Review of 'The Landlady of the Resolution Hotel' by Darry Fraser
Release date: October 27th, 2026
Publisher: HQ Fiction
What the story is about:
These women have been through hell - but it isn't over yet. Bestselling Australian author Darry Fraser's latest historical novel will have you on the edge of your seat.
In 1894, at the loneliest pub on the Murray River, four women are hiding from the truth - and it's threatening to find them.
Biddy's the publican at the Resolution Hotel, taking the reins from her fierce aunt Dot. Biddy's finally starting to feel like herself again - like who she was before she lost everything. But now she's accused of a crime she didn't commit, and the constable is hinting her aunt isn't innocent either.
When a man arrives offering Biddy an alibi, her surprise turns to shock when she realises who it is, someone she never expected to see again.
In the chaos, new guests arrive: Freya and Clara, both seeking refuge, and both desperate to conceal what they're running from.
There are plenty of secrets and past traumas among the women - and men - at the Resolution Hotel, but their ordeals aren't over yet. A cold-blooded murderer is in the area, and he's taken an interest in the isolated hotel.
Hunted by a killer, haunted by their pasts, they will need all their strength, courage and resilience to survive. But one of them will go too far ...
REVIEW
With The Landlady of the Resolution Hotel Darry Fraser has once again delivered another riveting authentic Australian historical fiction mystery! Due to the nature of the topics covered, this novel is a bit darker than Darry’s previous deliveries. But truth can be that way and demonstrations of it here are notably painful and severe.
A cast of strong female characters fill these pages. The horrors they experience pierced my heart. It was hard at times to read about the abuse these women endured. And easy to see why they took the actions they did. But it drove one woman to worse ends—resulting in extreme unhinged behaviour—including developing a hatred toward all men. Those negative thoughts were preached fiercely at Biddy along with a twisted sisterhood belief. But Biddy disagreed. She knew there were vile characters out there and had encountered them but her own husband was a caring protective man who had saved her from an awful experience.
The story is set in the late 1800s, an era when women had little say or control over their wellbeing. And were often at the mercy of violent men. This sort of cruelty is vividly portrayed by Darry. And although this is a fictional story, we know these horrible things really happened. So, yes, this was indeed a disturbing read for me. Vile actions often coloured the tone of the novel but when there were positive highlights, like the tender moments between Biddy and Ned, these really stood out like a beacon on a dark shore. These were beautiful examples of restored hope and healing.
When Ned keeps telling Biddy, ‘Don’t look back, ’ we understand his advice. We also know for Biddy, it would be hard to forget what happened to her. Although these evil attacks haunted her—she soldiered on with courage. And if that was not bad enough, she also endured post-natal depression and loss which set her up for a huge dose of fear of pregnancy again. And created a distance in her marriage relationship. In those days, there was no help or knowledge for women who experienced these after birth effects. Though Ned was kind and gave her as much support as he could, she still felt the frightening sting of hormonal emotional upheaval.
Although the novel is divided between multiple viewpoints such as Biddy, Clara, Ned, Johns and Thomas, it was easy to follow. I particularly liked Biddy and Ned’s insights but I shuddered every time I read the disturbing mind and actions of Jolson Johns. Thankfully those passages were short! Such a wicked character! And to say that, means Darry did an excellent job creating a villain that makes readers shiver with dread. This man had no redeeming features and his outcome…well let’s just say, it’s not a pretty one. Ned, too, left a lasting impression but it’s a positive one. We get a clear contrast in these two men. As for the ladies, they stood out in how they each reacted to their trauma. There are many secrets in this story and the revelations hit hard. Survival is a tough journey for each of them but one will extend beyond those limits into dangerous territory.
This is a powerful and dramatic story that will grab your heart and not let go. Beyond the rough and tumble, is a pure romance at its core between Biddy and Ned. We want these two to work out their issues and can feel the pull they have towards each other. They each have many challenges to overcome but we somehow know they will survive it all and always be there for each other. Their love is a brilliant flame that inspires hope and healing. And allows them to rise like mist above the wasteland of human depravation. This novel is a fierce statement of determination and warning, too.
I highly recommend The Landlady of the Resolution Hotel that shines with the courage and resilience of strong women of the past who overcame horrible encounters. There are many messages in this story to ponder but one reminds us to protect and support each other with grace and compassion. This is another brilliant winner by reigning historical fiction queen Darry Fraser, you won’t want to miss! Just be prepared for some ugly truths and events that will shake you to the core. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to HQ Fiction and Darry Fraser for a review copy.
