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The Mystery Woman
In a small town, everyone is watching ... Secrets, scandal and betrayal in 1950s small town the stunning new novel from bestseller Belinda Alexandra
She had thought Shipwreck Bay was simply a remote town where people were bored senseless with their little lives. Now she saw its virtuous facade hid something darker, more sinister.
Rebecca Wood takes the role as postmistress in a sleepy seaside town, desperate for anonymity after a scandal in Sydney. But she is confronted almost at once by a disturbing discovery - her predecessor committed suicide.
To add to her worries, her hopes for a quiet life are soon threatened by the attentions of the dashing local doctor, the unsettling presence of a violent whaling captain and a corrupt shire secretary, as well as the watchful eyes of the town's gossips. Yet in spite of herself she is drawn to the enigmatic resident of the house on the clifftop, rumoured to have been a Nazi spy.
Against the backdrop of the turbulent sea, Rebecca is soon caught up in the dangerous mysteries that lie behind Shipwreck Bay's respectable net curtains.
'This intriguing mystery with its gothic undertones, its salute to Du Maurier's Rebecca, and its melange of colourful characters will have readers racing through the pages, trying to piece together the puzzles that have long haunted Shipwreck Bay. They'll also be cheering for main character Rebecca as she struggles against the societal norms of 1950s Australia, fighting to be true to her unconventional self, and to forgive herself - and to perhaps even find happiness.' Natasha Lester, bestselling author of The Paris Secret
She had thought Shipwreck Bay was simply a remote town where people were bored senseless with their little lives. Now she saw its virtuous facade hid something darker, more sinister.
Rebecca Wood takes the role as postmistress in a sleepy seaside town, desperate for anonymity after a scandal in Sydney. But she is confronted almost at once by a disturbing discovery - her predecessor committed suicide.
To add to her worries, her hopes for a quiet life are soon threatened by the attentions of the dashing local doctor, the unsettling presence of a violent whaling captain and a corrupt shire secretary, as well as the watchful eyes of the town's gossips. Yet in spite of herself she is drawn to the enigmatic resident of the house on the clifftop, rumoured to have been a Nazi spy.
Against the backdrop of the turbulent sea, Rebecca is soon caught up in the dangerous mysteries that lie behind Shipwreck Bay's respectable net curtains.
'This intriguing mystery with its gothic undertones, its salute to Du Maurier's Rebecca, and its melange of colourful characters will have readers racing through the pages, trying to piece together the puzzles that have long haunted Shipwreck Bay. They'll also be cheering for main character Rebecca as she struggles against the societal norms of 1950s Australia, fighting to be true to her unconventional self, and to forgive herself - and to perhaps even find happiness.' Natasha Lester, bestselling author of The Paris Secret
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2020
263 people are currently reading
1367 people want to read
About the author
Belinda Alexandra
21 books752 followersBelinda Alexandra has been published to wide acclaim in Australia and internationally. She is the daughter of a Russian mother and an Australian father and has been an intrepid traveller since her youth. Her love of other cultures is matched by her passion for her home country, Australia, where she is a volunteer carer for the NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES).
Belinda is also an ambassador for the World League for the Protection of Animals (Australia) and lives in Sydney with a menagerie of adored pets.
Join Belinda's community of readers at facebook.com/BelindaAlexandraAuthor
Belinda is also an ambassador for the World League for the Protection of Animals (Australia) and lives in Sydney with a menagerie of adored pets.
Join Belinda's community of readers at facebook.com/BelindaAlexandraAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
July 21, 2025
Well this book had all the 4 & 5 star ratings & I thought I’d be in for a great audio narrated by Caroline Lee written by Belinda Alexander, but alas it wasn’t for me.
The setting in Shipwreck Bay in the 1950’s there are secrets & lies Rebecca Wood doesn’t want revealed everyone is watching her she takes a job as the new postmistress which Doris the local know it all about everyone keeps sticking around which was annoying on top of that the narrator voice got on my nerves even though I am an Aussie her Aussie accent was atrocious , anyway she meets Dr Littlefield then the questions he asks about her past set her ablaze!
This was an okay read but for me just not my thing other people have loved this but it’s only my opinion.
The setting in Shipwreck Bay in the 1950’s there are secrets & lies Rebecca Wood doesn’t want revealed everyone is watching her she takes a job as the new postmistress which Doris the local know it all about everyone keeps sticking around which was annoying on top of that the narrator voice got on my nerves even though I am an Aussie her Aussie accent was atrocious , anyway she meets Dr Littlefield then the questions he asks about her past set her ablaze!
This was an okay read but for me just not my thing other people have loved this but it’s only my opinion.
September 29, 2020
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Set in Australia’s 1950’s, The Mystery Woman is a wonderful modern Australian Gothic mystery romance.
Trying to avoid a scandalous past and the press, a sophisticated Miss Rebecca Wood seeks refuge in a small coastal town named Shipwreck Bay where she takes on the role of the towns postmistress.
She is surprised to find that tragically a previous postmistress who had been there twenty years had hung herself right there in the office.
Rebecca comes under a touch of scrutiny from the community in a town where you must visit church on Sundays and find a husband, after all a woman’s place is to please her husband.
Trying to seek a quiet life although she seems to stand out from everyone, Belinda soon finds she is attracting the attentions of the local handsome doctor along with some other less desirables.
The town's economic prosperity is based on whaling and the theme of this is woven through the story in a highly interesting way although horrific.
There are also themes of psychological abuse, domestic violence, mystery and murder in this novel.
This was my first Belinda Alexandra novel and I can safely say it won’t be my last, I found it a highly engaging and intriguing read.
Set in Australia’s 1950’s, The Mystery Woman is a wonderful modern Australian Gothic mystery romance.
Trying to avoid a scandalous past and the press, a sophisticated Miss Rebecca Wood seeks refuge in a small coastal town named Shipwreck Bay where she takes on the role of the towns postmistress.
She is surprised to find that tragically a previous postmistress who had been there twenty years had hung herself right there in the office.
Rebecca comes under a touch of scrutiny from the community in a town where you must visit church on Sundays and find a husband, after all a woman’s place is to please her husband.
Trying to seek a quiet life although she seems to stand out from everyone, Belinda soon finds she is attracting the attentions of the local handsome doctor along with some other less desirables.
The town's economic prosperity is based on whaling and the theme of this is woven through the story in a highly interesting way although horrific.
There are also themes of psychological abuse, domestic violence, mystery and murder in this novel.
This was my first Belinda Alexandra novel and I can safely say it won’t be my last, I found it a highly engaging and intriguing read.
September 12, 2020
After seeing rave reviews for The Mystery Woman, I just had to read it. It was my first Belinda Alexandra book and certainly will not be my last. This Historical Fiction/thriller was fantastic and went to places that I absolutely did not expect. There is romance, murder, corruption, scandal and so much more. This book will appeal to a wide range of readers and I hope a lot of people pick it up, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Rebecca Wood is a glamorous party girl from Sydney. Desperate to to hide out from a national scandal, she accepts the job of the postmistress in the small seaside town of Shipwreck Bay. She wants a quiet life with no attention. Unfortunately for her, this is no ordinary small town. She soon learns that her predecessor committed suicide, that there maybe a nazi spy in town and that the local council is corrupt. So much for a quiet life! And then the local doctor, who is loved by all, catches her eye. But all is not what is seems, or. Gossiped about in Shipwreck Bay. Can Rebecca make a fresh start here?
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia for my copy of this book to read.
Rebecca Wood is a glamorous party girl from Sydney. Desperate to to hide out from a national scandal, she accepts the job of the postmistress in the small seaside town of Shipwreck Bay. She wants a quiet life with no attention. Unfortunately for her, this is no ordinary small town. She soon learns that her predecessor committed suicide, that there maybe a nazi spy in town and that the local council is corrupt. So much for a quiet life! And then the local doctor, who is loved by all, catches her eye. But all is not what is seems, or. Gossiped about in Shipwreck Bay. Can Rebecca make a fresh start here?
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia for my copy of this book to read.
June 18, 2021
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The Mystery Woman by Belinda Alexandra. (2020).
Rebecca becomes the postmistress in a sleepy seaside town, needing to be anonymous after a Sydney scandal. But she is immediately confronted with the news that her predecessor committed suicide. Her hopes for a quiet life are soon threatened by the attentions of the dashing local doctor, the unsettling presence of a violent whaling captain, a corrupt shire secretary, and the local gossips. She is also drawn to the local man rumoured to have been a Nazi spy...
Rebecca is quickly caught up in the dangerous mysteries that lie behind Shipwreck Bay's respectable curtains.
I really enjoyed this Australian historical fiction. I felt for poor Rebecca trying to run away from scandal only to be caught up in this little town full of darkness. The author successfully paints the picture of the small seaside town full of gossipy residents who are quick to judge those they deem unsuitable. Set in the 1950s, the glamorous and intelligent Rebecca toes the line between fitting in and being revealed as the ex-mistress of a prominent Sydney man. What I particularly appreciated was this novel touches on many issues and yet it never feels too much; some of these topics include but are not limited to adultery, domestic violence, suicide, sexual assault, environmentalism and PTSD. These are heavy topics and yet the book felt like a really easy read: truly engaging.
I'd happily recommend this book for those that enjoy historical fiction and/or mystery fiction.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Mystery Woman by Belinda Alexandra. (2020).
Rebecca becomes the postmistress in a sleepy seaside town, needing to be anonymous after a Sydney scandal. But she is immediately confronted with the news that her predecessor committed suicide. Her hopes for a quiet life are soon threatened by the attentions of the dashing local doctor, the unsettling presence of a violent whaling captain, a corrupt shire secretary, and the local gossips. She is also drawn to the local man rumoured to have been a Nazi spy...
Rebecca is quickly caught up in the dangerous mysteries that lie behind Shipwreck Bay's respectable curtains.
I really enjoyed this Australian historical fiction. I felt for poor Rebecca trying to run away from scandal only to be caught up in this little town full of darkness. The author successfully paints the picture of the small seaside town full of gossipy residents who are quick to judge those they deem unsuitable. Set in the 1950s, the glamorous and intelligent Rebecca toes the line between fitting in and being revealed as the ex-mistress of a prominent Sydney man. What I particularly appreciated was this novel touches on many issues and yet it never feels too much; some of these topics include but are not limited to adultery, domestic violence, suicide, sexual assault, environmentalism and PTSD. These are heavy topics and yet the book felt like a really easy read: truly engaging.
I'd happily recommend this book for those that enjoy historical fiction and/or mystery fiction.
September 18, 2020
The Mystery Woman is a stunning new direction for Belinda Alexandra, and one she has navigated with precision. Known more for historical/romantic saga style novels set during WWII or earlier, The Mystery Woman is more contemporary in its history, set in the 1950s, and is firmly gothic noir in style, of which I highly approve!
Rebecca is a heroine with a few wrinkles in her past and she’s moved to Shipwreck Bay with a heavy secret. I liked Rebecca from the get-go and I was drawn into her challenges of fitting in; the small-town fishbowl aspect of community living was replicated so convincingly. How awful, for women to be under such close scrutiny, and to have to sit in church each Sunday, whether you wanted to or not, and listen to a priest wax lyrical about the evils of women since the dawn of time. The gossip and innuendo; the appraisal and judgement; the toxic interfering. The author painted a stiflingly precise picture of small town living in the 1950s, where men ruled the town and home and women’s aspirations were not supposed to extend beyond pleasing their husbands.
There are few mysteries woven into this story, intersecting at different points. The atmosphere is at times chilling, tense, and as the novel careened towards its conclusion, it spiralled into something quite horrific – much to my admiration. I do really love a chilling gothic tale. Themes of domestic violence and the abuse of power and male privilege are explored thoroughly within some thought-provoking contexts. The whaling sub-plot linked to the setting was also highly interesting. I have read quite extensively on whaling history in Australia and I felt that the author wove this topic neatly into her narrative without overwhelming the reader with too much history; nicely balanced.
All in all, this is one novel I can highly recommend. It was engaging and gripping right the way through with a varied cast of characters and a sophisticated storyline, all infused with a crackling atmosphere of mystery and dread.
Thanks is extended to HarperCollins Australia for providing me with a copy of The Mystery Woman for review.
Rebecca is a heroine with a few wrinkles in her past and she’s moved to Shipwreck Bay with a heavy secret. I liked Rebecca from the get-go and I was drawn into her challenges of fitting in; the small-town fishbowl aspect of community living was replicated so convincingly. How awful, for women to be under such close scrutiny, and to have to sit in church each Sunday, whether you wanted to or not, and listen to a priest wax lyrical about the evils of women since the dawn of time. The gossip and innuendo; the appraisal and judgement; the toxic interfering. The author painted a stiflingly precise picture of small town living in the 1950s, where men ruled the town and home and women’s aspirations were not supposed to extend beyond pleasing their husbands.
There are few mysteries woven into this story, intersecting at different points. The atmosphere is at times chilling, tense, and as the novel careened towards its conclusion, it spiralled into something quite horrific – much to my admiration. I do really love a chilling gothic tale. Themes of domestic violence and the abuse of power and male privilege are explored thoroughly within some thought-provoking contexts. The whaling sub-plot linked to the setting was also highly interesting. I have read quite extensively on whaling history in Australia and I felt that the author wove this topic neatly into her narrative without overwhelming the reader with too much history; nicely balanced.
