This book showed how woman were supposed to be married and doing what their husbands wanted. However, the main character Evie, had more in mind than just marriage and babies. She adored making hats.

Although she thinks she loves one man, he is not what she thought. So finding out that he is causing so much trouble for her and her friends makes her even more determined to go and find her sister. Although Evie is heartbroken on what she found, she is determined to move forward and continue to make her hats and be happy with her old friends.

Just wow!!! Darry Fraser has captured what life was like in rural Victoria in 1898 and what a dangerous place it could be. Vivid Australian landscapes and descriptions of Ballarat, Bendigo and places such as Cobram and Echuca along the Murray River, a central life force for the people of the region on its own, and the setting for this novel. Likeable characters had me drawn in from the get go. A tale of three friends, Evie is a Millener, finding herself ‘engaged’ unfavourably to a man she loathes, she ‘escapes’ town to look for her sister who she can’t get in contact with. She also meets ‘Fitz’ and ‘Raff’. Fitz is a longtime friend who is ‘lying low’ after exposing some ‘crooked’ goings on with local police. He also finds himself privy to a ‘dispute’ over land in which local landowner has gone missing and we meet some unsavoury local characters on their tail. Raff, is Fitz best friend and potential love interest for Evie who is out to help his friend and along for the ride on this adventure of sorts. Highly enjoyable read, I give it 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thank you to Netgalley and publisher HarlequinAus for an early digital copy to read and review.

Evie is a milliner in the town of Bendigo who hasn't heard from her sister in quite a while. After she is yargetted by a fraudster, she decides to trak down her sister in the hope that getting away from town will ease her stress. However, this is not to be. I am not usually a fan of historical fiction but I loved so many elements of this story: the strong female characters, the love triangle and the varied story lines. This was a great read that I really loved.

A beautiful blend of romance, history, mystery and danger for the main characters, The Milliner Of Bendigo is set in 1898, partly in Bendigo and partly in and around the Murray River townof Cobram. While there are two threads to the story, the timeline is the same and ultimately both converge for a satisfying ending. Darry Fraser has once again created believable characters, most of them likeable, with a couple of despicable villains thrown in just to make things interesting. I loved Evie Emerson, a Bendigo milliner who is trying to find her estranged sister to sort out their mother’s estate. At the same time, she’s battling the havoc and public shame caused by the scheming Edwin Cooper. Raff Dolan makes a perfect love interest for Evie, having fallen for her at first sight, though their path to a happy ever after is complicated by misunderstandings and poor communication between the pair. Their homosexual friend Fitzmorgan O’Shea is another central character to this intriguing story. A roving reporter, he has made an enemy of former poloce sergeant Bill McCosker, whom he exposed for extortion and corruption. With McCosker out to silence Fitz permanently, Evie’s search for her sister and frequent threats to the lives of Evie, Raff and Fitz, there is plenty to keep readers turning the page. I couldn’t read this story fast enough.

Oh WOW, Darry Fraser has taken me from 2023 to Bendigo 1898 to meet Evie Emerson, milliner, she has worked hard with her employer and mentor, Lucille Downing to build up a fabulous clientele with her fabulous designs but she is worried about her sister Meryl who she last saw at their mother’s funeral none of her letters have been answered and Evie thinks it might be time to travel to Cobram to find her sister.

Evie has been stepping out with Edwin Cooper for a very short time when he proposes marriage to her, Evie s not convinced that it would work and when she turns him down things turn very nasty and Evie’s reputation is in tatters and orders are getting cancelled at the shop. When he charges her with breach of contact now might just be the time to take that visit to Cobram to find her sister but trouble just gets worse there.

Fitzmorgan O’Shea is a travelling journalist and very good friend of Evie’s he has just uncovered police corruption and that has the said ex-police officer on his trail and out for blood, he is after another story in Cobram, what he uncovers will affect Evie although it has been a couple of years since they have seen each other, he is there when she arrives and trouble follows Fitz and Evie gets caught up in it all.

Raffety Dolan is best friends with Fitz and Evie but he loves Evie but has accepted that she will always be Fitz’s girl, but when a crooked ex-cop comes looking for Fitz, Raff goes to help his friend and ends up spending time with Evie as well, there is danger form two sides and Raff does all he can to keep her safe will he ever be able to speak up about the way he feels for her?

This is a brilliant story, a real page turner, there is a lot going on in this one so many fabulous characters I loved Evie and Raff and Fitz, not to mention the characters from Cobram Jenny and Robbo and of course catching up with friends from previous Darry Fraser books that is always good.

This is one that I highly recommend filled with adventure, danger and secrets, so many fabulous towns in Victoria and the great Murray River and the paddle steamers, three friends who care about each other is it time now to be truthful and see how love will fare, I loved this one, a must read.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

‘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.

Milliner Evie Emerson loved working with her hats in Bendigo, Victoria, and her employer was a good friend. It was 1898 and Evie was fretting about being unable to raise her sister in Cobram. Not having seen her since their mother's funeral over a year prior, Evie was worried about Meryl and her husband Roy. If her last letter didn't receive a reply, she would travel to Cobram and seek out her sister herself. Meanwhile, a man she'd been seeing for a short time had refused to accept the turn down of his marriage proposal, and his tactics became more underhand as he did his best to intimidate her. Evie decided it was time to visit Cobram.

Fitzmorgan O'Shea was a reporter, placing his stories under a pseudonym in the newspapers. But when he'd uncovered a corrupt police officer in Ballarat, he'd had to flee as the sergeant - who'd gone into hiding - was determined to find and destroy Fitz. In Cobram, Fitz came across a story which warranted investigation. But he had no idea what was ahead for him. And when his best friend, Raffety Dolan, also arrived in Cobram, on the same paddle steamer as Evie, the turmoil and danger he and his friends faced made him wonder if this was the end. For Evie, her long friendship with both Fitz and Raff, saw the grief and despair she felt, multiply. What would be the outcome in this harsh environment on the banks of the mighty Murray River?

The Milliner of Bendigo is another exceptional historical mystery novel by Aussie author Darry Fraser which I thoroughly enjoyed. In early Bendigo, Echuca, Cobram and Ballarat - all in Victoria - the times were harsh, with guns aplenty and many ready to use them. My admiration for Jenny is high; for Evie and her friends, the same. Ms Fraser's work is polished, and The Milliner of Bendigo is up there with her best. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

Darry Fraser writes beautiful stories that you just can't help but fall into and get swept away.

And The Milliner Of Bendigo is no exception.

From the minute we meet Evie, you know she is a strong, independent woman who is not going to take no crap from anybody - and boy does she prove that right through through from the first chapter to the last.

More twists and turns than the Murray River, Fraser will keep you guessing, keep you wondering right till the end.

I can't wait to see what Ms Fraser brings us next.

Darry Fraser writes beautiful stories that you just can't help but fall into and get swept away.

And The Milliner Of Bendigo is no exception.

From the minute we meet Evie, you know she is a strong, independent woman who is not going to take no crap from anybody - and boy does she prove that right through through from the first chapter to the last.

More twists and turns than the Murray River, Fraser will keep you guessing, keep you wondering right till the end.

I can't wait to see what Ms Fraser brings us next.

The Milliner of Bendigo is a enthralling tale that took me away on a journey through 1898. I loved the setting and I could hear the trains rattling and smell the horses. It is exciting and the murder mystery makes it a more interesting. The details that have gone into the book have been researched well and I particularly enjoyed the romance. It was great to read how romance was developed in 1898 and it's definitely nothing like it is in today's world. The characters are well represented for the time and I consider this to be a well written historical fiction book for historical lovers.

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, Harlequin Au and Netgalley for my review copy.

Oh my, chapter one was certainly an introduction to Evie and the shenanigans I was about to encounter while reading 'The Milliner of Bendigo'.

After rejecting a marriage proposal from Edwin, the sexist pig, Evie finds herself in a spot of legal bother. But the trials and tribulations don't stop there. Evie's sister is missing, there's a convoluted attraction to the wrong man, and her best friends, Raff and Fitz, are on a dangerous path of their own.

Set in 1898 Bendigo, Victoria, along the iconic river Murray, this tale of corruption, crooked cops, murder and mayhem is a historical reader's dream.

The Australian landscape, transportation, and environmental hardships of the time, were thoroughly researched and beautifully described.

The intimate moments were tasteful, the characters' apparel was culturally appropriate for the time period, and the author touched on topics such as depression, menopause, and sexuality.

'The Milliner of Bendigo' is an all-round fabulous historical book!!!

Thankyou @Netgalley and @harlequinaus for providing me with an ARC.

This is yet another one of my favourite authors and I can't say enough about how wonderful she writes and researches her books. And this is no exception. Set In Bendigo in 1898 Evie Emerson has built a great clientele for her hat business but things quickly change and her reputation is in tatters.

This is a wonderfully rich historical fiction based in Australia and full of the things life has to throw at you. I love the setting and the descriptions of the surrounds. I love the characters and the way they developed throughout. And the story itself is intriguing and you can feel the emotion in what is happening to Evie.

Another wonderfully written book by this author and one I highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Australia, HQ for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Evie Emerson is a milliner in Bendigo, she works for Mrs. Downing and she creates the most beautiful and stylish hats. Her well-meaning friends introduce her to an eligible gentlemen, when he suddenly proposes, Evie tells him she needs a couple of days to think about it, when she refuses and he’s not happy.

The circumstances around their relationship begin to be questioned, did Evie lead him on and he wants to be compensated for his broken heart and breach of promise. A ladies reputation means everything, no one in the community will have anything to do with a woman who isn’t a lady, how can Evie prove she hasn’t done anything wrong and when people snub her? Evie's been left an inheritance by her mother, she’s to share it with her sister Meryl who lives in Cobram, despite contacting her several times she hasn’t received a reply and Evie’s extremely worried.

Fitzmorgan O’Shea is Evie’s long-time friend and he has troubles of his own, he uncovered a couple of crooked police and the coppers are after him. He's on the run and hunting down his next story and Fitz visits a relative in Cobram. It’s like trouble follows the man everywhere he goes, here he discovers a local landholders are being intimidated and threatened so they will give up their riverside properties and one man hasn’t been seen in months.

Raffety Dolan is a wheelwright in Ballarat and he's Fitz’s childhood friend, he’s had a crush on Evie for years, and he’s accepted she loves Fitz. Evie travels to Cobram to find out what’s going on with her sister, she discovers Fitz and Raff are both there and it’s a dangerous place.

I received a copy of The Milliner of Bendigo by Darry Fraser from Harlequin Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Ms. Fraser knows the area well and combine this with her meticulous research and I felt a connection to the characters and places in the story and due to her writing vivid descriptions.

From traveling the dirt roads of Victoria on horseback, to catching a train to Echuca and booking a passage on a paddle steamer, and people standing on the sandy river banks and waving. The mighty Murray is Australia's longest river, it was the quickest way to travel, used by humans, freight and the water was needed to irrigate crops and water management was an issue from when the land was first settled.

Important topics are included and discussed in the narrative, like being a spinster and what society thought about unmarried women and gay men in 1898, menopause and how women struggled with the condition, depression and post-natal depression, narcissistic tendencies and dealing with a stalker and the dangers of sunstroke and how to treat it.

My favourite characters are, Evie, Mrs. Downing, Mr. Kingsley, Fitz and Raff, Robbo and Jenny Robinson, Bluey and Patto. Five stars from me, another superb Australian historical fiction tale from Darry Fraser, both the cover and the story are perfect.