The Forthright Woman

by Darry Fraser

Widow Marcella Ross won't let anything - or anyone - stop her from discovering the truth behind a deadly family mystery ... Mystery and romance collide in this compulsive historical adventure from a bestselling Australian author.


1898, South Australia

At the gateway to the Flinders Ranges lies Kanyaka Station, once a thriving sheep and cattle property, now abandoned and in ruins. But a discovery in her late mother's papers draws recently widowed Marcella Ross out to its remote landscape in search of clues to the disappearance of her Uncle Luca, an Italian immigrant whose fate seems to have been bound up in that of his mysterious partner - also long-since vanished. When Marcella is nearly run over by a handsome stranger, she discovers he too is entangled in the secrets of the past. When tragedy and obsession threaten Marcella's fragile independence, how far will she have to go to unlock the secrets of Kanyaka - or solve the puzzle of her own future?

1955

After learning that they are unlikely to have children, Frances and Joe MacDonald have taken the unusual step of buying a caravan and travelling together through the outback. They stop and camp at Kanyaka Station, where Fran becomes mesmerised by the past. Family lore holds that an ancestor met an untimely end amid the desolate ruins. But what truly happened, and to whom, at the isolated station? As fate alters the course of her life, Fran's footsteps echo another woman's from so long ago ...

As the mystery unravels, will these two women have the chance to take control of their own destinies?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Australia, Audiobook, Romance, Mystery, Historical

428 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2022

About the author

Best-selling Australian author, Darry Fraser, has a passion for writing empowering, feminist-driven narratives.
She brings to life the courage, resilience, and spirit of women in her gripping stories and masterfully weaves fictional tales around the rich backdrop of Australian history.
Whether you're familiar with her work or discovering it for the first time, get ready to be captivated by her vivid characters and the rich landscapes of a past era, where adventure and empowerment intertwine.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcella Ross is a widow, and she lives with her brother Adam Phillips and his wife Hilda in Port Pirie. Marcella finds a torn note in her deceased mother’s possessions, it’s about her great uncle Luca and his prospecting partner Ewen Wheeler who vanished forty years ago and Marcella desperately want’s to solve the mystery.

Marcella visits the place where Italian migrant Luca started his new life in Australia, Kanyaka Station near Quorn, South Australia and she hopes to find some clues and maybe his grave among the haphazard headstones! When tragedy strikes the trio, Marcella needs help and Proby Cutler comes to her rescue. The dusty man on the big horse, who told her off for wandering around the isolated Kanyaka ruins and once it was a flourishing sheep and cattle station. Marcella is a widow and her marriage was arranged, she’s tired of everyone telling her what to do and she want’s to be an independent woman.

The Forthright Woman has a dual timeline, it’s set in 1898 and in 1955 in South Australia. The story is told from the two main women’s characters points of view and they have links to each other.

Frances and Joe MacDonald are childless, Joe buys a caravan and the couple are traveling around the Australian outback. They stop at Kanyaka Station, Fran feels a connection to the old place and maybe it’s because one of her ancestors died here? Joe has no interest in Fran’s family history, he’s a selfish man and she can’t believe how he treats her when she desperately needs his assistance and support.

Ms. Fraser skilfully gains your interest with her collective cast of characters in her latest book, you’re taken on quite a journey, one full of suspense and secrets, with vivid descriptions of the South Australian landscape and towns, flies, dust and all! I love Darry Fraser writing style and the narrative grabbed my attention from the start and I didn’t want the book to end. My favourite characters were Marcella and Proby and Mrs. Costa’s antics made me laugh out loud.

I received a digital copy of The Forthright Woman from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. The chemistry and interaction between Marcella and Proby was absolutely sizzling, and I always enjoy reading stories about strong, brave and courageous female characters. Another superb Australian historical mystery by the accomplished and one of my favourite Aussie author's Darry Fraser, I highly recommend this book and five big stars from me.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

1898 in the outback of the Flinders Rangers in South Australia, Marcella Ross, her brother Adam and his wife Hilda were heading for Kanyaka Station, abandoned and in ruins, attempting to discover secrets of the past. Riding with them, a stranger to Marcella, Proby Cutler, who'd had contact with Adam regarding land, title deeds and ownership. Proby was from the Barossa Valley and owned a vineyard. His two sons, Sam and Max, were currently in school, always home for the holidays. When a sand storm advanced on Marcella, Adam, Hilda and Proby, and there was nowhere to shelter, the consequences were disastrous...

It was 1955, when Fran and Joe hooked up their caravan, heading to the Kanyaka ruins, as Fran was keen to find out more about her ancestors. Searching for clues, Fran wanted to walk in her relatives footsteps, to find out what happened to her Uncle Luke and his best friend many years prior. The mystery was deep - could she discover what happened back near the turn of the century?

The Forthright Woman is the latest historical novel, set in Australia, by Aussie author Darry Fraser and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were well written, and I especially loved Mrs Costa - she was brilliant! The landscape, the harsh climate, the brutality of travel, living in poverty back in 1898, were real. Highly recommended.

With thanks to HarperCollins AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from start to finish, the mystery, the setting and the wonderful characters, and the title is perfect once you get to meet Marcella Ross, if you love a good Australian historical mystery with a lovely romance threaded throughout, then this is one book that you should read, Marcella is someone you should meet.

In 1898 widow Marcella Ross born to Italian immigrants lives in the town of Port Pirie in South Australia she is now living with her brother Adam and his wife Hilda running the fruit and vegie store their parents opened. While going through her late mother’s things Marcella comes across a small piece of paper that starts her on a journey to find the truth about her Uncle Luca’s death.
Marcella sets out with her brother and sister in law to the ruins of Kanyaka ruins near Quorn, here she meets Proby Cutler and discovers he too is looking for answers about his missing grandfather.

1955 Francesca and husband Joe decide that if they can’t have children they will travel after purchasing a caravan they start their trip but Fran is pulled to the ruins of an old property Kanyaka a place that her grandparents visited a lot and talked about the past and what happened there, this visit will change Fran’s life.

This story shows the strength and courage that two woman show when faced with what life has handed them, Marcella forced into her marriage is determined to never marry again and never to be forced to do what she is not happy with, she is a very independent woman and determined to stay that way but Proby weaves his way into her life, he is there for her when most needed. Fran too stood up and made the changes she needed to in her life as she too researched the past.

This book is so well written the characters called to me they are so easy to love and Mrs. Costa what a wonderful character you have to meet her, as well as Marcella, Proby and Fran. With such a beautiful ending there were tears from me. This is one that I highly recommend, it is an awesome story.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy to read and review

[Brooke - Brooke's Reading Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

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The Forthright Woman by Darry Fraser. (2022).

**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 30 November 2022**

1898, South Australia. A discovery in her deceased mother's papers sends recently widowed Marcella out to the abandoned and in ruins Kanyaka Station in search of clues related to her disappeared uncle. When Marcella meets a daunting stranger she learns he is also entangled in the secrets of the past. Tragedy and obsession threaten her independence... 1955. Fran and Joe are traveling the outback and stop at Kanyaka Station where Fran is mesmerised by the past and her family history there. As fate alters Fran's life, her footsteps echo another woman's from the past...

This is a great historical fiction read that features dual timelines. The first timeline takes place in 1898 and is primarily from the perspective of the widow Marcella who has a very independent nature and determined mind. The other timeline is in the mid 1950s and is from the perspective of Fran who feels a connection to the Kanyaka Station and suffers immense tragedy before deciding to take her life choices into her own hands. I enjoyed both narratives which completed each other nicely. Keep an eye out for Mrs Costa, who is a highly entertaining side character.
Overall: I would happily recommend this novel for any readers who enjoy Australian historical fiction that combines mystery, adventure and romance.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Historical fiction boss Darry Fraser has entertained readers once again with her latest offering that will surely top the bestseller lists.
1898 and Widow Marcella Ross searches for answers of the disappearance of her Uncle Luca.
Here she becomes embroiled in secrets of the past on a deserted property called Kanyaka Station.
Soon tragedy happens and her obsession with finding the truth threatens her own freedom.
1955 and Frances MacDonald and her husband Joe are travelling the country in an old caravan.
While stopped at an isolated farm, Fran develops a sense of destiny and is drawn into the history.
As the mystery unfolds, the past and the present will connect.
A romantic adventure that effortlessly weaves drama through a historical plot and well crafted narrative.
Darry takes you on a journey to another time and place that will capture your senses between two timelines.
At the heart of this story we have a strong, determined and independent woman who believes her voice should be heard and no matter what her opinions, courage and passion is important.
Darry writes with strength, adoration and strong emotion, it shows on the pages and among the tale.
We are very blessed to have a calibre of authors in Australia and in the historical fiction genre Darry is a major player.
Let your imagination run wild and travel with Darry to the past.

[Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

Darry Fraser has proven once again why her Australian historical fiction writing is high on the list of must reads. The Forthright Woman is another wonderful tale to immerse yourself in with a strong female lead in male dominated colonial Australia. I love the fact that in each of her novels, Darry takes her female lead and explores with them at a time when women were on the cusp of acquiring some form of independence. Into this Darry can always be relied upon to weave an intriguing mystery with just the right amount of romance.

‘Marcella had strolled around what felt like a vast field of broken dreams. Homes were silent, and the empty rooms within were devoid of memories.’

When you pick up one of Darry’s books, you know you are in for something special. You not only get a rollicking good yarn but also some exceptional research embedded within the tale that takes it to the next level. This time Darry presents a dual timeline, set in 1898 and in 1955 in South Australia. The cast of characters are engaging with a particular nod to Mrs Costa! With great strength, courage and determination, two women embark on life changing journeys. Perhaps Darry’s greatest strength is her richly detailed settings which almost become a character in their own right. Australia’s harsh outback living is on display and life at the turn of the century could be cruel indeed - those opening chapters were brutal.

‘It was hard enough being born in this country of immigrant stock from the Continent not to mention being a lone woman and coming into hostile territory. Hostile more because she had no husband, not so much because of the weather and terrain.’

Throughout it all Darry provides the reader with a strong historical setting of the day to day living from a time long passed. Issues of female independence are once more put under the spotlight as Darry gives a little taste of what life was like for widowed women who may have wished to retain their independence. In a time when Aussie authors are making their mark in historical dramas, Darry has done a fabulous job with wonderful storytelling, putting herself right up there with the best in these Australian colonial sagas.

‘She bristled. There it was again, that universal assumption that she would just go where the men in her life took her.’

If you like to escape to a time long gone, a time when women attempted to exert some form of independence, all with a dash of mystery and romance, then this will be the book for you. Life wasn’t easy for women who were often regarded as male property and I admired the many strengths of the lead character, Marcella Ross.







This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review

Another compelling story about a strong woman, set in a time when women were seen but not heard.

I love the settings of Darry Fraser's tales, and how I can imagine myself alongside the characters as I read.

I was hooked by Marcella's story from the get go, and I could not wait to turn the page to see where she would take us next.

If you are a fan of strong women, of Australian historical fiction or just an all round good story, this author is for you

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read relates to two centuries of 1898 and 1955. It highlights the lack of freedom for women and the control men had over them. As a fiercely independent person it's difficult to realise the injustice that can still be observed today. However, all that aside, this is a beautiful read. The author has included some historical insight along with beautiful descriptions of the desert country, the fabulous wine country of the Barossa, and an unsolved murder with the added sexual tension that Cutler has toward Marcella who until late in the book is unaware that she is a widow. Thank goodness, as he rescues her from the dreadful opportunistic Italian brother-in-law who under old Italian tradition she is to marry him.

1898, Marcella is a widow that has been taken in by her brother and his wife who have a small business. The family are of Italian immigrants living in a town one would consider not such an attractive Australian place but in the future the city of Pt Pirie would have the world's biggest lead smelter. Marcella had been looking into some distant family history to which her brother showed little interest in until for some reason this changed. Arrangements were made by Adam, unbeknown to Marcella, making contact with Proby Cutler who forms part of the investigation. Adam and Hilda with horse and cart, Marcella on her much loved horse, Demmy, head off into the desert country to the ruins of Kanyaka, not for the faint hearted even today. Marcella rides around the area until warned by her brother where she encounters a galloping horseman heading straight toward her and in pulling up demands are made and warning her of the dangers of the country around her. Unperturbed, she challenges his authority until it comes to light her brother's involvement with this man. After a few days the group encounter a severe dust storm that sees Adam killed along with his wife. This leaves Marcella alone with Cutler who is treated with continual disdain by her, still unable to get out of her mind that the whole interest by her brother had something to do with lost money or property and of this man's involvement. To add to the mystery it's well suspected that Cutler's grandfather was a murderer.

In 1955 Fran has visited the same site with a similar interest, what happened out here? Some of the mystery is still not solved; she is married to a wilful spiteful man who in his bad temper drives away from the site leaving Fran alone in the desert amongst the ruins of past buildings. She is suffering great discomfort with massive stomach pains which isn't hard to imagine the reason. The next thing she becomes aware of is that she's in hospital where she discovers she has had a miscarriage. Her husband, not able to accept his neglectful and despicable behaviour insists that she is to blame. Fran, desperate to escape her husband, makes the decision to go to her grandparents as soon as she recovers. However, through a turn of events this decision becomes even more imperative through her husband's actions.

There is a beautiful twist towards the end where Marcella's and Fran's lives collide and the link connecting these two women is revealed.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.

Another wonderful book by Darry Fraser. No-one writes heroes quite like this and Proby is another to add to the list. Marcella is constantly trying to live her life her way after the end of her loveless marriage. There is also the young couple, Fran and Joe. Their part of the story is set in 1955 and have an interesting connection to Proby and Marcella. Highly recommend!

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with all of Fraser’s previous novels, this is predominately a historical romance, but with a lot to hold the interest of those who don’t see themselves as romance readers. I enjoyed it a great deal; it’s one of Fraser’s best novels to date.

In 1898 in South Australia, Marcella Ross has set out to solve a mystery that was exposed when she began going through her dead mother’s papers. Marcella is unusual in being able to read. Few women can, and in fact plenty of men can’t either. This is an indicator of the frustrating position she finds herself in: highly capable, and wanting to be independent, but hemmed in by others’ expectations of her.

Her overbearing brother is someone with very specific expectations which clash strongly with Marcella’s own wishes. He attempts to take over her quest and, indeed, divert it. It’s through his actions that Marcella finds herself confronted with a strange man who also appears to be entangled in the secrets she’s working through. Soon her feelings for and about him begin to complicate an already challenging situation.

Unusually for Fraser’s novels, there is also a story strand that begins in 1955. Although dual timelines are not an uncommon approach, I don’t think Fraser has used them before. In this strand, Frances and Joe Macdonald are travelling through the outback. Frances wants desperately to visit Kanyaka Station, a location prominent in her family history. Joe is uninterested and even recalcitrant.

It's clear to the reader pretty early on how the two eras and two sets of characters are connected, but this doesn’t lessen the interest in the plot. You may not be able to pick the details, but the overall shape of how things are going to turn out is pretty obvious early on. I liked that some things were revealed early. I get annoyed when it feels like something is kept a secret just to string out the plot, not for a valid reason. This plot was realistically balanced, with some things clear to the reader from early on, and only a few held back.

This novel is one that succeeds because of multiple factors: not only the interesting, well structured plot, but also strong characters and very vivid settings.

Fraser is excellent at depicting the ingrained sexism of the late 1800s (and in this case the 1950s), and the ways in which strong women both defied it and worked within it to achieve their goals. I was teeth-grindingly frustrated on behalf of Marcella at times – which I’m pretty sure is what Fraser was aiming for – but sadly also recognised some of her frustrations and problems as ones that still exist.

At this point Fraser has written multiple novels set in the late 1800s in various parts of Australia. Although the plots are extremely varied and Fraser never repeats herself, she clearly builds on the research for earlier novels. The result is that the time and place are both vivid and well drawn; within a few pages you’ll be immersed in it. She doesn’t spout historical facts, but instead manages to provide an immersive experience.

And finally, the characters. Important to any novel, these really make or break romances, where aspects of the plot are predictable. Most readers will empathise strongly with Marcella, and get swept up in her journey. While other characters are less empathetic, they’re all real, understandable, and (unfortunately in some cases), recognisable.

All of these strengths – plot, setting and character – come together to create a highly enjoyable novel. Readers who gravitate to historical romances will enjoy it. However, I think many others will also: it’s got something to offer those who like historical backgrounds, mystery plots, and feminist stories as well. I enjoyed it a great deal.

You may also be interested in my reviews of other Darry Fraser novels:

Elsa Goody, Bushranger:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
The Good Woman of Renmark:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
The Last Truehart
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
The Prodigal Sister
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...

If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.

[Lily Mulholland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read. I love books about women pushing against the boundaries society puts in their way. My only complaint is the ending didn’t quite land for me. Perhaps it was in part due to the dual timelines—it’s super hard to bring parallel plots together in a satisfying way.

[Aryani Siti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced historical adventure - about a widow named Marcella, who hunts for the truth behind a deadly family mystery. I loved it!

[Dzintra aka Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book with lots of historic detail which I love! Darry’s best yet I think!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

[Genevieve Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed thus book. The link between the characters, the different lifestyles over the generations, the landscape.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the joy of this book for me comes from my personal knowledge of the Kanyaka ruins, Quorn & Hawker and my history with Port Augusta and Port Pirie. The Italian characters from port Pirie were developed well and more could have been done with the culture of their origins in my opinion. The storyline links between the original colonial settlement and the 1950’s story and the Italian migrant was done well, with a murder and a romance thrown in to keep interest alive.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite some clunky plot devices I enjoyed the 19th century story and in particular the Marcella character. I thought the 20th century story added little and was rather unnecessary.

[Jülie ☼♄  · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incorporating two of my favourite interests, historical fiction and family history, this story had me hooked from start to finish!
Anyone with even a passing interest in researching their family history will understand the thrill of discovering new and relevant information pertaining to their search.
Then to go on an adventure, to walk in the footsteps of your ancestors, or to find an elusive grave which adds the final page to an unfinished story…is just a marvellous thrill!

South Australia In 1898

After finding a concealed piece of a letter in her deceased mother’s belongings, Marcella Ross is suddenly filled with shock and many unanswered questions.
The partially damaged text alludes to some sort of foul play with regards to the disappearance of her Uncle Luca, an Italian immigrant who went missing in the outback many years before.

Recently widowed and with no other ties, Marcella has decided to embark on a journey to see if she can uncover some truths about her missing Uncle and his business partner who both seemingly disappeared without trace around the same time.
Deep in the unforgiving landscape of the Flinders Ranges is a very large old, once thriving sheep and cattle station called Kanyaka Station, now just a crumbling testament to those earlier times.
It is there that Marcella hopes to find the answers to her questions.
Her plans are somewhat thwarted when her brother insists on travelling with her, along with his wife…Marcella suspects he has his own agenda but can’t think why, and when they run into a stranger at their destination, she becomes even more suspicious.

Fast forward to 1955

Fran and her husband Joe MacDonald take a caravan trip in the Australian outback and Fran wants to stop at a place that used to be the thriving Kanyaka Station.
Fran has heard family stories about an ancestor who went missing there and possibly met with a suspicious death.
Whilst looking around the ruins Fran becomes unsettled by imaginings and sensations.
What follows is a series of events that throws her life into a chaos and changes everything she thought she knew…could it be that history is repeating itself?

This story is such an adventure! I was thoroughly absorbed from start to finish with the convincing way things unfolded. There was so much mystery and innuendo to have the reader guessing at every turn, yet it never felt contrived.

I’ve found another favourite author!
A definite 5⭐️ read for me!


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my electronic copy to read and review.

[Marit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meticulously researched and detailed this is a dual timeline story set in South Australia. Marcella Ross, a widow with limited options, but independent and determined to make her own way, lives in Port Pirie in 1898 with her brother and his wife. She is focussed on finding out the events leading to her great-uncle’s murder. She believes she knows who the murderer is but doubts are thrown upon the accepted version of the circumstances surrounding his death. Marcella travels to Kanyaka Station as well Hawker, Quorn, Port Augusta, back to Port Pirie, Port Adelaide and the Barossa Valley all the while experiencing tragedy, obsession, violence and a chance at happiness. The treatment of Italian immigrants as well as their patriarchal society traditions are also highlighted. Fran MacDonald, in 1955, has also set out on her own adventure, tracing her family’s footsteps. Marcella’s and Fran’s connection are slowly revealed in an absorbing Australian historical fiction featuring strong independent women.

[Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darry Fraser is one of my favourite Australian authors because she always delivers a cracking story with lots of great historic detail and fabulous characters. This book is no different. And while this is only my fourth of her books, I believe it may be her first dual timeline.

The story follows Marchella Ross in 1898, a strong-minded widow from Port Pirie, South Australia, who sets off to discover the truth about her great-uncle’s murder in Kanyaka 40 years earlier. While there, she meets Proby Cutler who she believes is the grandson of the man who killed her great-uncle.

The story blends with that of Fran’s in 1955 who is drawn to the Kanyaka ruins due to a family legend. I’ll be honest, I liked this plot, especially with how it ties in to the ending, but it was definitely the lesser of the two stories.

Fraser paints such a vivid picture of the townships of Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Hawker before the turn of the last century and builds a fantastic cast of main and supporting characters. But what she goes best is tell a bloody good story full of danger, mystery and even a little romance.

[Shelagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Forthright Woman is a brilliant blend of fiction and historical fact that had me on the edge of my seat throughout. this is a dual timeline story set partly in 1898 and partly in 1955. A murder 40 years earlier sets the scene for the meeting of recently widowed Marcella Ross and Proby Cutler, each of whom are linked to the victim, Marcella’s great uncle Luca Fillipo. Their investigtion into the mystery stirs up trouble and a series of further deaths take place. Meanwhile in 1955, Fran is drawn to the ruins of Kanyaka, a place of great significance to her grandparents, and nearly dies after being abandoned there. The tension in this story is palpable. Both threads are clearly linked but it is not until the end that we finally find out how. I’ve loved Darry Fraser’s books for some time now and I think this one is her best so far.

[Laura Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Darry Fraser's previous heroines, the Forthright Woman, Marcella Ross, mercifully released from an unhappy arranged marriage, knows she must rely on her own wits in order to free herself from society's expectation and forge her own life. With both her self-serving brother and a sinister brother-in-law determined to make her submit to their own whims, Marcella must rely on the kindness of a stranger, whom logic tells her to mistrust. Marcella has only her intuition, a protective skill handed down to her from her grandmother, to steer her in the right direction. Set against the backdrop of the Flinders Ranges of South Australia, Marcella must trust the remnant stones of a forgotten, drought-ridden settlement to release its secrets in order for her to uncover the haunting truth of a missing forebear and bring a murderer to justice.

For anyone who has ever wondered about the remnants of an old stone cottage glimpsed at a once prosperous outback settlement, Fraser has constructed a charming and convincing picture of the courage of our early European pioneers, including the forthright Marcella Ross who does not waver from her purpose.

[Leeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set over two timelines mostly in South Australia. Two young women are determined to travel to Kanyaka Station in South Australia to find out what happened to a relative who went missing in the early gold rush days of the 1850’s.
In 1898 Marcella Ross and her brother travel to Kanyaka Station, Marcella is trying to find out what happened to her great Uncle Luca who once lived at Kanyaka Station and her brother is searching for information about property their great uncle may have owned.
In 1955 Frances McDonald is also looking for information about her family history and their connection with Kanyaka Station.
This was a mystery about family relationships, immigrant families, outback Australia and secrets.

[Kerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had a number of recommendations by friends that I should pick up a book by this Australian author. The opening pages of this novel tell me this is the author's eighth Australian fiction novel, and it is set in the Flinders Ranges and the Barossa Valley. It is also set in at least two time frames (both historical) with many links between the two. In the Author notes at the end, I learnt of the author's own connections to the general outline of the story.

Although crimes have been committed, this novel is historical "romance" rather than crime fiction, and will have obvious appeal to Australian readers. And while this is the first novel I have read by this author, I'm pretty sure it won't be my last.

[Karly Newitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the beginning, the story felt a little familiar that I was questioning if I had read it already, but just realised some of the initial storyline was very similar to Elsa Goody I think from memory. I liked the switch between the timelines connecting the family and different time periods. I liked the addition of Fran's situation, as having also gone through that, felt that I could sympathise with it. Overall being the first book I've read in a fair while, it was generally a good read, following the authors general storyline/telling formula. I enjoyed the delving into family history trying to find out the family mystery.

[Naomi'sBookObsession❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another compelling read of one of my favourite genres, Australian historical fiction, with Drama, romance, adventure, murder mystery and more. This was set over two time spans in twined by family history. I like novels like this that send me on a further journey of research about the history of these remote places and where-about they can be found. It's always a nice pleasure to discover there's places can be visited for your own walk in the past to experience your own imaginings of what life may have been like then.

[Ruth Bonetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

South Australia led the path for women's suffrage in 1898 and this forthright heroine embraces her vote, riles against archaic patriarchy especially tight in the Italian immigrant community. What's not to love?
Although at times confused by the interlocking of ancestor families and murders indicated by fragments of letters (otherwise I would have awarded that fifth star), this was a well plotted novel. The dual time lines converge at the end and there's a touch of deja vue, or actually future view. The characters are well drawn, credible and well matched in an absorbing book.

[Rosemary Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marcella, daughter of Italian immigrants, is looking for her murdered great uncle's killer, it's 1898 and she is accompanied by her brother Adam and his wife. They are both killed in a wild storm and she's helped sort burial etc by Proby Cutler, grandson of the man she believes killed Luke. Things unravel and she's pursued by Matteo who is determined to marry her. Eventually she and Proby fall in love, of course, and things end happily ever after. They find the killer of both men and their bodies.

[Bookmarked ByLisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dual timeline novel set in South Australia with strong female led characters during a time where woman wernt meant to be with out a husband let alone speak their mind.

I really enjoyed the strength of the 2 main female characters who both had very different circumstances but worked through them with courage. Despite being a dual timeline it was easy to follow the two stories which worked in nicely with each other.

Thanks @harpercollinsaustralia for fabulous read

[Stephanie Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was ( intrigue-mystery romance adventure all rolled into one ) well written and it kept me engaged the whole time. Darry Fraser's books transport readers to " Outback frontier " in the mid-late 19th century Australia and for fans of American authors Sandra Dallas & Olivia Hawker.

I came upon the author's literary work 2-3 months ago, Darry's previous romance & mystery chick-lit piqued my interest and I've been binge reading her novels ever since.