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Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte #15
The New Shoe
{ 15.34 x 23.59 cms} Leather Binding on Spine and Corners with Golden Leaf Printing on round Spine (extra customization on request like complete leather, Golden Screen printing in Front, Color Leather, Colored book etc.) Reprinted in 2017 with the help of original edition published long back [1978]. This book is printed in black & white, sewing binding for longer life, printed on high quality Paper, re-sized as per Current standards, professionally processed without changing its contents. As these are old books, we processed each page manually and make them readable but in some cases some pages which are blur or missing or black spots. If it is multi volume set, then it is only single volume, if you wish to order a specific or all the volumes you may contact us. We expect that you will understand our compulsion in these books. We found this book important for the readers who want to know more about our old treasure so we brought it back to the shelves. Hope you will like it and give your comments and suggestions. - English, Pages 177. EXTRA 10 DAYS APART FROM THE NORMAL SHIPPING PERIOD WILL BE REQUIRED FOR LEATHER BOUND BOOKS. COMPLETE LEATHER WILL COST YOU EXTRA US$ 25 APART FROM THE LEATHER BOUND BOOKS. {FOLIO EDITION IS ALSO AVAILABLE.} Complete The clue of the new shoe 1978 Arthur W. Upfield
189 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1951
17 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Arthur W. Upfield
70 books109 followersAka Arthur Upfield
Arthur William Upfield (1 September 1890 – 13 February 1964) was an Australian writer, best known for his works of detective fiction featuring Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte ('Bony') of the Queensland Police Force, a half-caste Aborigine.
Born in England, Upfield moved to Australia in 1910 and fought with the Australian military during the First World War. Following his war service, he travelled extensively throughout Australia, obtaining a knowledge of Australian Aboriginal culture that would later be used extensively in his written works. In addition to his detective fiction, Upfield was also a member of the Australian Geological Society and was involved in numerous scientific expeditions. Upfield's works remained popular after his death, and in the 1970s were the basis for an Australian television series entitled "Boney".
Arthur William Upfield (1 September 1890 – 13 February 1964) was an Australian writer, best known for his works of detective fiction featuring Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte ('Bony') of the Queensland Police Force, a half-caste Aborigine.
Born in England, Upfield moved to Australia in 1910 and fought with the Australian military during the First World War. Following his war service, he travelled extensively throughout Australia, obtaining a knowledge of Australian Aboriginal culture that would later be used extensively in his written works. In addition to his detective fiction, Upfield was also a member of the Australian Geological Society and was involved in numerous scientific expeditions. Upfield's works remained popular after his death, and in the 1970s were the basis for an Australian television series entitled "Boney".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 29, 2025
4★
Superintendent Bolt knows that Bony isn't likely to sit still and wait for Time to solve the mystery of the naked body buried in the lighthouse wall. No indeed.
Detective Bonaparte is to work undercover and visit the area on Australia's southern shores as if he's a holidaying grazier, introducing himself as Rawlings and taking in the sights on his own. The Southern Ocean, southwest of Melbourne, is still a popular destination for travellers.
He likes to walk and a local dog likes him, so they wander around the town and district and pubs, meeting the locals. Stug, the dog (read his name backwards), is a loyal companion and a handy diversion when needed.
It's a laid-back kind of investigation, because he has to masquerade as a tourist, being just curious enough to get the locals to tell tales, but not so intense that he raises any suspicions.
I've read several of this old Aussie collection many years ago, and I enjoyed meeting Bony again. The first was written in 1929, and I think they continued until the 1960s.
It's an interesting look at a very different time in Australia's history, but this isn't really historical fiction. This one was written in 1951 about that same period, when returned soldiers and decimated famiies were trying to recover from the trauma and absences following World War Two... not to mention how many families had previously lost people in World War One.
These have been reissued, and I've found digital copies in libraries. Thank you, libraries!
" 'It’s the toughest job we’ve ever had to bash open, Bony, and honestly, you think ten times about tackling it. Remember what you told me years ago? An ordinary policeman can afford to fail, but you never. The finest weightlifter that ever was didn’t try to lift a Pyramid. But the sun and the wind and the rain will eventually wash a Pyramid away to dust, and Time may give us a hammer heavy enough to crack this nut.' "
Superintendent Bolt knows that Bony isn't likely to sit still and wait for Time to solve the mystery of the naked body buried in the lighthouse wall. No indeed.
"Crafty Bolt! He knew the case Bony could never resist. And he knew, too, the fate destined for Napoleon Bonaparte should he fail to finalize this one which he, with all his experts, all his scientists, could not crack."
Detective Bonaparte is to work undercover and visit the area on Australia's southern shores as if he's a holidaying grazier, introducing himself as Rawlings and taking in the sights on his own. The Southern Ocean, southwest of Melbourne, is still a popular destination for travellers.
He likes to walk and a local dog likes him, so they wander around the town and district and pubs, meeting the locals. Stug, the dog (read his name backwards), is a loyal companion and a handy diversion when needed.
It's a laid-back kind of investigation, because he has to masquerade as a tourist, being just curious enough to get the locals to tell tales, but not so intense that he raises any suspicions.
I've read several of this old Aussie collection many years ago, and I enjoyed meeting Bony again. The first was written in 1929, and I think they continued until the 1960s.
It's an interesting look at a very different time in Australia's history, but this isn't really historical fiction. This one was written in 1951 about that same period, when returned soldiers and decimated famiies were trying to recover from the trauma and absences following World War Two... not to mention how many families had previously lost people in World War One.
These have been reissued, and I've found digital copies in libraries. Thank you, libraries!
May 28, 2024
When the lighthouse inspector makes an unexpected second trip to now automated Split Point Lighthouse on Australia's southeast coast, he discovers the naked body of a man hidden in a little-used storage closet in the wall. There is nothing to identify the body and advertisements of his description yields no help. So, Inspector Napoleon "Bony" Bonaparte is dispatched to help the local police. Bony has yet to leave a case unsolved and he's confident he'll crack this one. But even with his disguise as a holiday-making sheep farmer, the local inhabitants are reluctant to tell more than they've already shared with the police. But Bony knows that they know something. The only one who will really talk with him is old Ed Penwarden, an expert wood craftsman who specializes in coffins.
Bony wonders why a certain coffin is moved in the night, why the girl was seen struggling with Dick Lake on the cliff top, why Elred Wessex never came home from the war, and what the Bully Buccaneers have to do with it all. It isn't until his new friend, the dog Stug, brings him a shiny new shoe at the cliff's edge that he finds the clues that will lead him onto the correct path and when someone tries to brain him with a rock he knows he's getting close. And if he's not careful, he'll find himself resting permanently in one of Penwarden's beautiful coffins...
Although Upfield employs some of the standard Bony tropes (going undercover, ignoring his chief's urgings to hurry up, etc), this is a slightly different take than most of the detective's cases. Here he finds himself in a more centralized rural area--with far more people around, rather than using his tracking skills in the outback. I really enjoyed his interactions with Penwarden and the empathy he showed to various characters he met during the course of his investigation. And, as always, it's fun to see him melt into another persona as seamlessly as Holmes donning a disguise.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
Bony wonders why a certain coffin is moved in the night, why the girl was seen struggling with Dick Lake on the cliff top, why Elred Wessex never came home from the war, and what the Bully Buccaneers have to do with it all. It isn't until his new friend, the dog Stug, brings him a shiny new shoe at the cliff's edge that he finds the clues that will lead him onto the correct path and when someone tries to brain him with a rock he knows he's getting close. And if he's not careful, he'll find himself resting permanently in one of Penwarden's beautiful coffins...
