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The Matilda Saga #8
The Last Dingo Summer
A killer lurks behind the kindness of the Gibber's Creek community. Under the burnt timber of the church, the police have found the body of Ignatious Mervyn, the man who so viciously attacked Jed Kelly when she was fifteen, and tried to kill her and her unborn child in last year's bushfire.
Newcomer Fish Johnstone refuses to believe Jed Kelly's husband, Sam McAlpine, killed Merv to save his wife and child, as the police suspect. But Fish must also face her own mystery - a father who recently appeared as a Vietnamese 'boat person' refugee, but has vanished once again. As the last dingo howls on the hills above the river, Fish finds that Gibber's Creek has many secrets. And some of them are deadly.
Set in the late 1970s, this haunting story shows how love and kindness can create the courage to face the past.
Newcomer Fish Johnstone refuses to believe Jed Kelly's husband, Sam McAlpine, killed Merv to save his wife and child, as the police suspect. But Fish must also face her own mystery - a father who recently appeared as a Vietnamese 'boat person' refugee, but has vanished once again. As the last dingo howls on the hills above the river, Fish finds that Gibber's Creek has many secrets. And some of them are deadly.
Set in the late 1970s, this haunting story shows how love and kindness can create the courage to face the past.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
14 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Jackie French
320 books864 followersJackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 22, 2019
I had no idea that this series was still going and I am so happy that it is 'cause they are just so cool to read.
June 14, 2021
Hi Jackie!
I have to admit it's been a while since I visited Gibber's Creek. Almost avoiding it in a way, trying to prolong the evitable, which is the end of line for new stories from Gibber's Creek. This story brings it one more step closer to that end... one more to go... And yet while I took my time to visit, now that I finally have.... I devoured my time with the locals of Gibber's.
While I love hanging out with the Gibbers' Creek crowd, its the nature and environment that get into my bones when I am reading the narrative. The way you make the land, the wildlife a part of the story like a character in its self. Maybe as a country girl at heart myself, I easily resonate with the love of the land, the joy, the heartbreak and the hard work of it all.
I love this series, saga, whatever we want to call it, you have bought these characters to life and explained Australian history in such a brilliant way, with respect of the time and period it was, yet with the knowledge of what we know now and using in a voice that allows that knowledge to question and reflect into those times without making it seem unauthentic.
I will leave it here for now...as I have the final book in the 'Matilda Saga' to read... and until then...
I'll catch you later...
Natty
March 4, 2019
My rating 4/5 stars
ARC kindly provided by Harper Collins in exchange for an honest review.
Unlike most people in Australia, I had never read a Jackie French novel. I have always heard great things about her writing, ideas, characters, but never got the chance to actually form my own personal view of her writing until now. The Last Dingo Summer was a highly enjoyable read and of a genre that I enjoyed but don’t usually get to immerse myself in. The atmosphere that Jackie French crafted and the issues that she explored were captivating and different to other texts I have read in the past.
Australian fiction is not something I would’ve previously expressed my love for however, I thoroughly appreciated Jackie’s unique take on the Aussie classic novel troupes. The representation of ethnic diversity within the main characters, including those who were assimilated to rural life and those who weren’t was intricately woven into the plot and the message. Similarly, French’s ability to weave in elements of crime and mystery kept myself as a reader thinking about the story even when I put the book down.
My favourite aspect of The Last Dingo Summer was the characters and her ability to give a unique voice to every perspective she wrote from. I found myself being able to connect to each of the characters through their individual struggles and complications because of Jackie French’s descriptive and emotive writing style.
I will say that my understanding of the significance of some events were hindered by my not reading of the first seven books in the series, however, after getting a taste of the story I am definitely intrigued in what lead up to The Last Dingo Summer.
ARC kindly provided by Harper Collins in exchange for an honest review.
Unlike most people in Australia, I had never read a Jackie French novel. I have always heard great things about her writing, ideas, characters, but never got the chance to actually form my own personal view of her writing until now. The Last Dingo Summer was a highly enjoyable read and of a genre that I enjoyed but don’t usually get to immerse myself in. The atmosphere that Jackie French crafted and the issues that she explored were captivating and different to other texts I have read in the past.
Australian fiction is not something I would’ve previously expressed my love for however, I thoroughly appreciated Jackie’s unique take on the Aussie classic novel troupes. The representation of ethnic diversity within the main characters, including those who were assimilated to rural life and those who weren’t was intricately woven into the plot and the message. Similarly, French’s ability to weave in elements of crime and mystery kept myself as a reader thinking about the story even when I put the book down.
