Deception Creek

Detective Dave Burrows

by Fleur McDonald

A returned criminal, a cult-like family and cybercrime all clash against the backdrop of the Flinders Ranges in this thrilling rural suspense novel from the best-selling Voice of the Outback.

'If you're looking for a gripping rural crime thriller, look no further. Deception Creek is an excellent addition to the Dave Burrows series and the perfect gift for the upcoming Christmas season.' Better Reading

Emma Cameron, a recently divorced farmer and a local in Barker, runs Deception Creek, the farm that three generations of her family have owned before her. Every day Emma pushes herself hard on the land, hoping to make ten-year-old memories of a terrible car accident disappear. And now there are more recent nightmares of an ex-husband who refuses to understand how much the farm means to Emma.

When Joel Hammond is released from jail and heads home to Barker, Detective Dave Burrows and Senior Constable Jack Higgins are on high alert. Joel has a long and sorry history with many of the townsfolk and they are not keen to see him home to stay.

Not all of the Barker locals want to see Joel run out of town, though. Some even harbour doubts about Joel's conviction. The town finds itself split down the middle, families pitted against each other with devastating outcomes.

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Romance, Australia, Fiction, Romantic Suspense

400 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2023

About the author

After growing up on a farm near Orroroo in South Australia, Fleur McDonald’s first job was jillarooing in the outback. She has been involved in agriculture all her life, including helping manage a 8000-acre station for twenty years. Today Fleur and her energetic kelpie, Jack, live in Esperance, Western Australia,

Fleur is the author of 23 bestselling novels and two children's books.

Fleur chats about her daily writing life on her blog http://fleurmcdonald.com,
Facebook - Fleur McDonald Author
Instagram @fleurmcdonald
Tiktok @fleurmcdonaldauthor

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Joel Hammond returned to Barker, to his hometown and the home his parents had left him when they died, he’d known it wouldn’t be easy. But he hadn’t expected the anger and hate directed at him by a prominent family in town. Joel had been convicted of fraud at his job in Adelaide and went to jail for five years, before adding another four years for assault while inside. He was a changed man, but he just wanted the past behind him.

Emma Cameron owned and ran Deception Creek, the property which had been in her family for generations, and she loved her work. She had farm hand Matt working for her and he’d been reliable and a great support with all his farming knowledge over the six years he’d been working on Deception Creek. Emma had been first on scene to a fatal accident nine years prior and still had nightmares from the memories; now with her recent divorce, she wanted to bury herself in her work on the farm and try to forget her worries.

Detective Dave Burrows and Senior Sergeant Jack Higgins both felt there was something dangerous hovering over their town. With Joel back, unhappy residents, strangers in town, Jack and Dave were both on high alert. What would be the outcome of the uneasy atmosphere in Barker? Would Dave and Jack be able to keep the peace?

Deception Creek is another outstanding, tense suspense novel from Aussie author Fleur McDonald which I absolutely loved. The author is up there on my favourites list – I always look forward to her next book! Well crafted characters, and of course my favourites – Dave Burrows and Jack Higgins – lead the way in this phenomenal read which I highly recommend.

With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Deception Creek by Fleur McDonald is a binge worthy rural crime story. I flew through this and enjoyed the intrigue, secrets and mystery. There’s no doubt this author knows how to captivate her readers and I love how she uses her experiences and knowledge of working on the land to make the story both informative and sound authentic.

🌻Set in the country town of Barker in South Australia, Joel Hammond has just been released from jail after serving nine years for fraud of which he claims he’s innocent of and an assault. Joel returns to his hometown, his parents have since died and the family home is now his. Some of the locals are not happy Joel has returned because of a tragic incident in his past that involved a teenage girl.

🌻Emma Cameron runs and owns Deception Creek, a property that has been in her family for three generations. Recently divorced Emma works alongside Matt her reliable farmhand and her dog Cash. Emma still deals with nightmares from the trauma of being at the scene of a horrific accident many years ago.

🌻Detective Dave Burrows and Senior Constable Jack Higgins certainly have their hands full with Joel’s arrival back in town, they’re trying to keep the peace and keep Joel safe, which leads them to investigating a death that happened in the town many years ago.

Loved the multiple storylines, the mystery elements and the wonderfully engaging characters in this read! Highly recommended!

