What do you think?
Rate this book
Calico Mountain #1
Bloodtree River
From the author of the bestselling Hunters Ridge series comes this stand-alone twisty rural suspense, this time set against the dark backdrop of Tasmanian mountains. Indiana O'Meara is no stranger to the forces of evil.
Her own past is full of violence. Now a policewoman, Indy is always fighting to redeem herself and defeat the dark. So when girls begin to go missing at a remote cattle station in Tasmania, she is quick to agree to go undercover to investigate chief suspect, the owner of Calico Mountain Lodge, Logan Atherton, even though last time she went undercover it came to a bloody end. But her early encounter with Logan Atherton reveals a man full of contradictions. His deep empathy for horses and those he cares for is obvious but he is also taciturn to the point of rudeness, and there is a strange atmosphere at the lodge. It doesn't add up. As Indy begins to dig deeper into the secrets at the Lodge, she finds herself embroiled in a murderous web more complex and terrifying than she could ever have imagined...
Her own past is full of violence. Now a policewoman, Indy is always fighting to redeem herself and defeat the dark. So when girls begin to go missing at a remote cattle station in Tasmania, she is quick to agree to go undercover to investigate chief suspect, the owner of Calico Mountain Lodge, Logan Atherton, even though last time she went undercover it came to a bloody end. But her early encounter with Logan Atherton reveals a man full of contradictions. His deep empathy for horses and those he cares for is obvious but he is also taciturn to the point of rudeness, and there is a strange atmosphere at the lodge. It doesn't add up. As Indy begins to dig deeper into the secrets at the Lodge, she finds herself embroiled in a murderous web more complex and terrifying than she could ever have imagined...
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2018
103 people are currently reading
1051 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
January 26, 2024
Indy O'Meira is a cop with a dark past. She goes undercover at Calico Mountain Lodge to investigate the owner regarding the disappearance of several women who have worked there. She is feisty and tough but still manages to fall for the man she is supposed to be investigating so of course things get a bit crazy.
The middle of the book dragged just a little for me but then everything really took off in the last section. There was action, drama, dead and wounded people, and even the need to reach for tissues as love won in the end.
I am giving it five stars as it left me feeling totally happy and ready to read another book by this author.
The middle of the book dragged just a little for me but then everything really took off in the last section. There was action, drama, dead and wounded people, and even the need to reach for tissues as love won in the end.
I am giving it five stars as it left me feeling totally happy and ready to read another book by this author.
July 1, 2018
★ 4 stars!! ★
Eu gostei muito desse livro.
Adorei alguns personagens, outros nem tanto... acho que todos tiveram uma participação importante. E houve momentos que desconfiei da maioria.
Acompanhar a jornada da detetive Indy para desvendar o mistério em torno das mulheres desaparecidas e descobrir o verdadeiro culpado foi bem interessante. Gostei muito dessa personagem. Determinada, corajosa, leal... tudo o que eu aprecio em uma mocinha!
A autora tem uma escrita bem gostosa e rica em detalhes. A história é narrada em terceira pessoa, e felizmente não tive dificuldades durante a leitura.
Embora tenha curtido bastante esse livro, há pontos que não me agradaram muito...
Achei um pouquinho previsível determinadas situações. E o fato de que boa parte da trama decorreu de forma lenta e só perto do fim encontramos mais “ações” e reviravoltas, me passou a impressão que foi tudo deixado para final.
No geral, foi uma ótima leitura. Gostei dos personagens e enredo. E o principal, conseguiu prender minha atenção desde a primeira página até a última!
Eu gostei muito desse livro.
Adorei alguns personagens, outros nem tanto... acho que todos tiveram uma participação importante. E houve momentos que desconfiei da maioria.
Acompanhar a jornada da detetive Indy para desvendar o mistério em torno das mulheres desaparecidas e descobrir o verdadeiro culpado foi bem interessante. Gostei muito dessa personagem. Determinada, corajosa, leal... tudo o que eu aprecio em uma mocinha!
A autora tem uma escrita bem gostosa e rica em detalhes. A história é narrada em terceira pessoa, e felizmente não tive dificuldades durante a leitura.
Embora tenha curtido bastante esse livro, há pontos que não me agradaram muito...
Achei um pouquinho previsível determinadas situações. E o fato de que boa parte da trama decorreu de forma lenta e só perto do fim encontramos mais “ações” e reviravoltas, me passou a impressão que foi tudo deixado para final.
No geral, foi uma ótima leitura. Gostei dos personagens e enredo. E o principal, conseguiu prender minha atenção desde a primeira página até a última!
March 1, 2025
I am just not writing a full review on this book by Sarah Barrie… why you ask, well I was disappointed with this offering the plot was so slow to get going & when it did was about 2 hours to go on the audio version narrated by Kate Hoskins the two main characters formed a relationship I was’t interested in & turned out women who were disappearing in Tasmania were used for making drugs which I don’t care about either so I am on outlier island 🏝️ once again but as everyone knows on GR I am very honest in my reviews. 2.5 stars.
April 13, 2018
When Detective Indiana O’Meara’s boss approached her about going undercover on a remote property in Tasmania, Indy was at first reluctant. But learning of the missing girls who had all worked at a cattle station called Calico Mountain Lodge before disappearing, Indy agreed while at the same time confirming she would be pulled out at the first sign of danger.
The cattledraft was her first introduction to life in the rugged Tasmanian bush – Indy hadn’t had much to do with horses but was fascinated by their power and skill. Her arrival at the Lodge and subsequent hiring saw her working in the stables alongside the owner, Logan Atherton – and the main suspect in the case. She befriended a couple of the women, while making enemies of at least one more. But Indy knew there was something strange going on – there were people with secrets; rumours were rife; and danger was on the horizon.
