The Milliner of Bendigo is another exciting and fast-paced colonial mystery by Darry Fraser filled with rollicking adventure that kept me pinned to the pages! It was a wild ride through gold towns and Riverlands. The enigmatic Murray River, an extensive waterway, has inspired a glittering array of Darry’s stories. In drawing from this vast reservoir, she has kept this region’s important history alive. The Murray is the third longest navigable river in the world. And it once was a major water highway for passengers and goods between the 1860s and 1900s. Paddle steamers graced the lengthy waterway: information that is well utilised in this revealing story. In some ways, it brings to light a re-awakening of a romantic transport era.
Darry’s impeccable research skills and talent for description transported me to Australia’s rugged past. I truly felt I was along for the wild ride emotionally and imaginatively as I was engaged in the characters’ journeys. One minute I was standing at the graves with tears in my eyes and then next I was on the back of a horse galloping across dust filled trails. And, at other times, I was standing pensively on a summit gazing across many kilometres of unspoilt beauty while listening to birdsong as it echoed across a challenging 1898 landscape.
Even though I never grew up in Australia, (I came as an adult) Darry’s story made me feel connected to the land and people. One of the many things I love about The Milliner of Bendigo is how Darry has drawn inspiration from her own family’s history. In her author notes she mentions that her maternal grandmother was a milliner in Melbourne in the 1920s. So the personal connection makes the story even more endearing. You know it is lovingly crafted with great appreciation for the skill involved. Evie loved making hats and saw it as an opportunity to have something of her own. This also provided her with some income, thus a bit of independence. When so much of a woman’s life in 1898 was tied up with the men in their lives—this was a great opportunity to break free.
And speaking of men, this story begins with a troublesome one. Edwin Cooper has his sights set on Evie Emerson and from the first line of the novel, we know she is not interested and has made it plainly clear on more than one occasion. But he is not an honourable person and when she turns down his proposal, he does not take the news well and continues to harass her. His narcissistic tendencies lead to all kinds of sordid events—including trying to mar her reputation by publishing a notice in the paper. When he takes his case to court, she ultimately ends up (with a lawyer’s and special investigator’s help) refuting his lies and exposing his actions. One of my favourite parts of the novel is the court scene (I always enjoy a riveting legal conflict!). The judge is a brilliant mix of wit and wisdom when dealing with this nasty man (and his sister and mother). I loved how it all played out. Also, it was nice to see a great use of top journalism and how it aided Evie in her battle.
But there are two other men in Evie’s life. Reporter Fitz and rugged Raff. The three of them are friends but one loves her in a romantic way. There is some confusion and misunderstanding as a result. With lack of communication as an issue, it takes a while to bring everyone together to clear the air and release their honest thoughts. I enjoyed both of these male figures and the parts they played in helping Evie. Both are heroes in their own way. While Fitz is chasing down a story in Cobram involving police corruption, he becomes a target. His investigation exposes threats made to local landowners to give up their properties. And Raff becomes the great protector more than once when he tries to keep Evie from harm. He handles both Edwin Cooper and a detestable ex-policeman. Is Raff just a nice guy or does he carry a secret flame for Evie? If so, what will he do about his feelings and how will it affect his best friend Fitz?
There is a wonderful cast of characters (and many more that I have not mentioned). They all represent or play some intriguing roles in showcasing women’s issues of the late 1800s. Marriage, of course, was quite a legal affair but courtship, too. As mentioned, Evie gets trapped in a predicament with a man she never agreed to marry. He publishes a false statement— then declares she has reneged on a claim she never made!
Through its characters, this novel deals with many physical and emotional mine fields. Menopause is covered and how it was misunderstood. There were a variety of theories of how to deal with it and Mrs Kingsley tries an approach for herself. Post-natal depression and intense grief from loss of a child are touched upon and relationships outside the accepted norm of that era. There are lots of late 1800 mindsets and mysteries to keep the story humming along with time appropriate plotlines and perceptions.
This is another brilliant novel from Darry Fraser that takes us into the heart of Riverland and gold-nurtured town life. The Milliner of Bendigo contains a compelling plot with a strong female lead. Trains and paddle steamers criss cross over this story’s fabric and drop us off on solid ground in an authentic setting. There’s sadness and loss but also healing and progress. Filled with history, mystery and mayhem—it is one glorious ride into the past! A 5 Star Extravaganza! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to HarperCollins Au, HQ and Netgalley for my review copy.
