This week, Jeff Popple reviews three books about murder, love, and an old conspiracy. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

Tipping Point by Dinuka McKenzie

Harper Collins, $32.99

Dinuka McKenzie has quickly established herself as a major presence in Australian crime fiction circles. Her first novel, The Torrent, was an impressive debut and her second, Taken, was just as good. Now with Tipping Point, she further cements her reputation.

Tipping Point returns the reader to the rural town of Esserton in northern New South Wales, and to local police detective Kate Miles, who has to deal with pressures at home and work when her brother becomes a ‘person of interest’ in a local murder. Clever plotting, vivid locations and some nicely formed characters make this an outstanding read. Recommended.

A Life Of Her Own by Ellen Feldman

Macmillan, $34.99

Fans of well written historical drama will greatly appreciate A Life Of Her Own by American author Ellen Feldman.

Set in the immediate aftermath of World War II, A Life Of Her Own is a lively story about expectations and a woman’s role in society. Recently widowed Fanny Fabricant is forced to reinvent her life in late 1940s New York, as she tries to raise her daughter alone. Going against convention, Fanny gets a job in the exciting field of radio serials and finds herself grappling with familial expectations and societal pressures as she makes her own way in life.  Enjoyable.

The Mysterious Case Of Rudolf Diesel by Douglas Brunt

Atria, $34.99

In 1913, Rudolf Diesel disappeared off a passenger ship crossing the English Channel and was presumed dead. Rudolf ‘s famous invention of the Diesel engine had brought him great wealth, but also the enmity of two of the most powerful men of the time, John D. Rockefeller and Kaiser Wilhelm II. His death was largely overshadowed by World War I, but the mystery around it lingers.

In clear, lucid prose, Brunt brings a new perspective to Deisel’s life and offers a fascinating solution to his death. Mixing history and science with an intriguing true crime mystery, this is a captivating read.