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Detective Dave Burrows
The Shearer's Wife
2020: When the Australian Federal Police swoop unheralded into Barker and make a shocking arrest for possession of narcotics, Detective Dave Burrows is certain there is more to the story than meets the eye. But the Feds insist that Dave is too invested in the town and its people to see the truth of what is happening there.
1980: Rose and Ian Kelly arrive in Barker for supplies before they begin shearing at Jacksonville Station, a couple of hundred kilometres out of town. Rose, heavily pregnant with their first babies, worries that despite Ian's impending fatherhood he remains a drifter who dreams of the open road.
The twins arrive early and while Rose recuperates in town after a complicated birth, Ian stays at the Station to finish the shearing. When Ian turns up at job's end ready to collect them all and move on, Rose is adamant that she and the twins need the support of the community in Barker. Impatiently, Ian sets off alone, leaving Rose and the children behind.
2020: After many months of grief over her brother's illness and death, journalist Zara Ellison is finally ready to begin a new chapter of her life and make a commitment to her boyfriend, Senior Constable Jack Higgins. But when she's assigned to investigating the Barker arrest, Jack begins to believe that Zara is working against him.
It takes a series of unconnected incidents in Zara's digging to reveal an almost forgotten thread of mystery as to how these two events, forty years apart, could be connected.
1980: Rose and Ian Kelly arrive in Barker for supplies before they begin shearing at Jacksonville Station, a couple of hundred kilometres out of town. Rose, heavily pregnant with their first babies, worries that despite Ian's impending fatherhood he remains a drifter who dreams of the open road.
The twins arrive early and while Rose recuperates in town after a complicated birth, Ian stays at the Station to finish the shearing. When Ian turns up at job's end ready to collect them all and move on, Rose is adamant that she and the twins need the support of the community in Barker. Impatiently, Ian sets off alone, leaving Rose and the children behind.
2020: After many months of grief over her brother's illness and death, journalist Zara Ellison is finally ready to begin a new chapter of her life and make a commitment to her boyfriend, Senior Constable Jack Higgins. But when she's assigned to investigating the Barker arrest, Jack begins to believe that Zara is working against him.
It takes a series of unconnected incidents in Zara's digging to reveal an almost forgotten thread of mystery as to how these two events, forty years apart, could be connected.
384 pages, Paperback
Published November 3, 2020
61 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Fleur McDonald
44 books532 followersAfter growing up on a farm near Orroroo in South Australia, Fleur McDonald’s first job was jillarooing in the outback. She has been involved in agriculture all her life, including helping manage a 8000-acre station for twenty years. Today Fleur and her energetic kelpie, Jack, live in Esperance, Western Australia,
Fleur is the author of 23 bestselling novels and two children's books.
Fleur chats about her daily writing life on her blog http://fleurmcdonald.com,
Facebook - Fleur McDonald Author
Instagram @fleurmcdonald
Tiktok @fleurmcdonaldauthor
Fleur is the author of 23 bestselling novels and two children's books.
Fleur chats about her daily writing life on her blog http://fleurmcdonald.com,
Facebook - Fleur McDonald Author
Instagram @fleurmcdonald
Tiktok @fleurmcdonaldauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 18, 2021
Ok, I really need to remind myself not to judge books by their cover! This one suggests a country romance or a family saga, not generally my cup of tea but it’s actually rural crime and it was so good I couldn’t put it down!
The story is told in two timelines. The first is 1980 when a young woman pregnant with twins and her Irish shearer husband arrive in Barker, a South Australian town. The second timeline is 2020, where Detective Dave Burrows is the police chief in the same town. The federal police turn up and arrest a 60yo grandmother after she receives a drug package in the post. Dave thinks there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
It’s a fair way into the book before I was sure how the two timelines were going to meet up and the characters and pacing of the story are so well done making this a really enjoyable read. And yes the ending is so satisfying.
There are more books with Detective Burrows, I must check them out whatever the cover!
The story is told in two timelines. The first is 1980 when a young woman pregnant with twins and her Irish shearer husband arrive in Barker, a South Australian town. The second timeline is 2020, where Detective Dave Burrows is the police chief in the same town. The federal police turn up and arrest a 60yo grandmother after she receives a drug package in the post. Dave thinks there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
It’s a fair way into the book before I was sure how the two timelines were going to meet up and the characters and pacing of the story are so well done making this a really enjoyable read. And yes the ending is so satisfying.
There are more books with Detective Burrows, I must check them out whatever the cover!
November 7, 2020
When I turned the last page and closed the book, I smiled and said “Brilliant, once again!”.
Aussie author Fleur McDonald has done it again with her main character, Detective Dave Burrows and the small town of Barker in South Australia. Dave and his offsider, Senior Constable Jack Higgins were shocked to have three AFP (Australian Federal Police) arrive at their little station – in Barker it was rare to see serious crime, so for the Feds to be in town, something serious was going down. When a local was arrested for possessing drugs, Dave and Jack knew there was much more than what was in front of them happening, but would they be able to prove it? Journalist Zara Ellison, Jack’s girlfriend, knew the arrest was right up her alley – but could she do the investigating and find the evidence needed?
It was 1980 when newly-wed Rose, heavily pregnant with twins, and husband Ian Kelly arrived at the latest shearing shed. Ian was a shearer and loved the nomadic lifestyle while Rose had found it exciting to see different parts of Australia. But now Rose felt a need to settle down; have a home with a garden; get ready for the arrival of her babies. And when those babies arrived prematurely and Rose and the twins were recuperating in hospital, Rose didn’t see Ian. But when Ian wanted Rose and the twins to hop into the car and continue the travelling lifestyle, she refused, saying they needed stability for the children. Ian left without them…
I loved The Shearer’s Wife, which is nothing less than I expected from Aussie author Fleur McDonald. Dave Burrows is a down to earth character, getting on in age now (sorry Dave 😊), but still with all his smarts keeping him in touch with criminals and locals alike. He has plenty of empathy, is prepared to walk the fine line to help someone in need and dearly loves his wife Kim. I hope the author continues to write Dave’s story for many more years to come. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Aussie author Fleur McDonald has done it again with her main character, Detective Dave Burrows and the small town of Barker in South Australia. Dave and his offsider, Senior Constable Jack Higgins were shocked to have three AFP (Australian Federal Police) arrive at their little station – in Barker it was rare to see serious crime, so for the Feds to be in town, something serious was going down. When a local was arrested for possessing drugs, Dave and Jack knew there was much more than what was in front of them happening, but would they be able to prove it? Journalist Zara Ellison, Jack’s girlfriend, knew the arrest was right up her alley – but could she do the investigating and find the evidence needed?
It was 1980 when newly-wed Rose, heavily pregnant with twins, and husband Ian Kelly arrived at the latest shearing shed. Ian was a shearer and loved the nomadic lifestyle while Rose had found it exciting to see different parts of Australia. But now Rose felt a need to settle down; have a home with a garden; get ready for the arrival of her babies. And when those babies arrived prematurely and Rose and the twins were recuperating in hospital, Rose didn’t see Ian. But when Ian wanted Rose and the twins to hop into the car and continue the travelling lifestyle, she refused, saying they needed stability for the children. Ian left without them…
I loved The Shearer’s Wife, which is nothing less than I expected from Aussie author Fleur McDonald. Dave Burrows is a down to earth character, getting on in age now (sorry Dave 😊), but still with all his smarts keeping him in touch with criminals and locals alike. He has plenty of empathy, is prepared to walk the fine line to help someone in need and dearly loves his wife Kim. I hope the author continues to write Dave’s story for many more years to come. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2020
The Shearer's Wife is a dual time line narration. The first is in 1980 when a heavily pregnant Rose Kelly arrives in Barker with her husband, Ian. They lead a nomadic life moving from one shearing job to the next.
In 2020 the AFP arrive in Barker and arrest a local. Dave is warned off the case but when it's one of his own town's people he knows he must help.
Through this story Fleur McDonald brings country South Australia straight into my home. I loved how welcoming, helpful and accepting the country people are, willing to help out perfect strangers. This is a feel good story.
Rose and Ian are happy together living the nomadic life of a shearer but we learn how difficult this life would be with a family. McDonald also includes topical subjects of the time, such as the wide-comb dispute that had shearers up in arms.
Through Dave and Kim Burrows we see the problems faced by country police and the fine line between policing an area and being friends with the locals. This also puts a strain on a marriage.
McDonald includes the trauma of PTSD and how it's a difficult diagnosis, usually picked up by friends rather than the person suffering. PTSD can affect the sufferers relationships and everyday life if not treated.
Both stories were interesting and I was equally invested, wondering how the two stories would tie in.
As the story evolved the tension ramped up. The plot was realistic with heart-stopping suspense and just when you think it's all over the tension mounts again.
The Shearer's Wife is a rivetting rural crime story, easy to read yet full of heart, mystery and suspense. Although part of a series it reads as a stand-alone!
*I received a copy from the publisher
In 2020 the AFP arrive in Barker and arrest a local. Dave is warned off the case but when it's one of his own town's people he knows he must help.
Through this story Fleur McDonald brings country South Australia straight into my home. I loved how welcoming, helpful and accepting the country people are, willing to help out perfect strangers. This is a feel good story.
Rose and Ian are happy together living the nomadic life of a shearer but we learn how difficult this life would be with a family. McDonald also includes topical subjects of the time, such as the wide-comb dispute that had shearers up in arms.
Through Dave and Kim Burrows we see the problems faced by country police and the fine line between policing an area and being friends with the locals. This also puts a strain on a marriage.
McDonald includes the trauma of PTSD and how it's a difficult diagnosis, usually picked up by friends rather than the person suffering. PTSD can affect the sufferers relationships and everyday life if not treated.
Both stories were interesting and I was equally invested, wondering how the two stories would tie in.
As the story evolved the tension ramped up. The plot was realistic with heart-stopping suspense and just when you think it's all over the tension mounts again.
The Shearer's Wife is a rivetting rural crime story, easy to read yet full of heart, mystery and suspense. Although part of a series it reads as a stand-alone!
*I received a copy from the publisher
November 24, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
4.5 stars
With over 60, 000 books sold, Fleur McDonald returns with her fifteenth novel, The Shearer’s Wife. Drawing on her own first hand experiences, Fleur McDonald is an author who writes passionately about strong women overcoming adversity. The Shearer’s Wife is a well written novel that displays McDonald’s implicit understanding of the true challenges of rural life.
Told over two different time frames over forty years apart, The Shearer’s Wife travels from 1980 to 2020. After an eventful journey, the story eventually converges in a dramatic finale. In the past thread, we meet young married couple Rose and Ian Kelly, who have been travelling around Australia as Ian performs his work as a shearer. When the story begins, we learn that this couple are expecting twins and have just settled in the South Australian region of Barker, as Ian prepares to take up a position at a station. Once they reach this new posting Rose knows that Ian will not want to stay put for very long, as he seems to enjoy living the life of a nomad. Rose is naturally anxious about moving from place to place with her newborn babies. Can this couple come to an agreement? The Shearer’s Wife moves forward in time to the year 2020, as the town of Barker receives a good serving of action in the form of a federal based police case. As the police arrest a local Barker resident in connection to the possession of narcotics, local law enforcement officer Detective Dave Burrows is apprehensive about this arrest. Dave vows to look into the case further, despite the warnings he has received to stay off the case. Also on the case in the present day is journalist Zara Ellison, who is determined to report the truth on the arrest of the Barker narcotics scandal. However, in investigating this case for her story, Zara is putting her relationship with Senior Constable Jack Higgins in jeopardy. With Zara’s incessant search the truth to this Barker based mystery, a decades old secret will be revealed, with surprising results.
Fleur McDonald has done it again, this very talented Australian rural crime author has penned another great book that kept me engaged from cover to cover. With two powerful storylines with over four decades of breadth to cover, The Shearer’s Wife is a thoroughly engaging outback mystery novel.
I must say that I did enjoy the 1980 past timeline just a touch more than the present day storyline. Although I have a soft spot for Detective Dave Burrows based on the previous books I have read featuring this enigmatic character, I was definitely drawn to the 1980 narrative thread. I think that I connected very easily to Rose, the lead character in this storyline. It is easy to relate to and draw sympathy for Rose, she was placed in quite a difficult predicament. Being virtually alone and heavily pregnant with twins would be incredibly scary. We see Rose’s fear and anxiety in this area, but we also witness Rose accept help from the tight knit community of Barker. I loved this aspect of the story, it displayed the good side to small town communities and the residents that populate these country settings. Rose was embraced and supported by the local community in her time of need. This aspect of The Shearer’s Wife definitely gives the reader a wonderful sense of hope and a warm feeling spread over me as I read these areas of the novel. On the other side of this past narrative and the character of Rose, we have her husband Ian. What an appalling excuse for man Ian proved to be! Ian definitely earned my ire! However, I suspect that McDonald was using the figure of Ian to express how men of this era acted and behaved. Although it may seem absolutely unfair, this was the way life for a roaming shearer. I didn’t agree with Ian’s behaviour or decisions, but I think McDonald did a very good job of exposing the reality of the situation.
Connected to character of Ian, is the history of the shearing trade. McDonald issues her readers with a comprehensive overview of the general practices and challenges of an Australian shearer in the 1980s. I enjoyed the authentic based insight into this essential Australian trade. McDonald’s knowledge and understanding has been drawn from her research in this area. McDonald strives to provide her audience with a solid understanding of the everyday lives of those who live and work on the land in outback Australia. Not only do we get another realistic glimpse into the lives of a small town Australian police department and the work of journalist, we also receive an honest look into the life of a shearer and the pressures this form of employment has the family members linked to this trade.
There is a wonderful mystery element to The Shearer’s Wife, which seems to compliment the suspense aspect of this tale. The search for the truth and the attempts made by the present day characters to discover how the events in 1980 could be linked to the present day happenings is what implored me to read on. I was surprised by the shocking finale, what a way to close a truly fantastic read!
With plenty of mystery, intrigue, suspense, secrets and suspicion, The Shearer’s Wife is another explosive rural crime novel from bestselling author Fleur McDonald.
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Shearer’s Wife is book #122 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
4.5 stars
With over 60, 000 books sold, Fleur McDonald returns with her fifteenth novel, The Shearer’s Wife. Drawing on her own first hand experiences, Fleur McDonald is an author who writes passionately about strong women overcoming adversity. The Shearer’s Wife is a well written novel that displays McDonald’s implicit understanding of the true challenges of rural life.
Told over two different time frames over forty years apart, The Shearer’s Wife travels from 1980 to 2020. After an eventful journey, the story eventually converges in a dramatic finale. In the past thread, we meet young married couple Rose and Ian Kelly, who have been travelling around Australia as Ian performs his work as a shearer. When the story begins, we learn that this couple are expecting twins and have just settled in the South Australian region of Barker, as Ian prepares to take up a position at a station. Once they reach this new posting Rose knows that Ian will not want to stay put for very long, as he seems to enjoy living the life of a nomad. Rose is naturally anxious about moving from place to place with her newborn babies. Can this couple come to an agreement? The Shearer’s Wife moves forward in time to the year 2020, as the town of Barker receives a good serving of action in the form of a federal based police case. As the police arrest a local Barker resident in connection to the possession of narcotics, local law enforcement officer Detective Dave Burrows is apprehensive about this arrest. Dave vows to look into the case further, despite the warnings he has received to stay off the case. Also on the case in the present day is journalist Zara Ellison, who is determined to report the truth on the arrest of the Barker narcotics scandal. However, in investigating this case for her story, Zara is putting her relationship with Senior Constable Jack Higgins in jeopardy. With Zara’s incessant search the truth to this Barker based mystery, a decades old secret will be revealed, with surprising results.
Fleur McDonald has done it again, this very talented Australian rural crime author has penned another great book that kept me engaged from cover to cover. With two powerful storylines with over four decades of breadth to cover, The Shearer’s Wife is a thoroughly engaging outback mystery novel.
I must say that I did enjoy the 1980 past timeline just a touch more than the present day storyline. Although I have a soft spot for Detective Dave Burrows based on the previous books I have read featuring this enigmatic character, I was definitely drawn to the 1980 narrative thread. I think that I connected very easily to Rose, the lead character in this storyline. It is easy to relate to and draw sympathy for Rose, she was placed in quite a difficult predicament. Being virtually alone and heavily pregnant with twins would be incredibly scary. We see Rose’s fear and anxiety in this area, but we also witness Rose accept help from the tight knit community of Barker. I loved this aspect of the story, it displayed the good side to small town communities and the residents that populate these country settings. Rose was embraced and supported by the local community in her time of need. This aspect of The Shearer’s Wife definitely gives the reader a wonderful sense of hope and a warm feeling spread over me as I read these areas of the novel. On the other side of this past narrative and the character of Rose, we have her husband Ian. What an appalling excuse for man Ian proved to be! Ian definitely earned my ire! However, I suspect that McDonald was using the figure of Ian to express how men of this era acted and behaved. Although it may seem absolutely unfair, this was the way life for a roaming shearer. I didn’t agree with Ian’s behaviour or decisions, but I think McDonald did a very good job of exposing the reality of the situation.
Connected to character of Ian, is the history of the shearing trade. McDonald issues her readers with a comprehensive overview of the general practices and challenges of an Australian shearer in the 1980s. I enjoyed the authentic based insight into this essential Australian trade. McDonald’s knowledge and understanding has been drawn from her research in this area. McDonald strives to provide her audience with a solid understanding of the everyday lives of those who live and work on the land in outback Australia. Not only do we get another realistic glimpse into the lives of a small town Australian police department and the work of journalist, we also receive an honest look into the life of a shearer and the pressures this form of employment has the family members linked to this trade.
There is a wonderful mystery element to The Shearer’s Wife, which seems to compliment the suspense aspect of this tale. The search for the truth and the attempts made by the present day characters to discover how the events in 1980 could be linked to the present day happenings is what implored me to read on. I was surprised by the shocking finale, what a way to close a truly fantastic read!
With plenty of mystery, intrigue, suspense, secrets and suspicion, The Shearer’s Wife is another explosive rural crime novel from bestselling author Fleur McDonald.
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Shearer’s Wife is book #122 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
November 18, 2020
The Shearer’s Wife is the fourth Australian rural mystery novel by Fleur McDonald to feature Detective Dave Burrows, and the seventh in which he appears, but can nevertheless be read as a stand-alone.
The Shearer’s Wife is divided between two timelines, the first of which is set in the present day. When the Australian Federal Police arrive in Barker to arrest an elderly resident for drug distribution, Dave and his colleague Senior Constable Jack Higgins are convinced that Essie must be acting under duress. Warned off from interfering in the case, Dave asks Jack’s girlfriend, journalist Zara Ellison, to investigate.
Zara, while trying to ignore her symptoms of PTSD, throws herself into the case, looking for a reason Essie would risk the well-being of her young granddaughter by dealing drugs, and in doing so also uncovers a forty year old secret.
The second timeline tells the story of itinerant shearer, Ian Kelly and his very pregnant wife, Rose, who are heading to a station outside of Barker in 1980. When Rose goes into labour prematurely and gives birth to twins, she insists the new family remain in town but, unwilling to settle down, Ian chooses to leave them behind.
I enjoyed the pacing of both timelines, though Essie’s situation is the more compelling of the two storylines. The clues are provided early on to unravel the mystery of Essie’s motive, which is not unexpected, but does result in some moments of suspense, and a twist that endangers the lives of several of the characters is filled with tension. The fate of Rose and her family ties in at the end, providing a moving and uplifting conclusion.
I really like the character of Dave, an ethical, empathetic man who has a wonderful relationship with his wife, Kim. As a police officer in a small rural South Australian town, Dave occasionally finds himself walking a fine line between the professional and personal, but he is incensed when accused by the AFP of being myopic. He’s willing to risk his career in order to see justice is done, but not break the law.
One of the main issues explored in The Shearer’s Wife is the effects of PTSD. After the trauma of losing her father in a horrific car accident, and then her brother from a brief battle with cancer just six months previously (in Starting From Now) Zara is struggling, but unwilling to admit it. McDonald’s portrayal of Zara’s emotional state is thoughtful and sensitive, and addresses the general reluctance of people to seek help.
An engaging and entertaining novel, I spent an afternoon pleasantly immersed in The Shearer’s Wife, and I look forward to the next book to feature Dave Burrows and the community of Barker.
The Shearer’s Wife is divided between two timelines, the first of which is set in the present day. When the Australian Federal Police arrive in Barker to arrest an elderly resident for drug distribution, Dave and his colleague Senior Constable Jack Higgins are convinced that Essie must be acting under duress. Warned off from interfering in the case, Dave asks Jack’s girlfriend, journalist Zara Ellison, to investigate.
Zara, while trying to ignore her symptoms of PTSD, throws herself into the case, looking for a reason Essie would risk the well-being of her young granddaughter by dealing drugs, and in doing so also uncovers a forty year old secret.
The second timeline tells the story of itinerant shearer, Ian Kelly and his very pregnant wife, Rose, who are heading to a station outside of Barker in 1980. When Rose goes into labour prematurely and gives birth to twins, she insists the new family remain in town but, unwilling to settle down, Ian chooses to leave them behind.
I enjoyed the pacing of both timelines, though Essie’s situation is the more compelling of the two storylines. The clues are provided early on to unravel the mystery of Essie’s motive, which is not unexpected, but does result in some moments of suspense, and a twist that endangers the lives of several of the characters is filled with tension. The fate of Rose and her family ties in at the end, providing a moving and uplifting conclusion.
I really like the character of Dave, an ethical, empathetic man who has a wonderful relationship with his wife, Kim. As a police officer in a small rural South Australian town, Dave occasionally finds himself walking a fine line between the professional and personal, but he is incensed when accused by the AFP of being myopic. He’s willing to risk his career in order to see justice is done, but not break the law.
One of the main issues explored in The Shearer’s Wife is the effects of PTSD. After the trauma of losing her father in a horrific car accident, and then her brother from a brief battle with cancer just six months previously (in Starting From Now) Zara is struggling, but unwilling to admit it. McDonald’s portrayal of Zara’s emotional state is thoughtful and sensitive, and addresses the general reluctance of people to seek help.
An engaging and entertaining novel, I spent an afternoon pleasantly immersed in The Shearer’s Wife, and I look forward to the next book to feature Dave Burrows and the community of Barker.
December 18, 2020
This was a fantastic story I loved it from start to finish MS McDonald kept me enthralled as Detective Dave Burrows never gives up on a case even if he has been told to stay away. I read MS McDonalds debut book many years ago and loved it and I have no idea how I have not read them all but it is a something that I hope to do. This story is set in two timelines 1980 and 2020 forty years apart and in 2020 the small town of Barker South Australia is being visited by the AFP and Dave Burrows is determined to uncover the truth.
In 1980 Rose and Ian Kelly arrive in Barker for a short stop before they are to head off to another shed, Ian is a shearer and Rose is happy travelling Australia from one shed to another, but Rose is now very pregnant with twins and the travelling is getting harder and harder, she wants a place of her own for them all but they move on to the shed but Rose goes into premature labour and is rushed to the hospital, she stays in Barker with her son and daughter while Ian still lives his nomadic life.
It is 2020 now and the AFP (Australian Federal Police) have arrived in Barker and are demanding that Detective Dave Burrows and Senior Constable Jack Higgins help with the arrest of a local regarding narcotics, Dave is not impressed saying that there has got to be a reason why she is doing what she is doing but the AFP stand firm and it is not long before Dave is told to stay out of it.
Zara Ellison is a journalist living in Barker, it is her home town and she has recently lost her brother but is now determined to get on with her life and uncover the truth to this narcotics bust and sort her life out with her boyfriend Jack Higgins. With some help Zara does a lot of digging and uncovers more than she was looking for and links this arrest to a mystery from 1980.
This is such an awesome story, so well written the characters are so very real and easy to make friends with, Dave never gives up he aims for the truth in a caring way and with the help of his beautiful wife Kim he stays firm on investigating. Zara and Jack play a big part in this story. I loved the small town and am really looking forward to more in this series and going back to the ones I have missed. This is a story that I would highly recommend and even though it is part of a series it can be read as a stand- alone.
Thank you Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
In 1980 Rose and Ian Kelly arrive in Barker for a short stop before they are to head off to another shed, Ian is a shearer and Rose is happy travelling Australia from one shed to another, but Rose is now very pregnant with twins and the travelling is getting harder and harder, she wants a place of her own for them all but they move on to the shed but Rose goes into premature labour and is rushed to the hospital, she stays in Barker with her son and daughter while Ian still lives his nomadic life.
It is 2020 now and the AFP (Australian Federal Police) have arrived in Barker and are demanding that Detective Dave Burrows and Senior Constable Jack Higgins help with the arrest of a local regarding narcotics, Dave is not impressed saying that there has got to be a reason why she is doing what she is doing but the AFP stand firm and it is not long before Dave is told to stay out of it.
Zara Ellison is a journalist living in Barker, it is her home town and she has recently lost her brother but is now determined to get on with her life and uncover the truth to this narcotics bust and sort her life out with her boyfriend Jack Higgins. With some help Zara does a lot of digging and uncovers more than she was looking for and links this arrest to a mystery from 1980.
This is such an awesome story, so well written the characters are so very real and easy to make friends with, Dave never gives up he aims for the truth in a caring way and with the help of his beautiful wife Kim he stays firm on investigating. Zara and Jack play a big part in this story. I loved the small town and am really looking forward to more in this series and going back to the ones I have missed. This is a story that I would highly recommend and even though it is part of a series it can be read as a stand- alone.
Thank you Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
July 15, 2022
1980: Rose and Ian Kelly are on the road from sheep station to sheep station, all over a vast region of Australia. The young couple loved the long open roads, the vast expanse of Australian landscapes and all the new places they constantly stopped over for Ian's shearing job. Things change when Rose becomes pregnant with twins, and have to deal with the premature births in Barker. A caring community stepped in to help Rose and the babies while Ian had a hard time coming to grips with the newborn bubs' demands. His restless soul does not allow him to settle down with Rose in the small community of Barker.
2020: The Australian Federal Police barges in on the unsuspecting town to arrest a possible drug dealer. Local police are at first asked for assistance, but then pushed aside with clear instructions to stay out of the investigation. However, Detective Dave Burrows and Senior Constable Jack Higgins unobtrusively proceed on their own, mostly to protect the residents. They team up with Jack's girlfriend, investigative journalist Zara Ellison. She becomes their front women with a nose like a bloodhound, and before long becomes the main peanut in the packet to sniff out the truth. The more she digs, the more mysterious the case become, and the more dangerous everything turns out for everyone.
The annual agricultural show is in full swing, with people from hundreds of miles away participating in the competitions, exhibitions, and dances. It becomes a busy time, and with things between Jack and Zara not as good as it should be, Dave and his wife, Kim, have their hands full to jiggle all the balls in town and keep things rolling between the two sparring lovers.
I figured out early in the novel where the two stories would collide, but it did not prevent me from enjoying this warm, thrilling story to the ultimate denouement. The plot is a fast-moving, heartfelt, drama and is entertaining enough to keep on reading. It's neither chic-lit nor heavy violence, which makes it just a refreshingly well-told colorful story. An excellent break-away read.
RECOMMENDED.
March 10, 2023
With a dual time line, this book had me intrigued in 1980 with the story of shearers and babies.
Although switching to the modern time was a little confusing to begin with, I’m glad I preserved!
The ending gave me goosebumps and a lump in my throat!
Although switching to the modern time was a little confusing to begin with, I’m glad I preserved!
The ending gave me goosebumps and a lump in my throat!
Read
November 2, 2020Fleur's writing is always immersive, her storylines are well crafted and so very relatable. I can see why so many readers keep asking Fleur to write more Detective Dave novels!
November 23, 2020
I wish I had “discovered” Fleur McDonald’s Detective Dave Burrows series a long time ago -unfortunately I judged the books by its cover and hastily disregarded these as “romance”. How wrong was I? Fleur McDonald writes rural crime fiction with a sensitivity and knowledge that makes her narratives believable and her characters empathetic and credible. Fleur McDonald knows small Australian towns.
I particular enjoy reading about her protagonist Detective Dave Burrows. Burrows is a knowledgeable cop who has good instincts about people and their intentions, is community minded and liked by most; I’d like to see him come to life on the small screen – I think he would have a big fan following.
The Shearer’s Wife is a poignant read. With a dual story time line and a mystery or two, there are so many moments that will cause you to reflect on how difficult life was/is for women in remote locations, whether they be small towns, farms or businesses. This is another intelligent, poignant, engaging mystery from this great writer of small town Australian mysteries. Detective Dave Burrows is my hero 😊
I particular enjoy reading about her protagonist Detective Dave Burrows. Burrows is a knowledgeable cop who has good instincts about people and their intentions, is community minded and liked by most; I’d like to see him come to life on the small screen – I think he would have a big fan following.
The Shearer’s Wife is a poignant read. With a dual story time line and a mystery or two, there are so many moments that will cause you to reflect on how difficult life was/is for women in remote locations, whether they be small towns, farms or businesses. This is another intelligent, poignant, engaging mystery from this great writer of small town Australian mysteries. Detective Dave Burrows is my hero 😊
October 23, 2020
Wow, what an ending.... except I almost want a second epilogue because there's a few more characters I would like to check up on.
Detective Dave Burrows is back in a dual timeline mystery set in the rural South Australian town of Barker. The supporting cast of partner Jack Higgins, wife Kim and investigative journalist Zara are well drawn and it was nice to check back in with them, catch up on what's been happening.
I love the way McDonald manages to weave two tales together in a way that you know has to somehow be connected... but it takes almost the whole book to put the pieces together. I had theories from early on, most a lot darker than the actual connection so I'm glad I was wrong. There were some pretty impressive twists right throughout this tale and there was more than one occasion that saw me with my heart in my throat with concern for the characters.
We open in 1980 with a young married couple living the nomadic life of shearers, following the work from town to town. The nomadic life was fun for a while and Rose loved the freedom that was so different from her sheltered Christian upbringing but things start to change when she becomes pregnant. Ian is determined to retain his nomadic lifestyle, he never planned to put down roots, and he's such a blokey guy that gets caught up in the atmosphere of the shearing sheds and the lifestyle of the single guys that he catches up with shed after shed. He's a man that really does want it both ways, he wants his lovely wife by his side but he also wants the work hard and play harder lifestyle of a nomadic shearer.
Ian and Rose Kelly stop in Barker for fuel on their way to the next job, with Rose nearing the end of her pregnancy with twins. On the first day in the shed, before she's even unpacked, she goes into premature labour and right from this moment I began wondering what our past timeline mystery is going to be.
2020 sees Detective Dave Burrows an engaged and empathetic member of the Barker community, and senior officer in the local police station. A visit from the Federal Police sets off a chain of events that often left me guessing.
The Shearer's Wife is captivating and kept me up way later than I should have been because I didn't want to stop not knowing how it all turned out, and how it all came together.
Detective Dave Burrows is a dedicated and capable officer that anyone would want in their corner and the small town of Barker definitely has a network of individuals that band together to offer the small town hospitality and security that we all need at some point.
I am left eagerly awaiting the next present day story featuring Detective Dave Burrows because I want to know what comes next for his supporting cast. Well worth the read and I recommend wholeheartedly to all who love a good mystery.
Detective Dave Burrows is back in a dual timeline mystery set in the rural South Australian town of Barker. The supporting cast of partner Jack Higgins, wife Kim and investigative journalist Zara are well drawn and it was nice to check back in with them, catch up on what's been happening.
I love the way McDonald manages to weave two tales together in a way that you know has to somehow be connected... but it takes almost the whole book to put the pieces together. I had theories from early on, most a lot darker than the actual connection so I'm glad I was wrong. There were some pretty impressive twists right throughout this tale and there was more than one occasion that saw me with my heart in my throat with concern for the characters.
We open in 1980 with a young married couple living the nomadic life of shearers, following the work from town to town. The nomadic life was fun for a while and Rose loved the freedom that was so different from her sheltered Christian upbringing but things start to change when she becomes pregnant. Ian is determined to retain his nomadic lifestyle, he never planned to put down roots, and he's such a blokey guy that gets caught up in the atmosphere of the shearing sheds and the lifestyle of the single guys that he catches up with shed after shed. He's a man that really does want it both ways, he wants his lovely wife by his side but he also wants the work hard and play harder lifestyle of a nomadic shearer.
Ian and Rose Kelly stop in Barker for fuel on their way to the next job, with Rose nearing the end of her pregnancy with twins. On the first day in the shed, before she's even unpacked, she goes into premature labour and right from this moment I began wondering what our past timeline mystery is going to be.
2020 sees Detective Dave Burrows an engaged and empathetic member of the Barker community, and senior officer in the local police station. A visit from the Federal Police sets off a chain of events that often left me guessing.
The Shearer's Wife is captivating and kept me up way later than I should have been because I didn't want to stop not knowing how it all turned out, and how it all came together.
Detective Dave Burrows is a dedicated and capable officer that anyone would want in their corner and the small town of Barker definitely has a network of individuals that band together to offer the small town hospitality and security that we all need at some point.
I am left eagerly awaiting the next present day story featuring Detective Dave Burrows because I want to know what comes next for his supporting cast. Well worth the read and I recommend wholeheartedly to all who love a good mystery.
January 25, 2023
Whenever I pick up a book written by Fleur, I just know I’m going to love it. This book was definitely no different!
🐏
In The Shearer’s Wife, we are back in the South Australian town of Barker with our favourite Detective, Dave Burrows, and my book boyfriend (sorry to my real life boyfriend who treats me like a queen), Senior Constable Jack Higgins.
🐏
A lot is going on in Barker. The AFP have arrived and arrested elderly long time local, Essie, for possession of drugs. Zara and Jack’s relationship is on the rocks as she struggles with the death of her brother, Will. Then when Kim, Dave’s wife, bails Essie he’s thrown in hot water and banned from assisting the investigation of the woman he knows is innocent. I mean Kim is a really caring lady but come on woman! Surely you’d know that would get your husband in trouble!?
🐏
Alongside the present day storyline is the story of Ian and Rose of the 1980’s. Ian is an Irish shearer who likes the old drink a bit. Rose is his wife pregnant with twins who has no choice but to be dragged between shearing sheds because her husband is a selfish dickhead who doesn’t want to settle anywhere. I HATE Ian! If that isn’t already obvious… Poor Rose. In fact, a note I made for my review was literally a dot point saying, FUCK IAN!
🐏
I love a story that has parallel storylines which eventually come together. Fleur always does this really well, and my brain was working overtime trying to pick the links to the storylines as I read as quick as I could.
🐏
I did have a bit of trouble eventually getting to the juicy part of the book though… On Christmas Eve, the same day my mum was rushed to hospital with internal bleeding, my boyfriend came home while I stayed with my mum. I got a photo from him. It was what was left of my signed copy of The Shearer’s Wife. The book which Fleur had just released and was touring with. The one which had so much meaning to me, which related to my mum who was at the time so unwell. Our naughty puppy, Banjo, had pulled the book down from my bedside table and shredded it to pieces. I was so exhausted from worrying for my mum, I didn’t even cry, but I was totally guttered at the photo of the crime scene my boyfriend had sent me. So I had to order another one from my local bookshop, which due to the craziness of the summer, took two weeks to eventually arrive. But, I got there in the end. And it was super worth it!
🐏
Another thing I always love about Fleur’s books is the police work. It’s always so authentic and it’s a big thanks to her ex cop friend who helps her out. I always wanted to be a copper, especially on the mounted force, but I was always made to feel (by certain awful teachers) that I wasn’t smart enough so it was a dream I had to painfully lock away with any hopes I had. Even though my mum always says to me, “bloody hell you should’ve been a copper!” every time I’d guess the killer on crime documentaries from the start (or I was just lucky and they showed the easy cases). I was never a confident kid. I was always (and still am) very shy and awkward. I regret not pushing myself and having a go at joining the force so much. But when I read books like these where it really shows police work, while I feel sad for not being part of it, it also helps heal a big grief in me. I just love police work and I LOVE following Dave and Jack on their cases.
🐏
I’m super happy to see Zara come into the series now. I’m bit of a private person who hates sticky beaks and rubber neckers. (Another reason why I would’ve been a good cop?). So even though I love Zara and Jack together I can fully relate to Dave when she’s banging his door down wanting details for a story to write in the paper. Bloody journalists! So Zara is great… but damn she can be a pain in the butt!
🐏
There wasn’t as much as a “rural vibe” in this book compared to the others in the series. More of the small town feel of Barker and then we’d be taken off to bigger towns like Port Augusta when the investigations Zara did for Dave took her that way. There are mentions of Zara’s family farm, Rowberry Glen, and the district getting ready for seeding along with snippets of Ian and Rose working in the shearing sheds at the beginning. The story mostly revolves around drugs and the pain and havoc they can cause to anyone who comes into contact with them along with their loved ones. I feel like this was portrayed perfectly by Fleur. Nothing good comes from drugs. They make some people rich but they ruin so many. Another important topic which played a big part in the storyline was PTSD, which Zara is struggling from after losing her brother and other traumatic events in her life, then getting the courage to seek help from a professional.
🐏
I could go on and on with reasons of why I loved this story. If only I had my original and signed edition. RIP.
🐏
In The Shearer’s Wife, we are back in the South Australian town of Barker with our favourite Detective, Dave Burrows, and my book boyfriend (sorry to my real life boyfriend who treats me like a queen), Senior Constable Jack Higgins.
🐏
A lot is going on in Barker. The AFP have arrived and arrested elderly long time local, Essie, for possession of drugs. Zara and Jack’s relationship is on the rocks as she struggles with the death of her brother, Will. Then when Kim, Dave’s wife, bails Essie he’s thrown in hot water and banned from assisting the investigation of the woman he knows is innocent. I mean Kim is a really caring lady but come on woman! Surely you’d know that would get your husband in trouble!?
🐏
Alongside the present day storyline is the story of Ian and Rose of the 1980’s. Ian is an Irish shearer who likes the old drink a bit. Rose is his wife pregnant with twins who has no choice but to be dragged between shearing sheds because her husband is a selfish dickhead who doesn’t want to settle anywhere. I HATE Ian! If that isn’t already obvious… Poor Rose. In fact, a note I made for my review was literally a dot point saying, FUCK IAN!
🐏
I love a story that has parallel storylines which eventually come together. Fleur always does this really well, and my brain was working overtime trying to pick the links to the storylines as I read as quick as I could.
🐏
I did have a bit of trouble eventually getting to the juicy part of the book though… On Christmas Eve, the same day my mum was rushed to hospital with internal bleeding, my boyfriend came home while I stayed with my mum. I got a photo from him. It was what was left of my signed copy of The Shearer’s Wife. The book which Fleur had just released and was touring with. The one which had so much meaning to me, which related to my mum who was at the time so unwell. Our naughty puppy, Banjo, had pulled the book down from my bedside table and shredded it to pieces. I was so exhausted from worrying for my mum, I didn’t even cry, but I was totally guttered at the photo of the crime scene my boyfriend had sent me. So I had to order another one from my local bookshop, which due to the craziness of the summer, took two weeks to eventually arrive. But, I got there in the end. And it was super worth it!
🐏
Another thing I always love about Fleur’s books is the police work. It’s always so authentic and it’s a big thanks to her ex cop friend who helps her out. I always wanted to be a copper, especially on the mounted force, but I was always made to feel (by certain awful teachers) that I wasn’t smart enough so it was a dream I had to painfully lock away with any hopes I had. Even though my mum always says to me, “bloody hell you should’ve been a copper!” every time I’d guess the killer on crime documentaries from the start (or I was just lucky and they showed the easy cases). I was never a confident kid. I was always (and still am) very shy and awkward. I regret not pushing myself and having a go at joining the force so much. But when I read books like these where it really shows police work, while I feel sad for not being part of it, it also helps heal a big grief in me. I just love police work and I LOVE following Dave and Jack on their cases.
🐏
I’m super happy to see Zara come into the series now. I’m bit of a private person who hates sticky beaks and rubber neckers. (Another reason why I would’ve been a good cop?). So even though I love Zara and Jack together I can fully relate to Dave when she’s banging his door down wanting details for a story to write in the paper. Bloody journalists! So Zara is great… but damn she can be a pain in the butt!
🐏
There wasn’t as much as a “rural vibe” in this book compared to the others in the series. More of the small town feel of Barker and then we’d be taken off to bigger towns like Port Augusta when the investigations Zara did for Dave took her that way. There are mentions of Zara’s family farm, Rowberry Glen, and the district getting ready for seeding along with snippets of Ian and Rose working in the shearing sheds at the beginning. The story mostly revolves around drugs and the pain and havoc they can cause to anyone who comes into contact with them along with their loved ones. I feel like this was portrayed perfectly by Fleur. Nothing good comes from drugs. They make some people rich but they ruin so many. Another important topic which played a big part in the storyline was PTSD, which Zara is struggling from after losing her brother and other traumatic events in her life, then getting the courage to seek help from a professional.
🐏
I could go on and on with reasons of why I loved this story. If only I had my original and signed edition. RIP.
November 10, 2020
WATCH A FUN VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR AND WIN A COPY OF THE BOOK
Fleur McDonald, ‘voice of the outback’ has nailed it again with ‘The Shearer’s Wife’. I was transported to rural Australia - with all its quirks and charms - and I didn’t want to leave.
‘The Shearer’s Wife’ has it all - great characters, a mystery to keep you turning pages and a dash of romance. I loved the relationship dynamics and the sense of community that poured from every page.
If you love a sunburnt country, you’ll love getting lost in ‘The Shearer’s Wife’.
CONCLUSION TAG
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AUTHOR QUICK DRAW
We know your favourite author can write...but can they draw? In this fun interview series, bestselling novelists reveal the secrets behind their beloved stories…all whilst playing a round of Pictionary with a live audience…YOU!
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Fleur McDonald, ‘voice of the outback’ has nailed it again with ‘The Shearer’s Wife’. I was transported to rural Australia - with all its quirks and charms - and I didn’t want to leave.
‘The Shearer’s Wife’ has it all - great characters, a mystery to keep you turning pages and a dash of romance. I loved the relationship dynamics and the sense of community that poured from every page.
If you love a sunburnt country, you’ll love getting lost in ‘The Shearer’s Wife’.
CONCLUSION TAG
PS Over on my Youtube Channel I interview bestselling authors LIVE and giveaway free books. Drop by and say hello! I love my Goodreads friends...no one else gets books like we do!
AUTHOR QUICK DRAW
We know your favourite author can write...but can they draw? In this fun interview series, bestselling novelists reveal the secrets behind their beloved stories…all whilst playing a round of Pictionary with a live audience…YOU!
Subscribe now to ensure you don’t miss an episode!
January 24, 2022
I greatly enjoyed this mystery story set in the Flinders Ranges area of South Australia. I liked the characters and I appreciated that a skilled author had created a tension-filled suspense novel without any overt violence or serious nastiness.
The story takes place in two time periods, firstly in 1980, when the young, naïve Rose Kelly and her shearer husband Ian arrive in the outback town of Barker, SA. She is heavily pregnant with twins, but self-centred Ian is determined that they will press on to the next shearing shed, many kilometres away. Fate steps in when Rose goes into premature labour and is taken in by a caring local woman. Eager to join his blokey shearer mates, Ian proceeds to his next job without her.
Forty years later, in 2020, the drama begins to unfold in Barker when well-respected 60yo Essie Carter is seen to act strangely. Suddenly the Australian Federal Police sweep in and arrest Essie as a drug dealer. She has custody of her 6yo granddaughter Paris, as the whereabouts of the child’s mother, a heroin addict, are unknown. The kind wife of the local police sergeant steps in to help. Her husband Dave is told by his superiors not to interfere with the federal operation.
At this time the local newspaper reporter, Zara Ellison, was reporting on events at the local Agricultural Show, but her newshound instincts told her there was a bigger story emerging. Despite her editor’s resistance, she followed her nose to the heart of the drama which would disrupt the tranquility of sleepy rural Barker. In doing so she compromised her relationship with her boyfriend Jack, one of the two police officers stationed at Barker.
Three narrative threads, over two time periods, have been seamlessly woven together by Fleur McDonald, to create an engaging story which kept me guessing. So many of the characters had secrets to conceal, and relationships in the small community became strained. I had my suspicions about what had happened in both periods, but I had no idea who or what might be tied to the present situation. The solution to the mystery was very satisfying.
4★s
The story takes place in two time periods, firstly in 1980, when the young, naïve Rose Kelly and her shearer husband Ian arrive in the outback town of Barker, SA. She is heavily pregnant with twins, but self-centred Ian is determined that they will press on to the next shearing shed, many kilometres away. Fate steps in when Rose goes into premature labour and is taken in by a caring local woman. Eager to join his blokey shearer mates, Ian proceeds to his next job without her.
Forty years later, in 2020, the drama begins to unfold in Barker when well-respected 60yo Essie Carter is seen to act strangely. Suddenly the Australian Federal Police sweep in and arrest Essie as a drug dealer. She has custody of her 6yo granddaughter Paris, as the whereabouts of the child’s mother, a heroin addict, are unknown. The kind wife of the local police sergeant steps in to help. Her husband Dave is told by his superiors not to interfere with the federal operation.
At this time the local newspaper reporter, Zara Ellison, was reporting on events at the local Agricultural Show, but her newshound instincts told her there was a bigger story emerging. Despite her editor’s resistance, she followed her nose to the heart of the drama which would disrupt the tranquility of sleepy rural Barker. In doing so she compromised her relationship with her boyfriend Jack, one of the two police officers stationed at Barker.
Three narrative threads, over two time periods, have been seamlessly woven together by Fleur McDonald, to create an engaging story which kept me guessing. So many of the characters had secrets to conceal, and relationships in the small community became strained. I had my suspicions about what had happened in both periods, but I had no idea who or what might be tied to the present situation. The solution to the mystery was very satisfying.
4★s
November 8, 2022
This is the 2nd book I've read in the Detective Dave Burrows series. The 1st one was Deception Creek. I haven't read them in order, instead I have read them as stand alone novels. Great storytelling and characters and one I couldn't put down. Fiona writes great character driven rural suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed it, can highly recommend it and looking forwards to reading more of this series.
May 10, 2021
My first book by Fleur McDonald and not quite what I was expecting, but a reasonable thriller, set in two different time frames.
Read
January 14, 2022I really enjoyed this read. Loved the characters and especially loved the links to the Australian Outback and small towns. Some of the characters really felt close to home and most definitely relatable.
GREAT READ.
GREAT READ.
November 3, 2020
West Australian-based author Fleur McDonald has two series featuring outback detective Dave Burrows on the go. One is set in the present and the other in the past - not long after Burrows became a cop. The present day series is interrelated so Burrows is usually investigating a case but there are other characters central to the plot of that particular novel. In the last outing in that series, Starting From Now, we met investigative journalist Zara Ellison, who returned to small-town Barker to be near her dying brother. The likeable Zara stayed and returns to play a lead role here as well.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
July 2, 2023
Not a spoiler alert… but I strongly suggest you read Emerald springs before you read this one!
August 27, 2023
I overall enjoyed this ‘The Dry’esque novel. Parts were a bit cringe and quite unrealistic but I loved the rural Australian setting, then-and-now timeline, twist is and wrap up at the end. I had a chuckle when Melissa said “don’t ever threaten a mama lion’s cub”. Rawr!
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)
February 24, 2021
I really enjoyed the first two thirds of this novel. It had a real authenticity to it, it was clear the author knew the people, situations and terrain she wrote about. The characters were well written and the author has an excellent ear for dialogue. There are two stories; one, set in 1980 is about the shearer's wife, the other, set in 2020, is primarily about a young country journalist. The two sections jog along well together until suddenly the 1980s story disappears and the story moves exclusively to the present day. The criminal investigation takes over and this is when it became problematic for me. Nothing really rang true, including the dialogue, and the female journalist, who had been empathetic behaved with a startling lack of sensitivity. I can't say more without giving the game away but I was disappointed.
March 26, 2021
I didn’t really like this book. I didn’t take to the characters, especially Zara, and found many of the things they did really stupid. The usual “movie in my mind” that I get when reading was missing, perhaps because of the lack of descriptive writing. I thought the story line a bit ridiculous, with a few plot holes. The ending was over the top. But I did keep reading until the end to see what would happen, so that gained the book an extra star.
November 17, 2020
Fleur McDonald's The Shearer's Wife is just fabulous. I was delighted to receive my copy through Beauty and Lace. Dave Burrows features in several of Fleur's books and I read The Farmer's Choice first. This is a short story that gives insight into Dave and why he joined the Police Force and didn't stay with framing. This short story is powerful and allows for deeper meaning than I would have had by just reading The Shearer's Wife. I then read Starting From Now which features several characters from The Shearer's Wife. I appreciated getting to know Zara Ellison and her Mum through the earlier book as they dealt with the tragedy of Zara's brother's death, not long after her Father had died tragically. Dave Burrows is central to this earlier work too.
While the stories can stand alone I felt I gained much greater enjoyment and understanding through reading the earlier works.
The Shearer's Wife begins in 1980 and for much of the book the timeline runs between 1980 and the present day. The series of apparently unconnected incidents joining 1980 and 2020 does not become evident until quite close to the end. The way they are connected is incredibly well written.
Rose Kelly makes her home in Barker when she refuses to follow her husband from shearing shed to shearing shed without a proper home after the birth of twins. Barker is also home to The Ellisons after Zara, an investigative journalist returns to the district after her brother dies so she can support her Mother. It is also Dave Burrows home.
The way everything is woven together is masterful with nothing forced.
Characterisations are wonderfully drawn, from main characters to incidental characters. The story is fascinating and gripping, suspenseful and caring. Dave Burrows is certain the arrest of a quiet, lovely lady who has full care of her young Granddaughter on drugs charges, is not as simple as it appears and he and his Senior Constable, Jack Higgins, who is Zara's boy friend, put their jobs in jeopardy trying to unravel the situation and help Essie, who has been arrested.
Wonderfully warm, a deep understanding of Life on the Land and a caring community, filled with people who really care about others, I can't imagine this novel not satisfying anyone who loves wonderful Australian Rural Fiction. It is fabulous, in my opinion and as good as any book I've read in some time.
While the stories can stand alone I felt I gained much greater enjoyment and understanding through reading the earlier works.
The Shearer's Wife begins in 1980 and for much of the book the timeline runs between 1980 and the present day. The series of apparently unconnected incidents joining 1980 and 2020 does not become evident until quite close to the end. The way they are connected is incredibly well written.
Rose Kelly makes her home in Barker when she refuses to follow her husband from shearing shed to shearing shed without a proper home after the birth of twins. Barker is also home to The Ellisons after Zara, an investigative journalist returns to the district after her brother dies so she can support her Mother. It is also Dave Burrows home.
The way everything is woven together is masterful with nothing forced.
Characterisations are wonderfully drawn, from main characters to incidental characters. The story is fascinating and gripping, suspenseful and caring. Dave Burrows is certain the arrest of a quiet, lovely lady who has full care of her young Granddaughter on drugs charges, is not as simple as it appears and he and his Senior Constable, Jack Higgins, who is Zara's boy friend, put their jobs in jeopardy trying to unravel the situation and help Essie, who has been arrested.
Wonderfully warm, a deep understanding of Life on the Land and a caring community, filled with people who really care about others, I can't imagine this novel not satisfying anyone who loves wonderful Australian Rural Fiction. It is fabulous, in my opinion and as good as any book I've read in some time.
November 6, 2020
I haven’t read all the Detective Dave Burrows books in Fleur McDonald’s series, which is kind of stupid on my behalf. (It does mean that I have a lot to look forward to though). Detective Dave doesn’t disappoint in providing the reader with a solid story, intriguing mystery and unforgettable characters. The Shearer’s Wife puts together two seemingly unconnected stories and holds the reader’s interest as the links are gradually revealed. It certainly makes no difference if you haven’t read the previous novels, as the characters and their relationships are all clearly explained.
The narrative of The Shearer’s Wife goes between two storylines, one set in present day and one set in 1980. Back in the eighties, Rose and Ian are making their way to another shearing shed. Rose is heavily pregnant with twins and isn’t doing so well. When she goes into labour early, Ian stays at the shed to continue working. This is the start of the breakdown of their relationship. Meanwhile in the small country town of Barker, Detective Dave Burrows gets a visit from the Federal Police. They are in town to intercept a package of drugs sent through the mail to a local resident. Dave is left in the dark about the identity of the recipient, but left to deal with the fallout of the arrest. His wife Kim helps to care for a child left without family and negotiates to assist the accused. Local reporter Zara is also on the case, making her relationship with her boyfriend Jack (a policeman) difficult. As Zara struggles with her past, she is determined to find out the truth. She just might be the one who links the two stories together…
The Shearer’s Wife is a perfect weekend read. It was just the right book to sit down and read over a lazy Sunday afternoon. Fleur McDonald tells the story well, switching timelines just when the reader becomes desperate to know what’s happening with Rose (or Dave and Zara). It’s a great mix of police procedural entangled with the lives and consequences of regular people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. The latter part of the novel is laced with tension as Dave, Jack and Zara close in on their suspect making for an urgent not-moving-from-the-couch reading session. The novel doesn’t end there though, but pulls together the last threads of the two timelines and brings them together in a heartfelt way. It is a really uplifting ending to a novel with multiple missed chances and some poor decisions by particular characters. The pacing of plot is done well, as is the reunion with familiar characters like Kim, Dave and Jack and the new characters of Rose and Ian. The story combines together to bring the best of an Aussie outback novel, bringing the natural elements of the bush together with great characters. A fun read.
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The narrative of The Shearer’s Wife goes between two storylines, one set in present day and one set in 1980. Back in the eighties, Rose and Ian are making their way to another shearing shed. Rose is heavily pregnant with twins and isn’t doing so well. When she goes into labour early, Ian stays at the shed to continue working. This is the start of the breakdown of their relationship. Meanwhile in the small country town of Barker, Detective Dave Burrows gets a visit from the Federal Police. They are in town to intercept a package of drugs sent through the mail to a local resident. Dave is left in the dark about the identity of the recipient, but left to deal with the fallout of the arrest. His wife Kim helps to care for a child left without family and negotiates to assist the accused. Local reporter Zara is also on the case, making her relationship with her boyfriend Jack (a policeman) difficult. As Zara struggles with her past, she is determined to find out the truth. She just might be the one who links the two stories together…
The Shearer’s Wife is a perfect weekend read. It was just the right book to sit down and read over a lazy Sunday afternoon. Fleur McDonald tells the story well, switching timelines just when the reader becomes desperate to know what’s happening with Rose (or Dave and Zara). It’s a great mix of police procedural entangled with the lives and consequences of regular people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. The latter part of the novel is laced with tension as Dave, Jack and Zara close in on their suspect making for an urgent not-moving-from-the-couch reading session. The novel doesn’t end there though, but pulls together the last threads of the two timelines and brings them together in a heartfelt way. It is a really uplifting ending to a novel with multiple missed chances and some poor decisions by particular characters. The pacing of plot is done well, as is the reunion with familiar characters like Kim, Dave and Jack and the new characters of Rose and Ian. The story combines together to bring the best of an Aussie outback novel, bringing the natural elements of the bush together with great characters. A fun read.
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
November 7, 2021
I am a new reader of Fleur McDonald, thank you Beauty and Lace and Allen and Unwin for introducing me, I’m very keen to read all of Fleur’s back catalogue now – I’m hooked. Not having read any of Fleur’s previous books, I easily polished off this book in one afternoon’s sitting, this book was perfectly fine to read as a stand-alone.
This was a suspenseful read, I loved the setting of this story, having lived in a small rural community for many years, I could totally relate to the gossip-mongers, and small-town syndrome, and yet at the same time knowing, that when the going gets tough that Barker as a tight knit community would pull together and wrap their arms around Rose and offer much needed love and support.
I enjoyed the duel timelines interwoven throughout, the earlier timeline resonated with me and I warmed to Rose’s character and her adaptability and tenacity to just live life and get on with it. Whilst not a fan of Ian (Rose’s husband) I can understand how twin babies didn’t ideally fit with his nomadic shearer’s lifestyle, and understand why Rose choose the stability of Barker as opposed to life with Ian on the dusty road. Not having any knowledge of a job as a shearer, I learnt a lot and understand the appeal of the backbreaking career to be able to live and work anywhere sheep need a haircut.
I loved the intrigue and twists and turns as the mystery unfolds, and how the two tales melded together, I cannot recommend this story highly enough, it will appeal to all book lovers of rural crime.
This was a suspenseful read, I loved the setting of this story, having lived in a small rural community for many years, I could totally relate to the gossip-mongers, and small-town syndrome, and yet at the same time knowing, that when the going gets tough that Barker as a tight knit community would pull together and wrap their arms around Rose and offer much needed love and support.
I enjoyed the duel timelines interwoven throughout, the earlier timeline resonated with me and I warmed to Rose’s character and her adaptability and tenacity to just live life and get on with it. Whilst not a fan of Ian (Rose’s husband) I can understand how twin babies didn’t ideally fit with his nomadic shearer’s lifestyle, and understand why Rose choose the stability of Barker as opposed to life with Ian on the dusty road. Not having any knowledge of a job as a shearer, I learnt a lot and understand the appeal of the backbreaking career to be able to live and work anywhere sheep need a haircut.
I loved the intrigue and twists and turns as the mystery unfolds, and how the two tales melded together, I cannot recommend this story highly enough, it will appeal to all book lovers of rural crime.
March 21, 2021
This is a Detective Dave Burrows novel, the story is dual timeline jumping between 2020 and 1980.
Rose and Ian Kelly arrive in the small South Australian town of Barker in 1980, she heavily pregnant with twins, and has been happily living the drifter life with her shearer husband up until this point, but with the impending birth Rose is keen to settle down in one spot, not something Ian is keen on at all.
Jump forward 40 years to Barker is rocked by a visit from the AFP to make an arrest of one of the locals for the possession of narcotics, Detective Dave Burrows is certain there is more to the story than meets the eye.
Meantime, after many months of grief over her brother's illness and death, journalist Zara Ellison is finally ready to begin a new chapter of her life and make a commitment to her boyfriend, Senior Constable Jack Higgins. But when she's assigned to investigate the Barker arrest, Jack begins to believe that Zara is working against him.
A series of unconnected incidents in Zara's digging to reveal an almost forgotten thread of mystery as to how these two events, forty years apart, could be connected.
Hooking me in immediately, I was keen to keep reading in the hope all my questions would be answer, which by the end they were.
The way Ian dealt with a dirty nappy was both horrendous and hilarious all at the same time!!
This is a story that will show you just how far a parent will go to protect a child.
Rose and Ian Kelly arrive in the small South Australian town of Barker in 1980, she heavily pregnant with twins, and has been happily living the drifter life with her shearer husband up until this point, but with the impending birth Rose is keen to settle down in one spot, not something Ian is keen on at all.
Jump forward 40 years to Barker is rocked by a visit from the AFP to make an arrest of one of the locals for the possession of narcotics, Detective Dave Burrows is certain there is more to the story than meets the eye.
Meantime, after many months of grief over her brother's illness and death, journalist Zara Ellison is finally ready to begin a new chapter of her life and make a commitment to her boyfriend, Senior Constable Jack Higgins. But when she's assigned to investigate the Barker arrest, Jack begins to believe that Zara is working against him.
A series of unconnected incidents in Zara's digging to reveal an almost forgotten thread of mystery as to how these two events, forty years apart, could be connected.
Hooking me in immediately, I was keen to keep reading in the hope all my questions would be answer, which by the end they were.
The way Ian dealt with a dirty nappy was both horrendous and hilarious all at the same time!!
This is a story that will show you just how far a parent will go to protect a child.
November 3, 2020
A riveting suspense read with a return of everyone’s favourite rural law enforcement Detective Dave Burrows.
Fleur has once again penned a outback mystery that will make you think.
1980, Rose is very pregnant with twins and wants to stop and make a home in the small town called Barker.
Her husband Ian, is a drifter and can’t sit still in one community for too long and his dreams of continuing on the road makes Rose worry for the future.
2020, Detective Dave Burrows has a new mystery to solve when the Federal police invade his town and arrest a honest citizen of the district.
Zara Ellison, a journalist has settled and ready to make a commitment with her copper boyfriend.
When Zara starts investigating a series of incidents she finds they could be connected to a long forgotten mystery.
An interesting, engaging and compelling read and a book you will keep flipping the pages to get to the final reveal.
I was really intrigued by this story, it sucked me in from the very beginning.
I wanted to know how the two timelines would connect and was bowled over by the final twist, I didn’t see it coming and after thinking about it, all the pieces fit together perfectly.
A fan favourite returns while we get to reacquaint with Zara from a previous book and catch up with how life is treating them as well as a new mystery to solve.
A great, enjoyable and pleasing fiction novel.
August 10, 2021
This book has a dual timeline, 1980 and 2020 and it was done so well. I spent so much of the book excited to see how the two time lines were going to link up and I enjoyed both sides equally.
In the 80's, we follow young Ian and his wife Rose as they travel and work in the outback while expecting their first children - TWINS! How will this work on the road constantly and in the middle of nowhere?!
In the 2020 timeline, the small town of Barker is rocked when an unlikely local is arrested for possession of narcotics. This is shocking to the community and thus begins the big investigation into what has been happening. Is this part of a bigger picture? How will these timelines come together?
This is a rural crime investigation and it was a truly heart-warming story. There was quite a few characters in the story and it was interesting learning about and following them all. The lead detective and his wife, the reporter and her boyfriend who was definitely not a conflict of interest being a cop in the small town 🤣 Essie, Rose. I loved this story so much and I'm looking forward to reading more of Fleurs books. It came at a time when I really needed a story that made me smile. This book is available now!
Thank you to @allenandunwin for the gifted copy in exchange for review! I am so grateful 🥰
In the 80's, we follow young Ian and his wife Rose as they travel and work in the outback while expecting their first children - TWINS! How will this work on the road constantly and in the middle of nowhere?!
In the 2020 timeline, the small town of Barker is rocked when an unlikely local is arrested for possession of narcotics. This is shocking to the community and thus begins the big investigation into what has been happening. Is this part of a bigger picture? How will these timelines come together?
This is a rural crime investigation and it was a truly heart-warming story. There was quite a few characters in the story and it was interesting learning about and following them all. The lead detective and his wife, the reporter and her boyfriend who was definitely not a conflict of interest being a cop in the small town 🤣 Essie, Rose. I loved this story so much and I'm looking forward to reading more of Fleurs books. It came at a time when I really needed a story that made me smile. This book is available now!
Thank you to @allenandunwin for the gifted copy in exchange for review! I am so grateful 🥰
October 25, 2021
𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟎: Shearer Ian Kelly and his heavily pregnant wife Rose arrive in Barker on the way to the next shed. Not willing to continue travelling with new born twins, Rose decides to stay in her new home town whilst Ian continues his nomadic life style.
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎: Local woman Essie Carter is arrested for drug smuggling by the AFP. Why would a well respected grandmother risk breaking the law? Detective Dave Burrows is certain there's more to the story. Enlisting the help of journalist Zara Ellison, Dave puts his career on the line in order to uncover the truth.
Two seemingly unconnected and intriguing plotlines, until they merge in the most unexpected way.
It's always a pleasure to read a Fleur McDonald novel, especially set in Barker. Over time, this little town has wormed its way into my heart. It's lovely to see Zara return after being introduced in the previous book. Now in a relationship with Senior Constable Jack Higgins, Zara is struggling with grief after the death of her brother Will. To say she is starting to become reckless with her life is an understatement. Hopefully she will gain the help she needs!
As always, Detective Dave and his wife Kim are the highlights. Just love and adore this supportive couple!
A fabulous read as always!
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎: Local woman Essie Carter is arrested for drug smuggling by the AFP. Why would a well respected grandmother risk breaking the law? Detective Dave Burrows is certain there's more to the story. Enlisting the help of journalist Zara Ellison, Dave puts his career on the line in order to uncover the truth.
Two seemingly unconnected and intriguing plotlines, until they merge in the most unexpected way.
It's always a pleasure to read a Fleur McDonald novel, especially set in Barker. Over time, this little town has wormed its way into my heart. It's lovely to see Zara return after being introduced in the previous book. Now in a relationship with Senior Constable Jack Higgins, Zara is struggling with grief after the death of her brother Will. To say she is starting to become reckless with her life is an understatement. Hopefully she will gain the help she needs!
As always, Detective Dave and his wife Kim are the highlights. Just love and adore this supportive couple!
A fabulous read as always!
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
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