From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:
My summer reading took me down under to Australia with a new-to-me author, Paula J. Beavan. I was encouraged by the glowing reviews of her debut 2021 novel Daughter of the Hunter Valley and wanted to start with her latest book Among the Grey Gums as an introduction to her writing. Both novels are set during the 1830s and 1840s in southern Australia’s Hunter Valley, north of Sydney in New South Wales.
I enjoy historical fiction with big challenges for their protagonists, endearing characters, atmospheric settings, accurate history, and a bit of romance. It’s a tall order, so I was hoping that Beavan could deliver.
Read on for more story details and my thoughts.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
A woman must track down a murderer to save her brother from the hangman’s noose … A rollicking and entertaining historical mystery, filled with adventure and romance from the Australian author of Daughter of the Hunter Valley.
1842, Hunter Valley: Lucy Stewart’s life turns chaotic when she finds herself caught up in a murder investigation in order to save her brother-in-law, Joe, from the hangman’s noose. Constable Sam Donovan believes the accusations levelled at Joe Stewart are suspicious at best and feels compelled to work with Lucy to find the real killer. Getting to know this fiercely independent woman in the process is a bonus.
Their pursuit brings them to the attention of the notorious Smokey Gang, and when Lucy is ambushed on a deserted bush track and threatened, they realise they must be getting close to finding out what is really going on in the Valley.
Life has taught Lucy the hard way not to rely on anyone, but Lucy needs Sam’s sleuthing skills. However, she has secrets in her past, the kind that once revealed change everything, and the only way she can find out if she can place her confidence in him, is to trust him. And that’s the hard part…
Bushrangers, corruption and cover-ups, it’s a perilous journey to the truth…
MY THOUGHTS
Among the Grey Gums can be categorized as a road trip novel. We follow along as heroine Lucy and the hero constable Sam Donovan traverse back country roads by horseback and bullock cart to visit sites and speak with persons of interest during the investigation into the murder of a prominent landowner’s wife.
Lucy’s brother-in-law has been charged with the brutal crime. She knows that he is innocent, however the local police quickly pin it on him and are ready to see him conveniently swing for the crime.
There are multiple deceptions afoot and a mystery that slowly unfolds regarding Lucy and her husband. The local authorities also have their own secrets to hide regarding the Smokey Gang, thieves who are terrorizing the community. Along the way we meet many unique characters, both colorful and menacing, learn clues that are subtly dropped like breadcrumbs, and experience a great character arc for the heroine.
The themes of honor, trust, and justice drive this story. Beavan’s descriptions of the area and culture bring a long-gone era to life with flair. The mystery elements kept me guessing until the final reveal, and her characters were at times exasperating and endearing.
Much to my delight, animals also play an important part in the story. Sam’s horse Ramses was a nice mirror to its owner, as well as Lucy’s dog, Splinter. The very slow burn romance was secondary to the story but satisfying.
In the end, Beavan delivered a memorable and moving story full of character and insight into the world of colonial Australia, hardship, and renewal. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Brennan while I read the text. Her accent really added to my enjoyment by giving me the full local experience and I recommend pairing the two formats for the total experience.
5 out of 5 Stars
BOOK INFORMATION
- Among the Grey Gums, by Paula J. Beavan
- HQ Fiction AU (June 5, 2024)
- Trade paperback, eBook, and audiobook (400) pages
- ISBN: 978-1867286370
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Australian Fiction
AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS
We purchased a copy of the book and audiobook for our own enjoyment. Cover image and book description courtesy of HQ Fiction Australia © 2024; text Laurel Ann Nattress © 2024, austenprose.com, an Amazon affiliate. No AI: material on Austenprose.com may not be used in datasets for, in the development of, or as inputs to generative AI programs.
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I think I fell in love with Australian stories after watching (and then tracking down to read) The Man From Snowy River. This one sounds quite intriguing!
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Rebecca, we are movie twins. I adore The Man from Snowy River as well. Beyond Patterson’s original poem, I did not know there was a novel to read.
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That movie: the story, the horses, the music! <3 I wasn't able to find a novel, but I did find the poetry collection with that one and others (and it's so so good).
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