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Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte #13
The Widows of Broome
Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte has never been better than in this baffling case of a killer who seemed to be picking off the town widows one by one.
Bony arrived in Broome just after two widows had been brutally strangled. The local police were stymied by a murderer who carefully left no clues.
Then another widow was killed. But this time the murderer was just a little bit careless.
Bony arrived in Broome just after two widows had been brutally strangled. The local police were stymied by a murderer who carefully left no clues.
Then another widow was killed. But this time the murderer was just a little bit careless.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1950
12 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Arthur W. Upfield
70 books109 followersAka Arthur Upfield
Arthur William Upfield (1 September 1890 – 13 February 1964) was an Australian writer, best known for his works of detective fiction featuring Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte ('Bony') of the Queensland Police Force, a half-caste Aborigine.
Born in England, Upfield moved to Australia in 1910 and fought with the Australian military during the First World War. Following his war service, he travelled extensively throughout Australia, obtaining a knowledge of Australian Aboriginal culture that would later be used extensively in his written works. In addition to his detective fiction, Upfield was also a member of the Australian Geological Society and was involved in numerous scientific expeditions. Upfield's works remained popular after his death, and in the 1970s were the basis for an Australian television series entitled "Boney".
Arthur William Upfield (1 September 1890 – 13 February 1964) was an Australian writer, best known for his works of detective fiction featuring Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte ('Bony') of the Queensland Police Force, a half-caste Aborigine.
Born in England, Upfield moved to Australia in 1910 and fought with the Australian military during the First World War. Following his war service, he travelled extensively throughout Australia, obtaining a knowledge of Australian Aboriginal culture that would later be used extensively in his written works. In addition to his detective fiction, Upfield was also a member of the Australian Geological Society and was involved in numerous scientific expeditions. Upfield's works remained popular after his death, and in the 1970s were the basis for an Australian television series entitled "Boney".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 25, 2021
This murder mystery was originally published in 1950 as part of a series featuring DI Napoleon Bonaparte (nicknamed 'Bony'). It's the thirteenth in the series and can be read as a stand alone, as I did, but it would be interesting to read the earlier episodes to find out more about the intriguing Bony, especially how he got his name.
Bony has arrived in the little coastal town of Broome on the NW coast of Australia, after the murder of two local widows. Broome was first established as a port for the pearl and mother of pearl industries, both of which suffered a decline during WW2, when Broome was bombed by the Japanese. As a result, Broome has an interesting cultural mix of Asian cultures (Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian) along with white Australians and aboriginal Australians. In the 1950s there were clear racial divides in the town and the novel reflects the attitudes of the time, particularly towards women and to the local aboriginal Australians.
The local Broome police and detectives from Perth have been unable to find any clues as to who murdered the two widows and what motivated them to do so. Bony has a long history of solving impossible crimes and by uncovering new clues and snooping around asking the right questions, he starts to form an idea of what sort of person could have murdered the women. It’s a clever, well written plot with some unusual clues and some very colourful characters.
Bony has arrived in the little coastal town of Broome on the NW coast of Australia, after the murder of two local widows. Broome was first established as a port for the pearl and mother of pearl industries, both of which suffered a decline during WW2, when Broome was bombed by the Japanese. As a result, Broome has an interesting cultural mix of Asian cultures (Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian) along with white Australians and aboriginal Australians. In the 1950s there were clear racial divides in the town and the novel reflects the attitudes of the time, particularly towards women and to the local aboriginal Australians.
The local Broome police and detectives from Perth have been unable to find any clues as to who murdered the two widows and what motivated them to do so. Bony has a long history of solving impossible crimes and by uncovering new clues and snooping around asking the right questions, he starts to form an idea of what sort of person could have murdered the women. It’s a clever, well written plot with some unusual clues and some very colourful characters.
