Review: The Milliner of Bendigo

Title: The Milliner of Bendigo

Author: Darry Fraser

Publisher: 29th November 2023 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 400 pages

Genre: historical fiction 

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

Trouble with the law, a missing sister, and a growing attachment to the wrong man - Evie Emerson has a dangerous path ahead of her... an exciting and twisty historical mystery and adventure from a bestselling Australian author.

1898: Bendigo, Victoria:  Evie Emerson has worked hard to build a fashionable clientele for her hats. But when an ex-paramour employs underhanded tactics after his attempt to coerce an engagement fails, Evie's reputation is in tatters. On the heels of having to put a case together to defend herself in court, Evie's life is thrown into further turmoil when the disappearance of her sister takes her to Cobram. Roving reporter Fitzmorgan O'Shea has troubles of his his involvement in uncovering police corruption has placed a target on his back. And while Fitz is hunting a new story in Cobram his problems collide with Evie's when his research exposes malicious intimidation and threats designed to make local landholders give up their properties. For Raffety Dolan, he accepted long ago it's Fitz Evie loves - and his feelings will remain unrequited. But when a disgraced ex-policeman comes searching for revenge, Raff is ready to go save his friends. There, on the banks of the mighty Murray, with so much misunderstood history and secrets between the three friends - plus the legitimate threat of being shot at - will they survive long enough to discover the truth?

My Thoughts

‘Evie had told her that it was one of her creations and reached into her purse to give the lady her card: “Miss Evie Emerson, Milliner of Bendigo.’

Darry Fraser is at the top of her game with her latest Australian historical fiction writing, in fact, I think this may be her best yet! The Milliner of Bendigo is another wonderful tale to immerse yourself in with a strong female lead in male dominated colonial Australia. I love the fact that in each of her novels, Darry takes her female lead and explores with them at a time when women were on the cusp of acquiring some form of independence. Into this Darry can always be relied upon to weave an intriguing mystery with just the right amount of romance.

‘For goodness’ sake, I’m a milliner from Bendigo. A hat maker. A ladies’ fashion stylist, not a gun-toting circus performer.’

The leading lady on this occasion is Evie Emerson and gosh … does she have a lot to contend with. This is no one dimensional tale … there are multiple threads that Darry so expertly brings together with cliffhanger chapter endings until you reach a fitting conclusion. Not only is Evie a passionate artiste, a milliner with exquisite skill but she demonstrates throughout this tale she has the strength and tenacity to support family and friends in her fight with more than one foe. I applaud Darry for seamlessly weaving together topics ranging from women’s rights, to menopause (let me just reach for my fan), to corrupt local officials and cops, from siege’s and murder and the sadly hidden life of being gay at the turn of the century. 

‘…we’re not staying in here like simpering ninnies. We’re going to front them. We’re going out that window.’ Of course we are.’

Darry takes her readers back to 1898 with adventures through some of Victoria’s wonderful country towns - Bendigo, Ballarat, Echuca and Cobram - all featured in this tale that has many twists and turns. It was an absolute delight for readers of historical fiction and anyone who loves a tale so rich in its tapestry. Darry is certainly the master at capturing and putting to paper the Australian landscape and the Mighty Murray River. Adventures include hardships of living off the land, water usage and control of the river, transportation on paddlesteamers, to horseback and even a train ride to Cobram. Darry grants us a wonderful travel pass back into colonial times. 

‘..the river itself was a living, breathing entity—calm and meandering, vibrant and dangerous, moody and mysterious. A whole different world.’

I cannot let it pass without noting that readers of Darry’s other books will be more than pleased to learn that the wonderful character of Bendigo Barrett is back providing invaluable assistance into the investigations to refute liable claims against Evie. If you like to escape to a time long gone, a time when women attempted to exert some form of independence against a background of murder and corruption balanced with heartache and romance, then this will be the book for you. Life wasn’t easy for women who were often regarded as male property and I admired the few who banded together to fight justice. 

‘I always find it exhilarating when women band together to fight a common enemy.’

If you enjoy good Australian historical drama/romance then you will appreciate a few hours in this story Darry offers. I found it to be her best yet - it’s lots of fun. 

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.