The Unmourned

Monsarrat #2

by Meg Keneally

The second instalment in the fast-paced, gripping Monsarrat Series from Booker-winner Tom Keneally and his daughter Meg

For Robert Church, superintendent of the Parramatta Female Factory, the most enjoyable part of his job is access to young convict women. Inmate Grace O’Leary has made it her mission to protect the women from his nocturnal visits and when Church is murdered with an awl thrust through his right eye, she becomes the chief suspect.

Recently arrived from Port Macquarie, ticket-of-leave gentleman convict Hugh Monsarrat now lives in Parramatta with his ever-loyal housekeeper Mrs Mulrooney. Monsarrat, as an unofficial advisor on criminal and legal matters to the governor’s secretary, is charged with uncovering the truth of Church’s murder. Mrs Mulrooney accompanies him to the Female Factory, where he is taking depositions from prisoners, including Grace, and there the housekeeper strikes up friendships with certain women, which prove most intriguing.

Monsarrat and Mrs Mulrooney both believe that Grace is innocent, but in this they are alone, so to exonerate her they must find the murderer. Many hated Church and are relieved by his death, but who would go as far as killing him?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Crime, Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Australia, Audiobook

336 pages, Paperback

Published February 27, 2017

About the author

Meg Keneally started her working life as a junior public affairs officer at the Australian Consulate-General in New York, before moving to Dublin to work as a sub-editor and freelance features writer. On returning to Australia, she joined the Daily Telegraph as a general news reporter, covering everything from courts to crime to animals' birthday parties at the zoo. She then joined Radio 2UE as a talkback radio producer.

In 1997 Meg co-founded a financial service public relations company, which she sold after having her first child. For more than ten years, Margaret has worked in corporate affairs for listed financial services companies, and doubles as a part-time SCUBA diving instructor. She lives in Sydney with her husband Craig and children Rory and Alex.

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second novel of the Keneallys' Monsarrat series, based in the fledgling colonies of New South Wales in the mid 19th century, Hugh Monsarrat has gained his ticket of leave again and returned to Parramatta from Port Macquarie. With the money he received from his previous employer, Major Shelbourne, he has bought a small house and employed his confidante and good friend Mrs Mulrooney as housekeeper. His fine penmanship has once again earned him employment as a clerk, this time with the Governor's secretary, Ralph Eveleigh. When the Superintendent of the Female Factory (the prison housing all the female convicts), Robert Church is murdered, Hugh is sent by Eveleigh to interview the convict woman accused of the crime. Believing her innocent of the murder but likely to be hung if the real culprit isn't found, Hugh then sets out to investigate the crime, with the aid of the indomitable Mrs Mulrooney.

The murderer is not all that difficult to guess, but the motive behind the murder requires a bit of sleuthing by Hugh to uncover. However, these books are entertaining and engrossing, not so much for the mystery element but for the historical backgrounds that are fully realised by meticulous research. Despite having lived in Sydney for thirty years I know very little about Parramatta and the Female Factory there, so I was happy to learn more about it. The main characters in this series are also likeable as well as brave and honest and their bantering relationship is delightful. Care has also been taken to flesh out the minor characters and give them a realistic and individual feel. At the end of the novel, Hugh is told that he is being sent to Van Dieman's Land to help investigate a murder there so I am looking forward to the next book in the series, The Power Game.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The arrival from Port Macquarie to Parramatta in New South Wales of Hugh Monsarrat and his housekeeper and friend, Mrs Hannah Mulrooney felt advantageous. Hugh was a clerk to the governor’s secretary, and the small house he now owned was run successfully by Mrs Mulrooney. But when the hated superintendent of the Parramatta Female Factory, Robert Church, was found dead, with the immediate suspect being young convict and inmate, Grace O’Leary, Hugh knew he needed to act. The hanging of the young woman was almost a done deal – with the governor’s secretary allowing him a week to find answers, Hugh and his able assistant, Mrs Mulrooney set to work.

But as answers came, so did danger. Would they be able to discover the murderer before the week was up – and before that person killed again?

The Unmourned is the second in the Monsarrat series by Aussie authors, Meg Keneally and her father Thomas. I enjoyed this one a little more than the first, although it still rambled on at times. But Hannah Mulrooney has come into her own in this book. She has a dry wit, especially when she’s with Hugh Monsarrat – a real laugh out loud character. The historical aspect of the story with the Parramatta Female Factory is well researched with the notes at the end providing more of interest; I’m looking forward to #3. Recommended.

