(Can be read as a standalone)
“a brilliantly realized flawed lead”
US Publishers Weekly
Winner – Davitt Award, Best Novel
Shortlisted – Barry Award Best Paperback, USA
Longlisted – Best Novel Dublin International Literary Award
Deaf since early childhood, Caleb Zelic is used to meeting life head-on. Now, he’s struggling just to get through the day. His best mate is dead, his ex-wife, Kat, is avoiding him, and nightmares haunt his waking hours.
But when a young woman is killed, after pleading for his help in sign language, Caleb is determined to find out who she was. The trail leads Caleb back to his hometown, Resurrection Bay. The town is on bushfire alert, and simmering with racial tensions.
As Caleb delves deeper, he uncovers secrets that could ruin any chance of reuniting with Kat, and even threaten his life. Driven by his own demons, he pushes on. But who is he willing to sacrifice along the way?
Viskic combines nuanced characters and thoughtful plotting in her impressive sequel to Resurrection Bay…a brilliantly realized flawed lead.
US PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)
Viskic’s descriptions of place are often so intense you can smell them.
THE AGE
One of the most intriguing recent protagonists of Australian crime fiction
A high-tempo, engaging read, in which every dialogue, every observation, every situation is sharp, spot-on and intriguing.
THRILLER BOOKS JOURNAL
But it’s not just Caleb that makes these books sing: it’s Viskic’s ability to make the small town of Resurrection Bay into a living, breathing thing…
THE ADVERTISER
Emma Viskic makes brave writing choices. Her characters are achingly real – the challenges they face are rarely simple.
BOOKLOVER BOOK REVIEWS
Viskic has knocked it out of the park with this one: unpredictable, immersive, and wildly original.
Jack Heath (HANGMAN)
Regardless of where her plot leads, be it drug-running, police work, Aboriginal family relationships or medical conditions, her research lends authenticity to her work.
ARTSHUB
An utterly compelling and thought provoking read
RAVEN CRIME READS
Emma Viskic again delivers her skilful touch of humanity in another gripping story.
THE BIG ISSUE
Simply brilliant, brave and a bloody good read.
SISTERS IN CRIME AUST
‘…beautifully balanced characterisations, action and setting… Its setting is fictional, but feels real – a small town battling drugs and petty crimes; bored teenagers, and undercurrents of deeply ingrained racism while Aboriginal communities struggle for control of their own futures.
NEWTOWN REVIEW OF BOOKS
Bold, uncompromising and starkly beautiful
Ruth Wykes (INVISIBLE WOMEN)
Emma Viskic is a terrific, gutsy writer with great insight into the murkiness of both criminal and heroic motivations.
Emily Maguire (AN ISOLATED INCIDENT)
An absolute ripping read
DOGEARED REVIEWS
As much as I loved Resurrection Bay, this book surpassed that one on all counts … Caleb Zelic has to be one of my all time favourite characters.
CRIME BOOK JUNKIE
Viskic’s voice is strong and clear. A darkly beautiful, assured sequel: here’s hoping for more.
READINGS BOOKS