All in all, this is one novel I can highly recommend. It was engaging and gripping right the way through with a varied cast of characters and a sophisticated storyline, all infused with a crackling atmosphere of mystery and dread.
Thanks is extended to HarperCollins Australia for providing me with a copy of The Mystery Woman for review.
December 7, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
‘Ooh,’ said Sue, rubbing her hands together. ‘But wouldn’t you like to know who that mystery woman is?’
Much loved Australian historical fiction novelist Belinda Alexandra makes a triumphant return with her latest release The Mystery Woman. With a touch of mystery, romance, intrigue, history and an evocative gothic fiction base, The Mystery Woman is a solid five star read from one of my own favourite Australian writers.
The small Australian town of Shipwreck Bay is the location focus of Belinda Alexandra’s The Mystery Woman. When a newcomer named Rebecca Wood arrives on the shores of this quiet whaling industry town as the new postmistress, the townsfolk wonder what brought this glamorous woman to such a quiet town. But Rebecca has a secret that she wants to keep, involving an older man and scandal back in the city. Rebecca is determined to keep her past locked away and start afresh in Shipwreck Bay. It doesn’t take long before Rebecca’s glamourous looks catch the eye of the local doctor and the two soon begin to develop a relationship. However, not everyone in Shipwreck Bay is taken with the new postmistress and it isn’t long before Rebecca is targeted by one of the town’s key figures who is hell bent in exposing Rebecca’s true reasons for coming to Shipwreck Bay. As danger, speculation, death and sabotage surround Rebecca, she realises she has been backed into a corner, can Rebecca set herself free?
I have long admired Belinda Alexandra. This talented Australian novelist first caught my attention many years ago when I read her novel White Gardenia. Over the years I have followed Alexandra’s work closely, loyally purchasing her books to read as soon as they hit bookstores. Although I consider The Mystery Woman to be quite a departure from the usual style of novel by Belinda Alexandra, I have to say I loved this new direction. I hope you have more gothic Australian mystery fiction for us Belinda!
The Mystery Woman is exactly the kind of novel I gravitate towards. A strong and atmospheric Australian setting defines the location base of this new book from Belinda Alexandra. I immediately felt like a fellow newcomer to the town of Shipwreck Bay while I followed Rebecca’s story. The rich sense of place, conjured by Alexandra’s vivid descriptions of this heady locale helped to completely immerse me in the surroundings of this eerie small town. Everything is carefully presented for the reader. We are privy to the sights, sounds and smells of Shipwreck Bay, which are expressed with sheer clarity. Alexandra also ties in some very important insights into the whaling industry during the 1950s post war time period. I have some prior knowledge of whaling practices in Australia thanks to a first-hand visit to a West Australian whaling town and museum, but I felt that Alexandra was able to impart a great deal more about this industry. The whaling aspect of the book added an extra edge of tension, menace and foreboding to this haunting tale.
In terms of the lead character of Rebecca Wood, I really connected with Alexandra’s principal protagonist. I love how Belinda Alexandra always manages to cast strong and formidable women at the core of her novels and The Mystery Woman is no exception. I admired Rebecca’s resolve, determination, stance and her glamourous approach to life. I despaired when the true Rebecca was squashed by the leading male figure of this tale and I longed for Rebecca to regain her true spirit. Rebecca’s journey is a tumultuous one at that, full of interesting relationship developments, intriguing interactions, dangerous spills and remarkable moments. Rebecca’s journey was never dull and I was completely attached to this book from start to finish.
What I appreciated about the characterisation approach Alexandra was able to take to her cast was the emphasis on both the female and male figures of this time being ahead of their time. Both Rebecca and another key character named Stefan, were clearly not suited to the time and place in which they were situated. For Rebecca, her trailblazing spirit and ability to assist others in need gets her into trouble. While Stefan faces his own personal battles in his strong attitude towards environmentalism, as the unfolding story exposes the inhumane whaling practices taking place at Shipwreck Bay.
Within the pages of this alluring and eloquent novel we are confronted with a range of themes, from suicide, PTSD, post war changes, disability, infidelity, politics, environmentalism, whaling practices, the media, domestic violence, gender role expectations, societal norms, morals, abuse, elderly care and community relations. There are also broader themes in place such as romance, friendships, relationships, intrigue, mystery, danger, gossip, scandal, innuendo, unwritten rules and gender expectations. I couldn’t get enough of this narrative, it was beautifully presented and offered an extremely high level of entertainment.
The Mystery Woman is a spellbinding Australian gothic fiction tale. I award five shining stars to Belinda Alexandra’s latest triumph.
The Mystery Woman is book #128 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
‘Ooh,’ said Sue, rubbing her hands together. ‘But wouldn’t you like to know who that mystery woman is?’
Much loved Australian historical fiction novelist Belinda Alexandra makes a triumphant return with her latest release The Mystery Woman. With a touch of mystery, romance, intrigue, history and an evocative gothic fiction base, The Mystery Woman is a solid five star read from one of my own favourite Australian writers.
The small Australian town of Shipwreck Bay is the location focus of Belinda Alexandra’s The Mystery Woman. When a newcomer named Rebecca Wood arrives on the shores of this quiet whaling industry town as the new postmistress, the townsfolk wonder what brought this glamorous woman to such a quiet town. But Rebecca has a secret that she wants to keep, involving an older man and scandal back in the city. Rebecca is determined to keep her past locked away and start afresh in Shipwreck Bay. It doesn’t take long before Rebecca’s glamourous looks catch the eye of the local doctor and the two soon begin to develop a relationship. However, not everyone in Shipwreck Bay is taken with the new postmistress and it isn’t long before Rebecca is targeted by one of the town’s key figures who is hell bent in exposing Rebecca’s true reasons for coming to Shipwreck Bay. As danger, speculation, death and sabotage surround Rebecca, she realises she has been backed into a corner, can Rebecca set herself free?
I have long admired Belinda Alexandra. This talented Australian novelist first caught my attention many years ago when I read her novel White Gardenia. Over the years I have followed Alexandra’s work closely, loyally purchasing her books to read as soon as they hit bookstores. Although I consider The Mystery Woman to be quite a departure from the usual style of novel by Belinda Alexandra, I have to say I loved this new direction. I hope you have more gothic Australian mystery fiction for us Belinda!
