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Detective Dave Burrows
Starting From Now
A suspenseful novel of rural life and real country issues from our genuine Voice of the Outback, author of the bestselling Where the River Runs
When twenty-five-year-old journalist, Zara Ellison receives her mother's ominous text message, Call me when you can, Zara knows it's not good news.
Two weeks later, Zara has left her much-loved city life to relocate to Barker, the sleepy country town in which she grew up. For Zara, family comes first.
But she needs to work too, and the town's police force is a rural journalist's best source of information. Meeting Detective Dave Burrows and Dave's second-in-charge, Senior Constable Jack Higgins, is a priority.
Amid her family's troubles, and reporting on farming accidents and violently clashing activists, Zara is shocked to witness Jack Higgins in a role she'd never have believed. How could he possibly justify this? And what was she going to do about it?
Wrapped in the love of family, friendship, crime and mystery, Starting From Now is another compelling novel from the authentic voice of Fleur McDonald.
When twenty-five-year-old journalist, Zara Ellison receives her mother's ominous text message, Call me when you can, Zara knows it's not good news.
Two weeks later, Zara has left her much-loved city life to relocate to Barker, the sleepy country town in which she grew up. For Zara, family comes first.
But she needs to work too, and the town's police force is a rural journalist's best source of information. Meeting Detective Dave Burrows and Dave's second-in-charge, Senior Constable Jack Higgins, is a priority.
Amid her family's troubles, and reporting on farming accidents and violently clashing activists, Zara is shocked to witness Jack Higgins in a role she'd never have believed. How could he possibly justify this? And what was she going to do about it?
Wrapped in the love of family, friendship, crime and mystery, Starting From Now is another compelling novel from the authentic voice of Fleur McDonald.
352 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2019
83 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Fleur McDonald
44 books532 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 46 reviews
February 17, 2020
The prologue starts with an accident that leaves a man dead, before moving to the courtroom where Zara Ellison, a journalist, is there to report on the case of the man who died. In the courtroom are a crowd waving posters and placards against the forestry commission. They blame them for the fact that one of their own on a covert mission died. The dead man, Colin Gawd, was a serial protestor. Zara also makes contact with Gawd’s daughter Sophie, which she hopes to follow up on. But the phone call from her mother Lynda, about her loved brother Will turns Zara’s life into a spin. Even though hates to leave the city of Adelaide, Zara know she must go back to the small town of Barker. But she also needs to work. The police force is a rural journalist’s best source of information. She makes a point to quickly meet Detective Dave Burrows and Senior Constable Jack Higgins. The activist group Voices for Animals is something she wants to look into, especially when she finds them operating near Barker. She is not the only one. The police have an interest in this group too, especially given the accidents that are occurring where people are injured.
Sometimes when I read a brilliant novel, I find it hard to follow up with the next one without feeling disappointed. There was no disappointment here. I quickly became engaged in this story. The characters of Zara, Lynda, Will, Dave and his wife Kim, who also happens to be Zara’s next door neighbours, and Jack are all well developed and complex. The issue with the activist group and the humane treatment of animals is relevant and something that was in the news a while back. Of course there are always two sides to every story. The description of grief on page 210 is not only beautifully expressed but apt. Be prepared you will likely need tissues at some points.
The author's experience and understanding of life on the land and the issues that face farmers, as well as the sense of community are well conveyed. No secret then, to find the author has lived and worked on farms for much of her life. It shows. A great rural novel about families and choice as well as a mystery and a touch of romance, I was hooked from start to finish. I have read and enjoyed several novels by this author. But this was perhaps one of my favourites.
Sometimes when I read a brilliant novel, I find it hard to follow up with the next one without feeling disappointed. There was no disappointment here. I quickly became engaged in this story. The characters of Zara, Lynda, Will, Dave and his wife Kim, who also happens to be Zara’s next door neighbours, and Jack are all well developed and complex. The issue with the activist group and the humane treatment of animals is relevant and something that was in the news a while back. Of course there are always two sides to every story. The description of grief on page 210 is not only beautifully expressed but apt. Be prepared you will likely need tissues at some points.
