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Emma Berry, Murray River #2
A Gem of a Problem
It is the 1870s in Australia. Emma Berry is back at her family’s pastoral property, Wirramilla, recovering from the accidental sinking of the paddle steamer Mary B in the Murray River, in which her husband Sam drowned.
Major Barnaby of Honey Hills is demanding the return of a mysterious package he claims Sam was carrying for him, and which was apparently lost in the accident. His lies and threats force Emma to investigate. To complicate matters, her brother-in-law, Daniel, co-owner with her of the Mary B, is blaming her for everything. She must call on all her strength and resources to redeem herself, and Sam.
Emma's search for the package leads her up and down the river and across country, where not everyone she encounters is welcoming and some pay more attention than she finds comfortable. She must apply the sleuthing techniques gleaned from her readings of fictional detective Mrs Paschal, and insights into human nature from Anthony Trollope. In the process she learns more about herself and her desire to solve problems, sometimes against the wishes of those whose problem it is.
But how will the Major react to what Emma learns during her search? And can she and Daniel find a way to work together?
Major Barnaby of Honey Hills is demanding the return of a mysterious package he claims Sam was carrying for him, and which was apparently lost in the accident. His lies and threats force Emma to investigate. To complicate matters, her brother-in-law, Daniel, co-owner with her of the Mary B, is blaming her for everything. She must call on all her strength and resources to redeem herself, and Sam.
Emma's search for the package leads her up and down the river and across country, where not everyone she encounters is welcoming and some pay more attention than she finds comfortable. She must apply the sleuthing techniques gleaned from her readings of fictional detective Mrs Paschal, and insights into human nature from Anthony Trollope. In the process she learns more about herself and her desire to solve problems, sometimes against the wishes of those whose problem it is.
But how will the Major react to what Emma learns during her search? And can she and Daniel find a way to work together?
350 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2016
1 person is currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Irene Sauman
12 books39 followersIrene is a retired historian living in Perth, Western Australia. She grew up and went to school in New South Wales, by the mighty Murray. Several generations of her father's family were involved with paddle steamers on the river, so this is the setting she chose for her first cozy mystery series.
Irene is a readaholic, tennis fan, croquet player (old age and treachery beats youth and enthusiasm every time), and has a reasonably green thumb, which means not too much dies in her garden, unlike in her cozy mysteries. T
Her favourite authors-gone-by are Anthony Trollope, Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh and Agatha Christie, but she doesn't restrict her reading to just mysteries.
Irene can be contacted through her Facebook author page. She is also on BookBub and is a member of the Aussie Readers group and several cozy mystery groups on Goodreads. Her Pinterest board shttps://au.pinterest.com/irenesauman showcase maps and photos relating to the Emma Berry Mystery series.
Irene is a readaholic, tennis fan, croquet player (old age and treachery beats youth and enthusiasm every time), and has a reasonably green thumb, which means not too much dies in her garden, unlike in her cozy mysteries. T
Her favourite authors-gone-by are Anthony Trollope, Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh and Agatha Christie, but she doesn't restrict her reading to just mysteries.
Irene can be contacted through her Facebook author page. She is also on BookBub and is a member of the Aussie Readers group and several cozy mystery groups on Goodreads. Her Pinterest board shttps://au.pinterest.com/irenesauman showcase maps and photos relating to the Emma Berry Mystery series.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 17, 2018
Set in Australia in the 1870's, A Gem of a Problem does great justice to the importance of the paddle steamers at that time on the Murray River. There is a lovely sense of the atmosphere as they moved up and down the river and of the importance they held for the everyday life of the residents along its route.
The mystery seemed very easy to solve but then the author provided a little double twist at the end which was clever. The main character, Emma, was smart and bold for the times. She travelled around the countryside on her own with amazing ability and was determined not to be put down just because she was a woman. A difficult path to tread I would think in the 1870's.
An interesting and very readable book which gives some insight into Australian rural life at the time as well as telling a good story.
The mystery seemed very easy to solve but then the author provided a little double twist at the end which was clever. The main character, Emma, was smart and bold for the times. She travelled around the countryside on her own with amazing ability and was determined not to be put down just because she was a woman. A difficult path to tread I would think in the 1870's.
An interesting and very readable book which gives some insight into Australian rural life at the time as well as telling a good story.
February 7, 2017
With the sudden death of her husband Sam Berry when their paddle steamer, the Mary B, foundered and sank in April 1875, and the subsequent loss of her unborn child, Emma was now living back at home with her parents on the family property of Wirramilla in Victoria while she recuperated and came to terms with her loss. The day Major Barnaby arrived at the property, accusing Emma of deception and theft, was the day her life changed irrevocably.
Daniel, Emma’s brother in law and co-owner of the Mary B, blamed Emma for the trouble that Major Barnaby was accusing her of – it seemed it was up to Emma to find this mysterious package before the Major caused the family to lose everything. His threats were terrifyingly real – could Emma find the answers she desperately needed?
As Emma travelled to Echuca via steamer, she realised in her musings that the Murray River was the busiest she had ever seen it. The paddle steamer trade in 1870s Australia was a flourishing business – all the more reason for them to have the repairs to the Mary B completed so it could earn its keep once again. But as Emma travelled up and down the river, then across the country by train, she encountered some strange and not so welcoming people. Was she in danger? She knew she had to find the package; it was vital…
A Gem of a Problem by Aussie author Irene Sauman is a wonderful historical mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was also delighted to find it’s the first in the Emma Berry series; I’m keen to read the second when it is published. I loved the quiet and sometimes dangerous travel on the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers, surrounded by the birds and bush. The non-stop vigilance of the steamer crew as they searched for the many submerged sandbanks and tree stumps along the way. Emma is a strong young woman trying to find her way in a man’s world – her ongoing story will be a good one. I have no hesitation in recommending A Gem of a Problem highly.
Daniel, Emma’s brother in law and co-owner of the Mary B, blamed Emma for the trouble that Major Barnaby was accusing her of – it seemed it was up to Emma to find this mysterious package before the Major caused the family to lose everything. His threats were terrifyingly real – could Emma find the answers she desperately needed?
As Emma travelled to Echuca via steamer, she realised in her musings that the Murray River was the busiest she had ever seen it. The paddle steamer trade in 1870s Australia was a flourishing business – all the more reason for them to have the repairs to the Mary B completed so it could earn its keep once again. But as Emma travelled up and down the river, then across the country by train, she encountered some strange and not so welcoming people. Was she in danger? She knew she had to find the package; it was vital…
A Gem of a Problem by Aussie author Irene Sauman is a wonderful historical mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was also delighted to find it’s the first in the Emma Berry series; I’m keen to read the second when it is published. I loved the quiet and sometimes dangerous travel on the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers, surrounded by the birds and bush. The non-stop vigilance of the steamer crew as they searched for the many submerged sandbanks and tree stumps along the way. Emma is a strong young woman trying to find her way in a man’s world – her ongoing story will be a good one. I have no hesitation in recommending A Gem of a Problem highly.
June 14, 2017
This cosy mystery is set in the romantic times of the 1870s when paddle steamers steamed up and down the Murray delivering goods, mail and passengers. The central character, Emma Berry recently lost her husband Sam when the boat he and his brother Daniel owned was damaged in an accident. Waiting for the boat to be repaired so they can get it back on the water Emma and Daniel discover that Sam was carrying a packet of priceless jewellery for one of their neighbours who is demanding compensation if it's not found. Emma must use her sleuthing skills to find out what happened to the gems.
The Murray river makes an interesting backdrop for this mystery. The sights and sounds of the towns and farms as well as the riverboat docks all have a very authentic feel. Emma is a liberated woman for her times and good at drawing information out of people. 3.5★
The Murray river makes an interesting backdrop for this mystery. The sights and sounds of the towns and farms as well as the riverboat docks all have a very authentic feel. Emma is a liberated woman for her times and good at drawing information out of people. 3.5★
March 4, 2018
I'll admit this is a very eye catching cover and what a clever title. The title is absolutely perfect for this book! This is the Emma Berry Murray River Mystery Book 1.
This takes place in the 1870s in Australia. The lush setting of this book was vastly described and sounds like a place I would have enjoyed visiting. A wonderful historical cosy mystery . A few months after her husband passes in a paddle boat steamer accident the Mary B, Emma Berry is confronted by a Major Barnaby who says her husband was carrying an extremely pricey and important package for him. When it's not found on the list of items being transported that day she begins to suspect her husband of smuggling and herself of not knowing him as well as she thought she did.Major says she must pay up or find the package but how will she do either? The major's story just isn't adding up and to make matters worse her brother in law Daniel blames her for everything. A well-written mystery that covers a lot of ground and is an easy read I'll surely be reading more by this author.
Pub Date 01 Jun 2016
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a review copy. I was not required to write a positive review.
This takes place in the 1870s in Australia. The lush setting of this book was vastly described and sounds like a place I would have enjoyed visiting. A wonderful historical cosy mystery . A few months after her husband passes in a paddle boat steamer accident the Mary B, Emma Berry is confronted by a Major Barnaby who says her husband was carrying an extremely pricey and important package for him. When it's not found on the list of items being transported that day she begins to suspect her husband of smuggling and herself of not knowing him as well as she thought she did.Major says she must pay up or find the package but how will she do either? The major's story just isn't adding up and to make matters worse her brother in law Daniel blames her for everything. A well-written mystery that covers a lot of ground and is an easy read I'll surely be reading more by this author.
Pub Date 01 Jun 2016
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a review copy. I was not required to write a positive review.
February 26, 2018
This is an easy read, charming mystery.
Emma loved Sam when they married but things didn’t turn out as nicely as she hoped. Emma tried to settle Sam down but his impulsive and careless ways continued. Now he is dead after sinking their paddle steamer in a reckless channel race. Emma is trying to recover from his death, the damaged steamer and the loss of her baby when an intimidating neighbor, Major, claims that Sam had a valuable package to deliver. The Major wants it back or payment for the loss. His threats extend to her family and their reputation so she must try to resolve the problem.
The only person that Emma feels she can trust to help her is Daniel, Sam’s brother and co-owner of the Mary B. Emma is flustered by Daniel’s anger, but she is determined to hunt for the missing package and get repairs moving on the steamer whether he approves or not. Emma begins her inquiries, stirring up some troubles, but uncovering clues. She follows the clues up the channel, standing on her own, meeting new people and old acquaintances as she unravels the truth of the mystery.
The setting in 1870's Australia provides a unique and wonderfully rich backdrop for the story. The writing is straightforward, smooth with steady movement which makes for an easy read. Emma is a lovely, engaging character. I liked her determination combined with caring and gentleness towards others. There is a fine tension between Daniel and Emma that makes the reader wonder about their true feelings.
I look forward to reading more of Emma’s adventures on the channel and to learning what develops. I recommend this to mystery readers, especially those who like historical settings.
I received this title through NetGalley. My rating 4.5.
Emma loved Sam when they married but things didn’t turn out as nicely as she hoped. Emma tried to settle Sam down but his impulsive and careless ways continued. Now he is dead after sinking their paddle steamer in a reckless channel race. Emma is trying to recover from his death, the damaged steamer and the loss of her baby when an intimidating neighbor, Major, claims that Sam had a valuable package to deliver. The Major wants it back or payment for the loss. His threats extend to her family and their reputation so she must try to resolve the problem.
The only person that Emma feels she can trust to help her is Daniel, Sam’s brother and co-owner of the Mary B. Emma is flustered by Daniel’s anger, but she is determined to hunt for the missing package and get repairs moving on the steamer whether he approves or not. Emma begins her inquiries, stirring up some troubles, but uncovering clues. She follows the clues up the channel, standing on her own, meeting new people and old acquaintances as she unravels the truth of the mystery.
The setting in 1870's Australia provides a unique and wonderfully rich backdrop for the story. The writing is straightforward, smooth with steady movement which makes for an easy read. Emma is a lovely, engaging character. I liked her determination combined with caring and gentleness towards others. There is a fine tension between Daniel and Emma that makes the reader wonder about their true feelings.
I look forward to reading more of Emma’s adventures on the channel and to learning what develops. I recommend this to mystery readers, especially those who like historical settings.
I received this title through NetGalley. My rating 4.5.
February 2, 2023
2.5 stars
It was an alright read. Quick and easy. but as much as I tried I couldn't really get into the story. I have a feeling it's something I'm going to forget in a couple months or so.
I liked the plot, the characters Emma and Daniel were fine. Emma I was ambivalent towards, even though we followed her through out the book. Daniel was there and gone again. And the side characters were nice.
But overall this book didn't really hold my interest. I think the only reason I finished it so quickly is because I didn't have another book to read. Which actually I did deliberately since this book has been sitting on my shelf a while now and I wanted to at least start it.
It was an alright read. Quick and easy. but as much as I tried I couldn't really get into the story. I have a feeling it's something I'm going to forget in a couple months or so.
I liked the plot, the characters Emma and Daniel were fine. Emma I was ambivalent towards, even though we followed her through out the book. Daniel was there and gone again. And the side characters were nice.
But overall this book didn't really hold my interest. I think the only reason I finished it so quickly is because I didn't have another book to read. Which actually I did deliberately since this book has been sitting on my shelf a while now and I wanted to at least start it.
September 14, 2017
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review, which is why I was totally confused when I started reading. Before requesting to download a copy from Reading Deals, I looked at the opening chapters of the book on the Amazon website's 'Look inside' facility. The two opening chapters bore little resemblance to each other. Checking the publication dates, I realised that my downloaded version was the first edition. The second edition now available on Amazon is far superior. It was a good decision to scrap the earlier scene setting chapters and get on the action.
Despite the shaky start, once I was reading, I was swept along. I enjoy novels where the location becomes part of the story and the descriptions of the historical Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers were a joy to read.
Despite the shaky start, once I was reading, I was swept along. I enjoy novels where the location becomes part of the story and the descriptions of the historical Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers were a joy to read.
July 13, 2016
"A Gem of a Problem" is a gem of a tale.
1870s Australia might not be a conventional setting for cozy mysteries, but "A Gem of a Problem" shows exactly how well suited it is. The backdrop of pastoral Australia is beautifully written to bring out its charms and challenges, evocative of the era and with uniquely Australian characters. Original newspaper quotes introduce each chapter with delightful authenticity.
The main character of the series, Emma Berry, has the intelligence and insight of a Jane Austen heroine. The mystery she is faced with threatens not only her, but the reputations and livelihoods of everyone she cares about.
I am deeply honoured to have this novel co-dedicated to me and look forward to reading many more Emma Berry Murray River Mysteries.
1870s Australia might not be a conventional setting for cozy mysteries, but "A Gem of a Problem" shows exactly how well suited it is. The backdrop of pastoral Australia is beautifully written to bring out its charms and challenges, evocative of the era and with uniquely Australian characters. Original newspaper quotes introduce each chapter with delightful authenticity.
The main character of the series, Emma Berry, has the intelligence and insight of a Jane Austen heroine. The mystery she is faced with threatens not only her, but the reputations and livelihoods of everyone she cares about.
I am deeply honoured to have this novel co-dedicated to me and look forward to reading many more Emma Berry Murray River Mysteries.
December 16, 2017
1875 Australia, and a few months after the death of her husband Sam, due to the sinking of their paddle steamer Mary B, Emma Berry is confronted by a Major Barnaby. He is demanding the return of a package given to her husband for transport. Now Emma must find the item before disgrace and ruin is brought to her family.
A well-written, enjoyable mystery with a cast of rounded characters. A good solid start to a new series which I look forward to reading more.
A NetGalley Book
A well-written, enjoyable mystery with a cast of rounded characters. A good solid start to a new series which I look forward to reading more.
A NetGalley Book
January 9, 2018
An enjoyable historical mystery. Well written. with likable characters and solid plot.
An interesting read.
An interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews