The Widow of Walcha cover art

The Widow of Walcha

A true story of love, lies and murder in a small country town

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The Widow of Walcha

By: Emma Partridge
Narrated by: Jo Van Es
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About this listen

The Widow of Walcha is a shocking true story about death, love and lies in the small NSW town of Walcha.

Shortlisted, 2023 Danger Awards, Nonfiction category

All farmer Mathew Dunbar ever wanted was to find love and have a family of his own. That’s why, just months after meeting Natasha Darcy, the much-loved grazier didn’t hesitate to sign over his multi-million-dollar estate to her.

When Mathew died in an apparent suicide soon afterwards, in a stranger-than-fiction twist, Natasha's estranged husband – who she was once charged with trying to kill – was the first paramedic on the scene.

Journalist and author Emma Partridge travelled to the cool and misty town of Walcha in the NSW Northern Tablelands shortly after Mathew Dunbar's death, drawn by the town's collective worry that Natasha was going to get away with murder. Partridge spent months researching the case, interviewing Mathew’s friends, family and Natasha herself in an attempt to uncover her sickening web of lies and crimes.

The Widow of Walcha is about one of the most extraordinary criminal trials in Australia’s history and reveals Natasha’s sickening crimes against those she claimed to love, fuelled by her obsession with money.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Emma Partridge (P)2021 Simon & Schuster Australia
Con Artists, Hoaxes & Deceptions Murder True Crime Exciting Scary

What listeners say about The Widow of Walcha

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Probably my favourite audiobook so far

Intriguing story and well told. Narrator is mostly fine, she portrays Natasha Darcy very well.

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1 person found this helpful

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Intriguing Book

I could not stop listening to this book. Walcha is not far from where I live on the Northern Tablelands and a lot of people I know knew Mathew. The lengths she went to, to murder him are unforgettable amd unforgivable.
Great book!

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MIND BOGGLING

Truly unbelievable the lengths this woman went to for most of her life. The lives she has ruined, the heartache she caused, the lies and the crimes. Just when you thought there couldn't possibly be anymore....there was.

I got chills when it was said "He is not in love with her, he is in love with the kids." I said these exact words to my then partner, after having attended their wedding on Keppel Is.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved every inch

Still lingering on in my mind five days later. A believable, yet unbelievable story. Consumed much of my brain capacity

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  • Overall
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You can't make this up

A well told, true story of a calculating killer. A tragic end RIP Matthew Dunbar

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Gripping, disturbing and well written!

This is not the type of book I would have chosen to read the week before my upcoming wedding, but couldn't stop listening to it. It was a book club pick! It was well written and well ordered. So much detailed information. Highly recommended.

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Fascinating

An Awful greedy devious woman sets out the take everything from a generous man. How I hope she remains in prison for the full 40 years.
Well written and recorded.

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Binge listening

Full of suspense and keeps you listening to the very last minute. Had to rewind a few times to make sure I didn’t miss key points.

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Brilliantly sad story of L

A brilliantly sad story of Life love and greed where a manipulative selfish person sadly murders or attempts to a number of men - brilliantly written and narrated !

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Gripping, suspenseful and horrifying.

A well researched and cohesive real life story which gave insight into the evil twisted mind of a murderous psychopath, the likes of hopefully will never be let out of prison. This was such a riveting story.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.