Murder at Thornwood Park by Joan Sauers

When historian Rose McHugh is left a mysterious bequest after the death of the reclusive heiress of Thornwood Park, she’s excited to visit the estate.

But when Rose realises she may have found evidence of women going missing, she delves deeper. During World War II, the nearby Robertson Hotel housed trainees of the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force, who often attended lavish parties thrown by Thornwood’s wealthy owners.

Unearthing a decades-old mystery is a challenge . . . particularly when it may lead to the unmasking of a serial killer. And it appears that someone in the misty Southern Highlands will do anything to keep the killer’s identity hidden.

‘A haunting mystery, lush with landscape, history, memory and a decaying grand estate. At its warm heart, Rose McHugh makes for wonderful company. She’s unravelling under pressure here, yet remains brave, funny, vulnerable, true. This is the amateur sleuth’s third Southern Highlands rodeo, and Joan Sauers is in whip-cracking form.’ Matthew Spencer, author of Black River and Broke Road

‘Amateur sleuth Rose McHugh is back, and this time the trail leads to a crumbling Southern Highlands mansion steeped in secrets. Brimming with atmosphere and intrigue, Murder at Thornwood Park is equal parts cosy mystery and compelling thriller.’ Kate Horan, author of The Inheritance

‘Atmospheric and intriguing, this cosy murder mystery sees Rose McHugh uncovering a little known part of Australia’s history inside the ghostly mansion at Thornwood Park. Rose is a feminist Miss Marple who won’t stop, despite the dangers, until she finds the truth.’ Petronella McGovern, author of The Last Trace

Praise for the Rose McHugh Mysteries:

‘An intoxicating blend of suspense and melody, Whisky Valley hits all the right notes. A must-read for fans of cosy crime with a touch of mystery and a load of charm.’ Joanna Jenkins, author of How to Kill a Client

‘Joan Sauers masterfully intertwines intrigue, romance, dogs, and the beauty of the Australian landscape. Her vivid storytelling pulls you into a compelling world you won’t be in a hurry to leave. There is a cosy quality to Whisky Valley, but it’s cosy with a bite as the reader rushes towards the final dramatic showdown.’ Vikki Petraitis, author of The Unbelieved

‘As cosy as it is compulsive, Sauers brings the eerie beauty of winter in the Southern Highlands to life. A highly recommended, vivid read!’ Jacqueline Bublitz, author of Leave the Girls Behind

‘Not just a whodunnit, Echo Lake also contemplates what makes for a good life, reminds the reader of the importance of historical truth and throws in a ghost story for good measure.’ Maryrose Cuskelly, author of The Cane

‘Move over Miss Marple. With its indefatigable heroine, mist-shrouded setting, cast of quirky characters and as many trips to the pub as there are mysteries to solve, Echo Lake is cosy crime at its dynamic, atmospheric best – and Sauers is certainly a writer to watch.’ Anna Downes, author of The Shadow House

About the Author: Born in New York, Joan Sauers is a screenwriter, producer and author who worked in London, Los Angeles and New York before settling in Australia. She has lectured in screenwriting in Sydney, London, Paris, Berlin and Casablanca, and has had seventeen books published in Australia, the United States, India and Japan. Joan has written for television series including Heartbreak High, Wakefield and Ladies in Black, and currently has a comedy feature film in development with Denim Pictures. She lives with her family in the Southern Highlands.

02 Jun 2026
 

Murder at Thornwood Park: A Rose McHugh Mystery. Cosy crime for lovers of Sally Hepworth, Richard Osman and Ann Cleeves. by Joan Sauers ISBN 9781761472503