Armistice Day should have been full of joy for Fleur Richards; however, her day turns to despair as she receives a letter that her husband Hugh has become a casualty of war. With the notice, Fleur also discovers that she has been named next of kin for Hugh's inheritance in Australia. Now, Fleur ventures to Australia alone and must unravel the mystery of her husband's estate.
Sixty-six years earlier Della Atterton lives a quiet life practicing her craft of taxidermy on the remote Mogo Creek in New South Wales until Captain Stefan von Richter comes crashing into her life. Stefan is tracking down what he believes to be Australia's first opal. The quest for the opal will bring both fortune and turmoil into his life as well as the life of his family.
Told from dual timelines, this haunting mystery pulled me into the wonders of Australia. The story did take me a little time to get into as I figured out how the two storylines were connected. I was more drawn towards Fleur's story and her daring, courageous and caring nature. Her strength shone as she set out across the world alone to learn about Hugh. Fleur's drive to figure out Hugh's origins and the mystery of the Curio Shop she inherited were fueled with passion. In the earlier timeline, Della's character echoed Fleur's sentiments; however, I was drawn into Stefan and Bert's quest and relationship even more. Cordelia's character heightened the mystery as I tried to figure out her angle and motivations. Most of all, I enjoyed the descriptions of Australia. I was surprised at the dark history of the rampant attacks and racism on the native people of Australia; however, it is always good to learn about. The ending expertly wrapped the two timelines together and satisfied the mystery.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.