Jeff Popple reviews three enjoyable novels about paranoia, romance and serial killers to distract you from the heat this summer. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
Deep State by Chris Hauty
Simon & Schuster, $32.99
Chris Hauty’s debut thriller revolves around the idea that deep inside Washington there are influential members of government agencies, the military and the establishment involved in the secret manipulation of government policy. When the populist, controversial and divisive Richard Monroe is elected as President, the Deep State decides that he must be controlled or removed. The only person standing in their way is a 25-year-old West Wing intern and ex-Army soldier, Hayley Chill, who stumbles across the conspiracy following the murder of the White House Chief of Staff. Hauty’s politics aside, this is an enjoyably light and twisty thriller read with which to pass the time inside.
The Lost Summers of Driftwood by Vanessa McCausland
Harper Collins, $29.99
Set on the south coast of New South Wales, Vanessa McCausland’s novel explores old secrets, lost loves and the chance for new beginnings. When Phoebe’s life falls apart, she retreats to her family’s abandoned holiday cottage on the river near Bateman’s Bay. There she deals with the legacy of her sister’s suicide a year ago and the rekindling of an old childhood love. As the river begins to give up its secrets, Phoebe becomes caught up in new mysteries. This is an evocative, well written and engaging tale that is given extra poignancy by the recent events on the coast.
Nine Elms by Robert Bryndza
Sphere, $29.99
Kate Marshall was a rising star in the London Metropolitan police force until her horrific encounter with the Nine Elms serial killer, which ended her career. Now 16 years later, Kate lives a quiet life on the English coast until a copycat begins to follow in the steps of the Nine Elms killer. Suddenly, Kate has to call on her long-neglected skills as an investigator in order to catch him before she becomes his final victim. Bryndza is a good writer of dark, British police novels and Nine Elms is a fast moving and compelling thriller that will appeal to his many fans.
More book reviews:
