The Adventuress of Albany is another rollicking and mesmerising Australian historical mystery romance from Darry Fraser! Hang on to your hats because you are in for a wild ride with more bends and flips, identity surprises, lurid blackmail, shocking secrets, hair-raising action, boundless plot twists and threads galore that go off on in so many directions it kept me on my toes! But in great Darry Fraser fashion, there is a purpose in every road bump and detour. These things are not just space fillers. But each trailing piece is part of the big picture. Eventually after breakneck speed, it all pulls together in a comprehensible blend for the grand finale! But I must say, I was breathless trying to keep up at times. I marvel at Darry’s imagination and how it manages to conjure up so many ideas, events, locations and moment by moment happenings and descriptions—many of which have been pulled from the pages of history and used in a clever way. As always, reading Darry’s novels is like watching a movie. Scene by scene unfolds, while the senses go into overdrive. I could feel every movement emotionally and physically, hear every sound, see vividly the surroundings and smell the scents that abound. I was always conscious I was back in 1881.
Molly Bentley is a feisty likeable character who yearns for freedom from English society’s class expectations and pretensions. She craves adventures that will offer her variety and new experiences. Her father suggests she get away to Albany in Western Australia: ‘a picturesque town…where they should begin their adventure.’ But she must go under an assumed name and ‘be out of the way of troublemakers’. So, accompanied by Mrs. Caldicott, her chaperone, she goes and enjoys the clean air and ‘rough and tumble’ of the colony. We wonder: why must she keep her identity secret?
The novel opens like a dramatic scene of a movie with clear visuals, scents and sounds. We see a busy street, hear a boy yell and feel Molly’s ‘sickening thud’ as she is knocked down and comes dangerously close to the dancing hooves of an alarmed ‘screaming’ horse. While lying on the ground, the scent of freshly dropped manure hits her nostrils. Although stunned by the jolt, she clutches a note that was thrust in her hand seconds before. While the pain in her head increases, she goes unconscious. Then wakes to a woman named Mrs Sloane who is asking questions to see if her memory is impaired by the accident. We learn then, that Molly is in Albany, Western Australia and a ship carrying the royal princes Albert and George is anchored in the bay. Immediately we get a taste of Molly’s humour and wit with her shared thoughts on various characters—especially haughty Mrs. Hurtle! It is evident throughout the novel she is a rebel, yearns for adventure and is in the pathway of peril. But why is she a target? What is at stake?
After meeting Mr McRea, her rescuer from the street, she learns he knows a lot about her, including her real identity. She wonders who provided this information? I won’t reveal how he acquired this but I will say he is a special character that is important in the plot. He is a gentleman and becomes a great protector of Molly. Do sparks fly between them? You can guess that answer! But he has taken on another responsibility that will challenge his heart.
When too many weird and dangerous things begin happening, Molly and Mrs Caldicott are forced to put their lives in the care of Leo McRae and his cousin Alistair. This journey to keep these ladies safe becomes a daunting and tumultuous one.
A few favourite characters, besides feisty Molly and Mr McRea, is a little boy who comes into their lives. He was often a scene stealer. There are some moments of sadness connected to him that brought tears from my eyes. And a few bad scenes with criminals trying to do the bit harm. Mrs Caldicott, the chaperone, has quite an intriguing story, too. She may be on the run from debt collectors, disgruntled in-laws or someone else? More mystery and mayhem surround this motley crew of travellers.
There are some political themes with Lord Thomas Cato’s support for Ireland. And royalty concerns with the two princes (Queen Victoria’s grandsons) coming to visit Australia. With these two things running in the background, more layers are added to the plot possibilities. I won’t say how these affect the story but read it and see!
The Adventuress of Albany is an exciting, dramatic mystery with a tender dash of romantic magic— wrapped in lots of heart, action and history! And don’t forget that gorgeous cover that oozes the picturesque Australian landscape and the fiery personality of Molly. She is the perfect romantic character in this wild remote setting who has had a tough ride to freedom but who wins it all in the end: the handsome loving man, a rollicking new adventure and a chance to start afresh. Her losses are great but her gains are greater as they outshine the trials. A fun, entertaining and informative read, by the colonial Historical Fiction Queen, Darry Fraser! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to HQ Fiction and Netgalley for my review copy.
