Set in colonial Fiji in 1914, this novel introduces Sergeant Akmal Singh, a twenty-five-year-old police officer who has been banish鈥楽ingh. My office.鈥�
Set in colonial Fiji in 1914, this novel introduces Sergeant Akmal Singh, a twenty-five-year-old police officer who has been banished to Fiji after a professional mistake in Hong Kong. Sergeant Singh is desperate to earn back the respect of his superior officers (while dreaming of returning to Hong Kong).
When an indentured Indian woman goes missing from a sugarcane plantation, the local priest, Father Hughes, gets media attention when he claims that she has been kidnapped. Reluctantly, Inspector-General Jonathan Thurstrom assigns Sergeant Singh to the case. The Inspector-General intends only a cursory investigation: the fate of an indentured Indian worker seems to be of little consequence. While initially Sergeant Singh thinks that the woman has run off with another man, it soon becomes clear that this is not the case. In investigating the case, Sergeant Singh is confronted by obfuscation and racism on the part of the European plantation owners, but receives support from the local doctor, Dr Holmes. While he receives mixed responses from the other indentured Indian labourers on the plantation and others, he is able to piece together the evidence and solve the mystery.
While I enjoyed the mystery aspect of this story, it was the colonial history aspect which captured and held my attention. As described, the working conditions for the indentured Indian labourers were appalling.
This is the first novel in a proposed series. The second novel is scheduled for publication on 10 June 2025.
鈥楽omeone鈥檚 tragic death was everyone else鈥檚 direct messaging.鈥�
In the courtyard of the Pacific Heights apartment block, somewhere in an Australian city鈥楽omeone鈥檚 tragic death was everyone else鈥檚 direct messaging.鈥�
In the courtyard of the Pacific Heights apartment block, somewhere in an Australian city, a local resident is found dead. Given that five apartments overlook the murder scene and several residents were awake at the time, solving the murder should be straightforward. At least, that is what is assumed by Superintendent Laxton when he assigns Detectives Carl 鈥楤luey鈥� Blewson and Lachlan Dyson are assigned to the case. He doesn鈥檛 have a high regard for either of them, but all the other detectives are busy.
Once on scene, the detectives try to determine what happened. They start by interviewing several residents who either witnessed some of the events surrounding the murder or who knew the victim. But, even allowing for different perspectives of the site and the fact that no-one saw everything, discrepancies appear.
And what about the victim? The more the detectives dig, the more motivation they find. The victim had manipulated or taken advantage of several people, any one of whom might have resorted to murder.
Mr White has peopled his novel with a range of well-developed and complex characters. Each has his or her own story, and some apparently knew the victim better than they claimed. I was fascinated. While I thought I knew who was responsible for the murder, there were aspects of the case I did not work out before the end. And, while it is totally inappropriate for me to say so, I had much more sympathy for the perpetrator than the victim.
鈥榃e answered your questions, Detective.鈥�
This is the fifth of Mr White鈥檚 novels I have read, following the (currently four volume) Detective Dana Russo series. Highly recommended.
鈥楾he first recorded use of the name 鈥楳adame Brussels鈥� was in 1879, as the 鈥榦ccupant鈥� listed in the rate books of the houses Caroline Hodgson was renti鈥楾he first recorded use of the name 鈥楳adame Brussels鈥� was in 1879, as the 鈥榦ccupant鈥� listed in the rate books of the houses Caroline Hodgson was renting in Lonsdale Street East.鈥�
While in Melbourne recently, I visited the Melbourne Museum. While viewing their 鈥楳elbourne Story Exhibition鈥� (particularly the exhibition recreating life in Little Lonsdale St in the 1890s) I was reminded of Ms Minchinton鈥檚 鈥楾he Women of Little Lon鈥� which I read some years ago. More recently, I read Ms Cleary鈥檚 novel 鈥楾he Butterfly Women鈥� which also referred to 鈥楳adame Brussels鈥� and tempted me to read this book.
So, who was Madame Brussels? Apparently, she was the most legendary brothel keeper in nineteenth-century Melbourne, the best known of the 鈥榝lash madams鈥�, now immortalized with both a lane and a roof-top bar named after her. Born Caroline Lohmar in Prussia, around 1851, she arrived in Melbourne with her husband Studholme 鈥楽tud鈥� Hodgson in 1871. When her husband left Melbourne to work in the country as a policeman, Caroline opened a boarding house in Lonsdale Street. She bought more properties: with her lavishly appointed principal establishment close to Parliament House. Caroline Hodgson became known for her business acumen and stylish lifestyle, thus becoming known as a 鈥榝lash madam鈥�.
While she presided over her establishments, there is no evidence that she was a sex worker. I wonder whether that is important, and to whom? Certainly, Caroline Hodgson was an astute businesswoman and benefitted from the 鈥楳arvellous Melbourne鈥� land boom. But she suffered during the recession of the 1890s and by the early twentieth century her health was failing. I was intrigued by Ms Minchinton鈥檚 presentation of Caroline Hodgson鈥檚 story and the light shown on late nineteenth century Melbourne. After her first husband died, Caroline Hodgson remarried. But this marriage was not successful, and after a couple of years she returned to managing brothels.
I kept reading. And while I learned quite a lot about Madame Brussels, I found Caroline Hodgson quite a shadowy figure. By the time she died in 1908, Melbourne had changed. Tolerance had been replaced by prohibition which, I imagine, has led to 鈥榰ncomfortable鈥� history being ignored or forgotten.
Ms Minchinton鈥檚 book sheds light on Melbourne鈥檚 history and one of the women who certainly added colour to it.
鈥楴o one had any idea what travelling through time might do to the human body.鈥�
I had high expectations when I started to read this novel. Many of my fr鈥楴o one had any idea what travelling through time might do to the human body.鈥�
I had high expectations when I started to read this novel. Many of my friends enjoyed it, and the blurb appealed. How could I resist:
鈥業n the near future, a disaffected civil servant is offered a lucrative job in a mysterious new government ministry gathering 'expats' from across history to test the limits of time-travel.鈥�
The project involved seven 鈥榚xpats鈥�, two of whom were killed during the extraction process. The five survivors, each of whom thought they had been kidnapped, were:
1645: Lieutenant Thomas Cardingham from the Battle of Naseby 1665: Margaret Kemble, plucked from London during the Great Plague 1793: Anne Spencer, from Robespierre鈥檚 Paris 1847: Commander Graham Gore, from the Franklin expedition 1916: Captain Arthur Reginald-Smythe from the Battle of the Somme.
The role of our disaffected civil servant is to act as a 鈥榖ridge鈥� for Commander Graham Gore. Being a 鈥榖ridge鈥� involves assisting, living with, and monitoring Commander Gore.
I particularly enjoyed the first half of the novel where Commander Gore, known as 鈥�1847鈥� within the group, finds himself in unfamiliar surroundings. He is disoriented, surrounded by unfamiliar and at times seemingly outlandish concepts. How can the British Empire have collapsed, and what is a washing machine? And language has also changed: commonplace words and expressions from the past are no longer considered acceptable. I also enjoyed making the acquaintance of Margaret Kemble, with her unique view of the world.
But as the novel moved beyond the adjustments Commander Gore made and the clash between attitudes and values, I became less interested. The romantic aspect of the story was probably predictable but of less interest to me. I kept reading, wondering where (and how) it would end. And yes, the action ratcheted up as it becomes clear that not everything within the experiment is going according to plan.
I admire the way in which Ms Bradley presents this imaginative story, especially the 鈥榟ereness鈥� and 鈥檛hereness鈥� and the touches of humour within it. And while, once I finished the novel, I could see the importance of the romance to the complete story, for me it became a distraction. The novel itself is an interesting hybrid: a mixture of science fiction thriller and romance, with social commentary and reminders of tragedy. It is also often very funny, splashed with episodes of the clash in values and attitudes.
I finished the novel with mixed feelings. While I am full of admiration for Ms Bradley鈥檚 imaginative ingenuity in what is her debut novel, I was less captivated by the romance and its repercussions.
鈥樷€� trust in politics and politicians is low and shows no sign of recovery.鈥�
Speaking of Australian politics 鈥� during the six days it has taken me to re鈥樷€� trust in politics and politicians is low and shows no sign of recovery.鈥�
Speaking of Australian politics 鈥� during the six days it has taken me to read this book, the LNP coalition split, and now seems on the verge of a reunion. And, in the seat of Bradfield, a recount is guaranteed: with 100% of the vote counted, only 8 votes separate the Liberal and Independent candidates. Once upon a time, Bradfield was considered a safe Liberal seat.
The most recent Australian Federal election was held on 3 May 2025, after this book was published. While Labor was returned to government, with a majority in the House of Representatives, it did so with a small increase in primary votes. Preference flows have been critical in both determining the Labor win and the LNP loss. I鈥檒l leave the analysis to the experts.
This book, a collection of articles by academic authors published by The Conversation, is divided into seven parts:
Part I How Parliament Works Part II The Constitution Part III How Government Works Part IV Shaping Australian Life Part V Democracy and Accountability Part VI Key Challenges Facing our Democracy Part VII The Politics of the Present
Because this book is focussed on the history and processes of Australian democracy, it is worth reading. It contains especially important material for those unfamiliar with the history of the Australian Commonwealth, including those who (apparently) no longer learn about Australian civics at school.
While the entire book is valuable, I would particularly recommend Parts VI and VII for those looking to the future.
鈥楽leeping here wasn鈥檛 only illegal, it was risky.鈥�
Mac and Erika were forced out of the apartment they were renting in Adelaide, South Australia. Appar鈥楽leeping here wasn鈥檛 only illegal, it was risky.鈥�
Mac and Erika were forced out of the apartment they were renting in Adelaide, South Australia. Apparently, the owner intends to sell it. Their only problem is that rental accommodation is so scarce in Australia鈥檚 current housing crisis that the pair cannot find anywhere else to rent. Erika is okay: she can move back home with her parents and brothers. But Mac has no such luck. Living with her mother is not an option, and increasingly friends are less willing to allow her to couch-surf. And sleeping in her car is even less attractive.
One afternoon, Mac discovers Barren Cape. Barren Cape, now an abandoned shell of incomplete buildings behind a wire fence, was intended to be a luxury resort. Mac sees it as a possible short-term option. She is arranging to head to the UK where her sister is and is just awaiting her passport and visa.
While checking out Barren Cape, Mac finds Brex (short for 鈥楤rexleigh鈥� 鈥� 鈥榯he world鈥檚 worst bogan name鈥�) who is looking for a place where she is safe from her mother鈥檚 despicable boyfriend. Mac tries to help Brex by giving her money. Thinking herself safe, Mac moves into Barren Cape.
The three main characters are Mac, Erika and Brex. The story unfolds quite slowly, and the tension remains high. Each of the three make mistakes, each will make assumptions that will prove dangerous.
Many who read this novel will be able to relate to the effects of the current housing crisis in Australia. Rents are out of the reach of many, even assuming that accommodation is available in the first place. Mac and Erika have incomes: imagine the challenges for those out of work or, in the case of Brex, really are not safe at home. These thoughts were in the back of my mind as I kept reading. And, while I deplored some of the actions taken, I appreciate the instinct for survival that drove some decisions.
There鈥檚 a twist at the end that had me wanting more, wanting to know exactly how each story came to an end.
Set in colonial Fiji in 1915, this is the second novel in Ms Rao鈥檚 series featuring Sergeant Akal Singh. Sergeant Singh is still seen as an outsider bSet in colonial Fiji in 1915, this is the second novel in Ms Rao鈥檚 series featuring Sergeant Akal Singh. Sergeant Singh is still seen as an outsider by most members of this sharply segregated community. And, although his cricket prowess is appreciated by some, Sergeant Singh has yet to impress his superior officer, Inspector-General Jonathon Thurstrom.
Will he ever have an opportunity to leave his past indiscretion in Hong Kong behind him?
When summoned by Inspector-General Thurstrom to escort two Australian women on a sightseeing tour to Levuka on the neighbouring island of Ovalau, Sergeant Singh fears not. The two women are the sister and niece of Hugh Clancy, the editor of the Fiji Times. Sergeant Singh is reminded of his indiscretion in Hong Kong, while also being asked to investigate a report of Germans on the island. A report has been made by the young constable who is currently the only policeman on Ovalau. World War I has created manpower shortages in the police force as well as creating fears about enemy invasion.
What should have been a straightforward assignment becomes extremely complicated very quickly, with more than one mystery to solve. Ms Rao presents a picture of class-conscious colonial Fiji which includes the misery suffered by indentured Indian workers. Racism is rampant. Fortunately for Sergeant Singh, he is accompanied by his friend Constable Taviti Tukana, whose uncle is an important local chief.
Aspects of the story are confronting, especially the descriptions of the lives of the indentured Indian workers, with references to engrained racism. There are murders to solve, as well as the need to establish the identity of the European sailors who, while they may not be guilty of murder, have transgressed important traditional practice.
Ms Rao combines mystery and history in this tightly plotted story which held my attention from beginning to end.
鈥楤efore there was memory, before there was history, there were the leviathans: the colossal, monstrous creatures that lumbered ashore each wet season 鈥楤efore there was memory, before there was history, there were the leviathans: the colossal, monstrous creatures that lumbered ashore each wet season and went wandering the plains, bringing death and panic with them.鈥�
Well, this is first novel I have read by Robert Jackson Bennett, but it won鈥檛 be the last. Somehow, I managed to stumble into the second book of a series, and I have since learned that there is at least one more book to come.
Back to the novel. This is a richly constructed world of high fantasy and while reading the first book in the series will give me more of the background to both world and characters, the opening chapters provided me with enough information to navigate my way through.
Yarrowdale is a canton on the far edge of the Empire of Khanum. A Treasury officer disappears into thin air. How was he abducted from his quarters? Entrances and exits to the building were under constant guard, and both the door and windows remained locked from the inside. Enter the Empire鈥檚 most brilliant, eccentric and mercurial investigator: Ana Dolabra, and her assistant Dinios Kol.
But this disappearance is just the beginning of the puzzle Ana and Dinios need to unravel.
Disappearance, murder and an adversary who seems to be always one step ahead. Because Ana is 鈥榓 woman so brilliant [that] she lives most of her days blindfolded and rarely leaves her rooms, for fear that common life shall overwhelm her mind鈥�, Dinios does most of the legwork. It鈥檚 his job to interview witnesses and assess the crime scenes, providing the information gleaned to Ana to piece together.
And in the background is the mysterious Shroud, where 鈥榯he Empire's greatest minds dissect fallen Titans to harness the volatile magic found in their blood. Should it fall, the destruction would be terrible indeed鈥攁nd the Empire itself will grind to a halt, robbed of the magic that allows its wheels of power to turn鈥�.
While the worldbuilding is magnificent, many of the issues raised are recognisable as political games. Yarrowdale is a strategic asset to the Empire of Khanum even though it is not yet formally part of the Empire. The struggles of the commoners caught in the middle are also part of the story. How does it end? You will need to read it yourself to find out.
I finished this novel full of admiration for Robert Jackson Bennett鈥檚 storytelling and worldbuilding skills.
'If you think it's hard being a white woman in Australia,鈥� Courtney Hunter-Hebberman said, 鈥榯ry being a black woman.鈥�
This book is based on the podcast'If you think it's hard being a white woman in Australia,鈥� Courtney Hunter-Hebberman said, 鈥榯ry being a black woman.鈥�
This book is based on the podcast of the same name which won a Walkley award. The book is an investigation into the deaths of six young Indigenous women.
'If you think it's hard being a white woman in Australia, try being a black woman.' These were the words that set a team of journalists at the Adelaide Advertiser on an investigation into the tragic deaths of six young Indigenous women. Courtney Hunter-Hebberman was on stage at an International Women鈥檚 Day event when she uttered these words. Courtney鈥檚 daughter Rose, aged 19, apparently died by suicide in a run-down backyard shed. Understandably, Courtney had many questions. Unfortunately, the police were unable to provide the answers she was after.
The Adelaide Advertiser team hoped that their investigation would shed light on Rose鈥檚 death and would put Courtney鈥檚 mind at rest. Sadly, their investigation into the deaths of the six young Indigenous women raised more questions than it answered. Reading each case raised questions for me as well. The assumptions about suicide in cases where the information/evidence available seemed to make suicide unlikely (if not impossible), ineffective communication and assumptions about individuals did not reflect impartial, effective investigation.
For any family, death by suicide is always distressing and often inexplicable. But in each of the six cases covered in this book, suicide seemed unlikely and unproven. The vulnerability of women, especially of Indigenous women, is an unfortunate fact within Australia. And it is compounded when sudden deaths are not properly investigated. What can we do to improve this? How committed are the authorities to making the changes required? How many more young lives will be lost in similar circumstances? Will we still be asking these same questions in ten years time?
鈥楬er final thought as the shovel raises, ready to strike again, is that today was supposed to be the start of her new life. Instead, it鈥檚 going to be 鈥楬er final thought as the shovel raises, ready to strike again, is that today was supposed to be the start of her new life. Instead, it鈥檚 going to be the end of it.鈥�
After rejecting her boyfriend Michael鈥檚 marriage proposal, Nina moves out. Fortunately, her brother Dexter and his partner are heading to Hong Kong for a few weeks, and Nina moves into his apartment to housesit and look after his cat, Hannibal. A breathing space for Nina while she looks for a place of her own.
The very first night, in the middle of sweltering hot weather, the apartment block experiences a power outage. Nina escapes to the balcony where it is marginally cooler. From this vantage point, Nina can see into the next block of apartments. She is drawn to a man in the penthouse, and when he is joined by a woman on the balcony she cannot stop watching. And when a woman of her exact description is reported missing, Nina goes to the police.
What follows is a story full of suspense with some unexpected twists. Nina is not the only person observing others. Meet Leonard, an older man who lives in the apartment under the penthouse. And then, the return of Zac, who owns the apartment Nina is housesitting, complicates matters further. Ms Beevis has assembled an interesting cast of characters to carry this story forward. It took me quite a while to work out what was going on as there were quite a few possibilities. This is the first of Ms Beevis鈥檚 books I have read: I鈥檒l be looking for others.
I鈥檇 recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys suspense with a twist.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
鈥業n order to understand the present, young people must have an appreciation of past lives and the forces which have shaped our contemporary world.鈥�
Las鈥業n order to understand the present, young people must have an appreciation of past lives and the forces which have shaped our contemporary world.鈥�
Last time I was in Tasmania, I was fortunate to have an opportunity to browse through the wonderful Book Cellar in Campbell Town and (naturally) bought a few books. This book captured my attention: my maternal grandfather was born in Campbell Town in 1889, and his father worked in the surrounding area.
The back cover of the book mentions that the Campbell Town District High School was associated with this book, which was first published in 1995. Students assisted with the restoration of the Old Cemetery as well as speaking with local people who shared their memories of the past.
I really enjoyed reading the different contributions to this book and learning more about the history of Campbell Town, the (unrealised) vision for Cleveland (where my great grandfather spent much of his life), the formation of Lake Leake in the late 19th century to bolster the town鈥檚 water supply and the building of the Red Bridge.
Campbell Town has a rich history, and I would recommend this book to anyone either interested in the European history of Tasmania鈥檚 Northern Midlands and (or) with family ties to the area.
鈥楾hey say that when I was born, all the wild geese flew down from the sky, and the fish sank between the waves, having forgotten how to swim.鈥�
I was in鈥楾hey say that when I was born, all the wild geese flew down from the sky, and the fish sank between the waves, having forgotten how to swim.鈥�
I was intrigued. I enjoy novels set in China, and the description for this one caught my attention: 鈥業nspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China, A Song to Drown Rivers is an epic historical fantasy about womanhood, war, sacrifice, and love against all odds鈥�. The villagers of Yue see Xishi鈥檚 beauty as a blessing. Surely such a beautiful girl will marry well and be able to support her family. One day, on the banks of the river washing silk, Xishi comes to the attention of Fanli, the famous young military adviser to King Goujian. Visiting her home, Fanli offers Xishi the opportunity to topple the rival neighbouring kingdom of Wu. This, Xishi is told, will provide an opportunity to improve the lives of her people and avenge the death of her sister (at the hands of the Wu).
Fanli proposes training Xishi in the various arts and skills required to serve as both a concubine and a spy. Once trained, she is offered to King Fuchai. Once in situ, with the help of Zhengdan her fellow villager, trained as a palace woman, Xishi sets about her task.
I have no idea how closely this story relates to the legend, but I know I enjoyed it. Sure, I had to suspend disbelief at times (as legends invariably require) but I was caught up in the story. Yes, I wanted Xishi to succeed. I wanted her to return to Fanli, to live happily ever after.
Alas, happy endings are not often attainable. Heroic undertakings often require heroic sacrifices. And those who plot downfall often see no continuing role for those who helped them.
鈥榃hen it came down to it, the choice was this: a kingdom, or my happiness.鈥�
Thank you, Ms Liang. I enjoyed your novel and will look for others.
Loading...
