Force and Fraud : A Tale of the Bush (1865) is a crime novel by Australian writer Ellen Davitt.

It was originally published as a serial in The Australian Journal in 12 instalments between 2 September and 18 November 1865. It has been identified, by author and literary researcher Lucy Sussex, as Australia's first mystery novel.

Synopsis
McAlphin, a Scottish immigrant squatter, is found murdered. Chief suspect is Herbert Lindsey, fiancé of McAlpin's daughter Flora. Also involved is McAlphin's overseer Pierce Silverton who lies to Flora in order to get her to marry him.

Critical reception
Catherine Pratt in The Canberra Times praised the book: "This murder mystery novel recounts 'a tale of the bush' in which a young artist is accused of murdering his fiancee's father. Herbert is exonerated, largely through the tenacious efforts of Flora, his fiancee. The murderer, however, remains undiscovered and the narrative tension undiluted as Davitt teases the reader with scattered clues, unpredictable characters and possible resolutions."

Publication history
After its original publication in 1898 in The Australian Journal the novel was published as follows:

 Mulini Press, 1993
 Clan Destine Press, 2015
 Grattan Street Press, 2017

See also
 1865 in Australian literature
 Davitt Award

References

1865 novels
19th-century Australian novels