The Mystery Woman is exactly the kind of novel I gravitate towards. A strong and atmospheric Australian setting defines the location base of this new book from Belinda Alexandra. I immediately felt like a fellow newcomer to the town of Shipwreck Bay while I followed Rebecca’s story. The rich sense of place, conjured by Alexandra’s vivid descriptions of this heady locale helped to completely immerse me in the surroundings of this eerie small town. Everything is carefully presented for the reader. We are privy to the sights, sounds and smells of Shipwreck Bay, which are expressed with sheer clarity. Alexandra also ties in some very important insights into the whaling industry during the 1950s post war time period. I have some prior knowledge of whaling practices in Australia thanks to a first-hand visit to a West Australian whaling town and museum, but I felt that Alexandra was able to impart a great deal more about this industry. The whaling aspect of the book added an extra edge of tension, menace and foreboding to this haunting tale.
In terms of the lead character of Rebecca Wood, I really connected with Alexandra’s principal protagonist. I love how Belinda Alexandra always manages to cast strong and formidable women at the core of her novels and The Mystery Woman is no exception. I admired Rebecca’s resolve, determination, stance and her glamourous approach to life. I despaired when the true Rebecca was squashed by the leading male figure of this tale and I longed for Rebecca to regain her true spirit. Rebecca’s journey is a tumultuous one at that, full of interesting relationship developments, intriguing interactions, dangerous spills and remarkable moments. Rebecca’s journey was never dull and I was completely attached to this book from start to finish.
What I appreciated about the characterisation approach Alexandra was able to take to her cast was the emphasis on both the female and male figures of this time being ahead of their time. Both Rebecca and another key character named Stefan, were clearly not suited to the time and place in which they were situated. For Rebecca, her trailblazing spirit and ability to assist others in need gets her into trouble. While Stefan faces his own personal battles in his strong attitude towards environmentalism, as the unfolding story exposes the inhumane whaling practices taking place at Shipwreck Bay.
Within the pages of this alluring and eloquent novel we are confronted with a range of themes, from suicide, PTSD, post war changes, disability, infidelity, politics, environmentalism, whaling practices, the media, domestic violence, gender role expectations, societal norms, morals, abuse, elderly care and community relations. There are also broader themes in place such as romance, friendships, relationships, intrigue, mystery, danger, gossip, scandal, innuendo, unwritten rules and gender expectations. I couldn’t get enough of this narrative, it was beautifully presented and offered an extremely high level of entertainment.
The Mystery Woman is a spellbinding Australian gothic fiction tale. I award five shining stars to Belinda Alexandra’s latest triumph.
The Mystery Woman is book #128 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
October 13, 2020
Once again Belinda Alexandra has written an enchanting book that kept me turning pages late into the night. A wonderful story with complex characters, mystery and a thrilling ending, this is a fabulous read.
August 31, 2020
In her latest offering, Belinda has stepped away from her sweeping sagas of the past and moved in a new direction. I like it! A definite change in pace and approach, The Mystery Woman had me glued to the pages to the very end. Belinda describes it as a ‘Modern Australian Gothic Romance’ and I have to agree. This had all the necessary elements to make for an atmospheric and suspenseful read.
‘She was living two parallel lives - one as a postmistress gradually finding her place in the town, and the other as a hunted animal that was about to be devoured by the beast of the press.’
This time Belinda takes us to coastal rural Australia of the 1950s. She dives deep into the themes of the social etiquette of the day with a strong female lead trapped in small town life. Can the outcast become the heroine? Viewed with our 21st century eyes, we cannot help but cringe at the domestic expectations clashing against the need for female voices to be heard. Can Rebecca transform herself and start anew or will she forever be trapped in thinking her happiness lies in curtailing her intelligence and aspirations. And at what cost? With strong themes of domestic violence, Belinda takes her readers on an unforgettable journey. With shades of Daphne du Maurier’s 1938 classic Gothic novel, ‘Rebecca’, this 1950’s Rebecca has much to contend with as double standards are running rampant.
‘It was ironic that she should have been assigned to this coastal town when there were dozens of inland centres equally in need of her services. Perhaps it was fate. Perhaps a divine reminder of mistakes made that could never be forgiven.’
Added to this is a range of secondary characters who, likewise, have their own secrets and mysteries. In some ways, it would appear the whole town has something to hide behind their community/domestic blissful facade. From political corruption, to town gossip, to psychological manipulation, the cast of characters is rich and engaging. You may get a solid idea of how this will all play out, but does this take away from the story? Not in the least, in fact, it will have you scrambling as if watching an old black and white thriller movie with your hand drawn to your face and viewing only through the slight crack in your fingers.
It would be remiss of me not to mention Belinda’s outstanding incorporation of the whole whale hunting aspect of the story. This is the 1950s when whaling was an important primary industry and cruelty and conservation were yet to be heard, let alone considered above the economic considerations of the day. Belinda seamlessly gives this added dimension to a story already rolling in rich societal commentary.
‘She found herself inches away from the barnacled chin and wide mouth of the creature. It turned slightly, and she and the whale looked into each other’s eyes. It stirred in her a sense of the ancient and the mysterious. Then the whale propelled itself higher. For a brief moment her heart stopped as she feared that the whale was about to upend the boat. But it rolled on its side, missing the boat and smacking the surface of the water with its flipper. Rebecca watched it glide down deeper into the blue, awestruck by its majesty.’
I was completely engaged and totally in love with the new direction Belinda’s writing took. There is so much to consider and reflect upon and as the suspense builds and the mystery unfolds. You too will be swept away to Shipwreck Bay, connecting, supporting and cheering for Rebecca as she seeks to make a stand.
‘She disappeared somewhere inside herself, wondering what it might have been like to be a normal woman. Not a woman with a past, not a woman who had made terrible decisions, not a woman whose passions were about to destroy her.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘She was living two parallel lives - one as a postmistress gradually finding her place in the town, and the other as a hunted animal that was about to be devoured by the beast of the press.’
This time Belinda takes us to coastal rural Australia of the 1950s. She dives deep into the themes of the social etiquette of the day with a strong female lead trapped in small town life. Can the outcast become the heroine? Viewed with our 21st century eyes, we cannot help but cringe at the domestic expectations clashing against the need for female voices to be heard. Can Rebecca transform herself and start anew or will she forever be trapped in thinking her happiness lies in curtailing her intelligence and aspirations. And at what cost? With strong themes of domestic violence, Belinda takes her readers on an unforgettable journey. With shades of Daphne du Maurier’s 1938 classic Gothic novel, ‘Rebecca’, this 1950’s Rebecca has much to contend with as double standards are running rampant.
‘It was ironic that she should have been assigned to this coastal town when there were dozens of inland centres equally in need of her services. Perhaps it was fate. Perhaps a divine reminder of mistakes made that could never be forgiven.’
Added to this is a range of secondary characters who, likewise, have their own secrets and mysteries. In some ways, it would appear the whole town has something to hide behind their community/domestic blissful facade. From political corruption, to town gossip, to psychological manipulation, the cast of characters is rich and engaging. You may get a solid idea of how this will all play out, but does this take away from the story? Not in the least, in fact, it will have you scrambling as if watching an old black and white thriller movie with your hand drawn to your face and viewing only through the slight crack in your fingers.
It would be remiss of me not to mention Belinda’s outstanding incorporation of the whole whale hunting aspect of the story. This is the 1950s when whaling was an important primary industry and cruelty and conservation were yet to be heard, let alone considered above the economic considerations of the day. Belinda seamlessly gives this added dimension to a story already rolling in rich societal commentary.
‘She found herself inches away from the barnacled chin and wide mouth of the creature. It turned slightly, and she and the whale looked into each other’s eyes. It stirred in her a sense of the ancient and the mysterious. Then the whale propelled itself higher. For a brief moment her heart stopped as she feared that the whale was about to upend the boat. But it rolled on its side, missing the boat and smacking the surface of the water with its flipper. Rebecca watched it glide down deeper into the blue, awestruck by its majesty.’
I was completely engaged and totally in love with the new direction Belinda’s writing took. There is so much to consider and reflect upon and as the suspense builds and the mystery unfolds. You too will be swept away to Shipwreck Bay, connecting, supporting and cheering for Rebecca as she seeks to make a stand.
‘She disappeared somewhere inside herself, wondering what it might have been like to be a normal woman. Not a woman with a past, not a woman who had made terrible decisions, not a woman whose passions were about to destroy her.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
September 2, 2023
4.5 stars
Another of Belinda Alexandra’s books I found hard to put down.
The tale takes place in the NSW fictional whaling town of Shipwreck Bay (actual coastal town, Eden) (Been there many times. A gorgeous location).
I loved the 1950s setting, the whaling industry not so much. Very sad.
The book also contains, secrets, murder, mystery, romance and domestic violence.
I found it to be an excellent Australian Gothic Mystery Romance.
Listened to the audiobook on BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda/HarperCollins audio
Narrated by Caroline Lee
Duration: 13 hrs, 32 min. 1.50x Speed
Another of Belinda Alexandra’s books I found hard to put down.
The tale takes place in the NSW fictional whaling town of Shipwreck Bay (actual coastal town, Eden) (Been there many times. A gorgeous location).
I loved the 1950s setting, the whaling industry not so much. Very sad.
The book also contains, secrets, murder, mystery, romance and domestic violence.
I found it to be an excellent Australian Gothic Mystery Romance.
Listened to the audiobook on BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda/HarperCollins audio
Narrated by Caroline Lee
Duration: 13 hrs, 32 min. 1.50x Speed
March 24, 2021
Hi Belinda,
I have to confess I own multiple books by you, just never actually read them yet! My bad!
So when I got 'The Mystery Woman' I made sure I sat down and jumped in.
I loved this book, it was different to the typical historical fiction I normally read, but I loved it.
Rebecca Wood was a great character, I really enjoyed her narration of being the outsider from a big city to a small town , I think the cast of characters within the story were fabulous too, all of them, even your menacing ones.
The gothic style thriller was so good, it gave me feels of 'Rebecca' by Daphne Du Maurier which is one of my favourite classics. I found it hard to put down, I needed to know what was going on...And when I had to pop it down and pick up again, it was so easy to dip straight back in without needing to reconnect, it was seamless... I feel like the sense of foreboding from the start to the end of the story that kept its grips on me, to ensure I came back every time.
Personally for me I loved the use of nature and environment to help create the gothic tones throughout the story, like the use of the sea and its powerful presence when it is calm or turbulent, it just added to the atmosphere overall and the subjects that are tackled within the story.
In realising my oversight of owning your other books but not have read any of them to date, I will be sure to quickly rectify this problem. I highly enjoyed your writing and storytelling, so it's a no-brainer.
Until my next letter, thank you for the goosebumps (in the best way) and I'll now get my skates on and read your other works.
Your Silly Billy Reader,
Natty
September 27, 2020
Brilliant. The Mystery Woman by Belinda Alexandra is an exceptional Australian melodrama set in the small seaside whaling town of Shipwreck Bay where many mysteries unfold.
It was fast-paced, easy to read with vivid descriptions of our flora and fauna and all the happenings in small-town Australia.
The way everything the author describes is very realistic and down-to-earth making it a great Australian novel ~ the main character, however, also has dreams of Europe and a future life there, perhaps.
Life is a risk. Take it.
I can see this as being a movie one day. I hope I'm right!
I'd highly recommend this novel.
It was fast-paced, easy to read with vivid descriptions of our flora and fauna and all the happenings in small-town Australia.
The way everything the author describes is very realistic and down-to-earth making it a great Australian novel ~ the main character, however, also has dreams of Europe and a future life there, perhaps.
Life is a risk. Take it.
I can see this as being a movie one day. I hope I'm right!
I'd highly recommend this novel.
August 23, 2020
Now that I have boarded the Belinda train, I’m making a stop at the newest addition The Mystery Woman.
Grab a seat, relax and take a trip to Shipwreck Bay and be transported back to the 1950’s where allure, prestige and sophistication is about to arrive.
Escaping a scandal in Sydney, Rebecca Wood takes a position as the postmistress in the quiet seaside town of Shipwreck Bay.
She is hoping to not stand out and be anonymous but soon Rebecca is receiving the attention that she’s trying to afford.
The local handsome doctor takes an interest, the wife of the whaling captain is confiding in her, the wife of the corrupt shire secretary is suddenly vicious towards her and the women of the town are enchanted by her beauty.
On a walk one day Rebecca finds herself near the strange house on the clifftop, rumour has it that a former Nazi spy lives there and Rebecca is intrigued.
But behind the facade of the town there is lies, history, secrets, betrayal and danger.
A well crafted, engaging and eloquent story that will make you read late into the night.
A storyline that will give the reader bliss and a buzz of enjoyment.
Rebecca Wood, as a lead heroine, represents everything that is 1950’s glamour.
Beautiful, elegant, mysterious and of course stylish and all that a lead character should be, strong and charming, she definitely exudes from the pages.
Belinda is so articulate in her writing that I absolutely adored every single word.
The setting had a gothic, eerie ambience about it, you could sense the aura it was giving off.
I’m in awe of this book, that days after finishing it’s still rattling around my mind and giving me the feels all over.
October 1, 2020
I was surprised at the change of direction Belinda has taken with this book. There are historical aspects, environmental aspects, mystery and a gothic romantic feel which made for an enjoyable read however I much prefer her previous books.
September 25, 2020
The Mystery Woman is the latest release by Australian writer, Belinda Alexandra. Alexandra is known for her sweeping historical fiction reads and The Mystery Woman marks a change of genre. Taking place in the 1950s, the story centres on a mystery in the NSW fictional whaling town of Shipwreck Bay. The protagonist is Rebecca Wood, a single woman in her thirties swapping an enigmatic past in Sydney for a quiet coastal life. Through the bay and Rebecca, Alexandra delves into many topics that are relatable to readers today. From big issues such as domestic violence to suicide to the whaling industry, the smaller topics friendships, secrets and societal roles resonate on a more personal level.
Rebecca is a woman ahead of her time. Following a disastrous affair with a man of influence in the big city, she years to be inconspicuous. Working as a post mistress in Sydney, she learns that there is a position in Shipwreck Bay due to tragic circumstances. The suicide of the previous post mistress Mable does not dissuade Rebecca from considering the job. As an added benefit, Rebecca believes that the media won’t search for her in the back of beyond. Quickly and efficiently, Rebecca packs her bags and settles herself into a new lifestyle.
A major part of Rebecca’s life and the people of Shipwreck Bay is the whaling industry. While the town is fictional, it is based on the south coast town of Eden in NSW. Alexandra has done her research as she created a different world to the one of today. Alexander has taken readers back to a time when whaling was acceptable. Despite the cruelty to the large creatures, it was how the town made its money. While Alexandra demonstrated the beginnings of conservation with characters such as Stefano Otto, I appreciate that she does not shy away from the harsh truth.
Right from the beginning, Rebecca stands out with beautiful clothes and sophisticated manner. Her preconceived notions of coastal living to be simple and quiet are quickly put to bed. Despite being a private woman, Rebecca soon discovers that everybody is involved in each other’s business and that match making for single people is rife. Using her beauty and brains, Rebecca is able to overcome many unexpected conundrums but, she is just as intrigued as the locals as to why Mable committed suicide. The local doctor, Timothy Litchfield, is on every matchmakers list and they set their sights on matching him with Rebecca.
While the good doctor appeared to have it all, I immediately felt a sense of unease with his creepy, controlling manner. Like in many good romances though, Rebecca is not attracted to the obvious choice, the good boy, rather the local bad boy. In this case it is Stefano, the town pariah with his alternative ways. Stefano is a man ahead of his time, seeing beyond their beauty and believing that women are his equal. While the writing is on the wall with this couple, there are many unexpected obstacles, all seeming impossible to overcome as the conclusion comes to an unexpected violent ending.
How will Rebecca and Stefan get their happily ever after? Will Rebecca’s past catch up with her? What is the truth behind Mable’s death? So many questions!
The Mystery Woman is perfect for loyal fans of Belinda Alexandra and a great introduction for new readers.
Thank to Harper Collins Australia for the opportunity to read this book.
Rebecca is a woman ahead of her time. Following a disastrous affair with a man of influence in the big city, she years to be inconspicuous. Working as a post mistress in Sydney, she learns that there is a position in Shipwreck Bay due to tragic circumstances. The suicide of the previous post mistress Mable does not dissuade Rebecca from considering the job. As an added benefit, Rebecca believes that the media won’t search for her in the back of beyond. Quickly and efficiently, Rebecca packs her bags and settles herself into a new lifestyle.
A major part of Rebecca’s life and the people of Shipwreck Bay is the whaling industry. While the town is fictional, it is based on the south coast town of Eden in NSW. Alexandra has done her research as she created a different world to the one of today. Alexander has taken readers back to a time when whaling was acceptable. Despite the cruelty to the large creatures, it was how the town made its money. While Alexandra demonstrated the beginnings of conservation with characters such as Stefano Otto, I appreciate that she does not shy away from the harsh truth.
Right from the beginning, Rebecca stands out with beautiful clothes and sophisticated manner. Her preconceived notions of coastal living to be simple and quiet are quickly put to bed. Despite being a private woman, Rebecca soon discovers that everybody is involved in each other’s business and that match making for single people is rife. Using her beauty and brains, Rebecca is able to overcome many unexpected conundrums but, she is just as intrigued as the locals as to why Mable committed suicide. The local doctor, Timothy Litchfield, is on every matchmakers list and they set their sights on matching him with Rebecca.
While the good doctor appeared to have it all, I immediately felt a sense of unease with his creepy, controlling manner. Like in many good romances though, Rebecca is not attracted to the obvious choice, the good boy, rather the local bad boy. In this case it is Stefano, the town pariah with his alternative ways. Stefano is a man ahead of his time, seeing beyond their beauty and believing that women are his equal. While the writing is on the wall with this couple, there are many unexpected obstacles, all seeming impossible to overcome as the conclusion comes to an unexpected violent ending.
How will Rebecca and Stefan get their happily ever after? Will Rebecca’s past catch up with her? What is the truth behind Mable’s death? So many questions!
The Mystery Woman is perfect for loyal fans of Belinda Alexandra and a great introduction for new readers.
Thank to Harper Collins Australia for the opportunity to read this book.
August 23, 2020
This Book sold me instantly, 1950’s, scandal and Rebecca from Sydney!
Rebecca quickly packs up her life in Sydney and moves to a little whaling town called shipwreck bay. She fills the role of Postmistress as the previous woman committed suicide.
The town is tiny, everyone knows everyone’s business and there is nowhere to hide secrets. Rebecca starts to familiarise herself with the people and quickly gauges who she needs to be friends with and who she needs to steer clear of.
Rebecca catches the eye of the town doctor and most eligible bachelor. The town gossip runs wild when a the whaling captains wife is found dead. She finds herself hiding away near the ocean when she meets the towns black sheep, their chemistry is wild yet she knows life wouldn’t be easy if she proceeded further with him.
The safe option isn’t always the best. Some people do an amazing job of hiding their true self. When Rebecca pieces everything together it’s too late for her to run to safety!
Rebecca quickly packs up her life in Sydney and moves to a little whaling town called shipwreck bay. She fills the role of Postmistress as the previous woman committed suicide.
The town is tiny, everyone knows everyone’s business and there is nowhere to hide secrets. Rebecca starts to familiarise herself with the people and quickly gauges who she needs to be friends with and who she needs to steer clear of.
Rebecca catches the eye of the town doctor and most eligible bachelor. The town gossip runs wild when a the whaling captains wife is found dead. She finds herself hiding away near the ocean when she meets the towns black sheep, their chemistry is wild yet she knows life wouldn’t be easy if she proceeded further with him.
The safe option isn’t always the best. Some people do an amazing job of hiding their true self. When Rebecca pieces everything together it’s too late for her to run to safety!
November 28, 2020
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this, the first book I've read by Belinda Alexandra.
Great setting, interesting period of small-town history, intriguing characters.
I really enjoyed this, the first book I've read by Belinda Alexandra.
Great setting, interesting period of small-town history, intriguing characters.
November 17, 2020
I very nearly gave up on this book in first few chapters. I found the characters in small town very one dimensional and boring...and Rebecca I did not like at all......superficial...and definitely shipwrecked! I was surprised that Belinda Alexander changed directions because this book is not a patch on all her other ones which I really loved. So a big disappointment. I did not think her writing was as good either. For me this is a very uninspiring and unenlightened period of history 1950's! I got more into the book 3/4 way through and it got quite exciting but too easy to guess who the murderer was. And Gothic novel?...I don't get that at all! I felt that Rebecca was starting to discover who she really was after her completely stupid decisions. ..and so I felt that would have been an interesting direction to take here...but that did not go anywhere really. I don't think I will be getting so excited about Belinda's next books.
November 22, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed the 1950s setting which the author captured very well. The mystery derives as much from the time period and social mores that privilege white males and, like the minister in his sermon, cast all blame on women who are, in the Christian lexicon, inherently evil. Events and well defined characters explore dark social themes, including domestic violence.
Small town attitudes are studied under the microscope of an intelligent and inquisitive author.
Highly recommended.
Small town attitudes are studied under the microscope of an intelligent and inquisitive author.
Highly recommended.
November 5, 2025
This book belonged to my mother in law. She was a big fan of mysteries. She had liked it enough to write her name inside the cover so I decided to read it in her honour. It was awful. Don’t bother. Sorry Shirl.
September 22, 2020
Quite simply a 'must read' by Belinda Alexandra! Set in a small country town in the 1950s, this story is a fascinating and stunning example of life as it was then. I love this story and recommend it to readers familiar with Belinda's books or not. I have read a number of them and loved them. Just read it!
February 17, 2022
I really thought this was going to be a 4 star for awhile but as the book progressed I became more and more frustrated. The main twist is extremely obvious to the reader from the get go, but I kept reading in the hopes that it would be a very blunt red herring. It was not. Knowing this, it became frustrating watching the main character continue to make terrible decisions for skeptical reasons.
January 16, 2021
Great read couldn't put it down. An interesting blend of genres, romance, murder mystery, historical fiction.
August 27, 2022
3.5 - a bit slow starting and took me a while to get in but i was intrigued by the end
September 6, 2021
I have been aware, of course, of Belinda Alexandra’s novels for some time but they didn’t seem my cup of tea until I spotted The Mystery Woman. This recent novel is set in the 1950s and the story line has a more gothic/noir feel about it than earlier works. Immediately I was intrigued and discovered that the author herself says this novel is a departure for her.
“Rebecca Wood takes the role as postmistress in a sleepy seaside town, desperate for anonymity after a scandal in Sydney. But she is confronted almost at once by a disturbing discovery - her predecessor committed suicide.
To add to her worries, her hopes for a quiet life are soon threatened by the attentions of the dashing local doctor, the unsettling presence of a violent whaling captain and a corrupt shire secretary, as well as the watchful eyes of the town's gossips. Yet in spite of herself she is drawn to the enigmatic resident of the house on the clifftop, rumoured to have been a Nazi spy.”
The perfect lockdown book!
From the first page Rebecca is an interesting character and not your usual heroine. Afterall she is clearly interested in being wined and dined by a politician and has no qualms about being his mistress until he betrays her.
As the story unfolds we step right into Rebecca’s life in a small town in Australia in the 1950s. The cards night is a perfect example of that bygone era. Rebecca takes a box of Cadbury’s Milk Tray and this is what happens when she arrives:
“Doris beamed at her, but the others squinted as if they were sizing her up. Rebecca had thought of dressing down to avoid scrutiny but couldn’t bring herself to do it. She knew she hadn’t been invited to be made welcome; she’d been invited so she could be appraised. Clothes had always been her armour. Now it seemed that the women were scrutinising her emerald green dress as if searching for a chink in it.
Soon after Rebecca begins seeing the town doctor, Doctor Litchfield; she meets the enigmatic Stefan Otto and also the battered wife of the whaling captain. I thought I knew where this novel was going but Alexandra surprises us with a storyline that develops late in the novel culminating in a heart stopping finale. And a memorable last line.
“Rebecca Wood takes the role as postmistress in a sleepy seaside town, desperate for anonymity after a scandal in Sydney. But she is confronted almost at once by a disturbing discovery - her predecessor committed suicide.
To add to her worries, her hopes for a quiet life are soon threatened by the attentions of the dashing local doctor, the unsettling presence of a violent whaling captain and a corrupt shire secretary, as well as the watchful eyes of the town's gossips. Yet in spite of herself she is drawn to the enigmatic resident of the house on the clifftop, rumoured to have been a Nazi spy.”
The perfect lockdown book!
From the first page Rebecca is an interesting character and not your usual heroine. Afterall she is clearly interested in being wined and dined by a politician and has no qualms about being his mistress until he betrays her.
As the story unfolds we step right into Rebecca’s life in a small town in Australia in the 1950s. The cards night is a perfect example of that bygone era. Rebecca takes a box of Cadbury’s Milk Tray and this is what happens when she arrives:
“Doris beamed at her, but the others squinted as if they were sizing her up. Rebecca had thought of dressing down to avoid scrutiny but couldn’t bring herself to do it. She knew she hadn’t been invited to be made welcome; she’d been invited so she could be appraised. Clothes had always been her armour. Now it seemed that the women were scrutinising her emerald green dress as if searching for a chink in it.
Soon after Rebecca begins seeing the town doctor, Doctor Litchfield; she meets the enigmatic Stefan Otto and also the battered wife of the whaling captain. I thought I knew where this novel was going but Alexandra surprises us with a storyline that develops late in the novel culminating in a heart stopping finale. And a memorable last line.
August 14, 2020
Check out my blog for a longer, slightly more rambling review! https://sophieslittlelibrary.blogspot...
After a salacious scandal in Sydney, Rebecca Wood flees to a small coastal town in the hope of starting a new, inconspicuous life where her past can’t catch up with her. She is taking on the role of postmistress, and on her first day on the job she is disconcerted to learn that the prior postmistress committed suicide – in the very office where she is now to work. Before long, other dark and disturbing events become known to Rebecca, and she starts to wonder if there is something more sinister in the underbelly of the town she was hoping to lead a quiet life in.
I love stories about small towns, and the secrets, lies and whispered histories within them. Right from the start of The Mystery Woman, we start to get to know the strange and interesting characters in the small town of Shipwreck Bay – some endearing, some abhorrent, and everything in between.
With themes of malicious gossip, the fear of rejection from society, domestic violence and the way women were unfairly judged on their morality, set against a post-war era in the Australian gothic style, this was certainly a departure from Belinda Alexandra’s usual fare of sweeping historical fictions – and I think she nailed it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and although I had a suspicion some of the way through of how it would conclude, I was absolutely flying through the second half to see how it would all be tied up.
Thank you HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy of this book to read and review – The Mystery Woman is out on September 2nd!
After a salacious scandal in Sydney, Rebecca Wood flees to a small coastal town in the hope of starting a new, inconspicuous life where her past can’t catch up with her. She is taking on the role of postmistress, and on her first day on the job she is disconcerted to learn that the prior postmistress committed suicide – in the very office where she is now to work. Before long, other dark and disturbing events become known to Rebecca, and she starts to wonder if there is something more sinister in the underbelly of the town she was hoping to lead a quiet life in.
I love stories about small towns, and the secrets, lies and whispered histories within them. Right from the start of The Mystery Woman, we start to get to know the strange and interesting characters in the small town of Shipwreck Bay – some endearing, some abhorrent, and everything in between.
With themes of malicious gossip, the fear of rejection from society, domestic violence and the way women were unfairly judged on their morality, set against a post-war era in the Australian gothic style, this was certainly a departure from Belinda Alexandra’s usual fare of sweeping historical fictions – and I think she nailed it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and although I had a suspicion some of the way through of how it would conclude, I was absolutely flying through the second half to see how it would all be tied up.
Thank you HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy of this book to read and review – The Mystery Woman is out on September 2nd!
February 10, 2022
I listened to the audio version of this novel and although Caroline Lee is usually a firm favourite narrator of mine, in this instance her narration didn't work for me and I nearly gave up several times. I'm unsure if I had read this as a physical book whether I would have enjoyed it more or not, I'm thinking probably not, or if yes, not much more. For most of the novel I didn't much like our main character Rebecca, nor did I like most of the secondary characters. Johnny, the delivery boy was an enjoyable side character and my favourite character was the much-hated Stefan Otto who I thought was the only character who seemed to be honest and true to himself. I disliked the Doctor from the get-go, there was something about him that had alarms blaring and I wasn't disappointed in my judgement of his character. This was a small town, full of small-minded people and while I understand the times back in the 50s were different, I just didn't gel with this story.
I did learn more about the cruelty of whaling and was surprised to learn in the notes at the end that this was one of Australia's largest exports up until the late 70s, I thought it would have stopped well before this. Stefan Otto's fight for the conservation of whales was one of my favourite parts of this novel, he was extremely passionate and not afraid to voice his opinion despite its unpopularity in a whaling town.
I did learn more about the cruelty of whaling and was surprised to learn in the notes at the end that this was one of Australia's largest exports up until the late 70s, I thought it would have stopped well before this. Stefan Otto's fight for the conservation of whales was one of my favourite parts of this novel, he was extremely passionate and not afraid to voice his opinion despite its unpopularity in a whaling town.
May 9, 2022
Alexandra is one of my favourite authors, and I know that her books usually take me some time to get into as historical fiction isn’t my usual jam, but this was different.
Getting INTO the mystery woman was easy - finishing it was hard.
While the storyline was great, and the characters were deep and evolving, I found the second half to be tedious.
The unraveling of the threats and horrors of small-town life were dragged out a bit long in my opinion and Rebecca’s sudden ‘realisations’ over and over in the last few chapters were a bit far-fetched given she’d picked up on zero clues so far. She suddenly seemed able to piece everything together in a matter of moments.
The social commentary on that time period was incredibly infuriating, yet also beautiful in its own, raw way.
The end was satisfying though, something I always look for!
Listened on Audible - reader was ok, no silly voices so to speak. Nice and clear. Won’t do it again though, couldn’t read back over clues or misdirects on audio.
Worth the read, but not my fave Alexandra novel by far.
Getting INTO the mystery woman was easy - finishing it was hard.
While the storyline was great, and the characters were deep and evolving, I found the second half to be tedious.
The unraveling of the threats and horrors of small-town life were dragged out a bit long in my opinion and Rebecca’s sudden ‘realisations’ over and over in the last few chapters were a bit far-fetched given she’d picked up on zero clues so far. She suddenly seemed able to piece everything together in a matter of moments.
The social commentary on that time period was incredibly infuriating, yet also beautiful in its own, raw way.
The end was satisfying though, something I always look for!
Listened on Audible - reader was ok, no silly voices so to speak. Nice and clear. Won’t do it again though, couldn’t read back over clues or misdirects on audio.
Worth the read, but not my fave Alexandra novel by far.
June 5, 2022
Είχε πολύ καιρό να μου αρέσει ένα βιβλίο τόσο πολύ. Σύγχρονο αυστραλιανό ρομάντζο μυστηρίου το χαρακτηρίζει κ συγγραφέας κ αυτό ακριβώς είναι. Βρήκα ωραία την ιδέα της στο τέλος να παραθέσει ορισμένα θέματα για συζήτηση, καθώς καταλαβαίνουμε εντονότερα σε ποια ζητήματα θέλει να εστιάσει. Ένιωθα ότι ζούσα ανάμεσα στους κατοίκους της κωμόπολης. Δεκάδες χαρακτήρες σκιαγραφουνται αδρά, που είναι αντιπροσωπευτικοί κάθε μικρής πόλης. Θα ηθελα να υπάρξει συνεχεια με την ιστορια της Μπεκι στην Ευρώπη. Ομως καλύτερα να μην ξεφύγω κάνοντας spoiler, μόνο να προτείνω να το διαβάσετε. Αν υπήρχαν 10 αστεράκια, θα τα έβαζα.
It's been a long time since I've read such a marvellous book. It was an Australian mystery romance, exactly as the writer said. I found the last part with the suggest topics witty. I wish there was another book continuing Rebecca's story in Europe. If there were 10 stars, I would definitely put them!
It's been a long time since I've read such a marvellous book. It was an Australian mystery romance, exactly as the writer said. I found the last part with the suggest topics witty. I wish there was another book continuing Rebecca's story in Europe. If there were 10 stars, I would definitely put them!
November 11, 2020
I loved it! What a great, Australian gothic story. I loved the fictional town of Shipwreck Bay, ‘the virtuous facade (that) hid something darker’. I loved Rebecca, I feel like I know we would be friends, although I would have appreciated ‘the pink dolls house’. I thought the themes of animal welfare and gaslighting were really well done. The hypocritical morality present made me really cringe..it’s different from other Belinda Alexandra books, but I completely loved it just like all the others x
May 22, 2021
I’ve been a fan of Belinda Alexandra for a long time, but I have to say I think this is my favourite book of hers. It is an engaging read, successfully weaving multiple major themes throughout the novel. Though not “enjoyable” the threads are important to acknowledge, particularly the gaslighting and domestic violence that did and unfortunately still continue to impact women to this day, and the history of Australia’s whaling industry. Many people would be horrified to learn what a booming industry it once was.
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