This week, Jeff Popple reviews three tales of crime, mystery, and an eerie writer’s retreat. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
Judgement Day by Mali Waugh
Macmillan, $34.99
Judgement Day by Mali Waugh continues the recent run of high quality debut crime novels by Australian authors. Set amid the drama and egos of Melbourne’s family law courts, Judgement Day is an assured mystery that also takes a searing look at the legal system. When family law judge Kaye Bailey is found murdered in her chambers, there is no shortage of suspects, including disgruntled complainants and jealous colleagues. Working her way through the chaos is police detective Jillian Bassett, who has just returned from maternity leave and is trying to juggle a difficult case and the demands of motherhood. Highly recommended.
The Favour by Nicci French
Simon & Schuster, $32.99
The husband and wife writing team known as Nicci French are renowned for their literate, compelling, psychological thrillers and their latest, The Favour, is another enjoyable read. Jude has moved on from a traumatic incident in her past, and is now a successful doctor who is about to get married. When her enigmatic first love, wild boy Liam, turns up in her life after ten years of no contact, she is surprised and willingly agrees to his request for a favour. That favour, however, soon leads to death, and suddenly Jude is caught up in a murder investigation. A clever, engaging, mystery thriller.
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
Magpie Books, $32.99
Julia Bartz’s debut chiller The Writing Retreat is a mixture of horror, locked room mystery and psychological insights into writing and authors. Five attendees are selected for a month-long writing retreat at the remote estate of a controversial feminist horror writer. Struggling author Alex is pleased to be invited and enthusiastically dives into the lucrative competition to see who can produce the best novel. But when the other attendees begin to disappear, Alex finds that she is writing for her life. Gripping and fast paced, this is a suspenseful and claustrophobic thriller that will keep you keenly turning the pages.
