What do you think?
Rate this book
When the Singing Stops
The journey that changes her life...
A young Australian woman leaves Sydney for a new world... Guyana, South America.
Captivated by Guyana's wild, unspoilt beauty, Madison Wright Jones joins the native Amerindians struggling to preserve their culture against corporate exploitation. But her new-found commitment soon plunges Madison into a mire of murder, drug smuggling and political corruption. And finally, an unexpected love that pits her heart against her beliefs.
From Sydney's sparkling harbour to the lush rainforests of South America, When the Singing Stops is a triumph of storytelling.
A young Australian woman leaves Sydney for a new world... Guyana, South America.
Captivated by Guyana's wild, unspoilt beauty, Madison Wright Jones joins the native Amerindians struggling to preserve their culture against corporate exploitation. But her new-found commitment soon plunges Madison into a mire of murder, drug smuggling and political corruption. And finally, an unexpected love that pits her heart against her beliefs.
From Sydney's sparkling harbour to the lush rainforests of South America, When the Singing Stops is a triumph of storytelling.
- GenresFiction
512 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2012
32 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Di Morrissey
77 books379 followersDi Morrissey (born 18 March 1943 in Wingham, New South Wales) is one of Australia's most popular female novelists. She grew up in the remote surrounds of Pittwater, north of Sydney, Australia.
Growing up she counted famous Australian actor Chips Rafferty as a close mentor and friend who helped provide for her and her mother after the death of her father as a child, sending them overseas to California to live with family.
In her later years, Di went on to become a journalist on London's Fleet Street, and worked for CBS in Honolulu, where she lived with her husband who was in the foreign service, and even had a small role in the series Hawaii Five-0, a guest role in season three, episode seven, 1970 starring as 'Alicia Anderson'.
After moving back to Australia, Di published her first book 'Heart of the Dreaming' which instantly became a bestseller. Since then Di has published another 17 bestsellers, her latest being 'The Silent Country'.
Growing up she counted famous Australian actor Chips Rafferty as a close mentor and friend who helped provide for her and her mother after the death of her father as a child, sending them overseas to California to live with family.
In her later years, Di went on to become a journalist on London's Fleet Street, and worked for CBS in Honolulu, where she lived with her husband who was in the foreign service, and even had a small role in the series Hawaii Five-0, a guest role in season three, episode seven, 1970 starring as 'Alicia Anderson'.
After moving back to Australia, Di published her first book 'Heart of the Dreaming' which instantly became a bestseller. Since then Di has published another 17 bestsellers, her latest being 'The Silent Country'.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 24, 2023
Wonderful and fascinating story!
Really enjoyed the setting of Guyana as I’ve not read anything from that part of the world before.
Chock-full of info about this beautiful sparsely populated tropical paradise. The descriptions of the waterfalls, wildlife and rainforest was breathtaking and so vivid you can almost feel yourself stepping into the pages of this enticing contemporary romance.
When the Singing Stops also focuses on murder, drug smuggling and political corruption.
Listened to the audio via the BorrowBox app
Published by Bolinda audio
Narrated by Kate Hood
Duration: 14 hrs, 9 min. 1.25x Speed
Really enjoyed the setting of Guyana as I’ve not read anything from that part of the world before.
Chock-full of info about this beautiful sparsely populated tropical paradise. The descriptions of the waterfalls, wildlife and rainforest was breathtaking and so vivid you can almost feel yourself stepping into the pages of this enticing contemporary romance.
When the Singing Stops also focuses on murder, drug smuggling and political corruption.
Listened to the audio via the BorrowBox app
Published by Bolinda audio
Narrated by Kate Hood
Duration: 14 hrs, 9 min. 1.25x Speed
January 6, 2015
Di Morrissey's When the Singing Stops is a rich and lilting adventure story which skillfully weaves in romance, suspense (in patches), travelogue and political commentary.
Recovering from a failed marriage with a controlling and self-absorbed partner, Madison Wright heads off to visit her brother in the small South American country of Guyana. Here she is entranced by the welcoming people, the rich culture and the alluring remote landscapes from exotic jungles to sweeping grasslands. She also meets fellow Australian, the handsome and charming Conner Bain who is used to 'playing the field' before moving on to the next exotic location with his job. Madi is in danger of being swept away by both Guyana and Conner, yet there are hidden dangers and intrigues beneath the surface which could end in disaster for Madi and Guyana.
It took me a little while to get into When the Singing Stops. I think the story really started for me once Madi arrived in Guyana. Morrissey uses an omniscient point of view which allow her to give a grand sweep of Guyanna and her people. The locale is, in many ways, a major character - though Morrissey also brings to life some great characters - Madi but also Lester, Hyacinth, Gwen Richardson, Pieter Van Horen, Xavier Rodrigues, Anabel, Kate McGrath and the shadowy Antonio Destra. Each tells us some more about the complexities of Guyana, her history and her possible future. While I do doubt the wisdom the casual acceptance of becoming lovers before commitment, I enjoyed the mix of Madi's personal discovery, the romantic entanglement and the unveiling of Guyana's beauties, mysteries and challenges. The story is set in the 1990s - so it would be interesting to see how things have changed in the last couple of decades since then.
This is my first Di Morrissey book- I am sure it won't be my last.
Recovering from a failed marriage with a controlling and self-absorbed partner, Madison Wright heads off to visit her brother in the small South American country of Guyana. Here she is entranced by the welcoming people, the rich culture and the alluring remote landscapes from exotic jungles to sweeping grasslands. She also meets fellow Australian, the handsome and charming Conner Bain who is used to 'playing the field' before moving on to the next exotic location with his job. Madi is in danger of being swept away by both Guyana and Conner, yet there are hidden dangers and intrigues beneath the surface which could end in disaster for Madi and Guyana.
It took me a little while to get into When the Singing Stops. I think the story really started for me once Madi arrived in Guyana. Morrissey uses an omniscient point of view which allow her to give a grand sweep of Guyanna and her people. The locale is, in many ways, a major character - though Morrissey also brings to life some great characters - Madi but also Lester, Hyacinth, Gwen Richardson, Pieter Van Horen, Xavier Rodrigues, Anabel, Kate McGrath and the shadowy Antonio Destra. Each tells us some more about the complexities of Guyana, her history and her possible future. While I do doubt the wisdom the casual acceptance of becoming lovers before commitment, I enjoyed the mix of Madi's personal discovery, the romantic entanglement and the unveiling of Guyana's beauties, mysteries and challenges. The story is set in the 1990s - so it would be interesting to see how things have changed in the last couple of decades since then.
This is my first Di Morrissey book- I am sure it won't be my last.
February 20, 2025
I had sooo much trouble putting this book down. The descriptions made me feel like I was in a remote beautiful area. It had everything in it. Personal issues, adventure, wild life and nature was unreal. Loved it all. So easy to read 💖
August 29, 2018
This book is based in Guyana and I found the descriptions of the country and people very interesting. It was however, a bit dated and the characters a bit corny. A nice read about a country I know very little about.
March 2, 2025
I knew nothing about Guyana in South America before reading this book, but thanks to the story and some sleuthing on the internet I was able to confirm or learn more about much of what is described in the book, even though it is a work of fiction.
The fictional part of the book follows the authors usual formula- a woman who has had difficulty in the past, either a bad marriage, bad relationships or bad decisions, learns and grows throughout the book to be a stronger woman. This happens here as well.
But what is also true is that the authors writing is excellent and the story is enjoyable.
The fictional part of the book follows the authors usual formula- a woman who has had difficulty in the past, either a bad marriage, bad relationships or bad decisions, learns and grows throughout the book to be a stronger woman. This happens here as well.
But what is also true is that the authors writing is excellent and the story is enjoyable.
May 18, 2018
The description of Guyana was mesmerising. And the author raises some serious issues now-a-days like developing mining and tourism at the cost of the age-old culture and habitat of indigenous people. However the way Madi and Connor escaped drug trafficers is just too unrealistic. The coversation between Antonio and Madi at the final chapter where Antonio revelas his secrets are also unrealistic. A good read nevertheless, as usual for Di Morrissey.
February 22, 2023
Enjoyable and easy read, a fantastic insight on lesser known Guyana, full of details and information about this magnificent country, almost written as a travel guide! The story is sort of captivating, the characters likeable. Sometime the story slips into "over the top" developments, making it hard to be "real"but that is fiction afterall! Overall I highly recommend this book if you want to immerse yourself into Guyana fantastic natural beauty, people and culture.
November 3, 2025
What a most wonderful story, although u felt it was a true story. I loved the mystery, the twists and turns and the information of the flora and fauna of Guyana. The relationships with the various characters and their relationships to Australia made it all so real. The inclusion of the Australian Aborigines made me realise that dollar much more could be done to help the First Nations people of many countries. It was hard to put the book down. I loved it. Thank you.
July 29, 2023
I thought this was an ok read. It is set in Guyana and it is about an Australian woman who travels there to stay with her brother, but falls in love with the place.
The main issue I had with this book is that there is a fine line between brave and stupid. Sometimes Maddie definitely strayed into the stupid territory.
It was not a bad read though.
The main issue I had with this book is that there is a fine line between brave and stupid. Sometimes Maddie definitely strayed into the stupid territory.
It was not a bad read though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2023
A real early one of Di Morrissey’s this time. Quite different from ones she writes now. A bit slow to start with but got more interesting as it went on. Very descriptive language of the beautiful country and it’s flora and fauna. A few twists here and there. If I’d had another book handy while on a holiday I probably would have ditched this one but glad I did finish it in the end.
August 31, 2023
Really enjoyed reading about a place I'd not heard of. Loved the story telling and descriptions of areas and the gold frog. Fascinating story the one downside for me just to much happened to one person and to frequently . Liked the title
March 25, 2020
Really enjoyed this one.
June 29, 2020
The best of the bunch so far ... An engrossing tale about a vast and little explored part of the globe.
January 21, 2025
Good read. It had a little of everything romance, adventure, suspense. It made me want to go visit Guyana.
I hope the singing never stops.
I hope the singing never stops.
March 10, 2013
Another good book from DI found it hard to put down
Read
March 12, 2013Great read
September 18, 2016
So well written, I was absorbed by it
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews