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The Death of Dora Black

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The Death of Dora Black

By: Lainie Anderson
Narrated by: Edwina Wren
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About this listen

A charming, uplifting cosy murder mystery inspired by the true story of Australia's pioneering policewoman Kate Cocks

Summer, Adelaide, 1917. The impeccably dressed Miss Kate Cocks might look more like a schoolmistress than a policewoman, but don't let that fool you. She's a household name, wrangling wayward husbands into repentance, seeing through deceptive clairvoyants, and rescuing young women (whether they like it or not) with the help of a five-foot cane and her sassy junior constable, Ethel Bromley.

When shop assistant Dora Black is found dead on a city beach, Miss Cocks and Ethel are ordered to stay out of the investigation and leave it to the men. But when Dora's workmate goes missing soon after, the women suspect something sinister, and determine to take matters into their own hands. After all, who knows Adelaide better than the indomitable Miss Cocks?

*In 1915, Fanny Kate Boadicea Cocks became the first policewoman in the British Empire employed on the same salary as men. This novel is a rich exploration of that little-known chapter of Australian history.*













©2024 Lainie Anderson (P)2024 Hachette Australia Audio Cosy Crime Crime Thrillers Historical Mystery Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Fiction

Critic Reviews

'An outstanding debut - funny, poignant, historically fascinating, and an absorbingly good crime read - The Death of Dora Black keeps you guessing to the very end' PIP WILLIAMS

'Lainie Anderson has woven fact and fiction to create a crime fighting duo like no others, and I can't wait for the next instalment' PIP WILLIAMS

'The perfect cosy read. I loved spending time with the redoubtable Miss Kate Cocks and the marvellous Ethel Bromley. How refreshing to read historical crime fiction set in Adelaide during the Great War and focused on women' ANGELA SAVAGE

'Will have you engrossed and addictively flipping those pages' DAILY TELEGRAPH

'Armchair detectives will love this debut novel' WOMAN'S DAY

'Engrossing and entertaining . . . Anderson is an accomplished storyteller and she has crafted a cosy crime read that is equal parts intriguing mystery and fascinating historical study' BOOKS+PUBLISHING

'There is something profoundly addictive about Anderson's writing. It's warm, fast-paced and full of rich details that make it feel as though the story is oozing off the pages . . . Stunningly thought-out and accurately detailed' BETTER READING

'Full of warmth and humour, this is a cracking crime novel that will intrigue and impress' READINGS
All stars
Most relevant
A great story, full of well researched historical information, a sense of women’s place in society at that time and the inherent disempowerment, sexism and paternalism. The author highlighted how women cleverly and creatively managed such an inherently biased system, as well as how they were significantly disadvantaged by such a system. Wonderful rich characters, complex relationships and an engrossing storyline.

The narration was good in terms of delineating between characters and imbuing the dialogue with congruent emotion. The only unfortunate thing was the disturbing mispronunciation of places and things. This was so bad at times that I couldn’t understand what was being referred to. I hoped a narrator would take the time to find out how to pronounce words in the local dialect, rather than subjectively making up some perplexingly misleading pronunciations. As a South Aussie, I found this extremely distracting.

I have preordered the next book in the series and am looking forward to more petticoat police mysteries, as well as hoping the narrator will have taken the time to ensure the right pronunciations.

Great story

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A story that keeps you guessing that is entwined with humour, heartbreak and interesting facts.

An Intriguing Tale

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More please! I want to read more about Kate and Ethel’s adventures. Brilliantly written and narrated.

Fantastic historical novel

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What a wonderful mystery. So exiting to hear an Australian story from the history of women in the police force that n 1917. Based on fact it is not dry at all with the dialogue and conversations written so well and realistic to their time period. Loved it. Couldn’t stop listening. I hope there will be many more to follow. ❤️🙏

Fabulous story so compelling based on true life

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I want more! Bring on more about Kate and Ethel the Petticoat Police in South Australia.

Fabulous rendition of a an equally fascinating story!

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loved it - great story vividly told gave a real sense of issues in that period - strong characters - enjoyed historic base to the story

something about Aussie story telling

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An amazing story of grit and perseverance of early women in important roles finding their way in a men's world. with God on her side she is a powerful source following the truth

The rise of Women

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I loved this book. Lainie is well known in Adelaide where I live and has written a great book which features Kate Cocks who is a well known historical figure in Adelaide. I loved that I could picture where things were happening in this story and hearing about landmarks that aren't there anymore.

Fantastic read.

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It’s the sass and the staunch determination to forge her way, for me! Kate Cocks is a force to be reckoned with… harsh exterior and soft underbelly!

I love that this is based on a real person!

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.