The author's experience and understanding of life on the land and the issues that face farmers, as well as the sense of community are well conveyed. No secret then, to find the author has lived and worked on farms for much of her life. It shows. A great rural novel about families and choice as well as a mystery and a touch of romance, I was hooked from start to finish. I have read and enjoyed several novels by this author. But this was perhaps one of my favourites.
November 6, 2019
Twenty-five-year-old Zara Ellison was a journalist who loved her job. She’d been with the Farming Telegraph in Adelaide for years and was a well-respected journo. Her hometown of Barker wasn’t a long drive away, but she loved city life even though she was born a country girl. Zara covered the farmers, the drought and everything connected to the land – farming was in her blood as she had grown up on the family farm, Rowberry Glen. The emergence of a local activist group, Voices for Animals, was something she was following with interest, especially with the ongoing court case.
After the phone call from her mother, she organized her work schedule and headed for Barker. Zara rented a small home for the time she would be there, which happened to be next door to the local detective, Dave Burrows and his wife Kim. While working through family issues, Zara continued to write for the paper. And she was surprised to realise the activists were operating around Barker – they had become more sophisticated as well, which was a concern. What was going on? Why were people being injured and worse? Secrets, violence – was sleepy Barker mixed up in crime and mystery?
Starting From Now is another wonderful Detective Dave Burrows episode by Aussie author Fleur McDonald. The animal activists made this book very topical; it was also heartbreaking with me needing tissues several times. I love picking up a Fleur McDonald book because know I’m about to be completely entertained. Set in rural South Australia, the community life was captivating and real. A fabulous read which I highly recommend.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
After the phone call from her mother, she organized her work schedule and headed for Barker. Zara rented a small home for the time she would be there, which happened to be next door to the local detective, Dave Burrows and his wife Kim. While working through family issues, Zara continued to write for the paper. And she was surprised to realise the activists were operating around Barker – they had become more sophisticated as well, which was a concern. What was going on? Why were people being injured and worse? Secrets, violence – was sleepy Barker mixed up in crime and mystery?
Starting From Now is another wonderful Detective Dave Burrows episode by Aussie author Fleur McDonald. The animal activists made this book very topical; it was also heartbreaking with me needing tissues several times. I love picking up a Fleur McDonald book because know I’m about to be completely entertained. Set in rural South Australia, the community life was captivating and real. A fabulous read which I highly recommend.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Fleur McDonald holds plenty of weight in the Australian rural fiction field. McDonald delivers another top notch novel, her best yet, in Starting From Now. A story of family, duty, rural crime, journalism, activism and advances in farming enterprises, McDonald’s latest is all wrapped up in a shroud of mystery. Starting From Now is a book I thoroughly enjoyed from cover to cover and it is a highly commendable novel from a talented Australian storyteller.
Starting From Now introduces Zara Ellison, the leading lady of Fleur McDonald’s new novel. Zara has to return home after a devastating call back from her mother, who is struggling over a health crisis which has hit their family hard. Zara leaves her city life behind and settles back home in Barker, a laid back country town. As much as Zara adores her city based life and job, she knows family is more important, especially at this time of great crisis. Zara supports her family on their farm, while working as a rural journalist. She encounters local Detective Dave Burrows and his sidekick Jack Higgins, while investigating possible story leads. Zara tries hard to develop a rapport and mutual partnership with these pillars of the community, but this relationship doesn’t come easy. While Zara wades knee deep in the tragedy engulfing her family, she encounters a number of farming related accidents, along with a set of die hard activists, determined to make an impact. When Zara clashes with Senior Constable Jack Higgins in a puzzling situation, she knows she must act for the greater good. A trickle of suspense and danger runs through the latest crime based mystery novel from a sterling writer in the rural fiction field.
