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A Cooper & Quinn Mystery #7
Dark Justice
Bonnie Hunter has dedicated her career to locking up rapists.
While her track record for putting them behind bars is second-to-none, one particularly nasty character has eluded her for years. His penchant for cutting out the tongues of his victims to stop them talking has made him rather difficult to catch.
But he’s just made his first mistake.
Cooper and Quinn have their own problems. With a vigilante killer amongst them, they’re racing the clock to figure out who’s taking justice into their own hands before the press get wind of it and send the vigilante to ground.
Thrown together when the rapist commits his first murder, Bonnie, Cooper, and Quinn team up to stop a ruthless killer with a fresh taste for blood.
But will they catch him before the vigilante does?
While her track record for putting them behind bars is second-to-none, one particularly nasty character has eluded her for years. His penchant for cutting out the tongues of his victims to stop them talking has made him rather difficult to catch.
But he’s just made his first mistake.
Cooper and Quinn have their own problems. With a vigilante killer amongst them, they’re racing the clock to figure out who’s taking justice into their own hands before the press get wind of it and send the vigilante to ground.
Thrown together when the rapist commits his first murder, Bonnie, Cooper, and Quinn team up to stop a ruthless killer with a fresh taste for blood.
But will they catch him before the vigilante does?
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2020
About the author
Catherine Lee
27 books113 followersAustralian author of fast-paced, mostly clean, crime fiction.
The Detective Charlie Cooper Mysteries tackle some topical issues with crimes at their heart, set in Sydney, Australia.
The Getaway Bay Cozy Mysteries feature a charming collection of eccentric locals and visitors working their way through the alphabet of cozy crimes.
Missing, featuring Detective Bonnie Hunter, picks up where Charlie Cooper left off.
The Detective Charlie Cooper Mysteries tackle some topical issues with crimes at their heart, set in Sydney, Australia.
The Getaway Bay Cozy Mysteries feature a charming collection of eccentric locals and visitors working their way through the alphabet of cozy crimes.
Missing, featuring Detective Bonnie Hunter, picks up where Charlie Cooper left off.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 14, 2021
It is sad to come to end of this series but Lee takes us out in style. In fact the ending is a total surprise which I would never have imagined!
All our favorite characters are featured plus the introduction of the main character in the author's next new series, which was a clever move on her part! The mystery is well drawn and the crimes suitably horrific. There is a lot of excellent police work which is realistic and produces logical results. All in all it is a great read.
I have enjoyed this whole series very much and, although I will miss Cooper and Quinn, I will certainly read anything Catherine Lee decides to write.
All our favorite characters are featured plus the introduction of the main character in the author's next new series, which was a clever move on her part! The mystery is well drawn and the crimes suitably horrific. There is a lot of excellent police work which is realistic and produces logical results. All in all it is a great read.
I have enjoyed this whole series very much and, although I will miss Cooper and Quinn, I will certainly read anything Catherine Lee decides to write.
June 21, 2021
Detective Bonnie Hunter had been chasing a serial rapist for seven years but the baby-faced rapist – as the media had dubbed him – had terrified his victims so they refused to talk. But finally, he’d made a mistake and the murder of his latest victim saw Bonnie join the Homicide Squad where Detective Charlie Cooper was in charge, seconded by Coop’s partner, Joe Quinn. As the team combined to learn all they could about their perpetrator, their days were long.
Coop and Bonnie teamed up and while it seemed they drove all the streets of Sydney each day, they finally had a couple of leads. Cooper was concerned about a vigilante working to take out those who didn’t see justice; Cooper’s boss, Munro, didn’t believe Cooper was on the right track, therefore they continued with full concentration on the rapist/murderer case. But would they catch him? He’d kept himself hidden for years – why would now be any different?
Dark Justice is the 7th and final episode of the Cooper & Quinn series by Aussie author Catherine Lee, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! So sad to know this wonderful, engaging and highly addictive series is finished, but the new one, released later this year (2021) with the MC being Detective Bonnie Hunter, is one I’m looking forward to very much. With its incredible twist at the end, Dark Justice is one I recommend highly. I also recommend this series be read in order :)
Coop and Bonnie teamed up and while it seemed they drove all the streets of Sydney each day, they finally had a couple of leads. Cooper was concerned about a vigilante working to take out those who didn’t see justice; Cooper’s boss, Munro, didn’t believe Cooper was on the right track, therefore they continued with full concentration on the rapist/murderer case. But would they catch him? He’d kept himself hidden for years – why would now be any different?
Dark Justice is the 7th and final episode of the Cooper & Quinn series by Aussie author Catherine Lee, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! So sad to know this wonderful, engaging and highly addictive series is finished, but the new one, released later this year (2021) with the MC being Detective Bonnie Hunter, is one I’m looking forward to very much. With its incredible twist at the end, Dark Justice is one I recommend highly. I also recommend this series be read in order :)
June 3, 2026
Exceptional!
What an end to a series. It feels like I’m saying goodbye at an airport - you know you won’t see the person again but you really, really hope for just one more visit!
The plot, characters, pacing and resolution were outstanding. I cannot recommend this author more highly for this genre!
What an end to a series. It feels like I’m saying goodbye at an airport - you know you won’t see the person again but you really, really hope for just one more visit!
The plot, characters, pacing and resolution were outstanding. I cannot recommend this author more highly for this genre!
June 24, 2021
‘Is it really necessary to do this here?’
Meet Sydney Detective Sergeant Bonnie Hunter, from the Sex Crimes Unit. While she has dedicated her career to locking up rapists, there is one offender she is particularly keen to catch. The Baby-Faced Rapist, as he has referred to in the media, is a serial offender who leaves his DNA (but never his fingerprints) at every scene. Hunter has been chasing him for seven years, hampered by the fact that his victims are so terrified of him that they will not talk to the police. If they do, he has threatened to come back.
Detective Sergeant Charlie Cooper and his partner Detective Senior Constable Joe Quinn are called to a murder scene. A woman, raped, murdered, and mutilated. DNA evidence quickly establishes that she is the latest victim of the Baby-Faced Rapist. Bonnie Hunter joins the Homicide Squad headed by Charlie Cooper to try to track down the perpetrator.
But Charlie Cooper is preoccupied.
‘He’d been convinced for years that they had a vigilante out there, taking care of criminals the system had let through the cracks.’
It is not an official case for the Homicide Squad but so far there have been five victims who have either got off a serious crime, looked like getting off or who got off lightly. And Cooper is sure that the evidence points to a professional hit. Who could it be? Can the vigilante be identified and stopped? Can the Baby-Faced Rapist be identified and found before he claims more victims?
A mystery or two and some shocking crimes to solve. This is the seventh and last instalment in the Cooper and Quinn series, and a fitting (if shocking) finale. Highly recommended but best read in order. The character development is an important part of the journey.
And now that I have met her, I am looking forward to the first book in the Detective Bonnie Hunter Mysteries!
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Meet Sydney Detective Sergeant Bonnie Hunter, from the Sex Crimes Unit. While she has dedicated her career to locking up rapists, there is one offender she is particularly keen to catch. The Baby-Faced Rapist, as he has referred to in the media, is a serial offender who leaves his DNA (but never his fingerprints) at every scene. Hunter has been chasing him for seven years, hampered by the fact that his victims are so terrified of him that they will not talk to the police. If they do, he has threatened to come back.
Detective Sergeant Charlie Cooper and his partner Detective Senior Constable Joe Quinn are called to a murder scene. A woman, raped, murdered, and mutilated. DNA evidence quickly establishes that she is the latest victim of the Baby-Faced Rapist. Bonnie Hunter joins the Homicide Squad headed by Charlie Cooper to try to track down the perpetrator.
But Charlie Cooper is preoccupied.
‘He’d been convinced for years that they had a vigilante out there, taking care of criminals the system had let through the cracks.’
It is not an official case for the Homicide Squad but so far there have been five victims who have either got off a serious crime, looked like getting off or who got off lightly. And Cooper is sure that the evidence points to a professional hit. Who could it be? Can the vigilante be identified and stopped? Can the Baby-Faced Rapist be identified and found before he claims more victims?
A mystery or two and some shocking crimes to solve. This is the seventh and last instalment in the Cooper and Quinn series, and a fitting (if shocking) finale. Highly recommended but best read in order. The character development is an important part of the journey.
And now that I have met her, I am looking forward to the first book in the Detective Bonnie Hunter Mysteries!
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
April 18, 2026
2 stars
I am totally dismayed. I was lost for words after i finished this book as i struggle with the ending and therefore the rating i want to give it.
Was the mystery in this last instalment good? Yes, definitely was. Even though some parts felt pretty obvious and others felt unrealistic (a killer that leaves all kind of DNA traces around for years on end and he is not found, despite his many and repeated crimes).
But that wasn't the main issue. The ending. With respect to all the other readers of this series I won't say anything other than this: i've never read a book where the author does this to it's characters. I do not agree, I do not like it, I do not find it okay, this is not how I think it should have ended. No.
I am totally dismayed. I was lost for words after i finished this book as i struggle with the ending and therefore the rating i want to give it.
Was the mystery in this last instalment good? Yes, definitely was. Even though some parts felt pretty obvious and others felt unrealistic (a killer that leaves all kind of DNA traces around for years on end and he is not found, despite his many and repeated crimes).
But that wasn't the main issue. The ending. With respect to all the other readers of this series I won't say anything other than this: i've never read a book where the author does this to it's characters. I do not agree, I do not like it, I do not find it okay, this is not how I think it should have ended. No.
February 16, 2023
This is the last episode in Catherine Lee’s excellent Detective Charlie Cooper series and she sure knows how to finish with a bang!
When Charlie Cooper and his partner Joe Quinn of the New South Wales Police are called to a nasty rape and murder scene, they recognise some of the trademark signs of a well-known rapist who has been eluding the Sexual Crimes Unit for years. DS Bonnie Hunter from that unit has spent seven years looking for him, during which time he has raped at least 37 women of all ages, race and from locations all Sydney. Now it looks like he’s progressed to murder and Homicide, with Bonnie’s help, are determined to catch him before he kills again.
Cooper is also sure that there is a vigilante in town, working quietly over a number of years to kill off at least five men who did not get the punishment they deserved from the justice system. He has some thoughts about who it might be and is working on checking out his suspicions. This is an action packed episode, introducing us to Bonnie Hunter who will be featured in a new series and ending with a major surprise that left me stunned!
When Charlie Cooper and his partner Joe Quinn of the New South Wales Police are called to a nasty rape and murder scene, they recognise some of the trademark signs of a well-known rapist who has been eluding the Sexual Crimes Unit for years. DS Bonnie Hunter from that unit has spent seven years looking for him, during which time he has raped at least 37 women of all ages, race and from locations all Sydney. Now it looks like he’s progressed to murder and Homicide, with Bonnie’s help, are determined to catch him before he kills again.
Cooper is also sure that there is a vigilante in town, working quietly over a number of years to kill off at least five men who did not get the punishment they deserved from the justice system. He has some thoughts about who it might be and is working on checking out his suspicions. This is an action packed episode, introducing us to Bonnie Hunter who will be featured in a new series and ending with a major surprise that left me stunned!
April 6, 2025
4.9 stars
I really wanted to give this book five stars, such a great book to finish this series off. And I would say a much darker storyline than books of the past, aside from the first book. From the start you are immediately hooked with the storyline and the character crossover. The identity reveal of the vigilante killer is obvious, if you paid attention to the small details in the previous book 👀 truly a great book/series, the only issue I have is the ending of the book when they’re wrapping up what Charlie is going to do next feels a little rushed. I don’t know how else they may have been able to do it, but I would’ve wanted a little better
I really wanted to give this book five stars, such a great book to finish this series off. And I would say a much darker storyline than books of the past, aside from the first book. From the start you are immediately hooked with the storyline and the character crossover. The identity reveal of the vigilante killer is obvious, if you paid attention to the small details in the previous book 👀 truly a great book/series, the only issue I have is the ending of the book when they’re wrapping up what Charlie is going to do next feels a little rushed. I don’t know how else they may have been able to do it, but I would’ve wanted a little better
October 10, 2021
Loved it!
May 29, 2026
The final book in the Detective Charlie Cooper series and the author follows the style of her previous books. We explore the story from the perspectives of Detective Cooper and Detective Bonnie Hunter. This book wraps up the series fairly neatly, although I'm planning to read the Detective Bonnie Hunter series next, as I liked the character and there's unfinished business on her side from this read.
August 9, 2021
Dark Justice is book seven in the A Cooper & Quinn Mystery by Catherine Lee. Detective Sergeant Bonnie Hunter was chasing a serial rapist that was terrorising women in Sydney. However, her rapist committed murder, and she joins forces with Detective Sergeant Cooper to find the killer. The readers of Dark Justice will continue to follow Detective Sergeant Bonnie Hunter and Detective Sergeant Cooper investigation to find out what happens.
Dark Justice is the last book in the A Cooper & Quinn series and a fantastic book to finish this excellent series. I was sad reading Dark Justice; however, I enjoyed how Catherine Lee introduces the characters of her new series. I engaged with the plot of Dark Justice from the first page, and I was surprised by the ending of this book. I love Catherine Lee's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Dark Justice was well written and researched by Catherine Lee. I like Catherine Lee's description of Dark Justice's settings that allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Dark Justice will learn about the consequences of sex crimes and the law enforcement officers who investigate these crimes. Also, the readers of Dark Justice will understand the cost to families when a loved one dies from a hit and run incident and does not have closure over the death of a family member.
I recommend this book.
Dark Justice is the last book in the A Cooper & Quinn series and a fantastic book to finish this excellent series. I was sad reading Dark Justice; however, I enjoyed how Catherine Lee introduces the characters of her new series. I engaged with the plot of Dark Justice from the first page, and I was surprised by the ending of this book. I love Catherine Lee's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Dark Justice was well written and researched by Catherine Lee. I like Catherine Lee's description of Dark Justice's settings that allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Dark Justice will learn about the consequences of sex crimes and the law enforcement officers who investigate these crimes. Also, the readers of Dark Justice will understand the cost to families when a loved one dies from a hit and run incident and does not have closure over the death of a family member.
I recommend this book.
August 11, 2026
🎧 Dark Justice by Catherine Lee 🎧🇦🇺
The 7th and last book in the Detective Charlie Cooper Mystery series
⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half
August is Australian Author Appreciation Month 🇦🇺
I have absolutely loved this Australian Crime Fiction series. I love the introduction of Detective Bonnie Hunter as her debut into her new crime series (that I can't wait to read!!!!).
The ending 😬😵💫 I did not expect this. 😳 I did not expect the series would end like this and I have mixed feelings about it. Still processing.... masterful or savage 🤔 I will miss Deck Charlie Cooper and Detective Joe Quinn.
If you are after a well written Australian Detective series that is well researched with fantastic characters this series is for you. Loved it.
"Two hunters. One justice. And a line that’s about to be crossed.
Detective Bonnie Hunter has spent her career putting rapists behind bars. But one predator has always slipped through her fingers – a sadist who silences his victims by cutting out their tongues.
Now he’s killed. And Bonnie knows this time, she can’t afford to fail.
When the murderer’s latest crime scene overlaps with a string of vigilante killings, Bonnie is forced to team up with Detectives Charlie Cooper and Joe Quinn. The three must balance evidence against instinct as they chase two killers – one driven by violence, the other by vengeance.
But when justice turns personal, how far will each of them go to see it served?"
The 7th and last book in the Detective Charlie Cooper Mystery series
⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half
August is Australian Author Appreciation Month 🇦🇺
I have absolutely loved this Australian Crime Fiction series. I love the introduction of Detective Bonnie Hunter as her debut into her new crime series (that I can't wait to read!!!!).
The ending 😬😵💫 I did not expect this. 😳 I did not expect the series would end like this and I have mixed feelings about it. Still processing.... masterful or savage 🤔 I will miss Deck Charlie Cooper and Detective Joe Quinn.
If you are after a well written Australian Detective series that is well researched with fantastic characters this series is for you. Loved it.
"Two hunters. One justice. And a line that’s about to be crossed.
Detective Bonnie Hunter has spent her career putting rapists behind bars. But one predator has always slipped through her fingers – a sadist who silences his victims by cutting out their tongues.
Now he’s killed. And Bonnie knows this time, she can’t afford to fail.
When the murderer’s latest crime scene overlaps with a string of vigilante killings, Bonnie is forced to team up with Detectives Charlie Cooper and Joe Quinn. The three must balance evidence against instinct as they chase two killers – one driven by violence, the other by vengeance.
But when justice turns personal, how far will each of them go to see it served?"
May 16, 2026
So sad when I realised this was the last in the Cooper and Quinn series (although I had already read the Bonnie spinoff books first). Another great read with lots of twists and turns and the last line of “here’s to 2020 I wonder what that will bring” made me laugh. Hopefully there is more in the new series.
August 8, 2026
Loved this series and have just started The Collector by Catherine Lee and Bill Duncan. It’s sad to see the end of Detective Charlie Cooper but wait there’s more. Make sure you read the Detective Bonnie Hunter series as these novels carry on with the same character when DS Hunter joins homicide. Highly recommended for those who love Australian detective series.
December 15, 2020
Congratulations Catherine. As pecial book to "retire: Coops with.
March 26, 2021
A real cliffhanger!
A great read as normal, but a real shock at the end. I certainly didn’t see that coming!
I look forward to reading about Bonnie Hunter.
A great read as normal, but a real shock at the end. I certainly didn’t see that coming!
I look forward to reading about Bonnie Hunter.
June 4, 2023
What a great series! I was totally enthralled from the first page until the last of the 7 books. A great author with a fascinating story to be told. Excellent!
February 16, 2025
Dark Justice
Really enjoyed reading this series and highly recommend that you read them all as well. Looking forward to reading more of this type of br.
Really enjoyed reading this series and highly recommend that you read them all as well. Looking forward to reading more of this type of br.
July 18, 2026
Loved it. Didnt see the ending coming for the series.
July 19, 2026
This novel gave me the pleasure of discovering an author I hadn't read before and immediately wanting to read the other books in the series.
An enjoyable Aussie crime drama.
An enjoyable Aussie crime drama.
July 27, 2026
Fantastic end to the series
January 17, 2021
WOW. I did not see that twist at the end coming. I thought the vigilante killer would be Monroe, since he kept shooting down the possibility. Still can’t believe it was Quinn, well you know what they say about the quiet ones. Great story, great series. Can’t wait for Bonnies series to start.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews