Michael Popple recommends three books that would make perfect gifts for Christmas. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog: unseenlibrary.com
Retribution by Sarah Barrie
HQ, $32.99
Those who enjoy powerful Australian fiction will love to have Retribution by Sarah Barrie in their stocking. The sequel to last year’s fantastic release, Unforgiven, Retribution sees former vigilante Lexi Winter officially become a police officer. However, she is still playing by her own rules, and Lexi’s hunt for her notorious nemesis leads her to take on a deadly Sydney crime family, while also investigating several linked murders. Barrie has produced an impressive and fast-paced crime thriller with Retribution. Following complex protagonists across several compelling investigations, this is an awesome read that is guaranteed to keep readers on their toes.
Death to the Emperor by Simon Scarrow
Headline, $32.99
A history lover’s favourite gift this year might be Simon Scarrow’s impressive Death to the Emperor. AD 60. Prefect Cato and Centurion Marco are attempting to live quietly in Britannia, desperate to avoid attention. However, chaos always seems to find them, particularly when the British tribes start to rebel, following the lead of Queen Boudica. Forced into a new war, can Cato and Marco survive the upcoming slaughter? Scarrow continues to show why he is one of the best historical fiction authors with this epic novel. Loaded with a ton of exciting battles and brilliant historical detail, this fantastic novel comes highly recommended.
Desert Star by Michael Connelly
Allen & Unwin, $32.99
All crime lovers are guaranteed to want the latest Michael Connelly book, Desert Star, for Christmas. Renée Ballard is back in the LAPD, leading her own cold case squad. Recruiting her mentor, Harry Bosch, Ballard needs to solve a vicious murder from the past to keep her job. However, Bosch is obsessed with the murder of a whole family that he never solved, and both cases will take the detectives to the very edge. This is another outstanding crime fiction novel from Connelly that combines an interesting series of murder mystery cases with some intense character work to create an excellent story.
