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The Prodigal Sister
Headstrong Prudence North faces a dangerous blackmailer who threatens her family and her dreams of escaping domestic drudgery. An enthralling historical mystery from a bestselling Australian author.
1900, Melbourne, Victoria
Miss Prudence North is freshly returned from university in Scotland and determined to find her place among the male-dominated world of the new forensic sciences when a high-ranking policeman waylays her. He threatens to charge her father for illegal medical practices unless she helps him build a case against local landowner Jasper Darke by spying on him.
With her sister's illness worsening, if their income disappears, Prudence will have to take on nursing and domestic duties and she'll never have the freedom she craves. Prudence has no choice but to agree.
Immediately taken with the handsome Mr Darke, a seemingly good and honest man, Prudence can't see what nefarious activities she's meant to be reporting on. She'll have to get closer...
But when a body turns up at her father's surgery, the forensics reveal to Prudence there's more going on about all this than meets the eye. It's clear it's up to her to uncover the truth - of this murder, of whatever's going on at the surgery after hours and, especially, of the intriguing Jasper Darke. Her life, her family and her future rely on it.
PRAISE FOR DARRY
'Richly imagined, meticulously researched and utterly engrossing, The Prodigal Sister is an exhilarating historical fiction adventure with an unforgettable heroine at its heart.' - Better Reading
'Darry Fraser has proven yet again that she is a master at writing Australian historical fiction ... The Last Truehart is an enjoyable and well written tale - a great yarn, a dashing hero and a real sense of place in the evolution of Australian society of the time.' - Great Reads & Tea Leaves
'Darry Fraser effortlessly weaves historical events throughout... a must read for historical fiction fans.' - The Burgeoning Bookshelf
1900, Melbourne, Victoria
Miss Prudence North is freshly returned from university in Scotland and determined to find her place among the male-dominated world of the new forensic sciences when a high-ranking policeman waylays her. He threatens to charge her father for illegal medical practices unless she helps him build a case against local landowner Jasper Darke by spying on him.
With her sister's illness worsening, if their income disappears, Prudence will have to take on nursing and domestic duties and she'll never have the freedom she craves. Prudence has no choice but to agree.
Immediately taken with the handsome Mr Darke, a seemingly good and honest man, Prudence can't see what nefarious activities she's meant to be reporting on. She'll have to get closer...
But when a body turns up at her father's surgery, the forensics reveal to Prudence there's more going on about all this than meets the eye. It's clear it's up to her to uncover the truth - of this murder, of whatever's going on at the surgery after hours and, especially, of the intriguing Jasper Darke. Her life, her family and her future rely on it.
PRAISE FOR DARRY
'Richly imagined, meticulously researched and utterly engrossing, The Prodigal Sister is an exhilarating historical fiction adventure with an unforgettable heroine at its heart.' - Better Reading
'Darry Fraser has proven yet again that she is a master at writing Australian historical fiction ... The Last Truehart is an enjoyable and well written tale - a great yarn, a dashing hero and a real sense of place in the evolution of Australian society of the time.' - Great Reads & Tea Leaves
'Darry Fraser effortlessly weaves historical events throughout... a must read for historical fiction fans.' - The Burgeoning Bookshelf
Paperback
First published December 1, 2021
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About the author
Darry Fraser
28 books169 followersBest-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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 4, 2021
Prudence North has just returned to Melbourne, she’s been studying at St Andrews University in Scotland and she has an interest in forensic science. In 1900, it’s an exciting new discovery, and everyone’s fingerprints have a unique pattern and she would love to find work in this field and be able to develop her knowledge.
She has another reason for returning home, her mother’s suffering from Huntington’s chorea, her younger sister Valerie is showing signs of the awful disease and her father needs her support. An acquaintance of her father's and a police officer Everard Bankston corners Prudence three weeks after she arrives home, and he threatens her. He believes her father’s involved in illegal medical practices, to keep him silent, he wants Prudence to gather information about a Mr. Jasper Darke, a wealthy landowner and qualified architect.
She locates Mr. Darke's house in Kew, the only person present at the property is a gardener, she feels uncomfortable driving past his house and snooping. Prudence is carrying a heavy burden, she’s trying to juggle a major family crisis, her sister’s rapidly declining health, and she’s worried her father will lose his medical license and income.
Prudence meets Jasper at a party, he’s a handsome man, she’s expecting him to be nasty, and he’s not the villain he's been portrayed to be. Prudence’s family home’s being watched, a man’s found dead in her father’s surgery, she starts to question what her father’s up to, with her knowledge of science she’s determined to solve the crime, and prove her father is innocent of any wrong doing.
I love Darry Fraser’s books and I feel she’s taken her writing and research to a higher level with The Prodigal Sister. The story highlights the limited education and work opportunities women had at the time, most were expected to marry and be happy with carrying out domestic duties and bearing children. Including the new science of forensics, how it could be used to solve crimes and how hereditary diseases were being discovered, the lack of treatment for suffers, and this information made the narrative really interesting.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review, a brilliant Australian historical mystery, and five stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
She has another reason for returning home, her mother’s suffering from Huntington’s chorea, her younger sister Valerie is showing signs of the awful disease and her father needs her support. An acquaintance of her father's and a police officer Everard Bankston corners Prudence three weeks after she arrives home, and he threatens her. He believes her father’s involved in illegal medical practices, to keep him silent, he wants Prudence to gather information about a Mr. Jasper Darke, a wealthy landowner and qualified architect.
She locates Mr. Darke's house in Kew, the only person present at the property is a gardener, she feels uncomfortable driving past his house and snooping. Prudence is carrying a heavy burden, she’s trying to juggle a major family crisis, her sister’s rapidly declining health, and she’s worried her father will lose his medical license and income.
Prudence meets Jasper at a party, he’s a handsome man, she’s expecting him to be nasty, and he’s not the villain he's been portrayed to be. Prudence’s family home’s being watched, a man’s found dead in her father’s surgery, she starts to question what her father’s up to, with her knowledge of science she’s determined to solve the crime, and prove her father is innocent of any wrong doing.
I love Darry Fraser’s books and I feel she’s taken her writing and research to a higher level with The Prodigal Sister. The story highlights the limited education and work opportunities women had at the time, most were expected to marry and be happy with carrying out domestic duties and bearing children. Including the new science of forensics, how it could be used to solve crimes and how hereditary diseases were being discovered, the lack of treatment for suffers, and this information made the narrative really interesting.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review, a brilliant Australian historical mystery, and five stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
December 6, 2021
4.5★s
When Prudence North returned to Melbourne, Australia in 1900, from university in Scotland, she was shocked to see her beloved mother so debilitated. Huntington’s Chorea was a dreadful disease, hereditary, and it terrified her to know that both her sister, Valerie, and she would succumb to it. After they’d buried her mother, just a short time after arriving home, Prudence, her doctor father and Valerie were shattered. And their worry was now for Valerie as the symptoms were fast taking hold.
The Sunday morning Prudence arrived at her father’s clinic, she was shocked to discover a dead man in the consulting room. With first on the scene being her father’s friend, a high-ranking policeman, Prudence was shocked that he didn’t order the constables to take care not to destroy evidence. Prudence’s studies had covered a topic she was very interested in – forensic science – and she was determined to one day work in the area.
