The Sands of Windee

An Inspector Bonaparte Mystery

By: Arthur W. Upfield

Narrated by: Peter Hosking

The police never notice the small detail in the background of a police photograph of an abandoned car. A detail that tells Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte plainly that the mysterious disappearance of Luke Marks near Windee Station is anything but accidental. Why had Luke Marks driven specially out to Windee? Had he been murdered or had he, as the local police believed, wandered away from his car and been overwhelmed in a dust-storm? Bony feels the answers lie somewhere in the sands of Windee.©1931 Bonaparte Holdings Pty Ltd. Published in association with ETT Imprint (P)2012 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

“Bony – a unique figure among top-flight detectives.” (BBC)

Boney is more than a simple half caste bush bum.

What made the experience of listening to Sands of Windee the most enjoyable?

The depiction of Australia in the 30's has a solid real feel. The reader provides a genuine Australian feel in a completely understandable pronunciation. The characters, action and situations easily provide you in a warm authintic feeling mystery.

What did you like best about this story?

Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte. While Boney was obviously full of himself he never took that to seriously.

Have you listened to any of Peter Hosking’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No unfortunately I haven't but see it as an obvious plus and an asset to any book.

Any additional comments?

Definitely out of the ordinary. When everything runs together or seems similar in the mystery genre these and McGinnis's books are a treat.

Boney's only failure!

i picked this one because it was referred to in another of the books as his only failure. It turned out to be one of the most interest in g I'Ve listened to so far!

Intrigue and Integrity

This story is “old fashioned” by the literary prowess of the author to entertain and enlighten. Character after character did not die. The principals are sympathetic. Opportunity to learn is contained herein. I just loved it.

Again, a masterpiece

Another beautifully written and masterfully narrated novel of a time long ago when men were good and wanted to be good and how they stayed good when other men were bad.

Read and enjoyed

I’ve read this many times and enjoyed it. I understand the difference in culture. It is well written and gives a good picture of Australia many years ago.. I have actually read this book and print and now have it in Audible well worth the money.

New kind of detective

Complicated plot kept my interest. Elements of aboriginal culture and beliefs made the book even more interesting. However, the detective, Boney, was too perfect and confident in his abilities to solve a crime.

Should be on the list of great detective stories

Upfield has created a memorable detective in Bony. This particular story ranks up there with the greats, especially since Bony applies Sherlockian logic but with a twist. Australian outback seems exotic and unknowable. Some of the cultural references are disturbing to the modern reader and should be. But if you can look past this and just enjoy the story, you will be entertained. Excellent narration.

I love this series!

Great story with sympathetic characters. Peter Hosking is terrific. Bony always finds a way to solve the crime but leave people's dignity intact.

Very interesting protagonist

I have enjoyed these books immensely. It is a real seeming portrayal of life in the outback in the 1920s. The horrible treatment and attitudes about the Aboriginal people is shocking to hear about.even though I wasn’t ignorant of the subject.
The description of the beautiful land and the people who live there is fascinating