Hachette Australia
The Death of Dora Black
A charming, uplifting cosy murder mystery inspired by the true story of Australia's pioneering policewoman Kate Cocks.
QBD's Book of the Month: September 2024.
Amazon Australia's 'most anticipated': end 2024.
Call Miss Cocks!
Summer, Adelaide, 1917
The impeccably dressed Miss Kate Cocks might look more like a schoolmistress than a policewoman, but don't let that fool you. After only thirteen months running the new Women's Police Branch, she's a household name, and mothers in every suburb are given to cry 'Call Miss Cocks!' at the first sign of trouble.
No stranger to the dark side of Adelaide, Miss Cocks wrangles wayward husbands into repentance, sees through deceptive clairvoyants and rescues young women (whether they like it or not) with her five-foot cane and sassy junior constable Ethel Bromley at her side.
When shop assistant Dora Black is found dead on a city beach, Miss Cocks and Ethel are ordered to stay out of the investigation. It's not their job to play detective; it's their job to prevent immoral behaviour.
But when Dora's workmate Ruby Campbell goes missing soon after, the women know something sinister is afoot, and determine to take matters into their own hands. After all, who knows Adelaide better than the indomitable Miss Cocks?
praise for the death of dora black
'An outstanding debut - funny, poignant, historically fascinating, and an absorbingly good crime read - The Death of Dora Black keeps you guessing to the very end.' PIP WILLIAMS, AUTHOR OF DICTIONARY OF LOST WORDS
'Engrossing and entertaining . . . Anderson is an accomplished storyteller and she has crafted a cosy crime read that is equal parts intriguing mystery and fascinating historical study.' BOOKS + PUBLISHING
'A great read!' MICHAEL ROWLAND, ABC TV NEWS BREAKFAST
'Perfectly timed, it taps into imperative conversations the world is having at the moment about gender equality with this pioneering Australian woman.' MAVERICK EMMETT, AMAZON
'It's really well written, and it's lovely to read a book about our own city.'
DAVID BEVAN, ABC RADIO ADELAIDE
'Will have you engrossed and addictively flipping those pages' DAILY TELEGRAPH
'Armchair detectives will love this debut novel' WOMAN'S DAY
'There is something profoundly addictive about Anderson's writing. It's warm, fast-paced and full of rich details that make it feel as though the story is oozing off the pages . . . Stunningly thought-out and accurately detailed' BETTER READING
'Full of warmth and humour, this is a cracking crime novel that will intrigue and impress' READINGS