My favourite aspect of The Last Dingo Summer was the characters and her ability to give a unique voice to every perspective she wrote from. I found myself being able to connect to each of the characters through their individual struggles and complications because of Jackie French’s descriptive and emotive writing style.
I will say that my understanding of the significance of some events were hindered by my not reading of the first seven books in the series, however, after getting a taste of the story I am definitely intrigued in what lead up to The Last Dingo Summer.
January 26, 2022
why did I even rate this 4 stars, it's the best series I've ever read...
April 11, 2022
Overdrive tells me I read this in approximately 1.5 hours. I just finished "Facing the Flame" and thought I ought to see if Overdrive has this book - sure enough it did and after the first couple of chapters I was more than hooked and kept on reading. Lucky its holidays and I don't have to work.
This book had the air of a part 2 to Facing the Flame. Other books in the series have had a decade or more separation between them, often shifting the focus from one major character to another. In this one, there is only a few months and focus is still largely on Jed, Sam, and Scarlett; although a new character - Fish, has been introduced and others have been elevated more major roles. It also feels a lot more of an murder mystery, with the character of the "killer" given his/her own voice but not identified until the end.
Once again, Jackie French has addressed the major issues of the time, in particular the treatment Aborigines over time. Even the treatment of non-white immigration.
Now do I or don't I re-read Clancy of the Overflow, know I am more familiar with the character's backstory?
This book had the air of a part 2 to Facing the Flame. Other books in the series have had a decade or more separation between them, often shifting the focus from one major character to another. In this one, there is only a few months and focus is still largely on Jed, Sam, and Scarlett; although a new character - Fish, has been introduced and others have been elevated more major roles. It also feels a lot more of an murder mystery, with the character of the "killer" given his/her own voice but not identified until the end.
Once again, Jackie French has addressed the major issues of the time, in particular the treatment Aborigines over time. Even the treatment of non-white immigration.
Now do I or don't I re-read Clancy of the Overflow, know I am more familiar with the character's backstory?
December 8, 2025
what a rollercoaster omfg my heart is beating like ive just gone for a run
May 7, 2023
Another fabulous book in The Matilda series, OH NO I am on the last book #9 now.
Jackie has been great in her description of past and modern times of the 70’s I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole series, thank you, I certainly hope there is a Book #10 and onwards sometime in the future.
I wish we had access to a recipe book for this whole series.
Jackie has been great in her description of past and modern times of the 70’s I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole series, thank you, I certainly hope there is a Book #10 and onwards sometime in the future.
I wish we had access to a recipe book for this whole series.
February 6, 2019
Incredible mystery story... you'll never believe who the killer is
December 27, 2021
idk why but i don't vibe with fish but i also kinda do
July 19, 2019
This was an incredibly powerful story of love, mystery and beauty as with all books in what has become for me, a most beloved series.
This book continues the story of Jed McAlpine-Kelly, her husband Sam, their young daughter Mattie, Scarlett, Nancy, Blue, Joseph, Leafsong and the dozen or more other heroins and heroes revealing un-known parts of well-known Australian history across the decades of the 20th century. The unexpected murder of the last book is investigated throughout this story revealing fascinating twists, turns and a
truly breathtaking ending (It truly was in shock!)
Beneath this story, Jed and her family struggle with a devastating tragedy that befell their community. Jed struggles with sudden single motherhood and slowly begins to reject the eager love and help offered to her by her beloved family and Gibbers Creek.
Meanwhile, a newcomer, Fish Johnstone struggles with her new Vietnamese identity and the guilt of possibly destroying her parents happiness. She comes to Gibbers creek determined to solve the mystery presented before her, finding dark secrets in unsuspecting places.
Because this book comes in a series, It is necessary to have read all other 7 books before voyaging into the readers pure delight of 'The Last Dingo Summer.' I adore the ways in which Jackie French has been able to integrate the power of poetry within these books, as well as the way she applies the forgotten history of the aboriginal people and women of this country Australia throughout major events often associated with the white male species including the establishment of the Unions, Federation, WWI, The Great Depression, WWII, The revolutionary Gough Whitlam political era and the 'boat people' controversies of the late 1970's.
All this and more is achieved through the loving atmosphere of the endless tea, cakes and stories of the most wonderful town ever to be created, (in the mind of the humble author) Gibbers Creek.
This book continues the story of Jed McAlpine-Kelly, her husband Sam, their young daughter Mattie, Scarlett, Nancy, Blue, Joseph, Leafsong and the dozen or more other heroins and heroes revealing un-known parts of well-known Australian history across the decades of the 20th century. The unexpected murder of the last book is investigated throughout this story revealing fascinating twists, turns and a
truly breathtaking ending (It truly was in shock!)
Beneath this story, Jed and her family struggle with a devastating tragedy that befell their community. Jed struggles with sudden single motherhood and slowly begins to reject the eager love and help offered to her by her beloved family and Gibbers Creek.
Meanwhile, a newcomer, Fish Johnstone struggles with her new Vietnamese identity and the guilt of possibly destroying her parents happiness. She comes to Gibbers creek determined to solve the mystery presented before her, finding dark secrets in unsuspecting places.
Because this book comes in a series, It is necessary to have read all other 7 books before voyaging into the readers pure delight of 'The Last Dingo Summer.' I adore the ways in which Jackie French has been able to integrate the power of poetry within these books, as well as the way she applies the forgotten history of the aboriginal people and women of this country Australia throughout major events often associated with the white male species including the establishment of the Unions, Federation, WWI, The Great Depression, WWII, The revolutionary Gough Whitlam political era and the 'boat people' controversies of the late 1970's.
All this and more is achieved through the loving atmosphere of the endless tea, cakes and stories of the most wonderful town ever to be created, (in the mind of the humble author) Gibbers Creek.
January 24, 2020
4 stars.
I have high expectation from Jackie and this series, and while this was heartwarming and entertaining, unfortunately they were not quite met to the same extent as previous books in the Matilda Saga have. The new characters (namely Fish) were not as fleshed out as they usually are, perhaps because they had less page time, but it left them feeling slightly insignificant. There were various important issues touched upon, but that was all the were - touched upon. French has shown that she can explore deep, concerning issues in a sensitive and relatable way, even if her characters are from decades or centuries ago, but The Last Dingo Summer mentioned 'boat people' and Indigenous rights, but was overwhelmed by a shallow murder mystery. However, the pre-existing characters were all still so strong and lovable, and I was certainly invested enough that I cried several times. While I was able to predict the murderer, I think it wasn't too obvious, and the hints that were given were just enough that, if you're looking for them, they're there.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you're as invested as I am in the Matilda Saga, because the characters we know and love are still facing intricate and intense challenges. If you haven't read this wonderful series, I urge you to start at the beginning, so you can experience the love, loss and adventure of Gibbers Creek over almost a century.
I have high expectation from Jackie and this series, and while this was heartwarming and entertaining, unfortunately they were not quite met to the same extent as previous books in the Matilda Saga have. The new characters (namely Fish) were not as fleshed out as they usually are, perhaps because they had less page time, but it left them feeling slightly insignificant. There were various important issues touched upon, but that was all the were - touched upon. French has shown that she can explore deep, concerning issues in a sensitive and relatable way, even if her characters are from decades or centuries ago, but The Last Dingo Summer mentioned 'boat people' and Indigenous rights, but was overwhelmed by a shallow murder mystery. However, the pre-existing characters were all still so strong and lovable, and I was certainly invested enough that I cried several times. While I was able to predict the murderer, I think it wasn't too obvious, and the hints that were given were just enough that, if you're looking for them, they're there.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you're as invested as I am in the Matilda Saga, because the characters we know and love are still facing intricate and intense challenges. If you haven't read this wonderful series, I urge you to start at the beginning, so you can experience the love, loss and adventure of Gibbers Creek over almost a century.
April 12, 2019
Never before has a book had me as worried as this one, but as always, at the end of a Matilda book, I am satisfied, content, and happy, although I also cried.
It's so nice to follow Jed and Scarlett through another story, and I enjoyed seeing more of Blue, Joseph, Kirsty and Mah in his story. I loved Fish, with her honest questioning and truth seeking.
And of course the entire community of Gibbers Creek is strong in this book. Although a lot of the book was focused on the murder and that gave the book an uneasy not-sure feeling, you still knew that as a whole, whatever happened, (and I had some dire predictions at one stage) Gibbers Creek would be ok. More than ok. And it was. More than ok.
And I'm with Fish; "she’d be back, she thought as the Dragon headed up into the castle of clouds that would lead them north. She’d listen again as people put the billy on, in this place of endless tea and cake, this land where stories lived."
Also I've never been so happy as when I turned the page and read this in the authors note: "The Matilda Saga began as a single book, with no intention to make it a series that will continue possibly as long as I am able to write it. " - I'll take that possibly!
I began reading The Matilda Saga as a quiet girl in the high school library with no intention beyond reading a single book with a beautiful cover and an intriguing title, no intention of finding my favourite book and a series that I will continue to read as long as it is written.
It's so nice to follow Jed and Scarlett through another story, and I enjoyed seeing more of Blue, Joseph, Kirsty and Mah in his story. I loved Fish, with her honest questioning and truth seeking.
And of course the entire community of Gibbers Creek is strong in this book. Although a lot of the book was focused on the murder and that gave the book an uneasy not-sure feeling, you still knew that as a whole, whatever happened, (and I had some dire predictions at one stage) Gibbers Creek would be ok. More than ok. And it was. More than ok.
And I'm with Fish; "she’d be back, she thought as the Dragon headed up into the castle of clouds that would lead them north. She’d listen again as people put the billy on, in this place of endless tea and cake, this land where stories lived."
Also I've never been so happy as when I turned the page and read this in the authors note: "The Matilda Saga began as a single book, with no intention to make it a series that will continue possibly as long as I am able to write it. " - I'll take that possibly!
I began reading The Matilda Saga as a quiet girl in the high school library with no intention beyond reading a single book with a beautiful cover and an intriguing title, no intention of finding my favourite book and a series that I will continue to read as long as it is written.
October 1, 2020
Trigger warnings: fire (in the past), death (in the past), death of loved ones (in the past), stalking, loved one in a coma, animal death, animal cruelty, mentions of war and prisoner of war experiences, racism and racist government policies towards Indigenous Australians, White Australia Policy.
This was definitely darker than I expected. I've loved all the books in this series, but I think for me it peaked with Nancy's story in World War II and the books about Jed haven't had QUITE the same impact as the earlier books in the series did. The addition of Fish as a character was wonderful, taking the series back to its more teenage roots.
The murder investigation was definitely intriguing, but I felt like there were some subplots - like the discussion of Aboriginal rights - that weren't given as much time as I would have liked. But on the whole, this was another great addition to the series and I always love spending time in Gibber's Creek with these characters that we've come to know so well.
This was definitely darker than I expected. I've loved all the books in this series, but I think for me it peaked with Nancy's story in World War II and the books about Jed haven't had QUITE the same impact as the earlier books in the series did. The addition of Fish as a character was wonderful, taking the series back to its more teenage roots.
The murder investigation was definitely intriguing, but I felt like there were some subplots - like the discussion of Aboriginal rights - that weren't given as much time as I would have liked. But on the whole, this was another great addition to the series and I always love spending time in Gibber's Creek with these characters that we've come to know so well.
April 16, 2019
I’ve never read Jackie French before and didn’t realise that this book was something like 8th in a series about a rural family. Despite this, even though at times I felt that I should know the characters better than I did (there are frequent references to past events), it didn’t affect my ability to enjoy the novel for what it was: a beautiful, lyrical love letter to the landscape, with a murder mystery thrown in.
The diverse cast of characters and shifting POV helped to paint the picture of this moment in time, the late 70s in a tiny farming community.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book though did feel I didn’t get the maximum enjoyment out of its winding plot due to not keeping all the many characters straight in my head!
The diverse cast of characters and shifting POV helped to paint the picture of this moment in time, the late 70s in a tiny farming community.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book though did feel I didn’t get the maximum enjoyment out of its winding plot due to not keeping all the many characters straight in my head!
August 31, 2020
Just finished reading this book this afternoon... it engrossed me.
My second time reading it and I picked up so many extra details that I didn't catch the first time through. This is why I LOVE re-reading Jackie French's Matilda Saga books - there are always secrets and treasures to find.
Now to finally begin the ninth and final book... it has big shoes to fill if it is to surpass my current favourite of the series, To Love a Sunburnt Country!
I highly recommend this book and ALL the books in this series.
My second time reading it and I picked up so many extra details that I didn't catch the first time through. This is why I LOVE re-reading Jackie French's Matilda Saga books - there are always secrets and treasures to find.
Now to finally begin the ninth and final book... it has big shoes to fill if it is to surpass my current favourite of the series, To Love a Sunburnt Country!
I highly recommend this book and ALL the books in this series.
March 30, 2020
Excellent Australian fiction
I didn’t realise this was the eighth book of a series when I start it, but it didn’t really mattered. An evocative story of Australia in fire and drought, very topical, given our recent climate disaster.
The characters are well- drawn and believable. I may go back and read others in the series.
I didn’t realise this was the eighth book of a series when I start it, but it didn’t really mattered. An evocative story of Australia in fire and drought, very topical, given our recent climate disaster.
The characters are well- drawn and believable. I may go back and read others in the series.
May 24, 2024
Love the way Jackie French writes. It’s easy to read and very enjoyable. We see a small community and its skeletons which are flushed out. The book covers some topics that have often been difficult to talk about boat people indigenous rights and the issues that were around then and still are today to different extents. Great book
November 28, 2024
I think this was the worst murder mystery I've ever read...and it was all because a guy who was weirdly in love with a girl made a mistake...then started going out with her sister? I think this book did less well at retelling the history of women and Indigenous Australians...some of the things said about First Nations people felt completely generalised and stereotyped, even if French was trying the replicate the language used back then. I feel very conflicted about this book.
Good quotes:
"Life shouldn't change so suddenly, from normality to horror. And knowing that it could was more than she could bear."
"...being loved brought responsibility to those who loved you too."
"By living...that's what we owe the dead. Not to waste our lives."
"Surface normality could hide an infinity of secrets. And that was the most frightening thing of all."
"Knowing something intellectually isn't like living it."
"Because once respect was gone, love vanished too."
"You are your parents' daughter. Not their friend...Not their counsellor or guardian...The one great responsibility parents have to their children is to deal with their own emotional tangles and not make their kids help solve them."
"Truth was not exact, because if you ever told the whole truth, it would take forever, as every fact was linked to another."
"Talking always helps. Things fester if you keep too much to yourself."
"So much if women's arts were transient...like food, but no less skilled or wonderful."
Good quotes:
"Life shouldn't change so suddenly, from normality to horror. And knowing that it could was more than she could bear."
"...being loved brought responsibility to those who loved you too."
"By living...that's what we owe the dead. Not to waste our lives."
"Surface normality could hide an infinity of secrets. And that was the most frightening thing of all."
"Knowing something intellectually isn't like living it."
"Because once respect was gone, love vanished too."
"You are your parents' daughter. Not their friend...Not their counsellor or guardian...The one great responsibility parents have to their children is to deal with their own emotional tangles and not make their kids help solve them."
"Truth was not exact, because if you ever told the whole truth, it would take forever, as every fact was linked to another."
"Talking always helps. Things fester if you keep too much to yourself."
"So much if women's arts were transient...like food, but no less skilled or wonderful."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2020
I loved this book, was riveted from start to finish. The relationships, Australian settings and history, and the people were beautifully written. Then I realised it was part of a Saga so I have 8 more books to look forward to reading.
October 31, 2020
I came across this author through a book display above the book shelves. The Australian theme attracted me. I enjoyed the snippets at the start of each chapter complete with misspillings. I liked the messages in the Author’s note and Acknowledgements. A thoughtful story with a relevant message.
August 29, 2021
I get the feeling that this book may be part of a series. I will check as I’d like to read the others. I enjoyed this book and the different aspects of the countryside. From Fish’s point of view, the aboriginal point of view, the older locals point f view and newcomers.
July 6, 2024
The story continues with a court case and a new family member called Fish.
Jed struggles with Sam's injuries and small matee demands.
Secrets are found out by young Fish being inquisitive and asking questions.
All gets revealed in the end.
One more book in the series to go.
Jed struggles with Sam's injuries and small matee demands.
Secrets are found out by young Fish being inquisitive and asking questions.
All gets revealed in the end.
One more book in the series to go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2024
This is one of my favourite book series!!! My heart strings were being pulled a lot throughout this book! I really enjoyed the storyline, and direction Jackie French took this book / character development.
January 22, 2019
It was a great book.
February 8, 2019
This is the first novel I've been able to read in a year. This is a huge thing. Thank you, Jackie. I loved it.
February 12, 2019
Jackie French tells such a great story. This is a real mystery with plenty of fascinating characters and an intriguing back story. Recommended for Year 8 and above.
May 5, 2019
Brilliant. I love this series
October 14, 2019
By the 8th in the series I felt very invested in the characters and landscape, however the new dramas and characters woven through the continuation in storyline brought further dimension.
January 17, 2020
The Matilda Saga - great reads - loved this one to
April 9, 2020
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews