Jeff Popple reviews three great books for Dad this Father’s Day! More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
Cave Diver by Jake Avila
Echo, $29.99
Those dads who like exciting adventure novels will enjoy Jake Avila’s Cave Diver. Set in the jungles of Papua, it is an enjoyable tale about an expedition to uncover a sunken World War II Japanese submarine buried deep in a large underwater cavern. The submarine contains gold smuggled out of Japan at the end of the war, and a motley collection of treasure hunters and crooks are hellbent on retrieving it. Caught in the middle is Australian diver Rob Nash, who sees the expedition as a chance for redemption for a past mistake.
A gripping, action-filled thriller.
In Plain Sight by Ross Coulthart
Harper Collins, $34.99
This is a marvellous book for dads who are into conspiracies and UFOs. Following the admission by the United States Department of Defense in 2020 that there have been confirmed sightings of unexplainable aerial objects over the years, award-winning Australian journalist Ross Coulthart set out to investigate. Drawing on interviews with witnesses, scientists and high-ranking officials, Coulthart gives a clear-eyed and convincing account of the various sightings, including some Australian examples, and the efforts to cover them up.
A fascinating book that raises many questions and elevates the discussion about UFOs above the realm of crackpots and conspiracy theorists.
Sweet Jimmy by Bryan Brown
Allen & Unwin, $29.99
Popular actor Bryan Brown makes an impressive entry into Australian literary ranks with his first collection of short stories, Sweet Jimmy. Written in a stripped-down, unadorned style, these crisp stories skirt the fringes of Australian noir as Brown takes the reader down some very familiar mean streets. Featuring cops, thieves, drug dealers and suburban girls of the night, these stories are full of wit, humour and heartbreak and have a strong Australian feel to them.
A terrific collection of gritty tales. Even dads who do not read a lot will enjoy these knockabout stories by an Australian icon. Recommended.
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