Fleur McDonald is such a credit to the Australian writing community and she had done great things for the field of rural fiction. I consider McDonald one of the best in terms of rural crime and mystery writing. McDonald’s books are always incredibly moving. Her latest is a reflection of her passion for her craft. Starting From Now is a deeply authentic tale, that envelopes the reader in an enthralling narrative. This new novel covers everything from a tragic health crisis, to the impact of activism and the influence of advances in technology on farming communities. This latest treat from Fleur McDonald maintained my full interest from cover to cover.
I found Zara Ellison, the lead of this tale, very appealing. I connected with and sympathised with Zara’s predicament as soon as she appeared on the pages of this novel. I admired Zara’s dedication, loyalty and desire to put family ahead of her personal needs. I also enjoyed walking in the shoes of rural journalist, what a fascinating career path! McDonald does a fine job of illuminating the issues at the heart of Zara’s life, along with her troubles, hopes, fears and desires.
The supporting cast comprises of Zara’s hardworking, devoted and selfless mother Lynda, a stoic woman that I also developed a great deal of respect for. Zara’s brother Will occupies a significant part of the narrative, which is heartbreaking, but also insightful. McDonald handles this aspect of the story with the exact balance between knowledge and sensitivity. Zara and her family are supported by a welcoming community. I definitely felt like a part of the Barker town fabric by the close of the book and it was a nice feeling.
The crime and mystery segment of Starting From Now is directed by the formidable Detective Dave Burrows, a very approachable and likeable lead from many of McDonald’s previous books. This is a new issue in the Detective Dave series, which sees this appealing character take a back step from the main proceedings of the book. In this issue, Zara Ellison, along with Dave’s sidekick Jack Higgins are given a chance to shine. I really liked this move by McDonald in shaping her latest novel. I was particularly gripped by the undercover detective work conducted by Senior Constable Jack Higgins, it made for some heart pounding reading! I also received a warm and comforting feeling when Dave’s wife Kim popped up during the novel.
In terms of the main crux of this novel, McDonald certainly has her finger on the pulse in terms of the issues of contention that are currently defining, as well as plaguing, the farming communities of Australia. McDonald showcases her up to the minute knowledge in terms of the current trends that are defining the practices of local farms, who are employing the use of technology in progressing their holdings. In Starting From Now, McDonald takes on the contentious voice of the animal activist movement, petitioning for change in the farming industry, which has quite devastating fallout in the novel. This aspect of the story enables McDonald to touch on the law and court system. I found the whole thing so engrossing, I couldn’t turn my eyes away, for one minute!
Fleur McDonald is a bona fide Australian rural fiction storyteller, who vocalises issues at the heart of country – family, loyalty, survival and community ties. McDonald dazzles us yet again with Starting From Now.
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Starting From Now is book #157 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Fleur McDonald holds plenty of weight in the Australian rural fiction field. McDonald delivers another top notch novel, her best yet, in Starting From Now. A story of family, duty, rural crime, journalism, activism and advances in farming enterprises, McDonald’s latest is all wrapped up in a shroud of mystery. Starting From Now is a book I thoroughly enjoyed from cover to cover and it is a highly commendable novel from a talented Australian storyteller.
Starting From Now introduces Zara Ellison, the leading lady of Fleur McDonald’s new novel. Zara has to return home after a devastating call back from her mother, who is struggling over a health crisis which has hit their family hard. Zara leaves her city life behind and settles back home in Barker, a laid back country town. As much as Zara adores her city based life and job, she knows family is more important, especially at this time of great crisis. Zara supports her family on their farm, while working as a rural journalist. She encounters local Detective Dave Burrows and his sidekick Jack Higgins, while investigating possible story leads. Zara tries hard to develop a rapport and mutual partnership with these pillars of the community, but this relationship doesn’t come easy. While Zara wades knee deep in the tragedy engulfing her family, she encounters a number of farming related accidents, along with a set of die hard activists, determined to make an impact. When Zara clashes with Senior Constable Jack Higgins in a puzzling situation, she knows she must act for the greater good. A trickle of suspense and danger runs through the latest crime based mystery novel from a sterling writer in the rural fiction field.
