Thanks to: Tee Fraser for the sketch of the jewel, to 'Stella'; Melissa Richardson, to Old Tailem Town, South Australia, and once again to Paul & Dion from Four Point Films
A woman alone and a charismatic private detective are caught up in a dangerous quest to discover her true identity in this thrilling historical adventure romance set in 19th century Victoria.
1898, Geelong, Victoria. Stella Truehart is all alone in the world. Her good-for-nothing husband has died violently at the hands of an unknown assailant. Her mother is dead, her father deserted them before she was born, and now her kindly Truehart grandparents are also in their graves.
Private detective Bendigo Barrett has been tasked with finding Stella. He believes his client's intentions are good, but it is evident that someone with darker motives is also seeking her. For her own part Stella is fiercely independent, but as danger mounts she agrees to work with Bendigo and before long they travel together to Sydney to meet his mysterious client where they discover more questions than answers.
What role do a stolen precious jewel and a long-ago US Civil War ship play in Stella's story? Will sudden bloodshed prevent the resolution of the mystery and stand in her way ?
Is it time, at last, for the truth to be revealed?
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Reader Reviews
I enjoyed the story as it had many mysteries which were all revealed bit by bit. ~ KOBO Customer
"1898, Geelong, Victoria. When Stella Truehart’s husband Lowry Hayward disappeared she reported him missing; his beaten body was discovered and she’s now a widow. Stella’s relieved her husband is dead; he was so nice to her when they were courting and he changed once they tied the knot. He turned into a mean, nasty and brutal bully, she’s now living on her own and she still feels very vulnerable. Detective Bendigo Barrett has been employed to find Stella, she’s very cautious about speaking to him, after her experience with her husband and she’s extremely nervous and she feels like someone is watching her? When a series of unfortunate and disturbing events happen involving Stella and Bendigo they decide to travel to Sydney, ask Bendigo’s mysterious employer some questions and try to devise what’s going on? I enjoyed reading The Last Truehart, the plot had so many twists and turns, it kept me interested and especially while trying to put together the complicated family connections and family dynamics and discover the hidden secrets. I received a copy of The Last Truehart in exchange for an honest review, a brilliant Australian historical fiction story full of suspense, intrigue and five stars from me." ~ Happy Reader