History and secrets are often the drivers in crime fiction and so it is in this month’s books – one contemporary, the other set just after WWI, both in places that feel like home turf to many Canberrans.
AL Booth uses her extensive knowledge of history to create an intriguing murder mystery set in 1919 near Eden, NSW.
In Death at Booroomba (Ventura Press, 2025; cover and internal design Debrah Parry Graphics; cover images Alamy Stock Photo; Shutterstock) A L Booth (Alison) has captured the period (mostly 1919) perfectly, with a combination of measured descriptive prose and era-appropriate dialogue. She’s an elegant writer.
The story begins in 1915 as her hero Jack O’Rourke is preparing to leave for war. He happens upon the assault of an elderly man, who falls into the harbour. Without a thought, powerfully reminded of his beloved grandfather, Jack dives in to save him.
Four years later, returning from active service, Jack is surprised to learn Sam Lomond, the man he saved, has left him his rural property of Booroomba near Eden.
It is clear this is a suspicious death. The townsfolk question why Jack has inherited the property and do all they can to discourage him from staying. Jack is in danger simply by being there, as well as by insisting on investigating the crime.
During his time at Booroomba, Jack bumps shoulders with a collection of interesting locals: Doctor and Mrs McDonald, to whom he has a letter of introduction, feisty journalist and newspaper publisher Tess Allingham, wealthy neighbour Arthur Smythe, townsfolk and the local constabulary.
Then there is the Russian element, including neighbour Ivan. It turns out Lomond has some Russian heritage on his mother’s side.
Jack’s character and family, however, are the backbone of this book. He struggles with the relationship with his father. They are at constant loggerheads.
Fittingly, the PTSD from which Jack is suffering is given a nod as the story concludes. So too is the quality of the man in his quiet persistence to pursue justice for Lomond while continuing his polite efforts to reconcile with his father.
Drawing on her extensive knowledge of history and her familiarity with the place where this book is set, the author has created an intriguing and substantial work of fiction.
In Whisky Valley, museum director Rose McHugh investigates a murder in the rarefied world of classical music.
Whisky Valley by Joan Sauers (Allen & Unwin, 2025; cover design Luke Causby/Blue Cork; cover images AdobeStock) is the second in the series starring amateur sleuth Rose McHugh.
Rose is a wonderfully sympathetic heroine: an historian, the director of the local history museum in Berrima, intensely curious about the world around her. She’s a divorced, middle-aged woman, with a profound emotional intelligence. She’s also suffering from PTSD (from trauma in Book 1) and has sought counselling with local psychologist Nestor Valk.
The crime takes place in the rarefied air of the classical music world and the moneyed classes of the region. There’s a spring chamber music festival in Bowral and world-renowned violinist, Billy Mah, is performing – who happens to be best school friend of Rose’s son. Billy receives generous patronage from Sonja, Nestor’s wife. A priceless violin and conspicuous wealth are on show.
The historical town and distillery at Joadja make an early appearance in the story along with their charismatic caretaker and whisky distiller Diego. Sparks soon fly for Rose.
A once-in-a-hundred-year weather event has temporarily closed the region’s roads and trains – a perfect locked room. Needless to say, Rose becomes embroiled in the investigation of a death in which her son appears to be implicated.
This is beautifully bound writing. A fascinating subplot involving family history supports the main game, as does the Diego story. The uncovering of long-held secrets leads to heartache and resolution.
The author’s screen writing background is clear in this work. The plot is driven by dialogue, and every conversation is revelatory in some way. The crime story is engrossing, but the book’s core lies in several love stories and the question of how much we will do for love.
This is an altogether satisfying book which delves into the human psyche, while the murder mystery rips along and Rose repeatedly puts herself in possible harm’s way. I have instantly become a rusted-on fan of this remarkable fictional woman and look forward to her next adventure.
Barbie Robinson is co-founder and a content creator for Living Arts Canberra, a not-for-profit media outfit supporting arts and community in the Canberra region and books worldwide through its website, podcast interviews and a 24/7 internet radio station.