As Indy’s intuition, which she’d always trusted, told her there was much more going on than met the eye, her thoughts about Logan confused her. With everything pointing towards his guilt, Indy’s boss was skeptical about her reticence. But Indy’s searching was taking her to places that shocked her. Danger even bigger than Indy realized was looming – what would be the outcome? Was Indy about to become another of the missing girls, never to be seen again?
Wow! Absolutely breathtaking! Bloodtree River by Aussie author Sarah Barrie is another gripping and intense thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s classified as romantic suspense, but the suspense definitely outweighs the romance – Sarah Barrie never disappoints! Twists galore, the book is littered with good guys and bad – and the bad are really bad! Bloodtree River is an entertaining, highly readable novel which I have no hesitation in recommending highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.
The cattledraft was her first introduction to life in the rugged Tasmanian bush – Indy hadn’t had much to do with horses but was fascinated by their power and skill. Her arrival at the Lodge and subsequent hiring saw her working in the stables alongside the owner, Logan Atherton – and the main suspect in the case. She befriended a couple of the women, while making enemies of at least one more. But Indy knew there was something strange going on – there were people with secrets; rumours were rife; and danger was on the horizon.
As Indy’s intuition, which she’d always trusted, told her there was much more going on than met the eye, her thoughts about Logan confused her. With everything pointing towards his guilt, Indy’s boss was skeptical about her reticence. But Indy’s searching was taking her to places that shocked her. Danger even bigger than Indy realized was looming – what would be the outcome? Was Indy about to become another of the missing girls, never to be seen again?
Wow! Absolutely breathtaking! Bloodtree River by Aussie author Sarah Barrie is another gripping and intense thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s classified as romantic suspense, but the suspense definitely outweighs the romance – Sarah Barrie never disappoints! Twists galore, the book is littered with good guys and bad – and the bad are really bad! Bloodtree River is an entertaining, highly readable novel which I have no hesitation in recommending highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.
October 12, 2018
*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
**4.5 stars**
Bloodtree River by Sarah Barrie. (2018).
Indy's past is full of violence and she is now a policewoman. She goes undercover at a remote cattle station in Tasmania to investigate why girls have been going missing. The chief suspect is Logan but Indy finds herself confused as initially he seems to be an empathetic man as well as being aloof, and there is a strange atmosphere at the station. As Indy digs deeper she finds that what's going on is more complex and terrifying than she could even have imagined, and is in fact linked to her own past.
This is my first novel by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I like the addition of romance in a suspense novel - it makes it that bit less heavy and dark, which can be good if you read a lot of crime/suspense/mystery/thriller and want something similar but a bit different. The romance doesn't take over the story but rather complements it well. I found Indy a very likeable strong female protagonist. Most of the book is from her perspective with a few sections from Logan's. The parts from Logan's point of view were beneficial as initially I found Logan to be a difficult character to think much of but once you started reading his viewpoint he developed a lot more depth and character.
An easy, absorbing read that I'd be happy to recommend. I'll definitely have to make time to read the author's previous book and trilogy.
**4.5 stars**
Bloodtree River by Sarah Barrie. (2018).
Indy's past is full of violence and she is now a policewoman. She goes undercover at a remote cattle station in Tasmania to investigate why girls have been going missing. The chief suspect is Logan but Indy finds herself confused as initially he seems to be an empathetic man as well as being aloof, and there is a strange atmosphere at the station. As Indy digs deeper she finds that what's going on is more complex and terrifying than she could even have imagined, and is in fact linked to her own past.
This is my first novel by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I like the addition of romance in a suspense novel - it makes it that bit less heavy and dark, which can be good if you read a lot of crime/suspense/mystery/thriller and want something similar but a bit different. The romance doesn't take over the story but rather complements it well. I found Indy a very likeable strong female protagonist. Most of the book is from her perspective with a few sections from Logan's. The parts from Logan's point of view were beneficial as initially I found Logan to be a difficult character to think much of but once you started reading his viewpoint he developed a lot more depth and character.
An easy, absorbing read that I'd be happy to recommend. I'll definitely have to make time to read the author's previous book and trilogy.
March 12, 2021
I managed to read the second book in this series (Devil's Lair) before this one. It’s a separate mystery set in the same area in Tasmania and I think it was better than this, but this was still a pretty good read. It’s a mystery/crime thriller and some romance and while the story takes a while to get going, the characters and setting were interesting enough to keep reading and there’s plenty of action in the latter half of the novel.
The bulk of the novel is told from the point of view of Indy, who goes undercover at Calico Mountain where a number of young women have gone missing. There are a few passages from the point of view of Logan, the main suspect and also the main love interest which leads to plenty of conflict and confusion. I enjoyed the main characters, and the setting, not sure about all the cute animals, and the slow start but a good read overall.
The bulk of the novel is told from the point of view of Indy, who goes undercover at Calico Mountain where a number of young women have gone missing. There are a few passages from the point of view of Logan, the main suspect and also the main love interest which leads to plenty of conflict and confusion. I enjoyed the main characters, and the setting, not sure about all the cute animals, and the slow start but a good read overall.
May 9, 2018
Bloodtree River is about two families one who love and loyalty to each other, and the other lives on greed and jealousy. Caroline Melville went missing from Calico Mountain Lodge in Tasmania run by the Atherton family. Caroline Melville father, Senator Neil Melville after hearing about missing girls in the area pressure the New South Wales Police Commissioner to do more. Police Commissioner requested Detective Indiana O'Meara, and Detective Ben Bowen to investigate. The prime suspect was Logan Atherton, and it was decided to send Detective Indiana O'Meara undercover working at Calico Mountain Lodge. The readers will follow the twists and turns to find out what happens with Detective Indiana O'Meara investigation.
Sarah Barrie is one of my favourite authors, and she did not disappoint me with Bloodtree River an excellent and enjoyable book to read. I love the way Sarah Barrie built up the suspense and romance so that it ensured that I did not put the book down until I finished the last page I also like the twist at the end. I love Sarah Barrie portrayal of her characters and the way she intertwined with each other. Sarah Barrie did an excellent job in describing her setting and plot throughout Bloodtree River that I felt I was part of the story. I also love the way Sarah Barrie incorporated her animal characters throughout Bloodtree River.
The readers of Bloodtree River will learn about working undercover in a law enforcement investigation. Also, readers of Bloodtree River will start to understand how to run a working farm and a rural retreat and the problems that can arise from time to time. BloodTree River also highlights the damage drugs have on everyone involved.
I highly recommend this book.
Sarah Barrie is one of my favourite authors, and she did not disappoint me with Bloodtree River an excellent and enjoyable book to read. I love the way Sarah Barrie built up the suspense and romance so that it ensured that I did not put the book down until I finished the last page I also like the twist at the end. I love Sarah Barrie portrayal of her characters and the way she intertwined with each other. Sarah Barrie did an excellent job in describing her setting and plot throughout Bloodtree River that I felt I was part of the story. I also love the way Sarah Barrie incorporated her animal characters throughout Bloodtree River.
The readers of Bloodtree River will learn about working undercover in a law enforcement investigation. Also, readers of Bloodtree River will start to understand how to run a working farm and a rural retreat and the problems that can arise from time to time. BloodTree River also highlights the damage drugs have on everyone involved.
I highly recommend this book.
December 27, 2022
Yeah, this story was pretty awesome as was Indy and Logan, love loved those two. Every word had me engrossed, so yeah, I was gripped. This one sure left me guessing until the very end. Brilliantly done, Ms Barrie!
A great audio listen.
Onto the third Calico Mountain instalment soon as I’ve already read the 2nd one a while ago.
A great audio listen.
Onto the third Calico Mountain instalment soon as I’ve already read the 2nd one a while ago.
July 14, 2019
Unlike the last contemporary romantic suspense I tried to read, this book was very enjoyable and, hopefully, a better example of the genre.
I must say I was a little worried at the start. The idea of Sydney police detective going undercover to catch a serial killer in Tasmania seemed far fetched, to say the least. The opening info dump about the case too, was weird. But then, somehow, about a third of the way into the book, everything seemed much more realistic and I became thoroughly hooked.
Indy, our heroine (the detective), goes to Tasmania where several women have disappeared and one’s body has washed up in a river near Calico Mountain Lodge, a farm/holiday retreat. Indy gains employment at the lodge where she meets Logan Atherton, the Tasmanian police’s prime suspect.
Here the story switches to almost rural romance, with Logan showing Indy the ropes with caring for horses and animals etc. I will admit I’m not a huge fan of Australian chooklit but Barrie adds just the right touch of rural into her romance and I remained enthralled. In fact, I love how Barrie never lets the romance get completely sappy and there’s always the sinister undercurrent of tension and doubt as to whether or not Logan is guilty of the kidnapping and murders throughout.
With the Tasmanian setting, Barrie not only got to add picturesque details but also my favourite thing when it comes to thriller books - isolation. She was also able to add a plethora of small town supporting characters, any of whom could be involved in the crime.
I must say that I had absolutely no idea who was involved in the women’s disappearances. Nor did I ever work out why the women were going missing. The resolution was believable enough and very original and I would have never guessed it in a million years.
I listened to the audio version and I must admit, at first, I was unsure if I would enjoy the narrator’s interpretation but, as I said, I really started to get into the book around the third mark, so perhaps I just needed to get used to her style.
My only complaint would be that the book was maybe too long. That is, Barrie continued for several chapters after the case was solved. I thought it seemed, at times, unnecessary and the ending almost dragged much more than it should have. This is only a minor gripe though.
I’ll definitely be picking up some of Barrie’s other books including Devil’s Lair which, I believe, again features Calico Lodge.
4 ½ out of 5
I must say I was a little worried at the start. The idea of Sydney police detective going undercover to catch a serial killer in Tasmania seemed far fetched, to say the least. The opening info dump about the case too, was weird. But then, somehow, about a third of the way into the book, everything seemed much more realistic and I became thoroughly hooked.
Indy, our heroine (the detective), goes to Tasmania where several women have disappeared and one’s body has washed up in a river near Calico Mountain Lodge, a farm/holiday retreat. Indy gains employment at the lodge where she meets Logan Atherton, the Tasmanian police’s prime suspect.
Here the story switches to almost rural romance, with Logan showing Indy the ropes with caring for horses and animals etc. I will admit I’m not a huge fan of Australian chooklit but Barrie adds just the right touch of rural into her romance and I remained enthralled. In fact, I love how Barrie never lets the romance get completely sappy and there’s always the sinister undercurrent of tension and doubt as to whether or not Logan is guilty of the kidnapping and murders throughout.
With the Tasmanian setting, Barrie not only got to add picturesque details but also my favourite thing when it comes to thriller books - isolation. She was also able to add a plethora of small town supporting characters, any of whom could be involved in the crime.
I must say that I had absolutely no idea who was involved in the women’s disappearances. Nor did I ever work out why the women were going missing. The resolution was believable enough and very original and I would have never guessed it in a million years.
I listened to the audio version and I must admit, at first, I was unsure if I would enjoy the narrator’s interpretation but, as I said, I really started to get into the book around the third mark, so perhaps I just needed to get used to her style.
My only complaint would be that the book was maybe too long. That is, Barrie continued for several chapters after the case was solved. I thought it seemed, at times, unnecessary and the ending almost dragged much more than it should have. This is only a minor gripe though.
I’ll definitely be picking up some of Barrie’s other books including Devil’s Lair which, I believe, again features Calico Lodge.
4 ½ out of 5
May 15, 2018
Sarah Barrie writes a rather slow but steadily-building mystery of disappearing girls in a remote part of Tasmania and an undercover stint that goes badly awry. Still, it’s a spin-off book for Indy O’Meara, tough cop and determined woman—who’d initially turned up in Barrie’s Hunters Ridge series—in the wilds of Tassie to work under a man who’s the suspect in this case…well, who could resist?
‘Bloodtree River’ however, has a plot that requires you to actively (or make the effort at least) stay engaged in the story nonetheless. Written mostly from Indy’s perspective, I was conscious of her status as an outlier but by extension, felt like a reader who was merely tangentially observing the action happening through an outlier’s eyes.
Still, it was easy to get swept along once I had the names and the context of the Athertons’s screwed up family business straightened out in my head—this much was imperative to understanding and getting caught up in the drama. There were twists and turns that got exponentially more interesting—more suspension of disbelief required though—in the last quarter of the story, though I did find the romantic bits less than convincing because of the circumstances that dictated the slow burn and the eventual rift between Indy and Logan. Indy’s undercover duties did prove to be a barrier—one that didn’t at least allow for Indy to be honest with Logan and the push-pull that resulted because of this—though having her walk the tight rope between being a cop and an employee under Logan was a balance that Sarah Barrie did sort of handle quite well. It was deception for a legitimate reason, so to speak, with the complications arising only when attraction and emotions started to get involved.
Simply put, Logan/Indy was a pairing that didn’t quite get off the ground sufficiently for me, lost as it was in the flurry of the drama and the web of lies spun in Calico Mountain Lodge, to the point where ‘Bloodtree River’ would have functioned equally well without the romance. It was a pretty decent read nonetheless, with a large enough story arc and an established base that can be stretched over a few books—which I hope Barrie does.
‘Bloodtree River’ however, has a plot that requires you to actively (or make the effort at least) stay engaged in the story nonetheless. Written mostly from Indy’s perspective, I was conscious of her status as an outlier but by extension, felt like a reader who was merely tangentially observing the action happening through an outlier’s eyes.
Still, it was easy to get swept along once I had the names and the context of the Athertons’s screwed up family business straightened out in my head—this much was imperative to understanding and getting caught up in the drama. There were twists and turns that got exponentially more interesting—more suspension of disbelief required though—in the last quarter of the story, though I did find the romantic bits less than convincing because of the circumstances that dictated the slow burn and the eventual rift between Indy and Logan. Indy’s undercover duties did prove to be a barrier—one that didn’t at least allow for Indy to be honest with Logan and the push-pull that resulted because of this—though having her walk the tight rope between being a cop and an employee under Logan was a balance that Sarah Barrie did sort of handle quite well. It was deception for a legitimate reason, so to speak, with the complications arising only when attraction and emotions started to get involved.
Simply put, Logan/Indy was a pairing that didn’t quite get off the ground sufficiently for me, lost as it was in the flurry of the drama and the web of lies spun in Calico Mountain Lodge, to the point where ‘Bloodtree River’ would have functioned equally well without the romance. It was a pretty decent read nonetheless, with a large enough story arc and an established base that can be stretched over a few books—which I hope Barrie does.
June 4, 2018
Sarah Barrie explores the dark side of trafficking in this edge-of-the-seat thriller. A suspenseful read from start to finish, there are twists and turns and red herrings to keep the reader entertained. Undercover cop, Indy, not only gets to catch the bad guys, but also discovers an enjoyable, different kind of life at Calico Mountain. Love interest and prime suspect, Logan, is a deliciously broody hero. If you love horses, this one's for you.
November 18, 2019
3.5 stars, rounded down.
This was a good, solid romance-suspense. I'm not exactly a big reader of the romance genre, but found this book was balanced reasonably well in that respect. The plot's based around an undercover police officer investigating a series of disappearances of young women from a remote bush/farmstay lodge. There are plenty of red herrings and drama along the way to the full-on action finale.
The book is set in Tasmania, however as a resident of the island state, I didn't feel it was particularly strong on Tasmanian setting. Bar a few place names and the presence of opium poppy plantations, the story could have been set in foothills basically anywhere along the Great Dividing Range.
An engaging but undemanding read.
This was a good, solid romance-suspense. I'm not exactly a big reader of the romance genre, but found this book was balanced reasonably well in that respect. The plot's based around an undercover police officer investigating a series of disappearances of young women from a remote bush/farmstay lodge. There are plenty of red herrings and drama along the way to the full-on action finale.
The book is set in Tasmania, however as a resident of the island state, I didn't feel it was particularly strong on Tasmanian setting. Bar a few place names and the presence of opium poppy plantations, the story could have been set in foothills basically anywhere along the Great Dividing Range.
An engaging but undemanding read.
November 3, 2018
I have just finished reading this book and my heart is still racing. Sarah Barrie definitely does not disappoint. Bloodtree River was just as action packed, page turning and heart stopping as her hunter ridge series (If not better/if I can bring myself to admit that) I am actually so sad I finished this book so quickly. 😔 but given the plot twists in those final chapters I had no chance in hell of being able to put it down, I can't remember the last time a book consumed me like this. (Well actually yes/ the hunters ridge trilogy)
I fell in love with the story line, countryside, characters, lifestyle and love story, I became so personally invested in Indy and Logan and even little monte too!
I would recommend giving this book a go if your looking for your next addictive read.
Bloodtree River gets a 10/10 from me.
I fell in love with the story line, countryside, characters, lifestyle and love story, I became so personally invested in Indy and Logan and even little monte too!
I would recommend giving this book a go if your looking for your next addictive read.
Bloodtree River gets a 10/10 from me.
November 21, 2021
This was a fun audiobook that I enjoyed. Our leading lady is Indiana O’Meara, a detective in Sydney who is abruptly pulled off her pursuit of a drug lord to go undercover to Tasmanian where a politicians daughter has vanished in mysterious circumstances. The senators daughter is not the first young woman to go missing, quite a few over the years have and they all have some association with Calico Mountain Lodge, more specifically Logan Atherton one of the owners (enter our leading man).
So Indie goes undercover as a backpacker on a working holiday and slowly becomes convinced that Logan is innocent but that someone else is following her and trying to break into her computer and phone. Also, she and Logan are falling for each other in a big way.
It is a fun, easy romance for MOST of the book. The ending however -which I will not spoiler AT ALL because it is such a good story- turns into pure thriller as the case of the missing young woman escalates rapidly to a much more complicated case. I really enjoyed the ending.
So there are a few things about this story; first the narration is excellent. Whoever Kate Hosking is (the actress, maybe?) she does a marvellous job. Far better than the narrator of a latter book by the same author which I recently listened to. And, speaking of that later book...
It is great when an author you enjoy evolved and grows into their craft. It is a great thing following them through their evolution as the writing becomes better and better. But the opposite happened to me here, hence the three stars. While I enjoyed Bloodtree River I read it because it is the first in a series from which I read the third already. The third in the Calico Lodge series is an EXCELLENT book, while still a Harlequin book it is so much more than a romance, much more of a thriller, with excellent characters, many intertwined plots and spectacular descriptions of the natural beauty of Tassie. The author definitely evolved.
So Indie goes undercover as a backpacker on a working holiday and slowly becomes convinced that Logan is innocent but that someone else is following her and trying to break into her computer and phone. Also, she and Logan are falling for each other in a big way.
It is a fun, easy romance for MOST of the book. The ending however -which I will not spoiler AT ALL because it is such a good story- turns into pure thriller as the case of the missing young woman escalates rapidly to a much more complicated case. I really enjoyed the ending.
So there are a few things about this story; first the narration is excellent. Whoever Kate Hosking is (the actress, maybe?) she does a marvellous job. Far better than the narrator of a latter book by the same author which I recently listened to. And, speaking of that later book...
It is great when an author you enjoy evolved and grows into their craft. It is a great thing following them through their evolution as the writing becomes better and better. But the opposite happened to me here, hence the three stars. While I enjoyed Bloodtree River I read it because it is the first in a series from which I read the third already. The third in the Calico Lodge series is an EXCELLENT book, while still a Harlequin book it is so much more than a romance, much more of a thriller, with excellent characters, many intertwined plots and spectacular descriptions of the natural beauty of Tassie. The author definitely evolved.
April 13, 2018
Another fabulous read from Sarah Barrie, I couldn't put this down, I needed to know what was going to happen right up to the end. The story was great, the suspense surrounding the disappearances of the girls had me hooked, I loved the chemistry between Indy and Logan. I definitely recommend if you are looking for a romantic suspense to read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a copy in return for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a copy in return for an honest review.
July 1, 2019
I have to preface this review by saying I hate shmalz. I dislike it in my movies, my tv shows and above all, in my books. If romance is included it has to be real, it has to be flawed and it has to be gritty.
I'm really sad about this book as it was really strong in so many ways. I love domestic thrillers with a slow-suspenseful burn. I also love novels set in Australian, rural settings. What I didn't love was the pervasive 'neatness' and 'glossiness' in this book. The plot, the characters and the final conclusion read more like an episode of Days of Our Lives than a gritty crime novel.
The romance wasn't incidental, either. It was an in-your-face sex scene and various encounters that read like a Mills & Boon paperback from my Nana's collection. The male protagonist holding the female lead's chin gently. Both of them stubborn and impulsive but with a connection they couldn't shake.. it was dripping with Hollywood predictability and it spoiled the whole book for me.
The underlying plot was well done, if not slightly convoluted. I was drawn into the mystery and compelled to keep reading even if I did guess the main twist very early on. The writing, for the most part, was well done.
I just can't hide my contempt for what is ultimately lazy character development. I don't want outdated ideas of romance trotted out amongst gunshots and farm animals. Give me something new, fresh and above all else, believable. People don't dunk their "feisty" romantic interests in a horse trough especially when that person is a trained undercover cop.
I'm really sad about this book as it was really strong in so many ways. I love domestic thrillers with a slow-suspenseful burn. I also love novels set in Australian, rural settings. What I didn't love was the pervasive 'neatness' and 'glossiness' in this book. The plot, the characters and the final conclusion read more like an episode of Days of Our Lives than a gritty crime novel.
The romance wasn't incidental, either. It was an in-your-face sex scene and various encounters that read like a Mills & Boon paperback from my Nana's collection. The male protagonist holding the female lead's chin gently. Both of them stubborn and impulsive but with a connection they couldn't shake.. it was dripping with Hollywood predictability and it spoiled the whole book for me.
The underlying plot was well done, if not slightly convoluted. I was drawn into the mystery and compelled to keep reading even if I did guess the main twist very early on. The writing, for the most part, was well done.
I just can't hide my contempt for what is ultimately lazy character development. I don't want outdated ideas of romance trotted out amongst gunshots and farm animals. Give me something new, fresh and above all else, believable. People don't dunk their "feisty" romantic interests in a horse trough especially when that person is a trained undercover cop.
April 9, 2019
I really enjoyed the characters of Indy and Logan in this, and the support cast, and I thought it was very well written. The ending got just a touch too Hollywood for me - I could have handled one major climax with some other threads not necessarily all tied up.
Indy was a great character - strong and resourceful - and she felt very believable for me. I also liked Logan's alpha type out on the farm but with a heart that loved animals.
It's the first Sarah Barrie book I've read and won't be the last.
Indy was a great character - strong and resourceful - and she felt very believable for me. I also liked Logan's alpha type out on the farm but with a heart that loved animals.
It's the first Sarah Barrie book I've read and won't be the last.
May 3, 2018
I’m a huge fan of Sarah Barrie’s romantic suspense novels. Her Hunter’s Ridge trilogy are probably three of my favourites in the genre. Although readers of that book will pick this one up and find a couple of familiar faces, it’s not strictly necessary to have read those before beginning this. It helps a bit for some basic background and it’s good to see Indy get her story but if you haven’t read any of the others (which I suggest you do!) you won’t be left behind.
Detective Indy O’Meara is gathering information to bring down a drug kingpin in Sydney when an undercover opportunity in Tasmania comes her way. Girls keep going missing, all seemingly having worked at the same cattle property although only one body has been found. Grave fears are held for the wellbeing of several others and Indy is to go in looking for a job, hoping to gather information and perhaps even tempt the suspect. Most eyes seem to be on Logan Atherton but despite extensive questioning and searches, nothing concrete has been found.
It’s decided that as a part of Indy’s cover she should appear meek, submissive, give off the impression of being alone. But Indy is anything but meek and submissive and she immediately draws attention to herself the moment she arrives looking for a job. Some of that attention comes from Logan Atherton himself and Indy is immediately conflicted. She definitely needs to be wary of him – in most cases he’s the last person to see these women alive and he’s the chief suspect. But even though he can be decidedly difficult, there’s something about him. He’s hiding things and he can be bluntly rude but she’s not convinced he’s some kind of violent murderer. She knows that she can uncover what is going on but if Indy’s wrong….the price could be her life.
This was such a rollercoaster of a ride! I absolutely loved the setting – good to see Indy heading out of the city of Sydney and to Tasmania. I don’t read a lot of books set in Tassie and the landscape is just perfect for this type of story. Thick bushland, remote properties, it lends itself well to the sort of undercover type of work that Indy was doing. Armed with a good resume, she gets herself a job where she needs to and sets about observing the goings on and trying to figure out whether or not someone really is either kidnapping these women and keeping them somewhere, possibly torturing them, or murdering them. In such terrain, bodies could go unfound for decades.
Indy has seen and experienced a lot in her life and she brings that with her, in some ways. She’s supposed to be a bit pliable, perhaps easily charmed or persuaded but instead she finds herself unable check her nature, engaging in arguments, standing up for herself and not exactly blending in. The place is so desperate for help though (unsurprising, considering most of them keep vanishing) and although they are also suspicious about newcomers, especially with the rumours swirling around since the discovery of a woman’s body, Indy is capable enough that she is able to slot in quite easily, working in the stables with Logan.
Ah, Logan. Look, I’m going to be honest, I spent an awful lot of this book not really liking Logan. He seems deliberately antagonistic just for the sheer pleasure of it, he’s a bit too much of a smart-arse who seems unconcerned about the women that have disappeared and the fact that he’s in the gun for it. And also he manhandles Indy in a scene that really annoyed me. It’s not a particularly great picture to paint and although it was meant in kind of tongue in cheek play or comeuppance for Indy, I didn’t really feel as though she warranted it. Actually, no one really warrants that. Indy is for all intents and purposes, an employee and should be treated respectfully. Not tossed around like a child’s toy.
Logan did grow on me, the further into the book I got but the strength was the suspense portion of this book and the way in which Sarah Barrie wove that together. The more Indy uncovered, the more complicated everything became and the more intrigued I got. There were so many things that I didn’t suspect – and people that I didn’t suspect of being involved. When things were revealed though, I could see how there had been a throwaway line here or there or something that made sense in hindsight. I had no idea things were going to escalate to such a degree and it was so clever. I really enjoyed that aspect of the story and how Indy managed to put things together. She was figuring things out on the fly, including some pretty insane plans once things hit the fan and there was just so much she managed to cover. Her and Ben are a great team and even though he’s managing from Sydney, you get to see them as a cohesive unit who back each other. An awesome example of a platonic partnership.
This is a really well paced, clever story that had me unable to put it down. Already I cannot wait for Sarah Barrie’s next book.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purposes of an honest review***
Detective Indy O’Meara is gathering information to bring down a drug kingpin in Sydney when an undercover opportunity in Tasmania comes her way. Girls keep going missing, all seemingly having worked at the same cattle property although only one body has been found. Grave fears are held for the wellbeing of several others and Indy is to go in looking for a job, hoping to gather information and perhaps even tempt the suspect. Most eyes seem to be on Logan Atherton but despite extensive questioning and searches, nothing concrete has been found.
It’s decided that as a part of Indy’s cover she should appear meek, submissive, give off the impression of being alone. But Indy is anything but meek and submissive and she immediately draws attention to herself the moment she arrives looking for a job. Some of that attention comes from Logan Atherton himself and Indy is immediately conflicted. She definitely needs to be wary of him – in most cases he’s the last person to see these women alive and he’s the chief suspect. But even though he can be decidedly difficult, there’s something about him. He’s hiding things and he can be bluntly rude but she’s not convinced he’s some kind of violent murderer. She knows that she can uncover what is going on but if Indy’s wrong….the price could be her life.
This was such a rollercoaster of a ride! I absolutely loved the setting – good to see Indy heading out of the city of Sydney and to Tasmania. I don’t read a lot of books set in Tassie and the landscape is just perfect for this type of story. Thick bushland, remote properties, it lends itself well to the sort of undercover type of work that Indy was doing. Armed with a good resume, she gets herself a job where she needs to and sets about observing the goings on and trying to figure out whether or not someone really is either kidnapping these women and keeping them somewhere, possibly torturing them, or murdering them. In such terrain, bodies could go unfound for decades.
Indy has seen and experienced a lot in her life and she brings that with her, in some ways. She’s supposed to be a bit pliable, perhaps easily charmed or persuaded but instead she finds herself unable check her nature, engaging in arguments, standing up for herself and not exactly blending in. The place is so desperate for help though (unsurprising, considering most of them keep vanishing) and although they are also suspicious about newcomers, especially with the rumours swirling around since the discovery of a woman’s body, Indy is capable enough that she is able to slot in quite easily, working in the stables with Logan.
Ah, Logan. Look, I’m going to be honest, I spent an awful lot of this book not really liking Logan. He seems deliberately antagonistic just for the sheer pleasure of it, he’s a bit too much of a smart-arse who seems unconcerned about the women that have disappeared and the fact that he’s in the gun for it. And also he manhandles Indy in a scene that really annoyed me. It’s not a particularly great picture to paint and although it was meant in kind of tongue in cheek play or comeuppance for Indy, I didn’t really feel as though she warranted it. Actually, no one really warrants that. Indy is for all intents and purposes, an employee and should be treated respectfully. Not tossed around like a child’s toy.
Logan did grow on me, the further into the book I got but the strength was the suspense portion of this book and the way in which Sarah Barrie wove that together. The more Indy uncovered, the more complicated everything became and the more intrigued I got. There were so many things that I didn’t suspect – and people that I didn’t suspect of being involved. When things were revealed though, I could see how there had been a throwaway line here or there or something that made sense in hindsight. I had no idea things were going to escalate to such a degree and it was so clever. I really enjoyed that aspect of the story and how Indy managed to put things together. She was figuring things out on the fly, including some pretty insane plans once things hit the fan and there was just so much she managed to cover. Her and Ben are a great team and even though he’s managing from Sydney, you get to see them as a cohesive unit who back each other. An awesome example of a platonic partnership.
This is a really well paced, clever story that had me unable to put it down. Already I cannot wait for Sarah Barrie’s next book.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purposes of an honest review***
May 26, 2018
MS Barrie never fails to disappoint me with one of her stories and if you are looking for a fast paced romantic suspense with danger strong characters and an emotional pull well this is a book that I highly recommend, I was on the edge of my seat, cheering the good guys on, as they went after some very bad guys, the setting is fabulous the Tasmanian mountains, all in all this one is a story not to be missed.
Indiana O’Meara has been through so much in her life and became a cop to help people, to make a difference and she is undercover in Tasmania to investigate woman that have gone missing, never realizing that the main suspect would pull at her heart strings the way he did, his caring way with the animals on his cattle station Calico Mountain had her re-thinking a lot, but with a twist to this case that connects to something even more dangerous Indy is in for some big changes in her life and she needs to keep her head on the case.
Logan Atherton comes a cross to most people as a hard man intent on his job of running Calico Mountain but with young woman going missing he is suspicious of many who arrive to work there and with the rumours that are being spread they are short staffed but when Indy arrives and is hired he feels a pull towards her like never before you see Logan doesn’t trust easy there is something about Indy that he cannot put aside. This family run station is doing its best to prove they are not involved in the missing woman but there are many twists that will be uncovered.
This one had me turning the pages honestly it is a fabulous story twists and turns and danger as Indy digs deeper but there are threats coming from all directions and it had me guessing right to the very end so many fabulous characters that all add to the story and wow so much happens in the explosive end. This one is moving and emotional as well as all of the danger involved in catching the bad guys. I loved Logan what a hero he really is the best and he and Indy so deserve to be together. This is one that I highly recommend truly it should not be missed and I do hope that Connor and Tess get their own stories I would love to revisit Calico Mountain. Thank you MS Barrie for another keeper wow I loved it.
Indiana O’Meara has been through so much in her life and became a cop to help people, to make a difference and she is undercover in Tasmania to investigate woman that have gone missing, never realizing that the main suspect would pull at her heart strings the way he did, his caring way with the animals on his cattle station Calico Mountain had her re-thinking a lot, but with a twist to this case that connects to something even more dangerous Indy is in for some big changes in her life and she needs to keep her head on the case.
Logan Atherton comes a cross to most people as a hard man intent on his job of running Calico Mountain but with young woman going missing he is suspicious of many who arrive to work there and with the rumours that are being spread they are short staffed but when Indy arrives and is hired he feels a pull towards her like never before you see Logan doesn’t trust easy there is something about Indy that he cannot put aside. This family run station is doing its best to prove they are not involved in the missing woman but there are many twists that will be uncovered.
This one had me turning the pages honestly it is a fabulous story twists and turns and danger as Indy digs deeper but there are threats coming from all directions and it had me guessing right to the very end so many fabulous characters that all add to the story and wow so much happens in the explosive end. This one is moving and emotional as well as all of the danger involved in catching the bad guys. I loved Logan what a hero he really is the best and he and Indy so deserve to be together. This is one that I highly recommend truly it should not be missed and I do hope that Connor and Tess get their own stories I would love to revisit Calico Mountain. Thank you MS Barrie for another keeper wow I loved it.
May 21, 2018
I was very excited to receive Blood Tree River as my first book to read and review from Beauty & Lace Book Club.
BTR is the first novel by Sarah Barrie that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It is a well researched and crafted novel of the romantic suspense genre.
Through Barrie’s clever writing style I really felt as if I was there with Indy, at Calico Mountain Lodge in the beautiful Tasmanian bush, caught up in the intrigue and suspense of why girls are disappearing.
As the story evolves the suspense and romance builds to a clever and satisfying conclusion.
BTR kept me captivated from start to finish and I found myself experiencing a whole range of emotions.
I loved this book and look forward to reading more Sarah Barrie novels.
Thankyou Beauty & Lace I am so happy to have been chosen to read Blood Tree River.
Original review located at http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
BTR is the first novel by Sarah Barrie that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It is a well researched and crafted novel of the romantic suspense genre.
Through Barrie’s clever writing style I really felt as if I was there with Indy, at Calico Mountain Lodge in the beautiful Tasmanian bush, caught up in the intrigue and suspense of why girls are disappearing.
As the story evolves the suspense and romance builds to a clever and satisfying conclusion.
BTR kept me captivated from start to finish and I found myself experiencing a whole range of emotions.
I loved this book and look forward to reading more Sarah Barrie novels.
Thankyou Beauty & Lace I am so happy to have been chosen to read Blood Tree River.
Original review located at http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
November 13, 2024
Love this new find and straight onto Book Two.
I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed other Barrie novels but hadn’t tackled this series. I’m so glad I’ve branched out to the Tassie ranges to Calico Mountain and Indy.
Fantastic setting, clever, clever plot and excellent characters. Don’t go past this outstanding Aussie author.
I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed other Barrie novels but hadn’t tackled this series. I’m so glad I’ve branched out to the Tassie ranges to Calico Mountain and Indy.
Fantastic setting, clever, clever plot and excellent characters. Don’t go past this outstanding Aussie author.
March 10, 2019
Very nicely done! I wasn't sure about the length, but it was worth every scene. I appreciated that love comes before lust and the trembling at his touch stuff. I will be on the lookout for more of Sarah Barrie's works. I would love to meet a young Indy.
February 27, 2024
I am really enjoying Sarah Barrie's books, they are fantastic.
April 14, 2018
I’ve been eagerly waiting for Sarah Barrie’s new book to be released and was certainly not disappointed. Readers of her previous ‘Hunters Ridge’ Trilogy would recognize Detective Ben Bowden and Detective Indy O’Meara from those books. This is really Indy’s story and can absolutely be read as a standalone.
Indy goes undercover in the Tasmanian Hinterland to discover why girls have been disappearing from the Calico Mountain Lodge. The main suspect is the owner Logan Atherton but she’s not prepared for the attraction between the two of them. As Indy delves deeper into the investigation, she realises there is much more involved then she first believed.
Once again I really enjoyed everything about this book. I loved the character interactions, the good ones and even the snarky ones. The suspense kept me on my toes and I really felt invested with the family at Calico Mountain, there were certainly some nasty characters around.
I think Sarah Barrie has cemented herself as my favourite Australian Romantic Suspense author, if you love this genre, then I certainly recommend all of her books.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for an ARC copy to read.
Indy goes undercover in the Tasmanian Hinterland to discover why girls have been disappearing from the Calico Mountain Lodge. The main suspect is the owner Logan Atherton but she’s not prepared for the attraction between the two of them. As Indy delves deeper into the investigation, she realises there is much more involved then she first believed.
Once again I really enjoyed everything about this book. I loved the character interactions, the good ones and even the snarky ones. The suspense kept me on my toes and I really felt invested with the family at Calico Mountain, there were certainly some nasty characters around.
I think Sarah Barrie has cemented herself as my favourite Australian Romantic Suspense author, if you love this genre, then I certainly recommend all of her books.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for an ARC copy to read.
October 27, 2022
We are introduced immediately to a hard-core detective, who after killing an outlaw, and without any briefing or counselling is whipped off to another state to work undercover. Really??
If that seems a bit far-fetched to you, read on. Our heroine Indy is confronted by many aspects of kidnap and murder, but to keep us interested; she not only forms a romantic relationship but gets involved with a baby calf, and what is more, turns out to be a natural with horses. And guess what - yep, she is beautiful.
There are others cast into this story who eventually have a connection to the finale, but are not very well described in the book. The ending is also a bit far-fetched.
Nevertheless, Indy saves the day and goes off into the sunset.....................
Not really recommended.
p.s. Forgot to mention the title of this one is odd as well...............
If that seems a bit far-fetched to you, read on. Our heroine Indy is confronted by many aspects of kidnap and murder, but to keep us interested; she not only forms a romantic relationship but gets involved with a baby calf, and what is more, turns out to be a natural with horses. And guess what - yep, she is beautiful.
There are others cast into this story who eventually have a connection to the finale, but are not very well described in the book. The ending is also a bit far-fetched.
Nevertheless, Indy saves the day and goes off into the sunset.....................
Not really recommended.
p.s. Forgot to mention the title of this one is odd as well...............
September 17, 2018
The crime plot in this novel is quite strong and engaging, unfortunately there is a lot of time spent on a romantic plot that does not make a lot of sense for the character.
Either you have a great detective, or you have a detective who decides a suspect is probably innocent based on romantic feelings, but you can not have both. It would have been really interesting to read about a flawed detective becoming overwhelmed with romantic feelings and bumbling the case, or a staunch detective ignoring the charisma of a suspect to solve the crime, or to just have no romantic plot at all!
Either you have a great detective, or you have a detective who decides a suspect is probably innocent based on romantic feelings, but you can not have both. It would have been really interesting to read about a flawed detective becoming overwhelmed with romantic feelings and bumbling the case, or a staunch detective ignoring the charisma of a suspect to solve the crime, or to just have no romantic plot at all!
May 27, 2023
I’m ambivalent about this book mainly because I didn’t find the storyline very believable. An undercover detective from Sydney (and who happens to be American) on a farm in rural Tasmania, and she falls in love with the main serial killer suspect? This book can’t decide if it’s a murder mystery or a romance. A poor job done of both.
November 25, 2023
I loved this story, read it in one day. The author does an amazing job of bringing the characters to life. It felt as though I was watching a movie, I just had to get to the end to understand who was the culpret, finished at midnight.
February 8, 2025
Love the rural background for this story, set in Tasmania on a host farm, dealing with horses. The story was full of twists and suspense and the right amount of romance. Unusual and well thought out plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews