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The Unmourned

Book Two, The Monsarrat Series
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( 401 ratings, 54 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Unmourned, by Meg and Tom Keneally, is a gripping crime and thriller novel set in 19th-century Australia. It follows the charismatic gentleman convict Hugh Monsarrat and his clever housekeeper, Hannah Mulrooney, as they investigate the murder of the brutal headmaster of a boys' prison. The pair delve into a web of secrets, seeking justice while navigating social tensions and dangers in the harsh setting of colonial Sydney.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This gripping crime and thriller novel may appeal to you if you enjoy historical mysteries set in the 19th century with rich characters and vivid settings. It combines intricate plots with social and political overtones, immersing you in a captivating world that challenges the line between justice and revenge. If you appreciate a blend of historical detail and thrilling intrigue, this might be the perfect read for you.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Not all murder victims are mourned, but the perpetrator must always be punished...

For Robert Church, superintendent of the Parramatta Female Factory, the most enjoyable part of his job is access to young convict women. Inmate Grace O'Leary has made it her mission to protect the women from his nocturnal visits, and when Church is murdered with an awl thrust through his right eye, she becomes the chief suspect.

Recently arrived from Port Macquarie, ticket-of-leave gentleman convict Hugh Monsarrat now lives in Parramatta with his ever-loyal housekeeper, Mrs Mulrooney. Monsarrat, as an unofficial advisor on criminal and legal matters to the governor's secretary, is charged with uncovering the truth of Church's murder. Mrs Mulrooney accompanies him to the Female Factory, where he is taking depositions from prisoners, including Grace, and there the housekeeper strikes up friendships with certain women, which prove most intriguing.

Monsarrat and Mrs Mulrooney both believe that Grace is innocent, but in this, they are alone, so to exonerate her, they must find the murderer. Many hated Church and are relieved by his death, but who would go as far as killing him?

The Unmourned by Meg Keneally and Tom Keneally delves into this thrilling investigation set in a vivid historical context.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Unmourned by Meg and Tom Keneally is generally appreciated for its rich historical detail and compelling plot. Readers often praise the lively depiction of colonial Australia and the series' intelligent exploration of crime and justice. While some find the pacing a bit slow, the well-drawn characters and immersive setting make it a rewarding read for those interested in historical crime fiction.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780857989413

Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 19 March 2018

Country: Australia

Imprint: Penguin Random House Australia

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 240g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Meg Keneally (Author) Meg Keneally started her working life as a junior public affairs officer at the Australian Consulate-General in New York, before moving to Dublin to work as a sub-editor and freelance features writer. On returning to Australia, she joined the Daily Telegraph as a general news reporter, covering everything from courts to crime to animals' birthday parties at the zoo. She then joined Radio 2UE as a talkback radio producer. In 1997 Meg co-founded a financial service public relations company, which she sold after having her first child. For more than ten years, Margaret has worked in corporate affairs for listed financial services companies, and doubles as a part-time SCUBA diving instructor. She lives in Sydney with her husband Craig and children Rory and Alex. Tom Keneally (Author) Tom Keneally won the Booker Prize in 1982 with Schindler's Ark, later made into the Steven Spielberg Academy Award-winning film Schindler's List. His non-fiction includes the memoir Searching for Schindler and Three Famines, an LA Times Book of the Year, and the histories The Commonwealth of Thieves, The Great Shame and American Scoundrel. His fiction includes Shame and the Captives, The Daughters of Mars, The Widow and Her Hero, An Angel in Australia and Bettany's Book. His novels The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Gossip from the Forest, and Confederates were all shortlisted for the Booker Prize, while Bring Larks and Heroes and Three Cheers for the Paraclete won the Miles Franklin Award. In 2022, his novel Corporal Hitler's Pistol was awarded the ARA Historical Novel Prize.

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