I know that I can look this up on StopYou'reKillingMe.com, and in fact already have.   But I'm looking for some personal experience....

I'm playing in a challenge (the Around the World in 80 Days Challenge) on the Games forum.  Basically, the idea is "travel" reading books set in different locations around the world.   The person who racks up the most miles traveled will win the game.   I've figured out pretty quickly that "travelling" back and forth between North American (or Europe) and Australia will rack up the miles the fastest.  I've obviously already got plenty of books set up north, and am looking for some good books set in Australia.

My apologies to anyone else who might be playing in this challenge!  Feel free to steal any book ideas that are suggested :-)

Patricia Carlon is an Australian mystery writer who I've enjoyed.  Give her a try.

Kerry Greenwood has a mystery series featuring Phryne Fisher set in 1920's Melbourne. I have really enjoyed the books I've read although some can be hard to come by.

 I don't have a mystery for you but I have on my shelf The Back of Beyond by Barbara Bickmore that was recommended to me set in Australia. Also if you have never read the Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough is excellent. One of my favorite all time books.

Alice

Thanks for the recommendations!

Alice, The Back of Beyond looks good, but I'm afraid that it's too long. Speed is of the essence on this around the world trip, so shorter books are much better.

I love historical mysteries, and luckily my library has them - so I'm going to try the Kerry Greenwood mysteries.

I think I'm going to try one of Peter Temple's books as part of the 2010 Mystery Challenge - FAR, FAR AWAY. According to www.stopyourekillingme.com, he's won several Ned Kelly Awards, which are presented by the Crime Writers Association of Australia.

An old series by Arthur Upfield.  His Aborigine detective is named Napoleon "Bony" Bonaparte.  Upfield died in the 1960s, but I know my library still has some of his books.  100 to 200 pages each.

A book that really isn't a mystery, but takes place in Austrailia  is Dirt Music by Tim Winton.  I enjoyed it, but thought the end was a bit of a let down.  But if you want to travel,  this would be a good once to rack up the miles.

Some of Ngaio Marsh's Allyn novels are set in New Zealand.  Vintage Murder, Colour Scheme, and Died in the Wool.

This is one area of the world I'm sorely short on as far as books read that take place there. I have tried Kerry Greenwood's series and didn't like it, but that's just me...it was too...well, you know. LOL  I should try to find a few set there, too.

Cheryl

You might try Maddy Hunter's  mystery books.  She has a series named "Passport to Peril". The main character is a tour guide who takes small groups around the world and one of her books takes place in Australia, "G'day to Die."  I checked and it is currently available. She also goes to Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, etc.  These might be good to get you to several places.

I second Arthur Upfied.  His books are set in Australia and are very interesting.  I believe Gwenyth and Constance Little  were also from Australia, I recently read Great Black Kanba by those sisters and it centered around a murder than happened on the the trans-Australian railway.

Jennifer Rowe has an interesting series set in Australia.  I like Freda Bream's books, also set in Australia, but they are hard to find.