This was an interesting read. The narrator was good but I had a hard time keeping to the plot. I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the book and the setting.

Post war Eva leaves London for Australia where she meets various people along her journey, which involves her delving deep into investigating as a police secretary as to what actually has been going on in the area.

Eva is a very intelligent woman with her own psychology education along with lofe experience has left her domestic abusive marriage and has concerns her ex husband will get her sent back to London through his connections via army, she speaks of how in London you could purchase packs of cocaine and heroin as gifts as back then they were used in war times for soldiers to be able to continue in battle and cope with the trauma aftermath. When then in Australia, it's seen how the impacts of such things impacted and affected the soldiers long term. There is an obvious number of people who chose to emigrate to the country after the war, some working as miners, with the sugar cane mills however others were not so authentic. This itself caused some problems with the people who already lived in the country with some causing various disturbances as theft and violence by the people who went to these areas to steal and more.

When Eva's friend Sylvia goes missing, Eva really gets her detective head on, and the fact 3 people have gone missing around the same area of Black Mountain creates deep concern. Due to Eva's commitment and determination, she becomes detective rather than secretary, getting to the truth of what was happening.

This story covers domestic abuse, drugs, firearms, disappearances, police investigations, emigration/immigration issues, intelligence, working ethics, cultures, the beginning of change between men and women in equality, morals and so much more.

This was very well narrated with all accents done well and flowing without any confusion. The book cover gives that feeling of intrigue, wondering what is over that mountain, draws you in, and appropriately depicted for the story in my view.

With gratitude to Netgalley & Bolinda Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in return for an open & honest review.

I absolutely love the narration and setting. I loved Eva.
This was obviously a well researched novel. I love that!

People are going missing around Black Mountain.  There is folklore about the mountain that keeps people away but when Eva's good friend goes missing she is determined to find her.

Running away from her abusive husband Eva makes her way to Australia where she takes a job with the police. When her friend goes missing and the police are stretched too thin, she finds herself investigating on her own. 

I was fascinated by the narrative around cocaine and heroin and how it used to be so nonchalantly given out as a cure for shellshock (PTSD). When the government finally realizes that this could potentially lead to long term issues they pulled back on the ability of physicians to prescribe it. 

There are a lot of interconnected elements in this book weaving folklore, corruption, mental illness, and drugs. Plus educated women and women applying for predominately male jobs is rare and not always looked upon favorably. 

This reads like the first book in a series.  I'm not sure if that is the case but it definitely had that feel. It was very character building and the end left things a bit open for a next installment. I really enjoyed this listen.

Utterly enthralling
"Under The Black Mountain" by K.T. Fitzpatrick is a captivating journey into the heart of mystery and adventure. Set against the backdrop of the rugged Black Mountain range, Fitzpatrick weaves a tale of suspense, intrigue, and the power of human resilience. The protagonist's quest for truth and redemption takes readers on a thrilling ride through vividly depicted landscapes and encounters with a diverse cast of characters. Fitzpatrick's skillful storytelling and rich imagery keep readers engaged from start to finish, making "Under The Black Mountain" a must-read for fans of gripping suspense and immersive storytelling.
10/10 for narration

I feel like I could be friends with Eva, well, I feel like I am having just spent several hours together over the last few days.
Running from a marriage torn apart by violence, we land up in Australia, where there are odd things going on.
It's perfectly paced, great characters, tense at times, and just ticked a lot of boxes for me.
Huge pause for thought too, for all those that came back from the war damaged, and how it impacts all those around them.
A very good listen.

C/w racism, domestic violence, drug abuse.

Set just after WWI we meet Eva Willoughby embarking on the journey by boat from London to Australia to seek solace from domestic abuse in the home of her life long friend Sylvia.

The solace doesn’t last very long. Eva worries that the appearance of Eva’s brother may send home news of her whereabouts back to her husband. She preoccupies herself with finding a job as a secretary to the police sergeant, and when Sylvia becomes one of the many strange disappearances Eva takes the law into her own hands to get to the bottom of what’s going on. The story is riveting, it’s intriguing and quite unexpected. Really nicely done.

I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that Eva as a psychologist had a true interest and some knowledge and understanding of indigenous Australians, their culture and beliefs and endeavoured to learn more. I hated the way other characters spoke of them, in fact the way other characters spoke of most non white Christian people made me feel really unsettled, but I do accept it as being part of the story and the timeframe. I just felt jarred every time I heard words that we just don’t hear anymore. Nonetheless I understand the importance of highlighting the racism.

The narration by Rebecca McAuley was beautifully done.

With gratitude to Bolinda Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.

Under the Black Mountain by K.T. Fitzpatrick and narrated by Rebecca Macauley follows Eva Willoughby as she flees from England across the world to a cattle station in Queensland, the home of her dear friend Sylvia, a safe haven away from her abusive husband. Or so she thought. People start disappearing, including Eva's friend Sylvia

Eva decides to strike out on her own, defying instructions from her boss, Det. Sgt. Jack Shaw, she commences her own investigation into the Black Mountain, defying all who warn her not to

Rebecca Macauley is versatile and adapts to a wide arrray of characters and cadences artfully. The story is medium paced and engaging. A good listen

Thank you to Netgalley, Bolinda Audio, the author K.T. Fitzpatrick and narrator Rebecca Macauley for this ALC. My Review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own