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Detective Dave Burrows
Where the River Runs
Chelsea drove slowly through the small country town of Barker, her eyes searching to see what had changed in the last nine years...She's been in two minds about going home. Part of her wanted desperately to sit on the riverbank and breathe in the peace. But why would she put herself through all the pain of a homecoming when she didn't need to?
Nine years ago, thirty-year-old Chelsea Taylor left the small country town of Barker and her family's property to rise to the top as a concert pianist. With talent, ambition, and a determination to show them all at home, Chelsea thought she had it made.
Yet here she was, in Barker, with her four-year-old daughter, Aria, readying herself to face her father, Tom. The father who'd shouted down the phone nine years ago never to come home again.
With an uneasy truce developing, Chelsea and Aria settle into the rhythm of life on the land with Tom and Cal, the farmhand, who seems already to have judged Chelsea badly. Until a shocking discovery is made on the riverbed and Detective Dave Burrows, the local copper, has to tear back generations of family stories to reveal the secrets of the past.
Chelsea just wants a relationship with her dad but will he ever want that too? Or will his memory lapses mean they'll never get that opportunity?
Nine years ago, thirty-year-old Chelsea Taylor left the small country town of Barker and her family's property to rise to the top as a concert pianist. With talent, ambition, and a determination to show them all at home, Chelsea thought she had it made.
Yet here she was, in Barker, with her four-year-old daughter, Aria, readying herself to face her father, Tom. The father who'd shouted down the phone nine years ago never to come home again.
With an uneasy truce developing, Chelsea and Aria settle into the rhythm of life on the land with Tom and Cal, the farmhand, who seems already to have judged Chelsea badly. Until a shocking discovery is made on the riverbed and Detective Dave Burrows, the local copper, has to tear back generations of family stories to reveal the secrets of the past.
Chelsea just wants a relationship with her dad but will he ever want that too? Or will his memory lapses mean they'll never get that opportunity?
8 pages, Audible Audio
Published November 1, 2018
82 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Fleur McDonald
44 books533 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 60 reviews
November 6, 2018
When Chelsea Taylor and her four-year-old daughter Aria arrived at the small South Australian town of Barker, it had been ten years since Chelsea had been home. She had left after her brother Dale’s unexpected death and not returned. Her parents had been shattered, shutting Chelsea out – she needed to get back to her music to find solace. A series of unfortunate events had prevented her from returning home but now she was back – concerned how her father Tom would react to her presence.
Aria immediately hit it off with her grandfather – Tom doted on his granddaughter and with Christmas looming, Chelsea hoped things would right themselves eventually. But it seemed everyone in the district had judged Chelsea – without knowing the facts. Would she settle back into Shandona, the place she had felt most at home at as a child – the place that felt like home now? Or would she be driven away?
When Cal, Shandona’s farmhand, called Detective Dave Burrows after a wild storm, the discovery made on the riverbed was shocking. Were there secrets in Chelsea’s family’s past? Or was it completely unrelated? And what was up with Tom?
Where the River Runs is another exceptional rural suspense novel by Aussie author Fleur McDonald. Moving, poignant and heartbreaking, the rural outlook of severe drought; of neighbours looking out for one another; of family, secrets, courage and survival – all blend together to create a true Australian novel which I devoured. It was great to catch up with Dave Burrows, Jack and Kim again as well! I thoroughly enjoy this author’s work, and highly recommend Where the River Runs to fans of the genre.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Aria immediately hit it off with her grandfather – Tom doted on his granddaughter and with Christmas looming, Chelsea hoped things would right themselves eventually. But it seemed everyone in the district had judged Chelsea – without knowing the facts. Would she settle back into Shandona, the place she had felt most at home at as a child – the place that felt like home now? Or would she be driven away?
When Cal, Shandona’s farmhand, called Detective Dave Burrows after a wild storm, the discovery made on the riverbed was shocking. Were there secrets in Chelsea’s family’s past? Or was it completely unrelated? And what was up with Tom?
Where the River Runs is another exceptional rural suspense novel by Aussie author Fleur McDonald. Moving, poignant and heartbreaking, the rural outlook of severe drought; of neighbours looking out for one another; of family, secrets, courage and survival – all blend together to create a true Australian novel which I devoured. It was great to catch up with Dave Burrows, Jack and Kim again as well! I thoroughly enjoy this author’s work, and highly recommend Where the River Runs to fans of the genre.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2024
EXCERPT: The room was silent after Cal left and Tom looked around as if unsure what to do.
'What rooms can we sleep in?' Chelsea finally asked. 'I'll go and set them up.'
'The top two. Think the bathroom up there works okay. well, it did when your mother was alive. I haven't had any need to go up there since then.'
'Thanks. I'll go get our bags.' She felt like she was talking to a stranger. But what more could she expect? She hadn't visited since she was twenty and her parents hadn't tried to see her either. Chelsea had hoped her mother would come when Aria was born, but she'd been born overseas, and by the time she'd returned to Australia, Chelsea's circumstances had changed . . . and life had continued without her parents in it.
She'd been left to cope on her own.
Anger swelled up in her as she remembered the endless nights rocking Aria to sleep, the pain of the birth which lingered for months afterwards, the silence from her mother. All in a foreign country. Well, her dad might have cause to be pissed off with her, but she had a good reason to return the feeling. Maybe coming back here wasn't going to be the therapy she needed. Perhaps it would only unsettle her and make her angry again.
ABOUT 'WHERE THE RIVER RUNS': Chelsea drove slowly through the small country town of Barker, her eyes searching to see what had changed in the last nine years...She's been in two minds about going home. Part of her wanted desperately to sit on the riverbank and breathe in the peace. But why would she put herself through all the pain of a homecoming when she didn't need to?
Nine years ago, thirty-year-old Chelsea Taylor left the small country town of Barker and her family's property to rise to the top as a concert pianist. With talent, ambition, and a determination to show them all at home, Chelsea thought she had it made.
Yet here she was, in Barker, with her four-year-old daughter, Aria, readying herself to face her father, Tom. The father who'd shouted down the phone nine years ago never to come home again.
With an uneasy truce developing, Chelsea and Aria settle into the rhythm of life on the land with Tom and Cal, the farmhand, who seems already to have judged Chelsea badly. Until a shocking discovery is made on the riverbed and Detective Dave Burrows, the local copper, has to tear back generations of family stories to reveal the secrets of the past.
Chelsea just wants a relationship with her dad, but will he ever want that too? Or will his memory lapses mean they'll never get that opportunity?
MY THOUGHTS: Where the River Runs is an outstanding novel of life in rural South Australia. Although this is a novel in the Detective Dave Burrows series, it focuses mainly on Chelsea, her small daughter, Aria, her father Tom and their life on the family property, Shandona. And don't worry if you haven't read any of the previous books in the series, Where the River Runs is easily read as a stand-alone.
Coming home at a time of severe drought, Chelsea is met with suspicion and disdain by the locals. The welcome from her father and station hand Cal is barely any warmer.
It's a story that has been done before, but Fleur MacDonald puts her own stamp on it. The family's story is poignant and heartbreaking; Chelsea's one of teenage angst and rebellion leading to an estrangement that has lasted two decades. Now, with a young daughter, Chelsea wants to make peace with her family and find her own place within it again.
Tom, still grief stricken over the loss of his beloved wife and angry at Chelsea's failure to come home for the funeral, is battling his own demons and relying more and more on Cal to manage the station, but he can't help falling in love with his young granddaughter who shadows him everywhere.
Running alongside this emotional family drama is the mystery of two skeletons unearthed by erosion - that of a man and a baby - and a piece of jewelry which may be the means of identifying them. This is where Detective Dave Burrows comes in.
Dave is tough and loyal, and more interested in justice than following the letter of the law. Dave and Chelsea have something in common - estrangement from their families - Dave's estrangement is also being challenged when his brother is involved in a life-threatening accident and he is asked to go home.
Fleur MacDonald explores the strengths of family bonds, the damage pride can cause, overcoming regrets, and second chances all intertwined with the mystery of the uncovered bones and the everyday struggles of outback life.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#WheretheRiverRuns @WaitomoDistrictLibrary
THE AUTHOR: After 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 an 8000-acre station for twenty years. Today Fleur and her energetic kelpie, Jack, live in Esperance, Western Australia.
'What rooms can we sleep in?' Chelsea finally asked. 'I'll go and set them up.'
'The top two. Think the bathroom up there works okay. well, it did when your mother was alive. I haven't had any need to go up there since then.'
'Thanks. I'll go get our bags.' She felt like she was talking to a stranger. But what more could she expect? She hadn't visited since she was twenty and her parents hadn't tried to see her either. Chelsea had hoped her mother would come when Aria was born, but she'd been born overseas, and by the time she'd returned to Australia, Chelsea's circumstances had changed . . . and life had continued without her parents in it.
She'd been left to cope on her own.
Anger swelled up in her as she remembered the endless nights rocking Aria to sleep, the pain of the birth which lingered for months afterwards, the silence from her mother. All in a foreign country. Well, her dad might have cause to be pissed off with her, but she had a good reason to return the feeling. Maybe coming back here wasn't going to be the therapy she needed. Perhaps it would only unsettle her and make her angry again.
ABOUT 'WHERE THE RIVER RUNS': Chelsea drove slowly through the small country town of Barker, her eyes searching to see what had changed in the last nine years...She's been in two minds about going home. Part of her wanted desperately to sit on the riverbank and breathe in the peace. But why would she put herself through all the pain of a homecoming when she didn't need to?
Nine years ago, thirty-year-old Chelsea Taylor left the small country town of Barker and her family's property to rise to the top as a concert pianist. With talent, ambition, and a determination to show them all at home, Chelsea thought she had it made.
Yet here she was, in Barker, with her four-year-old daughter, Aria, readying herself to face her father, Tom. The father who'd shouted down the phone nine years ago never to come home again.
With an uneasy truce developing, Chelsea and Aria settle into the rhythm of life on the land with Tom and Cal, the farmhand, who seems already to have judged Chelsea badly. Until a shocking discovery is made on the riverbed and Detective Dave Burrows, the local copper, has to tear back generations of family stories to reveal the secrets of the past.
Chelsea just wants a relationship with her dad, but will he ever want that too? Or will his memory lapses mean they'll never get that opportunity?
MY THOUGHTS: Where the River Runs is an outstanding novel of life in rural South Australia. Although this is a novel in the Detective Dave Burrows series, it focuses mainly on Chelsea, her small daughter, Aria, her father Tom and their life on the family property, Shandona. And don't worry if you haven't read any of the previous books in the series, Where the River Runs is easily read as a stand-alone.
Coming home at a time of severe drought, Chelsea is met with suspicion and disdain by the locals. The welcome from her father and station hand Cal is barely any warmer.
It's a story that has been done before, but Fleur MacDonald puts her own stamp on it. The family's story is poignant and heartbreaking; Chelsea's one of teenage angst and rebellion leading to an estrangement that has lasted two decades. Now, with a young daughter, Chelsea wants to make peace with her family and find her own place within it again.
Tom, still grief stricken over the loss of his beloved wife and angry at Chelsea's failure to come home for the funeral, is battling his own demons and relying more and more on Cal to manage the station, but he can't help falling in love with his young granddaughter who shadows him everywhere.
Running alongside this emotional family drama is the mystery of two skeletons unearthed by erosion - that of a man and a baby - and a piece of jewelry which may be the means of identifying them. This is where Detective Dave Burrows comes in.
Dave is tough and loyal, and more interested in justice than following the letter of the law. Dave and Chelsea have something in common - estrangement from their families - Dave's estrangement is also being challenged when his brother is involved in a life-threatening accident and he is asked to go home.
Fleur MacDonald explores the strengths of family bonds, the damage pride can cause, overcoming regrets, and second chances all intertwined with the mystery of the uncovered bones and the everyday struggles of outback life.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#WheretheRiverRuns @WaitomoDistrictLibrary
THE AUTHOR: After 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 an 8000-acre station for twenty years. Today Fleur and her energetic kelpie, Jack, live in Esperance, Western Australia.
December 14, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
‘The Voice of the Outback’, Fleur McDonald, returns with another riveting Australian rural suspense crossed with family drama novel. Where the River Runs reintroduces Detective Dave Burrows, who first appeared in Fools Gold, the previous release from Fleur McDonald. Chelsea Taylor is the central figure of this new rural story. With her four year old daughter in tow, Chelsea is trying to reconcile with her tragic past and connect her daughter to her roots.
When Where the River Runs begins, we learn that the main protagonist of this new tale from popular rural fiction novelist Fleur McDonald is back in her home town of Barker after a ten year absence. Chelsea left Barker many years ago to pursue a music career in the city. She is now back home trying to make amends with her father, using her daughter Aria as a stepping stone to reconciliation. Slow and tentative steps are made towards a relationship between father and daughter. When the effects of drought and a big downpour occurs while Chelsea is in Barker, something intriguing is unearthed nearby to Chelsea’s family farm. Detective Dave Burrows is called in and before long an intriguing case starts to form. Family secrets, drama and the past all collide in this moving new tale from Fleur McDonald.
I believe Where the River Runs heralds the twelfth novel from rural fiction specialist Fleur McDonald. Each time Fleur McDonald releases a new book, I am always so amazed at her ability to bring the country and its issues to the floor for those who are largely unfamiliar with the outback. Without fail, I encounter stories from McDonald that are rich, real and deeply authentic. McDonald tops this vivid outback based tale with intriguing lines of suspense. The placement of reoccurring character Detective Dave Burrows adds a great element of crime to the more recent tales from Fleur McDonald. Readers receive a bonus in the form of a solid police procedural tale, in conjunction with a highly engaging rural drama.
Where the River Runs is primarily focussed on the heroine of the novel, Chelsea Taylor. This is an unusual narrative strand. We see a local girl leave the confines of her family farm and head to the city to embark on a career as a musician. In the meantime, Chelsea makes a number of mistakes for which she pays quite the price. Chelsea is a far from perfect lead but I feel this makes her more rounded, believable and easy to sympathise with. I enjoyed uncovering Chelsea’s secrets, her past hurts and the strained relationship dynamic between her father, as well as the wider community of Barker. Chelsea’s little daughter Aria is a little angel of grace, who ends up bringing together a fractured family that so desperately needs to reunite in their grief.
McDonald uses the main storyline of Where the River Runs to full capacity to explore regret, ill decisions, foresight, suppression and grief. These are serious themes that are touched on with understanding and sensitivity. Further to this McDonald delves into feelings of the impact of drought, homecoming, community perceptions and family politics. No matter the issue or theme, McDonald’s approach is insightful and nuanced.
Linking to the family drama present in Where the River Runs is a very finely drawn crime sub narrative. This is where McDonald draws on returning character Detective Dave Burrows. When a vicious downpour occurs in the local area it churns up a long buried secret from the past. A decades old skeleton, along with an old relic and mysterious box, puts Detective Burrows on a fascinating investigation that will unlock a mystery from times past. I have to say this was my favourite aspect of the tale and McDonald presented this area of the novel with plenty of bravado. I was hooked!
I am now very sure I know why Fleur McDonald has been labelled the ‘Voice of the Outback’. Her novels are deeply rooted in the country; her voice is sincere and very clearly drawn from her many years of firsthand experience working on the land. Readers will find Where the River Runs another exemplary and true to life tale of what happens in our outback. The atmosphere is maintained with a strong air of authenticity, revealing broken hearts, everyday struggles, issues of contention and the small triumphs that can be celebrated by those that inhabit our harsh rural parts of Australia.
It is easy to revel in the writing of Fleur McDonald, she is a formidable talent in the field of Australian rural fiction. Not only does she do rural fiction extremely well, the added bonus of a great line of crime, intrigue and suspense simply suspends the reader. Where the River Runs comes highly recommended to all passionate Aussie readers.
*I wish to thank Allen & Unwin for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Where the River Runs is book #150 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
‘The Voice of the Outback’, Fleur McDonald, returns with another riveting Australian rural suspense crossed with family drama novel. Where the River Runs reintroduces Detective Dave Burrows, who first appeared in Fools Gold, the previous release from Fleur McDonald. Chelsea Taylor is the central figure of this new rural story. With her four year old daughter in tow, Chelsea is trying to reconcile with her tragic past and connect her daughter to her roots.
When Where the River Runs begins, we learn that the main protagonist of this new tale from popular rural fiction novelist Fleur McDonald is back in her home town of Barker after a ten year absence. Chelsea left Barker many years ago to pursue a music career in the city. She is now back home trying to make amends with her father, using her daughter Aria as a stepping stone to reconciliation. Slow and tentative steps are made towards a relationship between father and daughter. When the effects of drought and a big downpour occurs while Chelsea is in Barker, something intriguing is unearthed nearby to Chelsea’s family farm. Detective Dave Burrows is called in and before long an intriguing case starts to form. Family secrets, drama and the past all collide in this moving new tale from Fleur McDonald.
I believe Where the River Runs heralds the twelfth novel from rural fiction specialist Fleur McDonald. Each time Fleur McDonald releases a new book, I am always so amazed at her ability to bring the country and its issues to the floor for those who are largely unfamiliar with the outback. Without fail, I encounter stories from McDonald that are rich, real and deeply authentic. McDonald tops this vivid outback based tale with intriguing lines of suspense. The placement of reoccurring character Detective Dave Burrows adds a great element of crime to the more recent tales from Fleur McDonald. Readers receive a bonus in the form of a solid police procedural tale, in conjunction with a highly engaging rural drama.
Where the River Runs is primarily focussed on the heroine of the novel, Chelsea Taylor. This is an unusual narrative strand. We see a local girl leave the confines of her family farm and head to the city to embark on a career as a musician. In the meantime, Chelsea makes a number of mistakes for which she pays quite the price. Chelsea is a far from perfect lead but I feel this makes her more rounded, believable and easy to sympathise with. I enjoyed uncovering Chelsea’s secrets, her past hurts and the strained relationship dynamic between her father, as well as the wider community of Barker. Chelsea’s little daughter Aria is a little angel of grace, who ends up bringing together a fractured family that so desperately needs to reunite in their grief.
McDonald uses the main storyline of Where the River Runs to full capacity to explore regret, ill decisions, foresight, suppression and grief. These are serious themes that are touched on with understanding and sensitivity. Further to this McDonald delves into feelings of the impact of drought, homecoming, community perceptions and family politics. No matter the issue or theme, McDonald’s approach is insightful and nuanced.
Linking to the family drama present in Where the River Runs is a very finely drawn crime sub narrative. This is where McDonald draws on returning character Detective Dave Burrows. When a vicious downpour occurs in the local area it churns up a long buried secret from the past. A decades old skeleton, along with an old relic and mysterious box, puts Detective Burrows on a fascinating investigation that will unlock a mystery from times past. I have to say this was my favourite aspect of the tale and McDonald presented this area of the novel with plenty of bravado. I was hooked!
I am now very sure I know why Fleur McDonald has been labelled the ‘Voice of the Outback’. Her novels are deeply rooted in the country; her voice is sincere and very clearly drawn from her many years of firsthand experience working on the land. Readers will find Where the River Runs another exemplary and true to life tale of what happens in our outback. The atmosphere is maintained with a strong air of authenticity, revealing broken hearts, everyday struggles, issues of contention and the small triumphs that can be celebrated by those that inhabit our harsh rural parts of Australia.
It is easy to revel in the writing of Fleur McDonald, she is a formidable talent in the field of Australian rural fiction. Not only does she do rural fiction extremely well, the added bonus of a great line of crime, intrigue and suspense simply suspends the reader. Where the River Runs comes highly recommended to all passionate Aussie readers.
*I wish to thank Allen & Unwin for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Where the River Runs is book #150 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
February 17, 2019
Where the River Runs is a book about courage, family secrets and survival. After ten years away Chelsea Taylor decided to go home to Barker and her family's farm with her four-year-old daughter Aria. Chelsea knew that it would not be easy to mend the rift between her and her father and she was determined to try. However, on the day Chelsea arrived home, Cal her father's farmhand found human bones on the families property, and Detective Dave Burrows starts an investigation that changed Chelsea, and her father believes about their family. The readers of Where the River Runs will continue to follow Chelsea Taylor to see if she mends her relationship with her father. Also, they will follow Detective Dave Burrows investigation into the identity of the bones.
Where the River Runs is another fantastic book by Fleur McDonald. Every book I read of Fleur McDonald's I have falling in love with characters and the plot from the first page. Fleur McDonald portrayal of her the characters and the way they interact is well done. I like Fleur McDonald's descriptions of rural life that allow me to become part of the plot.
The readers of Where the River Runs will learn about the dication you need to be a professional pianist. Also, the readers of Where the River Runs will learn about grieve and how it affects everyone differently.
I recommend this book
Where the River Runs is another fantastic book by Fleur McDonald. Every book I read of Fleur McDonald's I have falling in love with characters and the plot from the first page. Fleur McDonald portrayal of her the characters and the way they interact is well done. I like Fleur McDonald's descriptions of rural life that allow me to become part of the plot.
The readers of Where the River Runs will learn about the dication you need to be a professional pianist. Also, the readers of Where the River Runs will learn about grieve and how it affects everyone differently.
I recommend this book
April 15, 2019
After nine long years Chelsea Taylor was returning to the country town of Barker with her four year old daughter by her side. Chelsea was in two minds about returning even though she liked the area she wasn’t certain if she was ready to face her father, Tom after all these years. He was the cause she had stayed away all these years, so why now would she feel the need to return?
Where the River Runs by Aussie author Fleur McDonald was a book that took me a little by surprise as I enjoyed it more than I imagined I would. I find rural novels such as this one interesting, especially when you read about farming communities and how they survive things such as drought. But when suspense is added into the mix they become not only enjoyable and interesting, but also intriguing as well all of which make for a wonderful read. Highly recommended.
Where the River Runs by Aussie author Fleur McDonald was a book that took me a little by surprise as I enjoyed it more than I imagined I would. I find rural novels such as this one interesting, especially when you read about farming communities and how they survive things such as drought. But when suspense is added into the mix they become not only enjoyable and interesting, but also intriguing as well all of which make for a wonderful read. Highly recommended.
November 4, 2018
Where the River Runs was such an enjoyable read for me, the perfect blend of family drama and rural suspense. Fleur evokes the outback with such a vivid intensity – from the sounds and the smells to the dust sticking on her character’s feet – her scenes just crackle with atmosphere. Her knowledge of farming and life on the land is woven into the narrative in a such natural manner that one can’t help but appreciate the amount of life experience Fleur brings to each of her novels.
‘Everyone was only one phone call or police visit away from having their lives changed forever.’
Where the River runs is a story about grief and connection. Chelsea’s family is now half of what it used to be, with only herself and her father left. She travels home with her four year old daughter in search of a purpose, unsure on which direction she’s going to turn at this current crossroads of her life. There is a lot unsaid between Chelsea and her father, a lot of unresolved pain, and a load of misunderstanding. I loved how they unravelled this mess and picked it apart together, and of course, the sweetness of Aria did much to temper this fraught time.
Running alongside this family drama is an intriguing mystery, a skeleton found on the property, buried with an antique brooch and a box, the contents of which compound the mystery further. While the case is technically too cold for an official investigation, Dave Burrows feels an urge to satisfy his curiosity and provide some closure. I’m a fan of police procedurals and the way Dave and his wife Kim unpacked the details of the case to come to their conclusion greatly appealed to my interests. It just goes to show, no mystery is too old to solve if you dig deep enough.
Where the River Runs is a novel I highly recommend. Drama, mystery, family, friendship and forgiveness – this delightful cast of characters deliver a cracking story from start to finish.
Thanks is extended to Allen and Unwin for providing me with a copy of Where the River Runs for review.
‘Everyone was only one phone call or police visit away from having their lives changed forever.’
Where the River runs is a story about grief and connection. Chelsea’s family is now half of what it used to be, with only herself and her father left. She travels home with her four year old daughter in search of a purpose, unsure on which direction she’s going to turn at this current crossroads of her life. There is a lot unsaid between Chelsea and her father, a lot of unresolved pain, and a load of misunderstanding. I loved how they unravelled this mess and picked it apart together, and of course, the sweetness of Aria did much to temper this fraught time.
Running alongside this family drama is an intriguing mystery, a skeleton found on the property, buried with an antique brooch and a box, the contents of which compound the mystery further. While the case is technically too cold for an official investigation, Dave Burrows feels an urge to satisfy his curiosity and provide some closure. I’m a fan of police procedurals and the way Dave and his wife Kim unpacked the details of the case to come to their conclusion greatly appealed to my interests. It just goes to show, no mystery is too old to solve if you dig deep enough.
Where the River Runs is a novel I highly recommend. Drama, mystery, family, friendship and forgiveness – this delightful cast of characters deliver a cracking story from start to finish.
Thanks is extended to Allen and Unwin for providing me with a copy of Where the River Runs for review.
January 31, 2021
Another book in the detective Dave Burrows series. An enjoyable read set in South Australia, this story is one full of family secrets.
November 25, 2018
Another good one by Fleur McDonald.
July 16, 2019
Easy read, very engaging, loved to read about South Australia, really enjoyed this book.
October 6, 2019
I entered a competition to win this book. Imagine my surprise when I won it. Opened it up straight away after it was delivered and had it read in under 24 hours it was extremely brilliant
April 11, 2023
another outback fix for me *****
August 16, 2021
Chelsea Taylor was just a teen when she left her parents property in the township of Barker. As a promising pianist, Chelsea had won a scholarship to study at Adelaide's Conservatorium- a sacrifice for her hard working parents.
Over the years Chelsea had withdrawn contact with her parents especially after the death of her brother Dale. Now she has returned home with her daughter in tow. And not everyone in town is happy with her either. In their eyes, Chelsea is to be judged for not returning for her mother's funeral and basically not caring about her widowed father.
During her visit, Chelsea and her Dad are forced to sit down and work through their issues. This is especially pitaval, as Tom is starting to suffer with memory loss. A Christmas night accident really makes Chelsea realise how much she needs her father in her and her daughter's lives.
My favourite Detective, Dave Burrows features in this book. Now working in Barker, Dave works on a case that will change Chelsea's family history forever. It was lovely getting to know Kim, Dave's second wife. She's certainly very different to the not very nice Mel! Psst.. Dave was the reason why I read it in the first place!!
All in all, 𝕎𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℝ𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕣 ℝ𝕦𝕟𝕤 is a fine read about family and forgiveness.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
Over the years Chelsea had withdrawn contact with her parents especially after the death of her brother Dale. Now she has returned home with her daughter in tow. And not everyone in town is happy with her either. In their eyes, Chelsea is to be judged for not returning for her mother's funeral and basically not caring about her widowed father.
During her visit, Chelsea and her Dad are forced to sit down and work through their issues. This is especially pitaval, as Tom is starting to suffer with memory loss. A Christmas night accident really makes Chelsea realise how much she needs her father in her and her daughter's lives.
My favourite Detective, Dave Burrows features in this book. Now working in Barker, Dave works on a case that will change Chelsea's family history forever. It was lovely getting to know Kim, Dave's second wife. She's certainly very different to the not very nice Mel! Psst.. Dave was the reason why I read it in the first place!!
All in all, 𝕎𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℝ𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕣 ℝ𝕦𝕟𝕤 is a fine read about family and forgiveness.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
June 21, 2025
3.5 stars.
Chelsea Taylor left the small country town of Barker and her family's property to rise to the top as a concert pianist. Ten years later, 30-year-old Chelsea is back in Barker, with her four-year-old daughter, Aria, readying herself to face her father, Tom, who'd shouted down the phone never to come home again. Meanwhile, a shocking discovery is made on the riverbed and Detective Dave Burrows has to tear back generations of family stories to reveal the secrets of the past.
Continuing with the entire Dave Burrows series backlist, admittedly this didn’t manage to become a new top favourite but I liked that we started to get into Dave’s storyline more. He even had a sub-plot himself, instead of just coming to solve a crime!
Re the plot itself, Chelsea’s reluctance to talk about the reason she couldn’t come to her mum’s funeral wasn’t my favourite. I wish she could’ve been more honest and open to conversations. The highlight of the story for me was the unveiling of the mystery surrounding the body. There were good creepy moments that got me hooked.
Off to the next book!
See my bookstagram review.
Chelsea Taylor left the small country town of Barker and her family's property to rise to the top as a concert pianist. Ten years later, 30-year-old Chelsea is back in Barker, with her four-year-old daughter, Aria, readying herself to face her father, Tom, who'd shouted down the phone never to come home again. Meanwhile, a shocking discovery is made on the riverbed and Detective Dave Burrows has to tear back generations of family stories to reveal the secrets of the past.
Continuing with the entire Dave Burrows series backlist, admittedly this didn’t manage to become a new top favourite but I liked that we started to get into Dave’s storyline more. He even had a sub-plot himself, instead of just coming to solve a crime!
Re the plot itself, Chelsea’s reluctance to talk about the reason she couldn’t come to her mum’s funeral wasn’t my favourite. I wish she could’ve been more honest and open to conversations. The highlight of the story for me was the unveiling of the mystery surrounding the body. There were good creepy moments that got me hooked.
Off to the next book!
See my bookstagram review.
October 25, 2024
Chelsea Taylor is coming home, a retired concert pianist feeling like she's failed. She stayed away too long and has some pretty big rifts to heal.
Her hometown doesn't feel very homey, the small town has a long memory and doesn't look kindly on the woman who didn't return for her mother's funeral - if only anyone would ask why; and that's not the only important event she missed and needs to explain.
More intriguing is the uncovering of old bones on the family property and working out who they belong to. It's not something the police will spend much time on if they're old because what's the point if it can't be prosecuted.
The Taylor's have had more than their fair share of heartbreak and it looks like perhaps that goes back a few generations.
Beautifully tied together tales of family and friendship with some pretty topical themes.
A well penned story that I wish I had found the time for on it's release.
Her hometown doesn't feel very homey, the small town has a long memory and doesn't look kindly on the woman who didn't return for her mother's funeral - if only anyone would ask why; and that's not the only important event she missed and needs to explain.
More intriguing is the uncovering of old bones on the family property and working out who they belong to. It's not something the police will spend much time on if they're old because what's the point if it can't be prosecuted.
The Taylor's have had more than their fair share of heartbreak and it looks like perhaps that goes back a few generations.
Beautifully tied together tales of family and friendship with some pretty topical themes.
A well penned story that I wish I had found the time for on it's release.
October 22, 2024
Another of Fleur's fabulous stories set in outback Australia. When Chelsea returns home with her young daughter, she tries to build bridges after having been told by her father ten years earlier he didn't want to see her again.
But when a shocking discovery is uncovered in the dry river bed, history must come out. While the farmhand judges Chelsea badly, they have to work together to solve the mystery with the help of Dave Burrows, the local cop.
A gripping and enjoyable story that I couldn't put down.
But when a shocking discovery is uncovered in the dry river bed, history must come out. While the farmhand judges Chelsea badly, they have to work together to solve the mystery with the help of Dave Burrows, the local cop.
A gripping and enjoyable story that I couldn't put down.
July 22, 2019
Aussie author and story of life in a small town called Barker. Continuing life of detectives officers Dave and Jack and new characters to make up another adventure.( little like "blue Hills or Bellbird") I can relate to Dave trying to get his Qantas flights last week. What's next for the detectives?
March 15, 2024
I really enjoy Dave Burrows books. This one certainly didn’t disappoint. Chelsea is a concert pianist. Sadly her career doesn’t go as planned and she decides to return home for Christmas. So much has changed. Her Mum has died and also her brother, Dale. Her Dad doesn’t seem to have forgiven her. Their only link is Chelsea’s daughter Aria.
December 20, 2018
I love the continuity of Detective Dave Burrows throughout Fleur McDonald's books. This was a cracker of a storyline with great strong characters and a lot of tragedy from the past. As the tangled web of the past untangles itself you can't help but keep those pages turning!
September 6, 2019
Lost in a book to end the school holiday break.
A headstrong daughter returns home with her own daughter who melts the heart of her determined grandad. Putting differences aside the family begins to bond with the help of cowboy Cal.
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover, just like people.
A headstrong daughter returns home with her own daughter who melts the heart of her determined grandad. Putting differences aside the family begins to bond with the help of cowboy Cal.
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover, just like people.
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September 24, 2021I loved this book. Dave Burrows Fantastic. Wish I had read them in order but never seems to happen like that. Love that they are set in South Australia. Deal with real issues that any family can relate too
March 17, 2024
Another great detective dave story i read in a day. There was mystery, history and family drama in Baxter but as always detective dave, jack and kim were all over it wanting answers. I love how they care so much about the community and want answers for them as well
May 8, 2024
Fleur. Oh how I can’t fault her! I love her outback books and have thoroughly enjoyed my binge marathon of her same world standalone series. I love seeing more of Dave throughout the series.
The binge continues!
The binge continues!
November 3, 2024
Read this in just a few days. I found the story of the skeleton being dug up an interesting way to bring into the main character's past and her family.
Written in an easy flowing way, the story was not convoluted and made for a good weekend read.
Written in an easy flowing way, the story was not convoluted and made for a good weekend read.
November 11, 2018
An absolutely awesome story so good I reD it in a day love this author
November 20, 2018
Well Fleur has done it again, another gripping book that you won't be able to put down.
A page turner that will kerp you hooked.
Detailed review to follow.
A page turner that will kerp you hooked.
Detailed review to follow.
November 20, 2018
I love the mystery that Fleur puts in her books. Once you start reading you can't put it down.
December 2, 2018
another great read from Fleur!
February 16, 2019
Fabulous read! Great storyteller!
April 13, 2019
The suspense and storyline do not compare to that in Red Dust. I would dearly love to read another novel by this author with the same tension and fast paced storytelling as Red Dust.
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