[Jülie ☼♄  · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoying this series! 4.5⭐️'s

After receiving his very long awaited ticket-of-leave, the now ex-convict, Hugh Monsarrat is finally leaving Port Macquarie and bound for a new life and new beginnings in Parramatta.
Fortunate enough to be able to retain his loyal friend and housekeeper, Mrs Mulrooney, thanks to the generosity of a grateful benefactor in his previous life in Port Macquarie, Hugh Monsarrat has a purse full of enough coin to see him through until he can secure a paying job, preferably in his chosen field of expertise and where his intellect will be put to best use.
For the time being, Hugh's particular talent for problem solving and detective work has landed him an unofficial position as advisor to the governor's secretary, where he has been charged with the task of solving a murder.
Hugh is determined to find a killer before a convict woman accused of the murder, and who he believes to be innocent of the crime is hanged.
Time is not on his side, nor is his status of being an ex convict, regardless of circumstances, convicts, even reformed ones or ticket of leave holders, are generally frowned upon.

It was way back in 2016 when I reviewed A Soldier's Curse, book #1 in this Monsarrat series, and I loved it! I couldn't wait for book two to come out, however life got in the way for awhile and it is only now that I am playing catch up. The good news is that I have two more books to ready to catch up on, and with [I understand] a book #5 in the making.
This is such an enjoyable series which can also be read as stand alones, though I feel sure that once you try them you will be hooked also.

Written in collaboration with her esteemed author father, Tom Keneally or Thomas Keneally, these books have a genuine feel for the authentic and it's clear that these two are professionals when it comes to attention to detail.
Having read Thomas Keneally quite extensively, I can certainly notice his influence in the tone set, and yet still note a more subtle or delicate presence in some of the psychology of the characters involved.
It is quite fascinating to observe this collaboration between these two authors, it makes for a very intriguing and well constructed story.
As with book # 1 in the series, this one does not disappoint either!

Highly recommended as a stand alone or in sequence.
I am really looking forward to reading more from Meg Keneally as a solo writer!

I gave this 4.5⭐️'s because I admit to being a little frustrated at the politically detailed backstory of Hannah's past in 1798. I understand some backstory is necessary...I just got a bit bored with it and thought [for me] it started to lose momentum...however that was brief.

*I love the attention to detail such as on page 4. Where "Monsarrat met one member of the Burramattagal, whose name the colonisers had mangled in christening Parramatta."

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining romp with Monsarrat and his housekeeper, through colonial Parramatta this time. This is shaping up to be a treasure of a series.

With his monetary gift from Major Shelborne, Monsarrat has purchased a small house in Parramatta and installed his friend, Mrs Mulrooney, as housekeeper. He's working as a clerk again; this time to the secretary for the Governor. And after his absence in Port Macquarie, he's reacquainting himself with local landlady, Sophia Stark, with a view to marriage. But when the Superintendent of the local Female Factory is murdered, Monsarrat and Mulrooney are sent in to investigate.

This time it seemed a bit obvious whodunnit, but I still thoroughly enjoyed unravelling the mystery anyway. We get to learn a lot more of Hannah Mulrooney's backstory, and watch the partnership develop. Looking forward to #3 in Van Diemen's Land.

Highly recommended.

[Deb Omnivorous Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, my first one for 2018. It is a second in a series (The Monsarrat sereis) and as such we come to it with pre-described main characters, but a new location.

The fist in the series took place in Port Maquarie, with our leading man a convict and his best friend Mrs Mulrooney, a housekeeper for the commander's wife. In this second book Monsarrat has been grated his ticket of leave, but is not exactly 'free'. He is residing in Parramatta where he is clerk to an official, Mrs Mulrooney is his housekeeper.

This change of location allows the authors scope to describe and explore another site and history from Australia's past as a convict colony. It is beautifully done. The majority of the action takes place around the Female Factory, where a murder has occurred and the descriptions of this historical institution are fascinating, at times horrifying and completely mesmeriing. They also give off the strong suggestion of exceptionally well done, extensive reasearch with the Author's note at the back itemising the sources and any deviation, however small that might have employed for the betterment of the story.

And the story is delightfully fun to read, with a chilling gruesome murder that must be solved, main characters one likes and the inhabitants of the Factory to pity. While the above paragraph might make it sound like a dry book it is not: the characters and the plot swing along merrily and the side characters are as entertaining and believable as the main ones. The events are fascinating in a way that makes the book very hard to put down.

The only criticism that may be leveled against it would be that the murder 'mystery' is a bit transparent to the reader. And if I say that it is practically transparent, I can never guess endings, mostly because I don't try to, it is the process I enjoy, or as Robert Louis Stevenson said; "To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." It works equally well for books and travel. However, for people who love the mystery to be unsolvable, the murder investigation may be unsatifing. Personally I loved the slow building of characters, settings, events and crimes that built up to a solid and (to me) very satisfying conclusion.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second novel in the Monsarrat series, THE UNMOURNED is set in Sydney, based around the Parramatta Female Factory - the epitome of appalling institutions in a line up that you'd think would be hard to lead.

The investigator in this series is ticket-of-leave recipient, gentleman convict, Hugh Monsarrat who has come from Port Macquarie to Parramatta in Sydney with his every-loyal housekeeper Mrs Mulrooney. Having, as yet, not had the pleasure of reading the first book in the series THE SOLDIER'S CURSE or now the third, THE POWER GAME, this is something that I really need to rectify (I realise that's starting to become my never-ending mantra), but this combination of history with a touch of mystery, great characters, good settings, and interesting storylines is worth pursuing.

On the slightly mannered side of historical tellings, this second novel plays very fair with new readers, giving you more than enough background on Monsarrat and Mulrooney to be able to sort out the relationship, and a fair bit of their pasts without having to work too hard, whilst keeping the focus on the current storyline. The Parramatta Female Factory is one of those areas of Australian history that this reader knew a bit about, but obviously nowhere near enough, and the historical details behind the factory, it's purpose, and the way it was used and abused were informative. It's told in great style with verve and a real sense of being able to be part of it - instead of reading a somewhat dull, accurate and passionless historical account.

The murder of the superintendent Robert Church, is intriguing, but in many ways it's the history in this novel that matters a tad more than the mystery. When delivered as well as THE UNMOURNED does it, it's of no matter that the mystery is somewhat easy to resolve pretty early on. There's still plenty of intrigue in the lives of Monsarrat, Mulrooney and everybody associated with the Parramatta Female Factory to keep the interest of readers, to say nothing of how excellent it is to have novels that finally cast some light into one of the very dark corners of early white society institutions.

https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read!

[Annette Chidzey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Unmourned builds on the relationship between Hugh Montsarrat and Hannah Mulroney that formed the cornerstone of the first in The Monsarrat series.
The situation that leads to Montsarrat investigating the murder of Robert Church and the related mistreatment of female prisoners in the Paramatta Female factory is very interesting and builds on an appreciation of the hardships that beset prisoners and ticket-of-leave men and women in colonial NSW. The characters of Grace O'Leary and Rebecca Nelson are new to this account and both are credibly developed while the writing itself moves swiftly from situation to situation.
Though the final decision to send Montsarrat and his housekeeper to Van Diemen's Land to investigate another murder seems somewhat contrived and perhaps unlikely , I look forward to the next instalment in the series as I have become invested in the characters of Hugh and Hannah.

[David Holford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story. I enjoyed it even more than the first in the Monsaratt series. For me it was just the right combination of historical interest, likeable characters, a mystery to solve and a little bit of suspense. And as a bit of a surprise was a side character who appeared in the story named Ernest Holford, which made me wonder where Meg Keneally got that name from. My great grandfather had a brother named Ernest Holdorf who died in 1875 at age 2. And the very same great grandfather changed his name from Holdorf to Holford during WW1. So the book felt almost like a family tale to me... (helped by the fact that my Irish great great grandmother was transported to Australia in the 1830s for stealing some clothing... but you'll have to read the book to know why that is significant!). An enjoyable read for lovers of Australian historical fiction.

[Angelique Simonsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! once again so easy to fall into the mystery and try and solve it. recommend both of these books

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Yawn* Boring.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meg and Tom Keneally have got a good thing going and I look forward to Mister Monsarrrat and Mrs Mulrooney solving a third (and already suggested at the end of the book as he is sent to Van Dieman's Land) mystery. It is also educational. For example 5'6" back in Sydney's penal settlement was a tall woman. It describes the Parramatta Female Factory and the conditions in which the women were kept so well without being didactic at all. Keep it up, Keneallys.

