It was originally published in the UK by Hutchinson in 1929, and subsequently serialised in The Herald in Melbourne in 42 daily instalments between 23 July and 9 September 1932.

[1] "The whirr of a boomerang in the dark — sounds of a struggle — a figure in white, that melted in the gloom.

The Herald reviewer "Papercutter" called the novel "one of the most exciting, well constructed, and well written tales we have read for a long time."

They then went on to note: "It is a first-rate yarn full of a genuine Australian appeal, which is in no way forced.

"[8] In The Brisbane Courier noted: "The scenes of life on a Western sheep station are very faithfully portrayed, and Mr. Upfield has definitely improved in character drawing.