A nice book, though I haven't read the other 2 books in the series, I still enjoyed this one. If you are looking for a nice new series to bing then do check this one out.

This is book #3 of 4 in the Monsarrat series, and although it closely follows on from the previous two, I feel it does depart somewhat from the previously established typecasting of the two main characters [Monsarrat and his housekeeper Mrs. Mulrooney] insomuch as they are working more as an amateur sleuth team now in a murder investigation.

Monsarrat has been charged with the task of investigating the mysterious murder of the regular passenger and supply transport boatsman of a small remote island off Van Dieman’s Land. He will have to travel with his trusty and faithful housekeeper Mrs. Mulrooney...as much for his faith in her deductive skills as her tea making and housekeeping skills...he doesn't relish the idea of informing her, given her understandable hatred for boats and sailing of any description.

The not too popular Bart Harefield is the captain of the cutter which ferries passengers, mail and supplies...often sly grog...to the island which is specifically used to detain convicts who pose a lesser degree of danger.
Because of his unique and largely unquestionable position, Bart has managed, through his indiscreet perusal of the mail he transports to and from the mainland, to enjoy a position of some small notoriety as the go to man for anything, be it information or contraband. Thus he enjoys a sort of freedom only a holder of secret information can enjoy...one not unaccustomed to employing the threat of blackmail should the need arise.
When Bart's partially dismembered body was discovered on the rocks at the bottom of the cliff where the passing boat's signal light is kept lit, the powers that be decided that due to the very small population of the island, an independent investigation should be undertaken to maintain an unhindered search for clues from an unbiased representative.
And so, Monsarrat's powers of deduction were once more called into employ.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed reading this third installment in the Monsarrat series, I was a little surprised at the dramatic shift towards the amateur sleuth type depiction of Monsarrat and his housekeeper Mrs. Mulrooney, as a team.
Rather than elevate the story, I thought it took a good solid background story and shifted it into a more light detective type read...more in the realms of Midsomer Murders or Prynne Fisher type stories...not that I have anything against those type of mysteries, just that, until now, I thought this series brought a more unique flavour that set it apart from your cosy mystery type.

Still an entertaining read and one I would have no problem with recommending.

4⭐️'s

Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my digital copy to read and review.

The third in a series about Hugh Llewelyn Monsarrat and his housekeeper and friend Mrs Malrooney is set in the former penal colony of Maria Island off the coast of Tasmania, where Monsarrat has been sent to investigate a murder. I enjoyed the first in the series, and the second was ok, but this third instalment lacked the verve and originality that made the first two books such enjoyable reading. It feels as though the authors have already run out of steam – and there are many more instalments in the pipeline - and the format and plot felt formulaic and predictable. I think I’m done with Monsarrat and his adventures now. An easy read, but for me an unconvincing and uninspiring one.

A different story to what I would normally read. Really well written, historical, and awesome. Really recommend to others.

This is the third instalment of the Monsarrat series I've read this year, and it's yet another triumph for the writing duo of Meg and Tom Keneally. The reason I've read 3 in such a short period of time is because this is the one I wanted to get to! Set in the former penal colony of Maria Island (that's /məˈraɪə/ in case you didn't know), off the east coast of Tasmania, I couldn't resist.

The Power Game begins immediately where The Unmourned finished, with Monsarrat and Mrs Mulrooney making their way to Van Diemen's Land to investigate the murder of Bosun Harefield. The weapon is known to be an axe, but the identity of the perpetrator is less certain. It would be convenient for administrators if the blame could be laid at the feet of gentleman revolutionary Thomas Power, but if we know anything about Monsarrat and Mulrooney by now, it's that nothing but the truth will do. The pair arrive on Maria Island where they find the inhabitants are - while not obstructing - less than helpful in the investigation.

The Keneallys are really hitting their stride by now; the pace is fast and even, the plot reasonably tight, and there is a fairly even roll call of goodies and baddies (and maybe one or two who change during the story...). Clues are dished up at decent intervals, leading to a satisfying conclusion, and then at the end an almost-cliffhanger. No sooner has Monsarrat set foot on NSW land again, than he is told of his next assignment. Off we go to solve the next mystery!

A while back I saw Thomas Keneally interviewed on TV, and he said they have plotted 15 instalments for this series. I'll be there, for sure.

Hugh Monsarrat and his housekeeper and friend, Mrs Mulrooney were sent to Maria Island off the coast of Van Dieman’s Land to investigate the murder of a man not many people on the island liked. A part of the penal colony, it was run by a hard, vicious man by the name of Brewster who resided with his wife Elizabeth. Her brother Walter helped his sister with the stores for the colony’s inhabitants. When Monsarrat started his investigation, he was blocked on all fronts, mainly because Brewster was determined Thomas Power, an Irish revolutionary held in detention, was the killer.

But complications would arise; escape would be attempted, and secrets would slowly be discovered. They were secrets not meant to be unearthed and much would be done to stop them. Would Monsarrat and Mrs Mulrooney solve the mystery? They dearly wanted to return to Parramatta and leave the shores of a place they had no liking for…

The Power Game is the 3rd in the Monsarrat series by Meg Keneally and her father Thomas and in my opinion, this was the best so far. Monsarrat and Mrs Mulrooney work well together – she amuses me with her comments; “eejit of a man” (to Monsarrat), and the flicking of her dishcloth at him at his indiscretions. An entertaining read, The Power Game is a captivating historical mystery which I recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

Thankyou to NetGalley, Atria Book and the authors, Thomas and Meg Keneally, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of The Power Game in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I thought this book was well written and thoroughly intriguing. The scenery was beautifully described.
Worth a read.

The first chapter of this book was like reading a can of soup. I did not feel I could continue, but as I did the story became interesting. I did not read the previous books which is why the beginning was less then gripping and a bit confusing. The characters seemed shallow at first however, as the story unfolds they become apart of the mystery themselves. The book was a solid mystery with the usual twists and turns.