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Croc Country
Why would the police come back looking for a dead man?
Young widow Tilly is making a new life for herself, keeping house for the rangers at the Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary in the isolated wilderness of the north-western Gulf Country. Caring for injured wildlife and helping to run the popular tourist campsite are just the distraction she needs from everything she left behind when her husband, Gerry, and young daughter were lost at sea.
But when the police show up asking questions about Gerry, the peaceful routine she’s built is disrupted as she begins to question what really happened to her family. The arrival of botanist Connor stirs up even more emotion and has Tilly questioning who she can trust. When she and young ranger Luke stumble across evidence of wildlife smugglers on a visit to the local caves, suddenly her sanctuary is no longer safe and it becomes clear the past has well and truly come back to haunt her.
Set against the lush backdrop of the Northern Territory with its vibrant birds and deadly wildlife, this is a chilling and highly evocative family mystery about the wild and dangerous things that can happen in the most remote and untamed corners of our country.
Young widow Tilly is making a new life for herself, keeping house for the rangers at the Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary in the isolated wilderness of the north-western Gulf Country. Caring for injured wildlife and helping to run the popular tourist campsite are just the distraction she needs from everything she left behind when her husband, Gerry, and young daughter were lost at sea.
But when the police show up asking questions about Gerry, the peaceful routine she’s built is disrupted as she begins to question what really happened to her family. The arrival of botanist Connor stirs up even more emotion and has Tilly questioning who she can trust. When she and young ranger Luke stumble across evidence of wildlife smugglers on a visit to the local caves, suddenly her sanctuary is no longer safe and it becomes clear the past has well and truly come back to haunt her.
Set against the lush backdrop of the Northern Territory with its vibrant birds and deadly wildlife, this is a chilling and highly evocative family mystery about the wild and dangerous things that can happen in the most remote and untamed corners of our country.
356 pages, Trade Paperback
Published July 2, 2020
13 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Kerry McGinnis
22 books77 followersKerry McGinnis was born in Adelaide and, at the age of twelve, took up a life of droving with her father and three siblings. The family travelled extensively across the Northern Territory and Queensland before settling on a station in the Gulf Country. Kerry has worked as a shepherd, droving hand, gardener, stock-camp and station cook, eventually running a property at Bowthorn, near Mount Isa. She is the author of two volumes of memoir and now lives in Bundaberg.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 12, 2020
It had been two years since Tilly had lost her husband and two-year-old daughter Francie; two years of grief and heartache which wouldn’t leave her. She worked at Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary in the Gulf Country, where the campsite and its tourists kept her busy. Tilly loved working with the orphaned wildlife and the beauty of the stark, isolated wilderness was a balm to her soul. Her aunt Sophie was the boss at Binboona, while Luke was a ranger and Matt the handyman. Tilly worked in the house mainly, cooking and doing the daily chores which were never ending. But the day two policemen arrived from Darwin, aggressively grilling her about her dead husband, was the day her heartache returned, and things changed.
When Connor, a botanist, arrived to do research into the local plants and habitat, and Tilly began training as a ranger, they travelled all over their area. While Tilly was accompanying Luke one day, they found evidence of wildlife smuggling in one of the local caves. Suddenly, Tilly wasn’t sure who she could trust. And as more evidence was found, the dangers heightened. Tilly was angry, scared and affronted – her beautiful sanctuary; the place that had given her peace from her heartache, had been violated. What was going to happen?
Croc Country by Aussie author Kerry McGinnis is an excellent read. The cover shows a tranquility with the blue skies and clear waterhole, but the crocodile tucked into the darkness in the corner depicts the danger that is always there. The characters are great – Tilly had immense strength, while Sophie was a strong support. Luke was an enthusiastic ranger, delighting in his daily finds. The backup characters brought the story together well and once again the author has written a winner in my opinion. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Connor, a botanist, arrived to do research into the local plants and habitat, and Tilly began training as a ranger, they travelled all over their area. While Tilly was accompanying Luke one day, they found evidence of wildlife smuggling in one of the local caves. Suddenly, Tilly wasn’t sure who she could trust. And as more evidence was found, the dangers heightened. Tilly was angry, scared and affronted – her beautiful sanctuary; the place that had given her peace from her heartache, had been violated. What was going to happen?
Croc Country by Aussie author Kerry McGinnis is an excellent read. The cover shows a tranquility with the blue skies and clear waterhole, but the crocodile tucked into the darkness in the corner depicts the danger that is always there. The characters are great – Tilly had immense strength, while Sophie was a strong support. Luke was an enthusiastic ranger, delighting in his daily finds. The backup characters brought the story together well and once again the author has written a winner in my opinion. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
We’re here to protect the wildlife. The land couldn’t sustain itself without its birds and animals, you know.’
One of Australia’s leading rural fictional novelists returns with another gripping novel. Croc Country takes the reader directly into the wild and dangerous terrain of the Gulf Country region in north-west Australia. Teaming with wildlife and beautiful native flora, the need to protect this region is vital. Croc Country contains a heavy dose of outback mystery, along with a touch of romance. Croc Country is another standout addition to the Kerry McGinnis collection.
Croc Country brings together a great set of characters against a quintessential Australian backdrop. We meet Tilly, a widow who wants to begin a new life and career at the Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a very remote part of Australia’s north and it requires the constant protection of a team of rangers. This hardworking team help the local wildlife thrive and they also support local tourism in the area. When Tilly comes to Binboona she hopes to put aside her tragic past and concentrate on the essential work of the Sanctuary. But it seems that it isn’t easy for Tilly to restart her life and bury the past. When the authorities come and query Tilly about her husband, she begins to second guess what happened to her spouse and daughter. With Tilly’s emotions pushed to limit, she doesn’t know what to believe and who to place her trust in. When Tilly and fellow worker Luke uncover the work of local wildlife smugglers, Tilly realises that her new home is no longer offering the safety net she hoped that it would provide. Tilly can’t help but think this is somehow all linked to her tragic past, which continues to follow her. Croc Country offers readers a slice of what life is like in the top end of Australia, where beauty and danger combine in spectacular circumstances.
I consider myself a loyal fan of Kerry McGinnis, I have read all but one of her fiction novels and I have her non fiction titles sitting on my tbr shelves. I always seek out a new novel from this beloved Australian storyteller and Croc Country was high on my list of must reads. Croc Country is rural fiction at its best, pulling in themes of crime, suspense and romance to enhance this tale further.
Tilly is the lead character of this tale. I was soon drawn in to Tilly’s tragic life story and family secrets. I could feel Tilly’s sense of grief and devastating loss following the tragic accident that took the lives of both her husband and daughter. I liked the sense of intrigue that was built around this aspect of the novel, which is carried through for a good portion of the story. I also admired Tilly’s strength and her willingness to build a new life in a largely inhospitable part of Australia. It certainly was a bold move! Tilly is a likeable lead and the support cast, such as fellow rangers such as Luke and Sophie, provided some good interplay between the characters. We see the hard work and dedication that goes into the business of wildlife conservation, which I found to very interesting as a well as educative. Related to this aspect of the book is the focus on tourism, which I really enjoyed learning more about from the eyes of the rangers and conservation officers in Australia’s north-west.
On the flip side, we have some truly appalling characters that perform a number of dirty deeds in relation to the terrible act of smuggling wildlife, corruption and more. It becomes clear that the surrounding area of the Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary is under threat and it is up to a team of authorities to work to together to help restore order and preserve the unique flora and fauna of the region. This segment of the novel is full of suspense, mystery and action. It is a thrilling race in the latter stages of the book to the conclusion, which was riveting. McGinnis offsets this crime element of her novel with a gentle romance story, which doesn’t detract for the eventful proceedings of the central mystery.
