Fiona meets (police officer) Dave’s wife, Kim and the pair click, but Dave’s involvement in Fiona’s life is merely coincidental. It seems some young local police officers rushed the ‘investigation’ and Dave believes there are a lot of unanswered questions about the accidental shooting. And perhaps Charlie’s suicide.
And there are a few side-stories to keep us busy… though I’m not sure all were necessary: I must admit I wasn’t sure of McDonald’s need to put Kim and Dave through the wringer on this occasion; and didn’t fully understand the backstory involving Charlie and his parents. Others are of interest however, as Fiona’s high-maintenance mother indulges in some romance and Fiona’s best friend Jo seems to be struggling with something.
There’s a whisper for future romance for Fiona, but nothing too tangible and this romantic suspense leans very heavily on the latter. I liked Mc Donald’s character development and she gives us some strong female role models and not-too-stereotypical country blokes.
I also liked the contemporary feel McDonald offers up via Fiona’s relationship with her brother, and their Facebook conversations offered another sense of intimacy that many who don’t dabble in the online world don’t understand.
Read the full review on my site: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
The book kicks off with the event that changes Fiona’s life… along with her husband’s. And when Charlie takes his own life Fiona’s left to pick up the pieces and do everything she can to prevent losing their farm.
Interestingly Fiona meets (police officer) Dave’s wife, Kim and the pair click, but Dave’s involvement in Fiona’s life is merely coincidental. It seems some young local police officers rushed the ‘investigation’ and Dave believes there are a lot of unanswered questions about the accidental shooting. And perhaps Charlie’s suicide.
And there are a few side-stories to keep us busy… though I’m not sure all were necessary: I must admit I wasn’t sure of McDonald’s need to put Kim and Dave through the wringer on this occasion; and didn’t fully understand the backstory involving Charlie and his parents. Others are of interest however, as Fiona’s high-maintenance mother indulges in some romance and Fiona’s best friend Jo seems to be struggling with something.
There’s a whisper for future romance for Fiona, but nothing too tangible and this romantic suspense leans very heavily on the latter. I liked Mc Donald’s character development and she gives us some strong female role models and not-too-stereotypical country blokes.
I also liked the contemporary feel McDonald offers up via Fiona’s relationship with her brother, and their Facebook conversations offered another sense of intimacy that many who don’t dabble in the online world don’t understand.
Read the full review on my site: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
December 7, 2018
I picked this up to read a lighthearted book between a more serious book reading session. I always enjoy Fleur's books and this one was a ripper!
I had thought though, at the beginning, I might have already read it. The story line seemed vaguely familiar and I wondered if it were a similar plot to the others I have read by Fleur. However, time moved on and I found myself riveted. Yes, the plot is similar to others, but somehow it is different.
Dave Burrows is a recurring character who has grown on me in time. It is great to have some connectivity to the other books in the sense they are describing an area whilst huge is really just a neighbourhood. So he knows many people in a wide area. Typical Aussie country style!
I lost power yesterday and the heat at mid afternoon meant downing tools (so to speak) and I lay on the bed with this book and a glass of wine. (decadance!) and read from the middle to the end in just a few hours. I loved it! Especially toward the end, where we think we know who the beater/raper/killer is, but we are wrong!
Terrific read.
Highly recommended if you want to sit at the beach or on holidays over this long hot summer!
I had thought though, at the beginning, I might have already read it. The story line seemed vaguely familiar and I wondered if it were a similar plot to the others I have read by Fleur. However, time moved on and I found myself riveted. Yes, the plot is similar to others, but somehow it is different.
Dave Burrows is a recurring character who has grown on me in time. It is great to have some connectivity to the other books in the sense they are describing an area whilst huge is really just a neighbourhood. So he knows many people in a wide area. Typical Aussie country style!
I lost power yesterday and the heat at mid afternoon meant downing tools (so to speak) and I lay on the bed with this book and a glass of wine. (decadance!) and read from the middle to the end in just a few hours. I loved it! Especially toward the end, where we think we know who the beater/raper/killer is, but we are wrong!
Terrific read.
Highly recommended if you want to sit at the beach or on holidays over this long hot summer!
March 15, 2024
I was a bit iffy about reading any more Fleur McDonald books after the younger Dave Burrows series, but this series sounds much better so far.
Newly widowed and pregnant Fiona is a very likeable character, unlike selfish scumbag Mel and her equally scumbag father. As if losing her husband in such a cruel way isn't bad enough, she has to put up with crazy things happening to her sheep, a self-absorbed mayor and a totally insensitive real estate agent who exploits her bereavement as an opportunity to pressure her to sell her farm.
I won't be reading any more young Dave Burrows books, but I'll be checking out more of this series and staying tuned.
Newly widowed and pregnant Fiona is a very likeable character, unlike selfish scumbag Mel and her equally scumbag father. As if losing her husband in such a cruel way isn't bad enough, she has to put up with crazy things happening to her sheep, a self-absorbed mayor and a totally insensitive real estate agent who exploits her bereavement as an opportunity to pressure her to sell her farm.
I won't be reading any more young Dave Burrows books, but I'll be checking out more of this series and staying tuned.
November 16, 2016
I can't rate this book highly enough!! I love Fleur McDonalds writing and the mystery/ rural crime that comes with farming life. I'm a huge fan of country novels and this one did not disappoint. I had hunches throughout the book as to the outcome but I wasn't sure until right at the end. I also love that her previous stories are mentioned at different times and Detective Dave Burrows is a common character. I can't wait for her next book!!
May 14, 2019
Honestly could not put this book down it carries you right through to the end. It would be 4.5 stars but there’s just a few details that stopped me giving it the full 5. I would have liked a bit more in the ending, a bit more to flesh it all out and really settle it. I also thought it raced to the finish a little. Overall though a suspenseful and totally gripping story with twists I didn’t see coming. Would 100% recommend this book.
June 9, 2019
Sorry, I was disappointed. I found parts of this book disjointed. Introduced during the book is a man involved in drug rape situations which the reader is aware is part of the story line and is connected with the main story but the way it came to be part of the story, I didn't feel it linked in well. Then another character, Jo's story didn't get linked with the ending - I'm not sure why not - I was waiting for that to be part of the ending.
June 24, 2019
Brilliant, gripping story!!!!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, I was totally hooked from the first page. Absolutely brilliant, could not put it down, all the way through I was looking for the villan, had my doubts about who it was but in the end I had worked it out but couldnt fathom a motive!!! Fabulous book would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading. Thank you Fleur, I love reading your books, have read several now and about to start another😉😊😉
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, I was totally hooked from the first page. Absolutely brilliant, could not put it down, all the way through I was looking for the villan, had my doubts about who it was but in the end I had worked it out but couldnt fathom a motive!!! Fabulous book would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading. Thank you Fleur, I love reading your books, have read several now and about to start another😉😊😉
July 3, 2021
I loved this book set in a rural country side in southern Australia. Packed with suspense, mystery as the police carry out investigations and events thrown in. With a touch of romance too. As Fiona works through her grief of loosing her husband, running their farm and being pregnant she follows her dream despite of events and challenges she faces by an unknown person. Supportive friends, family help her through these tough times and a shocking revelation of her friend adds to the heartbreak she’s facing and a betrayal from someone she trusted.
The first book I’ve read by Fleur Mc Donald that doesn’t disappoint. I love how there were no questions etc left to be answered at the end of the book. A well written book, perfect read for the weekend.
The first book I’ve read by Fleur Mc Donald that doesn’t disappoint. I love how there were no questions etc left to be answered at the end of the book. A well written book, perfect read for the weekend.
April 29, 2024
Fi has just lost the love of her life, after an accident that left him struggling to cope with life. But is all what is seems? Now alone with a farm and people thinking she will sell.
Suggest checking triggers as had bits of some heavy topics like R*pe, drink spiking, su!c1de.
I love my Fluer McDonald binge fest! Love the outback adventures her mind created.
The marathon continues!
Suggest checking triggers as had bits of some heavy topics like R*pe, drink spiking, su!c1de.
I love my Fluer McDonald binge fest! Love the outback adventures her mind created.
The marathon continues!
September 10, 2018
Goood
Squinting slightly, he squeezed the trigger. A deafening shot rang out, quickly followed by the thump of a bullet hitting a body. Leigh thumped his arm in a congratulatory gesture and Eddie let out a whoop.
Squinting slightly, he squeezed the trigger. A deafening shot rang out, quickly followed by the thump of a bullet hitting a body. Leigh thumped his arm in a congratulatory gesture and Eddie let out a whoop.
January 4, 2020
A decent read for sure. I liked it - probably because I am a big fan of any thriller written with an outback farming background :) Climax seemed to be done in a hurry. But of the opinion that a better written one of Fluer is still "Suddenly One Summer".
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