Universal link to where the book is available online: http://books2read.com/u/mdK0DE
Major Barnaby of Honey Hills is demanding the return of a mysterious package he claims Sam was carrying for him, and which was apparently lost in the accident. His lies and threats force Emma to investigate. To complicate matters, her brother-in-law, Daniel, co-owner with her of the Mary B, is blaming her for everything. She must call on all her strength and resources to redeem herself, and Sam.
Her search for the package leads her up and down the river and across country, where not everyone she encounters is welcoming and some pay more attention than she finds comfortable. She must apply the sleuthing techniques gleaned from her readings of fictional detective Mrs Paschal, and insights into human nature from Anthony Trollope. In the process she learns more about herself and her desire to solve problems, sometimes against the wishes of those whose problem it is.
But how will the Major react to what she learns during her search? And can she and Daniel find a way to work together?
After delivering Emma’s brother Joe and his very pregnant wife Catherine to the Wentworth customs house in the Mary B, Emma and Daniel are hurrying to reach Echuca before being stranded as the water in the Murray falls to its seasonal unnavigable levels. They are delayed by finding a body at Zeller’s woodpile. Emma discovers she doesn’t know Hilda Zeller as well as she imagined. But how much do the Zeller boys know about the death, and more importantly, where is their father? To complicate matters, there is friction among the crew and a customs officer boards to search for smuggled goods. Things come to a head when the Mary B reaches Swan Hill and some secrets are exposed.
Available from Amazon and Book Depository
In the nineteenth century, ladies used a Commonplace Book to record things of interest they had read, poems, recipes, proverbs, prayers, and information on health, beauty and fashion: anything they may wish to refer to at a later time. The nineteenth century lady read Anthony Trollope for recreation and amusement. Quotes from his many works have been included for your enjoyment.
BOOK 3– Murder at the Mill
An Emma Berry Murray River Mystery
Due in 2017
While visiting Deelie and Brendan O’Neill at the Lockwood’s pastoral property, out of Wentworth, Emma becomes involved in the death of a family member when the Lockwood’s flour mill explodes.
Visit my Pinterest board ‘Murray River, Australia’ for more images of the river and the mallee country, and my Facebook page Irene Sauman-Writer Historian for updates.
