Wings Above the Diamantina

An Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte Mystery, Book 3

By: Arthur W. Upfield

Narrated by: Peter Hosking

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)

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.

A Good One

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


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

"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".

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.

Great Storytelling!

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