Jeff Popple reviews three new Australian novels. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
The Orchard Murders by Robert Gott
Scribe, $29.99
Robert Gott’s The Orchard Murders is set in Melbourne during the dark days of World War II. In the outer suburb of Nunawading, a triple murder signals the return of a long-forgotten cult headed up by a messianic leader. Inspector Lambert of the Melbourne Homicide Unit fears that the murders are just the beginning, and sets out to stop the cult, and its leader, before more deaths occur. As with Gott’s earlier novels, The Orchard Murders bristles with interesting detail and a convincing wartime backdrop. The characters and the plot are well-crafted, and the story builds to a tense finale. Recommended.
Thursdays At Orange Blossom House by Sophie Green
Hachette, $32.99
Sophie Green has established herself as a leading writer of warm-hearted tales about female friendship and second chances. In her latest novel, Thursdays At Orange Blossom House, she shifts her focus from outback and suburban Australia to Far North Queensland in 1993. Three very different women gather each Thursday at the lushly located Orange Blossom House to learn yoga and find peace. Together they overcome their varied backgrounds and embark on a journey of discovery and reconnection. An enjoyable and moving tale about life, family, and the chances taken and missed, all set against a vividly described location and period of time.
The Long Game by Simon Rowell
Text, $32.99
Simon Rowell’s second novel, The Long Game, is an assured and enjoyable police mystery with an engaging central character. After a traumatic incident, Detective Zoe Meyer returns to duty to find herself in charge of the investigation into the stabbing of a surfer near Portsea Beach. An obvious suspect is soon identified and arrested, but Zoe has her doubts and sets out to find who the real killer is. This is a very entertaining crime novel that is elevated above much of the competition by its easy flowing style, nicely limned characters, vivid descriptions of Melbourne’s beachside suburbs and strong sense of credibility. A terrific read.
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