Although Upfield employs some of the standard Bony tropes (going undercover, ignoring his chief's urgings to hurry up, etc), this is a slightly different take than most of the detective's cases. Here he finds himself in a more centralized rural area--with far more people around, rather than using his tracking skills in the outback. I really enjoyed his interactions with Penwarden and the empathy he showed to various characters he met during the course of his investigation. And, as always, it's fun to see him melt into another persona as seamlessly as Holmes donning a disguise.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
August 4, 2020
A beautiful piece of Australiana and a preserved character study—both of the small coastal town and its inhabitants, and of half-caste Aboriginal detective Napoleon Bonaparte. Upfield’s prose is methodical yet poetically descriptive. Bony is a protagonist with unique methods and appeal.
February 20, 2019
The body was stuffed in a locker in a lighthouse naked with no identification of any kind. Publishing a photograph of the man countrywide brought no one forward to give him a name.
Two months later Bony posing as Mr. Rawlings arrives for a holiday. First he must find out who the dead man was and where he came from. Where could his clothes be?
Next Bony must find out who he knew in the neighborhood and why he came calling. Why would no one come forward?
In the final analysis, Bony must decide between the Law and his humanity.
Set on a wild stretch of the Australian coast the half caste Napoleon Bonaparte finds himself talked into a case he may not be able to solve.
The book is an easy read. The characters are interesting. The investigation has interesting points and a few scary moments. The relationship between Bony and his superiors is explored a bit more than usual.
Two months later Bony posing as Mr. Rawlings arrives for a holiday. First he must find out who the dead man was and where he came from. Where could his clothes be?
Next Bony must find out who he knew in the neighborhood and why he came calling. Why would no one come forward?
In the final analysis, Bony must decide between the Law and his humanity.
Set on a wild stretch of the Australian coast the half caste Napoleon Bonaparte finds himself talked into a case he may not be able to solve.
The book is an easy read. The characters are interesting. The investigation has interesting points and a few scary moments. The relationship between Bony and his superiors is explored a bit more than usual.
December 1, 2014
"He was an ordinary, easy-going Australian to whom life is a game to be played always with a smile no matter what the jolts. You meet this type in the Interior, and it is these men who have brought all the honour to the country's arms in war. Nothing daunts them, nothing makes them wince, and within them are the forces which only extraordinary circumstances ever bring into action" (54).
May 14, 2016
Charming and a bit old fashioned, but nicely detailed in the settings and characters.
February 21, 2021
Along the coast from Lorne in Victoria is the fictional town of Split Point, the scene of a baffling murder.
Time and patience, says Bony, is all he needs to solve any crime. And I would add, a certain predisposition towards people, an openness and empathy. A willingness to make oneself at home among them, accepting invitations and passing by the closed doors. In his cogitations on the nature of this small community, I was reminded of my own home-place in Qld, and of the other places where I have lived long but was drawn into that inner circle.
And it occurred to me that Upfield not only had a fine grasp of custom, geography and natural environment but of the groups of people who lived in the various places separated by distance or time. to write these novels, Upfield needed to know his characters. Admittedly, certain types of character appear regularly, as in this novel, and they are easily recognised – the hoteliers for example. They fit no less truly into the landscape for all that. The idiosyncratic characters, Penwarden for example, are drawn with good humour.
I am learning from Upfield about making characters.
The details of the plot are a slow reveal and make perfect sense in hindsight.
Time and patience, says Bony, is all he needs to solve any crime. And I would add, a certain predisposition towards people, an openness and empathy. A willingness to make oneself at home among them, accepting invitations and passing by the closed doors. In his cogitations on the nature of this small community, I was reminded of my own home-place in Qld, and of the other places where I have lived long but was drawn into that inner circle.
And it occurred to me that Upfield not only had a fine grasp of custom, geography and natural environment but of the groups of people who lived in the various places separated by distance or time. to write these novels, Upfield needed to know his characters. Admittedly, certain types of character appear regularly, as in this novel, and they are easily recognised – the hoteliers for example. They fit no less truly into the landscape for all that. The idiosyncratic characters, Penwarden for example, are drawn with good humour.
I am learning from Upfield about making characters.
The details of the plot are a slow reveal and make perfect sense in hindsight.
December 29, 2016
"The New Shoe" is famed Australian author, Arthur W. Upfield's 15th entry in his Napoleon Bonaparte mystery series. Unlike the previous 14 books, the setting for this story is in a seaside village near the metropolis of Melbourne. His protagonist, the half caste Aborigine, Napoleon Bonaparte, does not utilize his indigenous skills as frequently as when he is placed in the wilds and wastelands of the Outback. Personally, I prefer the way Bonaparte can see the things others cannot in the emptiness of the wilderness that is the majority of the Australian continent, but this mystery is still a wonderful and creative tale, although a bit more conventional than Upfield's others. Upfield continues to enthrall the reader with his exceptional skill of placing us in the midst of Australia in the early half of the 20th century and the reader continues to cheer on the distinctive Napoleon Bonaparte, as he goes about his unique way of solving a crime. A very good read, as are all of Upfield's books.
March 24, 2020
A very good mystery. There was one point getting close to the end where Bony seemed to be relying on some dubiously grounded theories; this distracted briefly from the enjoyment. As it turned out those theories weren't a key part of the final conclusion. This story may, only may, be more accessible to those who know the area (to the west of Geelong and coastal) and the culture. It's not a story of the outback but of rural Victoria and set in the very early 1950s. The [Great] Ocean Road mentioned was built by returned service men after WWI and still experiences landslides today.
Knowledge of some of the places mentioned gives an added facet to the story but it's still enjoyable if you don't know them.
Some great characters are drawn - Superintendent Bolt, Penwarden, Moss, Dick and others.
Knowledge of some of the places mentioned gives an added facet to the story but it's still enjoyable if you don't know them.
Some great characters are drawn - Superintendent Bolt, Penwarden, Moss, Dick and others.
May 20, 2021
The case is cold when Inspector Bonaparte arrives in Split Point two months after a body was found hidden in a lighthouse with no identification. The local police have no suspects. Bony was assigned to the case because of his 100% record in solving cases.
Originally published in 1951, The New Shoe is a reflection of its times. Hence, no DNA analysis and all the modern techno ways of today's investigations. The main character, Bony, is half aborigine/caucasian. He has a way of really listening to people when they talk.
I have read three Inspector Bonaparte mysteries over the years. And I inherited a pile from my father. A few minutes ago I went downstairs to pull out a few to add to my reading pile. I like this laid back detective style, without any flashiness or gratuitous sex. Just a solid read.
Originally published in 1951, The New Shoe is a reflection of its times. Hence, no DNA analysis and all the modern techno ways of today's investigations. The main character, Bony, is half aborigine/caucasian. He has a way of really listening to people when they talk.
I have read three Inspector Bonaparte mysteries over the years. And I inherited a pile from my father. A few minutes ago I went downstairs to pull out a few to add to my reading pile. I like this laid back detective style, without any flashiness or gratuitous sex. Just a solid read.
June 7, 2017
This was my first BONY novel, despite having collected them for many years. Bony is on (unofficial?) secondment to the Victorian police, to investigate the mystery of a man's body found walled up in Split Point lighthouse. The locals are a close community like communities everywhere, but Bony seems to have a knack of working his way in. The only upright character seems to be Stug. He's a dog who takes to Bony. Totally engrossing, this novel kept me reading and as I entered the final chapter, wanting more, I knew that Upfield had reeled me in! I've wandered around the place, piled up a dozen other Bony paperbacks, ready to read.
March 9, 2025
Set in the Victorian seaside town of Airey's Inlet (referred to as Split Point throughout the text). This is the 15th book to feature Australia's greatest fictional detective, Napoleon Bonaparte.
The naked body of a man is discovered entombed in the walls of the Split Point lighthouse. When other detectives fail to find the killer, in steps Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte, Bony to his friends.
A simple story with lots of twists and turns that rival Christie and Doyle.
Having spent many Christmas holidays at Airey's, this story bought back a lot of memories. Can't wait to revisit more of Upfield's books.
The naked body of a man is discovered entombed in the walls of the Split Point lighthouse. When other detectives fail to find the killer, in steps Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte, Bony to his friends.
A simple story with lots of twists and turns that rival Christie and Doyle.
Having spent many Christmas holidays at Airey's, this story bought back a lot of memories. Can't wait to revisit more of Upfield's books.
March 18, 2023
Not Upfield's best book, but not his worst either. The ending was crammed with events but the development thereof was unsatisfactory. The author seemed to realise he'd been going far too slowly with the exposition of the story, so he raced to a conclusion. But at least there were no weird uses of language in this instalment. The only geographic excitement this time was the description of the drive in a heavy truck over "Sweet Fairy Ann" which is never properly explained but I guess refers to some kind of mountain or extremely high hill.
May 19, 2025
Arthur Upfield is always absorbing but some books stand out, and this is one of those. I love Upfield's setting in the rugged bush and Bony's struggles with the landscape as well as the mystery. The character of Penwarden, the coffin maker, is especially intriguing and adds an interesting twist. There are a few genuine "oh no!" moments and like so many Bony novels, it keeps you guessing until the end.
August 13, 2024
The New Shoe one of the very best Bony books
A naked body hidden in a lighthouse with no clue to who shot him or who he was. Weeks later Bony comes in to solve the puzzle. This is an intricate story of decent people doing their best under tragic circumstances. Bony triumphs but yields to compassion and derails the police search. Full of humour pathos and interesting facts.
A naked body hidden in a lighthouse with no clue to who shot him or who he was. Weeks later Bony comes in to solve the puzzle. This is an intricate story of decent people doing their best under tragic circumstances. Bony triumphs but yields to compassion and derails the police search. Full of humour pathos and interesting facts.
July 17, 2017
Another great Bony novel. A naked body has been found in a newly constructed locker in an automated lighthouse. No one can identify the body and the local police can find no clues. Enter Bony, incognito. Will time and a bit of luck enable him to solve the riddle?
November 19, 2022
Very good read.
May 19, 2023
“Greed and loyalty, bitterness and love, viciousness and altruism are some of the ingredients of this mystery.” p143
December 6, 2013
My copy has a set of blood spattered keys on the front, appropriate since a set of keys figures prominently in the story. Lighthouses are unsettling places at the best of times and when you add a naked male body shoved into a small storage place in the lighthouse wall you have a very nervous-making situation indeed. The police, even after much searching have been unable to determine even so simple a thing as the identity of the dead man. The solution is quite satisfyingly complex and makes good sense. The characters are complex and good people to meet. The hotel where Boney (the detective - Napoleon Bonaparte)stays is what you would expect in a very small place: a staff of two, husband & wife who run the bar and the kitchen respectively. Listening to the hoteliers and the people who drink in the bar provide much of the information Boney needs, although he manages to do a fair bit of travelling to look out the information's background.
Enjoyed the Australian background and the Sweet Fairy Ann road reminds me slightly of a few places in this country, although nothing I've met would match the Slide, I think. There is no suggestion that Sweet Fairy Ann is anything other than the actual name of that road.
Enjoyed the Australian background and the Sweet Fairy Ann road reminds me slightly of a few places in this country, although nothing I've met would match the Slide, I think. There is no suggestion that Sweet Fairy Ann is anything other than the actual name of that road.
June 9, 2013
Although my husband and I read and enjoyed Upfield's Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte, Bony, mysteries about 20 years ago, neither of us remembered this story. Now that Bolinda Audio is releasing audiobook versions, we are enjoying listening to them together. The appeal is how Upfield is able to take you to different parts of Australia through this series and open your eyes to the landscape, community and lifestyles around the country during the period of 1930s to 1950s.
In this book, another very puzzling murder has been committed, and Bony arrives to investigate some time after crime scene clues have been obliterated and previous investigation has been poorly handled. Bony is good at getting to know people in the community, and through observation of people's actions and words he is able to come up with ideas of what might have happened. This small community has a cast of very interesting characters who act in what seems like very odd ways. The murder is a good mystery to be solved, but there are also peripheral mysteries that get unraveled along the way.
In this book, another very puzzling murder has been committed, and Bony arrives to investigate some time after crime scene clues have been obliterated and previous investigation has been poorly handled. Bony is good at getting to know people in the community, and through observation of people's actions and words he is able to come up with ideas of what might have happened. This small community has a cast of very interesting characters who act in what seems like very odd ways. The murder is a good mystery to be solved, but there are also peripheral mysteries that get unraveled along the way.
July 10, 2014
I read in Wikipedia that Tony Hillerman felt he owed a debt to Arthur W. Upfield for the success of his mysteries featuring the Navajo tribal police. Since I am a long-time fan of Hillerman I thought it would be interesting to read an Upfield mystery. This is the only one I was able to find at the local library.
I think it's a very good, old fashioned mystery and I enjoyed it. However I don't think it is the best example of the qualities Hillerman found in this series' detective. The Upfield books feature a half-European, half-aboriginal Australian hero, Detective-inspector Napoleon (Bony) Bonaparte, who uses his understanding of local tribal traditions to help him solve mysteries. Not so much in this one since it doesn't involve any tribal traditions that I could find. Although Bony's ability to read and remember individual footprints does help in solving this case.
I hope I can find more in this series. I will read them.
I think it's a very good, old fashioned mystery and I enjoyed it. However I don't think it is the best example of the qualities Hillerman found in this series' detective. The Upfield books feature a half-European, half-aboriginal Australian hero, Detective-inspector Napoleon (Bony) Bonaparte, who uses his understanding of local tribal traditions to help him solve mysteries. Not so much in this one since it doesn't involve any tribal traditions that I could find. Although Bony's ability to read and remember individual footprints does help in solving this case.
I hope I can find more in this series. I will read them.
June 25, 2012
I haven't come across any of Arthur Upfield's Australian aborigine mysteries I don't love. Okay -- he probably regretted giving his detective the too-cutsie name of Napoleon Bonaparte. But Boney is a terrific character, both in his work and his struggles against the racism of his day. And the settings are terrific!
August 16, 2013
I enjoyed the writing syle of Arthur W. Upfield. I knew I was hooked when describing a penguin in the ocean--"Steadily the white horses grew in number and in strength, charging down upon him, thrusting him deep beneath their salted hooves, each one taking a little of his bouyancy before speeding onward in the race for land." Good mystery!
July 20, 2015
Not in the usual Bony mould, this one. Not much in the way of bushcraft apart from a little bit of footprint identification here and there. Plenty of detection though but I have to say I prefer the stories that are set in the outback.
December 22, 2015
The body of an unknown man is found in the lighthouse of a small coastal village. No one in the village claims to recognize him, but someone must know who he was. Bony unravels the intricate problem in his usual brilliant way. Highly recommended.
March 16, 2011
A new series I discovered, and I really liked it. I'll have to find more "Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte" mysteries. No worries, he's an Australian detective in the 60s. Interesting stuff...
April 27, 2013
I read it. I liked it. I'm having a hard time remembering the plot. But I think all his books are delightful, enlightening, and informative
July 23, 2013
I loved it. I found it at a library book sale. I can't wait to read more.
March 23, 2016
Enjoyable 50's detective down under.
Want to read
December 31, 2018Synopsis: the body of an unknown man is found at Australia's Split Point Lighthouse. Bony goes to work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews