Force and Fraud : A Tale of the Bush (1865) is a crime novel by Australian writer Ellen Davitt.[1]
| Author | Ellen Davitt |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fiction |
Publication date | 1865 |
| Media type | |
| Followed by | Uncle Vincent: Or, Love and Hatred |
It was originally published as a serial in The Australian Journal in 12 instalments between 2 September and 18 November 1865. It has been identified, by author and literary researcher Lucy Sussex, as Australia's first mystery novel.[2]
Synopsis edit
McAlphin, a Scottish immigrant squatter, is found murdered. Chief suspect is Herbert Lindsey, fiancé of McAlpin's daughter Flora. Also involved is McAlphin's overseer Pierce Silverton who lies to Flora in order to get her to marry him.
Critical reception edit
Catherine Pratt in The Canberra Times praised the book: "This murder mystery novel recounts 'a tale of the bush' in which a young artist is accused of murdering his fiancee's father. Herbert is exonerated, largely through the tenacious efforts of Flora, his fiancee. The murderer, however, remains undiscovered and the narrative tension undiluted as Davitt teases the reader with scattered clues, unpredictable characters and possible resolutions."[3]
Publication history edit
After its original publication in 1898 in The Australian Journal the novel was published as follows:
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b "Austlit - Force and Fraud by Ellen Davitt". Austlit. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
- ^ Mean Streets : A Quarterly Journal of Crime, Mystery and Detection no. 9 July 1993, pg. 42-45
- ^ ""New recognition for early Australian women writers"". Canberra Times. The Canberra Times, 24 July 1993, p26. 24 July 1993. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
- ^ "Force and Fraud (Mulini Press)". National Library of Australia. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
- ^ "Force and Fraud (Grattan Street Press)". National Library of Australia. Retrieved 19 July 2023.