Before I leave my closing statement on Croc Country (which was surprisingly devoid of any true croc action) I must acknowledge McGinnis’ depiction of her landscape, which was truly breathtaking. McGinnis possesses the skill and ability to pull her readers completely in to her setting. Not only did I appreciate being taken from my suburban West Aussie life to the majestic Gulf Country, I enjoyed being acquainted with the local wildlife (maybe not the snakes!) and the warmth of this region appealed my reader’s soul.
Strong characters, an incredible setting, an intriguing mystery and the opportunity to learn more about living and working in remote Australia in a sustainable way defines Croc Country. Highly recommended reading!
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Croc Country is book #88 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
We’re here to protect the wildlife. The land couldn’t sustain itself without its birds and animals, you know.’
One of Australia’s leading rural fictional novelists returns with another gripping novel. Croc Country takes the reader directly into the wild and dangerous terrain of the Gulf Country region in north-west Australia. Teaming with wildlife and beautiful native flora, the need to protect this region is vital. Croc Country contains a heavy dose of outback mystery, along with a touch of romance. Croc Country is another standout addition to the Kerry McGinnis collection.
Croc Country brings together a great set of characters against a quintessential Australian backdrop. We meet Tilly, a widow who wants to begin a new life and career at the Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a very remote part of Australia’s north and it requires the constant protection of a team of rangers. This hardworking team help the local wildlife thrive and they also support local tourism in the area. When Tilly comes to Binboona she hopes to put aside her tragic past and concentrate on the essential work of the Sanctuary. But it seems that it isn’t easy for Tilly to restart her life and bury the past. When the authorities come and query Tilly about her husband, she begins to second guess what happened to her spouse and daughter. With Tilly’s emotions pushed to limit, she doesn’t know what to believe and who to place her trust in. When Tilly and fellow worker Luke uncover the work of local wildlife smugglers, Tilly realises that her new home is no longer offering the safety net she hoped that it would provide. Tilly can’t help but think this is somehow all linked to her tragic past, which continues to follow her. Croc Country offers readers a slice of what life is like in the top end of Australia, where beauty and danger combine in spectacular circumstances.
I consider myself a loyal fan of Kerry McGinnis, I have read all but one of her fiction novels and I have her non fiction titles sitting on my tbr shelves. I always seek out a new novel from this beloved Australian storyteller and Croc Country was high on my list of must reads. Croc Country is rural fiction at its best, pulling in themes of crime, suspense and romance to enhance this tale further.
Tilly is the lead character of this tale. I was soon drawn in to Tilly’s tragic life story and family secrets. I could feel Tilly’s sense of grief and devastating loss following the tragic accident that took the lives of both her husband and daughter. I liked the sense of intrigue that was built around this aspect of the novel, which is carried through for a good portion of the story. I also admired Tilly’s strength and her willingness to build a new life in a largely inhospitable part of Australia. It certainly was a bold move! Tilly is a likeable lead and the support cast, such as fellow rangers such as Luke and Sophie, provided some good interplay between the characters. We see the hard work and dedication that goes into the business of wildlife conservation, which I found to very interesting as a well as educative. Related to this aspect of the book is the focus on tourism, which I really enjoyed learning more about from the eyes of the rangers and conservation officers in Australia’s north-west.
On the flip side, we have some truly appalling characters that perform a number of dirty deeds in relation to the terrible act of smuggling wildlife, corruption and more. It becomes clear that the surrounding area of the Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary is under threat and it is up to a team of authorities to work to together to help restore order and preserve the unique flora and fauna of the region. This segment of the novel is full of suspense, mystery and action. It is a thrilling race in the latter stages of the book to the conclusion, which was riveting. McGinnis offsets this crime element of her novel with a gentle romance story, which doesn’t detract for the eventful proceedings of the central mystery.
Before I leave my closing statement on Croc Country (which was surprisingly devoid of any true croc action) I must acknowledge McGinnis’ depiction of her landscape, which was truly breathtaking. McGinnis possesses the skill and ability to pull her readers completely in to her setting. Not only did I appreciate being taken from my suburban West Aussie life to the majestic Gulf Country, I enjoyed being acquainted with the local wildlife (maybe not the snakes!) and the warmth of this region appealed my reader’s soul.
Strong characters, an incredible setting, an intriguing mystery and the opportunity to learn more about living and working in remote Australia in a sustainable way defines Croc Country. Highly recommended reading!
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Croc Country is book #88 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
July 20, 2020
Croc Country is an engaging novel blending romance and suspense from Kerry McGinnis.
After the tragic drowning of her husband and toddler daughter, Tilly left Queensland to become the house manager for the rangers of Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Northern Territory’s Gulf country. She finds solace in her routine, but when two policeman arrive and suggest not only that her husband may still be alive but possibly near by, Tilly is stunned. While refusing to believe such a betrayal possible, when Tilly and ranger Luke discover evidence of wildlife smuggling, and visiting botanist Connor makes a confession, she is forced to face the ghosts of her past.
McGinnis develops a strong and interesting plot of intrigue in Croc Country involving smuggling, corruption and murder. I thought the intersection of various agencies was quite unique and the the action was well paced, tense, and exciting. While honestly Tilly’s husbands involvement is a bit of a stretch, it’s a minor flaw.
I liked the mix of characters, particularly non nonsense Sophie and enthusiastic ranger, and twitcher, Luke. The romance that develops between Tilly and Connor is a pleasant, low key element of the story. As they are quite a young couple, I found the old fashioned endearments between them a little awkward though.
Though Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary is fictional, McGinnis places it in the east of the Gulf, near The Lost City, the site of ancient sandstone pillars. While vivid description from the author brings the beautiful landscape to life, she also details the work of the rangers in preserving it. They are kept busy with numerous tasks including land maintenance, wildlife protection, and hosting a seasonal influx of tourists, which I liked learning more about.
I was waiting for a crocodile to make an appearance in truth, but instead we meet a canny butcherbird, an injured brolga, a trio of orphaned joey’s, a sweet sugar glider, and a rare bat, along with the odd snake which slithers by.
Croc Country is my favourite of McGinnis’s bestselling novels so far
After the tragic drowning of her husband and toddler daughter, Tilly left Queensland to become the house manager for the rangers of Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Northern Territory’s Gulf country. She finds solace in her routine, but when two policeman arrive and suggest not only that her husband may still be alive but possibly near by, Tilly is stunned. While refusing to believe such a betrayal possible, when Tilly and ranger Luke discover evidence of wildlife smuggling, and visiting botanist Connor makes a confession, she is forced to face the ghosts of her past.
McGinnis develops a strong and interesting plot of intrigue in Croc Country involving smuggling, corruption and murder. I thought the intersection of various agencies was quite unique and the the action was well paced, tense, and exciting. While honestly Tilly’s husbands involvement is a bit of a stretch, it’s a minor flaw.
I liked the mix of characters, particularly non nonsense Sophie and enthusiastic ranger, and twitcher, Luke. The romance that develops between Tilly and Connor is a pleasant, low key element of the story. As they are quite a young couple, I found the old fashioned endearments between them a little awkward though.
Though Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary is fictional, McGinnis places it in the east of the Gulf, near The Lost City, the site of ancient sandstone pillars. While vivid description from the author brings the beautiful landscape to life, she also details the work of the rangers in preserving it. They are kept busy with numerous tasks including land maintenance, wildlife protection, and hosting a seasonal influx of tourists, which I liked learning more about.
I was waiting for a crocodile to make an appearance in truth, but instead we meet a canny butcherbird, an injured brolga, a trio of orphaned joey’s, a sweet sugar glider, and a rare bat, along with the odd snake which slithers by.
Croc Country is my favourite of McGinnis’s bestselling novels so far
October 22, 2020
I do love a good romantic suspense and the title pulled me in and I do love reading new to me authors and I loved this one, action with packed lots going on, fabulous characters and the setting is fabulous and it is set on a wildlife sanctuary in the gulf country. It had me turning the pages to find out what was happening and really liked Tilly and the strength she shows after what she has been through, this is a book to pick clear the decks though because you won’t want to put it down.
Tilly has been working as housekeeper at Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary, looking after the rangers and the wildlife that is bought in after being injured, she arrived two years before after a terrible tragedy in which she lost her husband and daughter at sea. All is well until the police come to see her asking about her husband Gerry and then everything seems to be turned upside down, then botanist Conner Doyle arrives Tilly gets more confused wondering who she can trust and who not too trust.
Tilly is training to be a ranger now and spends a lot of time with Conner out and about checking for plants and weeds, Conner asks a lot of questions about the other people who are living there which doesn’t sit well with her and then when Luke one of the other rangers and Tilly are out checking the caves they find evidence of wildlife smuggling and now nothings seems to be safe for Tilly, danger is lurking around every corner and she finds out more about Conner as they get to know each other and Tilly is right in the mix of things while trying to end the wildlife smuggling as well as a few other non- legal operations.
I really loved this story Kerry McGuiness has taken me on a trip to gulf country and shown me how beautiful it can be and how dangerous when you have evil people doing things that they should not, I was on the edge of my seat reading this one. As Tilly and Conner get closer and their feelings became clear it was really good to see them both get a beautiful HEA against the backdrop and murder and mayhem, Tilly showed such strength with everything that was going on and the other characters added so much to the story. This is the first of MS McGinnis’s books that I have read but it won’t be the last. I highly recommend this one.
Thank you to Penguin Random House for my copy to read.
Tilly has been working as housekeeper at Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary, looking after the rangers and the wildlife that is bought in after being injured, she arrived two years before after a terrible tragedy in which she lost her husband and daughter at sea. All is well until the police come to see her asking about her husband Gerry and then everything seems to be turned upside down, then botanist Conner Doyle arrives Tilly gets more confused wondering who she can trust and who not too trust.
Tilly is training to be a ranger now and spends a lot of time with Conner out and about checking for plants and weeds, Conner asks a lot of questions about the other people who are living there which doesn’t sit well with her and then when Luke one of the other rangers and Tilly are out checking the caves they find evidence of wildlife smuggling and now nothings seems to be safe for Tilly, danger is lurking around every corner and she finds out more about Conner as they get to know each other and Tilly is right in the mix of things while trying to end the wildlife smuggling as well as a few other non- legal operations.
I really loved this story Kerry McGuiness has taken me on a trip to gulf country and shown me how beautiful it can be and how dangerous when you have evil people doing things that they should not, I was on the edge of my seat reading this one. As Tilly and Conner get closer and their feelings became clear it was really good to see them both get a beautiful HEA against the backdrop and murder and mayhem, Tilly showed such strength with everything that was going on and the other characters added so much to the story. This is the first of MS McGinnis’s books that I have read but it won’t be the last. I highly recommend this one.
Thank you to Penguin Random House for my copy to read.
April 11, 2021
My first by this author and I liked the setting. Slow on the suspense.
April 29, 2024
Romance, suspense, drama and a gripping mystery.
Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda audio
Read by Cecelia Ramsdale
Duration: 9 hrs, 41 min. 1.50x Speed
Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda audio
Read by Cecelia Ramsdale
Duration: 9 hrs, 41 min. 1.50x Speed
December 17, 2021
This one was a bit of a 'meh' read for me. The narrator did a good job with Tilly, our leading lady but seemingly thought that all the men needed a rough-as-guts style narration that did not really fit in with Luke, the bird enthusiast, young ranger and certainly did not fit in with my image of Connor, our leading romantic interest.
I really did enjoy the setting of the Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary, the landscape and wildlife, but it was written with a light enough touch that it would not be too intense for someone less into animalia and the great outdoors than I am.
Tilly's background was interesting, well conceived and well put together, Tilly herself was a good enough to keep me engaged in the story, which did tend toward the predictable. The ending especially, held few surprises and Connor's 'mystery' was too well telegraphed to actually be mysterious or surprising. The ending was mild rather than exciting though reasonably satisfying and suited to the placidity of the story. The romance was equally placid, mature and reasonable, which I did not object to. People who object to gratuitous sex in their romance will enjoy this one as the most steamy we get is a kiss. A firm, complete fade out until net morning is the authors tactic for dealing with our leading couple spending their first night together.
All together, it is a three star of a book, well written, nicely described, well edited, except for the fact that Tilly is often far denser about events than is entirely comfortable and... but you know, that is probably just me.
A pleasant enough story, if not a memorable one.
I really did enjoy the setting of the Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary, the landscape and wildlife, but it was written with a light enough touch that it would not be too intense for someone less into animalia and the great outdoors than I am.
Tilly's background was interesting, well conceived and well put together, Tilly herself was a good enough to keep me engaged in the story, which did tend toward the predictable. The ending especially, held few surprises and Connor's 'mystery' was too well telegraphed to actually be mysterious or surprising. The ending was mild rather than exciting though reasonably satisfying and suited to the placidity of the story. The romance was equally placid, mature and reasonable, which I did not object to. People who object to gratuitous sex in their romance will enjoy this one as the most steamy we get is a kiss. A firm, complete fade out until net morning is the authors tactic for dealing with our leading couple spending their first night together.
All together, it is a three star of a book, well written, nicely described, well edited, except for the fact that Tilly is often far denser about events than is entirely comfortable and... but you know, that is probably just me.
A pleasant enough story, if not a memorable one.
June 22, 2025
So slow that I wanted to bitch slap someone, anyone. Also, very far from a mystery, more a "romance with a bit of suspense" not my kind of reading that's for sure. It doesn't matter how many times I try to read books heavy on the romance, it's always a struggle.
July 1, 2020
Rural fiction, be it crime or romantic suspense, is not my usual area of interest when it comes to reading, despite living in the Outback myself, however, this one caught my eye for a couple of reasons. First, the setting is up in the Gulf, in a Wildlife Sanctuary, rather than in the outback or in a small town. Second, the title of Croc Country accompanied by the publicity tag on the front cover: ‘Far greater dangers than drowning lurk in these muddy waters.’ This reeled me in. I’m a bit of a fan of these great reptilian beasts. I went into this novel then with all of these expectations, plot wise, however, my hopes were sadly dashed: not a single baddie got eaten by a croc, nor were they even threatened by one. In fact, apart from being mentioned a few times in passing, the crocs were entirely absent. As good as the book was, this did deflate me at the end. Death by crocodile, or at least a decent maiming, is one of my favourite top end crime story twists. It’s not done nearly enough.
Anyway, this aside, I did actually enjoy this book. The setting was recreated with an intensity that jumped right off the page and the characters were well fleshed out. There were a lot of layers to the story as well and it unfolded with a great deal of intrigue and suspense. The actual crimes that were taking place were of great interest to me and a bit out of the box – which I like. They were crimes that are very unique to that area and in this, they offer another view of the threats that our Australian coast line faces. I also liked the combination of police, customs officers, and rangers all working together for a common goal. On the topic of rangers, I really enjoyed reading about the ins and outs of their daily working lives. It’s a hard gig, physically demanding work, and I never realised quite the extent of it.
This novel is very much a blend of crime/suspense and romance, but the romance is pretty light on and only really develops towards the end of the novel, which I appreciated, to be honest. It left room for the main plot to unfold and for those of us who don’t favour romance, there was no risk of it taking over the story. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and the few wildlife ‘regulars’ they had as permanent residents. This really is an ideal read for anyone interested in Australian wildlife, ranging, and the top end. It provided a relaxing way to fill my mid-week evenings and introduced me to a few things I wasn’t previously aware of.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of Croc Country for review.
Anyway, this aside, I did actually enjoy this book. The setting was recreated with an intensity that jumped right off the page and the characters were well fleshed out. There were a lot of layers to the story as well and it unfolded with a great deal of intrigue and suspense. The actual crimes that were taking place were of great interest to me and a bit out of the box – which I like. They were crimes that are very unique to that area and in this, they offer another view of the threats that our Australian coast line faces. I also liked the combination of police, customs officers, and rangers all working together for a common goal. On the topic of rangers, I really enjoyed reading about the ins and outs of their daily working lives. It’s a hard gig, physically demanding work, and I never realised quite the extent of it.
This novel is very much a blend of crime/suspense and romance, but the romance is pretty light on and only really develops towards the end of the novel, which I appreciated, to be honest. It left room for the main plot to unfold and for those of us who don’t favour romance, there was no risk of it taking over the story. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and the few wildlife ‘regulars’ they had as permanent residents. This really is an ideal read for anyone interested in Australian wildlife, ranging, and the top end. It provided a relaxing way to fill my mid-week evenings and introduced me to a few things I wasn’t previously aware of.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of Croc Country for review.
November 13, 2020
I read this book because I was interested to see what all the fuss was about the genre, Rural Romance. So many are being published and obviously very popular. This book contained all the elements, outback remote setting, wildlife, mystery and of course romance. A satisfying read overall.
I have read that this author’s memoir is really worthwhile and will look for that.
I have read that this author’s memoir is really worthwhile and will look for that.
March 7, 2021
I thought the title was a little misleading. I kept waiting for crocodiles to take on a "starring role".
However I did enjoy this mystery, the characters, and the word pictures describing the amazing landscapes of Australia's north.
Why would the police come back looking for a dead man?
Young widow Tilly is making a new life for herself, keeping house for the rangers at the Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary in the isolated wilderness of the north-western Gulf Country. Caring for injured wildlife and helping to run the popular tourist campsite are just the distraction she needs from everything she left behind when her husband, Gerry, and young daughter were lost at sea.
But when the police show up asking questions about Gerry, the peaceful routine she’s built is disrupted as she begins to question what really happened to her family. The arrival of botanist Connor stirs up even more emotion and has Tilly questioning who she can trust. When she and young ranger Luke stumble across evidence of wildlife smugglers on a visit to the local caves, suddenly her sanctuary is no longer safe and it becomes clear the past has well and truly come back to haunt her.
Set against the lush backdrop of the Northern Territory with its vibrant birds and deadly wildlife, this is a chilling and highly evocative family mystery about the wild and dangerous things that can happen in the most remote and untamed corners of our country.
However I did enjoy this mystery, the characters, and the word pictures describing the amazing landscapes of Australia's north.
Why would the police come back looking for a dead man?
Young widow Tilly is making a new life for herself, keeping house for the rangers at the Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary in the isolated wilderness of the north-western Gulf Country. Caring for injured wildlife and helping to run the popular tourist campsite are just the distraction she needs from everything she left behind when her husband, Gerry, and young daughter were lost at sea.
But when the police show up asking questions about Gerry, the peaceful routine she’s built is disrupted as she begins to question what really happened to her family. The arrival of botanist Connor stirs up even more emotion and has Tilly questioning who she can trust. When she and young ranger Luke stumble across evidence of wildlife smugglers on a visit to the local caves, suddenly her sanctuary is no longer safe and it becomes clear the past has well and truly come back to haunt her.
Set against the lush backdrop of the Northern Territory with its vibrant birds and deadly wildlife, this is a chilling and highly evocative family mystery about the wild and dangerous things that can happen in the most remote and untamed corners of our country.
May 22, 2021
Very disappointed that a novel titled 'Croc Country' had nothing whatsoever to do with crocodiles! Barring a few fleeting mentions that a croc had been seen in the vicinity, no crocs were ever actually seen in the story. And as for the romantic connection towards the end between the main female character and the Customs officer, his regularly addressing her as 'my sweet', 'my love' and 'dear heart' are completely out of place in this modern day outback setting. Further, when her 'dead' husband appears back on the scene, it is very surprising that him having caused the death of their daughter is seemingly overlooked, in that the loss of her daughter doesn't seem a factor in why she is angry at him for disappearing for years and then showing up again. The storyline has interesting twists, and has/had potential, but was very shallow in its delivery.
July 14, 2020
A great easy read that balances suspense and romance well. The start of the book starts out amazingly well but I do think the last third of the book let’s the rest down a bit by revealing that bad guy just a bit too early. It takes the suspense out of the last few chapters and lets you guess what happens.
July 15, 2020
I have read all of Kerry's books and would have to say I think this would quite possibly be the best one so far. The setting and the characters were great and I really felt like I was up in the Territory. Highly recommend this novel to all readers of any genre, it has crime, love and family drama. Well done Kerry.
August 23, 2020
This was an informative read. I love stories set in remote Australian locations. The issue of smuggling drugs, people and wildlife is important too. I enjoyed Tilly's story after her heartbreak. The rangers lives seemed very varied. I was a bit surprised at the speed of the progress out at the caves and the lack of consultation with the Indigenous people. Overall, an entertaining book.
August 27, 2020
A light easy book to read. It is set in ‘croc country’ where Tilly now lives on a station, that has become a national park. It welcomes tourists in the dry season. Tilly has had a turbulent life and her cousin, Sophie invites her up here. The story is told in the first person and follows what Tilly is doing and the adventures that seems to come her way.
November 11, 2020
The story had all the ingredients I have come to ecpect from this author who writes good Aussie romantic suspense. The remote Australian landscape is beautifully described, this time the story is set in the Gulf Country. The mystery, while not dramatic and twisty, kept the story moving along. A great weekend read.
September 15, 2025
Another good read, however I did find this one a bit of a slow burn until the last few chapters. The title is a bit deceiving “croc country”. This is typical Aussie way of explaining the location however the storyline was not about crocodiles. A little less on the romance would suit a broader reading community.
June 21, 2021
Set in a Wildlife Sanctuary in the North-West Gulf Country of Australia, the story revolves around wildlife smuggling, crooked cops, a Customs' Agent and a widow trying to make a new life for herself.
September 12, 2023
This may not be my favourite by this author but her ability to describe the topography and make it central to the story is one of the main reasons I read her books.
I enjoy 'getting lost' in the geography of my expansive and diverse country.
I enjoy 'getting lost' in the geography of my expansive and diverse country.
July 25, 2020
A bit slow to start with but I persisted and the ending was worth it. A great story nothing quite like what I've read before.
August 31, 2020
I found this story kept my interest throughout and I would happily read another by this author.
October 18, 2020
A quick read on this one, I enjoyed reading about life in the top end of Australia.
October 29, 2020
Stayed up past midnight to finish it, kept me on the edge of my seat.
November 1, 2020
A++++ - Loved it - what a great read. Had it all - mystery included. Hard to put it dow.
December 28, 2020
Fabulous read!! Loved the wildlife aspect & never knew what to make of characters so kept me guessing!! Lovely story.
February 19, 2021
It seems everyone but me loved this book. There were so many flaws in the story for me that I was surprised to find she was a popular author. It just seemed very amateurish to me.
May 27, 2021
I loved this book. Loved the characters and the twist and turns in it. Loved where it was set. All of it a great story
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