This week, Michael Popple highlights three amazing books written by talented Australian authors. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog, unseenlibrary.com.
Devil’s Kitchen by Candice Fox
Bantam Australia, $34.99
For years, the firefighters of New York’s Engine 99 have been heroes, bravely stopping fires and saving lives. However, in secret they are also a successful heist crew, using fires as cover for their crimes. As they prepare for their next job, the criminals find themselves unravelling as an undercover agent joins their firefighting team to take them down.
Devil’s Kitchen is an intense, powerful, and clever thriller that might be Candice Fox’s best book yet. Mixing passionate protagonists with a deeply personal investigation, Devil’s Kitchen is guaranteed to keep you on your toes and is a must-read crime fiction book.
White Ash Ridge by S. R. White
Headline, $32.99
In the heat of summer, the five core members of a high-profile charity meet at the White Ash Ridge Hotel in the Australian outback. When the body of one member is found dead outside, the four other guests are prime suspects in the murder. Assigned the case, Detective Dana Russo must use her unorthodox methods to solve the crime before public outrage shuts her down.
White produces another outstanding and memorable Australian murder mystery that will have you hooked from the very beginning. Featuring the interrogation-focused investigation style that White is known for, this is an intriguing and impressive character-driven mystery.
The Winter Palace by Paul Morgan
Penguin Books, $34.99
Poland, 1939. As the Nazi and Russian armies invade, Anton and his wife Elisabeth are separated by the tides of war. Anton is transported to Siberia as a POW, and Elisabeth is forced to become the mistress of a Nazi officer while working for the Polish resistance. As chaos and death engulf them, can Anton and Elisabeth survive and reunite at their home, the Winter Palace?
This is an excellent historical drama from Morgan, that highlights the dark shadows that covered Poland. A compelling tale of love, sacrifice, and pain that you cannot help but be moved by.
