• Wings Above the Diamantina

  • An Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte Mystery, Book 3
  • By: Arthur W. Upfield
  • Narrated by: Peter Hosking
  • Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (106 ratings)

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Wings Above the Diamantina  By  cover art

Wings Above the Diamantina

By: Arthur W. Upfield
Narrated by: Peter Hosking
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Publisher's Summary

The discovery of the stolen red monoplane on the dry, flat bottom of Emu Lake meant many things to many people. For Elizabeth Nettlefold, the chance to nurse its strangely ill passenger meant a new purpose in life. For Dr Knowles, brilliant physician and town drunk, it meant the revival of a romantic dream. For a person or persons unknown, it meant a murder plan gone badly awry. And for Detective-Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte, it meant one of the toughest cases of his career.

©1936 Bonaparte Holdings Pty Ltd (P)2013 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic Reviews

"Arthur Upfield has an extraordinary gift. He has created a character, the half-caste Detective-Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte, who steps alive off the page." ( The Times)
"Bony - a unique figure among top-flight detectives." (BBC)

What listeners say about Wings Above the Diamantina

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Another Great Bonaparte Mystery!

What made the experience of listening to Wings Above the Diamantina the most enjoyable?

Peter Hosking's narration is, as always, fantastic. He's by far my favorite audiobook narrator! And Upfield's descriptive writing is superb, and his plots and characterization are fun.

What other book might you compare Wings Above the Diamantina to and why?

Swordfish Reef is probably my favorite Napoleon Bonaparte mystery, but this one comes close. It was a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.

What about Peter Hosking’s performance did you like?

Peter Hosking's performance is stellar. He reads clearly, and his Australian accent lends flavor to these Australian mysteries. He's GREAT with characterization, too.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This was definitely a book I could have listened to in one sitting - unfortunately, life intervenes!

Any additional comments?

Fun book! Would LOVE to see all of Arthur Upfield's mysteries available on Audible, read by Peter Hosking.

4 people found this helpful

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How did I miss this author?!

What made the experience of listening to Wings Above the Diamantina the most enjoyable?

I've read many mysteries set in different parts of the world and in different eras but the Australian outback? I didn't know these existed! Mr. Upfield's character Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte is a half-breed Aborigine/English mix bring the best of both worlds into play. The portrayal of the wilderness, the lives of the people during the time period, and the mysteries the Inspector needs to solve are intriguing and I hate when I have to put it down, I get so wrapped up in the stories.Peter Hosking does an excellent job of narrating this series.

Which character – as performed by Peter Hosking – was your favorite?

Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte - a very interesting man.

Any additional comments?

I would love to have Audible bring more of the Inspector Bonaparte books to life with Peter Hosking narrating. Reading them isn't anywhere near as enjoyable as listening to them! I will be watching for them.

2 people found this helpful

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"Good on yah" Boney"

Any additional comments?

Arthur Upfield's books feathering Boney, the half cast police inspector with the Little Corporal's moniker are always intriguing mysteries and "Wings above the Diamantina" is no exception. The mystery begins with the discovery of what seems to be an abandoned aircraft in perfect condition sitting on a dry lake bed. But soon the mystery deepens with the discovery of a paralyzed and anonymous occupant who couldn't have flown the stolen craft and no visible indication that anyone else had been involved in landing it. Boney, the Aussie answer to S. Holmes, finds himself pressed to quickly solve this mystery before the paralyzed victim succumbs to death. Though Upfield could have shortened this tale, his description of life and land in the Australian outback is colorful and inviting. Peter Hosking is a perfect narrator for this series. If you like a mystery that will keep you involved to the very end you will enjoy "Wings above the Diamantina".

2 people found this helpful

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You can't beat Bonhy for a Down under mystery

Upfield makes you feel like you're there going walk about in the old days of Australia

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Great Storytelling!

The story is well told and very descriptive. I wish there were many more books.

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A Good One

Narration: As usual for this narrator, a stellar reading.


Story: As usual for this series, a lot of fun.

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UPFIELD DOES NOT DISAPPOINT!

LOVED IT. BUT I NEED TO ADD 13 WORDS. SO HERE THEY ARE. THIS IS WHY I DON'T DO REVIEWS. STUPID RULE.

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Great story and Peter Hosking's performance is wonderful

I love the Bony stories and read them all that I could find years ago. The Audible versions are great and I look forward to every car trip to get the next installment.

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  • Abx
  • 01-03-21

excellent

Love the Bony books. it's awesome 2hear with an Australian accent. and read superbly too!

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  • Joanne Park
  • 09-28-18

Australian early twentieth century nostalgia

The main character is an Australian half cast Aboriginal who was bought up in a mission. He is employed as a detective in the QLD police and specialises in crime committed in the bush, or outback. He is quite conceited but this is tempered by his ability to laugh at himself. The series realistically captures the life of the Australian Bush. The descriptions of the scenery, storms and floods are lush. The characters are full of life with many quirks. Expect to feel “the call of the Australian Bush”.

2 people found this helpful

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  • Anonymous User
  • 04-03-18

Another winnner

A delightful, funny, clever story. Filled with intrigue and twists and told brilliantly by Peter Hosking. He brought all the different characters to life .. I especially loved the aboriginal personalities and of course Bonie. Cannot wait to listen to the next adventure and mystery

2 people found this helpful