Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: crime

  • Consumed

    Consumed

    ‘Consumed’ can be considered the sequel to ‘Sixteen Horses’ (2021) Greg Buchanan’s debut novel, which was a resounding success, as forensic veterinarian Dr Cooper Allen is once again a central character. Although a few tough years have passed since the events in the earlier book, she is still haunted by them despite undergoing therapy, and yet, once again she has become obsessed by a new investigation.

    Reluctantly Cooper has agreed to join her estranged mother and sister for a family reunion in the rural picturesque town of Lethwick. She is asked by the local police to undertake the post-mortem on two pet pigs, who appear to have eaten their owner, 70 year old Sophie Bertilak, renowned retired photographer.

    Back in 1964, 17 year old Sophie had used her birthday camera to inadvertently take a photo of a girl who had been missing for three years and had never been seen again and another of a plastic pipe jutting out of the ground, which appeared to have the eyes of a child looking up; these photos effectively launched her career.

    The police consider Sophie’s death a tragic accident but Cooper isn’t too sure.  Why are the pigs so hastily euthanized? Cooper’s growing obsession with the victim’s life and against the police’ wishes, she does some unauthorized digging, which uncovers a complex web of secrets and lies.

    By moving the narrative smoothly between the present and the past, the author slowly builds up the story of Cooper and Sophie.  Readers who love atmospheric, slow burn crime fiction, will enjoy this dark chilling read with its menacing undercurrent, twists and turns and many red herrings.

  • The Pit

    The Pit

    There is a new wave of Australian crime books set in the harsh, unforgiving outback; the “Aussie noir”. Around the world this growing subgenre of crime fiction has been embraced by many talented relatively new authors; Peter Papathanasiou is no exception.   His fourth and latest book, “The Pit” is the third in his outback noir series, which sees Detective Sergeant George Manolis on leave and his off sider Senior Constable Sparrow take charge to ascertain the facts surrounding an unusual murder report.  

    Nearing the end of his life, 65 year old Bob, who is confined to a Perth nursing home, apparently trying to clear his conscience, reports a murder which he committed thirty years ago.  However, he will only reveal the facts of this homicide if Sparrow accompanies him on a road trip to the remote northern Kimberly mining region, where the body is buried; intrigued, Sparrow agrees.

    Luke, a thirty year old paralyzed motor bike accident victim, also a resident of the same nursing home, joins the pair as they embark on their harsh journey north of red dust, endless miles and stifling heat. What is the real reason that Luke is on this demanding road trip?

    If readers can accept that a Detective Sergeant will take his holidays to accompany an unwell, unknown self-declared murderer and his ‘friend’ on a long arduous road trip into the north; mysterious destination, then this book will keep them page turning to the end. 

    Not only does the author create a feeling of remoteness and an atmosphere of mystery, but the characters, who are of unquestionable morals are both interesting and at times amusing.  Each has their own story to tell.

  • Broken Light

    Broken Light

    Life is never easy for youngsters who are perceived to be strange, different and an outsider. However later in life, if this difference is as a result of having the ability to enter the thoughts and minds of others and to change their attitudes, mindsets and actions, it could transform a dull life as a middle aged woman, to one of power and intrigue.

    When a young woman, Jo Perry, is murdered in a local park not far from the seemingly unremarkable Bernie Moon’s home, she is revitalized. Feeling more invisible by the day, ignored by her son, at beck and call of her husband and unnoticed by those around her, this news sparks memories of her hidden talent; one she had not thought of for years.

    Her talent is the ability to go into people’s ‘houses’ (minds). She can see who they really are, spot danger, and most importantly prevent it. Initially she only uses this ability to avert harm and help others, however her friend Iris, who she saved from a predatory man, has different ideas; she goads her to use her powers for less than desirable ends.  

    While this book is promoted as another mystery thriller by bestselling author Joanne Harris, the mystery element isn’t at the heart of this narrative. Although there is a hint of magical realism and supernatural powers, this modern novel draws the reader into the life of a middle aged woman living an ordinary life but whose rage gives her power to regain her identity.

    The unexpected twists and unanticipated ending will keep readers engaged until the last page. However, some may find this a difficult read, as the author tackles not only misogyny, depression, and abuse.

  • The Chanteuse from Cape Town

    The Chanteuse from Cape Town

    Set in Port Elizabeth, a Port town located on the Eastern Cape of South Africa, we met unlikely PI Solomon ‘Sol’ Nemo, a man who has many issues in his life, does not handle stress well and tends to become deeply depressed when life gets a bit too much to handle.

    He has been called to a meeting with a thoroughly unlovely accountant Eugene du Toit, a man with maximum security at his home, a somewhat unpleasant personality and very secretive manner.

    What du Toit has to tell Sol rocks his world and sets off a train of events which will test him to the very limit, call on all his skills learned in the SA Police Force and places Sol firmly into a dark world of danger, kidnapping, revenge and drug dealing on a grand scale.

    Gripping and thoroughly enjoyable, Sol races across the pages of The Chanteuse From Capetown, always almost there, almost seeing a result, almost but not quite, beginning to understand how to handle his life; his black periods of depression and trying to make sense out of exactly what is happening when the wife of his long-time friend and ‘adopted’ father Frank Zarakolu, is kidnapped makes captivating reading.

    The ransom required is exorbitant, far too much for this situation and is one that Frank is apparently prepared to pay to get his beloved Mira back. But something does not feel right at all to Sol, and even when he is warned off the case, he keeps on hunting for the reasons why, which places him in deadly danger.

    This very new PI Solomon ‘Sol’ Nemo, champion of the truth and coffee coloured skinned man of independent means, is set to charm and beguile his readers, soon to become fans, as he refuses to give up or give in, until either he pays with his life, or gets those responsible for this tragic event.

    First in a series by John Constable, Sol Nemo will be a man to watch as he takes life and crime head on, even if sometimes it is by ‘hiding under the covers’ of depression, while he sorts life and crime in Port Elizabeth out!

  • The Boys from Biloxi

    The Boys from Biloxi

    Although a legal thriller, ‘The Boys from Biloxi’ by the prolific, highly regarded, master writer, John Grisham, is quite different in style to many of his previous novels. It focusses more on the crime, and corruption along the Mississippi Coast and in particular, in Biloxi from the 1940s through to the later 1970s, where it was thriving. Gambling, strip clubs, prostitution, drugs, alcohol and the Dixie mafia are flourishing. In this environment can good conquer evil?

    Childhood baseball protégés and friends Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco are decedents of two hardworking, Croatian families who settled in the Biloxi area and achieved the American Dream.

    As teenagers going their separate ways and following in their father’s footsteps, one chooses the bright lights of the seedy nightclubs, while the other elects to work hard, go to law school and develop a social conscious. In due time, their paths cross again, which results in a violent and explosive conflict which lasts for decades.

    Although some readers will consider this more like a historical documentary than a crime fiction, with this slower-paced novel, Grisham has again skilfully provided an enjoyable and enthralling story.   

  • THE INK BLACK HEART

    THE INK BLACK HEART

    ‘The Ink Black Heart’, is the sixth in the Strike novels by JK Rowling under her pseudonym Robert Galbraith, which follows private detective Cormoran Strike and his associate Robin Ellacourt as they investigate the murder of one of the creators of a popular Youtube cartoon called ‘Ink Black Heart’.

    Initially when disheveled Edie Ledwell, co-creator of the popular cartoon, who was being persecuted by a mysterious online figure, sought help from the detective agency, Robin declined the client; cyber-investigating was not part of its scope.

    However, when a few days later Robin heard the shocking news that Edie had been tasered and then killed in Highgate Cemetery, the location of ‘Ink Black Heart’, Strike and Robin were drawn into the quest to identify Anomie, the perpetrator of the vicious online hate campaign. Strike and Robin’s deductive powers are stretched to the limit; they are forced to delve deeply into the foul world of the cartoon and its dedicated, aggressive fandom.

    At first sight a crime novel of around 1,000 pages is quite daunting, however about half of the pages are tweets, chat logs and message boards.  With a multitude of characters both with their online and offline avatars, some readers may have difficulty remembering each one and his/her role in the narrative; there are too many suspects who end up being insignificant.   

    Although this follows where the fifth in the series finished, readers will have no difficulty in filling in the gaps in the Robin and Strike relationship, which has moved very slowly through the six books in this series.

  • Daughters of Eve

    Daughters of Eve

    There is great news for readers of Crime Fiction. A new South Australian author has emerged. She is passionate, has a keen eye for realistic characters and a dramatic style of writing which is hard to put down. Nina D Campbell has written Daughters of Eve using the theme of domestic and sexual violence as her base. She uses a multisided approach, and her male characters are often respectful and cooperative.

    The story begins dramatically when a top Sydney lawyer, known to defend many a guilty predator, is shot on the steps of the courthouse. Emilia Hart, who is a Detective Sergeant, was following him down the stairs and tries to resuscitate him, but the pattern of bullets in his chest means a swift death. She immediately begins to activate investigations and to gather information for the team.

    Back at headquarters, a tactical response has begun. The stage is set when notice comes in of another shooting. In the next few days there follow many other shootings. The army is called in to keep the city safe. But what is the link between these assassinations.

    As she speaks to next of kin, DS Hart begins to see a pattern of domestic violence emerge. Then it appears, a pattern of sexual violence is also a factor in the murder enquiries. Personal experience and a desire to address wrong doings spur Hart to explore all avenues.

    Daughters of Eve unfolds seamlessly with each step presented; the flow is smooth. Suddenly there is a dramatic twist when Emilia’s family become involved. This story could become rather grim, but is saved by the humour, and a sense of justice portrayed. Nina Campbell has broken pulp stereotypes and used clever storytelling to great effect. Can’t wait for the next book!

  • The Accident

    The Accident

    Very cleverly created The Accident is a small slice of life in the everyday world of Grace, her daughter Emma and some of the people who come into their world, invited and otherwise, which captures beautifully the major mess life can all too easily become, when all you want to do is getting on with simply getting on!

    Emma is an only child to single mother, Grace, a Veterinarian who has earned an excellent reputation for her work with the local wildlife sanctuary. Emma is struggling with an eating disorder which rules both their lives.

    Zoe, in a long term relationship but childless, finds herself suddenly single as the ‘love of her life’ has accepted a contact in Vancouver and does not want her along on the journey. She is bereft, almost beyond consolation but seeks support from her cousin Claire, a psychologist and her long time very best friend.

    Their worlds run parallel as Emma changes schools due to ‘bullying’ issues and finds herself as one of Zoe’s students. Add Christopher, Emma’s birth father, Imogen a Doctor in the Emergency Department of the hospital, who never seems to be at all confident about her diagnosis, Nick the new love in Zoe’s life and then of course there is Ben, the forever love of Graces’ life, except he is married!

    There is hidden within the fabric of daily life, a subtle, but deadly game being played out based in obsession and possession which highlights the games people play with others’ lives to fulfil their own needs; sadly, an increasing modern societal issue.

    Over a nine-month period Katie McMahon weaves skilfully all these lives into a cohesive force that develops a momentum of its own, until everyone’s reality is bought into sharp focus by The Accident, which as accidents are wont do bring the many things that are truly important in life to the forefront.

    Dotted between the chapters are sections of the Coronial report from the Coronial Court of Tasmania Inquiry into a Death which adds to the intrigue of the storyline; but who died?  

    As the pages turn the story wraps itself around the emotions each one of us has faced or experienced in the madness that is life; the reality of eating disorders, mental health issues, abandonment and rebuilding that will eventually be called for, as life progresses ever onward.

    The Accident: do make sure you read the first page of quotes. They sum up life perfectly in a microcosm. An excellent read which is while very easy to relate to, retains the wonderful mantle of fiction to allow life to be held at arm’s length a little while longer. 

  • Out of Breath

    Out of Breath

     It seems that Jo has been running away all her life. There were distressing circumstances in her childhood which she planned to leave behind when she left England and moved to Australia. In Sydney she wanted to settle down. She began a relationship which failed. This led to her fleeing to a farm near Broome to pick mangoes.

    The courage of Jo is never in doubt as she rises to the challenge of the outback, the weather, harsh conditions, and sheer hard work. However once again we find her running away. This time she is looking for a true escape, living with a group of people in disused buildings.

     This group are happy, settled and headed by a woman who is love and kindness personified. They spend a great deal of time in the protected waters off the coast, and all become skilled in the art of holding their breath underwater for a long time.

    Jo has never questioned the need for money. Mainly the group exist on fruit that is substandard, or grain that has been rejected. But a project is revealed that has her questioning her moral compass. The intrigue and mystery that gradually evolve, have such alarming consequences that Jo runs, this time, for her life.

    Out of Breath by Anna Snoekstra is a sombre story with twists that slowly are revealed. It looks at how we can manipulate our subconscious and chain ourselves to misconceptions. There are some lovely descriptions of the Australian landscape.

  • The Dictator’s Wife

    The Dictator’s Wife

    Marija Popa, the enigmatic wife of an overthrown sadistic and deranged dictator, is standing trial with a possible death sentence as the outcome, as it is considered she had been compliant with his diabolical crimes against the people of the now impoverished Yanussia.

    She is firm in her innocence; she is not her husband. Former communist Eastern European country, Yanussia is divided. There are those who blindly support the stunning, glamorous Marija as the ‘Mother of the Nation”, while others are demanding her blood.

    In 1993 Laura Lazarescu’s parents fled the oppressive regime of Constantin Popa, when she was a child. She returns to her country of birth against her parents’ wishes, to defend Marija as part of the English defense team. The last thing her parents want is for Laura to defend Marija Popa. It soon becomes clear that her parents’ lives were entangled with those of the dictatorship; she is desperate to find out what happened to them.

    Laura and her colleagues are accommodated in Marija’s opulent home, where she is under house arrest. They can’t leave the grounds without an escort which hampers their ability to build a successful defense case. There is a suffocating atmosphere in the house; it is as if the building itself has secrets. It isn’t long before Laura is enticed into the spider’s web of the manipulative Marija: the little mother.

    Readers who enjoy slow-burner thrillers and historical fiction will definitely enjoy The Dictator’s Wife. Debut author Freya Berry, by carefully researching many eastern European countries and spending time in them, has created a gripping and tense read which encourages the reader to really reflect on the structures of power and how easily it can be abused.