January 30, 2022
The Widows of Broome is the 13th book in the Napoleon Bonaparte series by Australian author, Arthur Upfield. The audio version is narrated by Peter Hosking. Post-war Broome is a drowsy little town of comfortable bungalows and windowless shops, cut off from civilisation by hundreds of miles of virgin land. It is some weeks after two young, attractive, well-off widows have been murdered in this town, and Perth CIB have failed to find a murderer, that Bony makes an appearance, posing as a psychiatrist, Mr Knapp.
With no motive for the murders apparent, Bony re-examines crime scenes, compares the victims for similarities and differences, compiles a list of possible suspects and reviews potential victims: the Widows of Broome. Before the investigation advances very far, the killer takes another victim, but as all the evidence is of a substantiating rather than conclusive nature, Bony needs to set a trap.
This is, once again, a brilliant detective novel that showcases Bony’s observational and deductive powers. This instalment includes silk underwear, stolen nightgowns, blackmail, poisoning, skin conditions, alarm bells, a camera flash, some inventive metalwork, rockets, petrol sniffing and plenty of drinking. Bony enlists the services of the town’s culturally superior but monetarily derelict drunk, goes to a school fete, makes quite a few alleged cigarettes, goes fishing and spends several nights in a woman’s bedroom.
Upfield has his characters commenting on the interference of politics in matters of justice. He uses boxing, fishing and theatre metaphors as well as throwing in the odd red herring. Published in 1950, this novel is also a marvellous little time capsule revealing attitudes and opinions of the day. Superb, as always.
With no motive for the murders apparent, Bony re-examines crime scenes, compares the victims for similarities and differences, compiles a list of possible suspects and reviews potential victims: the Widows of Broome. Before the investigation advances very far, the killer takes another victim, but as all the evidence is of a substantiating rather than conclusive nature, Bony needs to set a trap.
This is, once again, a brilliant detective novel that showcases Bony’s observational and deductive powers. This instalment includes silk underwear, stolen nightgowns, blackmail, poisoning, skin conditions, alarm bells, a camera flash, some inventive metalwork, rockets, petrol sniffing and plenty of drinking. Bony enlists the services of the town’s culturally superior but monetarily derelict drunk, goes to a school fete, makes quite a few alleged cigarettes, goes fishing and spends several nights in a woman’s bedroom.
Upfield has his characters commenting on the interference of politics in matters of justice. He uses boxing, fishing and theatre metaphors as well as throwing in the odd red herring. Published in 1950, this novel is also a marvellous little time capsule revealing attitudes and opinions of the day. Superb, as always.
April 19, 2025
1950 Australian mystery novel about a serial killer who only murders young widows. Entertaining, with interesting characters.
January 1, 2025
3.5. One in a series about a forensic psychologist working to solve murders, this one set in a small town in northwestern Australia. Written in 1950 and loaned to me by an Australian friend. Interesting window into a time and place. The main character is a mixed race part Aboriginal Australian and the society very racist. Enjoyed it.
December 25, 2013
The Widows of Broome is the 13th book in the Napoleon Bonaparte series by Australian author, Arthur Upfield. Post-war Broome is a drowsy little town of comfortable bungalows and windowless shops, cut off from civilisation by hundreds of miles of virgin land. It is some weeks after two young, attractive, well-off widows have been murdered in this town, and Perth CIB have failed to find a murderer, that Bony makes an appearance, posing as a psychiatrist, Mr Knapp. With no motive for the murders apparent, Bony re-examines crime scenes, compares the victims for similarities and differences, compiles a list of possible suspects and reviews potential victims: the Widows of Broome. Before the investigation advances very far, the killer takes another victim, but as all the evidence is of a substantiating rather than conclusive nature, Bony needs to set a trap. This is, once again, a brilliant detective novel that showcases Bony’s observational and deductive powers. This instalment includes silk underwear, stolen nightgowns, blackmail, poisoning, skin conditions, alarm bells, a camera flash, some inventive metalwork, rockets, petrol sniffing and plenty of drinking. Bony enlists the services of the town’s culturally superior but monetarily derelict drunk, goes to a school fete, makes quite a few alleged cigarettes, goes fishing and spends several nights in a woman’s bedroom. Upfield has his characters commenting on the interference of politics in matters of justice. He uses boxing, fishing and theatre metaphors as well as throwing in the odd red herring. Published in 1950, this novel is also a marvellous little time capsule revealing attitudes and opinions of the day. Superb, as always.
