Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

As someone who didn't read Only Killers and Thieves, I was at a wee bit of a disadvantage but this absolutely seems to work as a standalone. Here's what you're in for:

✨ 1800s Queensland, Australia
✨ Murdered parents
✨ A miscarriage of justice fuelled by racism
✨ Inspired by historical events that a lot of people try to sweep under the rug

The orphaned McBride brothers took part in the slaughter of a native indigenous tribe in Northern Queensland. A horrific attack that went unpunished considering it was led by the Native Police Inspector, Edward Noone. In an attempt to keep things quiet, the boys are separated and forced into estrangement.

The two live very different lives; Billy is a wealthy landowner whilst Tommy has hopped from town to town, carrying what he did with him on the way.

And now there's an investigator looking to prosecute Noone and the McBride brothers are top of the list of witnesses to make disappear.

This is a super harrowing book that will make you uncomfortable as it shines a light on how Aboriginal people were treated. Oozing in corruption with a gut-punching storyline.

Dust off the Bones is a book dripping with intrigue and a sense of permanent peril. Howarth has keenly created the dangerous world of the Australian outback at the turn of the century where the rule of the law was paramount regardless of the legality of the police's actions. Full of vivid characters with dubious morals, centring around the Kurroung massacre and it's far reaching aftermath, the book follows estranged brothers Tommy and Billy as their fates veer towards a blood soaked denouement. Enough adventure and intrigue to keep any reader captivated.

*Many thanks to Paul Howarth, Pushkin Press, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
Years after drifting apart, brothers Tommy and Billy McBride are still haunted by the past tragic events and have to bear the consequences of their decisions. They are not the only ones who are unable to forget what they witnessed.
Atrocities by so-called Native Police, the main theme of both books, cannot be left uncovered, however, perpetrators who went unpunished are powerful. Edmund Noone hold a high position in the society and is ready to apply any measures to prevent his fall.
Character development is a big positive regarding this book together with terrific descriptions of living conditions and landscape of Australia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
I think this book can be read as a standalone but being engaged in the story will make you want to read Only Killers and Thieves which in my opinion is more powerful.
*Many thanks to Paul Howarth, Pushkin Press, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*

Brutal,as Australian crime fiction often is.
Painting life in the 1800's as good for so few people .
If you're poor,someone with darker skin or a female,you're in for a tough ride.
A sequel,to abook that I'd not read,but after the opening chapters,I don't think I missed that.
It was all explained.
A gripping read for sure.