[Ron Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Unmourned” is the second in the Monsarrat series. I guess it is not essential to read the series in order. However, if you don’t you will miss many of the referrals to past characters and situations.
I will not retell the plot as this has been above. Monsarrat, with his ticket-of-leave housekeeper Mrs Mulrooney have moved to Sydney from Port Macquarie and have a new murder to investigate.
The story is enjoyable enough and the writing is both engaging and descriptive. But what I love most about this book is the authenticity of the setting and the characters. The Keneallys have undoubtedly done their research.
The book is not a deep and difficult intellectually challenging story but rather a character/setting driven murder mystery, with only a little mystery (I am sure you will have identified the villain early on.)
The story takes you on a journey of discovery of the early history of New South Wales and societal relationships that existed at that time. The colony was a very class and status-ridden society. I am not sure if many know that Government House in Parramatta was in use by the governors till 1855.
The story is centred around the Parramatta Female Factory. A history that could be lost if we don’t fight for it! I found the situation where women were brought out and displayed like cattle for a male settler to choose a wife fascinating.
The relationship between Monsarrat and his housekeeper is some what perplexing. It seems to be a twenty-first century friendship in an eighteenth century story. There are a number of interesting characters, some such as the Pieman, being based on real people.
Without giving too much away I can divulge the information that at the end of the story Monsarrat and the indefatigable Mrs Mulrooney.
Once again the Keneallys have produced a fine Australian story that should be read and enjoyed by those professing a love of Australia, its stories and history.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second in the Monsarrat series in which the main characters have moved from Port Macquarie to Paramatta on the river outside Sydney. The story revolves around life in the Paramatta Women’s Factory and the unravelling of a murder that occurs there. The irascible Mrs Mulrooney and her relationship with Monsarrat becomes somewhat tedious and the plot is predictable but still entertaining.

[Steve lovell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monsarrat is a 'special' when we first meet him. He's a convict who, because of a much required talent, is bestowed upon with special privileges denied his cohorts in chains. Monsarrat possesses a thorough knowledge of legal matters, due to his UK background; has a way with words and a fine copperplate hand – in the days when that counted for something. In Port Macquarie he has aspirations, but before he gets ahead of himself there are those who make sure he never forgets his all too lowly station in life - even if, perhaps, they would be lost in that life without him. But, all in all, his existence there isn't too bad. There's Mrs Mulrooney, the camp commandant's cook, who's a good mate; as well as there being, somewhere up ahead, the possibility of a ticket-of-leave, but only if he can continue to keep his nose clean. 'The Soldier's Curse' is supposedly the first of twelve planned novels revolving on Monsarrat's adventures sleuthing around in early Oz. It's set in the first half of the Nineteenth Century. And the combination of esteemed writer Tom Keneally and his daughter Meg are, with this initial one, off to a ripper start.

Now I've never been a huge fan of the senior writer. I've read a few of his output over the decades, but a new release from him is never a must-have. But I had perused some good notices for 'The Soldier's Curse' and with the early years of our founding always fascinating, I decided, when the cheaper paperback version appeared, to give it a burl. I knew, once I started, that I was onto something a little different for me, but it was also something that was going to keep me thoroughly engrossed for the duration. I was soon out buying 'The Unmourned', not the least interested in waiting for a cheaper edition further down the track. I am now eagerly awaiting the third in the series. But back to the first.

