The Milliner of Bendigo
Evie Emerson is in a tricky situation. Edwin Cooper, a man she had briefly and foolishly courted, announces via the local newspaper that they are engaged. When she tries to set him straight, that she has no intention of marrying him, he turns nasty and says he’ll sue her for breach of promise.
Meanwhile, Evie’s prior gentleman friend, journalist Fitz O’Shea, is in a bit of bother after investigating the murky world of police corruption, and he and his loyal pal, Raff Dolan (who secretly carries a torch for Evie), must skedaddle out of Bendigo. Apart from the dastardly Edwin, Evie has other worries. Why has she not heard from her married sister, Meryl, who lives near the Murray River?
As Edwin’s threats become more menacing and her employer’s millinery business is affected by the growing scandal, Evie decides it’s time to visit Meryl. She is reunited with Fitz and Raff in the town of Cobram, where a powerful landowner has a sinister agenda that involves Meryl’s property and maybe even murder.
This refreshingly vibrant novel will transport you to late 19th-century country Australia with its similarities to America’s Wild West. The morality of the time is reflected accurately in the dialogue, actions, and emotions of an authentic set of characters. Misunderstandings in the relationship between Evie, Fitz and Raff are finely negotiated. The other plot-lines seamlessly come together, as do the sensitive issues of sexual identity and female health that wouldn’t have been openly discussed in this era.
There are cameos by characters from the author’s earlier books set along the Murray River, but it is not necessary to have read them to get full value out of this one. Mysterious disappearances, chases, heroes, villains, romances and fancy hats. What’s not to love?
