Murder on the Ghan

A Murder Mystery

Fiction - Short Story/Novela
179 Pages
Reviewed on 07/23/2024
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Gabriel Farago is the USA TODAY Bestselling and Multi-Award-Winning Australian Author of the Jack Rogan Mysteries Series for the thinking reader.

As a lawyer with a passion for history and archaeology, Gabriel had to wait for many years before being able to pursue another passion—writing—in earnest. However, his love of books and storytelling started long before that.

Born in Budapest, Gabriel grew up in post-War Europe, and after fleeing Hungary with his parents during the Revolution in 56, he went to school in Austria before arriving in Australia as a teenager. This allowed him to become multi-lingual and feel ‘at home’ in different countries and diverse cultures. Shaped by a long legal career and experiences spanning several decades and continents, his is a mature voice that speaks in many tongues.

Gabriel holds degrees in literature and law, speaks several languages and takes research and authenticity very seriously. Inquisitive by nature, he studied Egyptology and learned to read the hieroglyphs. He travels extensively and visits all of the locations mentioned in his books.

Gabriel lives in the Blue Mountains in Australia just outside Sydney, surrounded by a World Heritage National Park.

Connect with Gabriel:
Website: https://gabrielfarago.com.au
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7435911.Gabriel_Farago
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielfaragoauthor/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gabriel-farago

    Book Review

Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

Gabriel Farago’s Murder on the Ghan unfolds with the gripping allure of an Australian outback tale fused with a murder mystery. The narrative kicks off with a captivating scene featuring Jimmy Bingarra, a young Aboriginal miner whose prophetic dream sets in motion a chain of events revolving around a rare opal known as Yurlunggur. This serpent-shaped gem becomes the focal point that entangles charismatic journalist Jack Rogan and virtuoso conductor Sophie Ritter in a perilous adventure. Their decision to team up leads them down a rabbit hole into the dark and menacing realm filled with biker outlaws and murder. The heart of this pulse-pounding narrative beats with palpable tension as Rogan and Ritter board the iconic Ghan railway journey, seeking refuge from their pursuers while grappling with the weight of Aboriginal Dreamtime legends and the ruthless greed of their adversaries.

Gabriel Farago masterfully intertwines elements of Australian history and culture, enriching the plot with vivid descriptions of the outback landscape and the cultural significance of the opal. He excels in character development, presenting Rogan as a resilient and quick-witted protagonist whose journalistic instincts drive him to uncover the truth behind the opal’s curse. Sophie’s evolution from a talented conductor to an unexpected ally in the face of danger adds depth to the narrative, highlighting themes of courage and redemption amidst chaos. Murder on the Ghan is a testament to Farago’s storytelling prowess, blending suspenseful twists with rich historical detail and cultural insights. As the plot hurtles toward a climactic showdown, readers are kept on the edge of their seats, rooting for Rogan and his allies to triumph over their ruthless foes. This is a must-read for fans of murder mysteries and adventure tales set against the backdrop of Australia’s enchanting yet perilous landscape. Murder on the Ghan is a captivating read that seamlessly weaves together history, mystery, and the timeless allure of the outback, ensuring its place as a standout in contemporary crime fiction.