There were very few women amongst the 1500 free and not so free souls at the Port Macquarie settlement during Monsarrat's time, but of course the most prominent was the wife of the man in charge, our hero's ultimate boss. But the seemingly virtuous and beauteous young woman is ailing – and there's more to her mysterious illness than meets the eye. Of course the good (seemingly) and privileged felon and Mrs M are soon on the case, especially after her demise. Perhaps, they discover, she wasn't so lily-white after all, but why do her in? There are soon a number of suspects with, of course, eventually our dynamic duo sniffing out the real culprit. As a whodunnit, it's about as far away from airport fare as one could get. The two investigators are also far from daringly heroic and the pace is leisurely, making it all the more to savour. The suspects take some sifting through. Best of all though, this tome and its follow up bring to life what life must have been akin to in early colonial times for all levels of society. We have vicious floggings and violent stabbings in eye sockets as well as sadistic officers. These are countered by a fair share of do-gooders. The system, at its lower level, still provided a modicum of hope that there was a chance to better oneself in a way that wasn't possible back home in England. There is more of the same in 'The Unmourned' with, as a reward for his efforts up on the northern coast, Monsarrat, along with his sidekick, returning to Sydney. Now the focus switches to the plight of female convicts. Just who was responsible for the aforementioned skewering of notoriously evil overseer Robert Church at the Paramatta Female Factory? It all points to Grace O'Leary, a sparky rabble-rouser who, with her guile, has emerged as a leader of sorts amongst those in an olden days 'Orange is the New Black' situation. The authorities want her to swing as soon as possible, but they don't count on a feisty, dogged pair having other ideas.

The Keneallys, in their interviews, have suggested their lead character is based on one James Tucker who, like Monsarrat, was a cut above the average transportee. After successfully applying for his ticket he wrote 'Ralph Rashleigh' in the 1840s, giving a fictionalised account of convict ordeals.

I'm excited that the makers of 'The Doctor Blake Mysteries' are keen to work their magic on the product of the father/daughter act for the small screen. I am also excited that, at the end of 'The Unmourned', Monsarrat is informed that he is again being moved on. Where to, you might ask. Why to our very own once upon a time not so fair island.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another detailed Australian Historical fiction from Father and daughter team - Tom and Meg Keneally. As well as being entertaining, there is lots of information about the customs of the day. The mystery is also intriguing. Looking forward to more adventures with Hugh Monsarrat and Mrs Mulrooney.

For Robert Church, superintendent of the Parramatta Female Factory, the most enjoyable part of his job is access to young convict women.Inmate Grace O'Leary has made it her mission to protect the women from his nocturnal visits and when Church is murdered with an awl thrust through his right eye, she becomes the chief suspect.
Recently arrived from Port Macquarie, ticket-of-leave gentleman convict Hugh Monsarrat now lives in Parramatta with his ever-loyal housekeeper Mrs Mulrooney. Monsarrat, as an unofficial advisor on criminal and legal matters to the governor's secretary, is charged with uncovering the truth of Church's murder. Mrs Mulrooney accompanies him to the Female Factory, where he is taking depositions from prisoners, including Grace, and there the housekeeper strikes up friendships with certain women, which prove most intriguing.
Monsarrat and Mrs Mulrooney both believe that Grace is innocent, but in this they are alone, so to exonerate her they must find the murderer. Many hated Church and are relieved by his death, but who would go as far as killing him?

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the first book in the series but that didn't seem to hamper either my enjoyment or comprehension of the characters and plotlines. I don't have any in-depth knowledge of Australia either contemporary or historical so I found the period setting particularly interesting. I thought there was enough detail to capture a feel of the setting and context without so much that you felt you were on the receiving end of a history lesson. I found it an absorbing read. The cast of characters were excellent. There was a definite Dickensian feel to them and that's praise not criticism! I particularly loved the hotpie man. I didn't read it solely as a detective story although it is and the resolution to whodunnit is well done. I shall look out for both the first book in the series and any that follow this one. One addition I would have appreciated is a map. I did get out my world atlas but not sure it was much help. I love a good map and for this story it would have added something; for me anyway. I understand sometimes publishers aren't keen on anything that adds to the printing costs but doesn't necessarily increase profits.

[Jennifer Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuing story of Hugh Monsarrat and his loyal Irish housekeeper Hannah Mulroney is entertaining for readers interested in the history of early settlers in the Sydney of the 19th century. The format of a murder which is then solved by Monsarrat makes a backdrop to the character sketches of the populous, in this case Parramatta, the British/Protestant overlords and the Female Factory for convicts. The ex convict Monsarrat has progressed, having received a ticket of leave and a position with the governor's private secretary Ralph Eveleigh, moving from Port Macquarie. The chief suspect in the murder of Church, superintendent of the Female Factory is a young convict Grace O'Leary but the evidence collected by Monsarrat and Hannah points in a different direction.
The reality of the life of female convicts underlies the story and Monsarrat comes to find the true killer but almost loses Hannah in the process. The killer escapes but.leaves an accessory to corroborate the story.
Monsarrat's faith in Grace is vindicated and she is saved from hanging while Monsarrat himself is given a new role in a new town, possibly following the murderer to Van Diemen's land

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first book in the series, I wasn't sure whether I would bother with a second, but I'm so glad I did.

This story brought the main characters more into focus. The reader is shown the delicacy of Monsarrat's freedom. While tis is fiction, in reality, must have been like treading on eggshells. In the previous book he had, in effect, nothing to lose until his dalliance with Sophia in the wrong area saw him forfeit his ticket to leave. Here, he is very aware of his vulnerability, and is prepared to bow and scrape to avoid conflict with the power brokers like McAllister and Bulmer who see any conviction as a sign of incurable disease.

[Annaleise Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this verbose historical whodunnit set in 1825 at the Parramatta Female Factory (a setting based in reality; the real factory housed more than 5000 female convicts over the years). Former convict Monsarrat is a likeable and steady character - not the usual tortured detective stereotype - and his friendship with his housekeeper and detecting offsider, Mrs Mulrooney, is sweet and entertaining. Although I hadn't read the first book in the series, that did not detract from my enjoyment of this book. And I didn't figure out who the murderer was until the authors wanted me to. Recommended for adult fans of historical fiction and/or murder mysteries!

[Sean · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a rather pedestrian crime novel. Comforting like an episode of the Rockford Files but not bringing anything new to the genre. I like the premise, and I like the layering of characters as the Keneally's (Meg is writing in conjunction with her famous father) are bringing alive a whole colony of characters, many of whom are flagged to return in future outings. But, as with so many of its genre, it battles with leaden exposition and here the irascible housekeeper fills the role of Dr Watson. Having said that I will read the next volume.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second in the Monsarrat series by the Keneallys. I enjoyed this for the historical setting and the characters. Hugh Monsarrat, a ticket of leave man in early Sydney and his housekeeper Hannah Mulroony investigate the murder of Robert Church, the head of the Parramatta Female Factory, a man universally hated for his cruelty. This is a terrific mystery and the depiction of life in Sydney in 1825 is fascinating. Recommended for mystery and historical fiction fans.

[Zoe W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another gripping read from the Keneally's. Part two of the series that follows Monsarrat and Mrs Mulrooney back to Parramatta and the horrid female factory. As always the story was interwoven beautifully with the history of the era and the storytellers did a great justice to the female factories history. The detecting Monsarrat again uncovered an unlikely criminal in a colony full of them. I am gearing up for my book three delivery!

[Jen Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed spending many nights saying, "I'm going to bed with Tom and Meg."

Just such enjoyable reads - a great mix of historical setting, story-telling, fabulous dialogue and the sort of mischievous characters anyone who's ever been to a Tom Keneally reading will find familiar.

Read #1 and #2 back-to-back so, um, "patiently" waiting for #3 to be available. Please.

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excited to have found this wonderful new series! Monsarrat and Mrs Mulrooney are interesting, original characters and the history of the Female Factory is fascinating.
How Meg (daughter) and Tom (80 yr old father) collaborated in writng this series is worth following up.
Can't wait read the the whole four books (so far.)

[Maryanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE this series, but I struggle with several very violent, brutal scenes - in this case sexual violence against women (yes I know it was appallingly violent in those days).
That said, the writing is fresh, immersive and brilliant, so beautifully evocative of Australia's early days, and I adore the crime solving duo of an ex-forger/ lawyer and aging housekeeper.

[Andrewblundell2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding this book more plausible (when it came to the crime...), I truly enjoyed it as much as the first in the Montserrat series. Have the third in my hand and am pleased to know the fourth is at the printers!

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating from a research point of view. The background and the plight of female convicts under early colonial rule in Australia are deftly drawn. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and the historic setting, I found the central character's interaction far more interesting than the solution to the mystery. I shall watch with interest to see how this projected series unfolds.
Until now I had no idea Tom Keneally had written so much non-fiction about the history of Australia: a new field to explore.

[Roslyn Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Part of a series I have read the second one first but that probably doesn't matter. A bit heavy handed with the idiom and slang of the day but a good fun read. Sort of who dunnit

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A little predictable but a historical mystery that's a good easy read. I like that the series is Australian.