January 31, 2021
‘Situated on the barren, inhospitable coast of the north-west of Australia, Broome’s only excuse for existence is pearl shell.’
Detective-Inspector Bonaparte (Bony) arrives in Broome after two well-to-do widows are murdered by strangulation. The murderer has apparently left no clues, the local police are shorthanded, and the town is on edge. Bony, posing as a visiting psychiatrist, has barely started his investigation when a third widow is murdered. But this time, the murderer may have been careless. Bony, with the help of Mr Dickenson, a colourful local character, starts to form a picture of the murderer. He is aided by footprints, three bundles of silk rags, and the sound of clicking teeth.
Time is running out: can Bony protect the remaining widows of Broome?
I enjoyed this clever, well-written murder mystery. I vaguely remember the Boney television series which ran for two seasons in the early 1970s. My mother was a big fan and read each of the novels. This is the first novel I have read, and I will look out for the others. Given the age of the novel, it is worth including this editorial note:
‘Part of the appeal of Arthur Upfield’s stories lies in their authentic portrayal of many aspects of outback Australian life in the 1930s and through into the 1950s. The dialogue, especially, is a faithful evocation of how people spoke. Hence, these books reflect and depict the attitudes and ways of speech, particularly with regard to Aborigines and to women, which were then commonplace. In reprinting these books the publisher does not endorse the attitudes or opinions they express.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Detective-Inspector Bonaparte (Bony) arrives in Broome after two well-to-do widows are murdered by strangulation. The murderer has apparently left no clues, the local police are shorthanded, and the town is on edge. Bony, posing as a visiting psychiatrist, has barely started his investigation when a third widow is murdered. But this time, the murderer may have been careless. Bony, with the help of Mr Dickenson, a colourful local character, starts to form a picture of the murderer. He is aided by footprints, three bundles of silk rags, and the sound of clicking teeth.
Time is running out: can Bony protect the remaining widows of Broome?
I enjoyed this clever, well-written murder mystery. I vaguely remember the Boney television series which ran for two seasons in the early 1970s. My mother was a big fan and read each of the novels. This is the first novel I have read, and I will look out for the others. Given the age of the novel, it is worth including this editorial note:
‘Part of the appeal of Arthur Upfield’s stories lies in their authentic portrayal of many aspects of outback Australian life in the 1930s and through into the 1950s. The dialogue, especially, is a faithful evocation of how people spoke. Hence, these books reflect and depict the attitudes and ways of speech, particularly with regard to Aborigines and to women, which were then commonplace. In reprinting these books the publisher does not endorse the attitudes or opinions they express.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
July 5, 2018
Good old fashioned ‘whodunit’. Another in the Napoleon Bonaparte detective series set back in 50s. Written long before our modern lifestyle. You won’t find mobile phones, internet or caffe lattes in these stories, but you will find the good old ‘stake-outs’, thermos of tea and sandwiches, politeness, and not a swear word in sight. Luv it!
April 8, 2019
Arthur Upfield was an Australian novelist of the first half of the twentieth century, his central character - a detective from the CIB (Central Investigation Branch) going by the name of Napoleon Bonaparte. Bonaparte is the very epitome of intelligence and tenacity - a sort of antipodean mix of Maigret and Sherlock Holmes.
In The Widows of Broome, we find Bony - yes, that really is his moniker - in Broome, Western Australia. Two attractive widows have been strangled in their beds, prior to which their washing lines have been divested of a silk nightgown. Another nightgown is on the floor beside their beds - ripped in half, and a bag containing their silk underwear torn to ribbons is hidden in a corner of their wardrobes.
Among the inhabitants of the small town of Broome is a murderer of a particular kind of woman. A hatred that runs so deep, he is prepared to kill for it.
Along with the local police, Mr Dickenson (the town drunk) and a police tracker and petrol sniffing addict by the name of Abie - Bony sets to work.
The novel is full of suspects, all valid. Even those closest to the investigation come into the reader's mind as possible perpertrators. Bony plays his cards very close to his chest, so to speak, and with the climax coming just several pages from the end, the novel is real edge of your seat stuff.
The Widows of Broome is the twelfth Upfield novel featuring Napoleon Bonapart and though a little dated, is no less enjoyable for it.
In The Widows of Broome, we find Bony - yes, that really is his moniker - in Broome, Western Australia. Two attractive widows have been strangled in their beds, prior to which their washing lines have been divested of a silk nightgown. Another nightgown is on the floor beside their beds - ripped in half, and a bag containing their silk underwear torn to ribbons is hidden in a corner of their wardrobes.
Among the inhabitants of the small town of Broome is a murderer of a particular kind of woman. A hatred that runs so deep, he is prepared to kill for it.
Along with the local police, Mr Dickenson (the town drunk) and a police tracker and petrol sniffing addict by the name of Abie - Bony sets to work.
The novel is full of suspects, all valid. Even those closest to the investigation come into the reader's mind as possible perpertrators. Bony plays his cards very close to his chest, so to speak, and with the climax coming just several pages from the end, the novel is real edge of your seat stuff.
The Widows of Broome is the twelfth Upfield novel featuring Napoleon Bonapart and though a little dated, is no less enjoyable for it.
October 14, 2014
"I have faced problems as difficult, and have carried responsibility as great. No man ever rose to greatness who feared responsibility. I have never feared it...which is why I am now Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte. You, Walters, and you, Sawtell, have had to climb gates to reach your positions. I have had to claw my way over Everest."
The voice which had contained a note of ringing triumph died away, and in the silence the two men smoked with stoically concealed embarrassment. They had discussed this half-caste before his arrival, food for discussion having been provided by Mrs. Walters' sister, married to a detective sergeant in Bony's own department. A little luck, a discerning mind, a charming manner, were the ingredients, they had decided, which constituted the recipe for the fellow's success. They knew better now. They recognised the giant, the giant who had burst asunder all the bonds placed upon him, through the accident of his birth, by the Lilliputians of custom, privilege, snobbery, and jealousy. (25)
The voice which had contained a note of ringing triumph died away, and in the silence the two men smoked with stoically concealed embarrassment. They had discussed this half-caste before his arrival, food for discussion having been provided by Mrs. Walters' sister, married to a detective sergeant in Bony's own department. A little luck, a discerning mind, a charming manner, were the ingredients, they had decided, which constituted the recipe for the fellow's success. They knew better now. They recognised the giant, the giant who had burst asunder all the bonds placed upon him, through the accident of his birth, by the Lilliputians of custom, privilege, snobbery, and jealousy. (25)
August 29, 2011
Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte is sent to the small seaside town of Broome to take over the investigation of the murders of two local widows. Bony attempts to find out what the two, then three, victims have in common but keeps finding that they led dissimilar lives, apart from their widowhood. And the town may be small but it has more than a few creepy men.
This is the third Bony mystery I've read and I like this series a lot. It occurred to me as I read this one that Upfield wasn't all that cozy. The violence isn't graphic and the Australian Outback locales give the books a rather rugged, wholesome feeling, but there are transvestites and perverts and even a brief reference to a gay couple. There are drunks and female killers. If Bony wasn't so faithful to his wife, these might have been called hardboiled. Or maybe I've still got Chandler on my mind.
This is the third Bony mystery I've read and I like this series a lot. It occurred to me as I read this one that Upfield wasn't all that cozy. The violence isn't graphic and the Australian Outback locales give the books a rather rugged, wholesome feeling, but there are transvestites and perverts and even a brief reference to a gay couple. There are drunks and female killers. If Bony wasn't so faithful to his wife, these might have been called hardboiled. Or maybe I've still got Chandler on my mind.
April 3, 2022
The best of the series so far. The female characters are rounded, strong people instead of stock characters, perhaps because in this volume a serial killer has killed two women of the town. Can Bony stop the rampage? No need for a natural disaster when there's enough actual plot, well developed and executed.
This time around Upfield manages to write in plain, normal English, except for one instance in which he refers to a pearl sorter's "crooning fingers"! He apparently doesn't know what crooning means. However, he's still pretending that fingerprints could be lifted from clothing in 1950--a procedure which was just beginning in 2011, a mere 60 years later. At one point he also states (for no particular reason that I could see) that Malay people don't get psoriasis, even though it is common there. The most confusing thing for me was at one point he has his main female character wear "a white woolen sweater, white shorts, and white open-toed sandals. Her bare legs were untanned." Who wears a wool sweater with shorts and bare legs?
This time around Upfield manages to write in plain, normal English, except for one instance in which he refers to a pearl sorter's "crooning fingers"! He apparently doesn't know what crooning means. However, he's still pretending that fingerprints could be lifted from clothing in 1950--a procedure which was just beginning in 2011, a mere 60 years later. At one point he also states (for no particular reason that I could see) that Malay people don't get psoriasis, even though it is common there. The most confusing thing for me was at one point he has his main female character wear "a white woolen sweater, white shorts, and white open-toed sandals. Her bare legs were untanned." Who wears a wool sweater with shorts and bare legs?
January 8, 2026
Two women have been murdered in the small coastal town of Broome, an outback frontier miles from anywhere, but never too far away for Bony to arrive to hunt down a killer. It's a strange town, home of fishing & pearling, fallen on hard times post-war, a great polyglot of Asian & Australian peoples, where Bony uses his great skill of making friends & understanding the motives of others.
There are no clues available when Bony arrives as Mr Knapp, but his excellent powers of observation soon have him on the trail. He certainly operated on very little sleep while pursuing the investigation. Unfortunately, a third widow is murdered before Bony could apprehend the culprit, however, that death certainly led to psychological insights about the nature of the Inspector's prey. It kept me guessing for quite a time, until I sat & had a little think, just like Bony.
I love the locations Upfield chose for his Napoleon Bonaparte books, his great love of the country & wonderful character sketches.
There are no clues available when Bony arrives as Mr Knapp, but his excellent powers of observation soon have him on the trail. He certainly operated on very little sleep while pursuing the investigation. Unfortunately, a third widow is murdered before Bony could apprehend the culprit, however, that death certainly led to psychological insights about the nature of the Inspector's prey. It kept me guessing for quite a time, until I sat & had a little think, just like Bony.
I love the locations Upfield chose for his Napoleon Bonaparte books, his great love of the country & wonderful character sketches.
September 4, 2022
I had forgotten how much I enjoy the mysteries of Arthur Upfield. I devoured them ages ago and just recently picked them up again.
"The Widows of Broome" is one of my favorites. The ever-intrepid, always insightful Napoleon Bonaparte gets called in on a baffling case of widows being strangled. But what could be the motive behind the killings of women who seem to have nothing in common, beyond being widows?
As usual, the book is full of interesting characters, both good and bad, and is written with a nice sense of pacing, atmosphere, and tone. There's something relaxed and effortless about Upfield's writing; perfect for just curling up and losing yourself in a mystery.
"The Widows of Broome" is one of my favorites. The ever-intrepid, always insightful Napoleon Bonaparte gets called in on a baffling case of widows being strangled. But what could be the motive behind the killings of women who seem to have nothing in common, beyond being widows?
As usual, the book is full of interesting characters, both good and bad, and is written with a nice sense of pacing, atmosphere, and tone. There's something relaxed and effortless about Upfield's writing; perfect for just curling up and losing yourself in a mystery.
July 1, 2021
A new setting for an Inspector Bonaparte story for me. I have enjoyed the descriptions of characters and the compassion and humanity expressed. Bony sees beyond the exterior. Twists till the end. Not depressing at all, like I find some modern crime can be. Just delightful retelling of a mystery in 1930's, 40's outback Australia. And I am learning more about aboriginal culture too, and how it was in those days for our idigenous population. Learning more with each book. Helps you see the attitude of white Australians to them too, some good, some bad, at that time.
January 29, 2021
Written about the same time, this novel is a pair for 'The Bachelors of Broken Hill', as the titles would suggest. The settings, the victims and the villain are all similar.
If the locations of his books is any guide to his movements, Upfield certainly travelled widely in Australia, and with his writer's senses wide awake. I am impressed.
If the locations of his books is any guide to his movements, Upfield certainly travelled widely in Australia, and with his writer's senses wide awake. I am impressed.
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October 27, 2022Boney goes semi-undercover again to track down the murder of three widows in the small town of Broome. While this episode finally gets away from his fixation on Nazis in Australia, Boney still has less opportunity to use his native skills in solving the murders.
There are another 16 or so books yet to read in the series.
There are another 16 or so books yet to read in the series.
June 21, 2023
If you haven't read a Arthur Upfield book yet, and you like mysteries, start now! I have never found one in a library as they are "too old". Well know they are being republished. I have read all of the "Napoleon Bonaparte" series and bought them from Thriftbooks, Goodwill, Amazon, Abebooks, etc.
I mailed them to my brother and he and his wife are hooked also. So find one, read it!
I mailed them to my brother and he and his wife are hooked also. So find one, read it!
June 23, 2025
Stunning Bonaparte Murder Mystery set in Broome
One of the very best of the Napoleon Bonaparte novels. Widow after widow is strangled with no reason or police result. Bony is sent and goes drinking and fishing.
There are some great characters developed as aides and altogether it is a most entertaining book
One of the very best of the Napoleon Bonaparte novels. Widow after widow is strangled with no reason or police result. Bony is sent and goes drinking and fishing.
There are some great characters developed as aides and altogether it is a most entertaining book
May 17, 2017
Another excellent Bony novel.
Two women have been strangled at their homes in Broome. The police can find no obvious clues and the only link between them is that both were widows. Can Bony find the tiny threads of evidence and link them together before there are any more deaths?
Two women have been strangled at their homes in Broome. The police can find no obvious clues and the only link between them is that both were widows. Can Bony find the tiny threads of evidence and link them together before there are any more deaths?
June 7, 2017
Broome is a town on the northwestern coast of Australia where everyone knows everyone. Two attractive widows have been murdered without leaving clues. This is the type of case Bony loves, but another will be murdered under his nose. Entertaining as always, you will never know what is coming next.
January 13, 2022
I loved it. We have spent alot of time in Broome, Western Australia so I enjoyed the 1940s descriptions of the settings/community as well as the murder plot. I listened to this as an audio book. Great reader.
March 18, 2022
This my second Inspector Bonaparte book, and I enjoyed this even more than the first. The detective is very clever and the mystery is interesting. It is, of course, dated, but that too is interesting. Just a bit of brain candy.
June 28, 2018
Enjoyed the plot to the end. The characters are passable, the detective inspector Napoleon Bonaparte & one or two of the other characters one does get to know.
August 18, 2019
A classic among mysteries set in a small town in Australia when war has caused a depression in pearl and shell imports.
November 4, 2020
Another excellent Boney mystery. Always a pleasure.
April 3, 2022
One of the best Bony mysteries.
This was the first Upfield mystery I ever read, and is still one of the best. Hard to say why;it just works for me.
This was the first Upfield mystery I ever read, and is still one of the best. Hard to say why;it just works for me.
September 14, 2022
Average
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April 22, 2025Book was written in the 1950s, kind of amusing, the way it was written but mostly only because I've lived in Broome.
April 5, 2023
Bony solves murder mysteries in the town of Broome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews