All the Reviews

The Dead Place, Stephen Booth

I like this series.  I like Diane Fry.  Why do I have to say that?  Well Diane Fry is one of those characters that divides opinions on most of the discussion lists I belong to - you either like her or you don't (much like Elle Pascoe in the Reginald Hill Dalziel and Pascoe novels).  Personally I hope that Diane Fry doesn't lose the mouth and the attitude, given what has been revealed about her in earlier books - she's perfectly entitled to be as grumpy as she damn well pleases.   And that's probably the only reason that you'd want to read Stephen Booth's series in order - there is an ... Read Review

The Pyjama Girl Mystery, Richard Evans

THE PYJAMA GIRL MYSTERY is less about resolving who killed her, and more about how the police investigation at the time proceeded.  The book lays out all of the circumstances around the location of the body; the steps taken to try to identify the body; and ultimately the trial and manslaughter verdict against Antonia Agostini.

The body had been ultimately identified as Agostini's wife - Linda.  But was that a valid identification (and I've got to say from the photos included I'd have to have my doubts), and did Agostini really kill his wife (whose body has never been ... Read Review

The Riverman, Alex Gray

There is always the sense that author Alex Gray knows exactly what she is talking about; such is the impression of total authority and confidence in her words.  THE RIVERMAN is the fourth book in this series showing a pleasing graduation of intensity and detailing of investigative procedure from the first entry, NEVER SOMEWHERE ELSE.    They walk on the dark side for sure; the Lorimer/Brightman series is dancing with that level of seriousness that could yet deviate from "darkly" atmospheric to completely dour and unappetizing.  Gray excels in setting the scene and has made the river a ... Read Review

Shooting Star, Peter Temple

Frank Calder is a bit of a maverick.  Ex-cop / ex-soldier - current day "mediator".  He's the sort of bloke that gets called in to sticky situations where unusual solutions are required.  He's worked for the Carsons before.  When a crazed gunman took store staff hostage, Frank wandered into the situation to save the hostages.  Which he did.  Quietly, efficiently and unusually.  

So when Anne disappears on the way home from school and a ransom demand is received by the family, the Carsons again turn to Frank.  He wants them to call in the police, but they did that once ... Read Review

The Affair of the Mutilated Mink, James Anderson

It's really easy for latter day homages to early 1930's / 1940's arch, drawing room style comedies or take offs to overdo it to the point where it's cartoonish.  THE AFFAIR OF THE MUTILATED MINK doesn't overdo it, but on the other hand it doesn't under deliver on a slightly comic (tongue in cheek) murder drama in the realms of high British aristocracy.

The Earl of Burford is a recent convert to the joys of the cinematographic entertainment and he's more than a bit chuffed at the Hollywood crowd arriving. He doesn't even mind the eccentric screenwriter who invites his own ... Read Review

Grief Encounters, Stuart Pawson (review by sunniefromoz)

Reading GRIEF ENCOUNTERS is like slipping into a pair of your favourite comfy slippers.  It may not set the world on fire for being fashionable or chic but you know you are going to enjoy the experience. Stuart Pawson steers away from the dysfunctional stereotypes that abound in crime fiction these days.  It is near impossible not to like the amiable Charlie Priest and his team at Heckley nick.  These are ordinary people who come to work each day and share jokes, socialise and lead quiet unremarkable lives; just like the majority of us. And perhaps that is the clue to the popularity ... Read Review

Head Shot, Jarad Henry

There are days when the fact that I'm often so far behind with local authors that I could kick myself, and today is definitely one of those days.

HEAD SHOT is the debut novel for Jarad Henry, with Blood Sunset - his second book to be published by Allen & Unwin in 2008.

HEAD SHOT is a police procedural that's written with enormous aplomb and deftness.  The author has a background in the criminal justice system and that experience shows through, but doesn't overwhelm the reader.  This is not a police procedure manual, but a great book about a young cop who ... Read Review

The Shadow Maker, Robert Sims

A heartless, sadistic predator is roaming the streets of Melbourne.  He is attacking women, sexually abusing them then brutally mutilating them.  The first victim has her eye sockets burnt out, but she is a lucky one; she isn’t killed.  Detective Marita (Rita) Van Hassel from the Sexual Crimes Squad is asked to assist in the investigation.  Her profiling skills can’t pin down the man behind the increasingly violent crimes, but what does become clear is that she is being hunted as she hunts for him.

THE SHADOW MAKER is a debut novel by Australian author Robert Sims.  Dark ... Read Review

The Redbreast, Jo Nesbo

Okay - a little housekeeping first.  I can't get accented characters to work properly here ... yet.  I'm working on it because it annoys me as much as it undoubtedly annoys readers of these posts.  

Secondly, a little background to the Harry Hole (pronounced - we think - Hurler, but corrections from those who really know would be extremely welcome)!  THE DEVIL'S STAR (released in English first) is actually number 5 in the series, THE REDBREAST (released in English second) is number 3 in the series and NEMESIS (to be released about now, so third) is actually number 4 in ... Read Review