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Young Detective Dave Burrows
Into the Night
Detective Dave Burrows returns in another breathtaking tale of rural suspense from the bestselling author of Rising Dust.
'Nobody does rural fiction quite like Fleur McDonald.' The Weekly Times
Detective Dave Burrows is devastated. After an acrimonious divorce, Dave has no choice but to let his ex-wife and her father Mark call the shots: supervised, one-hour visits are all he's allowed if he wants to see his two young daughters. And he knows he'll jump through any hoops to see Bec and Alice.
On Leo Perry's farm, sixty kilometres out of Yorkenup, the only positive in Leo's day is the unswerving loyalty of his dog, Coffee. Thanks to yet another power outage, Leo is out in the morning heat, refuelling the water pump. But seconds later he watches in horror as the tank explodes. Flames engulf wooden beams and sparks ignite grass just as Leo realises he's at the end of a one-way petrol trail, the fire roaring straight for him.
When Dave and his partner Detective Bob Holden are called to Leo's ravaged farm, they're unclear if they're dealing with arson, suicide or something else. There's been no sign of Leo anywhere, and his wife Jill is distraught. Leo and his dog appear to have vanished. But, when Dave and Bob begin their investigation, what they find makes no sense at all.
'Nobody does rural fiction quite like Fleur McDonald.' The Weekly Times
Detective Dave Burrows is devastated. After an acrimonious divorce, Dave has no choice but to let his ex-wife and her father Mark call the shots: supervised, one-hour visits are all he's allowed if he wants to see his two young daughters. And he knows he'll jump through any hoops to see Bec and Alice.
On Leo Perry's farm, sixty kilometres out of Yorkenup, the only positive in Leo's day is the unswerving loyalty of his dog, Coffee. Thanks to yet another power outage, Leo is out in the morning heat, refuelling the water pump. But seconds later he watches in horror as the tank explodes. Flames engulf wooden beams and sparks ignite grass just as Leo realises he's at the end of a one-way petrol trail, the fire roaring straight for him.
When Dave and his partner Detective Bob Holden are called to Leo's ravaged farm, they're unclear if they're dealing with arson, suicide or something else. There's been no sign of Leo anywhere, and his wife Jill is distraught. Leo and his dog appear to have vanished. But, when Dave and Bob begin their investigation, what they find makes no sense at all.
352 pages, Paperback
Published April 4, 2023
43 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Fleur McDonald
44 books531 followersAfter 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
April 3, 2023
Wow! In my opinion, Aussie author Fleur McDonald can do no wrong! Detective Dave Burrows invites us to join him in another heart stopping adventure in Western Australia!
Dave and his partner Detective Bob Holden were called to a fire at a farm, some sixty kilometres from Yorkenup where the farmer and his dog, Coffee - always inseparable - had vanished. They needed to find out if their bodies were somewhere in the fire, or if they'd escaped, and maybe Leo Perry had amnesia. There were many scenarios but one thing Dave and Bob knew - nothing made sense. Interviewing Leo's parents, Stephen and Jan, plus his wife Jill only showed Dave and Bob that they were distraught, and they wanted immediate answers. Leo and Jill's two children kept crying for their Daddy, wanting him to come home. Would Dave and Bob find Leo? Would he still be alive? Or was he dead somewhere they'd never find him?
Into the Night by Aussie author Fleur McDonald was intense, gritty and filled with the usual humour, angst and lives of the two men. Dave is an exceptional character, hard working and loves the rural area where he works. I've read everything Ms McDonald has written, and am very much looking forward to Dave's next outing :) Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Dave and his partner Detective Bob Holden were called to a fire at a farm, some sixty kilometres from Yorkenup where the farmer and his dog, Coffee - always inseparable - had vanished. They needed to find out if their bodies were somewhere in the fire, or if they'd escaped, and maybe Leo Perry had amnesia. There were many scenarios but one thing Dave and Bob knew - nothing made sense. Interviewing Leo's parents, Stephen and Jan, plus his wife Jill only showed Dave and Bob that they were distraught, and they wanted immediate answers. Leo and Jill's two children kept crying for their Daddy, wanting him to come home. Would Dave and Bob find Leo? Would he still be alive? Or was he dead somewhere they'd never find him?
Into the Night by Aussie author Fleur McDonald was intense, gritty and filled with the usual humour, angst and lives of the two men. Dave is an exceptional character, hard working and loves the rural area where he works. I've read everything Ms McDonald has written, and am very much looking forward to Dave's next outing :) Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2023
Just WOW again, I know Dave Burrows is yours Fleur McDonald and I thank you so much for sharing him with me, this is another awesome rural suspense, you take me to the outback, you pull me in and I feel like I am a part of the story, another keeper.
When Dave and Bob are called out to Yorkenup not that far out of Perth where there has been a fire and farmer Leo Parry and his beloved dog Coffee are missing there is no trace of either of them anywhere and Dave is filled with unanswered questions, is it arson, suicide or something else?
As the investigation begins questions are asked of his wife, Jill Leo’s Parents Stephen and Jan and all of his best friends and the answers are the same Leo is a good bloke, loving husband, father and son everyone is distraught and they need answers but Dave’s spider sense is running high, investigations take them out to more rural areas, searching and hunting for clues and answers, will they find him alive or not?
This is another compelling and gripping story from one of the best rural suspense authors, the characters are bought to life on the pages and my mind is working overtime to solve the mystery again. Hats off to Dave and Bob for their charm and integrity to get the job done and well, I still have a few of the books to catch up on and I can’t wait for the next one to be released. I do highly recommend this story once you pick it up you won’t want to put it down, I loved it.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
When Dave and Bob are called out to Yorkenup not that far out of Perth where there has been a fire and farmer Leo Parry and his beloved dog Coffee are missing there is no trace of either of them anywhere and Dave is filled with unanswered questions, is it arson, suicide or something else?