Publication Date 02 November 2021

Thank you to Allen & Unwin Australia & Fleur McDonald for having me along on the Deception Creek virtual tour and sending me a copy of the book to read and review

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars.
Emma Cameron, recently dovorced is back in Barker, on the family farm. Three generations of her family have owned ade eptionCreek before her. Life is far from easy nd the memories of a traumatic car accident she witnessed continue to give her nightmares. Her ex husband had. Never understood Emma’s love of the land and the hours it requires to maintain the farm.
Joel Hammmond is released from prison for a white collar crime he swears he did it commit. He returns to Barker but some people in the small things have long memories and still blame him for accident that killed Maggie, youngest son of the minister and his wife. Aware of the situation, Detective Dave Burrows and Senior Constable Jack Higgins are on high alert. Maggie’s brothers, in particular Steve, the school principal, are outraged that Joel has returned. They want him gone. Can the police keep the problems at bay? And why are some people so convinced of Joel’s guilt?
This is the fourth book I have read that features Dave Burrows. It is god learning more about him and his wife Kim as well as other characters in Barker. All are believable and engaging, except of course the unlikable ones. But there are reasons behind their actions. The setting in South Australia is as always well conveyed.
I admit to feeling frustrated by one of the characters and their absolute stupidity with social media, especially given their profession. My husband copped a good summary of my anger at the character's stupidity, which he agreed with and which sadly seems to be too true to life. And I wasn’t thrilled with one aspect of the ending. Other than that, a great read that kept my interest, I powered through it. Definitely recommended.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Fleur McDonald’s stories, I love Dave Burrows and I love visiting the small town of Barker where Dave is a detective, and this visit there is a lot happening all at the same time, Detective Dave Burrows and Senior Constable Jack Higgins are going to be kept on their toes this time around with the support of their partners Kim and Zara, clear the decks when you pick this one up because you are not going to want to put it down.

Joel Hammond has returned home to Barker after being released from Jail a very different man than he was when he left, his parents have passed on but he returns to the home he grew up in, but not everyone in town is happy that he has returned and it has nothing to do with what he went to jail for but something that happened when he was sixteen and trouble is brewing.

Emma Cameron lives on her farm Deception Creek she runs it with the help of her farm hand Matt, she is recently divorced mainly because her ex says she was married to the farm, she went through a tough time ten years before when she was the first to arrive on the scene of a terrible car accident, she has kept in touch with the driver of that car, Kyle through the years and he has arrived in town to catch up with Emma, could this mean changes for Emma?

Dave and Jack are feeling that something is not quite right in their town at the moment and feel the need to look into the death of young Maggie Douglas years before and need to talk to Joel Hammond, as well as that Zara, Jack’s girlfriend and journalist is looking into the reasons for Joel going to jail and they uncover a lot more than any of them expected, family secrets, lies and cover-ups.

This one had me turning the pages it was basically a one sitting read with a bit of sleep over night, I could barely put it down, Fleur McDonald has again put together a brilliant story with twists and turns that kept me enthralled and turning the pages, and explosive end had everything uncovered, so many different crimes linked in a way that had me shaking my head all set in a small farming community, this is a book that I would highly recommend, a brilliant read, one not to be missed and as ever I am looking forward to the next Fleur McDonald book.

My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply can't get enough of Detective Dave Burrows! This series is one I will definitely keep on my shelf to read again.

Joel Hammond is back in town after nine years in prison. His parents have passed away and Barker is the only home he knows. Joel wants a quiet life but the residents of barker have long memories and a penchant for bearing grudges.

Emma having recently celebrated her divorce thinks it may be time to start dating again when an old friend, she shared a tragedy with in the past, comes to visit and clearly shows his interest in her and the farm.

Deception Creek is another suspense filled rural crime novel. Characters I have come to know and love reappear in this story and I gained a little more insight into their personalities.

Zara the investigative journalist and girlfriend of police officer Jack Higgins again has a major roll in this novel as she works along side Dave and Jack.

Fleur McDonald again features PTSD and the importance of counseling. Through Joel, who is still professing his innocence, we see the difficulty to adjust to everyday lofe after being in prison.

Dave Burrows is always cool and calm, keeping his feelers out for any trouble but never taking sides or judging anyone.
The mysteries start to build as an accidental death 29 years ago is questioned.

McDonald includes themes of white collar crime, online blackmail and long held secrets, mixing these with everyday farming techniques to give her books a true Australian flavour.

Fleur McDonald knows how to add mystery into every element of the story leaving her readers eagerly turning the pages.
*I received my copy from the publisher

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Allen & Unwin and Fleur for sending us a copy to read and review.
An exciting rural suspense narrative with popular small town Detective Dave Burrows in another country crime mystery.
Joel Hammond has returned to Barker after spending many years in jail for a crime, he says, he didn’t do and the town people are not happy he has come home.
Emma Cameron is busy running Deception Creek, the family property.
She is haunted by past memories of a horrific car accident and now nightmares of her ex husband.
Not all of the community wants Joel gone, there’s a line right down the middle with many taking sides but with Detective Dave and his colleague Jack Higgins around, a decades ago case is surfacing and both need to keep on eye on everything.
This enjoyable book has a atmospheric rustic rural setting, a lively cast and a plot that’s addictive, entertaining and very hard to put down.
Multiple storyline’s blend together well and give the characters their moment to shine at numerous points of the tale.
Fleur’s lovable leading man Dave is in his element here with another police investigation to unravel all wrapped up in a outback adventure to engage in.
On a side note check out that very eye catching cover, what a stunner!
A story of long ago secrets, redemption, healing from the past and never letting mistakes define you.

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

Deception Creek is the eighteenth novel from bestselling outback fiction author Fleur McDonald. The undisputed ‘Voice of the Outback’ brings us a new story that highlights issues of trauma, justice, truth, conviction, the past, responsibility and divided opinions. Mysterious, hard hitting, conflicting and compelling, Deception Creek is another fantastic rural composition from Fleur McDonald.

Deception Creek follows a local divorced woman who runs her family’s farm. Emma Cameron’s farm has been in the family for a number of generations and she is intent on keeping it close. But a threat from her ex-husband and the haunting memories of a horrific car accident over a decade ago puts Emma on the edge. When a local man named Joel Hammond comes back to the area after a stint in jail, local officers Detective Dave Burrows and Senior Constable Jack Higgins are hot on Joel’s tail. Joel has a suspect past and the local community are very suspicious of this ex-con. But opinions are split in the community around Joel’s crime. While some believe Joel was guilty, others in the town are not so sure. With the local community at loggerheads, will this outback township unite or splinter?

Esperance based author and mother Fleur McDonald has written almost twenty outback stories over her successful career. I’ve been a fan of one of our country’s leading specialists in rural fiction for many years now. Deception Creek was a book that I have been looking forward to reading for some time. Yet again I was afforded a great reading experience thanks to Fleur McDonald’s latest rural delicacy, Deception Creek.

Deception Creek is another detective Dave Burrows and Senior Constable Jack Higgins tale. There was a sense of comfort that washed over me and a keen sense of familiarly that followed the moment I stepped into the pages of this novel. Deception Creek takes these two very likeable characters and extends their personalities, as well as life situations further. I appreciated how McDonald elongated the respective lives of these characters and issued both men with new tensions to deal with. These conflicts helped to drive the story in a forward motion. Adding in new players and mounting problems for the local town to deal with rounds off this engaging rural suspense narrative. I really felt like a part of this community fold for the duration of Deception Creek. McDonald renders her outback floor extremely well thanks to the powerful settings descriptions present in this latest rural melody from the bestselling author.

With a collective storyline focus on police investigations, traumatic incidents, past mistakes, relationships and atonement in an outback setting, combined with agricultural issues affecting the industry carefully inserted within this novel, Deception Creek is an involving tale. There is a high emphasis on the past, tragedy, justice, right versus wrong, innuendo and the pitfalls of living in a rural dimension. With such a good serving of mystery, conjecture and lively town politics, Deception Creek is a thought provoking read. McDonald is the master in terms of setting and she again conjures up an authentic rural atmosphere in her eighteenth release. The cast in Deception Creek have plenty to offer, thanks to Fleur McDonald’s special page-based treatment. It was a great feeling to return to Dave, Jack and company via Deception Creek. This is another illustrious outback thriller from hallowed Australian author, Fleur McDonald.

*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two seemingly unrelated story threads eventually overlap in Deception Creek, the fifth Australian rural mystery novel by Fleur McDonald to feature Detective Dave Burrows in the town of Barker, though the ninth in which he appears.

When Joel Hammond returns to Barker after serving a nine year jail sentence, Dave is surprised by the venom directed at him by a handful of locals. Their anger, Dave learns, is unrelated to the financial crimes that Joel claims he is innocent of. When Joel was a teenager his girlfriend, Maggie, died after a fall from a water tower, and though he was cleared of any involvement, her family have always believed him responsible.

Though Emma Cameron’s marriage has ended in divorce, she’s proud that all her hard work means the farm she inherited from her parents in Deception Creek is almost debt free. She doesn’t want to be alone forever though and when Kyle Pengilly, with whom she shares a tragic memory, comes to town, she finds his obvious interest flattering.

McDonald’s plot is skilfully crafted, well paced, and offers a truly unexpected ending. While Dave, and his partner Senior Constable Jack Higgins try to keep peace in town as Maggie’s brother, Steve, becomes increasingly confrontational with Joel, their partners, Kim Burrows and journalist Zara Ellison, grow curious not only about Joel’s insistence that he was not guilty of fraud, but also what really happened the night Maggie died. I was caught up in the drama and suspense as their questions unravel shocking truths that have been hidden for decades.

I’ve grown familiar with the core characters, who share a strong sense of community and justice, over previous instalments and find them to be an appealing foursome. I liked Emma, an independent, capable farmer, and Joel who, despite the accusations levelled against him, is sympathetic. Interestingly, both these characters give McDonald another opportunity to explore facets of PTSD, as she has done in several previous novels.

Though it can be read as a stand alone, Deception Creek is another great read is what is an engaging series that combines suspense and romance in an authentic rural Australian setting.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow.

[Deborah (debbishdotcom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always comment on the authenticity McDonald's own background as a farmer lends to her work. Not only does she effortlessly drop in details about farming life (stuff about cattle or crops and prices or new technology) but many of her characters promote the role of women in agriculture and which the author herself does as well.

I very much enjoyed this book but it broke my heart as well because {warning rather than spoiler alert!} McDonald doesn't necessarily give us the story arc involving redemption, or the happily-ever-after I'd expected.

I was a smidge confused for a while about the links between some of the characters, though I realise (of course) that some of that is done on purpose to keep us guessing.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...

[Mene Las · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was enjoyable enough, but doesn’t compel me to seek out more by this author. Too many plot elements that came together far too conveniently at the end.

I also wasn’t a fan of the audiobook’s narration, which likely took another star off the overall rating.

[Toni-Lee Bellaart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! Couldn’t put it down!

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this series.

[ANDREA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book . I’ve read a few of her books love how most books connect with her other books . And how she continues with the story with detective Dave Burrows .can’t wait to read more .

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read of Fleur’s. Had me guessing right to the end!

[Anna Loder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love returning to Dave Burrows and Barker x I love the fact that these are al stand alone novels that can be read out of order but that they connect and you often get little updates on how characters are going x deception creek was great, I loved getting to know Emma, learning more about farming and online dating..I love that you can just pick up a Fleur McDonald and disappear x it’s a novel that tackles a great deal of serious themes, but you are just in such safe hands.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fleur McDonald is one of Australia’s leaders as an author of rural literature. I commend her for the work she devotes to autism and domestic violence. Fleur McDonald is an inspiration for the young women of today.

‘Glass shattered. Metal tore.
When Kyle’s head hit the steering wheel he couldn't hear Alice’s screams anymore.’
Very gripping stuff and this is just the prologue to Deception Creek!

What is the connection between Emma and the accident?
Farmgirl Emma Cameron is the owner of Deception Creek, her marriage is a wreck. She and her husband agree to a divorce.
Emma’s friends band together to cheer her up. They danced and bumped bodies to the music. The party went on through the night and the champagne kept flowing. The girls ‘Who-hoos’! resonated over the farm. Did the partying ease Emma's misery?

Any one who's been through divorce knows that that feeling of failure and loneliness takes time to overcome. Emma is fortunate to have a dog Cash to keep an eye on her.
Oh, there is also a farmhand, Matt lurking in the background. He is quirky and wears odd socks.
Hmm….

Back in town, Barker’s police officer Dave Borrows is checking on recently paroled Joel Hammond. Joel has served a 9-year sentence for fraud plus disruption. Now he has served his time, he just wants to be left alone. There are people who won’t let him be. Hurling blackmail and violence in his way. It seems that Joel will never have peace! Will Joel be driven out of town?

With no family or friends there doesn’t appear to be much hope for Joel.
I so enjoy all the twists and turns in this story and I find the women characters strong and irresistible.

Dave Borrows appears in another book written by McDonald and has become a favorite character of her followers. Here he is again as Barker’s policeman. That’s interesting! I’ll be on the lookout for Dave in the next book written by Fleur McDonald.

Pack this one in your luggage to read these holidays.

Enjoy!

-Mariah & Me Book Reviewers on Instagram

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception Creek is the latest present day story of Det. Dave Burrows and the small town of Barker, that has more than it’s fair share of crime it seems.

This was a story with more than one mystery and a couple of twisty little side stories that kept me turning pages long into the night.

I love the way that Detective Burrows and his partner Senior Constable Jack Higgins are so focused on community policing; they know their town, they know their constituents and they care about all of them.

Deception Creek is a present day story, which still encompasses a couple of timelines, and that means that Det. Burrows isn’t the leading man here; he’s a supporting character. Even if he does always seem to steal the limelight.

Emma Cameron is the leading lady, and owner of Deception Creek – the farm owned by three generations of her family and the property the book takes it’s name from.

Recently divorced, Emma spends all her time focused on making Deception Creek a success; which is a big part of why she’s divorced. Her ex-husband always accused her of being married to the farm and not enough fun for him. Now that Emma is divorced the future looks a little lonely but is online dating really the right option in such a small town where news travels fast.

Emma can usually convince herself that she’s independent, self-sufficient and more than happy with her single life, but sometimes she gets a little lonely and wishes that she had someone who loves her land as much as she does.

Joel Hammond is another of our lead characters, someone who Emma knew in passing growing up but there was no real connection between the two. I wasn’t sure how he fit in to the story for a long time, but it seems he too had a story of his own to tell.

He has just been released from prison in Adelaide and returned to his childhood hometown because he had nowhere else to go. He lost his parents while he was incarcerated so doesn’t really have anyone to go home to but has inherited the family home and returns to the only place he really knows and ever loved.

Many of the Barker townspeople are loath to see him return, for a reason completely unrelated to his incarceration. He was friends with one of the town’s sweethearts as a teen and he was the last person to see her alive, being with her when she plunged to her death off a water tower. A large part of the town has never forgiven him, even though he was cleared of any involvement.

Joel is back in town to return the family home to it’s former glory and live a quiet life, but some people refuse to let him do so. Small acts of vandalism escalate and even though Joel seems happy enough to ignore it the police don’t want to see this type of behaviour in town and start to do a little digging.


Emma is also still recovering from the trauma of witnessing a horrific car accident. She remains in sporadic contact with the driver of the other vehicle, as they share the traumatic experience to an extent, and he picks this time to visit her in Barker; adding another element to the story, and another piece to try and work out where it fits in the puzzle.

As always McDonald brings all of the elements together in a tightly woven and cohesive suspenseful story that I absolutely loved. I adore Dave and his lovely wife Kim, they are so invested in their community – and each other. Definite life goals those two.

Watching the development of some of the other Barker characters is also quite satisfying. I love being able to look back in and see what’s happening with Dave’s partner Jack, and his girlfriend Zara. That was an interesting pairing from the start because it’s quite easy to slip into conflict of interest territory when a police officer pairs with an investigative journalist. There have been some sparks previously with Zara getting a little too zealous and ending up at loggerheads with Dave, the two seem to have come to an understanding now.

Zara plays quite a role in one of the mysteries as she becomes intrigued with Joel’s protestations of innocence over the charges that lead to his incarceration. She sinks her journalistic teeth into the case to see if there was something missing from the original investigation.

Deception Creek is suspenseful and engaging with characters you can’t help but connect to; many mysteries, both historic and current, and more than one situation to leave your skin crawling.

Pick up a copy of Deception Creek and reacquaint yourself with old friends, or meet a band of new ones. You won’t be disappointed.

[Christine Goodnough · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was very well written. Various twists and turns, lingering questions about the long-ago death of a community teen, and the fairly high suspense kept me turning pages.

The main story revolves around two main characters, their story lines alternating. Both have experienced tragedy, both witnessed and been seriously affected by what was deemed as an accidental death. Joel, just out of prison for embezzlement -- a crime he insists he never committed -- comes home to Barker, craving peace and quiet. Emma a local rancher, recently divorced and trying to run her farm beside Deception Creek with the help of her hired man, is trying to pay off her mortgage. Her hired man, Matt, is a great worker, if somewhat of a mystery.

Entwined in Joel & Emma's lives are various friends and enemies in Barker. The two local cops and their partners take an interest in Joel's situation. Dave's wife Kim has a soft heart for strays and Jack's fiancee Zara, an investigative journalist, becomes interested in Joel's conviction and claims of innocence. Someone new pops into Emma's life, while her good friend is threatened by a malicious cyber criminal. Lots of intriguing situations.

There's occasional profanity in the story -- "colourful local speech," if you will. And the local pastor and his family aren't painted in a very charitable light. One son is very hostile to Joel after the death of their sixteen-year-old Maggie, who was sneaking out after curfew to spend time with him. That tragedy figures prominently in this story.

[Beccabeccabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness. Where to start? 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐤 is just a phenomenal read and I certainly didn't see the outcome coming. Fleur really has diverted from her usual conclusions with this one! It's certainly not for the faint hearted!

The small town of Barker has never been so busy, and it's keeping Dave Burrows and Jack Higgins on their toes. Former inmate Joel Hammond has returned home, and he's not welcome from the majority of the community. Especially from the Douglas family, who are hell bent on revenge after the death of their daughter and sister, Maggie, who sadly passed at the age of sixteen. But that's not what put Joel in jail- instead he got caught up in money embezzlement, something he maintains his innocence for till this day.

At the same time, we meet Emma Cameron, a newly divorced local farmer. Ten years ago, she was the sole witness of a terrible car accident which killed a young woman. Still in contact with the victims husband, Kyle, she soon finds herself caught up in a deceiving and untrustworthy web...

As always, Dave, Jack and Kim absolutely shine in this story. After the mental health issues local journalist Zara Ellison suffered with in the previous read, it's awesome to see her back on form! Zara plays a pivotal role in solving the cases in this book and all I can say is, she deserves all the recognition!

I honestly can't wait to see what Dave and co have to deal with next!!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

[Dragonladymoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Fleur McDonald books and eagerly await new publications. Fleur writes about life that is significant and interesting for me; romance, solid family values, often a rural or small town setting and if Dave Burrows features in the book, a double plus for his detective work to investigate the crime of the time.

This book brings in the latest cyber crime and fraud through online dating; a very real issue in today’s technological age where busy or isolated people meet online.

The story is carefully crafted to hook the reader in, wondering what will happen next and which of the characters could be involved in the fraud. As there seemed to be a few ‘back stories’ running, it was a bit tense at times as the situations played out and headed for the climax. I was so worried that Emma would be taken in by the con man.

One of my frustrations is when writers do not neatly tie everything up in conclusion however this story came together very quickly at the end, as the jigsaw pieces fitted together and all was revealed - a very enjoyable read utilising very real, current concerns. I gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Vicki Basham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A returned criminal, a cult-like family and cybercrime all clash against the backdrop of the Flinders Ranges in this thrilling new rural suspense novel from the best-selling Voice of the Outback.

Emma Cameron, a recently divorced farmer and a local in Barker, runs Deception Creek, the farm that three generations of her family have owned before her. Every day Emma pushes herself hard on the land, hoping to make ten-year-old memories of a terrible car accident disappear. And now there are more recent nightmares of an ex-husband who refuses to understand how much the farm means to Emma.

When criminal Joel Hammond is released from jail and heads home to Barker, Detective Dave Burrows and his officer Senior Sergeant Jack Higgins are on high alert. Joel has a long and sorry history with many of the townsfolk and they are not keen to see him home to stay.

Not all of the Barker locals want to see Joel run out of town though. Some even harbour doubts about Joel's conviction. The town finds itself split down the middle, families pitted against each other with devastating outcomes.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read a Fleur McDonald novel and I'd forgotten how much I enjoy them. This was a great read which had me staying up too late to finish. I really enjoy Detective Dave Burrows' character and his offsider Senior Sergeant Jack Higgins, they are straight-up likeable characters who really care about their community and the people in it.

With a cast of characters, some who are holding grudges and more who are keeping secrets, there was plenty of tension to be had as the truth was uncovered about several different crimes. I did think there was one twist that could have been left out as for me it was a distraction, but overall I found this a really good read and look forward to more Dave Burrows rural crime novels.

Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Allen & Unwin for a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.

[Vicki Robe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fleur McDonald is a fabulous author of rural romance and suspense and this book was no exception.

This book's main characters include Barker's men in blue, Detective Dave Burrows and Senior Constable Jack Higgins who are trying to keep peace when Joel Hammond is released from jail. Joel was convicted of fraud and some people wonder if he was wrongly incarcerated, whilst others want him run out of town.

Another local, Emma Cameron is newly divorced and has worked the family farm as a third-generation farmer, working very hard to try and forget about an accident she witnessed ten years earlier. The driver of the vehicle has kept in touch with Emma and has decided to meet up with her, but is there an alterior motive?

A wonderful book with a plethora of action that makes your head spin at the end.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Cameron is a Barker local running the family property of Deception Creek. After ten years, Emma is still unable to put behind her the road accident she witnessed.
When Joel Hammond is released from prison and returns to Barker, the town is divided between those who think him guilty, those who consider he may be innocent and those who don't care either way. It is up to local Police Dave Burrows and Jack Higgins to keep their quiet town from overreacting to Joel's return. But there are deep secrets in the town, secrets that some will go to any extent that they remain hidden.
After a little absence from her books, it is a joy to once more become involved in the stories of Fleur McDonald. Brilliant Australian background, always a mystery to solve and there are still a couple I have yet to read.

[Desney King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a ⭐⭐⭐💫 from me, although Fleur McDonald is a wonderful writer.
Perhaps Deception Creek would have been easier to follow if I'd read the earlier books where some of the characters appear.
As it was, there are soooo many key characters that it took almost the first half of the novel to introduce and establish them and their respective relationships. I found myself flicking back fairly often to check.
But eventually, the story clicked in, the pace and tension picked up, and I didn't want to put the book down.
Is there one too many subplots? Possibly that, on top of the huge cast of characters.
In summary, by the end, I loved it. But for a long while, I considered not continuing.
Maybe I'll try one of Fleur's earlier works and see how that goes.

[Kate thebooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again Fleur McDonald has delivered an outstanding outback crime novel.

Set in the small country town of Barker, Joel returns home after a stint inside. Not everyone is please to see him back. Detective Dave Burrows just wants to keep the peace, but ends up uncovering more than he expected.

Having sensed where the story was headed I found the last part of this book hard to read as I didn’t really want to know if my thoughts were right.

I enjoyed how the story was separated by several storyline’s, which had me working overtime to work out how they all fitted together.

I also loved the A Country Practice reference!

It was a 41/2 for me, rounded up to a 5.

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detectives Dave Burrows and Jack Higgins in Barker
Kim and Zara their wife and partner
Emma recently divorced from Phil (her farm accountant who moved) Deception Creek family farm
her friends singleness
Matt the farm worker and Cash a reliable furry friend/worker.
Joel who returns to his rundown family home
Douglas family who have secrets and but try to run Joel out of town.
Mystery element through the story and wanting to know how the prologue fitted in, then I worried that evil was going to prevail, but deceit didn't get justice or did it?
I have a couple of books to go back and read, one being Jack and Zara's story

[Cookie1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Dave Borrows is officer in charge of Baxter police station. Many years ago a local girl, Maggie, fell from the top of a silo. Her boyfriend at the time was Joel. He was found not guilty of any offence regarding her death. Joel left Baxter and some years later was found guilty of stealing from his employer and gaoled. After release Joel returns to Baxter to live in his parents house. He s welcomed by some people and hated by others. The story revolves around Joel’s return and some people trying to see if he is guilty of his crime. A great story with a few surprising twists.

[Sheree Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doesn’t matter how many books I have in my to be read pile, as soon as I get a new book by Fleur McDonald I start reading it. Purchased Deception Creek this morning, binge read until I finished it.

Anything with Detective Dave Burrows is worth an afternoon reading. A country town, 2 police officers, a journalist, a kind hearted business woman, mystery. This book has it all. Can’t wait until my next visit to Barker.