To the Fair Land by Lucienne Boyce

I always know I've got a good book when I forget that I am reading for review and just enjoy the story. The Fair Land is one such book. The story is set at the end of the eighteenth century when there was great interest in the voyages of Captain Cook and the hunt for the Great Southern Continent. Lucienne Boyce has clearly researched the period in great detail and she evokes beautifully the sights and sounds of the time. Her narrative style is intelligent and flows easily and I especially enjoyed the descriptive passages - unusual for me as I am generally in the 'just get on with the story' camp.  The story was gripping and definitely a page turner. Especially pleasing to me was the fact that I did not guess the plot twists and turns. This is the point at which I would normally find something negative to say but I could not find any. Highly recommended.