This week, Jeff Popple reviews three exciting tales of outback crime. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
Mischance Creek by Garry Disher
Text, $34.99
Garry Disher is the doyen of the outback crime novel and his latest about South Australian police constable Paul ‘Hirsch’ Hirschhausen, Mischance Creek, once more sets the standard for the genre. Hirsch happily takes a break from routine firearms inspections and welfare checks when he hears of a tourist stuck in a ditch near the ruins at Mischance Creek. It turns out, however, that Annika Nordum is not a tourist, but the daughter of a woman who went missing in the area seven years ago. Hirsch is soon drawn into the search for the body of Annika’s mother with unexpected and violent results. Highly recommended.
Dust by Michael Brissenden
Affirm, $34.99
Michael Brissenden’s Dust provides a good mix of rural crime and social commentary, as we follow Sydney detective Martyn Kravets who is sent west to the almost empty Lake Herrod to investigate a murder. It is no simple killing, however, and Kravets soon uncovers a web of conspiracy that reaches far beyond the small community. Dust is a fast-paced crime novel with a good cast and some sharp political observations. Brissenden’s portrayal of the groups caught on the fringes of Australian society is exceptional and he cleverly weaves in how these groups are encouraged by politically motivated media outlets. First rate.
Gunpowder Creek by Alex Dook
Echo, $32.99
Alex Dook’s Gunpowder Creek is a wild ride of a novel that starts quickly and then ups the pace as the action ricochets between Perth and outback Western Australia. A panicked phone call from her hapless son soon has Emily Barnes caught up in a deadly criminal deal and driving a stolen car out of Perth to the ghost town of Gunpowder Creek. Pursued by a killer and dodging local police, Emily is only focused on making the rendezvous before her son is killed. There have been some standout Australian crime debuts this year and Gunpowder Creek is one of them. A compulsive thriller!