Jasper Darke was an enigma and while her instruction was to spy on him, Prudence didn’t feel comfortable doing so. The policeman whom she was to report to, was a strange, arrogant man and she didn’t like him at all. But Mr Darke seemed like a good and honest man – what were the secrets he was hiding? And who murdered the poor man in her father’s clinic?
The Prodigal Sister is another intriguing historical by Aussie author Darry Fraser which I thoroughly enjoyed. There was plenty of mystery and suspense in this one, with well-written characters and set at the turn of the century in a city just coming to life. The Author’s Note at the end was interesting as well. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Prudence North returned to Melbourne, Australia in 1900, from university in Scotland, she was shocked to see her beloved mother so debilitated. Huntington’s Chorea was a dreadful disease, hereditary, and it terrified her to know that both her sister, Valerie, and she would succumb to it. After they’d buried her mother, just a short time after arriving home, Prudence, her doctor father and Valerie were shattered. And their worry was now for Valerie as the symptoms were fast taking hold.
The Sunday morning Prudence arrived at her father’s clinic, she was shocked to discover a dead man in the consulting room. With first on the scene being her father’s friend, a high-ranking policeman, Prudence was shocked that he didn’t order the constables to take care not to destroy evidence. Prudence’s studies had covered a topic she was very interested in – forensic science – and she was determined to one day work in the area.
Jasper Darke was an enigma and while her instruction was to spy on him, Prudence didn’t feel comfortable doing so. The policeman whom she was to report to, was a strange, arrogant man and she didn’t like him at all. But Mr Darke seemed like a good and honest man – what were the secrets he was hiding? And who murdered the poor man in her father’s clinic?
The Prodigal Sister is another intriguing historical by Aussie author Darry Fraser which I thoroughly enjoyed. There was plenty of mystery and suspense in this one, with well-written characters and set at the turn of the century in a city just coming to life. The Author’s Note at the end was interesting as well. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2022
The Prodigal Sister by Darry Fraser
Synopsis /
1900 Melbourne, Victoria
Miss Prudence North is freshly returned from university in Scotland and determined to find her place among the male-dominated world of the new forensic sciences when a high-ranking policeman waylays her. He threatens to charge her father for illegal medical practices unless she helps him build a case against local landowner Jasper Darke by spying on him.
With her sister's illness worsening, if their income disappears, Prudence will have to take on nursing and domestic duties and she'll never have the freedom she craves. Prudence has no choice but to agree.
Immediately taken with the handsome Mr Darke, a seemingly good and honest man, Prudence can't see what nefarious activities she's meant to be reporting on. She'll have to get closer...
But when a body turns up at her father's surgery, the forensics reveal to Prudence there's more going on about all this than meets the eye. It's clear it's up to her to uncover the truth - of this murder, of whatever's going on at the surgery after hours and, especially, of the intriguing Jasper Darke. Her life, her family and her future rely on it...
My Thoughts /
The Prodigal Sister is the seventh book written by Australian Author, Darry Fraser. Fraser hails from Kangaroo Island, which is located 13 kilometres (eight miles) off the coast of South Australia. The Island is internationally celebrated for its pristine wilderness and wildlife - as well as a thriving food and wine industry. This latest offering from Fraser is a 19th century mystery adventure. And I have to say that I mayor may not have come away with a little book crush on Jasper Darke!
Set in Melbourne, Victoria in the 1900s, the main plot sees its tentacles weaving its way around the blackmail of a young woman. Prudence North, having just returned home from completing her studies at St Andrews University in Scotland, was shocked to learn her beloved mother and sister were both suffering from Huntington's Chorea. A dreadful terminating disease that has no known cure. With the health of both her mother and younger sister, Valerie, worsening, Prudence is needed to manage the household and support her father, Dr Gregory North, who is the local doctor with a very busy practice. So putting all thoughts of potential employment and any freedoms aside, Prudence takes on all nursing and domestic duties in the home.
When Everard Bankston, a friend of the family and a high ranking police officer requests an interview with her, Prudence was under the misapprehension that he was going to offer her a career opportunity. Instead, Bankston threatens to bring charges against her father for illegal medical practices - namely providing illegal abortions in the clinic. Bankston will drop all charges and any further investigations into her father, but in return Prudence is to look into the activities of a man by the name of Jasper Darke and report back. Whatever Bankston's interest is in Darke is yet to be known - and at the beginning of the story the plot is thick with secrets and deception - with Prudence stuck smack in the middle trying to make sense of everything. Jasper Darke is young, handsome and, on the face of it, a seemingly good and honest man. Confused, Prudence can't see what she's meant to be reporting back to Bankston. She will just have to keep close tabs on Jasper - her father's reputation depends on it.
Fraser has made Prudence a very appealing heroine. She is bright, intelligent, resourceful and resilient. Although, her life has been made complicated by a number of issues - her employment aspirations have been constrained by societal expectations, and her belief that she too will succumb to Huntington's Chorea; but Prudence rises to the challenge and remains a captivating female lead throughout.
From start to finish, Fraser's writing lets you know that not everything is as it seems and not everyone is as they appear. An old family friend or perilous blackmailer? Handsome gardener or wealthy business landowner? Guilty or innocent?
If you like your books to come with mystery; a strong female lead; a handsome debonair hero; and just a dash of romance, then this will be the book for you.
Synopsis /
1900 Melbourne, Victoria
Miss Prudence North is freshly returned from university in Scotland and determined to find her place among the male-dominated world of the new forensic sciences when a high-ranking policeman waylays her. He threatens to charge her father for illegal medical practices unless she helps him build a case against local landowner Jasper Darke by spying on him.
With her sister's illness worsening, if their income disappears, Prudence will have to take on nursing and domestic duties and she'll never have the freedom she craves. Prudence has no choice but to agree.
Immediately taken with the handsome Mr Darke, a seemingly good and honest man, Prudence can't see what nefarious activities she's meant to be reporting on. She'll have to get closer...
But when a body turns up at her father's surgery, the forensics reveal to Prudence there's more going on about all this than meets the eye. It's clear it's up to her to uncover the truth - of this murder, of whatever's going on at the surgery after hours and, especially, of the intriguing Jasper Darke. Her life, her family and her future rely on it...
My Thoughts /
The Prodigal Sister is the seventh book written by Australian Author, Darry Fraser. Fraser hails from Kangaroo Island, which is located 13 kilometres (eight miles) off the coast of South Australia. The Island is internationally celebrated for its pristine wilderness and wildlife - as well as a thriving food and wine industry. This latest offering from Fraser is a 19th century mystery adventure. And I have to say that I may
Set in Melbourne, Victoria in the 1900s, the main plot sees its tentacles weaving its way around the blackmail of a young woman. Prudence North, having just returned home from completing her studies at St Andrews University in Scotland, was shocked to learn her beloved mother and sister were both suffering from Huntington's Chorea. A dreadful terminating disease that has no known cure. With the health of both her mother and younger sister, Valerie, worsening, Prudence is needed to manage the household and support her father, Dr Gregory North, who is the local doctor with a very busy practice. So putting all thoughts of potential employment and any freedoms aside, Prudence takes on all nursing and domestic duties in the home.
When Everard Bankston, a friend of the family and a high ranking police officer requests an interview with her, Prudence was under the misapprehension that he was going to offer her a career opportunity. Instead, Bankston threatens to bring charges against her father for illegal medical practices - namely providing illegal abortions in the clinic. Bankston will drop all charges and any further investigations into her father, but in return Prudence is to look into the activities of a man by the name of Jasper Darke and report back. Whatever Bankston's interest is in Darke is yet to be known - and at the beginning of the story the plot is thick with secrets and deception - with Prudence stuck smack in the middle trying to make sense of everything. Jasper Darke is young, handsome and, on the face of it, a seemingly good and honest man. Confused, Prudence can't see what she's meant to be reporting back to Bankston. She will just have to keep close tabs on Jasper - her father's reputation depends on it.
Fraser has made Prudence a very appealing heroine. She is bright, intelligent, resourceful and resilient. Although, her life has been made complicated by a number of issues - her employment aspirations have been constrained by societal expectations, and her belief that she too will succumb to Huntington's Chorea; but Prudence rises to the challenge and remains a captivating female lead throughout.
From start to finish, Fraser's writing lets you know that not everything is as it seems and not everyone is as they appear. An old family friend or perilous blackmailer? Handsome gardener or wealthy business landowner? Guilty or innocent?
If you like your books to come with mystery; a strong female lead; a handsome debonair hero; and just a dash of romance, then this will be the book for you.
December 15, 2021
Darry Fraser has again written a story that is not only entertaining but informative as we travel back in time to Melbourne 1900 just before federation and we meet the strong and lovely Prudence North a young woman determined to get ahead in life, this was a fabulous story that had me turning th pages as I got to know Prudence, I do hope you will come along for the journey.
Prudence North has just returned from Scotland where she was studying at the university, she now has a degree and hopes to find worthwhile employment in a male dominated world, she is very interested in the modern new forensic science that should enable the police department to correctly discover answers, but for the moment she is concentrating on her mother who is very ill and her younger sister who sadly has the same condition their mother has a debilitating illness Huntington’s Chorea.
Prudence is met soon after her arrival home by a friend of her father Dr Gregory North, a high ranking police officer Everard Bankston and he threatens to have her father charged with illegal practice unless she finds information on a man by the name of Jasper Darke, left with no choice Prudence does her best to find some information not that there seems to be much but she is taken with the handsome stranger.
Things seem to be changing fast for Prudence and she is more worried about her sister as she finds out some truths about Mr Bankston, when a body turns up in her father’s surgery Prudence immediately notices footprints and her knowledge sees her working out how some things have happened but she finds it hard to get anyone to listen to her.
Meanwhile meeting up with an old school friends gets her closer to Mr Jasper Darke and their friendship grows as he steps in and helps her through some trying times and they discover the truth behind Mr Bankston, and has Prudence thinking about her future and that of her sister.
This is such a great story, fast paced with some twists and turns that had me turning the pages, an intriguing story with such awesome characters Prudence is such a strong woman I loved that she was prepared to stand up for her herself through some very hard and trying times and Jasper what a great hero he is through everything that happened.
Darry Fraser has again researched so well and bought this story and the wonderful characters to life on the pages and I would highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a good story.
My thanks to the publisher for my copy to read and review
Prudence North has just returned from Scotland where she was studying at the university, she now has a degree and hopes to find worthwhile employment in a male dominated world, she is very interested in the modern new forensic science that should enable the police department to correctly discover answers, but for the moment she is concentrating on her mother who is very ill and her younger sister who sadly has the same condition their mother has a debilitating illness Huntington’s Chorea.
Prudence is met soon after her arrival home by a friend of her father Dr Gregory North, a high ranking police officer Everard Bankston and he threatens to have her father charged with illegal practice unless she finds information on a man by the name of Jasper Darke, left with no choice Prudence does her best to find some information not that there seems to be much but she is taken with the handsome stranger.
Things seem to be changing fast for Prudence and she is more worried about her sister as she finds out some truths about Mr Bankston, when a body turns up in her father’s surgery Prudence immediately notices footprints and her knowledge sees her working out how some things have happened but she finds it hard to get anyone to listen to her.
Meanwhile meeting up with an old school friends gets her closer to Mr Jasper Darke and their friendship grows as he steps in and helps her through some trying times and they discover the truth behind Mr Bankston, and has Prudence thinking about her future and that of her sister.
This is such a great story, fast paced with some twists and turns that had me turning the pages, an intriguing story with such awesome characters Prudence is such a strong woman I loved that she was prepared to stand up for her herself through some very hard and trying times and Jasper what a great hero he is through everything that happened.
Darry Fraser has again researched so well and bought this story and the wonderful characters to life on the pages and I would highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a good story.
My thanks to the publisher for my copy to read and review
December 27, 2021
The Prodigal Sister is a story of betrayal, intrigue, loyalty, and love set in Australia at the turn of the 20th century from Darry Fraser.
Though she was hoping to further study the new science of forensic investigation after completing her Master of Arts in Scotland, Prudence North heeds her father’s request to return home to Melbourne. With the health of both her mother, and younger sister, Valerie, worsening due to Huntingtons Chorea, Prudence is needed to manage the household and support her father, a busy doctor. When family friend, and high ranking police officer Everard Bankston requests an interview with her just a few weeks after her return, Prudence is hopeful of a career opportunity, instead Bankston tells her that her father has been accused of providing illegal abortions, and if Bankston is to stop him from being charged, Prudence must make the acquaintance of a Mr. Jasper Darke, and report on his activities.
There are several intrigues in The Prodigal Sister, including what truth, if any, there is in the accusations levelled at Prudence’s father, who murdered the man found in his clinic, and what Bankston’s interest is in Jasper Darke, but in general the plot is quite busy with secrets, deceptions, and betrayals. Prudence, caught in the middle, struggles to make sense of everything, drawing on the little she knows of forensic investigation, and finding support from an unexpected quarter.
In addition to the mysteries, there is the development of a romance for Prudence, which is complicated by a number of issues, including her belief that she too will develop Huntington’s, of which little is known at the time, except that it runs in families and is always fatal.
Prudence is an appealing heroine, bright, strong and resourceful, though still constrained by the societal expectations of her time. In mourning, subject to blackmail from Bankston, concerned about the health of her sister and her self, and fighting her attraction to Jasper, she is under an extraordinary amount of pressure.
There really is a lot of drama in The Prodigal Sister, and I think overall perhaps a little too much. While Fraser manages it all well, and the various threads converge neatly, the pacing was a little off, and the author’s twists, though clever, didn’t have the impact they could have.
Nevertheless, The Prodigal Sister is an entertaining and engaging work of historical fiction.
Though she was hoping to further study the new science of forensic investigation after completing her Master of Arts in Scotland, Prudence North heeds her father’s request to return home to Melbourne. With the health of both her mother, and younger sister, Valerie, worsening due to Huntingtons Chorea, Prudence is needed to manage the household and support her father, a busy doctor. When family friend, and high ranking police officer Everard Bankston requests an interview with her just a few weeks after her return, Prudence is hopeful of a career opportunity, instead Bankston tells her that her father has been accused of providing illegal abortions, and if Bankston is to stop him from being charged, Prudence must make the acquaintance of a Mr. Jasper Darke, and report on his activities.
There are several intrigues in The Prodigal Sister, including what truth, if any, there is in the accusations levelled at Prudence’s father, who murdered the man found in his clinic, and what Bankston’s interest is in Jasper Darke, but in general the plot is quite busy with secrets, deceptions, and betrayals. Prudence, caught in the middle, struggles to make sense of everything, drawing on the little she knows of forensic investigation, and finding support from an unexpected quarter.
