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The Blackout
I know all about being afraid of the dark. Like my uncle, in my thirties I found my way into my own dark forest, face-to-face with the big bad wolf. He was so close to me the whole time, I could taste the blood on his breath. Meeting him felt like a fairytale. In fact, I met him at a bar called the Wolf's Lair. - Blackout, a podcast by Georgia Sansom
A sensational trial for an historic serial murder. A podcast that shines a light on how a city became afraid of the dark. A missing woman with a trail of secrets. A top lawyer famous for defending notorious criminals. A retired homicide cop hunting for the truth.
Intriguing and distinctive, this taut novella in three interweaving narratives will have you listening with the lights on.
This project is a work of fiction. Names, characters, companies and events are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, companies or events is entirely coincidental.
A sensational trial for an historic serial murder. A podcast that shines a light on how a city became afraid of the dark. A missing woman with a trail of secrets. A top lawyer famous for defending notorious criminals. A retired homicide cop hunting for the truth.
Intriguing and distinctive, this taut novella in three interweaving narratives will have you listening with the lights on.
This project is a work of fiction. Names, characters, companies and events are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, companies or events is entirely coincidental.
Audible Audio
Published March 9, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 14, 2023
I spent most of this book desperately wishing I could give the main narrator a lozenge.
April 11, 2023
At first I was enjoying the references to Perth (Australia) locations, and things. It’s not often fiction is set here or even mentions Perth. But then I noticed the author had lifted a lot of little details from the Claremont serial killer case. She only marginally disguised them. Anyone who was familiar with that case would have picked up on it, and considering the killer was only caught and sentenced a few years ago, and got so much media coverage (especially in Perth but nationally too), I would hazard to say a lot of readers would have been noticing this too. There really was no need for it. I’m not sure what motivated the author to do this, but it just came across as lazy.
The overall story just failed to engage me. It had the usual unreliable narrator trope - this one had bipolar disorder - and I found myself just underwhelmed by it all.
The overall story just failed to engage me. It had the usual unreliable narrator trope - this one had bipolar disorder - and I found myself just underwhelmed by it all.
April 29, 2023
I listened to this as the free Audible book of the month. I wish I hadn't bithered. It is really terrible. Full of tropes and just made me feel yucky.
September 25, 2024
This was a well-crafted thriller that kept me engaged from start to finish. I liked how the author included small details that seemed minor but turned out to be crucial to the story's conclusion. Everything tied together nicely at the end. One of my favorite parts was the use of multiple perspectives. Each character had a unique viewpoint that added depth to the plot, and the podcast narration kept me interested. However, it took me a while to get into the book. The characters could have been introduced earlier to hold my attention. At first, I almost gave up on the audiobook because it felt confusing. The pace only picked up towards the end. The ending felt a bit far-fetched, and I later learned it was loosely based on a real-life serial killer case. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, even with a slow start.
Read more: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
Read more: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
April 13, 2023
This was fine, but didn't really grab me. There is so obviously a very, very strong influence from the Claremont killings case, but in a way that felt a bit lazy. I also didn't love the changing tenses and found the narrative structure a bit confusing for most of the book and I don't think the story was long enough to make that structure necessary. There were also no characters I cared about as they weren't really fleshed out. It was nice to see Perth references, but again the similarities to the Claremont case were so obvious I may as well have read another book about that instead.
April 29, 2023
Excellent thriller listen. Loved the inclusion of podcasts. Great story and narrated really well! 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 18, 2023
This was quite a decent listen, although the ocker male Aussie voices were a little much to listen to… I am sick atm though, so there were times I felt vaguely confused, and I’m still lost as to the sister thing at the end - did I miss this??
Note, this has very clear connections to the Claremont murders, so if you’re familiar with these, then you won’t enjoy this as a story too much.
Note, this has very clear connections to the Claremont murders, so if you’re familiar with these, then you won’t enjoy this as a story too much.
April 27, 2023
this book somehow felt overly ambitious & lazy at the same time? i am still trying to figure out how lauren’s sister went from being ‘jessica smart’ to ‘jessica bailey’ — why would she have her sister’s married name?
i can see what was trying to be achieved here, but it really missed the mark.
i can see what was trying to be achieved here, but it really missed the mark.
April 23, 2023
Rather predictable crime novel - listened on Audible.
May 7, 2023
I thought it was enjoyable. Not riveting but a light listen to keep me entertained.
The narrator's portrayal of the female voices was comical though.
The narrator's portrayal of the female voices was comical though.
April 27, 2023
The Blackout by Ruth McIver is a well-crafted thriller that kept me engaged from beginning to end. I appreciated the author's use of small details that seemed insignificant at first, but ended up being crucial to the story's resolution. The way everything tied together in the end was satisfying and well-done.
One of the things I enjoyed most about the book was the use of multiple points of view. Each character had a unique perspective on the events unfolding in the story, which added depth and complexity to the plot. Additionally, the use of podcast narration as a framing device was a clever touch that kept me intrigued throughout.
I would give it 3.5 stars. While I found the book to be satisfying overall, it fell just short of earning a 4 or 5 star rating from me. However, if you're a fan of thrillers with a multi-layered plot and unexpected twists and turns, The Blackout by Ruth McIver is definitely worth checking out.
One of the things I enjoyed most about the book was the use of multiple points of view. Each character had a unique perspective on the events unfolding in the story, which added depth and complexity to the plot. Additionally, the use of podcast narration as a framing device was a clever touch that kept me intrigued throughout.
I would give it 3.5 stars. While I found the book to be satisfying overall, it fell just short of earning a 4 or 5 star rating from me. However, if you're a fan of thrillers with a multi-layered plot and unexpected twists and turns, The Blackout by Ruth McIver is definitely worth checking out.
May 6, 2023
This was… fine. Honestly think I would’ve preferred the whole book from Joel’s perspective. He’s a wonderfully complex character with all sorts of fun little quirks. But I wasn’t invested in anyone else, and couldn’t keep up with the details— too many names and too much happening —and by the end I didn’t care to try and do so. I thought the twists were mostly clever, but not being from Australia I didn’t recognize the parts apparently lifted from a well-known case, which upon learning of kinda ruined it for me.
April 9, 2023
Interesting character pov style and plot. Very easy read.
July 8, 2024
#TheBlackout by #RuthMcIver Book #46 of the year #2024
It took a while to get into the book. The book did make me believe I was listening to a podcast. It would have been better had the characters been introduced early on. I almost chucked the audiobook as it seemed garbled to me. It's only the last 1.5 hours that the pace picked up. Then, the book got my attention. The ending seemed like fiction. And, as it turned out, the book is fictional but loosely based on a real life serial killers case.
It took a while to get into the book. The book did make me believe I was listening to a podcast. It would have been better had the characters been introduced early on. I almost chucked the audiobook as it seemed garbled to me. It's only the last 1.5 hours that the pace picked up. Then, the book got my attention. The ending seemed like fiction. And, as it turned out, the book is fictional but loosely based on a real life serial killers case.
May 16, 2025
This free audiobook was, unfortunately, worth exactly what I paid for it. While the premise shows some potential (though clearly inspired by real-world news events), the execution leaves much to be desired. The writing is awkward and stilted, making the narrative feel clumsy and overly predictable. Moreover, the excessive focus on landmarks in Perth and Melbourne adds little value for readers outside those areas, making the setting feel more alienating than immersive.
My suggestion? Spend your time on a different book.
My suggestion? Spend your time on a different book.
September 17, 2024
3.5* Audio review: I thought Shane Jacobson was narrating for Uncle Joel, the detective; it sounded just like our comedic and talented Aussie ‘dunny man’ actor! This enticed me immediately as well as April’s free Audible audio.
Thus without checking on who narrators were, I could not shake his image from this character. In fact it encouraged my attention. It got me in. But it wasn’t SJ, sadly. But not a bad narration as Joel, who was by far, the easiest voice to listen to.
Indeed, a movie or series with Jacobson in the character role of Joel, would be a welcome highlight. I’d recommend finding more authentic female actors though.
