Reader reviews

'From the wool-greased floors of the shearing shed  to the surging creeks 'coming  down' after a sudden storm, Fleur McDonald writes about a life and a country she knows from the inside out. Now living in the south-west of Western Australia, McDonald grew up in South Australia’s mid-north. As a child, she holidayed on her family's outback stations and travelled the dusty roads with her father, delivering fuel to country properties.

In Red Dust, McDonald breathes life into archetypal Australian characters - the loyal stockman, the shifty newcomer, the knowledgeable stock & station agent, the trusty working dog. Throw in a dead husband with a suspicious past, a contagiously lively - and impressively savvy - best friend, and a couple of swoon-worthy blokes in R. M. Williams boots and you’ve got more than enough to keep you glued to the page through a (hopefully wet) winter's weekend.

And then there's all that livestock that keeps disappearing and mysteriously turning up in Billbinya station’s back paddocks... Follow the clues and see if you can work out who's behind the sheep and cattle rustling and why they've got such a grudge against the widowed Gemma, Billbinya's resolute young owner.' - Tessa Wooldridge

'For anyone who has ever spent time in the mid north, Red Dust will evoke many memories. Fleur McDonald has cleverly and beautifully intertwined and captured the very essence of country life within the characters in her new book. The vivid descriptions of the country, the lifestyle and the characters are typical of life in that region.  An added flavour is how well she has woven in romance and intrigue in to this, her first, novel.

Gemma is a delightful, very believable and loveable character although somewhat naïve.  She epitomizes the guts and determination of the landowners who know the many struggles of country life.  With the loss of her husband, and continuing suspicions regarding her role in stock stealing, she still continues to manage the property despite many people thinking she cannot function in what is seen as a man’s world. 

Fleur McDonald has written a fresh warmhearted story that captures the actual spirit of the land.  A very enjoyable read.  I could not put the book down and look forward to her second novel on the bookshelves.' - Anne Webb

'Fleur McDonald’s debut novel Red Dust is a touching story which delves into the harsh realities faced by Australian rural farming communities.

Red Dust is a journey into the hardships and struggles faced by Gemma, the novels brave heroine.  After having her world torn apart by the tragic death of her husband, Gemma sets aside her emotional struggles to overcome natural and financial hardships, along with criminal and physical danger.  

The harsh realities of farming in rural Western Australia are vividly brought to life by Gemma’s family, friends and rural community in supporting her self belief and determination to pursue personal and professional success.    

Red Dust is a beautifully written novel which pulls together Australia’s harsh bush lifestyle, the wonderful people who make this country and their never ending determination to succeed.  

Fleur McDonald has set herself a high standard for a new Australian author, Red Dust is a novel which will entice readers to want more from a talented engaging writer.' - David Cairns