Fleur McDonald is such a credit to the Australian writing community and she had done great things for the field of rural fiction. I consider McDonald one of the best in terms of rural crime and mystery writing. McDonald’s books are always incredibly moving. Her latest is a reflection of her passion for her craft. Starting From Now is a deeply authentic tale, that envelopes the reader in an enthralling narrative. This new novel covers everything from a tragic health crisis, to the impact of activism and the influence of advances in technology on farming communities. This latest treat from Fleur McDonald maintained my full interest from cover to cover.
I found Zara Ellison, the lead of this tale, very appealing. I connected with and sympathised with Zara’s predicament as soon as she appeared on the pages of this novel. I admired Zara’s dedication, loyalty and desire to put family ahead of her personal needs. I also enjoyed walking in the shoes of rural journalist, what a fascinating career path! McDonald does a fine job of illuminating the issues at the heart of Zara’s life, along with her troubles, hopes, fears and desires.
The supporting cast comprises of Zara’s hardworking, devoted and selfless mother Lynda, a stoic woman that I also developed a great deal of respect for. Zara’s brother Will occupies a significant part of the narrative, which is heartbreaking, but also insightful. McDonald handles this aspect of the story with the exact balance between knowledge and sensitivity. Zara and her family are supported by a welcoming community. I definitely felt like a part of the Barker town fabric by the close of the book and it was a nice feeling.
The crime and mystery segment of Starting From Now is directed by the formidable Detective Dave Burrows, a very approachable and likeable lead from many of McDonald’s previous books. This is a new issue in the Detective Dave series, which sees this appealing character take a back step from the main proceedings of the book. In this issue, Zara Ellison, along with Dave’s sidekick Jack Higgins are given a chance to shine. I really liked this move by McDonald in shaping her latest novel. I was particularly gripped by the undercover detective work conducted by Senior Constable Jack Higgins, it made for some heart pounding reading! I also received a warm and comforting feeling when Dave’s wife Kim popped up during the novel.
In terms of the main crux of this novel, McDonald certainly has her finger on the pulse in terms of the issues of contention that are currently defining, as well as plaguing, the farming communities of Australia. McDonald showcases her up to the minute knowledge in terms of the current trends that are defining the practices of local farms, who are employing the use of technology in progressing their holdings. In Starting From Now, McDonald takes on the contentious voice of the animal activist movement, petitioning for change in the farming industry, which has quite devastating fallout in the novel. This aspect of the story enables McDonald to touch on the law and court system. I found the whole thing so engrossing, I couldn’t turn my eyes away, for one minute!
Fleur McDonald is a bona fide Australian rural fiction storyteller, who vocalises issues at the heart of country – family, loyalty, survival and community ties. McDonald dazzles us yet again with Starting From Now.
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Starting From Now is book #157 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
September 30, 2022
‘Call when you can.’
Twenty-five-year-old journalist Zara Ellison is covering a court case when she receives a text message from her mother. She knows it is not good news.
Two weeks later, Zara has left her home in Adelaide to relocate to Barker, the country town where
she grew up. Her brother Will is terminally ill, and he and their mother need her support.
Zara can work remotely, writing for the Farming Telegraph around helping her mother and brother on the family farm Rowberry Glen. She drops into the local police station, always a good source of information for a rural journalist and meets Detective Dave Burrows and his second-in-charge, Senior Constable Jack Higgins.
There is plenty to keep Fleur occupied: the court case she covered as the story opens involved activists, and a new animal activist group is emerging in Barker. People are being injured and machinery is damaged. And Zara’s heart is breaking as Will weakens.
