The Mystery of Swordfish Reef by Arthur Upfield

The Mystery of Swordfish Reef

by Arthur Upfield

Readers Book Club, 1963
Hardcover, dustjacket

Condition: Very Good
Minor edge and shelf wear with a little rubbing and bumping to corners and covers, a little foxing to endpapers, previous owners’ inscription on front endpaper. Dustjacket a little worn with chips and tears and a little creasing, small parts missing at edges, sticker at front. (see photographs)

“The inhabitants of Bermagui, on the southern coast of New South Wales, all share the same sporting passion – fishing for “swordies” off Swordfish Reef.  Among the many devotees is Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte.
One evening, a launch carrying two local fishermen and an angler named Ericson, disappears at sea; and later, a bullet-riddled, shark-mauled head, identified as Ericson’s, is found among the tuna in a trawler’s net.  “Bony” continues his efforts to catch the huge and vicious swordfish, or so it seems.  But all the time, using the inimitable sleuthing methods and skill at sea which so far he has employed only in the outback, the brilliant part-aboriginal detective searches relentlessly for Ericson’s slayer.”