As the investigation begins questions are asked of his wife, Jill Leo’s Parents Stephen and Jan and all of his best friends and the answers are the same Leo is a good bloke, loving husband, father and son everyone is distraught and they need answers but Dave’s spider sense is running high, investigations take them out to more rural areas, searching and hunting for clues and answers, will they find him alive or not?
This is another compelling and gripping story from one of the best rural suspense authors, the characters are bought to life on the pages and my mind is working overtime to solve the mystery again. Hats off to Dave and Bob for their charm and integrity to get the job done and well, I still have a few of the books to catch up on and I can’t wait for the next one to be released. I do highly recommend this story once you pick it up you won’t want to put it down, I loved it.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.
October 10, 2023
Aussie author Fleur McDonald is a very talented author and I will read anything that she writes. I still have a couple of books to catch up on, but when I know character Detective Dave Burrows is going to feature in one of her books I have to read it as soon as I can.
Into the Night was a fabulous read and yes my favourite character Dave Burrows was in this book. Rural suspense at its best that will have you turning the pages quickly wanting to know what will happen next. Gripping, intense and Dave Burrows all combined make for one hell of a read.
Into the Night was a fabulous read and yes my favourite character Dave Burrows was in this book. Rural suspense at its best that will have you turning the pages quickly wanting to know what will happen next. Gripping, intense and Dave Burrows all combined make for one hell of a read.
May 16, 2023
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
Fleur McDonald has delivered another compelling crime novel with Into the Night.
Det. Dave Burrows is called in to assist with investigations into the disappearance of a farmer after his farm goes up in flames.
I'm always excited when I hear another Dave Burrows novel is coming out. It's not by chance that Dave is loved by readers all over Australia. Fleur McDonald writes authentic characters with relatable problems and Dave may be tough but he wears his heart on his sleeve.
I was quickly pulled into the mystery of Leo's disappearance and with chapters ending on little cliffhangers I was urged to read that 'one more chapter', as the mystery deepens and the story becomes all the more engrossing.
Running through the police investigation Fleur includes many themes relating to farming and small rural communities. Such as; small towns dying off when there is no work, the risk of fires, marriage problems due to the relentless work hours of farmers, sibling rivalry and cash flow problems.
I loved the way Dave and his mentor, Bob Holden, bounce off each other and the clear affection that they have for each other.
Dave Burrows is the quintessential Aussie hero. Into the Night is a must read for rural crime fans!
*I received my copy from the publisher
Fleur McDonald has delivered another compelling crime novel with Into the Night.
Det. Dave Burrows is called in to assist with investigations into the disappearance of a farmer after his farm goes up in flames.
I'm always excited when I hear another Dave Burrows novel is coming out. It's not by chance that Dave is loved by readers all over Australia. Fleur McDonald writes authentic characters with relatable problems and Dave may be tough but he wears his heart on his sleeve.
I was quickly pulled into the mystery of Leo's disappearance and with chapters ending on little cliffhangers I was urged to read that 'one more chapter', as the mystery deepens and the story becomes all the more engrossing.
Running through the police investigation Fleur includes many themes relating to farming and small rural communities. Such as; small towns dying off when there is no work, the risk of fires, marriage problems due to the relentless work hours of farmers, sibling rivalry and cash flow problems.
I loved the way Dave and his mentor, Bob Holden, bounce off each other and the clear affection that they have for each other.
Dave Burrows is the quintessential Aussie hero. Into the Night is a must read for rural crime fans!
*I received my copy from the publisher
April 22, 2023
Into the Night is Fleur McDonald’s seventh novel to feature Detective Dave Burrows though the twelfth in which he appears, chronologically it takes place in 2002, just a few months after the events in Rising Dust.
No one has seen nor heard from Leo Perry, or his dog Coffee, since he placed a frantic call for help when fire broke out on his farm on the outskirts of Yorkenup. After a search determines there is no body among the ashes of the devastated property, Dave and his partner Detective Bob Holden are called in to investigate Leo’s puzzling disappearance.
The mystery element of this novel is really well-crafted, Leo’s wife, family, and friends all insist he is a good man who wouldn’t simply vanish so Dave and Bob start by examining alternative possibilities, but nothing really makes sense. The complicated case suits Dave’s methodical investigative skills and it takes a lot of digging before they make some headway. Though there’s not a great deal of action in Into the
Night, there are some surprising twists leading to a dramatic conclusion.
Dave is almost relieved to have something to focus on other than how difficult his ex-wife, Melinda, and her father, are making it to see his kids. Readers familiar with the series will understand the tense relations and how deeply it hurts him. Unfortunately it’s not the only upset Dave is facing when Bob delivers some bad news.
I’m a genuine fan of the Detective Dave Burrows series, each book offers intriguing suspense, thoughtful character development, and an authenticity in detail and setting. Into the Night is another terrific read from Fleur McDonald.
No one has seen nor heard from Leo Perry, or his dog Coffee, since he placed a frantic call for help when fire broke out on his farm on the outskirts of Yorkenup. After a search determines there is no body among the ashes of the devastated property, Dave and his partner Detective Bob Holden are called in to investigate Leo’s puzzling disappearance.
The mystery element of this novel is really well-crafted, Leo’s wife, family, and friends all insist he is a good man who wouldn’t simply vanish so Dave and Bob start by examining alternative possibilities, but nothing really makes sense. The complicated case suits Dave’s methodical investigative skills and it takes a lot of digging before they make some headway. Though there’s not a great deal of action in Into the
Night, there are some surprising twists leading to a dramatic conclusion.
Dave is almost relieved to have something to focus on other than how difficult his ex-wife, Melinda, and her father, are making it to see his kids. Readers familiar with the series will understand the tense relations and how deeply it hurts him. Unfortunately it’s not the only upset Dave is facing when Bob delivers some bad news.
I’m a genuine fan of the Detective Dave Burrows series, each book offers intriguing suspense, thoughtful character development, and an authenticity in detail and setting. Into the Night is another terrific read from Fleur McDonald.
