I've read Vanda Symon's books before but for some reason never got around to reviewing them. But there's absolutely no chore in reading them again. And probably once more if I can. I really like DC Sam Shepherd - she's a great central character, - a tricky, mouthy, up front cop with attitude. Plus there are some absolutely laugh out loud bits in these books (I'm particularly looking forward to the scene where Sam has to try to change a tyre on a ute all over again). But more when I write the book up properly.
From the Blurb:
When the body of a young mother is found washed up on the banks of the Mataura River a small rural community is rocked by her tragic suicide. But all is not what it seems.
Sam Shepherd, sole-charge police constable in Mataura, soon discovers the death was no suicide, and has to face the realisation that there is a killer in town.
Opening Lines:
The day it was ordained that Gabriella Knowes would die there were no harbingers, omens or owl's calls. No tolling of bells. With the unquestioning courtesy of the well brought up, she invited death in.