Beautifully written story with an engaging hero
Arthur Upfield was a prolific writer who allowed me a glimpse into his beloved Australia by writing books about the exploits of a half-caste detective who rivals Sherlock Holmes.
By comparison, Sherlock Holmes had it easy because he was of the proper race and class to be treated with respect by all. But Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte (Boney to his friends and family) repeatedly dealt with the stigma of being a half-caste for his entire career.
Upfield's books give the reader an almost Cinemascope-like view of post-WWII Australia - both from a geographic and cultural perspective.
Many writers have done this sort of thing but few with Upfield's beautiful writing style.
This particular story will give you a feel for a town that no longer exists in the same form, Broome. Read it and allow yourself to leave our century and it's problems behind. Make yourself a cuppa and let yourself slowly be drawn into a book that you won't be able to put down.