July 29, 2023
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Much loved Australian country fiction author Fleur McDonald is back with a new tale titled Into the Night. Another entry in the Detective Dave Burrows series, Into the Night is a tangled tale of suspense, outback mystery, strained family relations and desperate secrets. This is another unquestionable page turner from trusted writer Fleur McDonald.
We are reacquainted with a broken Detective Dave Burrows as he deals with his nasty divorce from his ex-wife. When the story opens, we learn that Dave is pretty much at the mercy of his ex-wife and her father as they limit Dave’s contact with his children. Dave is extremely frustrated by the situation, but he has other pressing professional issues to deal with when he is swept up into a challenging new case. This new investigation takes Dave and his partner Bob to a township called Yorkenup. A devastating fire occurs on a man named Leo Perry’s farm. Since the fire sparked there has been no sign of this hardworking farmer and it is unusual for him to simply vanish. Now Dave must decide of this fire was the product of arson or suicide as it doesn’t look like an accident. With Leo’s loved ones left confused and bereft, it is up to Dave and Bob to discover the truth. Will Leo be located?
Dependable author Fleur McDonald is back with Detective Dave Burrows and his supportive sidekick Detective Bob Holden in a new rural suspense yarn. Into the Night rounds off the Detective Dave Burrows collection well and it is an asset to the Fleur McDonald catalogue. I had a great time reconnecting with Dave in this new outback adventure.
Into the Night sets up a thrilling mystery for the reader to solve alongside intrepid Detective Dave Burrows. I know I found this crime case perplexing, twisty, surprising and credible. Fleur McDonald is well versed in all facets of outback crime, thanks to her devotion to her research and her first-hand experiences of living in remote parts of Australia. This area of the novel shines through and it will keep the audience both entertained and thinking pretty hard about the case at large. Yet again we are given a fantastic show in regards to the landscape. McDonald renders the country area of Yorkenup and surrounds just perfectly, providing us with an authentic view of the land surrounding this tricky case. I really appreciated the sequences set around Leo Perry’s farm in the locality of Yorkenup. This is a community that is filled with people and issues to both love and loathe, all presented authentically by McDonald.
The tension is pretty taut in this latest Fleur McDonald release. Into the Night simultaneously runs a problematic crime case with rising tensions in relation to Detective Dave’s personal life. My heart honestly went out to this genuine guy as he grappled with a rather awful divorce situation and unfair custody arrangements, along with other pressures that come directly from a splintered family dynamic. In true Dave Burrows style, he still manages to hold down the fort in his professional life, while dealing with these upsetting personal issues. Dave and his partner Bob go down some interesting and unexpected pathways to the truth in Into the Night. I really enjoyed finding out how it all came to be. I especially found the focus on family rights, legacy, succession, finances and farming pressures interesting topics. As usual with Fleur McDonald, these conflicts are all brushed with plenty of authenticity and a sense of true understanding of the issues at stake.
Into the Night is a story of the stresses of farming life, family rifts and financial woes all told within the context of a compulsive outback mystery. I just hope there isn’t any more trouble ahead for Detective Dave Burrows next time we meet!
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Much loved Australian country fiction author Fleur McDonald is back with a new tale titled Into the Night. Another entry in the Detective Dave Burrows series, Into the Night is a tangled tale of suspense, outback mystery, strained family relations and desperate secrets. This is another unquestionable page turner from trusted writer Fleur McDonald.
We are reacquainted with a broken Detective Dave Burrows as he deals with his nasty divorce from his ex-wife. When the story opens, we learn that Dave is pretty much at the mercy of his ex-wife and her father as they limit Dave’s contact with his children. Dave is extremely frustrated by the situation, but he has other pressing professional issues to deal with when he is swept up into a challenging new case. This new investigation takes Dave and his partner Bob to a township called Yorkenup. A devastating fire occurs on a man named Leo Perry’s farm. Since the fire sparked there has been no sign of this hardworking farmer and it is unusual for him to simply vanish. Now Dave must decide of this fire was the product of arson or suicide as it doesn’t look like an accident. With Leo’s loved ones left confused and bereft, it is up to Dave and Bob to discover the truth. Will Leo be located?
Dependable author Fleur McDonald is back with Detective Dave Burrows and his supportive sidekick Detective Bob Holden in a new rural suspense yarn. Into the Night rounds off the Detective Dave Burrows collection well and it is an asset to the Fleur McDonald catalogue. I had a great time reconnecting with Dave in this new outback adventure.
Into the Night sets up a thrilling mystery for the reader to solve alongside intrepid Detective Dave Burrows. I know I found this crime case perplexing, twisty, surprising and credible. Fleur McDonald is well versed in all facets of outback crime, thanks to her devotion to her research and her first-hand experiences of living in remote parts of Australia. This area of the novel shines through and it will keep the audience both entertained and thinking pretty hard about the case at large. Yet again we are given a fantastic show in regards to the landscape. McDonald renders the country area of Yorkenup and surrounds just perfectly, providing us with an authentic view of the land surrounding this tricky case. I really appreciated the sequences set around Leo Perry’s farm in the locality of Yorkenup. This is a community that is filled with people and issues to both love and loathe, all presented authentically by McDonald.
The tension is pretty taut in this latest Fleur McDonald release. Into the Night simultaneously runs a problematic crime case with rising tensions in relation to Detective Dave’s personal life. My heart honestly went out to this genuine guy as he grappled with a rather awful divorce situation and unfair custody arrangements, along with other pressures that come directly from a splintered family dynamic. In true Dave Burrows style, he still manages to hold down the fort in his professional life, while dealing with these upsetting personal issues. Dave and his partner Bob go down some interesting and unexpected pathways to the truth in Into the Night. I really enjoyed finding out how it all came to be. I especially found the focus on family rights, legacy, succession, finances and farming pressures interesting topics. As usual with Fleur McDonald, these conflicts are all brushed with plenty of authenticity and a sense of true understanding of the issues at stake.
Into the Night is a story of the stresses of farming life, family rifts and financial woes all told within the context of a compulsive outback mystery. I just hope there isn’t any more trouble ahead for Detective Dave Burrows next time we meet!
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
April 11, 2023
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Into the Night has a well crafted plot of mystery and secrets, I loved the suspense of not knowing what happened to Leo Perry. Fleur McDonald ‘Voice of the Outback’ writes Australian rural suspense perfectly and I’ve become rather addicted to these books featuring Dave Burrows.
We join the hugely popular character Detective Dave Burrows for his latest tale working for the Rural Crime Squad (previously named the Stock Squad).
Dave and his partner Bob are called out to a raging fire at a farm where farmer Leo Perry and his devoted dog Coffee have gone missing, their bodies are nowhere to be found after an extensive search. His wife and family are distraught and Dave and Bob are on the case to find Leo. Is it an accident, suicide, murder or something else, where is Leo? Who would benefit from Leo’s death?
Meanwhile Burrows personal life is filled with despair, following his devastating divorce he’s only permitted to have one hour supervised visits with his two young daughters which pains him.
I love that the author has had the lifestyle and knowledge of what it’s like to live and work on a farm so the story and characters feel really authentic. You may even learn a thing or two about the workings of an Aussie farm throughout the pages! An outstanding and easy read with well crafted characters!
What order does Dave Burrows appear in previous books? Find out here https://www.fleurmcdonald.com/all-abo...
Publication Date 04 April 2023
Publisher Allen & Unwin Australia
Thank you so much to Allen & Unwin Australia for a copy of the book
Into the Night has a well crafted plot of mystery and secrets, I loved the suspense of not knowing what happened to Leo Perry. Fleur McDonald ‘Voice of the Outback’ writes Australian rural suspense perfectly and I’ve become rather addicted to these books featuring Dave Burrows.
We join the hugely popular character Detective Dave Burrows for his latest tale working for the Rural Crime Squad (previously named the Stock Squad).
Dave and his partner Bob are called out to a raging fire at a farm where farmer Leo Perry and his devoted dog Coffee have gone missing, their bodies are nowhere to be found after an extensive search. His wife and family are distraught and Dave and Bob are on the case to find Leo. Is it an accident, suicide, murder or something else, where is Leo? Who would benefit from Leo’s death?
Meanwhile Burrows personal life is filled with despair, following his devastating divorce he’s only permitted to have one hour supervised visits with his two young daughters which pains him.
I love that the author has had the lifestyle and knowledge of what it’s like to live and work on a farm so the story and characters feel really authentic. You may even learn a thing or two about the workings of an Aussie farm throughout the pages! An outstanding and easy read with well crafted characters!
What order does Dave Burrows appear in previous books? Find out here https://www.fleurmcdonald.com/all-abo...
Publication Date 04 April 2023
Publisher Allen & Unwin Australia
Thank you so much to Allen & Unwin Australia for a copy of the book
December 29, 2024
This is the second Fleur McDonald book I’ve read, and I am happy to say that the content of her books far exceeds their covers. Going by the covers, you’d expect some hot Outback sex and not much else. What McDonald actually writes are intriguing mysteries and crime novels set in the backwaters of Australia.
In this one we meet detective Dave as a young, newly discovered and angry father. When he investigates a fire in which a young man, Leo, has disappeared, he cannot understand what would motivate a father to leave his children. Eventually he finds out.
In this one we meet detective Dave as a young, newly discovered and angry father. When he investigates a fire in which a young man, Leo, has disappeared, he cannot understand what would motivate a father to leave his children. Eventually he finds out.
April 4, 2023
Thank you Allen and Unwin for sending me a copy of this book for review.
Fleur McDonald writes about small country towns perfectly. The dialogue between characters is spot on for the country. This book was all about mystery and suspense waiting to see what happened to Leo. Was it a crime or has he gone missing on purpose or was it suicide. His dog Coffee is always by his side, so where are they? This book has alot of likeable characters but my antenna was certainly up on one certain character right from the start. The mateship between Dave and Bob just makes me smile everytime I read about them. Leo also has alot of mates who really try to help Dave find out what happened. I really loved the ending , dont want to say too much , but I really didnt see that coming and you did it so well. I also liked how Fleur discussed topics such as Autism and Cancer , it added an extra element to the story.
Fleur McDonald writes about small country towns perfectly. The dialogue between characters is spot on for the country. This book was all about mystery and suspense waiting to see what happened to Leo. Was it a crime or has he gone missing on purpose or was it suicide. His dog Coffee is always by his side, so where are they? This book has alot of likeable characters but my antenna was certainly up on one certain character right from the start. The mateship between Dave and Bob just makes me smile everytime I read about them. Leo also has alot of mates who really try to help Dave find out what happened. I really loved the ending , dont want to say too much , but I really didnt see that coming and you did it so well. I also liked how Fleur discussed topics such as Autism and Cancer , it added an extra element to the story.
April 24, 2023
By now, most of you will know how much I adore Detective Dave Burrows. Seriously, this guy has to be my absolute favourite Aussie fictional hero. Everytime that the brilliant Fleur McDonald writes another dedication to him, I have the overwhelming urge to read it as soon as possible. Into the Night is the sixth installment of the young Detective Dave series and it's a blast as always.
Farmer Leo Perry is highly regarded as one of the 'good' guys around the traps, happily married to Jill and a doting father to two small children. One Saturday, Leo is tending to his usual duties on his property when an uncontrollable fire breaks out. Afterwards, there's no sign of Leo or his constant companion, Coffee the Kelpie. With the local authorities stumped and in need of expertise, Dave and his partner Bob Holden make the long trek towards Yorkenup, a rural town who's now in the midst of shock.
Nothing about this case makes sense. As the clues start building up, the question on everyone's mind is: Did anyone really know Leo Perry at all? There's no doubt that this mystery is one complicated, massive and unpredictable mess to crack. Luckily, Dave and Bob are old hands at solving crimes, right? However, I sense that even they weren't prepared for the mind blowing aftermath!
During this particular investigation, Dave can't help comparing his own fatherly role to Leo's. Why would someone willingly leave his children behind, whilst Dave is yearning for his own two girls? I've mentioned my hatred for his ex wife Mel before. Slowly and methodologically she and her father Mark have shattered Dave's gentle spirit over the course of this series. Their latest stunt is restricting time spent with his daughters to an hour or so, in a supervised capacity, always at a disclosed location. Keep fighting that legal battle Dave, because I really don't like watching you suffer. 😔
A glance at what else to expect:
A beloved side character will receive a horrible medical diagnosis, Dave will have a career win and there's a touching tribute to an old friend. Are these connected in one way or another? Maybe. 😏
Another great outing for my beloved Detective Dave. I'll be sitting here eagerly for his return.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
Farmer Leo Perry is highly regarded as one of the 'good' guys around the traps, happily married to Jill and a doting father to two small children. One Saturday, Leo is tending to his usual duties on his property when an uncontrollable fire breaks out. Afterwards, there's no sign of Leo or his constant companion, Coffee the Kelpie. With the local authorities stumped and in need of expertise, Dave and his partner Bob Holden make the long trek towards Yorkenup, a rural town who's now in the midst of shock.
Nothing about this case makes sense. As the clues start building up, the question on everyone's mind is: Did anyone really know Leo Perry at all? There's no doubt that this mystery is one complicated, massive and unpredictable mess to crack. Luckily, Dave and Bob are old hands at solving crimes, right? However, I sense that even they weren't prepared for the mind blowing aftermath!
During this particular investigation, Dave can't help comparing his own fatherly role to Leo's. Why would someone willingly leave his children behind, whilst Dave is yearning for his own two girls? I've mentioned my hatred for his ex wife Mel before. Slowly and methodologically she and her father Mark have shattered Dave's gentle spirit over the course of this series. Their latest stunt is restricting time spent with his daughters to an hour or so, in a supervised capacity, always at a disclosed location. Keep fighting that legal battle Dave, because I really don't like watching you suffer. 😔
A glance at what else to expect:
A beloved side character will receive a horrible medical diagnosis, Dave will have a career win and there's a touching tribute to an old friend. Are these connected in one way or another? Maybe. 😏
Another great outing for my beloved Detective Dave. I'll be sitting here eagerly for his return.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
July 6, 2024
Into the Night is another excellent book in the Young Detective Dave Burrows series by Fleur McDonald. Detective Dave Burrows is still reeling from the unfairness of her ex-wife and her father's treatment regarding his daughters, who caught a case of missing farmer Leo Perry and his dog Coffee and the fire that destroyed the farm's home near the township of Yorkenup. At first, Detective Dave Burrows could not work out if it was murder or suicide. The readers of Into the Night will continue to follow Detective Dave Burrows to discover what happens.
Into the Night is another fantastic addition to Fleur McDonald's Young Detective Dave Burrows series. I enjoy how Fleur McDonald describes living in rural Australia and highlights some of the issues rural families face. I also love Fleur McDonald's portrayal of her characters and how they interact throughout this book. This book is well-written and researched. I like Fleur McDonald's description of the settings of Into the Night, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
Into the Night, readers will understand the importance of checking their skin regularly for men and women and knowing first aid.
I recommend this book.
Into the Night is another fantastic addition to Fleur McDonald's Young Detective Dave Burrows series. I enjoy how Fleur McDonald describes living in rural Australia and highlights some of the issues rural families face. I also love Fleur McDonald's portrayal of her characters and how they interact throughout this book. This book is well-written and researched. I like Fleur McDonald's description of the settings of Into the Night, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
Into the Night, readers will understand the importance of checking their skin regularly for men and women and knowing first aid.
I recommend this book.
March 25, 2023
I LOVE Dave Burrows and delight in any new novel featuring him but especially his earlier years; now I really know him feels haha. This story was a complete suspense; I had absolutely no idea what had happened to Leo and Coffee. It was great being on the job with Detective Dave Burrows as he follows the trail. I loved the opportunity to think about farm secession planning, mateship and mentoring in the police force and the day to day life of a defective. I’m a great Fleur McDonald fan so it’s always nice to get that bit more..loved it
April 3, 2023
Thank you Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
The long awaited return of the early adventures of Detective Dave Burrows is out now with his latest rural suspense mystery.
It’s 2002 and Detective Dave is assigned his latest case.
What happened to Leo Perry?
Outside the town of Yorkenup on the family farm, Leo is fixing the water pump after a power outage.
In the stifling heat the tank explodes and a fire erupts, catching the grass and surrounding obstacles and heading straight for him.
Then Leo disappears, his wife Jill and family distraught.
Soon Dave and his partner Bob Holden arrive to solve the puzzle.
With many questions needing answers, his personal life hectic, a divorce in progress and supervised visits with her two daughters, Dave is busier than ever.
But nothing will stop him from getting the truth.
An engaging outback story with a bunch of country clan to love and hate.
The popular character returns with another logically crafted plot.
This time, I did unravel the enigma this, I worked it out throughout my reading experience but I still enjoyed my journey.
Fleur has penned a pleasing read full of mystery, intrigue and secrets.
The long awaited return of the early adventures of Detective Dave Burrows is out now with his latest rural suspense mystery.
It’s 2002 and Detective Dave is assigned his latest case.
What happened to Leo Perry?
Outside the town of Yorkenup on the family farm, Leo is fixing the water pump after a power outage.
In the stifling heat the tank explodes and a fire erupts, catching the grass and surrounding obstacles and heading straight for him.
Then Leo disappears, his wife Jill and family distraught.
Soon Dave and his partner Bob Holden arrive to solve the puzzle.
With many questions needing answers, his personal life hectic, a divorce in progress and supervised visits with her two daughters, Dave is busier than ever.
But nothing will stop him from getting the truth.
An engaging outback story with a bunch of country clan to love and hate.
The popular character returns with another logically crafted plot.
This time, I did unravel the enigma this, I worked it out throughout my reading experience but I still enjoyed my journey.
Fleur has penned a pleasing read full of mystery, intrigue and secrets.
August 2, 2023
Absolute page-turner! Loved everything about this book; the tricky plot; the characters, the small towns. And Det Dave Burrows, of course.
March 30, 2023
Fleur McDonald you have done it again
Totally engrossing and super twisty.
I loved it
And even a super beautiful moment to close.
Totally engrossing and super twisty.
I loved it
And even a super beautiful moment to close.
April 3, 2023
'Into the night' is Fleur McDonald at her best, I could not put it down!
When Leo Perry goes missing after a fire destroys his farm leaving behind a wife and 2 kids Detective Dave Burrows and Partner Bob Holden are called in to investigate. There are next to no clues as to what has happened but things start to come to light as they dig a bit deeper. Fleur shows her vast knowledge of farming by touching on the often touchy subject of succession planning and all the complex issues that can be associated with it.
A well written book that gave little away as to what had happened and which way the story was going to go, i thoroughly enjoyed it, though I would have loved a bit more information at the end about more of the ins and outs of what happened.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Allen & Unwin for the copy to read and review
When Leo Perry goes missing after a fire destroys his farm leaving behind a wife and 2 kids Detective Dave Burrows and Partner Bob Holden are called in to investigate. There are next to no clues as to what has happened but things start to come to light as they dig a bit deeper. Fleur shows her vast knowledge of farming by touching on the often touchy subject of succession planning and all the complex issues that can be associated with it.
A well written book that gave little away as to what had happened and which way the story was going to go, i thoroughly enjoyed it, though I would have loved a bit more information at the end about more of the ins and outs of what happened.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Allen & Unwin for the copy to read and review
July 6, 2023
I found this book quite absorbing. Set in Western Australia, Fleur has captured the rural setting and the farming issues. It was clever work matching the equipment to the payments. It is quite a mystery as to where Leo is, but the story progresses, information comes out and the puzzle is resolved. Dave Burrows is a great character and I enjoyed reading about him.
September 21, 2023
Absolutely loved this book as always, can’t wait for the next one
March 22, 2023
I was lucky enough to find this book in a street library after Fleur hid a few!
Amazing book, I couldn’t put it down and thoroughly enjoyed the storyline.
You know when your favourite tv shows release new seasons and you get so excited and binge them? That’s how I feel everytime Fleur releases a new book, especially the early Dave Burrows books.
Amazing book, I couldn’t put it down and thoroughly enjoyed the storyline.
You know when your favourite tv shows release new seasons and you get so excited and binge them? That’s how I feel everytime Fleur releases a new book, especially the early Dave Burrows books.
May 1, 2023
Wow what a great read. Just started reading Fleur McDonald and the Dave Burrows early years series and has me captivated. Will be a long wait till the next book so in the meantime I will read her other books I now have a collection of.
December 17, 2023
I enjoy Fleur McDonald’s writing and am a fan of her Detective Dave Burrows. So I was keen to immerse myself in this rural suspense novel. This instalment in the series did not grab me as much as the others I’ve read. I found the story unfolded slowly after the initial incident which brought Burrows to the wheatbelt town of Yorkenup, Western Australia, about 100kms east of Perth. After a catastrophic farm fire, farmer Leo Perry was missing, possibly deceased, though no body had been found.
Over the subsequent chapters we learn quite a lot about Perry’s personality, his standing in the small rural community and relations with his family. Dave and his mentor Detective Bob Holden spend a lot of time interviewing those who know Leo and keep tabs on the search efforts. It becomes apparent that Leo was hiding secrets. The author goes into a lot of detail about what Leo might have been doing, which takes up a lot of pages. The characterisation of his wife Jill is also detailed, revealing her to be a much-admired pillar of the local community, and partner in a successful marriage. Her relationship with her in-laws, Leo’s parents Stephen and Jan Perry is difficult, with Stephen being a domineering type who disempowers both Leo and Jill.
It is not until the final third of the book that the pace quickens, with the discovery of a body. Dave heads up the Great Northern Highway to Meekatharra to see if it is Luke, while Bob stays behind in Perth to deal with a medical emergency. Again there is lots of detail, but little action, and the story plods along until the last 20 or so pages when things get really lively. There are a couple of clever plot twists, things that I did not anticipate, which made for a satisfying finale. I was pleased with the outcome of the mystery and with Dave’s personal achievements, but I wish that I did not have to slog through such a lot of minute detail earlier in the novel.
Also, I like a crime novel to include the odd hint or two scattered around the narrative, but this book did not provide anything to stimulate my musings on the mystery of Leo’s disappearance. The plot twists at the very end came right out of the blue. I had not a clue! It’s the author’s choice of course, to dazzle the reader with the final solution to the puzzle, but my brain likes to play with “maybes”.
Over the subsequent chapters we learn quite a lot about Perry’s personality, his standing in the small rural community and relations with his family. Dave and his mentor Detective Bob Holden spend a lot of time interviewing those who know Leo and keep tabs on the search efforts. It becomes apparent that Leo was hiding secrets. The author goes into a lot of detail about what Leo might have been doing, which takes up a lot of pages. The characterisation of his wife Jill is also detailed, revealing her to be a much-admired pillar of the local community, and partner in a successful marriage. Her relationship with her in-laws, Leo’s parents Stephen and Jan Perry is difficult, with Stephen being a domineering type who disempowers both Leo and Jill.
It is not until the final third of the book that the pace quickens, with the discovery of a body. Dave heads up the Great Northern Highway to Meekatharra to see if it is Luke, while Bob stays behind in Perth to deal with a medical emergency. Again there is lots of detail, but little action, and the story plods along until the last 20 or so pages when things get really lively. There are a couple of clever plot twists, things that I did not anticipate, which made for a satisfying finale. I was pleased with the outcome of the mystery and with Dave’s personal achievements, but I wish that I did not have to slog through such a lot of minute detail earlier in the novel.
Also, I like a crime novel to include the odd hint or two scattered around the narrative, but this book did not provide anything to stimulate my musings on the mystery of Leo’s disappearance. The plot twists at the very end came right out of the blue. I had not a clue! It’s the author’s choice of course, to dazzle the reader with the final solution to the puzzle, but my brain likes to play with “maybes”.
April 7, 2023
Into the Night by Fleur McDonald is the latest in the young(er) Dave Burrows series. I've explained in the past that McDonald has two series on the go featuring the likeable rural crime squad detective - one early in his career, and one.... well, later. I love both and it's fascinating to see how much older Dave has been influenced by mentors we meet earlier in his life.
Another thing I always comment on when reading McDonald's books is how effortlessly she is able to place readers in their rural settings and relay complex details about agriculture, farming and life on the land in a way that is palatable and relatable to a non-lover of rural life like moi.
As usual McDonald offers up some meaty topics (she's previously had themes around environmental protection, adoption of new technology and domestic and family violence for example). Here the issue of family farming legacies and the nature of succession planning comes under some scrutiny. Much is made of the fact that Leo remained at home to manage the farm and is paid a wage to do so - as an employee - but that his parents and siblings (who live elsewhere) share in the profits. And... it's likely he won't be favoured in any way in his parents' will. It's something Dave can relate to (given his own family experience) and I suspect something farming families grapple with constantly.
3.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
Another thing I always comment on when reading McDonald's books is how effortlessly she is able to place readers in their rural settings and relay complex details about agriculture, farming and life on the land in a way that is palatable and relatable to a non-lover of rural life like moi.
As usual McDonald offers up some meaty topics (she's previously had themes around environmental protection, adoption of new technology and domestic and family violence for example). Here the issue of family farming legacies and the nature of succession planning comes under some scrutiny. Much is made of the fact that Leo remained at home to manage the farm and is paid a wage to do so - as an employee - but that his parents and siblings (who live elsewhere) share in the profits. And... it's likely he won't be favoured in any way in his parents' will. It's something Dave can relate to (given his own family experience) and I suspect something farming families grapple with constantly.
3.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
March 13, 2024
On Leo Perry's farm, outside Yorkenup in Western Australia, the electricity is out again. Leo is trying to get the diesel generator going so the stock can be watered when a fuel leak leads to a fire that wipes out the farmhouse. When the volunteer firefighters get the fire out, they realise that Leo and his best mate, Coffee the kelpie, have disappeared. The SES is brought in but no body is found.
Det. Dave Burrows and his partner, Det. Bob Holden, from the Rural Crimes Squad are called in. Still no body has been found although the search has now been called off. On the other hand, there seems absolutely no reason for him to disappear. But on closer inspection, it's clear that Leo's family had hurt him by rejecting his wife and drove him crazy by leaving him all the work on the farm and refusing him any management autonomy all while taking all the profits. But Dave, who barely has access to his daughters in an acrimonious divorce, cannot believe Leo would leave his children miserable and grieving for him if he didn't need to. So what is happening here?
I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was a well put together and compelling mystery with very engaging characters. I read it in a day.
Definitely recommended.
Det. Dave Burrows and his partner, Det. Bob Holden, from the Rural Crimes Squad are called in. Still no body has been found although the search has now been called off. On the other hand, there seems absolutely no reason for him to disappear. But on closer inspection, it's clear that Leo's family had hurt him by rejecting his wife and drove him crazy by leaving him all the work on the farm and refusing him any management autonomy all while taking all the profits. But Dave, who barely has access to his daughters in an acrimonious divorce, cannot believe Leo would leave his children miserable and grieving for him if he didn't need to. So what is happening here?
I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was a well put together and compelling mystery with very engaging characters. I read it in a day.
Definitely recommended.
March 12, 2025
Detective Dave Burrows returns in another breathtaking tale of rural suspense from the bestselling author of Rising Dust.
'Nobody does rural fiction quite like Fleur McDonald.' The Weekly Times
Detective Dave Burrows is devastated. After an acrimonious divorce, Dave has no choice but to let his ex-wife and her father Mark call the shots: supervised, one-hour visits are all he's allowed if he wants to see his two young daughters. And he knows he'll jump through any hoops to see Bec and Alice.
On Leo Perry's farm, sixty kilometres out of Yorkenup, the only positive in Leo's day is the unswerving loyalty of his dog, Coffee. Thanks to yet another power outage, Leo is out in the morning heat, refuelling the water pump. But seconds later he watches in horror as the tank explodes. Flames engulf wooden beams and sparks ignite grass just as Leo realises he's at the end of a one-way petrol trail, the fire roaring straight for him.
When Dave and his partner Detective Bob Holden are called to Leo's ravaged farm, they're unclear if they're dealing with arson, suicide or something else. There's been no sign of Leo anywhere, and his wife Jill is distraught. Leo and his dog appear to have vanished. But, when Dave and Bob begin their investigation, what they find makes no sense at all.
'Nobody does rural fiction quite like Fleur McDonald.' The Weekly Times
Detective Dave Burrows is devastated. After an acrimonious divorce, Dave has no choice but to let his ex-wife and her father Mark call the shots: supervised, one-hour visits are all he's allowed if he wants to see his two young daughters. And he knows he'll jump through any hoops to see Bec and Alice.
On Leo Perry's farm, sixty kilometres out of Yorkenup, the only positive in Leo's day is the unswerving loyalty of his dog, Coffee. Thanks to yet another power outage, Leo is out in the morning heat, refuelling the water pump. But seconds later he watches in horror as the tank explodes. Flames engulf wooden beams and sparks ignite grass just as Leo realises he's at the end of a one-way petrol trail, the fire roaring straight for him.
When Dave and his partner Detective Bob Holden are called to Leo's ravaged farm, they're unclear if they're dealing with arson, suicide or something else. There's been no sign of Leo anywhere, and his wife Jill is distraught. Leo and his dog appear to have vanished. But, when Dave and Bob begin their investigation, what they find makes no sense at all.
April 19, 2023
I really enjoy Fleur McDonald books, and particularly the Dave Burrows detective series. I love how his character is developing and very much hope Fleur will continue with this series of books about Dave.
I found it interesting how Fleur was able to include the very real exposure to sun cancer there is for people constantly exposed to the sun and some of the signs to look for. This is very similar to a personal experience and relevant to so many. The inclusion of the autistic child and highlighting some of the aspects of autism was also very relevant. Both of these added depth to the story and I know that Fleur often weaves current interests and social issues into her stories and look forward to what will follow in the next book in this series.
Coffee, the dog, was an added bonus, being an animal lover and a loyal, loving dog always works with me. 😘
I enjoyed the journey and rated this story a four and a half star novel.
I found it interesting how Fleur was able to include the very real exposure to sun cancer there is for people constantly exposed to the sun and some of the signs to look for. This is very similar to a personal experience and relevant to so many. The inclusion of the autistic child and highlighting some of the aspects of autism was also very relevant. Both of these added depth to the story and I know that Fleur often weaves current interests and social issues into her stories and look forward to what will follow in the next book in this series.
Coffee, the dog, was an added bonus, being an animal lover and a loyal, loving dog always works with me. 😘
I enjoyed the journey and rated this story a four and a half star novel.
May 20, 2023
Fleur McDonald is exceptionally skilful at creating the setting for her story. This time in a small country town in Western Australia in the heat of summer. The heat is oppressive and pushes back against the urgency of the work of the police and Detective Dave Burrows, in the face of a fire on Leo Perry’s farm and the disappearance of Leo and his Kelpie Coffee.
I was gripped in reading the struggles of Leo’s family waiting to find out what happened to their father and husband to Jill.
Then again, interspersed with this struggle is the ever present, just under the surface, of Dave Burrows own personal struggle. The job he has with the Crime Squad, has put his family in grave danger. Consequently his wife has separated from him and the courts only allow minimal visitation with his children : under strict supervision.
All told a very intriguing story with visual effects of the harsh countryside matching the complex mystery of Leo’s disappearance.
I was gripped in reading the struggles of Leo’s family waiting to find out what happened to their father and husband to Jill.
Then again, interspersed with this struggle is the ever present, just under the surface, of Dave Burrows own personal struggle. The job he has with the Crime Squad, has put his family in grave danger. Consequently his wife has separated from him and the courts only allow minimal visitation with his children : under strict supervision.
All told a very intriguing story with visual effects of the harsh countryside matching the complex mystery of Leo’s disappearance.
Read
May 18, 2025This is my first foray into the world of Fleur McDonald's imagination. I picked up the book from my hairdresser's book exchange pile as the plot blurb took my fancy.
What I came across was an interesting tale of an Australian copper investigating the disappearance of a local from a town in the middle of nowhere in Western Australia. While I haven't previously read about the lead character in Ms McDonald's previous novels, I felt Ms McDonald brought him to life for a new reader without letting fell that they have missed out on anything by not having read her previous novels.
My imagination took me to outback Western Australia through Ms McDonald's words and the story had an ending I didn't expect. All in all, I really enjoyed reading this novel and look forward to my next Fiona McDonald novel.
What I came across was an interesting tale of an Australian copper investigating the disappearance of a local from a town in the middle of nowhere in Western Australia. While I haven't previously read about the lead character in Ms McDonald's previous novels, I felt Ms McDonald brought him to life for a new reader without letting fell that they have missed out on anything by not having read her previous novels.
My imagination took me to outback Western Australia through Ms McDonald's words and the story had an ending I didn't expect. All in all, I really enjoyed reading this novel and look forward to my next Fiona McDonald novel.
July 29, 2024
After a fire on his property, Leo Perry goes missing. The search is on for Dave and Bob to find him and with very little clues, they begin to wonder if this case is arson, suicide or something else.
This is the 5th book in my catch up of books by Fleur McDonald I have read in a row...what can I say? I haven't read these books before so I am enjoying the addiction of her rural suspense. This one is a favourite, I very much love the friendship/mentor aspect between Dave and Bob and how they have each other's backs. It comes through string and clear in this story.
Only a couple more books to go before I wait for her new book later in the year. And I won't be waiting to read that one, off the shelf and into my hands!
This is the 5th book in my catch up of books by Fleur McDonald I have read in a row...what can I say? I haven't read these books before so I am enjoying the addiction of her rural suspense. This one is a favourite, I very much love the friendship/mentor aspect between Dave and Bob and how they have each other's backs. It comes through string and clear in this story.
Only a couple more books to go before I wait for her new book later in the year. And I won't be waiting to read that one, off the shelf and into my hands!
July 1, 2023
Detective Dave Burrows has gone through divorce and now is having to deal with his ex-wife Melinda and her father calling the shots as to when he can see his children.
Dave is then called out to Yorkenup with his partner Detective Bob Holden to investigate a fire that is started when Leo Perry is refuelling a water pump on his farm and it explodes creating sparks which ignite grass and buildings. Afterwards Leo and his loyal dog Coffee go missing and no one knows where they are.
As the investigation gets underway they are not sure what they are dealing with as the evidence leaves them more confused than anything. Is this suicide. is this arson, or is it murder.
Dave is then called out to Yorkenup with his partner Detective Bob Holden to investigate a fire that is started when Leo Perry is refuelling a water pump on his farm and it explodes creating sparks which ignite grass and buildings. Afterwards Leo and his loyal dog Coffee go missing and no one knows where they are.
As the investigation gets underway they are not sure what they are dealing with as the evidence leaves them more confused than anything. Is this suicide. is this arson, or is it murder.
June 16, 2024
An entertaining tale, well-paced & with a fabulous setting. Dave Burrows & Bob Holden are likeable, believable characters. The investigation was good & the issues surrounding faced by farming families & the small communities around them were interesting. Bloody hard work when you're effectively running a small business, working sunup to sundown, & having to share the proceeds with non-working family members. Who wants to work 15 hours a day for minimum wage? No wonder so many of them end up with depression. I haven't read any other books in the series, perhaps if had I'd be more interested in Dave's back story. One day I'll start from the beginning, she says blithely :0)
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