A gripping book, magnificently written, this is the fifth book in the detective Dave Burrows series .It is divided into short gulps of thirty chapters and there is a Prologue and Epilogue.
Readers learn a lot about life in an isolated small outback town tending sheep and shearing, (which is why Dave and his colleague Bob are on the homestead, to investigate large numbers of missing sheep) but there is also arresting, lush description of the landscape, flora and fauna and the world waking up. The torrential storm is vividly described as well as the aftermath.You feel you are there, can see the sunrise, smell the greenery, hear the birds or tumultuous thunder and lightning. Descriptions of tense police work and forensics are also included. There is deep discussion about Life and regrets or otherwise – if he had the chance would Dave do things differently?
Characterization is also marvellously handled, readers get to feel they know the main characters in particular- Bob , Dave, Shannon, Mac the pilot, wheelchair bound Jane and Brody Corbett, who own the homestead and caravan park known as Corbett Station Stay. We also meet Hannah and Kelsey who work at the homestead and some of the locals, neighbours and caravaners.
After a shattering family tragedy, it is unequivocally made clear to Detective Dave Burrows that his wife, Mel, is no longer interested in their marriage.
However , before Dave can talk to Mel, he and his partner, Bob Holden, are ordered to investigate a suspected sheep stealing at a station north of Carnarvon, where they very quickly realise that this crime is a lot more than just stock theft. We learn a lot about the relationship between Dave and Bob.
As a ferocious tropical storm floods the airstrip and uncovers more than anyone expected, Dave and Bob find themselves isolated, outnumbered and in extraordinary danger. Dave has to confront the guilt and trauma of his past before he can move forward. Can he? Possibly there is no real answer or chance of reconciliation.
Other past encounters are revealed and there are murder mysteries and the curious case of the missing sheep to be solved, plus other dangerous entanglements that could be fatal.
Shannon the forensic pathologist arrives to investigate the discovery of the first body – she and Dave have always had warm friendship and work well together professionally. Isolated on the homestead and working on the beach when bodies are discovered we follow how that relationship blossoms into further intimacy.
When the storm hits it reveals another body, buried deep in the sand, and a truckload of drugs is discovered nearby as they recover the second body.
A terrific rural detective story.
https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/fiction/Rising-Dust-Fleur-McDonald-9781760878832
ISBN: 9781760878832
ISBN-10: 1760878839
Audience: General
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number Of Pages: 376
Available: 29th March 2022
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Dimensions (cm): 23.4 x 15.3
Weight (kg): 0.46
Featured image : Fleur McDonald International Day Of Rural Women