This is the first of Ms McDonald’s novels I have read, and I enjoyed it. I’ve added her earlier novels to my reading list.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Twenty-five-year-old journalist Zara Ellison is covering a court case when she receives a text message from her mother. She knows it is not good news.
Two weeks later, Zara has left her home in Adelaide to relocate to Barker, the country town where
she grew up. Her brother Will is terminally ill, and he and their mother need her support.
Zara can work remotely, writing for the Farming Telegraph around helping her mother and brother on the family farm Rowberry Glen. She drops into the local police station, always a good source of information for a rural journalist and meets Detective Dave Burrows and his second-in-charge, Senior Constable Jack Higgins.
There is plenty to keep Fleur occupied: the court case she covered as the story opens involved activists, and a new animal activist group is emerging in Barker. People are being injured and machinery is damaged. And Zara’s heart is breaking as Will weakens.
This is the first of Ms McDonald’s novels I have read, and I enjoyed it. I’ve added her earlier novels to my reading list.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
February 7, 2020
Starting From Now is book five in the Detective Dave Burrows series by Fleur McDonald. After receiving a phone call from her mother letting Journalist, Zara Ellison letting her know that her brother is dying. Zara decided to leave her job in the city and come home to Barker. Zara, needed to work so accepted a journalist job with the local newspaper. Zara Ellison knowledge the best place to learn about local issues is the police station were she met Detective Dave Burrows and Senior Constable Jack Higgins. However, Zara saw Constable Jack Higgins doing something illegal. The readers of Starting From Now will continue to follow Zara Ellison to find out what happens.
Starting From Now is another excellent book by Fleur McDonald. Fleur McDonald knows how to engage me with her plots and the characters of her books and Starting From Now was no different. I love Fleur McDonald portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Starting From Now is well written and researched by Fleur McDonald. Fleur McDonald excellently describes the settings of Starting From Now.
The readers of Starting From Now will understand the role technologies can have on a rural property. Also, the readers will learn about working undercover in a rural setting.
I recommend this book.
Starting From Now is another excellent book by Fleur McDonald. Fleur McDonald knows how to engage me with her plots and the characters of her books and Starting From Now was no different. I love Fleur McDonald portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Starting From Now is well written and researched by Fleur McDonald. Fleur McDonald excellently describes the settings of Starting From Now.
The readers of Starting From Now will understand the role technologies can have on a rural property. Also, the readers will learn about working undercover in a rural setting.
I recommend this book.
July 21, 2025
Just not for me… I was on struggle street trying to finish this. The writing was easy to read but nothing happened for ages and I got quite bored.
December 16, 2019
My View:
Fleur McDonald has an authentic country voice that she uses to share her experiences and knowledge of life in small country towns, farming and life in general. This narrative had a couple of standout plot threads - activism and social media – looking deeper, reflecting on “snapshots” on social media and media manipulation and the family in crisis.
I was particularly touched by the family scenes that dealt with family crisis (no spoilers here); the scenes were realistic, emotive and evoked memories that transported me to a difficult period in our lives. This was unexpected but very well written. I felt part of this family, dealing with their issues.
This book packs a mighty punch, cleverly weaving many plot threads together to bring about an informative, insightful and satisfying read.
Fleur McDonald has an authentic country voice that she uses to share her experiences and knowledge of life in small country towns, farming and life in general. This narrative had a couple of standout plot threads - activism and social media – looking deeper, reflecting on “snapshots” on social media and media manipulation and the family in crisis.
I was particularly touched by the family scenes that dealt with family crisis (no spoilers here); the scenes were realistic, emotive and evoked memories that transported me to a difficult period in our lives. This was unexpected but very well written. I felt part of this family, dealing with their issues.
This book packs a mighty punch, cleverly weaving many plot threads together to bring about an informative, insightful and satisfying read.
January 23, 2020
Awesome book with an awesome well written story looking forward to your next book
September 13, 2021
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗡𝗼𝘄 is yet another enjoyable read from Fleur McDonald. To say I'm addicted to her books featuring Detective Dave Burrows is an understatement!
In this particular story, the focus is on journalist Zara Ellison. Whilst reporting on a trial in Melbourne, she's called home to Barker. It's very sad news- her brother Will's cancer has returned and this time, it's terminal.
Being able to work from home, Zara continues her investigation of the animal activists involved in killing one of their own. Working together (reluctantly at first by a certain Detective!) with Dave and his off sider SC Jack Higgins to bring them down.
My heart was ripping apart whist reading about Will's final days. The journey was absolutely moving. I really felt for Zara and her mother Lynda as they grieve for their son and brother in such a tragic way.
I also really liked how Fleur had utilised Jack more! Being sent out undercover and using his point of view was interesting and captivating. There were shades of Dave's own undercover work in there and I was on the edge of my seat!
It's also wonderful to catch up with Dave and Kim. Dave really is such a dag! There's a few moments where his age is starting to show! I wonder though about his daughters- they're hardly mentioned. Hopefully there will be future stories about Bec and Alice?
I do like Kim a lot. She's really good for Dave- very supportive and not afraid to pull her husband into line!
This is probably my favourite book by Fleur to date.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
In this particular story, the focus is on journalist Zara Ellison. Whilst reporting on a trial in Melbourne, she's called home to Barker. It's very sad news- her brother Will's cancer has returned and this time, it's terminal.
Being able to work from home, Zara continues her investigation of the animal activists involved in killing one of their own. Working together (reluctantly at first by a certain Detective!) with Dave and his off sider SC Jack Higgins to bring them down.
My heart was ripping apart whist reading about Will's final days. The journey was absolutely moving. I really felt for Zara and her mother Lynda as they grieve for their son and brother in such a tragic way.
I also really liked how Fleur had utilised Jack more! Being sent out undercover and using his point of view was interesting and captivating. There were shades of Dave's own undercover work in there and I was on the edge of my seat!
It's also wonderful to catch up with Dave and Kim. Dave really is such a dag! There's a few moments where his age is starting to show! I wonder though about his daughters- they're hardly mentioned. Hopefully there will be future stories about Bec and Alice?
I do like Kim a lot. She's really good for Dave- very supportive and not afraid to pull her husband into line!
This is probably my favourite book by Fleur to date.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
November 17, 2020
The way Fleur McDonald blends relevant issues, which she obviously feels strongly about, in Rural Fiction, is masterful. This is an extremely powerful book with a message but it doesn't preach. The way Fleur combines different scenarios is thought provoking. I loved Zara, an investigative journalist, someone who throws herself completely into the current project she is covering but never loses sight of the overall picture, someone who sees different sides to the situation.
The sensitive way Fleur McDonald wrote about Zara's brother's illness leaves you feeling as though you know the family and can understand something of what they are going through.
The way the irresponsible animal activates aren't prepared to see beyond what they believe in and understand modern farming practices and realise there is more to the cause than they want to accept is incredibly well written. The suspense when the situation gets out of hand is very real but not over written or forced. Detective Dave Burrows features in several books by Fleur McDonald and he is pivotal to this book.
This is a very satisfying read. A book that is sensitive, suspenseful, caring and real. I am so pleased that characters loved in this book continued their stories in The Shearer's Wife.
The sensitive way Fleur McDonald wrote about Zara's brother's illness leaves you feeling as though you know the family and can understand something of what they are going through.
The way the irresponsible animal activates aren't prepared to see beyond what they believe in and understand modern farming practices and realise there is more to the cause than they want to accept is incredibly well written. The suspense when the situation gets out of hand is very real but not over written or forced. Detective Dave Burrows features in several books by Fleur McDonald and he is pivotal to this book.
This is a very satisfying read. A book that is sensitive, suspenseful, caring and real. I am so pleased that characters loved in this book continued their stories in The Shearer's Wife.
May 28, 2020
Starting from now is the continuation of Detective Dave Burrows and his life with his second wife Kim in Barker.
Zara Allison is a young single rural journalist who gets a phone call asking her to come home to Barker as her brother's cancer has worsened and he only has months to live. So she packs up her belongings and returns home. Although she is home she still needs to work, so she introduces herself at the Barker Police Station in the hope of getting information for stories.
In amongst work and her family issues, Zara goes to a protest for animal rights to write an article and sees Jack Higgins, the Senior Constable at Barker, taking part in the protest. When she goes to walk over to see Jack, she is warned off by Detective Burrows who explains that he is working undercover and she needs to stay away.
As the book evolves there is plenty of action to keep those pages turning. A must read for any Fleur McDonald fan!
Zara Allison is a young single rural journalist who gets a phone call asking her to come home to Barker as her brother's cancer has worsened and he only has months to live. So she packs up her belongings and returns home. Although she is home she still needs to work, so she introduces herself at the Barker Police Station in the hope of getting information for stories.
In amongst work and her family issues, Zara goes to a protest for animal rights to write an article and sees Jack Higgins, the Senior Constable at Barker, taking part in the protest. When she goes to walk over to see Jack, she is warned off by Detective Burrows who explains that he is working undercover and she needs to stay away.
As the book evolves there is plenty of action to keep those pages turning. A must read for any Fleur McDonald fan!
December 30, 2021
I actually heard this on audio as the library didn't have a copy of the book. (I'm all caught up with Fleur's books and was happy to hear it read)
Zara's story. (interesting title and I liked her character and personality)
There is a saying you can't take the country out of the girl, and I think Zara had found that the case even though she did like city life in Adelaide.
She is a good journalist and can work from home, home can be anywhere as long as there is internet.
Death, no one can tell you how to process grief. the auto pilot of palliative care, relationships, bereavement counselling, support services all a phone call or email away.
Protests and trespassing in the news besides covid. ( its a worrying time being a farmer. I'm off the land now but wouldn't like these visitors at my door. I'm really hoping to do a Flinders Ranges tour! )
Zara's story. (interesting title and I liked her character and personality)
There is a saying you can't take the country out of the girl, and I think Zara had found that the case even though she did like city life in Adelaide.
She is a good journalist and can work from home, home can be anywhere as long as there is internet.
Death, no one can tell you how to process grief. the auto pilot of palliative care, relationships, bereavement counselling, support services all a phone call or email away.
Protests and trespassing in the news besides covid. ( its a worrying time being a farmer. I'm off the land now but wouldn't like these visitors at my door. I'm really hoping to do a Flinders Ranges tour! )
September 2, 2023
When twenty-five-year-old journalist, Zara Ellison receives her mother's ominous text message, Call me when you can, Zara knows it's not good news.
Two weeks later, Zara has left her much-loved city life to relocate to Barker, the sleepy country town in which she grew up. For Zara, family comes first.
But she needs to work too, and the town's police force is a rural journalist's best source of information. Meeting Detective Dave Burrows and Dave's second-in-charge, Senior Constable Jack Higgins, is a priority.
Amid her family's troubles, and reporting on farming accidents and violently clashing activists, Zara is shocked to witness Jack Higgins in a role she'd never have believed. How could he possibly justify this? And what was she going to do about it?
Two weeks later, Zara has left her much-loved city life to relocate to Barker, the sleepy country town in which she grew up. For Zara, family comes first.
But she needs to work too, and the town's police force is a rural journalist's best source of information. Meeting Detective Dave Burrows and Dave's second-in-charge, Senior Constable Jack Higgins, is a priority.
Amid her family's troubles, and reporting on farming accidents and violently clashing activists, Zara is shocked to witness Jack Higgins in a role she'd never have believed. How could he possibly justify this? And what was she going to do about it?
January 29, 2022
I quite like Dave Burrows as a character which is why I've persevered with these books. I think this will be the last for me though. The writing is pretty average, and every single book I've read in this series should have had some serious editing before it went to print. Not just for the storyline either (though there were plenty of inconsistencies and things that didn't add up) but basic things like spelling mistakes and missing words. If you can overlook all that, these books do make for quick and easy reading.
May 28, 2022
Enjoyed it. Fleur is fantastic as usual in her narration of life, land and people. I usually don't like detailing through tragic events, but she did it so touchingly one such incident in the plot. And now I think I can talk-about/listen-through such incidents(Putting it so generally as I don't want to spill any spoilers).
Although, Climax did look like a bit hurried. Also, at least one character is found to be characterised unconvincingly. Anyway, I would recommend it as a decent read, considering the entire plot and style of narration.
Although, Climax did look like a bit hurried. Also, at least one character is found to be characterised unconvincingly. Anyway, I would recommend it as a decent read, considering the entire plot and style of narration.
August 8, 2022
Family, friends, careers, trauma, crime and more all entwined together make this the perfect read. Zara is a journalist reporting on rural matters, a role she is comfortable with and knows well. She has to move closer to home to help with her dying brother and fortunately, this career can take her back to her home location easily and efficiently. Zara is immediately on the trail of a good story, which brings her into touch with the local constabulary and other locals in the community, creating several new relationships in Zara's life.
Really great book that you can't put down. LOVED it.
Really great book that you can't put down. LOVED it.
January 28, 2023
A great book, full of suspense, that kept me wanting to read more! I couldn't put it down! Zara is strong willed and even though she went through a lot when she was called back to Barker by the fateful phone call from her mum she kept her wits about her, working to her passion of writing for the Farming Telegraph.
January 15, 2021
Australian rural crime novel.
Strong characters set in a SA bush town. A farming v activist plot with sooo much raw grief.
Not what I expected going in, I was thinking romantic suspense, this is more rural crime, but still a good read.
Strong characters set in a SA bush town. A farming v activist plot with sooo much raw grief.
Not what I expected going in, I was thinking romantic suspense, this is more rural crime, but still a good read.
June 17, 2024
3.5 stars
Is Jacks & journalists Zara’s story. Chasing down animal activists ( as opposed to animal rights campaigners). Was very sad in a lot of places & not quite try in others ( around animal rights). Glad I read to fill in the story.
Is Jacks & journalists Zara’s story. Chasing down animal activists ( as opposed to animal rights campaigners). Was very sad in a lot of places & not quite try in others ( around animal rights). Glad I read to fill in the story.
April 20, 2020
No substance
It abruptly finishes
It's odd
It abruptly finishes
It's odd
January 3, 2021
Another 5 star read by Fleur. I love the suspense she writes in her books and the fact that the things written happen in our world. A must read book.
April 9, 2021
I am enjoying all Fleur McDonald books.
June 24, 2021
Fantastic story. Really enjoyed this book and many others written by Fleur.
December 31, 2021
A good easy read, with a crime solved in a rural setting, family drama & sadness as well.
#7/10 in my summer challenge.
#7/10 in my summer challenge.
September 2, 2022
Great story! Fleur is a very talented writer, this is the first I have read of her books and would definitely read more of her work!
October 1, 2023
The more of Fluer MCDonald I read the more I enjoy her characters.
May 2, 2024
Sorry - this one just wasn't for me.
I got four chapters in and realised I didn't care about the characters enough to continue.
DNF.
Apologies to those who loved it.
I got four chapters in and realised I didn't care about the characters enough to continue.
DNF.
Apologies to those who loved it.
May 22, 2024
Continuing the Fleur McDonald Binge. Love this as usual and adore her outback stories. In my eyes Fleur can do no wrong. Adore her! Each story is just perfect for me and my mood.
Read
June 29, 2024an other good read
August 29, 2024
A beautiful book about family, loss, heartbreak and coming home. Beautifully written. You’ll need tissues for this one.
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