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Sleepless in Stringybark Bay
When five couples pool their resources to live in a house located where a turquoise lagoon meets the sea, the quirky little offshore community of Cook's Basin is shocked. How will ten people – one in a wheelchair and one with a hauntingly familiar face – survive where the only way in or out is by boat?
When a member of the household is found floating face down in the bay, the police insist the death was accidental but the bizarre circumstances have locals scratching their heads.
Former journalist turned café owner Kate Jackson is curious to discover why a group of retirees in their late 70s would choose such an isolated location. Then a throw-away line in an old magazine story leads to shocking revelations.
Wrapped in the colourful culture of a boat-access-only community, Sleepless in Stringybark Bay celebrates having a go at any age, revels in the magic of the bush and explores the fragility of relationships, old and young.
When a member of the household is found floating face down in the bay, the police insist the death was accidental but the bizarre circumstances have locals scratching their heads.
Former journalist turned café owner Kate Jackson is curious to discover why a group of retirees in their late 70s would choose such an isolated location. Then a throw-away line in an old magazine story leads to shocking revelations.
Wrapped in the colourful culture of a boat-access-only community, Sleepless in Stringybark Bay celebrates having a go at any age, revels in the magic of the bush and explores the fragility of relationships, old and young.
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Published February 1, 2024
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About the author
Susan Duncan
51 books77 followersSusan Elizabeth Duncan was an Australian author, journalist and editor of The Australian Women's Weekly and New Idea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 19, 2023
EXCERPT: Kate helped Lizzie settle in the kitchen, a stool to rest her broken ankle, a rug for her knee, a glass of water close at hand.
Lizzie began to laugh. 'Look at us,' she said. 'An old woman with a broken ankle and a young woman about to have a baby, hiding out on an isolated escarpment from a former soapie star with a bad temper and a powerful right hook. I should be upset but, really, it's hilarious.'
ABOUT 'SLEEPLESS IN STRINGYBARK BAY': When five couples pool their resources to live in a house located where a turquoise lagoon meets the sea and silver branches of mangroves glow in the moonlight, the quirky little offshore community of Cook's Basin is shocked. How will ten people-one in a wheelchair and one with a hauntingly familiar face-cope with the physical challenges of living where the only way in or out, is by boat?
Their worst fears are confirmed when a member of the household is found floating face down in the bay soon after they take up residence. The police insist the death was accidental but the bizarre circumstances-factoring in tides and weather-have locals scratching their heads.
Former journalist turned café owner, Kate Jackson is curious to discover why a group of retirees in their late 70s have chosen to live in such a difficult and isolated location. Kate finds their secrecy disturbing until a throw-away line in an old magazine story opens a Pandora's Box of intrigue and mystery. And once opened, everything becomes more complicated and spirals out of control.
MY THOUGHTS: Sleepless in Stringybark Bay is a wonderful mix of contemporary fiction and mystery. I loved the characters. Sam is an absolute darling, a person who will always help anyone else out, a people person, kind and thoughtful, but with a lack of self-confidence, particularly when it comes to Kate with whom he is having a child. Kate is a bit of a conundrum; she can be Miss Kind and Considerate one moment, and Miss Self-Indulgent and Indifferent the next, particularly with Sam. She doubts her ability to be a mother, and I mean DOUBTS! She is the first to admit that she's not a stayer. She runs the Briny Cafe` with Ettie who is an absolute darling. Ettie's husband is Marcus, a retired Michelin Star chef who occasionally sticks his wooden spoon in at the cafe`. Then there is Lizzie, in her eighties, who lives on her own in a remote and mostly inaccessible bay; Cliffy a hermit who keeps a bit of an eye on Lizzie; the ever-eager Jimmy and his dog Longfellow who help Sam on the barge; and the Geri-Ecstacies - the group of wealthy retirees who have converted the disused old people's home into a luxury villa for their old age. But again, it is accessible only by boat.
There is, understandably, a lot of talk about food in this book - the characters are always having suppers on the deck of the cafe` under the stars or going off for picnics. I'm definitely interested in the gin-pickled cucumbers and I wish there had been recipes included.
There is a death early on in the book which may or may not be suspicious and which gets the ex-journalist in Kate interested and poking around for more information.
I absolutely adored this read. The mystery is a good one, but it is the characters who are the shining stars of this book. I will be reading more from this author.
My favorite passage: She always felt safe in The Quiet, she told Lizzie, gesturing to the bush around them. 'The Wilderness. That's where the bad stuff happens.'
'Wilderness?' Lizzie asked, not sure of Dorothy's meaning.
'The city,' Dorothy replied.
(I tend to agree with her.)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#SleeplessinStringybarkBay #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Susan Duncan enjoyed a 25-year career spanning radio, newspaper and magazine journalism, including editing two of Australia's top selling women's magazines, The Australian Women's Weekly and New Idea. She now lives in her own patch of offshore paradise, Pittwater, with her second husband, Bob, in the beautiful home built for poet Dorothea Mackellar in 1925.
Susan's bestselling memoir, Salvation Creek won the 2007 Nielsen BookData Booksellers Choice Award and was shortlisted for the prestigious Dobbie Award, part of the Nita B Kibble awards for women writers. Its sequel, The House At Salvation Creek, was also a huge bestseller.
She has now turned her hand to fiction and is the author of two novels: The Briny Cafe and Gone Fishing.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Allen & Unwin via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Sleepless in Stringybark Creek by Susan Duncan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Lizzie began to laugh. 'Look at us,' she said. 'An old woman with a broken ankle and a young woman about to have a baby, hiding out on an isolated escarpment from a former soapie star with a bad temper and a powerful right hook. I should be upset but, really, it's hilarious.'
ABOUT 'SLEEPLESS IN STRINGYBARK BAY': When five couples pool their resources to live in a house located where a turquoise lagoon meets the sea and silver branches of mangroves glow in the moonlight, the quirky little offshore community of Cook's Basin is shocked. How will ten people-one in a wheelchair and one with a hauntingly familiar face-cope with the physical challenges of living where the only way in or out, is by boat?
Their worst fears are confirmed when a member of the household is found floating face down in the bay soon after they take up residence. The police insist the death was accidental but the bizarre circumstances-factoring in tides and weather-have locals scratching their heads.
Former journalist turned café owner, Kate Jackson is curious to discover why a group of retirees in their late 70s have chosen to live in such a difficult and isolated location. Kate finds their secrecy disturbing until a throw-away line in an old magazine story opens a Pandora's Box of intrigue and mystery. And once opened, everything becomes more complicated and spirals out of control.
MY THOUGHTS: Sleepless in Stringybark Bay is a wonderful mix of contemporary fiction and mystery. I loved the characters. Sam is an absolute darling, a person who will always help anyone else out, a people person, kind and thoughtful, but with a lack of self-confidence, particularly when it comes to Kate with whom he is having a child. Kate is a bit of a conundrum; she can be Miss Kind and Considerate one moment, and Miss Self-Indulgent and Indifferent the next, particularly with Sam. She doubts her ability to be a mother, and I mean DOUBTS! She is the first to admit that she's not a stayer. She runs the Briny Cafe` with Ettie who is an absolute darling. Ettie's husband is Marcus, a retired Michelin Star chef who occasionally sticks his wooden spoon in at the cafe`. Then there is Lizzie, in her eighties, who lives on her own in a remote and mostly inaccessible bay; Cliffy a hermit who keeps a bit of an eye on Lizzie; the ever-eager Jimmy and his dog Longfellow who help Sam on the barge; and the Geri-Ecstacies - the group of wealthy retirees who have converted the disused old people's home into a luxury villa for their old age. But again, it is accessible only by boat.
There is, understandably, a lot of talk about food in this book - the characters are always having suppers on the deck of the cafe` under the stars or going off for picnics. I'm definitely interested in the gin-pickled cucumbers and I wish there had been recipes included.
There is a death early on in the book which may or may not be suspicious and which gets the ex-journalist in Kate interested and poking around for more information.
I absolutely adored this read. The mystery is a good one, but it is the characters who are the shining stars of this book. I will be reading more from this author.
My favorite passage: She always felt safe in The Quiet, she told Lizzie, gesturing to the bush around them. 'The Wilderness. That's where the bad stuff happens.'
'Wilderness?' Lizzie asked, not sure of Dorothy's meaning.
'The city,' Dorothy replied.
(I tend to agree with her.)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#SleeplessinStringybarkBay #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Susan Duncan enjoyed a 25-year career spanning radio, newspaper and magazine journalism, including editing two of Australia's top selling women's magazines, The Australian Women's Weekly and New Idea. She now lives in her own patch of offshore paradise, Pittwater, with her second husband, Bob, in the beautiful home built for poet Dorothea Mackellar in 1925.
Susan's bestselling memoir, Salvation Creek won the 2007 Nielsen BookData Booksellers Choice Award and was shortlisted for the prestigious Dobbie Award, part of the Nita B Kibble awards for women writers. Its sequel, The House At Salvation Creek, was also a huge bestseller.
She has now turned her hand to fiction and is the author of two novels: The Briny Cafe and Gone Fishing.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Allen & Unwin via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Sleepless in Stringybark Creek by Susan Duncan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 13, 2023
Kate Jackson was the new owner of The Briny Cafe, with her business partner Ettie Brookbank, Ettie's partner Marcus (chef) and Jenny at the helm. Kate was also pregnant, with Sam, owner of the barge, Mary Kay keeping everyone in Cook's Basin and Stringybark Bay happy as he worked, with his first mate, twelve year old Jimmy and dog Longfellow by his side. The beauty of their little patch of paradise made each and every resident realise how lucky they were to own a slice of it. When five elderly couples moved into a large house on the edge of where the lagoon met the sea, Sam and Kate couldn't work out why they did it, or how they'd get on. Surely they knew the only way in or out was by boat?
When Sam and Jimmy found a body floating in the bay, and discovered it was one of the new residents, they thought it was a dreadful accident. After all Cameron couldn't swim. But it soon became clear that it hadn't been an accident; was there a killer out there? Kate, using her knowledge as a journalist, did some deep digging and was shocked at what she discovered...
