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Holiday Murders #4
The Orchard Murders
A novel about revenge, obsession, and the dangerous gullibility of religious fanatics.
In 1944, in the outer-Melbourne suburb of Nunawading, a brutal triple murder heralds the return of a long-forgotten cult. A man named Anthony Prescott has declared himself the Messiah and has promised his followers immortality. There are those who believe him and who are ready to kill in his name. Inspector Titus Lambert of the Melbourne Homicide unit, whose detectives are over-stretched, requests the discreet assistance of Helen Lord and Joe Sable, once members of his unit, now private inquiry agents. The investigation is more perilous than any of them realise, and will have tragic consequences.
The Orchard Murders is the fourth novel in Robert Gott’s acclaimed series, set in Melbourne during the dark days of the Second World War.
In 1944, in the outer-Melbourne suburb of Nunawading, a brutal triple murder heralds the return of a long-forgotten cult. A man named Anthony Prescott has declared himself the Messiah and has promised his followers immortality. There are those who believe him and who are ready to kill in his name. Inspector Titus Lambert of the Melbourne Homicide unit, whose detectives are over-stretched, requests the discreet assistance of Helen Lord and Joe Sable, once members of his unit, now private inquiry agents. The investigation is more perilous than any of them realise, and will have tragic consequences.
The Orchard Murders is the fourth novel in Robert Gott’s acclaimed series, set in Melbourne during the dark days of the Second World War.
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2021
2 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Robert Gott
33 books59 followersRobert Gott was born in the small Queensland town of Maryborough in 1957, and lives in Melbourne. He has published many books for children, and is also the creator of the newspaper cartoon The Adventures of Naked Man. He is also the author of the William Power trilogy of crime-caper novels set in 1940s Australia: Good Murder, A Thing of Blood, and Amongst the Dead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 4, 2021
Nunawading near Melbourne was, as a rule, a peaceful community but with the brutal murder of two adults and a baby on their property, things changed. Another victim survived but had no immediate memory of what happened – he was arrested as the evidence was strong (at least in Inspector Lambert’s mind). When it came to light that a person calling himself the Messiah was at a nearby orchard, where the Church of the First Born and his disciples lived and worked, Joe Sable and Helen Lord, private inquiry agents, decided they needed someone to infiltrate the Church. But who would be the person to do it? There was obvious danger involved…
Inspector Lambert, as head of the newly created Melbourne Homicide unit, missed Helen and Joe, who had both been on his team. So, requesting their help was a no-brainer. Helen’s good friend Clara was a doctor at the local hospital and as a woman doctor in 1944, found herself as a source of great irritation to many men doctors. Dr Matthews was one such man – arrogant and rude; Clara disliked him intensely. One of Clara’s patients saw the situation firsthand and when Dr Matthews was murdered, her immediate thoughts went to that patient.
With the Inspector’s team stretched to its limit, would they manage to catch the killers who were in the area?
The Orchard Murders is the 4th in the Holiday Murders series by Aussie author Robert Gott and although the first part (after the murders) was slow, the last half was fast paced and intense. There was a lot involved in this book, but everything came together perfectly at the end. I haven’t read the first three in the series, but this one easily stands alone. An enjoyable historical mystery, set in Victoria in the end days of war, where religious fanatics and the gullible came together; obsession was rife and bitterness and revenge on the minds of those fanatics. Recommended.
With thanks to Scribe Publications for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Inspector Lambert, as head of the newly created Melbourne Homicide unit, missed Helen and Joe, who had both been on his team. So, requesting their help was a no-brainer. Helen’s good friend Clara was a doctor at the local hospital and as a woman doctor in 1944, found herself as a source of great irritation to many men doctors. Dr Matthews was one such man – arrogant and rude; Clara disliked him intensely. One of Clara’s patients saw the situation firsthand and when Dr Matthews was murdered, her immediate thoughts went to that patient.
With the Inspector’s team stretched to its limit, would they manage to catch the killers who were in the area?
The Orchard Murders is the 4th in the Holiday Murders series by Aussie author Robert Gott and although the first part (after the murders) was slow, the last half was fast paced and intense. There was a lot involved in this book, but everything came together perfectly at the end. I haven’t read the first three in the series, but this one easily stands alone. An enjoyable historical mystery, set in Victoria in the end days of war, where religious fanatics and the gullible came together; obsession was rife and bitterness and revenge on the minds of those fanatics. Recommended.
With thanks to Scribe Publications for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2021
The Orchard Murders by Robert Gott
Synopsis /
In 1944, in the outer-Melbourne suburb of Nunawading, a brutal triple murder heralds the return of a long-forgotten cult. A man named Anthony Prescott has declared himself the Messiah and has promised his followers immortality. There are those who believe him and who are ready to kill in his name. Inspector Titus Lambert of the Melbourne Homicide unit, whose detectives are over-stretched, requests the discreet assistance of Helen Lord and Joe Sable, once members of his unit, now private inquiry agents. The investigation is more perilous than any of them realise, and will have tragic consequences.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, my sincere thanks to Scribe Publications for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
The year is 1944, and set during the dark days of the Second World War. A funereal, wartime Melbourne is the setting for Aussie Author, Robert Gott’s The Orchard Murders, which is the fourth book in his Holiday Murders series. I have not read any of the author’s previous works in this series, but had no trouble at all reading this instalment as a standalone. Although, now I have read The Orchard Murders I will definitely go back to book 1 and see where it all started.
A brutal triple homicide in the outer-Melbourne suburb of Nunawading suggests the return of a long-forgotten cult – ‘Church of the First Born’. A man named Anthony Prescott has declared himself the Messiah and has promised immortality for those that choose to follow him. Detective Inspector Titus Lambert of the Melbourne Homicide Unit is called on to investigate the homicides. However, his detectives are already over-stretched and severely under-resourced, so Inspector Lambert enlists the (discreet) assistance of established private inquiry agents Helen Lord and Joe Sable from Helen Lord & Associates. Both Helen and Joe were former homicide detectives and both had worked with Lambert in Melbourne’s Homicide Unit.
Among Helen’s trusty collaborators are her best friend Dr Clara Dawson, Titus’ brother-in-law Tom Mackenzie, and Joe’s good mate Guy Kirkham. Investigating these heinous crimes is more perilous than any of them realise and, resolving them becomes an exercise fraught with peril, and, will have tragic consequences for the wider group. Excluded from infiltrating the ‘Church of the First Born’ because Joe is Jewish, he delivers Guy to the compound ruled over by Anthony Prescott. This fact-finding undercover assignment ultimately proves fatal for Guy.
This is a fair paced whodunit. The author’s use of language in this book is superb with the characters generously fleshed out and the plot unfolds seamlessly. I can easily imagine this book being turned into a play and majestically performed by a local theatre group at their local playhouse.
Synopsis /
In 1944, in the outer-Melbourne suburb of Nunawading, a brutal triple murder heralds the return of a long-forgotten cult. A man named Anthony Prescott has declared himself the Messiah and has promised his followers immortality. There are those who believe him and who are ready to kill in his name. Inspector Titus Lambert of the Melbourne Homicide unit, whose detectives are over-stretched, requests the discreet assistance of Helen Lord and Joe Sable, once members of his unit, now private inquiry agents. The investigation is more perilous than any of them realise, and will have tragic consequences.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, my sincere thanks to Scribe Publications for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
The year is 1944, and set during the dark days of the Second World War. A funereal, wartime Melbourne is the setting for Aussie Author, Robert Gott’s The Orchard Murders, which is the fourth book in his Holiday Murders series. I have not read any of the author’s previous works in this series, but had no trouble at all reading this instalment as a standalone. Although, now I have read The Orchard Murders I will definitely go back to book 1 and see where it all started.
A brutal triple homicide in the outer-Melbourne suburb of Nunawading suggests the return of a long-forgotten cult – ‘Church of the First Born’. A man named Anthony Prescott has declared himself the Messiah and has promised immortality for those that choose to follow him. Detective Inspector Titus Lambert of the Melbourne Homicide Unit is called on to investigate the homicides. However, his detectives are already over-stretched and severely under-resourced, so Inspector Lambert enlists the (discreet) assistance of established private inquiry agents Helen Lord and Joe Sable from Helen Lord & Associates. Both Helen and Joe were former homicide detectives and both had worked with Lambert in Melbourne’s Homicide Unit.
Among Helen’s trusty collaborators are her best friend Dr Clara Dawson, Titus’ brother-in-law Tom Mackenzie, and Joe’s good mate Guy Kirkham. Investigating these heinous crimes is more perilous than any of them realise and, resolving them becomes an exercise fraught with peril, and, will have tragic consequences for the wider group. Excluded from infiltrating the ‘Church of the First Born’ because Joe is Jewish, he delivers Guy to the compound ruled over by Anthony Prescott. This fact-finding undercover assignment ultimately proves fatal for Guy.
This is a fair paced whodunit. The author’s use of language in this book is superb with the characters generously fleshed out and the plot unfolds seamlessly. I can easily imagine this book being turned into a play and majestically performed by a local theatre group at their local playhouse.
May 10, 2022
The Orchard Murders is the 4th book in the series by Robert Gott, although I read it as a standalone having never read the prior 3 books. It was easy to follow without the need of reading the first three books.
The book is focused in Nunawading, Melbourne, Victoria during 1944. There has been a triple murder, A Husband and wife and their 2 month old child, there is a suspect to the murders, however he conveniently is suffering from memory loss, and his recall of the event is sketchy to say the least. The suspect is placed into custody by Inspector Titus Lambert, as there are currently no other suspects, and by having someone in custody it can, at the very least, help the town sleep better at night.
The police force is very low on staff, due to the war so Inspector Lambert employs the assistance of Helen Lord and Joe Sable, who have recently retired from the force.
Joe and Guy Kirkham (Joe's mate) attempt to infiltrate a church cult, where the leader sees himself as the Messiah incarnate, Guy goes deep undercover into the cult, and is sending messages to Joe on the outside, to assist in the triple homicide investigation. This undercover investigation ends in tragic circumstances.
This book is a fantastic read, the "who done it suspense" is well written and very intriguing. I highly recommend for all lovers of crime, mystery and suspense.
I received a copy of this book from Scribe Publishers in exchange for an honest review, this book is extremely entertaining, it receives 4 stars from me.
Please visit my blog and follow to see all of my past and future book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/Kylies-Book-...
The book is focused in Nunawading, Melbourne, Victoria during 1944. There has been a triple murder, A Husband and wife and their 2 month old child, there is a suspect to the murders, however he conveniently is suffering from memory loss, and his recall of the event is sketchy to say the least. The suspect is placed into custody by Inspector Titus Lambert, as there are currently no other suspects, and by having someone in custody it can, at the very least, help the town sleep better at night.
The police force is very low on staff, due to the war so Inspector Lambert employs the assistance of Helen Lord and Joe Sable, who have recently retired from the force.
Joe and Guy Kirkham (Joe's mate) attempt to infiltrate a church cult, where the leader sees himself as the Messiah incarnate, Guy goes deep undercover into the cult, and is sending messages to Joe on the outside, to assist in the triple homicide investigation. This undercover investigation ends in tragic circumstances.
This book is a fantastic read, the "who done it suspense" is well written and very intriguing. I highly recommend for all lovers of crime, mystery and suspense.
I received a copy of this book from Scribe Publishers in exchange for an honest review, this book is extremely entertaining, it receives 4 stars from me.
Please visit my blog and follow to see all of my past and future book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/Kylies-Book-...
January 2, 2022
4.5★s
The Orchard Murders is the fourth book in the Holiday Murders series by Australian author, Robert Gott, and follows on directly from The Autumn Murders. With his Homicide Squad sorely depleted, a multiple murder at Nunawading stretches DI Titus Lambert’s team even further, and he takes the radical step of asking former Police Constable Helen Lord’s newly established private inquiry agency for covert assistance.
At first glance, it seems that young farm hand Emilio Barbero has attacked and killed Deborah Fisher and her baby son Sean. Barbero hangs from the rafter; what remains of Deborah’s husband Peter holds the baby’s body. The only living witness, neighbouring orchardist Zachary Wilson, lies unconscious in hospital recovering from the explosion that took Peter Fisher.
But closer examination of the scene, autopsies and investigations into the victims demonstrate that nothing is quite as it appears. Fisher had been proclaimed the Messiah by a charismatic orchardist who now has his own following. Anthony Prescott seems to be the leader of a Messianic cult, and Wilson’s wife, Meredith describes him as dangerous.
Helen’s employee, former police sergeant Joe Sable decides to infiltrate Prescott’s group, and his friend Guy Kirkham puts himself forward as a prospective devotee seeking healing from Prescott’s Church of the First Born. Against her better judgement, Helen allows this to go ahead.
Meanwhile, Helen’s friend, Dr Clara Dawson, long-accustomed to sexual discrimination from the other doctors at the hospital, finds she has acquired an unwanted admirer, a former patient whom, she suspects, has murdered her most offensive colleague and then presented her with a trophy.
Mostly recovered from a previous traumatic episode, Group Captain Tom Mackenzie is recruited by Military Intelligence to cultivate a friendship with Flight Lieutenant Winslow Fazackerly, the fact of whose Japanese wife, now living in Hiroshima, puts him under suspicion. Whatever Tom and his sister Maude think of Winslow, it seems some have already reached an unfavourable conclusion.
It’s always a bit dicey when an author decides to kill off an appealing character, and Gott pulls no punches in this instalment. Clara Dawson is feisty and clever, and her increased role in this book almost, but not quite, compensates for the reduced presence of Maude Lambert. Gott’s regular characters are certainly realistic, and many manage, despite their intelligence, principles and good intentions, to behave stupidly or poorly, and misjudge the character of those they encounter.
He does give them wise words and insightful observations: regarding the members of the religious cult, Joe quotes Voltaire “Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities” to which Helen replies “That’s the history of religion in a single sentence.”
Gott easily evokes the era, with a community mindset pervaded by xenophobia and religious intolerance. Availability of only the most basic crime scene investigation meaning that detectives need to rely heavily on their powers of observation, while wartime fuel shortages mean much travel is by foot or public transport. Once again, this is very atmospheric historical crime fiction, and more of this cast of characters is most definitely welcome.
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by Scribe Publishing Australia.
The Orchard Murders is the fourth book in the Holiday Murders series by Australian author, Robert Gott, and follows on directly from The Autumn Murders. With his Homicide Squad sorely depleted, a multiple murder at Nunawading stretches DI Titus Lambert’s team even further, and he takes the radical step of asking former Police Constable Helen Lord’s newly established private inquiry agency for covert assistance.
At first glance, it seems that young farm hand Emilio Barbero has attacked and killed Deborah Fisher and her baby son Sean. Barbero hangs from the rafter; what remains of Deborah’s husband Peter holds the baby’s body. The only living witness, neighbouring orchardist Zachary Wilson, lies unconscious in hospital recovering from the explosion that took Peter Fisher.
But closer examination of the scene, autopsies and investigations into the victims demonstrate that nothing is quite as it appears. Fisher had been proclaimed the Messiah by a charismatic orchardist who now has his own following. Anthony Prescott seems to be the leader of a Messianic cult, and Wilson’s wife, Meredith describes him as dangerous.
Helen’s employee, former police sergeant Joe Sable decides to infiltrate Prescott’s group, and his friend Guy Kirkham puts himself forward as a prospective devotee seeking healing from Prescott’s Church of the First Born. Against her better judgement, Helen allows this to go ahead.
Meanwhile, Helen’s friend, Dr Clara Dawson, long-accustomed to sexual discrimination from the other doctors at the hospital, finds she has acquired an unwanted admirer, a former patient whom, she suspects, has murdered her most offensive colleague and then presented her with a trophy.
Mostly recovered from a previous traumatic episode, Group Captain Tom Mackenzie is recruited by Military Intelligence to cultivate a friendship with Flight Lieutenant Winslow Fazackerly, the fact of whose Japanese wife, now living in Hiroshima, puts him under suspicion. Whatever Tom and his sister Maude think of Winslow, it seems some have already reached an unfavourable conclusion.
It’s always a bit dicey when an author decides to kill off an appealing character, and Gott pulls no punches in this instalment. Clara Dawson is feisty and clever, and her increased role in this book almost, but not quite, compensates for the reduced presence of Maude Lambert. Gott’s regular characters are certainly realistic, and many manage, despite their intelligence, principles and good intentions, to behave stupidly or poorly, and misjudge the character of those they encounter.
He does give them wise words and insightful observations: regarding the members of the religious cult, Joe quotes Voltaire “Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities” to which Helen replies “That’s the history of religion in a single sentence.”
Gott easily evokes the era, with a community mindset pervaded by xenophobia and religious intolerance. Availability of only the most basic crime scene investigation meaning that detectives need to rely heavily on their powers of observation, while wartime fuel shortages mean much travel is by foot or public transport. Once again, this is very atmospheric historical crime fiction, and more of this cast of characters is most definitely welcome.
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by Scribe Publishing Australia.
August 7, 2021
With 2 self-ordained messiahs living on adjoining properties in the countryside Victorian town of Nunawading the reader can expect complications of biblical proportions and the story begins with a seemingly rage-fuelled massacre. A neighbour is remanded in custody by a doubtful Inspector Titus Lambert, if only to mollify the hysterical public’s fears. Concerned that the recently created and undermanned Homicide Unit is out of it’s depth he illicitly engages the services of Helen Lord & Associates.
Helen and her cherished employee Joe Sable are private enquiry agents and Titus’ former colleagues and trusted friends. In 1944 it’s rare for a woman to run such a business, but the capable and enterprising Helen has been endowed by an uncle’s legacy and profit making is extraneous. Among her trusty collaborators are her best friend Dr Clara Dawson, Titus’ brother-in-law Tom Mackenzie, and Joe’s good mate Guy Kirkham. (They have had numerous escapades together in the previous 3 novels of Robert Gott’s series, the preliminary pages providing a snapshot, both an explanation and a teaser for those unfamiliar with their adventures.)
Excluded from going undercover at the ‘Church of the First Born’ because Joe is Jewish, he delivers Guy to the compound ruled over by Anthony Prescott. The fact-finding assignment is potentially dangerous but an ardent acolyte is even more suspicious of the newcomer and takes matters into his zealous hands.
Meanwhile Clara’s run in with a misogynistic doctor at the hospital leads to his murder. The haughty widow seems to want a stilted friendship, the sinister suspected murderer amorously sending Shakespearean sonnets as love tokens adds to the mayhem. Tom is recruited by an Air Force to investigate whether a fellow officer is spying for Japan, or is his superior the enemy?
‘The Orchard Murders’ is a pacey whodunnit with plenty of humour – occasionally at the expense of the lovelorn and bumbling main male characters. Fans of Miss Fisher would relish this series.
Helen and her cherished employee Joe Sable are private enquiry agents and Titus’ former colleagues and trusted friends. In 1944 it’s rare for a woman to run such a business, but the capable and enterprising Helen has been endowed by an uncle’s legacy and profit making is extraneous. Among her trusty collaborators are her best friend Dr Clara Dawson, Titus’ brother-in-law Tom Mackenzie, and Joe’s good mate Guy Kirkham. (They have had numerous escapades together in the previous 3 novels of Robert Gott’s series, the preliminary pages providing a snapshot, both an explanation and a teaser for those unfamiliar with their adventures.)
Excluded from going undercover at the ‘Church of the First Born’ because Joe is Jewish, he delivers Guy to the compound ruled over by Anthony Prescott. The fact-finding assignment is potentially dangerous but an ardent acolyte is even more suspicious of the newcomer and takes matters into his zealous hands.
Meanwhile Clara’s run in with a misogynistic doctor at the hospital leads to his murder. The haughty widow seems to want a stilted friendship, the sinister suspected murderer amorously sending Shakespearean sonnets as love tokens adds to the mayhem. Tom is recruited by an Air Force to investigate whether a fellow officer is spying for Japan, or is his superior the enemy?
‘The Orchard Murders’ is a pacey whodunnit with plenty of humour – occasionally at the expense of the lovelorn and bumbling main male characters. Fans of Miss Fisher would relish this series.
February 7, 2022
‘Zac Wilson heard Peter Fisher before he saw him.’
Australia, 1944. In the outer Melbourne suburb of Nunawading, a brutal triple murder tests Melbourne’s Homicide Squad. At first it looks like Emilio Barbero, a young farm hand, killed Deborah Fisher and her baby son, Sean. Barbero’s body is found hanging. Zac Wilson finds Deborah’s husband Peter holding Sean’s body, and then Peter sets off an explosion. Zac Wilson is injured and taken to hospital. He is the only living witness.
A closer examination of the scene, together with the autopsy results and other investigations, demonstrates that the case is more complex than initially thought. Detective Inspector Titus Lambert, needing assistance, calls on the discreet assistance of former police officers Helen Lord and Joe Sable, now private inquiry agents.
On a neighbouring farm, a man called Anthony Prescott has proclaimed himself the Messiah and has followers who would do whatever he wanted. Peter Fisher had been part of this cult: the Church of the First-Born.
While investigating these murders is part of the story, there are other strands reflecting the xenophobia and religious intolerance prevalent at the time. There’s a military intelligence operation concerning the Australian husband of a Japanese woman living in Hiroshima, and the murder of a colleague of Helen Lord’s friend, Doctor Clara Lawson.
I found it very hard to put this book down. The murder investigation is perilous, with tragic consequences, while the other strands add depth to life in war-time Melbourne. This is the fourth in Mr Gott’s Holiday Murder series. I have read and enjoyed the first book and need to track down the two I have missed. Mr Gott’s characters are well developed and very human.
‘You’re here because you were there, that’s all.’
Highly recommended.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Australia, 1944. In the outer Melbourne suburb of Nunawading, a brutal triple murder tests Melbourne’s Homicide Squad. At first it looks like Emilio Barbero, a young farm hand, killed Deborah Fisher and her baby son, Sean. Barbero’s body is found hanging. Zac Wilson finds Deborah’s husband Peter holding Sean’s body, and then Peter sets off an explosion. Zac Wilson is injured and taken to hospital. He is the only living witness.
A closer examination of the scene, together with the autopsy results and other investigations, demonstrates that the case is more complex than initially thought. Detective Inspector Titus Lambert, needing assistance, calls on the discreet assistance of former police officers Helen Lord and Joe Sable, now private inquiry agents.
On a neighbouring farm, a man called Anthony Prescott has proclaimed himself the Messiah and has followers who would do whatever he wanted. Peter Fisher had been part of this cult: the Church of the First-Born.
While investigating these murders is part of the story, there are other strands reflecting the xenophobia and religious intolerance prevalent at the time. There’s a military intelligence operation concerning the Australian husband of a Japanese woman living in Hiroshima, and the murder of a colleague of Helen Lord’s friend, Doctor Clara Lawson.
I found it very hard to put this book down. The murder investigation is perilous, with tragic consequences, while the other strands add depth to life in war-time Melbourne. This is the fourth in Mr Gott’s Holiday Murder series. I have read and enjoyed the first book and need to track down the two I have missed. Mr Gott’s characters are well developed and very human.
‘You’re here because you were there, that’s all.’
Highly recommended.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
August 29, 2021
Amongst the orchards of Nunawading the Church of the First Born, a religious sect first formed in the 1870s, has resumed its unique form of worship.
The Church isn’t well known and only comes under scrutiny when four dead bodies and one unconscious survivor are found on a property in Nunawading, a suburb on the fringe of Melbourne. Each had connections with the Church.
It’s 1944 and the war has resulted in a shortage of police. The Melbourne Homicide department is severely understaffed, and the resignations of Constable Helen Lord and Detective Joe Sable have further depleted the team. A recent bequest has allowed Helen to open her own private enquiry agency, Helen Lord and Associates, and Joe has joined her as an employee.
To alleviate the pressures on the Melbourne Homicide unit and nudge along the investigation into what is a grisly multiple murder, Inspector Titus Lambert enlists the assistance of Helen Lord and Associates. It’s a request that breaches police protocols and would end Inspector Lambert’s career should it ever become known.
There begins a parallel investigation into the crimes with the police, through Inspector Lambert, exchanging information and knowledge with Helen Lord and Associates. It’s an investigation that encompasses the arrest of the sole survivor, infiltration of the Church of the First Born by Guy Kirkham, a friend of Joes, and yet another murder.
While the investigation is underway there’s some interesting, yet unrelate, crimes being committed around Melbourne that include the murder of a doctor from the Royal Melbourne Hospital and surveillance of a possible spy who works for the RAAF at Victoria Barracks.
This is the fourth book in the series, and I enjoyed the development of the relationships between the characters. With Joe and Helen resigning from Victoria Police at the end of the last book I was curious to see how things would play out. The shift in the relationships was addressed early in the book and then settled into a comfortable transition. Added to that is the almost comic aspect to the misread romantic attractions amongst some of the characters.
As has been the case in the first three books, there’s plenty going on in The Orchard Murders to keep the reader engaged. The interaction between the main characters is entertaining and, given the subject matter of their conversations, manages to have its lighter moments.
Overall, I found The Orchard Murders an entertaining and fast paced book. There was never a dull moment.
Many thanks to Scribe Publications for providing me with a copy of The Orchard Murders.
The Church isn’t well known and only comes under scrutiny when four dead bodies and one unconscious survivor are found on a property in Nunawading, a suburb on the fringe of Melbourne. Each had connections with the Church.
It’s 1944 and the war has resulted in a shortage of police. The Melbourne Homicide department is severely understaffed, and the resignations of Constable Helen Lord and Detective Joe Sable have further depleted the team. A recent bequest has allowed Helen to open her own private enquiry agency, Helen Lord and Associates, and Joe has joined her as an employee.
To alleviate the pressures on the Melbourne Homicide unit and nudge along the investigation into what is a grisly multiple murder, Inspector Titus Lambert enlists the assistance of Helen Lord and Associates. It’s a request that breaches police protocols and would end Inspector Lambert’s career should it ever become known.
There begins a parallel investigation into the crimes with the police, through Inspector Lambert, exchanging information and knowledge with Helen Lord and Associates. It’s an investigation that encompasses the arrest of the sole survivor, infiltration of the Church of the First Born by Guy Kirkham, a friend of Joes, and yet another murder.
While the investigation is underway there’s some interesting, yet unrelate, crimes being committed around Melbourne that include the murder of a doctor from the Royal Melbourne Hospital and surveillance of a possible spy who works for the RAAF at Victoria Barracks.
This is the fourth book in the series, and I enjoyed the development of the relationships between the characters. With Joe and Helen resigning from Victoria Police at the end of the last book I was curious to see how things would play out. The shift in the relationships was addressed early in the book and then settled into a comfortable transition. Added to that is the almost comic aspect to the misread romantic attractions amongst some of the characters.
As has been the case in the first three books, there’s plenty going on in The Orchard Murders to keep the reader engaged. The interaction between the main characters is entertaining and, given the subject matter of their conversations, manages to have its lighter moments.
Overall, I found The Orchard Murders an entertaining and fast paced book. There was never a dull moment.
Many thanks to Scribe Publications for providing me with a copy of The Orchard Murders.
December 16, 2021
Violent with unsavoury characters 👍
Read
August 20, 2021Stylish, witty, and nail-bitingly relentless. Gott is at the top of his game.
Emma Viskic, author of the Caleb Zelic series and Barry Award–Nominated Darkness for Light
Gott’s use of language in this finely written book is superb. He is an exceptional storyteller, and the plot unfolds effortlessly. It’s a joy to find writers who can command their craft in such a way so the action doesn’t feel forced or contrived … We can’t say its champagne crime fiction as it’s not from the Champagne region, but this sure as hell is sparkling crime fiction.
Julia Jackson, Readings
As with Gott's earlier novels, The Orchard Murders bristles with interesting detail and a convincing wartime backdrop.
Jeff Popple, Readings
Emma Viskic, author of the Caleb Zelic series and Barry Award–Nominated Darkness for Light
Gott’s use of language in this finely written book is superb. He is an exceptional storyteller, and the plot unfolds effortlessly. It’s a joy to find writers who can command their craft in such a way so the action doesn’t feel forced or contrived … We can’t say its champagne crime fiction as it’s not from the Champagne region, but this sure as hell is sparkling crime fiction.
Julia Jackson, Readings
As with Gott's earlier novels, The Orchard Murders bristles with interesting detail and a convincing wartime backdrop.
Jeff Popple, Readings
October 7, 2021
At the beginning of this book a synopsis of each of the three preceding titles in the series appears. I hadn't read them all, but it did serve me to bring me "up to speed".
The novel is a reminder that strange and violent crimes continue even when a country is at war, and so there is need of a police force and even private investigators. Helen Lord and Joe Sable, once part of the Victoria Police's Homicide squad, are now private investigators, but they keep in close touch with their former boss, Inspector Titus Lambert. The other main characters are Tom McKenzie, a former pilot, and Clara Dawson, a doctor at the Melbourne Hospital.
There are a number of linked plots in the book, which makes for interesting reading. For example Tom returns to work to undertake surveillance of a man married to woman in Japan, and therefore under suspicion of espionage. Clara's boss is a doctor who despises female doctors, and she is befriended by his wife. The main plot is the murders that take place in Nunawading on a farm next to one run by a sect.
Between them the plots paint a strong picture of life in Melbourne towards the end of World War II.
Highly recommended. Very readable.
The novel is a reminder that strange and violent crimes continue even when a country is at war, and so there is need of a police force and even private investigators. Helen Lord and Joe Sable, once part of the Victoria Police's Homicide squad, are now private investigators, but they keep in close touch with their former boss, Inspector Titus Lambert. The other main characters are Tom McKenzie, a former pilot, and Clara Dawson, a doctor at the Melbourne Hospital.
There are a number of linked plots in the book, which makes for interesting reading. For example Tom returns to work to undertake surveillance of a man married to woman in Japan, and therefore under suspicion of espionage. Clara's boss is a doctor who despises female doctors, and she is befriended by his wife. The main plot is the murders that take place in Nunawading on a farm next to one run by a sect.
Between them the plots paint a strong picture of life in Melbourne towards the end of World War II.
Highly recommended. Very readable.
June 29, 2023
I like Robert Gott’s writing. The books in this series are police procedurals, but with a twist. They are all set in Melbourne around the 1940s. The first three involved a far right nationalist group and this one involves a ‘religious’ and criminal cult. Focussing on these types of groups allows Gott to explore some interesting issues which still resonate today in our polarising times. I’m wondering whether this change in the targets of the police investigations signals a new set in this series.
Even though the murders are pretty gruesome, the way the police conduct themselves has plausibility. There are multiple investigations and they are not necessarily all related. The extent to which the police character disclose information might stretch things a bit, but it’s not entirely implausible that police talk ‘out of school’.
Gott’s writing is taut and perfectly paced. If you like the previous books in the series you will enjoy this one.
Even though the murders are pretty gruesome, the way the police conduct themselves has plausibility. There are multiple investigations and they are not necessarily all related. The extent to which the police character disclose information might stretch things a bit, but it’s not entirely implausible that police talk ‘out of school’.
Gott’s writing is taut and perfectly paced. If you like the previous books in the series you will enjoy this one.
October 19, 2021
This was the first book I've read from Gott, and I didn't realise this was part of a series.
At first this was disconcerting, the first 3 page updates I wasn't sure where this was going - a lot of names, updates and situations to take in.
Personally this technique distracted me from the story - as a device I would have preferred reference to the past events within the text. Just a personal preference.
After the initial confusion, I really did enjoy the book. The different points of view from various characters, the story itself, as well as the mix of characters. Also that it's set locally.
I'd read another.
At first this was disconcerting, the first 3 page updates I wasn't sure where this was going - a lot of names, updates and situations to take in.
Personally this technique distracted me from the story - as a device I would have preferred reference to the past events within the text. Just a personal preference.
After the initial confusion, I really did enjoy the book. The different points of view from various characters, the story itself, as well as the mix of characters. Also that it's set locally.
I'd read another.
December 10, 2021
Rushed ending. I enjoy reading about Melbourne and surrounds during this time period.
January 16, 2022
This holds together excellently as a murder mystery. I read it becuase of the Nunawading connection but it could have taken place anywhere. Had a great time going down Rabbit Holes in Wikipedia as a result of his referenced to the Nunawading Messiah however. However Robert Gott is such a dark writer. I was gripped but I don't want to read another of his books.
October 23, 2021
This series has improved a lot since I read the first one. While the villains are still well developed and credible, the narrative interest is firmly focused on those doing the detecting - and there are quite a few of those.
Gott managed to keep me interested in the various plot strands and the cast of quite flawed characters. It presents an interesting picture of psychological fragility in Melbourne in WWII, as well as resilience and the closeness of death.
There are strands left for future books to take up and this one establishes Gott as a writer worth following.
Gott managed to keep me interested in the various plot strands and the cast of quite flawed characters. It presents an interesting picture of psychological fragility in Melbourne in WWII, as well as resilience and the closeness of death.
There are strands left for future books to take up and this one establishes Gott as a writer worth following.
October 20, 2022
Another in this series set in or around Melbourne during the second World War. I found it the best so far. While the crimes are still gruesome, there is more emphasis on the characters doing the detection. It is always enjoyable to come back to familiar characters and see their development. I also liked the fact that there was a brief summary of the previous three books at the start of this one. That helped set the scene and reminded me of connections I'd forgotten.
In this novel, Helen Lord has left the police force and set up a private agency with her colleague Joe Sable. With resources stretched in wartime, their previous boss brings them in to help with an investigation into a brutal multiple killing. This is associated in some way with a Messianic cult, the Church of the First Born. A second unrelated murder involves Dr Clara Dawson, Helen's friend. Tom Mackenzie, who suffered terribly in an earlier novel in the series, is asked by military intelligence to befriend and monitor the activities of a man suspected of being sympathetic to the Japanese cause.
Gott skilfully handles these multiple strands. In previous novels Nazi sympathisers were the villains. In Orchard Murders there is recognition that Japanese people and culture can be separated from Japanese militarism. This aspect of the novel petered out a little but has potential to be picked up again in the next book, assuming there is one. It didn't interfere with the pace of the book, which kept my interest throughout.
In this novel, Helen Lord has left the police force and set up a private agency with her colleague Joe Sable. With resources stretched in wartime, their previous boss brings them in to help with an investigation into a brutal multiple killing. This is associated in some way with a Messianic cult, the Church of the First Born. A second unrelated murder involves Dr Clara Dawson, Helen's friend. Tom Mackenzie, who suffered terribly in an earlier novel in the series, is asked by military intelligence to befriend and monitor the activities of a man suspected of being sympathetic to the Japanese cause.
Gott skilfully handles these multiple strands. In previous novels Nazi sympathisers were the villains. In Orchard Murders there is recognition that Japanese people and culture can be separated from Japanese militarism. This aspect of the novel petered out a little but has potential to be picked up again in the next book, assuming there is one. It didn't interfere with the pace of the book, which kept my interest throughout.
August 22, 2021
Lucky to have been gifted a copy of 'The Orchard Murders' by Robert Gott - thank you Scribe Publications. I must say I was pleasantly surprised with this book - amazed at the detail crammed into this novel. This is a gritty and gristly historical mystery set in the mid 1940s that covers so much ground across greater Melbourne with strategically placed references to the war on Australia's doorstep. You feel as if you've always known the characters: Helen and Clara are like reliable work colleagues who are in your inner friend circle, and Titus, Tom, Ros and Guy are just part of the extended family.
Immersed in the gruesome murders in Nunawading, you appreciate the way Titus calls on the expertise of Helen and her crew of investigators to help an underresourced police force. Throw in a cult leading Messiah by the name of Anthony Prescott, a possible double agent informant to the Japanese army, and a suspicious murder of a local doctor - this book has it all. I really admired the way that Gott portrayed Helen and Clara: both very headstrong women who owned their skills and expertise, and were also strong women for the times. The 1940s was a place where women may not have been applauded in their professions yet these two commanded much more respect than the realised. I will definitely look out for the other books in The Murder Series. Love reading books by Australian authors that capture my attention and leave me wanting more.
Immersed in the gruesome murders in Nunawading, you appreciate the way Titus calls on the expertise of Helen and her crew of investigators to help an underresourced police force. Throw in a cult leading Messiah by the name of Anthony Prescott, a possible double agent informant to the Japanese army, and a suspicious murder of a local doctor - this book has it all. I really admired the way that Gott portrayed Helen and Clara: both very headstrong women who owned their skills and expertise, and were also strong women for the times. The 1940s was a place where women may not have been applauded in their professions yet these two commanded much more respect than the realised. I will definitely look out for the other books in The Murder Series. Love reading books by Australian authors that capture my attention and leave me wanting more.
January 14, 2022
The orchard murders by Robert Gott (Melbourne author)
This book is the fourth in a series which I commenced reading in 2015. The other titles are The Holiday Murders, The Port Fairy Murders and The Autumn murders. The Orchard Murders focusses on murders in rural Nunawading in the 1940s where a number of orchard farms thrived and it is up to the newly-formed (1943) Victorian Homicide department to solve these crimes.
Each of these books is set in Melbourne and country Victoria during WWII, concentrating on the lives of a few main characters – Detective Inspector Titus Lambert (and his wife Maude), Detective Joe Sable, Constable Helen Lord, her friend Dr Clara Dawson (a rare female doctor at the time) and Group Captain Tom Mackenzie (RAAF). The story-lines are somewhat “out there” at times but come together pretty well, although a few unorthodox detecting methods are used. Let’s just say that these people get themselves in some awkward situations which take some effort to be extricated from. A couple of the characters have assumed different career paths which adds an extra dimension to the story as do elements of tension and humour.
What I found particularly interesting about these books is the way that people lived during WWII with limitations and constraints – living with blacked-out windows, food and petrol rations – a bit like we’re living during Covid at the moment with supply issues. If you’re up for something bizarre and historical, this series might suit you well.
This book is the fourth in a series which I commenced reading in 2015. The other titles are The Holiday Murders, The Port Fairy Murders and The Autumn murders. The Orchard Murders focusses on murders in rural Nunawading in the 1940s where a number of orchard farms thrived and it is up to the newly-formed (1943) Victorian Homicide department to solve these crimes.
Each of these books is set in Melbourne and country Victoria during WWII, concentrating on the lives of a few main characters – Detective Inspector Titus Lambert (and his wife Maude), Detective Joe Sable, Constable Helen Lord, her friend Dr Clara Dawson (a rare female doctor at the time) and Group Captain Tom Mackenzie (RAAF). The story-lines are somewhat “out there” at times but come together pretty well, although a few unorthodox detecting methods are used. Let’s just say that these people get themselves in some awkward situations which take some effort to be extricated from. A couple of the characters have assumed different career paths which adds an extra dimension to the story as do elements of tension and humour.
What I found particularly interesting about these books is the way that people lived during WWII with limitations and constraints – living with blacked-out windows, food and petrol rations – a bit like we’re living during Covid at the moment with supply issues. If you’re up for something bizarre and historical, this series might suit you well.
April 3, 2023
A well-written historical murder mystery set in 1944 Nunawading, Victoria, during WWII. The war atmosphere is quite palpable, & one thread is closely related to Japan & possible espionage. The main story, that of the murder of a whole family of orchard-growers, is investigated by the recently formed Victorian Homicide Unit: using not much more than observation & hearsay, the investigation is quite fascinating.
Due to the war, the police force is light on men so DI Titus Lambert requests the aid of independent investigators Helen Lord & Joe Sable, recently retired from the force. Helen's experience of working on the Force was one of constant denigration & discrimination, so she is happy to be out of it. Her friend, Dr Clara Dawson, one of few female doctors in the world, let alone Melbourne, is experiencing this distrust on a daily basis. As a team, they investigate the links to a Messianic Cult in the local area, sending a friend undercover to infiltrate the religious group.
Darkness & brutality abounds in this time of suspicion & intolerance. I enjoyed the historical aspect, the writing & the story as a whole, but I doubt I'll make any effort to read the 3 previous books - perhaps, a bit dark & miserable for me.
This works well as a stand-alone read but I found the precis of the previous books useful in getting a feel for the characters & their earlier experiences.
Due to the war, the police force is light on men so DI Titus Lambert requests the aid of independent investigators Helen Lord & Joe Sable, recently retired from the force. Helen's experience of working on the Force was one of constant denigration & discrimination, so she is happy to be out of it. Her friend, Dr Clara Dawson, one of few female doctors in the world, let alone Melbourne, is experiencing this distrust on a daily basis. As a team, they investigate the links to a Messianic Cult in the local area, sending a friend undercover to infiltrate the religious group.
Darkness & brutality abounds in this time of suspicion & intolerance. I enjoyed the historical aspect, the writing & the story as a whole, but I doubt I'll make any effort to read the 3 previous books - perhaps, a bit dark & miserable for me.
This works well as a stand-alone read but I found the precis of the previous books useful in getting a feel for the characters & their earlier experiences.
August 21, 2021
The Orchard Murders was the book I didn’t know I needed right now. Covid exhaustion has had me in a reading rut and this was exactly what I needed to get me out of it.
Gott has written the perfect cosy yet gritty historical mystery that will keep you reading into the early hours. The characters are like old friends that you are catching up with, and the storyline has you intrigued in it’s well written easy manner.
While I haven’t read the other books in this series, (this is the fourth book in the Holiday Murders series), The Orchard Murders worked wonderfully as a stand alone novel, however I will now be endeavouring to track down and read the first three books as I enjoyed this one so much.
If you have read and enjoyed The Rowland Sinclair mystery series by Sulari Gentill than this series is for you.
A huge thank you to Scribe Publications for my copy of this novel.
Gott has written the perfect cosy yet gritty historical mystery that will keep you reading into the early hours. The characters are like old friends that you are catching up with, and the storyline has you intrigued in it’s well written easy manner.
While I haven’t read the other books in this series, (this is the fourth book in the Holiday Murders series), The Orchard Murders worked wonderfully as a stand alone novel, however I will now be endeavouring to track down and read the first three books as I enjoyed this one so much.
If you have read and enjoyed The Rowland Sinclair mystery series by Sulari Gentill than this series is for you.
A huge thank you to Scribe Publications for my copy of this novel.
June 12, 2024
Having read the previous three books in this series I though I could cope with the dark and gritty nature of the story lines but this one defeated me and I gave up - just skim reading to the end. Set in Melbourne in the early 1940's, the story initially surrounding the horrific murders of a family and the supposed involvement of a cult leader who believes himself a messiah sounded interesting. But the level of brutality and graphic description of murder and violence simply put me off. I found myself honestly unable to connect or empathize with any of the characters.
I am sad, as an expat Aussie, who lived in Melbourne, I love reading books set in my old home town. Albeit this is set before I was born, I nevertheless did like references to familiar places. But this series has run its course for me - just too violent. I was surprised at one review that referred to it being'witty' - I certainly didn't find any wit in the writing style
I am sad, as an expat Aussie, who lived in Melbourne, I love reading books set in my old home town. Albeit this is set before I was born, I nevertheless did like references to familiar places. But this series has run its course for me - just too violent. I was surprised at one review that referred to it being'witty' - I certainly didn't find any wit in the writing style
August 31, 2021
Novelist Robert Gott has once again written a murder mystery that grabs and maintain's the reader's interest from the first to last page. Characters from previous novels re-appear; however, this time Helen and Joe are working as private detectives rather than as members of the police force. The novel begins with bizarre murders and a suicide by members of a religious cult. This is soon followed by the murder of a doctor. Are these murders connected or separate is the question that is not answered until the final pages of the novel. As with Gott's other Holiday Murder novels, this proved difficult, if not impossible, to put down.
October 25, 2021
Robert Gott writes books that show the worst in people. A family is dead, by his own action, and his wife and child by some ones hand. A suspect is in hospital, another is hanging.
An ex police woman who has now set up an Private Investigation agency is asked to assist, alongside her partner also enlist the assistance of another person as well.
There is plenty of action and the culmination had me so tense that I sighed with relief when it finished.
If you liked the previous ones you should read this.
An ex police woman who has now set up an Private Investigation agency is asked to assist, alongside her partner also enlist the assistance of another person as well.
There is plenty of action and the culmination had me so tense that I sighed with relief when it finished.
If you liked the previous ones you should read this.
September 3, 2021
The fourth book in Robert Gott’s ‘Murders’ series frees its cast from the constraints of the newly formed Homicide Squad and plunges them straight into a baffling case that threatens many of their number. Full review at Newtown Review of Books
September 25, 2021
My one regret is that I haven’t read this entire series previously, it would have been great to know these characters journey to this point. I really enjoyed the quirky and witty style, set during WWII and of course a good Aussie detective based mystery with murder, intrigue and plenty of action.
September 26, 2021
I love this series from Robert Gott. The new settings east of Melbourne make a nice change and the topic is interesting. As usual, the characters are well written and their lives and tribulations good to follow.
June 24, 2023
The plot and murder concepts are really interesting, but I do not like any of these characters except for Maude. I haven't read the previous 3 books so maybe you get attached with their character development through that?
May 3, 2024
This is the 4th book in the series and Im glad I read them in order.The setting is an outer suburb of Melbourne during WW11. Its got it all -cults, murder, unrequited love, police, spies, treason and private eyes .
June 21, 2024
This was an easy read, and I had read an earlier one in the series. I probably won't continue, as series of novels no longer engage me as they once did. Set in my home town, made it more interesting to me.
March 28, 2022
A fabulous read. Love the depiction of Melbourne in this era. Very well done highly recommended. Thank you Robert. Looking forward to then next instalment.
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