This narrator, posing as a husky, smoke-induced female voice, just did not work. It districted and irritated me.
As an Aussie, the settings of Perth and Melbourne were familiar and relatable. It added to the plot-line.
I certainly liked the podcast idea and the different episodes within, which coincided with what was occurring in the plot, and when. The ending gives you answers to the developing plot and connects the podcast to the discovery of the whodunnit aspect.
But I worked it out immediately the detective spoke to the man, later discovered as the real murderer. It did put a dampener on the rest of the plot thereafter.
Initially the podcast idea does throw the listener/reader off as you may feel as though you’ve stumbled onto a free podcast instead of a book! However it was a good idea to include as a plot framework.
I don’t know much about the Claremont murders in Perth but assume it was gleamed as a source of inspiration for the author. Seems other reviewers have picked up on this fact too.
And why not? It’s permissible for authors as long as it is fictitious overall. It didn’t bother me. If anything, I will search more information about it.
One irritating factor (as in many detective stories) was the health and well-being of Joel’s character; his diet, his past trauma, his present life. But his heart is there and he’s a likeable character who looks to his sister, the mother of Georgia, fondly. They all have their own issues it seems.
But it is when the true background of the murderer is narrated, too hastily and at the end, for that twist, that really had me sitting up. Such was my interest and intrigue into a killer’s mind.
Even though I had already guessed who the culprit was, due to his confronting manner with Joel earlier on and his disdain for women, his derailed and traumatised childhood added some depth to his character. But not enough. There could have been far more!
We discover that his mother, Donna, was a drug addict who entertained various men; and her son watched from a cupboard. What an awful psychological impact.
There was an absent father, much abuse, mixed with some loving moments, but then a finale of a mother’s murder. That whole scene was not quite clear enough as to who actually did the murder.
But no doubt the boy saw it, maybe thought he did it, then wandered out into the neighbourhood and ends up in a hospital, not talking, but scarred, mentally, physically and spiritually forever.
That he is then adopted by a Judge’s family, of all things, ostensibly paves the way forward for this disturbed child. He gets an education, learns how to be a defending lawyer whilst covering up a true narcissistic, misogynistic and psychopathic mind!
All the tricks of the trade landed in Austin’s hands. Who would question a lawyer with good standing and a father as a judge? It was thus this aspect of the plot that fascinated me the most.
Mental health is addressed in the plot. Almost everyone has issues; post traumatic stress disorders etc. This perhaps served to be relatable, to confuse, add intrigue, to cover up, to explain etc. Did Austin ‘get off’ perhaps??
Of course we discover further details about the lifestyle and mental stability of Georgia, our deceased podcast narrator, as well as her uncle Joel, her family, and most other characters along the way. Important, for how these characters connected.
It was a short book but it could have been edited more to include far more of Austin’s earlier life in between (maybe Georgia could have interviewed him but kept his name anonymous?).
His background was, by far, the most interesting if you want to know how a psychopath’s mind works.I liked his surprise visit and revealing conversation in Joel’s place (the supposed plot twist point) but it occurred all too quickly at the end.
And likewise, the follow-up knock on his door in this scene, created further suspense. All too fast as Joel finds his strength to pull the trigger and maim the killer, saving his sister.
The book soon winds up with Joel retrieving Georgia’s podcast USB/document from his private mailbox, and we understand the reason the author used it in her plot from the start.
But did I miss something; what happens to Austin? Is he a paraplegic? Does he go to prison? Or does he die from his wounds? A follow-up book?
It was a psychological thriller in parts, the gory scenes not too descriptive yet had the desired added suspense and tension. Mostly a mystery … yet it was obvious too early.
I enjoyed it to a degree and I would read/ listen to another but my advice to the author is to keep the antagonist less obvious. Could the podcast have had two parallel episodes? The victim’s and the culprit’s? But make the culprit appear in anonymity? Just a thought.
Thus without checking on who narrators were, I could not shake his image from this character. In fact it encouraged my attention. It got me in. But it wasn’t SJ, sadly. But not a bad narration as Joel, who was by far, the easiest voice to listen to.
Indeed, a movie or series with Jacobson in the character role of Joel, would be a welcome highlight. I’d recommend finding more authentic female actors though.
This narrator, posing as a husky, smoke-induced female voice, just did not work. It districted and irritated me.
As an Aussie, the settings of Perth and Melbourne were familiar and relatable. It added to the plot-line.
I certainly liked the podcast idea and the different episodes within, which coincided with what was occurring in the plot, and when. The ending gives you answers to the developing plot and connects the podcast to the discovery of the whodunnit aspect.
But I worked it out immediately the detective spoke to the man, later discovered as the real murderer. It did put a dampener on the rest of the plot thereafter.
Initially the podcast idea does throw the listener/reader off as you may feel as though you’ve stumbled onto a free podcast instead of a book! However it was a good idea to include as a plot framework.
I don’t know much about the Claremont murders in Perth but assume it was gleamed as a source of inspiration for the author. Seems other reviewers have picked up on this fact too.
And why not? It’s permissible for authors as long as it is fictitious overall. It didn’t bother me. If anything, I will search more information about it.
One irritating factor (as in many detective stories) was the health and well-being of Joel’s character; his diet, his past trauma, his present life. But his heart is there and he’s a likeable character who looks to his sister, the mother of Georgia, fondly. They all have their own issues it seems.
But it is when the true background of the murderer is narrated, too hastily and at the end, for that twist, that really had me sitting up. Such was my interest and intrigue into a killer’s mind.
Even though I had already guessed who the culprit was, due to his confronting manner with Joel earlier on and his disdain for women, his derailed and traumatised childhood added some depth to his character. But not enough. There could have been far more!
We discover that his mother, Donna, was a drug addict who entertained various men; and her son watched from a cupboard. What an awful psychological impact.
There was an absent father, much abuse, mixed with some loving moments, but then a finale of a mother’s murder. That whole scene was not quite clear enough as to who actually did the murder.
But no doubt the boy saw it, maybe thought he did it, then wandered out into the neighbourhood and ends up in a hospital, not talking, but scarred, mentally, physically and spiritually forever.
That he is then adopted by a Judge’s family, of all things, ostensibly paves the way forward for this disturbed child. He gets an education, learns how to be a defending lawyer whilst covering up a true narcissistic, misogynistic and psychopathic mind!
All the tricks of the trade landed in Austin’s hands. Who would question a lawyer with good standing and a father as a judge? It was thus this aspect of the plot that fascinated me the most.
Mental health is addressed in the plot. Almost everyone has issues; post traumatic stress disorders etc. This perhaps served to be relatable, to confuse, add intrigue, to cover up, to explain etc. Did Austin ‘get off’ perhaps??
Of course we discover further details about the lifestyle and mental stability of Georgia, our deceased podcast narrator, as well as her uncle Joel, her family, and most other characters along the way. Important, for how these characters connected.
It was a short book but it could have been edited more to include far more of Austin’s earlier life in between (maybe Georgia could have interviewed him but kept his name anonymous?).
His background was, by far, the most interesting if you want to know how a psychopath’s mind works.I liked his surprise visit and revealing conversation in Joel’s place (the supposed plot twist point) but it occurred all too quickly at the end.
And likewise, the follow-up knock on his door in this scene, created further suspense. All too fast as Joel finds his strength to pull the trigger and maim the killer, saving his sister.
The book soon winds up with Joel retrieving Georgia’s podcast USB/document from his private mailbox, and we understand the reason the author used it in her plot from the start.
But did I miss something; what happens to Austin? Is he a paraplegic? Does he go to prison? Or does he die from his wounds? A follow-up book?
It was a psychological thriller in parts, the gory scenes not too descriptive yet had the desired added suspense and tension. Mostly a mystery … yet it was obvious too early.
I enjoyed it to a degree and I would read/ listen to another but my advice to the author is to keep the antagonist less obvious. Could the podcast have had two parallel episodes? The victim’s and the culprit’s? But make the culprit appear in anonymity? Just a thought.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2024
2.5 (rounded to 3)/5
Overall this had the makings of a good thriller - there were multiple suspects, multiple storylines and multiple victims. The challenge was that the storylines were not clearly defined, the characters tended to blur a little so, when they were all brought together at the end, there was a little bit of a muddle to sort through.
I’d definitely try more of this author’s work though, based on this.
Overall this had the makings of a good thriller - there were multiple suspects, multiple storylines and multiple victims. The challenge was that the storylines were not clearly defined, the characters tended to blur a little so, when they were all brought together at the end, there was a little bit of a muddle to sort through.
I’d definitely try more of this author’s work though, based on this.
November 19, 2024
I think this was a free monthly book from Audible that has sat in my list for nearly 12 months before I got to it. Honestly it was ok, I liked the podcast idea for Georgia’s narrative but overall I kind of picked some of the plot twists and I probably could’ve picked the others had I been more invested in the plot. Having said that thriller/crime mystery is not my go too genre so I personally don’t usually rate these genres high.
August 14, 2023
Just having a bit of a personal crime wave. I listened to this and whilst the story was good the reading was less satisfying. The creating of a podcast authors as a key character with her family worked well and the locations between Fitzroy and WA also worked well. Clever scene setting. With an excellent reveal very late in the piece.
September 8, 2023
Interesting mix of true crime, investigation and unreliable narrator. A bit disjointed for my taste and I know that some readers have had trouble with the fictionalised use of the crimes of a real life serial killer. The narrative of the retired detective/PI was the one I enjoyed the best and that could have potential for further works.
March 17, 2025
A very quick read. Feels less like a novel and more like a podcast. Some very unbelievable police procedures took me out of the narrative but other than that, it was an interesting case.
Hated the second person narrative voice of one of the sections of the text - I know why they did it but I didn’t like it at all.
Hated the second person narrative voice of one of the sections of the text - I know why they did it but I didn’t like it at all.
October 20, 2025
This was free and yet I still want my money back.
Production wise, if you're narrating a book that has a podcast element..... try to make it engaging? This was about as engaging as reading a math textbook.
It wasn't solely the narration though as the story itself is just dull: it has too large a cast of characters, and it's difficult to get engaged or keep any of it straight.
Production wise, if you're narrating a book that has a podcast element..... try to make it engaging? This was about as engaging as reading a math textbook.
It wasn't solely the narration though as the story itself is just dull: it has too large a cast of characters, and it's difficult to get engaged or keep any of it straight.
April 11, 2023
By the end, I was really enjoying this story. It took a while to get into it and I was a bit confused, but it fleshed itself out by the middle and I'm glad I stuck it out. The way it was told was confusing at first, but I understand why later on and it was smart.
8/10.
8/10.
April 19, 2023
It’s a 2.5 for me. 2 stars feels a bit harsh but 3 seems too much. I didn’t like the use of 2nd person in this book. It didn’t gel with me and I found it really broke my suspension of disbelief. Some interesting ideas but overall a predictable read.
May 3, 2023
There were two main "twists" in this story but unfortunately they were both very predictable. The story wasn't quite engaging enough to look past them but for a fairly short book, it was enjoyable enough.
June 3, 2023
Hard to follow. Maybe if I read it a second time I'd follow the storyline better. It only got interesting from the third last chapter. I reckon so many people would give up before that. Luckily I try to finish all books I start. All in all a good storyline, just wish it flowed a little better.
June 17, 2023
Read as Audible Australia Editor's Extra book of the month. Probably worthy of 3.5 stars.
It was a nice little thriller. I nearly always enjoy books with multiple pov as audiobooks. This one worked that way too.
It was a nice little thriller. I nearly always enjoy books with multiple pov as audiobooks. This one worked that way too.
April 7, 2023
3.5 stars
April 8, 2023
Clever and entertaining - not sure what was real!
April 13, 2023
I enjoyed the references to Perth. It was a little strange to mirror the claremont killings. Easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews