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The Widow of Walcha
The Widow of Walcha
is a shocking true story about death, love and lies in the small NSW town of Walcha.
All farmer Mathew Dunbar ever wanted was to find love and have a family of his own. That’s why, just months after meeting Natasha Darcy, the much-loved grazier didn’t hesitate to sign over his multi-million-dollar estate to her.
When Mathew died in an apparent suicide soon afterwards, in a stranger-than-fiction twist, Natasha's estranged husband – who she was once charged with trying to kill – was the first paramedic on the scene after the murder.
Journalist and author Emma Partridge travelled to the cool and misty town of Walcha in the Northern Tablelands of NSW in the months after Mathew Dunbar's death, drawn by the town's collective worry that Natasha was going to get away with murder. Partridge spent months researching the case, interviewing Mathew’s friends, family and Natasha herself in an attempt to uncover her sickening web of lies and crimes.
The Widow of Walcha is about one of the most extraordinary criminal trials in Australia’s history and reveals Natasha’s sickening crimes against those she claimed to love, fuelled by her obsession with money.
All farmer Mathew Dunbar ever wanted was to find love and have a family of his own. That’s why, just months after meeting Natasha Darcy, the much-loved grazier didn’t hesitate to sign over his multi-million-dollar estate to her.
When Mathew died in an apparent suicide soon afterwards, in a stranger-than-fiction twist, Natasha's estranged husband – who she was once charged with trying to kill – was the first paramedic on the scene after the murder.
Journalist and author Emma Partridge travelled to the cool and misty town of Walcha in the Northern Tablelands of NSW in the months after Mathew Dunbar's death, drawn by the town's collective worry that Natasha was going to get away with murder. Partridge spent months researching the case, interviewing Mathew’s friends, family and Natasha herself in an attempt to uncover her sickening web of lies and crimes.
The Widow of Walcha is about one of the most extraordinary criminal trials in Australia’s history and reveals Natasha’s sickening crimes against those she claimed to love, fuelled by her obsession with money.
369 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
165 people are currently reading
905 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
November 27, 2024
Emma Partridge did an amazing job writing this book, and I couldn’t put it down. It was no doubt a very hard task dealing with such disturbing subject matter. That a woman so evil and calculated tried to kill her husband twice, then went on to groom, coerce him to change his will, and then murder Mat Dunbar while showing no remorse is beyond shocking. This is an extremely well researched account of the crimes, the criminal background of the perpetrator (I can’t write her name - she is absolutely heinous) and the trial and aftermath is riveting. I am so sorry for Mat’s family and loved ones, and I hope he is resting in peace knowing his murderer will be in jail for decades to come.
August 28, 2023
Although the subject matter was disturbing, I just couldn’t put this book down. I’m not usually a true crime reader but the excellent telling of the crimes and the portrayal of the protagonist just reeled me in. While I felt no sympathy for the perpetrator, I did feel great sadness for all her victims, particularly the man she murdered. I especially liked Fred who prevented himself from being deeply duped by this sick woman.
After reading a library copy, I ordered a copy for my sister in the US.
2023 nonfiction reader challenge - crime
After reading a library copy, I ordered a copy for my sister in the US.
2023 nonfiction reader challenge - crime
January 13, 2025
**4.5 stars**
It seems a bit strange and almost disrespectful to say one 'enjoys' a true crime novel given we are talking about the loss of life for a real person... so can I perhaps just say that I really appreciated this book? This Australian non-fiction novel delves into the story of Mathew Dunbar who was murdered by his partner Natasha Darcy. After finishing it, my first thought was how the author set out the story of Mathew in a respectful and sensitive manner, highlighting Mathew the person rather than just Mathew the victim. It was surprising to learn that this is the author's first novel as it was so well-written (noting she is an experienced journalist); I hope the author decides to write another true crime book in the future.
Overall: an excellent and absorbing book.
It seems a bit strange and almost disrespectful to say one 'enjoys' a true crime novel given we are talking about the loss of life for a real person... so can I perhaps just say that I really appreciated this book? This Australian non-fiction novel delves into the story of Mathew Dunbar who was murdered by his partner Natasha Darcy. After finishing it, my first thought was how the author set out the story of Mathew in a respectful and sensitive manner, highlighting Mathew the person rather than just Mathew the victim. It was surprising to learn that this is the author's first novel as it was so well-written (noting she is an experienced journalist); I hope the author decides to write another true crime book in the future.
Overall: an excellent and absorbing book.
March 30, 2024
What an amazing, crazy story. So incredible, so hard to believe the escalation. The reveals after the case hearing are even more incredulous. What a story!
September 3, 2022
A great effort by this first time author, but experienced crime reporter. It is incredible just how blatantly this convicted murderess pursued her victims. The book is obviously thorough and well-researched. It would have been great to have some further background information relating to Natasha's formative years, though difficult to achieve with limited information provided from significant others. Perhaps most important of all though, the book is a tribute to Mathew Dunbar, a man thoroughly undeserving of his untimely fate. Well done Emma Partridge!
October 28, 2022
I do wish I could rate this higher as this true crime was incredibly interesting and it is obvious how much research and journalistic work Partridge has put into it. The execution of the book itself, however, was just not there. I think of investigative journalism works like Bad Blood and other thrilling accounts like Crisis in the Red Zone, and I almost feel saddened that such an interesting criminal account wasn't written and edited better. It had the potential to be a heart-gripping thriller. This was more like... I don't know, a lengthy school essay.
As some reviews have already pointed out, parts of this were highly repetitive; each chapter invariably starts with some unnecessary description which has no bearing on the story (including the weather, for example) like the writer was following a rigid formula; we don't need 7 mins of explaining how a criminal trial runs; and there's so much foreshadowing throughout the book like "there's far more to this story", "there is so much more" - stop it lol, just tell us the story.
This is, however, the best Audible narration I've heard to date and regardless of the writing and pacing issues in this book, I still enjoyed it from start to finish with much thanks to the narrator.
As some reviews have already pointed out, parts of this were highly repetitive; each chapter invariably starts with some unnecessary description which has no bearing on the story (including the weather, for example) like the writer was following a rigid formula; we don't need 7 mins of explaining how a criminal trial runs; and there's so much foreshadowing throughout the book like "there's far more to this story", "there is so much more" - stop it lol, just tell us the story.
This is, however, the best Audible narration I've heard to date and regardless of the writing and pacing issues in this book, I still enjoyed it from start to finish with much thanks to the narrator.
July 11, 2022
Wow, truth really is stranger than fiction.
You couldn't make this stuff up.
5 stars, great read.
May contain triggers.
You couldn't make this stuff up.
5 stars, great read.
May contain triggers.
August 16, 2023
Walcha (pronounced like polka) is a small town in NSW, located half way between Sydney and Brisbane with a population of approximately 2,475 people. In 2017, Natasha Darcy murdered her partner Mathew Dunbar and tried to make it look like suicide. Australian journalist Emma Partridge is the Senior Crime Editor for Nine News, and has won several awards for her court reporting.
In The Widow of Walcha, Emma Partridge tells Mathew Dunbar's story, and in doing so, exposes the greedy and despicable behaviour of one of the most cold and calculating females in Australia.
By all accounts, Mathew Dunbar was a kind, quiet, generous and successful sheep grazier who owned a multi-million dollar farm called Pandora. Actively involved in the community, Mathew was looking for love and wanted to have a family, making him the perfect target for Natasha Darcy.
After drugging her ex-husband Colin Crossman and burning down their house with him still in it, Natasha Darcy was charged with attempted murder in 2009. Serving time in jail, Natasha was later released, yet bizarrely remained in close contact with Crossman. They were unable to claim the insurance money for the house and were in serious debt when Natasha Darcy shifted her sights to Mathew.
With a ruse to meet the wealthy grazier and instigate a speedy romance, Natasha was soon spending Dunbar's money freely, while spending months online obsessively researching the best ways to kill him.
There were hundreds and hundreds of damning search terms, but here's a sample:
'how to commit murder', 'poisonous spiders', 'murder by injection,' 'can Police see search history?' and 'does helium show up in autopsy?' Other searches included: 'lethal dose of oxycodone', 'can Police see deleted messages' and '11 toxic wild plants that look like food'.
Thoroughly investigated by Emma Partridge, the case, arrest and subsequent trial showed Natasha Darcy to be a compulsive liar, and an evil and manipulative woman. At the time of the victim's death, the entire town believed Natasha had murdered Mathew, and locals couldn't understand why she was walking around free. Darcy was eventually arrested 4 months after Dunbar's death.
There was so much damning evidence in this case it was quite mind-blowing. Most shocking (to me) was why in hell ex-husband Colin Crossman - a Paramedic, no less - who had been drugged by Darcy and nearly died when she set his house on fire, was still actively involved in the children's lives. Darcy even took out a life insurance policy on Colin, this woman was bad news.
In an odd twist of fate, Crossman was the first Paramedic on the scene when Natasha 'discovered' Mathew unresponsive and frantically phoned for an ambulance. Partridge doesn't allege they were 'in on it' together, but this reader certainly wondered. Especially when you consider that when the author first sees Natasha, she and Colin are transporting a fridge from Pandora to his house. She was even interviewed by Police at Crossman's house. What is Crossman thinking?
Worth millions, Darcy repeatedly asked Mathew to change his will to leave Pandora to her and her children if anything happened to him. Denying it later, Police were able to retrieve deleted text messages and evidence of her repeated nagging about the will.
Darcy had been in and out of jail for various charges including theft, and even had the nerve to ask another inmate if she'd lie to Police and inform them Mathew had been contemplating suicide days before his death. Darcy promised to pay her friend $20,000 for the lie when she 'automatically' inherited Pandora on her release. Fortunately the friend was already wise to the toxic manipulation and cut all ties, later coming forward during the trial with her information.
Narrated by Jo Van Es, this case was a shocking glimpse into the sordid mind of a self-serving, unfeeling, greedy and manipulative woman, prepared to do anything to further her financial position in life at the expense of all others.
Darcy finally settled on her method to dispatch Mathew, despite previous unsuccessful attempts which left him on crutches just days before his death. Mixing a cocktail of different drugs (including her son's medication and ram sedatives purchased under an assumed name), Natasha blended them in a Nutribullet to sedate Mathew. She then put a bag over his head and pumped helium gas into it, which eventually killed him.
I was gripped the entire time I was listening to The Widow of Walcha by Emma Partridge and found it hard to fathom the fact a woman could be so cold and evil. Recently finished, this book was very much in mind when I learned of the recent mushroom poisoning by Erin Patterson in the town of Leongatha where my parents live. Originally an intervention / mediation lunch, Erin's ex in-laws and family relative passed away after eating lunch at Erin's house containing fatal death cap mushrooms.
In this new case, the ex-husband Simon Patterson was supposed to attend the lunch and pulled out at the last minute, and just as well. Last year, he was in ICU for 16 days and underwent multiple operations to treat an undiagnosed gut illness. What's the bet this was Patterson's first attempt?
I see similarities in the early days of the mushroom poisoning case and the hideous behaviour of Natasha Darcy. If guilty, I hope Police find enough evidence to convict her and that she is brought to justice for killing three people with another still clinging to life at the time of writing. I hope the investigative journalists on this case are as dedicated to their jobs as Emma Partridge, and choose to put the truth and justice ahead of sensationalism and click bait.
No-one expects to live alongside a female murderer in their small town, and the family and friends of Mathew Dunbar in Walcha still mourn his loss. Taking advantage of a wealthy middle aged man with the promise of providing an instant loving family is the lowest of blows, and I only wonder why she couldn't be content living that life. Sentenced to 40 years in prison with a non-parole period of 30 years, Natasha Darcy's black widow days are well and truly over.
The fate of Pandora hadn't been legally settled when The Widow of Walcha was published in May 2022, but thankfully the author gave me peace of mind when she pointed out that regardless of the outcome, Darcy's children cannot legally inherit Pandora. Thank goodness for that!
The Widow of Walcha by Emma Partridge is one of the best Australian true crime accounts I've ever read!
In The Widow of Walcha, Emma Partridge tells Mathew Dunbar's story, and in doing so, exposes the greedy and despicable behaviour of one of the most cold and calculating females in Australia.
By all accounts, Mathew Dunbar was a kind, quiet, generous and successful sheep grazier who owned a multi-million dollar farm called Pandora. Actively involved in the community, Mathew was looking for love and wanted to have a family, making him the perfect target for Natasha Darcy.
After drugging her ex-husband Colin Crossman and burning down their house with him still in it, Natasha Darcy was charged with attempted murder in 2009. Serving time in jail, Natasha was later released, yet bizarrely remained in close contact with Crossman. They were unable to claim the insurance money for the house and were in serious debt when Natasha Darcy shifted her sights to Mathew.
With a ruse to meet the wealthy grazier and instigate a speedy romance, Natasha was soon spending Dunbar's money freely, while spending months online obsessively researching the best ways to kill him.
There were hundreds and hundreds of damning search terms, but here's a sample:
'how to commit murder', 'poisonous spiders', 'murder by injection,' 'can Police see search history?' and 'does helium show up in autopsy?' Other searches included: 'lethal dose of oxycodone', 'can Police see deleted messages' and '11 toxic wild plants that look like food'.
Thoroughly investigated by Emma Partridge, the case, arrest and subsequent trial showed Natasha Darcy to be a compulsive liar, and an evil and manipulative woman. At the time of the victim's death, the entire town believed Natasha had murdered Mathew, and locals couldn't understand why she was walking around free. Darcy was eventually arrested 4 months after Dunbar's death.
There was so much damning evidence in this case it was quite mind-blowing. Most shocking (to me) was why in hell ex-husband Colin Crossman - a Paramedic, no less - who had been drugged by Darcy and nearly died when she set his house on fire, was still actively involved in the children's lives. Darcy even took out a life insurance policy on Colin, this woman was bad news.
In an odd twist of fate, Crossman was the first Paramedic on the scene when Natasha 'discovered' Mathew unresponsive and frantically phoned for an ambulance. Partridge doesn't allege they were 'in on it' together, but this reader certainly wondered. Especially when you consider that when the author first sees Natasha, she and Colin are transporting a fridge from Pandora to his house. She was even interviewed by Police at Crossman's house. What is Crossman thinking?
Worth millions, Darcy repeatedly asked Mathew to change his will to leave Pandora to her and her children if anything happened to him. Denying it later, Police were able to retrieve deleted text messages and evidence of her repeated nagging about the will.
Darcy had been in and out of jail for various charges including theft, and even had the nerve to ask another inmate if she'd lie to Police and inform them Mathew had been contemplating suicide days before his death. Darcy promised to pay her friend $20,000 for the lie when she 'automatically' inherited Pandora on her release. Fortunately the friend was already wise to the toxic manipulation and cut all ties, later coming forward during the trial with her information.
Narrated by Jo Van Es, this case was a shocking glimpse into the sordid mind of a self-serving, unfeeling, greedy and manipulative woman, prepared to do anything to further her financial position in life at the expense of all others.
Darcy finally settled on her method to dispatch Mathew, despite previous unsuccessful attempts which left him on crutches just days before his death. Mixing a cocktail of different drugs (including her son's medication and ram sedatives purchased under an assumed name), Natasha blended them in a Nutribullet to sedate Mathew. She then put a bag over his head and pumped helium gas into it, which eventually killed him.
I was gripped the entire time I was listening to The Widow of Walcha by Emma Partridge and found it hard to fathom the fact a woman could be so cold and evil. Recently finished, this book was very much in mind when I learned of the recent mushroom poisoning by Erin Patterson in the town of Leongatha where my parents live. Originally an intervention / mediation lunch, Erin's ex in-laws and family relative passed away after eating lunch at Erin's house containing fatal death cap mushrooms.
In this new case, the ex-husband Simon Patterson was supposed to attend the lunch and pulled out at the last minute, and just as well. Last year, he was in ICU for 16 days and underwent multiple operations to treat an undiagnosed gut illness. What's the bet this was Patterson's first attempt?
I see similarities in the early days of the mushroom poisoning case and the hideous behaviour of Natasha Darcy. If guilty, I hope Police find enough evidence to convict her and that she is brought to justice for killing three people with another still clinging to life at the time of writing. I hope the investigative journalists on this case are as dedicated to their jobs as Emma Partridge, and choose to put the truth and justice ahead of sensationalism and click bait.
No-one expects to live alongside a female murderer in their small town, and the family and friends of Mathew Dunbar in Walcha still mourn his loss. Taking advantage of a wealthy middle aged man with the promise of providing an instant loving family is the lowest of blows, and I only wonder why she couldn't be content living that life. Sentenced to 40 years in prison with a non-parole period of 30 years, Natasha Darcy's black widow days are well and truly over.
The fate of Pandora hadn't been legally settled when The Widow of Walcha was published in May 2022, but thankfully the author gave me peace of mind when she pointed out that regardless of the outcome, Darcy's children cannot legally inherit Pandora. Thank goodness for that!
The Widow of Walcha by Emma Partridge is one of the best Australian true crime accounts I've ever read!
August 21, 2022
If this was a book of fiction it would appear far fetched, but it is a true story. Very well researched.
The truth is so much more stranger than fiction.
The truth is so much more stranger than fiction.
October 21, 2022
I don’t read true crime, in fact, I’ve never read a true crime novel before, but this one was such a page turner. I completed it in one day. I live in Tamworth and it was bizarre this happened so close to where I live. Also Tamworth must be smaller than I thought because I literally know two of the people mentioned in this book which was kind of jarring when reading it! I knew nothing about this case but I found it really interesting.
April 4, 2023
This really should be called the Witch of Walcha. Couldn’t stop listening to this true crime expose - more so as it occurred in a small town close to my home town. Incredible story of a pathological liar who caused harm and havoc for decades …before she finally tangled herself up in a web of deceit to be caught. Unfortunately it took the death of her partner before this could happen. What is interesting about this story is how the police knew about the danger of this woman but were hamstrung by process and others, how many people were duped by her but still supported her and how she had done prison time and had multiple charges against her before she eventually went all out and committed murder. Full credit to the law enforcers for their persistence and thoroughness to bring her to a 40 year jail term. I’m sure this will become a mini series or movie - engaging and mind blowing the length that people go to for money.
November 13, 2022
If this was fiction …
… we would probably consider it as too outrageous to read. But sadly, it is not fiction. In this book Ms Partridge writes about the murder of Walcha farmer Mathew Dunbar in August 2017. His murderer, Natasha Darcy, now serving a prison sentence of 40 years, portrayed his murder as a suicide.
Ms Partridge spent months researching this case: she spoke with Mr Dunbar’s family and friends as well as to Ms Darcy before her arrest. Walcha is a small town in New South Wales: it is frightening to think that Ms Darcy may have got away with her crime in a large city where she was less well known.
Crime? I misspoke. The murder of Andrew Dunstan was one of many crimes committed by Ms Darcy. The details are all in Ms Partridge’s book. I hope this woman is never released from gaol.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
… we would probably consider it as too outrageous to read. But sadly, it is not fiction. In this book Ms Partridge writes about the murder of Walcha farmer Mathew Dunbar in August 2017. His murderer, Natasha Darcy, now serving a prison sentence of 40 years, portrayed his murder as a suicide.
Ms Partridge spent months researching this case: she spoke with Mr Dunbar’s family and friends as well as to Ms Darcy before her arrest. Walcha is a small town in New South Wales: it is frightening to think that Ms Darcy may have got away with her crime in a large city where she was less well known.
Crime? I misspoke. The murder of Andrew Dunstan was one of many crimes committed by Ms Darcy. The details are all in Ms Partridge’s book. I hope this woman is never released from gaol.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
March 18, 2023
I blame the overuse of antidepressants on newspapers and the 6 o'clock news.
DNF after 5 chapters, and the last chapter.
This author doesn't seem to have been able to make the switch from newspaper journalist to author. I wish she had written more dramatisation and character dialogue. I know it can be done. Trent Dalton, also an Australian journalist, managed to do it brilliantly with Boy Swallows Universe. About 30% of what I read of this story felt like padding or overly long explanations of irrelevant procedural stuff.
Overall, this was a semi-interesting news article to read; just one of many weird and tragic things that seem to happen in Australian rural towns these days. In the end, it was exactly that; an overly long newspaper article. I just skipped to the end.
DNF after 5 chapters, and the last chapter.
This author doesn't seem to have been able to make the switch from newspaper journalist to author. I wish she had written more dramatisation and character dialogue. I know it can be done. Trent Dalton, also an Australian journalist, managed to do it brilliantly with Boy Swallows Universe. About 30% of what I read of this story felt like padding or overly long explanations of irrelevant procedural stuff.
Overall, this was a semi-interesting news article to read; just one of many weird and tragic things that seem to happen in Australian rural towns these days. In the end, it was exactly that; an overly long newspaper article. I just skipped to the end.
January 27, 2023
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wow, what a story 😳 It is hard to comprehend that this kind of thing happens in real life, but apparently it does. Somehow I had missed this story in the media whilst it was playing out over a 4-5 year period and only ending last year so I had no prior knowledge of any of the events and I found this book absolutely intriguing.
December 29, 2024
The fact that all the events of this happened just 45 minutes from where I grew up is hard to grasp. What really drew me to read this was the understanding of Walcha and the unbelievability that this could happen so close to home. With each chapter I was more and more shocked. Emma Partridge has done an amazing job at providing all the facts while dealing with such a crazy, emotional story.
I’m not a true crime reader and I’m not sure I’ll be reading any more but I’m glad I read this one.
I’m not a true crime reader and I’m not sure I’ll be reading any more but I’m glad I read this one.
July 6, 2025
Well told true story, woah!
November 28, 2025
Well written but semi-draggy/repetitive in the middle. Partridge did a really decent job of relaying a lot of the story.
September 3, 2023
That. Was. Bonkers.
May 20, 2022
This is an amazing true crime tale written by award winning print and television journo Emma Partridge.
She cleverly weaves through the story of the murder of a wealthy farmer by a parasitic psychopath in the rural town of Walcha in New South Wales.
The jaw dropping stupidity of the murderer, with her leaving obvious digital footprints, leaving drug residues in kitchen appliances and continually making rudimentary fuckups, beggars belief.
It’s compelling reading.
She cleverly weaves through the story of the murder of a wealthy farmer by a parasitic psychopath in the rural town of Walcha in New South Wales.
The jaw dropping stupidity of the murderer, with her leaving obvious digital footprints, leaving drug residues in kitchen appliances and continually making rudimentary fuckups, beggars belief.
It’s compelling reading.
April 27, 2022
I couldn’t put this book down! What an extraordinary account of this dreadful woman and her crimes.
The author takes the reader on an amazing journey giving such interesting insight into the many aspects of journalism, police protocol and court proceedings. I thoroughly recommend.
The author takes the reader on an amazing journey giving such interesting insight into the many aspects of journalism, police protocol and court proceedings. I thoroughly recommend.
December 5, 2022
Still not my genre.
I appreciated the local story and that the author was at (endless) pains to share how much research she’d done, but I agree with my fellow local Bookclub- there was far too much of Emma in the story about Natasha. The last 30% felt wholly unnecessary and could have easily been a paragraph here and there in the preceding chapters.
The read dragged from the middle onwards to get to the verdict, which was a foregone conclusion anyhow since the book was actually published. The exercise of turning a long newspaper article into a book wasn’t one that felt particularly purposeful or necessary…
I certainly winced at the mention of my favourite Sunday cafe and my local hospital as it appeared in the narrative and the subject was suitably horrific, but not something I’d have chosen to read otherwise.
Think I’ll stick with the fiction.
I appreciated the local story and that the author was at (endless) pains to share how much research she’d done, but I agree with my fellow local Bookclub- there was far too much of Emma in the story about Natasha. The last 30% felt wholly unnecessary and could have easily been a paragraph here and there in the preceding chapters.
The read dragged from the middle onwards to get to the verdict, which was a foregone conclusion anyhow since the book was actually published. The exercise of turning a long newspaper article into a book wasn’t one that felt particularly purposeful or necessary…
I certainly winced at the mention of my favourite Sunday cafe and my local hospital as it appeared in the narrative and the subject was suitably horrific, but not something I’d have chosen to read otherwise.
Think I’ll stick with the fiction.
August 9, 2022
I couldn’t put it down, the kids and my hubby had to fend for themselves while I voraciously consumed this book. Emma has written this book beautifully, the story stayed with me long after I finished this book.
July 2, 2022
Amazing true story of a self-deluded killer written in an engaging style but far too long winded. Could have been condensed to half without detracting from the story.
June 12, 2022
What an amazing true crime tale written by award winning print and television journo Emma Partridge.
The author takes the reader on an amazing journey giving such interesting insight into the many aspects of journalism, police protocol and court proceedings.
She cleverly weaves through the story of the murder of a wealthy farmer by a parasitic psychopath in the rural town of Walcha in New South Wales, so hang on to the chair it’s going to be wild ride with so many men she tries to dig her claws into and so many lucky ones that escaped before it got to the pointy end of falling out of love.
The jaw dropping stupidity of the murderer, with her leaving obvious digital footprints, leaving drug residues in kitchen appliances and continually making rudimentary lies, how she can fabricate it all in her head and believe it all happen is beyond me, scary to know people out there in the community like that, all driven by money
It’s a compelling novel.
The author takes the reader on an amazing journey giving such interesting insight into the many aspects of journalism, police protocol and court proceedings.
She cleverly weaves through the story of the murder of a wealthy farmer by a parasitic psychopath in the rural town of Walcha in New South Wales, so hang on to the chair it’s going to be wild ride with so many men she tries to dig her claws into and so many lucky ones that escaped before it got to the pointy end of falling out of love.
The jaw dropping stupidity of the murderer, with her leaving obvious digital footprints, leaving drug residues in kitchen appliances and continually making rudimentary lies, how she can fabricate it all in her head and believe it all happen is beyond me, scary to know people out there in the community like that, all driven by money
It’s a compelling novel.
August 5, 2022
Trigger warnings: death, murder, mentions of suicide, fire, attempted murder, gaslighting, homophobia, mentions of rape, mentions of PTSD, theft.
Well this was a wild ride... It's a case I'd never even heard of, and I'm kind of glad I knew nothing going in because this was so ridiculously full of twists and turns that I found myself turning the page and gasping in surprise at the latest revelation.
The writing was extremely compelling, and I was honestly surprised at how quickly I read this book because sometimes true crime books have a tendency to get bogged down in the details and the pace slows down accordingly. But this just FLEW by. It's very journalistic in tone - which makes perfect sense as Partridge is a journalist - and the pacing was very well done.
All in all? Pretty fantastic and very tragic all at the same time.
Well this was a wild ride... It's a case I'd never even heard of, and I'm kind of glad I knew nothing going in because this was so ridiculously full of twists and turns that I found myself turning the page and gasping in surprise at the latest revelation.
The writing was extremely compelling, and I was honestly surprised at how quickly I read this book because sometimes true crime books have a tendency to get bogged down in the details and the pace slows down accordingly. But this just FLEW by. It's very journalistic in tone - which makes perfect sense as Partridge is a journalist - and the pacing was very well done.
All in all? Pretty fantastic and very tragic all at the same time.
June 20, 2022
I'd never heard of this case until a friend reviewed this book. A wonderful true crime book by a first time (book) writer - just the right mix of background/personalities/courtroom. The murderer at the heart of this book - Natasha Darcy, is a piece of work and smacks of the psychopathy you usually associate with men. In this case, she has it in spades. Her total lack of empathy for anyone other than herself, while nevertheless managing to wrangle her victims around her little finger - astonishing.
The victims she assaulted, attempted to murder and finally succeeded in murdering were too kind for their own good. Looking for love and companionship - they found a monster instead. The fact one she tried to kill by drugging and burning to death in a house fire still supports her and raises her children while she is in prison for 30 years - is just unbelievable.
Emma Partridge - keep writing - you have the knack.
The victims she assaulted, attempted to murder and finally succeeded in murdering were too kind for their own good. Looking for love and companionship - they found a monster instead. The fact one she tried to kill by drugging and burning to death in a house fire still supports her and raises her children while she is in prison for 30 years - is just unbelievable.
Emma Partridge - keep writing - you have the knack.
January 8, 2023
Compelling reading (well listening because I listened to the audio book). I’m not a big reader of real crime and haven’t got into all those real crime podcasts that are all the fashion. This is one for those who may not be into real crime as much as those who are. What a twisted tale of lies and unbelievable actions.
My only “I wish the author had” relate to interviewing a few others - like the sister who was in the public gallery and is noted as not being a supporter of the accused and the mother doesn’t sit with her. And maybe some teachers. There’d be teachers at Colo who’d surely remember her. It may confirm that the alleged action in Qld was a trigger or that she was a deceitful troublemaker from youth.
My only “I wish the author had” relate to interviewing a few others - like the sister who was in the public gallery and is noted as not being a supporter of the accused and the mother doesn’t sit with her. And maybe some teachers. There’d be teachers at Colo who’d surely remember her. It may confirm that the alleged action in Qld was a trigger or that she was a deceitful troublemaker from youth.
April 12, 2023
3.5 I found this slow to start but persevered as I have family around the Tamworth area who wanted to discuss the case. This case really would be unbelievable if a work of fiction, and it just escalated, and the pacing of the book picked up a lot during the trial stage. As well as the slow start I found some repetitive phrases and words stood out, and the writing definitely makes it clear the author is a journalist, but the story told was so gripping I was really invested through the second half.
December 31, 2022
The Widow of Walcha is a fascinating dive into the life of Natasha Darcy and her many victims, as well as those indirectly affected by her offending over the years. This book is a great case study of how good true crime can be written with forensic detail and a compelling narrative, whilst still demonstrating care and compassion for the victims. Although it touches on some of the more salacious elements of Darcy's offending, it doesn't become overly voyeuristic.
September 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ I enjoyed the format of this book - this is the first book I have read that has been written by a crime reporter. It was eye opening reading about their perspective and reporting while the case was happening. Natasha’s lies are absurd and the fact her disturbing actions escalated to murder before anyone stopped her, given her history, is ridiculous. There were a lot of perspectives and details provided through out which really helped to paint the picture of the situation and just how horrible (and dumb) Natasha is!
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