In addition to the mysteries, there is the development of a romance for Prudence, which is complicated by a number of issues, including her belief that she too will develop Huntington’s, of which little is known at the time, except that it runs in families and is always fatal.
Prudence is an appealing heroine, bright, strong and resourceful, though still constrained by the societal expectations of her time. In mourning, subject to blackmail from Bankston, concerned about the health of her sister and her self, and fighting her attraction to Jasper, she is under an extraordinary amount of pressure.
There really is a lot of drama in The Prodigal Sister, and I think overall perhaps a little too much. While Fraser manages it all well, and the various threads converge neatly, the pacing was a little off, and the author’s twists, though clever, didn’t have the impact they could have.
Nevertheless, The Prodigal Sister is an entertaining and engaging work of historical fiction.
November 14, 2021
Darry Fraser writes beautiful Australian historical stories that take you right back in time, and makes you feel like are are back there with the characters.
I admire the strength of Prudence North. She has so much going on and so should be falling down in a heap, but she keeps going on.
I also adore her modern mindset, how she is trying to forge her way in the world when every thing is all about the men. I loved how she never backed down, stood up for what she believed and told it like it was
There was a bit of a mystery running through the story and I spent half the time reading waiting for the shoe to drop. It wasn't what I was expecting, and I loved that.
I look forward to what we get from Darry Fraser in the future.
a>
I admire the strength of Prudence North. She has so much going on and so should be falling down in a heap, but she keeps going on.
I also adore her modern mindset, how she is trying to forge her way in the world when every thing is all about the men. I loved how she never backed down, stood up for what she believed and told it like it was
There was a bit of a mystery running through the story and I spent half the time reading waiting for the shoe to drop. It wasn't what I was expecting, and I loved that.
I look forward to what we get from Darry Fraser in the future.
a>
December 21, 2021
Thank you Harlequin and Darry for sending us a copy to read and review.
Historical fiction maven Darry Fraser transports you to the 1900’s and Australian history with a story of betrayal, courage, strength, danger, intrigue and ultimately love.
Prudence North arrives home after studying in Scotland.
She wants to put her mark on society and make a career in police forensics.
When someone from the constabulary blackmails her into spying on successful land owner Jasper Darke, she finds if she doesn’t cooperate the eminent policeman will arrest her father for illegal activities.
With a sick sister and recently deceased mother, she finds she has no choice.
An attraction begins with the dashing Jasper and Prudence can’t seem to find anything unbecoming about him.
Prudence finds there’s more going on than she can handle and when a body turns up in her fathers medical practice, it’s time to unearth the truth once and for all.
A wonderfully written, scrupulously researched saga that will wet your reading appetite.
Darry has the wonderful knack of taking little pieces of history and turning it into a compelling and entertaining novel.
The content is always fascinating, interesting and makes a great story, the proof is here.
Something Darry continues to highlight is the struggles and restrictions women often get in a male dominated era, and this needs to be talked about and spotlighted.
Attention to detail, strong willed and determined heroine, history lesson all against a atmospheric Victorian era.
Readers are always in for treat when you pick up a Darry Fraser book, you know you will be whirled away for a classical adventure.
Historical fiction maven Darry Fraser transports you to the 1900’s and Australian history with a story of betrayal, courage, strength, danger, intrigue and ultimately love.
Prudence North arrives home after studying in Scotland.
She wants to put her mark on society and make a career in police forensics.
When someone from the constabulary blackmails her into spying on successful land owner Jasper Darke, she finds if she doesn’t cooperate the eminent policeman will arrest her father for illegal activities.
With a sick sister and recently deceased mother, she finds she has no choice.
An attraction begins with the dashing Jasper and Prudence can’t seem to find anything unbecoming about him.
Prudence finds there’s more going on than she can handle and when a body turns up in her fathers medical practice, it’s time to unearth the truth once and for all.
A wonderfully written, scrupulously researched saga that will wet your reading appetite.
Darry has the wonderful knack of taking little pieces of history and turning it into a compelling and entertaining novel.
The content is always fascinating, interesting and makes a great story, the proof is here.
Something Darry continues to highlight is the struggles and restrictions women often get in a male dominated era, and this needs to be talked about and spotlighted.
Attention to detail, strong willed and determined heroine, history lesson all against a atmospheric Victorian era.
Readers are always in for treat when you pick up a Darry Fraser book, you know you will be whirled away for a classical adventure.
January 16, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
Love Darry Fraser books...strong female and charismatic male characters. This would be her best book yet!! Love Prudence and her sense of family whilst trying to find her place in a male dominated world. Her connection with Jasper is heady and unexpected for both of them. Thoroughly recommend this book for anyone who loves Australian fiction with well written characters.
Love Darry Fraser books...strong female and charismatic male characters. This would be her best book yet!! Love Prudence and her sense of family whilst trying to find her place in a male dominated world. Her connection with Jasper is heady and unexpected for both of them. Thoroughly recommend this book for anyone who loves Australian fiction with well written characters.
February 5, 2022
1900, Melbourne, Victoria. Prudence abandoned her medical forensics studies overseas (very unusual for a woman) to come home to Australia to care for her mother and sister - both have Huntingdon's Disease. In Prudence's mind, she will also probably get the disease. Sadly this means she'll end up with a similar fate, so she can never marry and definitely never have children of her own. So sad. Her mother passes away, but Prudence continues to care for her sister and father, who is a doctor, until she is blackmailed by a family friend - a policeman - to get some information on a certain man of interest to him, a Mr Darke. If she refuses this policeman will reveal certain things her father has allegedly been doing in his practice that will ensure his arrest - and no income for the family. With her sister so unwell, Prudence is in a complete dilemma. Then a dead body turns up in her father's practice, totally unexpected. A murder! Prudence is torn. She believes her father hasn't done anything wrong in his professional capacity, but the blackmail is also very real. And as she gets to know Mr Darke she finds him attractive and good and seemingly honest. There is a real mystery here, high stakes and danger, and I loved all the twists and turns in the plot - and there were many. I do love Darry Fraser's books, she always features strong women, surprises (understatement), and they are chockful of Australian history without ramming it down your throat. This one emphasizes the plight of women overlooked in society because of difficult health situations, no wealth, or just because they're a woman...
With thanks to Beauty & Lace Bookclub and Mira for the review copy.
With thanks to Beauty & Lace Bookclub and Mira for the review copy.
June 17, 2022
Australian author Darry Fraser brings us a historical mystery, romantic suspense set in Melbourne in 1900. Prudence North has returned from studying an arts degree in Scotland and has developed an interest in the new science of forensics. After the tragic death of her mother from Huntington’s Disease, Prudence is pushed into collecting information about wealthy landowner Jasper Darke by police officer Everard Bankston. He threatens to press charges against her beloved father, Dr Gregory North. This, combined with Prudence’s need to earn money to help support her sister who also has the terrible inherited illness, leaves Prudence little option.
Her investigations unveil a man who appears as good as he is handsome. Which leaves Prudence with many questions. When she finds a man murdered in her father’s surgery, things suddenly become complicated.
Prudence is a likeable, strong character and I enjoyed the story which highlights the frustrations for women in this era trying to engage in a career. It also highlights the fear felt by people waiting to find out if they have inherited Huntington’s: the Damocles sword hanging above them. My two complaints are that firstly the villain’s actions and motivations seemed highly illogical and improbable. Secondly the double standard in romances always gets to me: it is fine for men to avail themselves of a handy little dalliance or a prostitute because of course they have unquenchable needs, but the heroine must be pure and virginal. While I understand real life can be like this, authors almost promote this idea in their fictional worlds. Let’s have some equality. Either they both roam while they’re single and then settle down, or alternatively they are both able to manage to keep it in their pants. I’m tired of the virgin-tames-a-playboy trope. Rant over. It was actually an enjoyable read.
Her investigations unveil a man who appears as good as he is handsome. Which leaves Prudence with many questions. When she finds a man murdered in her father’s surgery, things suddenly become complicated.
Prudence is a likeable, strong character and I enjoyed the story which highlights the frustrations for women in this era trying to engage in a career. It also highlights the fear felt by people waiting to find out if they have inherited Huntington’s: the Damocles sword hanging above them. My two complaints are that firstly the villain’s actions and motivations seemed highly illogical and improbable. Secondly the double standard in romances always gets to me: it is fine for men to avail themselves of a handy little dalliance or a prostitute because of course they have unquenchable needs, but the heroine must be pure and virginal. While I understand real life can be like this, authors almost promote this idea in their fictional worlds. Let’s have some equality. Either they both roam while they’re single and then settle down, or alternatively they are both able to manage to keep it in their pants. I’m tired of the virgin-tames-a-playboy trope. Rant over. It was actually an enjoyable read.
December 28, 2021
Thank you to Darry for my copy of the new book 'The Prodigal Sister.'
Finally sat down during the holidays with this read and I found myself in 1900's Melbourne where Prudence North has just returned home from university in Scotland when her mother passes away from Huntington's disease. Her sister Valerie has inherited the same illness, showing the first severe signs of it and being mostly bed-bound when her ex-fiance and copper Everard Bankston blackmails Prudence to give him information about a Mister Darke in exchange for him not arresting Prudence and Valerie's father for the illegal activities at his clinic.
Prudence is unaware of those activities and investigates herself, tracks down the house of Jasper Darke, and gets more into forensics when a man is suddenly found dead in her father's clinic. Finally meeting bachelor Darke in person is the moment we all wait for and it changes everything...
This is the beginning of an enthralling and well-researched crime story full of adventure and mystery, intriguing and deep characters, which educates the reader about the late 19th and early 20th-century's customs, societal expectations on women as well as the knowledge around forensics and crime-solving.
I absolutely adored this book and could not put it down. Prudence is an intelligent young woman bound by certain rules but is willing to break those to protect her family and dear ones, no matter the cost. Absolutely deserves 5 stars and can't wait for Darry's next book.
Finally sat down during the holidays with this read and I found myself in 1900's Melbourne where Prudence North has just returned home from university in Scotland when her mother passes away from Huntington's disease. Her sister Valerie has inherited the same illness, showing the first severe signs of it and being mostly bed-bound when her ex-fiance and copper Everard Bankston blackmails Prudence to give him information about a Mister Darke in exchange for him not arresting Prudence and Valerie's father for the illegal activities at his clinic.
Prudence is unaware of those activities and investigates herself, tracks down the house of Jasper Darke, and gets more into forensics when a man is suddenly found dead in her father's clinic. Finally meeting bachelor Darke in person is the moment we all wait for and it changes everything...
This is the beginning of an enthralling and well-researched crime story full of adventure and mystery, intriguing and deep characters, which educates the reader about the late 19th and early 20th-century's customs, societal expectations on women as well as the knowledge around forensics and crime-solving.
I absolutely adored this book and could not put it down. Prudence is an intelligent young woman bound by certain rules but is willing to break those to protect her family and dear ones, no matter the cost. Absolutely deserves 5 stars and can't wait for Darry's next book.
December 30, 2021
Meticulously researched, which is a hallmark of Darry Fraser’s books, The Prodigal Sister takes readers to 1900’s Melbourne, where we find highly educated Prudence North just returned to her family home for the final weeks of her ailing mother’s life. Prudence, a graduate of St Andrews University in Scotland, where she developed a fascination with forensic science, is reluctant to put her education aside in order to take over the role of nurse housekeeper for her father, a doctor, and her sister Valerie, who suffers from Huntington’s Chorea, the disease that killed her mother. Blackmailed by her father’s friend, Everard Bankston, to spy on a man called Jasper Darke, Prudence finds her life becoming more and more complicated. I loved that Jasper, despite inheriting property from his parents, is very much a man committed to hard work to achieve his goals.
Both Prudence and Jasper are very believable characters. As I read the book I felt as though I was watching them going about their daily lives while Everard Bankston became more and more unbalanced. I loved watching these two fall in love and I loved the no-nonsense way they addressed the problems that befell them. This book was full of twists and surprises and I will definitely be adding it to my keeper shelf.
Both Prudence and Jasper are very believable characters. As I read the book I felt as though I was watching them going about their daily lives while Everard Bankston became more and more unbalanced. I loved watching these two fall in love and I loved the no-nonsense way they addressed the problems that befell them. This book was full of twists and surprises and I will definitely be adding it to my keeper shelf.
March 14, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook.
It was a romantic, historical fiction, with murders and a psycho to add suspense, drama and a bit of a thrill.
The protagonist, a stubborn women’s libber, was a strong character that reminded me that women can do anything and I’m grateful I was not around in the 1900s!!
Will remember to closely look at footprints for the rest of my life!
It was a romantic, historical fiction, with murders and a psycho to add suspense, drama and a bit of a thrill.
The protagonist, a stubborn women’s libber, was a strong character that reminded me that women can do anything and I’m grateful I was not around in the 1900s!!
Will remember to closely look at footprints for the rest of my life!
May 28, 2022
A mystery 1st and romance second.
I lovely historical novel that will thrill and warm your heart
I lovely historical novel that will thrill and warm your heart
May 4, 2023
A stiff upper lip class infused story set in 1900 Melbourne.
A worthy concept though poorly delivered, it felt like dickens meets ms Fischer.
Best new word - Effluvia
A worthy concept though poorly delivered, it felt like dickens meets ms Fischer.
Best new word - Effluvia
August 22, 2025
This book was amazing! It had me gripped for 2 days until I finished it. Absolutely loved it!
May 18, 2022
Darry Fraser has done it again with her latest book. I absolutely loved this one and i cannot wait for the next one.
August 2, 2023
A solid mystery romance that had a few twists and turns but a pretty predictable ending. I enjoyed it.
February 5, 2022
I really wanted to love this book but found it didn't quite stand up to my expectations.
This is mainly the story of Prudence North, a young women who wants to become a working woman but as things change it doesn't always work out as she had planned. In a time when women where there to get married and serve tea she wanted more.
But I found this book didn't really grab me and hold me, it just seemed to go from one drama to the next but didn't have much substance. There where a few twists but at times it was a bit predictable and they didn't have the impact I wanted.
Lastly, I thought the ending just fell flat and wasn't what I would have expected. It was an okay read but not a favourite for me I'm afraid.
The Prodigal Sister
Darry Fraser
Harlequin Australia
This is mainly the story of Prudence North, a young women who wants to become a working woman but as things change it doesn't always work out as she had planned. In a time when women where there to get married and serve tea she wanted more.
But I found this book didn't really grab me and hold me, it just seemed to go from one drama to the next but didn't have much substance. There where a few twists but at times it was a bit predictable and they didn't have the impact I wanted.
Lastly, I thought the ending just fell flat and wasn't what I would have expected. It was an okay read but not a favourite for me I'm afraid.
The Prodigal Sister
Darry Fraser
Harlequin Australia
December 1, 2021
4.5*
Darry Fraser is at the top of her game with her latest Australian historical fiction writing. The Prodigal Sister 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.
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 looks at Huntington’s disease, something that was not well understood in the nineteenth century and the impact on lifestyle for those who suffered from it. She also includes the early days of women in tertiary study with a specific focus on forensic science in assisting police in solving crimes,
‘Don’t come in here, you’ll disturb evidence,’ she cried, holding out her arm.’
Throughout it all, however, Darry continues to provide you 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 the momentous changes that would ultimately unfold for women. 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.
‘It is a man’s world in which you’ve set a course, and you will learn, my dear, that it can’t end well.’
So if you like a good story, women attempting to exert independence, throw in a dashing hero to assist, 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, Prudence North.
‘Educated at one of the finest, most respected universities in the world, she had a degree. That was so much more than many men, and yet paid employment, a position with a high level of credibility, was almost non-existent because she was a woman.’
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.
Darry Fraser is at the top of her game with her latest Australian historical fiction writing. The Prodigal Sister 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.
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 looks at Huntington’s disease, something that was not well understood in the nineteenth century and the impact on lifestyle for those who suffered from it. She also includes the early days of women in tertiary study with a specific focus on forensic science in assisting police in solving crimes,
‘Don’t come in here, you’ll disturb evidence,’ she cried, holding out her arm.’
Throughout it all, however, Darry continues to provide you 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 the momentous changes that would ultimately unfold for women. 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.
‘It is a man’s world in which you’ve set a course, and you will learn, my dear, that it can’t end well.’
So if you like a good story, women attempting to exert independence, throw in a dashing hero to assist, 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, Prudence North.
‘Educated at one of the finest, most respected universities in the world, she had a degree. That was so much more than many men, and yet paid employment, a position with a high level of credibility, was almost non-existent because she was a woman.’
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.
March 18, 2022
My first Darry Fraser, which means I have a treat in store.
I love the cheekiness of this novel; its celebration of women pushing the limits, disregarding restrictive social norms while remaining part of the society of the times.
An unrestrained, joyous love story, The Prodigal Sister is perfect for this unsettled, challenging era we're living through. Fast-paced, populated with well-drawn characters, plotting both predictable and yet with satisfying twists. Light reading, but very well written.
Just what I needed right now.
I love the cheekiness of this novel; its celebration of women pushing the limits, disregarding restrictive social norms while remaining part of the society of the times.
An unrestrained, joyous love story, The Prodigal Sister is perfect for this unsettled, challenging era we're living through. Fast-paced, populated with well-drawn characters, plotting both predictable and yet with satisfying twists. Light reading, but very well written.
Just what I needed right now.
November 12, 2024
I was determined to finish it, but I struggled to get through this one. There were a few weeks where I didn't pick it up. I'm not sure what it was, but found it difficult to get into, and to hold my interest, the last 130 pages or so is where it picked up for me, and I felt it a better read.
March 11, 2022
“The Prodigal Sister” is a fun historical romance with a dash of thriller tropes. It works really well and is a great read.
In 1900 Prudence North returns to Melbourne after several years at university in Scotland. She’s eager to put her newly earned degree to use, but is finding it hard to be taken seriously by… well, any man, really.
She puts these concerns aside initially in order to focus on her family: her mother dies, and her sister is rapidly degenerating from the same inherited, fatal disease. And then she is waylaid by a high ranking policeman who blackmails her: he will prosecute her father for illegal medical practices (abortions) unless she spies on local landowner Jasper Darke.
Prudence feels bullied into a corner, but she’s bewildered. She’s certain her father wouldn’t do anything illegal. And the policeman won’t tell her what Darke has done or what he wants to know: she’s just to report “everything”. But her father won’t talk to her, and if they lose his income Prudence has no chance of seeking the kind of work she desires: she’ll be trapped in domestic duties.
This is bad enough, but then she meets Mr Darke and is unaccountably taken by him. It’s hard to imagine him doing anything wrong. Then a body turns up in her father’s surgery, and Prudence’s knowledge of the new science of forensics suggests the police are missing a great deal.
And still all the men refuse to answer any of Prudence’s questions.
Like most of Fraser’s novels, I found it took me a few chapters to fully engage with the novel. I think my problem is that she frequently writes about strong women facing sexual discrimination, and it really really annoys me when men automatically assume they’re superior. That kind of translates to the novels, and I have to get past my annoyance before I can truly enjoy them.
Having said that, there are some really interesting themes in “The Prodigal Sister”. Prudence is fascinated by forensics, and wants to work in the area. In the 1900s forensics were still extremely rudimentary, and not necessarily supported. Prudence’s interest is an angle I’ve not seen before in non-crime novels.
Also, Prudence’s family is afflicted with Huntington’s Disease. Again, this is a period where little is known about it – in fact, little except that it is hereditary. It is poignant to see how Prudence and her family deal with the consequent fears and problems.
This is clearly a historical novel, and the predominant themes are around Prudence trying to create the life she wants, and her growing relationship with Jasper Darke. However, the demands of the police officer add a mild thriller slant, and the forensics just a touch of crime tropes. This mild mixing of genres works well, ultimately producing a novel that stands out from other historical romances.
The slow start was me rather than the novel, I think. Overall I enjoyed this immensely. Readers of Fraser’s earlier novels won’t be disappointed – this continues her trend of genuinely original plots in historical settings. Readers who enjoy either romances or historical fiction should enjoy this one.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more, including reviews of other novels by Darry Fraser.
In 1900 Prudence North returns to Melbourne after several years at university in Scotland. She’s eager to put her newly earned degree to use, but is finding it hard to be taken seriously by… well, any man, really.
She puts these concerns aside initially in order to focus on her family: her mother dies, and her sister is rapidly degenerating from the same inherited, fatal disease. And then she is waylaid by a high ranking policeman who blackmails her: he will prosecute her father for illegal medical practices (abortions) unless she spies on local landowner Jasper Darke.
Prudence feels bullied into a corner, but she’s bewildered. She’s certain her father wouldn’t do anything illegal. And the policeman won’t tell her what Darke has done or what he wants to know: she’s just to report “everything”. But her father won’t talk to her, and if they lose his income Prudence has no chance of seeking the kind of work she desires: she’ll be trapped in domestic duties.
This is bad enough, but then she meets Mr Darke and is unaccountably taken by him. It’s hard to imagine him doing anything wrong. Then a body turns up in her father’s surgery, and Prudence’s knowledge of the new science of forensics suggests the police are missing a great deal.
And still all the men refuse to answer any of Prudence’s questions.
Like most of Fraser’s novels, I found it took me a few chapters to fully engage with the novel. I think my problem is that she frequently writes about strong women facing sexual discrimination, and it really really annoys me when men automatically assume they’re superior. That kind of translates to the novels, and I have to get past my annoyance before I can truly enjoy them.
Having said that, there are some really interesting themes in “The Prodigal Sister”. Prudence is fascinated by forensics, and wants to work in the area. In the 1900s forensics were still extremely rudimentary, and not necessarily supported. Prudence’s interest is an angle I’ve not seen before in non-crime novels.
Also, Prudence’s family is afflicted with Huntington’s Disease. Again, this is a period where little is known about it – in fact, little except that it is hereditary. It is poignant to see how Prudence and her family deal with the consequent fears and problems.
This is clearly a historical novel, and the predominant themes are around Prudence trying to create the life she wants, and her growing relationship with Jasper Darke. However, the demands of the police officer add a mild thriller slant, and the forensics just a touch of crime tropes. This mild mixing of genres works well, ultimately producing a novel that stands out from other historical romances.
The slow start was me rather than the novel, I think. Overall I enjoyed this immensely. Readers of Fraser’s earlier novels won’t be disappointed – this continues her trend of genuinely original plots in historical settings. Readers who enjoy either romances or historical fiction should enjoy this one.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more, including reviews of other novels by Darry Fraser.
November 2, 2021
Wow, what an amazing exhilarating historical mystery! This is the seventh book of Darry Fraser’s I have read and although I have loved them all, The Prodigal Sister steps up to a whole new level of nail-biting excitement. It is an exceptional story about identity, determination, passion and privilege.
I admired Prudence North for her strength, modern mindset, intelligence, keen interest in forensic science, her protectiveness of her family, her convictions and zeal for life and ultimately her courage to follow her heart. Being human, she is not perfect, of course, and her greatest weakness is her interest in Mr Darke: an intriguing, handsome character that we are not quite sure is good or bad. I won’t spill the beans because the journey into his identity is a fun and surprising ride.
Needless to say, Prudence is up against many odds. She has arrived home from university studies in Scotland to her mother’s passing and her sister’s illness worsening. She begins to face many enemies and has a number of mysterious encounters. Suspicions arise as she follows clues and tries to separate truth from the lies. As she deals with the questions that surface, she is plunged into more confusion. But her forensic scientific mind guides and helps her to rise above the mist of challenges that she is facing in a male-dominated police world. She has the skill but will her thoroughness and advanced forensic knowledge expose the poor workmanship of the current police force? And then there are strange goings on surrounding her father’s activities. Accusations are pitted towards him by another. Are they just plots of malice or possibly true?
I must mention the delightful interaction between well-named Prudence (the cautious intelligent one) and her old friend Merridy (the bubbly jovial one) who has come into some financial success. She’s a woman who ‘knows things she should not have’ for her time. She is without question a bold character that adds an extra dash of drama and colour to the story but she is also a faithful friend—if not somewhat self-absorbed.
This story on many levels deals with the premise that not everything is as it seems and not everyone is as they appear. Besides our determined heroine, the other women that flank her are also strong associates. Then there’s a handsome gardener and a perilous villain-blackmailer sure to keep you on your toes: if not on the edge of your seat in a cat and mouse chase!
I loved The Prodigal Sister so much from start to finish. It is finely crafted with a well-established setting, racing plot and colourful characters that will keep you enthralled. It is a bona-fide page turner. I found it hard to stop reading once I started. I highly recommend this brilliant Australian mystery set in 1900 Melbourne. It would make a great movie as there is so much tension, suspense and action to keep the camera rolling that a viewer would be glued to the screen! 5 Action-Packed Stars from me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to HQ Australia and Netgalley for a copy to review.
I admired Prudence North for her strength, modern mindset, intelligence, keen interest in forensic science, her protectiveness of her family, her convictions and zeal for life and ultimately her courage to follow her heart. Being human, she is not perfect, of course, and her greatest weakness is her interest in Mr Darke: an intriguing, handsome character that we are not quite sure is good or bad. I won’t spill the beans because the journey into his identity is a fun and surprising ride.
Needless to say, Prudence is up against many odds. She has arrived home from university studies in Scotland to her mother’s passing and her sister’s illness worsening. She begins to face many enemies and has a number of mysterious encounters. Suspicions arise as she follows clues and tries to separate truth from the lies. As she deals with the questions that surface, she is plunged into more confusion. But her forensic scientific mind guides and helps her to rise above the mist of challenges that she is facing in a male-dominated police world. She has the skill but will her thoroughness and advanced forensic knowledge expose the poor workmanship of the current police force? And then there are strange goings on surrounding her father’s activities. Accusations are pitted towards him by another. Are they just plots of malice or possibly true?
I must mention the delightful interaction between well-named Prudence (the cautious intelligent one) and her old friend Merridy (the bubbly jovial one) who has come into some financial success. She’s a woman who ‘knows things she should not have’ for her time. She is without question a bold character that adds an extra dash of drama and colour to the story but she is also a faithful friend—if not somewhat self-absorbed.
This story on many levels deals with the premise that not everything is as it seems and not everyone is as they appear. Besides our determined heroine, the other women that flank her are also strong associates. Then there’s a handsome gardener and a perilous villain-blackmailer sure to keep you on your toes: if not on the edge of your seat in a cat and mouse chase!
I loved The Prodigal Sister so much from start to finish. It is finely crafted with a well-established setting, racing plot and colourful characters that will keep you enthralled. It is a bona-fide page turner. I found it hard to stop reading once I started. I highly recommend this brilliant Australian mystery set in 1900 Melbourne. It would make a great movie as there is so much tension, suspense and action to keep the camera rolling that a viewer would be glued to the screen! 5 Action-Packed Stars from me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to HQ Australia and Netgalley for a copy to review.
March 24, 2023
THIS is Why I Like You So Much Darry Fraser!
When I decided to start reading books again a year and a half ago, one of the best choices I made was picking up a Darry Fraser novel as I had no idea where to start or what genres I might like! (turns out nearly all of them as long as it's a good book!) I have quite happily read at least 5 of her books now!
This is Another brilliant book, thanks to her amazing efforts in research, great imagination and ability to write compelling page turners!
Once again Darry's thought provoking story has left me better educated and with new insights to our Australian history through her fictional characters based around historical events and facts and real life historical figures. Which adds to her ability to fully immerse you into the story.
Based on the era of 1900 in Victoria, this romance drama story embellished with Murder, crime and suspence, sickness, grief and death, also touches on essential elements of history, such as the conventions of women of that time, what it would have meant to have been an unconventional woman of those days, and how there influences of their brave choices would have helped mold future changes. The story dabbles in the development of Forensics. We are also brought into a sad but insightful recognition of the inherited Huntingtons Disease or Huntingtons Chorea as it was then known and its affect on the afflicted family and how diagnosis was still in its early days of discovery.
I was left in great admiration of Prudence for her strong character and being determined to pave her own way and follow her interests and passions, mostly regarded as unacceptable of women of those days. But even a strong intellectual woman can be slowed by her fears and grief and having her vulnerability played upon.
Then, there's the very complex Mr Bankston, who at the very start you may think wants to help, but you quickly begin to realise there are other motives. It was hard for me to completely hate this character, who's mind was quite unstable, which you learn was affected by a childhood of hardship.
There was really only one point that had me scratching my head as to what I felt the writer overlooked in what she had the character choose to do, ok maybe more the once, but the rest of the story more than makes up for it.
When I decided to start reading books again a year and a half ago, one of the best choices I made was picking up a Darry Fraser novel as I had no idea where to start or what genres I might like! (turns out nearly all of them as long as it's a good book!) I have quite happily read at least 5 of her books now!
This is Another brilliant book, thanks to her amazing efforts in research, great imagination and ability to write compelling page turners!
Once again Darry's thought provoking story has left me better educated and with new insights to our Australian history through her fictional characters based around historical events and facts and real life historical figures. Which adds to her ability to fully immerse you into the story.
Based on the era of 1900 in Victoria, this romance drama story embellished with Murder, crime and suspence, sickness, grief and death, also touches on essential elements of history, such as the conventions of women of that time, what it would have meant to have been an unconventional woman of those days, and how there influences of their brave choices would have helped mold future changes. The story dabbles in the development of Forensics. We are also brought into a sad but insightful recognition of the inherited Huntingtons Disease or Huntingtons Chorea as it was then known and its affect on the afflicted family and how diagnosis was still in its early days of discovery.
I was left in great admiration of Prudence for her strong character and being determined to pave her own way and follow her interests and passions, mostly regarded as unacceptable of women of those days. But even a strong intellectual woman can be slowed by her fears and grief and having her vulnerability played upon.
Then, there's the very complex Mr Bankston, who at the very start you may think wants to help, but you quickly begin to realise there are other motives. It was hard for me to completely hate this character, who's mind was quite unstable, which you learn was affected by a childhood of hardship.
There was really only one point that had me scratching my head as to what I felt the writer overlooked in what she had the character choose to do, ok maybe more the once, but the rest of the story more than makes up for it.
March 26, 2023
Headstrong Prudence North faces a dangerous blackmailer who threatens her family and her dreams of escaping domestic drudgery. An enthralling historical mystery from a bestselling Australian author. 1900 Melbourne, Victoria Miss Prudence North is freshly returned from university in Scotland and determined to find her place among the male-dominated world of the new forensic sciences when a high-ranking policeman waylays her. He threatens to charge her father for illegal medical practices unless she helps him build a case against local landowner Jasper Darke by spying on him. With her sister's illness worsening, if their income disappears, Prudence will have to take on nursing and domestic duties and she'll never have the freedom she craves. Prudence has no choice but to agree. Immediately taken with the handsome Mr Darke, a seemingly good and honest man, Prudence can't see what nefarious activities she's meant to be reporting on. She'll have to get closer... But when a body turns up at her father's surgery, the forensics reveal to Prudence there's more going on about all this than meets the eye. It's clear it's up to her to uncover the truth - of this murder, of whatever's going on at the surgery after hours and, especially, of the intriguing Jasper Darke. Her life, her family and her future rely on it...
February 8, 2022
Darry Fraser always provides an entertaining historical fiction read. This new book tells the story of Prudence North who has not long returned to Melbourne from studying at St Andrew’s University in Scotland. Her father needs her support as her mother is suffering from Huntingtons and her sister is showing signs of the same disease . Her father is the local Doctor and Prudence is keen to follow in his footsteps but in the forensics of medicine, an unusual choice for a young woman of this period of time. Prudence is approached by a friend of the family and a high ranking police officer to gather information on a local wealthy landowner Jasper Darke or he will report her father for illegal medical practices.
Prudence agrees as she worried her father will lose his licence and income. Prudence finds there is more going on than she realises when an unexplained dead body turns up in her fathers surgery.
There is plenty of mystery, intrigue and suspense in The Prodigal Sister. I really enjoyed it. I love how the author portrays a strong willed and very determined woman as the protagonist.
Prudence agrees as she worried her father will lose his licence and income. Prudence finds there is more going on than she realises when an unexplained dead body turns up in her fathers surgery.
There is plenty of mystery, intrigue and suspense in The Prodigal Sister. I really enjoyed it. I love how the author portrays a strong willed and very determined woman as the protagonist.
January 7, 2025
Set in Melbourne and Benalla 1900, Prudence (25 years old) returns from her studies in Scotland to a rightful, family mess. In her absence, several things happened, to the point she no longer recognised the home she left behind. She is then sent on a mission to repair the happenings, but not before finding a dead body and falling head over heels for the handsome Mr. Jasper Darke.
This book took me by surprise! When I first started reading, I was slow and not engaged. However, as the story went on and started to evolve, I found myself not wanting to put the book down: it may have been the wholesome romance or my sudden interest in crime and thriller novels, forensics and the rights of women in 1900 Australia. Nevertheless, I will admit I did struggle to comprehend and visualise some parts of the story because the use of language and vocabulary felt abnormal/foreign to me, but I also think some of the descriptions were quite vague. For these reasons, I did only give this novel four out of five stars, otherwise it would have had a perfect rating from me—it is going on the favourites list!
This book took me by surprise! When I first started reading, I was slow and not engaged. However, as the story went on and started to evolve, I found myself not wanting to put the book down: it may have been the wholesome romance or my sudden interest in crime and thriller novels, forensics and the rights of women in 1900 Australia. Nevertheless, I will admit I did struggle to comprehend and visualise some parts of the story because the use of language and vocabulary felt abnormal/foreign to me, but I also think some of the descriptions were quite vague. For these reasons, I did only give this novel four out of five stars, otherwise it would have had a perfect rating from me—it is going on the favourites list!
February 6, 2022
In a time where women and education was limiting, where jobs lay in teaching, governesses and cleaning, Prudence returned from studying abroad to her family. Her mother was very unwell due to Huntington’s disease and on her last days. Her sister sadly showing escalating signs of the same disease, Prue was needed home to help and support. Her dream was to study and go into forensics, but she was a woman.
An odd encounter with police man Bankston gave her hope in putting her skills to work, but under threat of her family, of her father under investigation for illegal medical procedures. Torn Prue does all she can for her family. Little did she know all that would entail.
Darry Fraser has the right levels of detail and carries you along well with this easy read. Some surprises along the way. A good book to sit under a tree or cuddled on the couch!
Thanks to the author & beauty & lace for the opportunity.
An odd encounter with police man Bankston gave her hope in putting her skills to work, but under threat of her family, of her father under investigation for illegal medical procedures. Torn Prue does all she can for her family. Little did she know all that would entail.
Darry Fraser has the right levels of detail and carries you along well with this easy read. Some surprises along the way. A good book to sit under a tree or cuddled on the couch!
Thanks to the author & beauty & lace for the opportunity.
September 22, 2025
Another great story by Darry Fraser. This one set in Melbourne, to where Prudence North has just returned from Scotland having been to University. Not the done thing for a female in 1900. Unfortunately Prudie arrives home just in time to see her mother succumb to Huntington's chorea and to observe that her sister Valerie is now showing the symptoms of this.
Prudie is blackmailed by a so-called family friend, a police officer, to spy on a wealthy, society gentleman, Jasper Drake, in return for him turning a blind eye on her father's medical practice which is reportedly undertaking illegal abortions.
Prudie, while still in mourning for her mother, reluctantly agrees to the job, hoping it will help advance the forensic studies she undertook in Scotland.
An intriguing story with a few plot twists. Happy to recommend.
Prudie is blackmailed by a so-called family friend, a police officer, to spy on a wealthy, society gentleman, Jasper Drake, in return for him turning a blind eye on her father's medical practice which is reportedly undertaking illegal abortions.
Prudie, while still in mourning for her mother, reluctantly agrees to the job, hoping it will help advance the forensic studies she undertook in Scotland.
An intriguing story with a few plot twists. Happy to recommend.
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