With storms lashing the Basin, Sam and Jimmy had their work cut out making sure everyone was safe. And Ettie and Marcus kept them all fed in times of danger. The Cafe did a roaring trade, and with Kate's pregnancy advancing toward the finish line, Ettie made sure she had some time off. Lizzie, the elderly recluse in a shack in among the bush, and her neighbour Cliffy, saw Kate visit them on occasion. But it was when Lizzie decided to join the house of the oldies that danger moved closer...
Sleepless in Stringybark Bay is a delightful novel by Aussie author Susan Duncan that I adored. It's been a long time since this author's last book, so I was thrilled when I saw this one. Wonderful characters - from Jimmy and Longfellow, to Sam, Kate, Ettie and Marcus - and there were more! The idyllic setting with the yachts, Sam's barge and many other vessels, to the mangroves and surrounding bush - the author's descriptive writing had me there with the characters. I loved entering the Briny Cafe again, having read and loved The Briny Cafe back in 2019, and have to say, I highly recommend Sleepless in Stringybark Bay with its mix of contemporary and mystery.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Sam and Jimmy found a body floating in the bay, and discovered it was one of the new residents, they thought it was a dreadful accident. After all Cameron couldn't swim. But it soon became clear that it hadn't been an accident; was there a killer out there? Kate, using her knowledge as a journalist, did some deep digging and was shocked at what she discovered...
With storms lashing the Basin, Sam and Jimmy had their work cut out making sure everyone was safe. And Ettie and Marcus kept them all fed in times of danger. The Cafe did a roaring trade, and with Kate's pregnancy advancing toward the finish line, Ettie made sure she had some time off. Lizzie, the elderly recluse in a shack in among the bush, and her neighbour Cliffy, saw Kate visit them on occasion. But it was when Lizzie decided to join the house of the oldies that danger moved closer...
Sleepless in Stringybark Bay is a delightful novel by Aussie author Susan Duncan that I adored. It's been a long time since this author's last book, so I was thrilled when I saw this one. Wonderful characters - from Jimmy and Longfellow, to Sam, Kate, Ettie and Marcus - and there were more! The idyllic setting with the yachts, Sam's barge and many other vessels, to the mangroves and surrounding bush - the author's descriptive writing had me there with the characters. I loved entering the Briny Cafe again, having read and loved The Briny Cafe back in 2019, and have to say, I highly recommend Sleepless in Stringybark Bay with its mix of contemporary and mystery.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2023
More reviews at: https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
Sleepless in Stringybark Bay was such a pleasure to read! The characters' colloquial Australian language did take a little getting used to but once I settled into the style I could appreciate it being perfect for the narrative.
In Sleepless in Stringybark Bay we revisit the offshore community of Cook's basin and the eclectic group of characters that were first featured in The Briny Cafe.
Interest is aroused when a group of retirees move into the bay calling their newly renovated residence GeriEcstasy. When one of the group is found dead a few days after moving in the police pass it off as an accident. However, former journalist Kate feels it's much more and is certain there is a story behind the group moving to The Bay, isolated from society.
At the heart of this endearing story is a close-knit community that is genuine, wholehearted and takes pride in taking care of its own.
I haven't read The Briny Cafe but I immediately loved every character in this engaging story full of heart and humour.
Sleepless in Stringybark Bay features a captivating mystery, a life threatening storm, a bush birth, a picturesque setting and a quirky community of lovable characters.
Sleepless in Stringybark Bay was such a pleasure to read! The characters' colloquial Australian language did take a little getting used to but once I settled into the style I could appreciate it being perfect for the narrative.
In Sleepless in Stringybark Bay we revisit the offshore community of Cook's basin and the eclectic group of characters that were first featured in The Briny Cafe.
Interest is aroused when a group of retirees move into the bay calling their newly renovated residence GeriEcstasy. When one of the group is found dead a few days after moving in the police pass it off as an accident. However, former journalist Kate feels it's much more and is certain there is a story behind the group moving to The Bay, isolated from society.
At the heart of this endearing story is a close-knit community that is genuine, wholehearted and takes pride in taking care of its own.
I haven't read The Briny Cafe but I immediately loved every character in this engaging story full of heart and humour.
Sleepless in Stringybark Bay features a captivating mystery, a life threatening storm, a bush birth, a picturesque setting and a quirky community of lovable characters.
January 16, 2024
4.5★s
Sleepless In Stringybark Bay is the third novel by Australian author, Susan Duncan to be set within the community of Cook’s Basin, following on from The Briny Café and Gone Fishing. When the people of Cook’s Basin hear who is moving into the recently renovated the fairytale house with the country’s longest jetty, they’re very interested and not a little sceptical: bargeman Sam Scully thinks they’re a “bunch of dreamers in denial. The grand plan would end in disaster.”
The organiser, Mike Melrose explains that there will be five couples, five households moving into the place they’re calling GeriEcstasy. Most have been friends since primary school, have maintained close contact and married within the group. But many in Cook’s Basin are baffled by a group of multi-millionaires choosing to reside in a tough location more suited to young, fit people with a knowledge of boats and a degree in the unreliability of winds, tides and weather.
Café part-owner, Ettie Brookbank immediately recognises one of their number, and goes a bit fan-girly, when they arrive for welcome refreshments at The Briny Café: Donna Harris, a one-time famous actress. But the woman’s breathtaking rudeness is a shocking disappointment. And, having met the rest of the newcomers, Ettie quickly dubs them the GeriAncients.
Meanwhile, there’s trouble in paradise as Sam begins to realise that his relationship with journalist and café part-owner, Kate Jackson is in danger of being derailed. Kate can’t help feeling claustrophobic within a good-hearted community that sometimes doesn’t know when to retreat, is missing the stimulation of journalism, and in denial about the baby that’s due to arrive within a few short months. Sam is seeing is a woman who finds the responsibility of relationships—even friendships—too much to bear.
When Sam and his first mate, Jimmy (plus his loyal border collie Longfellow) bring his barge to that long jetty at midnight a week later, intending to take advantage of the king tide to unload seawall reinforcements, the last thing they expect to find is a body floating face-down: one of their newest residents, Cameron Smith is clearly dead.
And while the autopsy potentially allows for an accidental cause of death, Kate isn’t the only one in the community who is unconvinced. Despite his genuine grief, the ultimatum and threats from Cameron’s partner, Brian, to the remaining residents, give him a sort of motive. But Fast Freddy notes that Mike Melrose is a bit economical with the truth about a certain item ditched in the sea.
With the GeriAncients looking for someone to take Brian’s spot, Kate suggests elderly Lizzie, living alone but managing less ably than before. But concern that there might be a murderer in the group has her worried for Lizzie’s welfare: the journalist in her starts doing some research...
Meanwhile, further encounters with Donna Harris prove that she can be charming, but can also seem to have venom instead of blood running through her veins. Her housemates say that she was beautiful, funny, and generous in her youth, if not always kind and tactful, but never mean, not until the last few years.
Readers familiar with Cook’s Basin from earlier books will be familiar with the characters, their quirks and their almost unlimited capacity for generosity and care for those around them, but before the cause of Cameron’s death is decided, there will be another death, a picnic that ends badly, a destructive storm and a baby born.
Duncan gives her characters wise words and insightful observations: “we women, none of us are immune to men who make our legs go weak even though we know with absolute certainty, we should be using them to run” and the community she depicts is one that many would be happy to join. A very enjoyable cosy Aussie mystery.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Allen & Unwin.
Sleepless In Stringybark Bay is the third novel by Australian author, Susan Duncan to be set within the community of Cook’s Basin, following on from The Briny Café and Gone Fishing. When the people of Cook’s Basin hear who is moving into the recently renovated the fairytale house with the country’s longest jetty, they’re very interested and not a little sceptical: bargeman Sam Scully thinks they’re a “bunch of dreamers in denial. The grand plan would end in disaster.”
The organiser, Mike Melrose explains that there will be five couples, five households moving into the place they’re calling GeriEcstasy. Most have been friends since primary school, have maintained close contact and married within the group. But many in Cook’s Basin are baffled by a group of multi-millionaires choosing to reside in a tough location more suited to young, fit people with a knowledge of boats and a degree in the unreliability of winds, tides and weather.
Café part-owner, Ettie Brookbank immediately recognises one of their number, and goes a bit fan-girly, when they arrive for welcome refreshments at The Briny Café: Donna Harris, a one-time famous actress. But the woman’s breathtaking rudeness is a shocking disappointment. And, having met the rest of the newcomers, Ettie quickly dubs them the GeriAncients.
Meanwhile, there’s trouble in paradise as Sam begins to realise that his relationship with journalist and café part-owner, Kate Jackson is in danger of being derailed. Kate can’t help feeling claustrophobic within a good-hearted community that sometimes doesn’t know when to retreat, is missing the stimulation of journalism, and in denial about the baby that’s due to arrive within a few short months. Sam is seeing is a woman who finds the responsibility of relationships—even friendships—too much to bear.
When Sam and his first mate, Jimmy (plus his loyal border collie Longfellow) bring his barge to that long jetty at midnight a week later, intending to take advantage of the king tide to unload seawall reinforcements, the last thing they expect to find is a body floating face-down: one of their newest residents, Cameron Smith is clearly dead.
And while the autopsy potentially allows for an accidental cause of death, Kate isn’t the only one in the community who is unconvinced. Despite his genuine grief, the ultimatum and threats from Cameron’s partner, Brian, to the remaining residents, give him a sort of motive. But Fast Freddy notes that Mike Melrose is a bit economical with the truth about a certain item ditched in the sea.
With the GeriAncients looking for someone to take Brian’s spot, Kate suggests elderly Lizzie, living alone but managing less ably than before. But concern that there might be a murderer in the group has her worried for Lizzie’s welfare: the journalist in her starts doing some research...
Meanwhile, further encounters with Donna Harris prove that she can be charming, but can also seem to have venom instead of blood running through her veins. Her housemates say that she was beautiful, funny, and generous in her youth, if not always kind and tactful, but never mean, not until the last few years.
Readers familiar with Cook’s Basin from earlier books will be familiar with the characters, their quirks and their almost unlimited capacity for generosity and care for those around them, but before the cause of Cameron’s death is decided, there will be another death, a picnic that ends badly, a destructive storm and a baby born.
Duncan gives her characters wise words and insightful observations: “we women, none of us are immune to men who make our legs go weak even though we know with absolute certainty, we should be using them to run” and the community she depicts is one that many would be happy to join. A very enjoyable cosy Aussie mystery.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Allen & Unwin.
December 11, 2023
Sleepless in Stringybark Bay by Aussie author Susan Duncan was such a pleasant and entertaining book. I loved the setting and I enjoyed all the characters and getting to know them all. This is a contemporary fiction with a bit of mystery added to the mix which had me intrigued wanting to know what would happen next and how it would be wrapped up in the end and I’m pleased to say I was not disappointed. Recommended.
March 3, 2025
A delightful story set in a quirky offshore community, with some cosy mystery elements.
October 5, 2023
Easy holiday read with some lovely characters (and awful ones) but couldn’t quite get past GeriEcstasy as the name of the retirement home…
September 15, 2023
I loved the setting for this book. It reminds me of my annual childhood visits to Mackeral and the basin area. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions and sense of community. I wasn’t as absorbed by the mystery but in some ways that felt secondary to the character development. Kate’s ambivalence about impending motherhood and grappling with what that meant in terms of permanence and loss of potential of what might have otherwise been juxtaposed with Sam’s more steady and uncomplicated joy struck a bit of a chord and made me feel a bit teary at times.
January 12, 2025
Sleepless in Stringybark Bay by Susan Duncan picks up where Gone Fishing left off, once again following Ettie, Sam, and Kate. This time, the story introduces ten new faces to Cook’s Basin, a group of retirees in their late 70s, one of whom is in a wheelchair. They’ve decided to share a single house on the offshore island of Stringybark Bay, embracing communal living in their golden years. But their idyllic setup takes a dark turn when one of them is found dead in the water.
Kate a former journalist turned Briny Café co-owner is drawn into the mystery, her investigative instincts refusing to let the death pass as an unfortunate accident. As she delves into the lives of the retirees, she discovers secrets, hidden motives, and that their seemingly peaceful existence is far more complicated than it appears. Meanwhile, Kate is also navigating her own personal challenges, balancing her relationship with Sam and the demands of running the café.
This book is an absolute redemption from Gone Fishing. After a 10 year gap, Susan Duncan has returned with a vengeance, delivering a story packed with everything you could want, murder, mystery, pregnancy, a home birth, relationship struggles, and mental health themes. You name it, this book has it. I was hooked from start to finish and couldn’t wait to dive into the final installment in the series.
Kate a former journalist turned Briny Café co-owner is drawn into the mystery, her investigative instincts refusing to let the death pass as an unfortunate accident. As she delves into the lives of the retirees, she discovers secrets, hidden motives, and that their seemingly peaceful existence is far more complicated than it appears. Meanwhile, Kate is also navigating her own personal challenges, balancing her relationship with Sam and the demands of running the café.
This book is an absolute redemption from Gone Fishing. After a 10 year gap, Susan Duncan has returned with a vengeance, delivering a story packed with everything you could want, murder, mystery, pregnancy, a home birth, relationship struggles, and mental health themes. You name it, this book has it. I was hooked from start to finish and couldn’t wait to dive into the final installment in the series.
March 3, 2024
DNF at about one third in. maybe I should have read the previous books, I didn't realise this was a series, but.. I'm not liking many characters. Kate has issues, probably could be explained a little more for new readers (napkin / serviette as a point of contention in a relationship - give me strength) the 'boy' Jimmy whose age isn't mentioned. I just didn't care if they all got knocked off one by one in Agatha Christie style.
January 2, 2024
I don’t understand how some books get published - and this is third in a series. Such a great plot idea delivered in a very average manner.
December 14, 2024
Very interesting plot, but really captured my interest and was very easy to read. Set in an idyllic setting and you feel like you are right there visiting
December 10, 2023
It was so nice to be in the Stringybark world again! A delightful cosy crime of a novel that gave me all the nostalgic feels
April 6, 2024
Not so keen on the narrator but otherwise a fun Susan Duncan book
October 4, 2023
Perhaps 3.5
March 26, 2024
I love the Australian setting and the premise of the book is great. However, the delivery was not for me.
It was not clear that this is part of a series, but now it makes sense because there is around 40 characters in the book who make short unforgettable cameos. An easy read, but very predictable.
It was not clear that this is part of a series, but now it makes sense because there is around 40 characters in the book who make short unforgettable cameos. An easy read, but very predictable.
October 20, 2023
SLEEPLESS IN STRINGY BARK CREEK by Susan Duncan is published by Allen & Unwin August 2023
Review by Lorraine Parker
Sleepless in Stringy Bark Creek is Susan Duncan’s third work of fiction.
Set in a semi isolated, quirky and idiosyncratic community somewhere on the water in Sydney it is a fast moving tale with wonderful characters that capture ones visual imagination.
What could be more exciting than a group of five couples, very eclectic and fascinating, pooling their resources, purchasing a property, a large one, to renovate and be their retirement dream. What could be more appropriate than calling it GeriEcstasy.
It does not take long for both readers and locals to learn the key players, even at their very first arrival. Daisy is in a wheelchair and married to Rob. She is a very much a leader in the group. Then there is a stand out, rather glamorous lady, “Donna”, who looks familiar to the café owner, Ettie. Donna is even more a stand out in her stiletto shoes and loud talk. Her husband Mike is rather protective of her. Donna was once an actress.
I love the way Susan Duncan immediately creates drama, in the form of one dead body in the water near the jetty of GeriEcstasy. It is one of their own, dead, in the water. Policeman, Richard Baines attends (by boat). He is a ‘by the book’ law representative. Brian Gallagher, the body’s partner, is so distressed he insists on leaving the group. Café owner Ettie allows him to stay in her penthouse.
The clever locals have the death figured. Cameron could not swim. Why would he go in the water? The body is released after due examination. Drowning and a heart attack. There is also a rock where he no doubt hit is head. The four remaining couples in the freshly furbished house are so relieved. They do not mind that Brian has left and will sell his share. Some of the locals are still suspicious, especially barge owner Sam. His elusive, now at ‘arms-length’ special friend Kate, is expecting their child.
Kate is a journalist. She loves living alone. The continual reminder of her pregnancy from well-meaning locals is not welcome. Lizzie, who is very old, wise and in touch with the land is her neighbour who lives in a cove, some distance away, but, within walking reach is her very special friend.
Hard working teenage Jimmy loves working with Sam. His dog Longfellow is part of the team. Author Susan Duncan includes Longfellow as having almost human qualities. A remarkable addition with a twist of humour. The reader is pulled with pleasure into this intertwined, fascinating, mysterious community. So many more characters are involved. Each worth knowing. I loved them all. Such is Susan Duncan’s ability to write wonderfully picturesque, warm descriptive prose.
An exceptional read, not to be missed.
Review by Lorraine Parker
Sleepless in Stringy Bark Creek is Susan Duncan’s third work of fiction.
Set in a semi isolated, quirky and idiosyncratic community somewhere on the water in Sydney it is a fast moving tale with wonderful characters that capture ones visual imagination.
What could be more exciting than a group of five couples, very eclectic and fascinating, pooling their resources, purchasing a property, a large one, to renovate and be their retirement dream. What could be more appropriate than calling it GeriEcstasy.
It does not take long for both readers and locals to learn the key players, even at their very first arrival. Daisy is in a wheelchair and married to Rob. She is a very much a leader in the group. Then there is a stand out, rather glamorous lady, “Donna”, who looks familiar to the café owner, Ettie. Donna is even more a stand out in her stiletto shoes and loud talk. Her husband Mike is rather protective of her. Donna was once an actress.
I love the way Susan Duncan immediately creates drama, in the form of one dead body in the water near the jetty of GeriEcstasy. It is one of their own, dead, in the water. Policeman, Richard Baines attends (by boat). He is a ‘by the book’ law representative. Brian Gallagher, the body’s partner, is so distressed he insists on leaving the group. Café owner Ettie allows him to stay in her penthouse.
The clever locals have the death figured. Cameron could not swim. Why would he go in the water? The body is released after due examination. Drowning and a heart attack. There is also a rock where he no doubt hit is head. The four remaining couples in the freshly furbished house are so relieved. They do not mind that Brian has left and will sell his share. Some of the locals are still suspicious, especially barge owner Sam. His elusive, now at ‘arms-length’ special friend Kate, is expecting their child.
Kate is a journalist. She loves living alone. The continual reminder of her pregnancy from well-meaning locals is not welcome. Lizzie, who is very old, wise and in touch with the land is her neighbour who lives in a cove, some distance away, but, within walking reach is her very special friend.
Hard working teenage Jimmy loves working with Sam. His dog Longfellow is part of the team. Author Susan Duncan includes Longfellow as having almost human qualities. A remarkable addition with a twist of humour. The reader is pulled with pleasure into this intertwined, fascinating, mysterious community. So many more characters are involved. Each worth knowing. I loved them all. Such is Susan Duncan’s ability to write wonderfully picturesque, warm descriptive prose.
An exceptional read, not to be missed.
February 4, 2024
This was an easy read, but enjoyable. A community living around Stringybark Bay - a vibrant cafe and several boaties, ferries, etc, is very curious when a group of five elderly retired couples pool their resources to live in grand house where the lagoon meets the sea. The only way in or out is by boat and one frail woman is in a wheelchair.
It's not long before the body of one of the men is found in the river and this sparks a lengthy chain of investigation by the local police and also the locals to work out if it was murder or accident. One of the elderly women is extremely volatile and attention focuses on her towards the end.
One of the locals, Kate, is a former journalist who has not long been in the area, but is heavily pregnant to Sam. It was unplanned and she is freaked out by becoming a mother. Their relationship breaks down mid-way through the book, though Sam loves her to bits. He feels he cannot measure up to what she is looking for, but makes it clear he will always be there for her and the baby.
Following the death of the man from the GeriEcstasy, another local, Lizzie is offered the place in the house and she accepts, despite always having been a loner and lived in a remote shack.
Initially all goes well until there is an afternoon cruise on Sam's boat where there is an incident. Sam's wonderful assistant, Jimmy, ends up overboard and half-drowned, Lizzie is attacked and her leg is broken and mayhem breaks loose.
As a result, Lizzie returns to her own home in the remote shack, with Kate to take care of her. A massive storm blows up and, of course, Kate goes into labour. No communication available. An elderly neighbour Cliffy steps in and delivers the baby girl.
At the end of the book, There seems to be a happier atmosphere between with Kate and Sam.
It's not long before the body of one of the men is found in the river and this sparks a lengthy chain of investigation by the local police and also the locals to work out if it was murder or accident. One of the elderly women is extremely volatile and attention focuses on her towards the end.
One of the locals, Kate, is a former journalist who has not long been in the area, but is heavily pregnant to Sam. It was unplanned and she is freaked out by becoming a mother. Their relationship breaks down mid-way through the book, though Sam loves her to bits. He feels he cannot measure up to what she is looking for, but makes it clear he will always be there for her and the baby.
Following the death of the man from the GeriEcstasy, another local, Lizzie is offered the place in the house and she accepts, despite always having been a loner and lived in a remote shack.
Initially all goes well until there is an afternoon cruise on Sam's boat where there is an incident. Sam's wonderful assistant, Jimmy, ends up overboard and half-drowned, Lizzie is attacked and her leg is broken and mayhem breaks loose.
As a result, Lizzie returns to her own home in the remote shack, with Kate to take care of her. A massive storm blows up and, of course, Kate goes into labour. No communication available. An elderly neighbour Cliffy steps in and delivers the baby girl.
At the end of the book, There seems to be a happier atmosphere between with Kate and Sam.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2024
A pleasant read.
A page-turning, mysterious, funny and delightful story by the bestselling author of Salvation Creek , The Briny Café and Gone Fishing. When five couples pool their resources to live in a house located where a turquoise lagoon meets the sea and silver branches of mangroves glow in the moonlight, the quirky little offshore community of Cook's Basin is shocked. How will ten people-one in a wheelchair and one with a hauntingly familiar face-cope with the physical challenges of living where the only way in or out, is by boat? Their worst fears are confirmed when a member of the household is found floating face down in the bay soon after they take up residence. The police insist the death was accidental but the bizarre circumstances-factoring in tides and weather-have locals scratching their heads. Former journalist turned café owner, Kate Jackson is curious to discover why a group of retirees in their late 70s have chosen to live in such a difficult and isolated location. Kate finds their secrecy disturbing until a throw-away line in an old magazine story opens a Pandora's Box of intrigue and mystery. And once opened, everything becomes more complicated and spirals out of control. Wrapped in the colourful culture of a boat-access-only community that prides itself on taking care of its own, Sleepless in Stringybark Bay celebrates having a go at any age, revels in the magic of the bush, and explores the fragility of relationships, old and young.
A page-turning, mysterious, funny and delightful story by the bestselling author of Salvation Creek , The Briny Café and Gone Fishing. When five couples pool their resources to live in a house located where a turquoise lagoon meets the sea and silver branches of mangroves glow in the moonlight, the quirky little offshore community of Cook's Basin is shocked. How will ten people-one in a wheelchair and one with a hauntingly familiar face-cope with the physical challenges of living where the only way in or out, is by boat? Their worst fears are confirmed when a member of the household is found floating face down in the bay soon after they take up residence. The police insist the death was accidental but the bizarre circumstances-factoring in tides and weather-have locals scratching their heads. Former journalist turned café owner, Kate Jackson is curious to discover why a group of retirees in their late 70s have chosen to live in such a difficult and isolated location. Kate finds their secrecy disturbing until a throw-away line in an old magazine story opens a Pandora's Box of intrigue and mystery. And once opened, everything becomes more complicated and spirals out of control. Wrapped in the colourful culture of a boat-access-only community that prides itself on taking care of its own, Sleepless in Stringybark Bay celebrates having a go at any age, revels in the magic of the bush, and explores the fragility of relationships, old and young.
September 7, 2024
3.5 stars.
Five retiring couples in their seventies pool their resources to live in a seaside house in Cook's Basin. When a member of the household is found floating face down in the bay, the police insist the death was accidental but the bizarre circumstances have locals scratching their heads.
I didn’t realise that the main characters in this book were recurring characters from the author’s previous books. While positioned as a standalone, honestly I felt like I was missing something (because I was) when I started the book. I didn’t know the former-journalist-turned-cafe-owner Kate’s previous story, so I felt no connection at all to her, and I ended up getting a bit frustrated at some of her choices.
This was a slow burn mystery, where the mystery aspect took a back seat while the drama was playing. I thought it was interesting that the majority of the characters were older, and the plot was set up nicely. The execution was a lot slower than expected though, so it took me out of the story a few times.
The conclusion was quite satisfactory, and I did want to learn more about the main characters and their backstory. I might have to read the author’s backlist to get to know them all!
(Thanks to Allen & Unwin for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
Five retiring couples in their seventies pool their resources to live in a seaside house in Cook's Basin. When a member of the household is found floating face down in the bay, the police insist the death was accidental but the bizarre circumstances have locals scratching their heads.
I didn’t realise that the main characters in this book were recurring characters from the author’s previous books. While positioned as a standalone, honestly I felt like I was missing something (because I was) when I started the book. I didn’t know the former-journalist-turned-cafe-owner Kate’s previous story, so I felt no connection at all to her, and I ended up getting a bit frustrated at some of her choices.
This was a slow burn mystery, where the mystery aspect took a back seat while the drama was playing. I thought it was interesting that the majority of the characters were older, and the plot was set up nicely. The execution was a lot slower than expected though, so it took me out of the story a few times.
The conclusion was quite satisfactory, and I did want to learn more about the main characters and their backstory. I might have to read the author’s backlist to get to know them all!
(Thanks to Allen & Unwin for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
February 10, 2024
Susan Duncan has a way of story telling that makes the reader feel they are in the story. I could smell the coffee and hamburgers with pineapple, and the buckets of prawns. This gem of a novel returns to Pittwater, north of Sydney, surrounded by nature in all it Australian forms, including the characters. The turn of phrase, retorts and peels of laughter were scattered throughout. The mystery of who did what and why, was solved in the best way, and all was well with the inhabitants of this stunningly beautiful part of the world. If you have not read Susan Duncan previously, I suggest you start with her first book, Salvation Creek, and work through the other 4 prior to reading Stringtbark Bay. It is not a prequel or sequel, but the reader deserves to fall in love with the place and the characters one book at a time.
October 31, 2023
Susan Duncan knows how to create characters whose flaws make them interesting enough to make the reader want to know more about them. Her Stringybark Bay is peopled with the kind of unique individuals I've found in the small towns I've inhabited. It has a sense of community engendered by years of betting used to idiosyncracies but is open enough to allow new people to earn a place. As a mystery, it is a gentle waterway, sweeping only a few suspects into the deep while the local folk go on about their interconnected lives. Duncan's writing caught me from the start and gave me such an enjoyable time I've added her other books to my endless reading list. The novel is more of a literary puzzle than a genre mystery, and that suits me just fine.
May 1, 2024
I only finished this book because it is a book club book.
I wonder if the author used an AI program to write this.
The plot is flaccid, lacks believability and fails to deliver a satisfying resolution. Boring narration, pompous at times, Pages filled with waffling about food, clothing and scenery which did not add to the story. When describing scenes, people or conversations it felt like the author could not decide on which device to use so she used them all, almost every time. YUK!
Where is the editor?
I wonder if the author used an AI program to write this.
The plot is flaccid, lacks believability and fails to deliver a satisfying resolution. Boring narration, pompous at times, Pages filled with waffling about food, clothing and scenery which did not add to the story. When describing scenes, people or conversations it felt like the author could not decide on which device to use so she used them all, almost every time. YUK!
Where is the editor?
April 8, 2024
Warm, wonderful, witty characters. Plot was more mysterious than dastardly, but simply protective in the end. I love Susan Duncan's books. I relate to the people as my grandparents lived on the Hawksbury and the laconic, relaxed way of dealing with everything was part of my life every summer of childhood. If you don't find the conclusion satisfying, you have no empathy, affection or joy in the simple things in life uplifting your soul.
March 24, 2024
A little different read for me. I enjoyed the Aussie vocabulary, the descriptions of the bush, names of plants and animals which I didn't recognize. Add in a little mystery about newcomers to a tight knit community, the idyllic setting accessible only by boat, and it makes a charming storyline for sure!
May 18, 2024
A very easy read …. pleasant context of pittwater; romanticised community spirit in part but with believable scepticism of a group of older people who have chosen to settle together along the shore .. depth of their stories somewhat missing; too much reference to food; nevertheless I enjoyed Kate and Sam’s relationship story; easy to picture
October 28, 2024
Dialogue-heavy, rambling community-driven story; a group of well healed elderly including an ex movie star diva move into a New South Wales coastal community and then the body of one of them is found in the water… But it’s more about the little town and residents. Just about passible as an in-flight read. Part of a series (of which this is not the first)
November 16, 2024
Susan Duncan writes another charming story set on the waterways. A body floating in the water makes this one a little more interesting though. A bunch of rich retirees move into a house together, a pregnant woman goes bush to help a friend and a big storm hits. You need to read this one.... it's great.
January 13, 2025
We return to the small community of Cook’s Basin, with the familiar characters joined by a new group of residents.
Mystery unfolds. There are deaths, births and relationships under the microscope.
Apart from an enjoyable read, the writing evokes the feeling of an offshore community - quiet, stoic, connected, pragmatic and a little bit close.
Enjoyable read full of Aussie wit and banter.
Mystery unfolds. There are deaths, births and relationships under the microscope.
Apart from an enjoyable read, the writing evokes the feeling of an offshore community - quiet, stoic, connected, pragmatic and a little bit close.
Enjoyable read full of Aussie wit and banter.
March 14, 2025
Love Susan’s characters who seem genuine and alive. A tight community made up of very separate little lives but supporting each other.
The intrigue of 8 geriatrics building a joint home for a last stage of life community, in an isolated are. The bizarre drowning of one of their members.
Great read and of course I love descriptions of Pittwater and its lifestyle.
The intrigue of 8 geriatrics building a joint home for a last stage of life community, in an isolated are. The bizarre drowning of one of their members.
Great read and of course I love descriptions of Pittwater and its lifestyle.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews