Firmly placed in the historical adventure genre, Mangadoo follows the story of George Nolan. Transported as a convict to Western Australia at a young age for being an accessory to the theft of a champion racehorse, George serves out his sentence by working on a property near Pinjarra.

He is determined to find the truth behind his unjust conviction. Upon gaining his freedom, and after a chance meeting with an old friend, sets off on an adventure that takes him to the rugged North West of Western Australia. Many events unfold. These involve, among other things, horse theft and a plot to overthrow the colonial establishment in order to create a Fenian stronghold.

The story hurtles along, driven by plenty of action and a range of characters including adventurous young men, various military types and even a crazed, bloodthirsty American Indian.

It’s a good yarn and has something to say about Western Australia’s early colonial days. Its strength is in the narrative, which is certainly well thought out and very lively.