This week, Michael Popple reviews three recent shocking and distinctive thrillers. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog: unseenlibrary.com
Stay Awake by Megan Goldin
Michael Joseph, $32.99
When Liv Reese awakens in the back of a taxi, she finds herself covered in blood, with messages scrawled all over her body telling her to stay awake. Trying to figure out what happened, Liv discovers that she cannot remember the last years of her life. Frightened and alone, Liv tries to uncover what happened during her missing time before a killer finds her. Australian author Megan Goldin strikes again with a deeply addictive psychological thriller. Following a traumatised and disorientated protagonist as she attempts to uncover dark secrets, Stay Awake is one of the trippiest books of 2022 and comes highly recommended.
The Unbelieved by Vikki Petraitis
Allen & Unwin, $32.99
After a terrible resolution to a stressful case, Melbourne detective Antigone Pollard moves to the coastal town of Deception Bay for a quieter posting. However, the town is far from safe, as Antigone is targeted by an attempted rapist. However, after arresting him, she discovers that the town has dark secrets that no woman is safe from. This is a deep and impressive Australian debut from Vikki Petraitis. Featuring an intense tale that dives into the evils of sexual violence in small towns, The Unbelieved is a moving and captivating novel that will stay with you long after you finish it.
The Accomplice by Steve Cavanagh
Orion, $32.99
Conman turned lawyer Eddie Flynn is back, and this time he is defending Carrie Miller, the unassuming wife and alleged accomplice of the infamous serial killer known as the Sandman. Eddie needs to prove that Carrie knew nothing about her husband’s crimes. However, he must also deal with the return of the Sandman, who is determined to kill anyone involved with his wife’s case, including her lawyer. Steve Cavanagh continues to impress with this brilliant and exciting legal thriller. Fast paced and relentlessly entertaining, this is a wonderful novel that is guaranteed to hold you until the very last twist.
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