The Millwood Mystery by Jeannie Lockett Book Review

This book, published by Corella Press, is part of their 19th Century Australian Crime and Mystery Collection.

Millwood, a small town in rural New South Wales, is rocked by the sudden death of one of its residents, the young, beautiful and wealthy widow, Barbara Graham. The death is suspicious, but the coroner’s jury returns an open verdict.

However, in the town’s opinion, Barbara’s relatives: Marjory, her stepdaughter; Robert Neill, her cousin and fiancé; and Grace, Robert’s widowed sister, could all be involved.

While their testimonies were credible, the town’s doctor, Dr Reade, believes they know more than what was revealed at the inquest. Determined to uncover the truth, Reade embarks on an unofficial investigation into Barbara’s death.

From the outset, it is clear that Barbara’s relatives have not been completely honest, but whether they are guilty of a crime is hard to deduce. Sadly, they become the subject of town gossip which has a devastating effect on their lives.

Dr Reade is the ideal investigator. As the town’s doctor, he has known many of the inhabitants of Millwood from birth, including Marjory, Robert and Grace. His belief that they had no hand in Barbara’s death stems from his knowledge of their personalities, but at times he seems to waiver. Does Grace’s silliness hide a malicious nature? Is Marjory’s poor health due to a guilty conscience? Is Robert’s reclusiveness an admission of guilt. No matter how he tries, he cannot make sense of it. Eventually, Reade does discover the truth, delivered by the author in a plot twist that brings the story full circle.

Good mysteries are those that keep the reader guessing until the big reveal and The Millwood Mystery did just that. This is a great story and while foremost a mystery, it is also a social comment on how dangerous gossip can be.

Thank you to Corella Press for bringing this Australian gem back into circulation.

About the Author

Jeannie Lockett (née Beattie) was born in Bathurst, New South Wales, in 1847 and died in 1890. She was a teacher, writer and journalist, and a campaigner for women's rights. The Millwood Mystery was serialised in 1886-87.