'McDonald delivers another top notch novel, her best yet, in Starting From Now. A story of family, duty, rural crime, journalism, activism and advances in farming enterprises, all wrapped up in a shroud of mystery. ' Mrs B's Book Reviews
When twenty-five-year-old journalist, Zara Ellison receives her mother's ominous text message, Call me when you can, Zara knows it's not good news. Two weeks later, Zara has left her much-loved city life to relocate to Barker, the sleepy country town in which she grew up. For Zara, family comes first. But she needs to work too, and the town's police force is a rural journalist's best source of information. Meeting Detective Dave Burrows and Dave's second-in-charge, Senior Constable Jack Higgins, is a priority. Amid her family's troubles, and reporting on farming accidents and violently clashing activists, Zara is shocked to witness Jack Higgins in a role she'd never have believed. How could he possibly justify this? And what was she going to do about it? Wrapped in the love of family, friendship, crime and mystery, Starting From Now is another compelling novel from the authentic voice of Fleur McDonald.
'Themes of love, loss, grief, family ties and animal activism are explored in this engrossing read focusing on regional Australia...McDonald's characters are meaty and convincing and she has a skill of depicting rural life and the sense of community...' The Weekly Times
'This book packs a mighty punch, cleverly weaving many plot threads together to bring about an informative, insightful and satisfying read.' Reading, Writing and Riesling
'...engaging and enjoyable...gives readers a true sense of life on the land and the fragility of rural Australia and its communities.' Debbish
