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Murder on North Terrace: A Petticoat Police Mystery

Book 2

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Murder on North Terrace: A Petticoat Police Mystery

By: Lainie Anderson
Narrated by: Edwina Wren
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Summary
 Murder is an art . . . But can Miss Cocks and Ethel draw out the killer? The second novel in the bestselling Petticoat Police Mystery series, perfect for fans of Amanda Hampson and Richard Osman.

Adelaide, September 1917. Woman constables Kate Cocks and Ethel Bromley are walking the beat. The city is unsettled. Winter won't leave. Soldiers are returning from the Front with broken bodies and troubled souls. And now a powerful board governor has been found dead in the Art Gallery - dumped beneath a scandalous nude painting that has attracted both pious outrage and record crowds.

When Ethel receives an anonymous tip, she's elated at being seconded to the Detective Branch. The murder goes to the heart of Adelaide's elite, where this society girl is in her element. Miss Cocks is left grappling with six o'clock swills, shadows in alleyways and a brutal assault on a schoolgirl. She needs Ethel to catch her killer, and quickly.

Alas, murder in Adelaide is never a simple affair . . .

Inspired by the true story of Australia's pioneering policewoman, Kate Cocks.

'Immersive, well-researched period detective fiction with a pioneering crime-fighting duo' THE AGE

'A captivating mix of history and invention, with an unforgettable real-life heroine at its heart' VIKKI WAKEFIELD

'Quite extraordinary' ABC THE BOOKSHELF

'Anderson skilfully blends truth and fiction. It touches the heart as well as the mind - while inspiring a desire to play history detective' THE CONVERSATION

'Both a charming mystery and a compelling insight into the women who dedicated their lives to justice despite history's lack of acknowledgment' INDAILY

'Vivid. Refreshing. Propulsive and engaging. These books are such fun' READINGS

'The perfect cosy crime. Thank goodness Kate and Ethel are back' MICHELLE PRAK Crime Thrillers Historical Fiction Thriller & Suspense Crime Scary Detective Murder Mystery
All stars
Most relevant
A great Aussie story with so much entertaining style. Highly recommended to all readers of murder stories

Loved the history done with style

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Love the look back to 20th Century Adelaide and the part women played in early Australia

A good yarn

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The inclusion of historical events and places of South Australia aroused my curiosity so that I was doing my own research. Can’t wait to visit Orpen when I am next in Mildura.
I loved the characters Lainie has developed in both Kate Cocks stories. Well done ol’ girl!

Historical fiction with loveable characters

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Book 2 of the Petticoat Police Mystery Series is set in 1917, 6 months after Officer Kate Cocks and her junior constable, Ethel Bromley, solved the Dora Black case. At a time when women in the police force were a rarity, this duo proves they’re more than up to the task.

They are quite different but complement each other beautifully. Kate, the sterner matronly officer with her trusty cane and strict rules (including a firm “three feet apart” policy for couples in public), is all business. Meanwhile, Ethel steps into more of a detective role in this book which is fabulous. Her network of well-informed aunts, who seem to know everyone’s secrets, gives her a unique edge in solving the mystery. Her side storyline of juggling a romance and a demanding job is and added bonus. As is the big decision that she has to make.

Not only do we get a wonderful cosy mystery, but we also get a snapshot of the early 1900's of Adelaide during the war. Some real-life people and events are woven into the story as well as reflections on gender inequality and some trivia tidbits (Did you know that half of the first-born children during this time were conceived outside of marriage?). It's a fun and informative read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The narration by Edwina Wren was perfect. I absolutely think the book is made even better by her lovely voice.

may even be better than the first one

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Great read on the history of Adelaide set in the early twentieth century around WW1, loved it so much

Great read on the history of Adelaide

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