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Holiday Murders #1
The Holiday Murders
If only the killings had stopped at two. The police are desperate to come to grips with an extraordinary and disquieting upsurge of violence. For Constable Helen Lord, it is an opportunity to make her mark in a male-dominated world where she is patronised as a novelty. For Detective Joe Sable, the investigation forces a reassessment of his indifference to his Jewish heritage. Racing against the clock, the police uncover simmering tensions among secretive local Nazi sympathisers as a psychopathic fascist usurper makes his move.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
41 people are currently reading
606 people want to read
About the author
Robert Gott
33 books59 followersRobert Gott was born in the small Queensland town of Maryborough in 1957, and lives in Melbourne. He has published many books for children, and is also the creator of the newspaper cartoon The Adventures of Naked Man. He is also the author of the William Power trilogy of crime-caper novels set in 1940s Australia: Good Murder, A Thing of Blood, and Amongst the Dead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
January 24, 2022
The Holiday Murders occur on Christmas Eve 1943 in Melbourne. A young man is found horribly tortured and murdered while his father appears to have committed suicide in their home. However, it doesn't take the police, Inspector Lambert and Sergeant Joe Sable of the newly formed Homicide division long to work out that it is indeed a double murder. The father was in military intelligence and papers found in the house point to his investigation of a group of fascist, Nazi party sympathisers. Joe finds himself co-opted by military intelligence to investigate their activities while determining their role in the murders. A young female PC, Helen Lord is seconded to Homicide to assist Joe in the investigation.
This is an interesting historical mystery based on real events in Melbourne during WWII. The setting feels very authentic, with families making austerity cuts to celebrating Christmas and trying to do imaginative things with the rations available. Joe is from a Jewish family so is sensitive to the antisemitic sentiments of the times and Helen has her own difficulties in forging a career as one of the first women in the force. The murderer is a truly twisted individual for whom no evil is off limits making for a dark and gritty plot.
This is an interesting historical mystery based on real events in Melbourne during WWII. The setting feels very authentic, with families making austerity cuts to celebrating Christmas and trying to do imaginative things with the rations available. Joe is from a Jewish family so is sensitive to the antisemitic sentiments of the times and Helen has her own difficulties in forging a career as one of the first women in the force. The murderer is a truly twisted individual for whom no evil is off limits making for a dark and gritty plot.
September 1, 2015
Robert Gott, where have you been hiding?
The Holiday Murders, released 3 years ago, but Robert Gott had only come to my attention through recommendations from Alex (Goodreads Friend) and a personal friend of mine, Sue – who just so happens they were both reading The Port Fairy Murders at the same time.
When I saw the books next, they were in the boot of Sue’s car. I grabbed them, and immediately raced home to start reading The Holiday Murders.
And what a surprise it was!
It's not as light as I initially thought – I was expecting a Phryne Fisher like mystery. It’s actually quite violent and gruesome in parts, and not for the fainthearted. The book is set in Melbourne during WW11. It incorporates fiction with real life events, publications and news articles on the fight oversea. And it gave the readers an indication on Australian’s perspective when it came down to the ethic people living in their country, in particular their views Jews. And unfortunately it’s not all favourable. It looks at the darker side of Melbourne’s underground; Nazi worshipers and extremist, anti-Semitism and the pornography trade.
The book starts off with a death of father and son. Head of a newly formed Homicide division, Inspector Titus Lambert is called to the home where he finds the son’s body violently mutilated, laid out in the form of a cross. The father found in the bathtub with a bullet to the brain. The killer, clumsily made it look like a murder suicide. In the meantime Titus and his team dig a little further, their findings suggest it’s political issue. Soon after they find themselves teaming up with Military Intelligence with their ongoing investigation into Australian Nazi sympathisers.
Titus team is made up of some interesting character, and are very well developed. All dealing with their own personal obstacles and concerns. Detective Joe Sable is of Jewish heritage, is disturbed by the treatment of Jews overseas and afraid of what Australians might think of him. He’s agreed to go undercover for the Military Intelligence, but he later finds himself in a dangerous position where he is the target of Nazi extremist.
Constable Helen Lord, unable to move up in the ranks because of her gender. Her intelligence and keen eye for detail is truly exceptional - and Inspector Titus can see that.
Titus is fair and open-minded. He’s a good judge of character and can see unique qualities in people - which he will use to his full advantage. His Homicide division is understaffed and he needs help, so he’s not going to let Helen Lord's unique qualities go to waste sitting behind a desk. Unfortunately not many people share his view.
Robert Gott gives the reader a realistic view and hardships of the era. I loved reading about suburbs in which I grew up in – Fitzroy, Brunswick and Carlton. Specific food items were hard to come by for the average earner – black market for the wealthy. I really enjoyed the references made to the legendary, Australian Women’s Weekly who came to the rescue for families - especially during the Christmas time - with their modified, and budget family recipes for dinner. It’s great to see that they played an important part with families back then, as they do now.
The book touches on many serious issues, such as women rights, homosexuality, politics, racism and mental disorders. But one thing for sure, The Holiday Murders is a high-impact, edge of your seat thriller that will leave you breathless.
The Holiday Murders, released 3 years ago, but Robert Gott had only come to my attention through recommendations from Alex (Goodreads Friend) and a personal friend of mine, Sue – who just so happens they were both reading The Port Fairy Murders at the same time.
When I saw the books next, they were in the boot of Sue’s car. I grabbed them, and immediately raced home to start reading The Holiday Murders.
And what a surprise it was!
It's not as light as I initially thought – I was expecting a Phryne Fisher like mystery. It’s actually quite violent and gruesome in parts, and not for the fainthearted. The book is set in Melbourne during WW11. It incorporates fiction with real life events, publications and news articles on the fight oversea. And it gave the readers an indication on Australian’s perspective when it came down to the ethic people living in their country, in particular their views Jews. And unfortunately it’s not all favourable. It looks at the darker side of Melbourne’s underground; Nazi worshipers and extremist, anti-Semitism and the pornography trade.
The book starts off with a death of father and son. Head of a newly formed Homicide division, Inspector Titus Lambert is called to the home where he finds the son’s body violently mutilated, laid out in the form of a cross. The father found in the bathtub with a bullet to the brain. The killer, clumsily made it look like a murder suicide. In the meantime Titus and his team dig a little further, their findings suggest it’s political issue. Soon after they find themselves teaming up with Military Intelligence with their ongoing investigation into Australian Nazi sympathisers.
Titus team is made up of some interesting character, and are very well developed. All dealing with their own personal obstacles and concerns. Detective Joe Sable is of Jewish heritage, is disturbed by the treatment of Jews overseas and afraid of what Australians might think of him. He’s agreed to go undercover for the Military Intelligence, but he later finds himself in a dangerous position where he is the target of Nazi extremist.
Constable Helen Lord, unable to move up in the ranks because of her gender. Her intelligence and keen eye for detail is truly exceptional - and Inspector Titus can see that.
Titus is fair and open-minded. He’s a good judge of character and can see unique qualities in people - which he will use to his full advantage. His Homicide division is understaffed and he needs help, so he’s not going to let Helen Lord's unique qualities go to waste sitting behind a desk. Unfortunately not many people share his view.
Robert Gott gives the reader a realistic view and hardships of the era. I loved reading about suburbs in which I grew up in – Fitzroy, Brunswick and Carlton. Specific food items were hard to come by for the average earner – black market for the wealthy. I really enjoyed the references made to the legendary, Australian Women’s Weekly who came to the rescue for families - especially during the Christmas time - with their modified, and budget family recipes for dinner. It’s great to see that they played an important part with families back then, as they do now.
The book touches on many serious issues, such as women rights, homosexuality, politics, racism and mental disorders. But one thing for sure, The Holiday Murders is a high-impact, edge of your seat thriller that will leave you breathless.
November 4, 2021
3.5 stars
August 18, 2021
4.5★s
The Holiday Murder is the first book in the Holiday Murders series by Australian author, Robert Gott. 1943, and not even Christmas Eve is sacred for the head of Melbourne’s newly formed Homicide division, Detective Inspector Titus Lambert. He attends an apparent murder-suicide at an exclusive East Melbourne address with his newly-trained Detective Sergeant, Joe Sable.
It is immediately clear to Titus that they are dealing with a ruthless killer: Xavier Quinn has been mutilated; the body of his father, John, staged as a suicide. Other evidence at the scene indicates the murders could be both personal and political, and Titus plans to involve Military Intelligence as soon as possible.
While willing to delegate to his Sergeant, he does wonder if the young man has what it takes: “Despite what many in the force believed, Titus Lambert knew that detection depended on finely tuned instinct rather than on well-honed skills. Skills could be acquired, but you either had the instinct or you lacked it – and if you lacked it, the best you could hope for was plodding competence.”
Before long, Joe Sable has been seconded to MI, charged with infiltrating a fledgling branch of a new right-wing political party, Australia First. He assures Titus that his loyalties lie with Homicide. But the murderer, it seems, isn’t done: another brutal killing follows on the heels of the first two, underlining the urgency of their investigation.
With Joe otherwise engaged, Titus enlists Constable Helen Lord to assist him. Wary at first, accustomed to being relegated to menial tasks, Helen is eager to participate in some real policing. Titus recognises her talents and, amid grumbles from his colleagues, is determined to make the best use of them, but Helen initially finds herself second-guessing his intentions and reactions.
Gott gives the reader excellent historical crime fiction that features rabid anti-Semites, parlour Nazis, kidnapping, torture, good detective work, naturists and ice-skating. The reader knows who the murderer is from the outset, but there’s one aspect of the motive that only becomes apparent closer to the nail-biting climax, and the twist is one that even the most astute reader is unlikely to pick.
Titus is a refreshingly non-chauvinist 1940s cop, a plain-speaking man who recognises ability over rank. His wife is a delight, clever and insightful, and their dialogue is often entertaining.
While this is a dark and gritty tale, there are some laugh-out-loud moments to relieve the tension. Gott easily captures 1940s Victoria and his main protagonists have more than enough appeal, for all their flaws (except Maude, who clearly has no flaws at all!), to ensure fans will eagerly anticipate further books in the series. Great Aussie fiction.
The Holiday Murder is the first book in the Holiday Murders series by Australian author, Robert Gott. 1943, and not even Christmas Eve is sacred for the head of Melbourne’s newly formed Homicide division, Detective Inspector Titus Lambert. He attends an apparent murder-suicide at an exclusive East Melbourne address with his newly-trained Detective Sergeant, Joe Sable.
It is immediately clear to Titus that they are dealing with a ruthless killer: Xavier Quinn has been mutilated; the body of his father, John, staged as a suicide. Other evidence at the scene indicates the murders could be both personal and political, and Titus plans to involve Military Intelligence as soon as possible.
While willing to delegate to his Sergeant, he does wonder if the young man has what it takes: “Despite what many in the force believed, Titus Lambert knew that detection depended on finely tuned instinct rather than on well-honed skills. Skills could be acquired, but you either had the instinct or you lacked it – and if you lacked it, the best you could hope for was plodding competence.”
Before long, Joe Sable has been seconded to MI, charged with infiltrating a fledgling branch of a new right-wing political party, Australia First. He assures Titus that his loyalties lie with Homicide. But the murderer, it seems, isn’t done: another brutal killing follows on the heels of the first two, underlining the urgency of their investigation.
With Joe otherwise engaged, Titus enlists Constable Helen Lord to assist him. Wary at first, accustomed to being relegated to menial tasks, Helen is eager to participate in some real policing. Titus recognises her talents and, amid grumbles from his colleagues, is determined to make the best use of them, but Helen initially finds herself second-guessing his intentions and reactions.
Gott gives the reader excellent historical crime fiction that features rabid anti-Semites, parlour Nazis, kidnapping, torture, good detective work, naturists and ice-skating. The reader knows who the murderer is from the outset, but there’s one aspect of the motive that only becomes apparent closer to the nail-biting climax, and the twist is one that even the most astute reader is unlikely to pick.
Titus is a refreshingly non-chauvinist 1940s cop, a plain-speaking man who recognises ability over rank. His wife is a delight, clever and insightful, and their dialogue is often entertaining.
While this is a dark and gritty tale, there are some laugh-out-loud moments to relieve the tension. Gott easily captures 1940s Victoria and his main protagonists have more than enough appeal, for all their flaws (except Maude, who clearly has no flaws at all!), to ensure fans will eagerly anticipate further books in the series. Great Aussie fiction.
August 19, 2021
4.5★s
The Holiday Murder is the first book in the Holiday Murders series by Australian author, Robert Gott. The audio version is narrated by James Millar. 1943, and not even Christmas Eve is sacred for the head of Melbourne’s newly formed Homicide division, Detective Inspector Titus Lambert. He attends an apparent murder-suicide at an exclusive East Melbourne address with his newly-trained Detective Sergeant, Joe Sable.
It is immediately clear to Titus that they are dealing with a ruthless killer: Xavier Quinn has been mutilated; the body of his father, John, staged as a suicide. Other evidence at the scene indicates the murders could be both personal and political, and Titus plans to involve Military Intelligence as soon as possible.
While willing to delegate to his Sergeant, he does wonder if the young man has what it takes: “Despite what many in the force believed, Titus Lambert knew that detection depended on finely tuned instinct rather than on well-honed skills. Skills could be acquired, but you either had the instinct or you lacked it – and if you lacked it, the best you could hope for was plodding competence.”
Before long, Joe Sable has been seconded to MI, charged with infiltrating a fledgling branch of a new right-wing political party, Australia First. He assures Titus that his loyalties lie with Homicide. But the murderer, it seems, isn’t done: another brutal killing follows on the heels of the first two, underlining the urgency of their investigation.
With Joe otherwise engaged, Titus enlists Constable Helen Lord to assist him. Wary at first, accustomed to being relegated to menial tasks, Helen is eager to participate in some real policing. Titus recognises her talents and, amid grumbles from his colleagues, is determined to make the best use of them, but Helen initially finds herself second-guessing his intentions and reactions.
Gott gives the reader excellent historical crime fiction that features rabid anti-Semites, parlour Nazis, kidnapping, torture, good detective work, naturists and ice-skating. The reader knows who the murderer is from the outset, but there’s one aspect of the motive that only becomes apparent closer to the nail-biting climax, and the twist is one that even the most astute reader is unlikely to pick.
Titus is a refreshingly non-chauvinist 1940s cop, a plain-speaking man who recognises ability over rank. His wife is a delight, clever and insightful, and their dialogue is often entertaining.
While this is a dark and gritty tale, there are some laugh-out-loud moments to relieve the tension. Gott easily captures 1940s Victoria and his main protagonists have more than enough appeal, for all their flaws (except Maude, who clearly has no flaws at all!), to ensure fans will eagerly anticipate further books in the series. Great Aussie fiction.
The Holiday Murder is the first book in the Holiday Murders series by Australian author, Robert Gott. The audio version is narrated by James Millar. 1943, and not even Christmas Eve is sacred for the head of Melbourne’s newly formed Homicide division, Detective Inspector Titus Lambert. He attends an apparent murder-suicide at an exclusive East Melbourne address with his newly-trained Detective Sergeant, Joe Sable.
It is immediately clear to Titus that they are dealing with a ruthless killer: Xavier Quinn has been mutilated; the body of his father, John, staged as a suicide. Other evidence at the scene indicates the murders could be both personal and political, and Titus plans to involve Military Intelligence as soon as possible.
While willing to delegate to his Sergeant, he does wonder if the young man has what it takes: “Despite what many in the force believed, Titus Lambert knew that detection depended on finely tuned instinct rather than on well-honed skills. Skills could be acquired, but you either had the instinct or you lacked it – and if you lacked it, the best you could hope for was plodding competence.”
Before long, Joe Sable has been seconded to MI, charged with infiltrating a fledgling branch of a new right-wing political party, Australia First. He assures Titus that his loyalties lie with Homicide. But the murderer, it seems, isn’t done: another brutal killing follows on the heels of the first two, underlining the urgency of their investigation.
With Joe otherwise engaged, Titus enlists Constable Helen Lord to assist him. Wary at first, accustomed to being relegated to menial tasks, Helen is eager to participate in some real policing. Titus recognises her talents and, amid grumbles from his colleagues, is determined to make the best use of them, but Helen initially finds herself second-guessing his intentions and reactions.
Gott gives the reader excellent historical crime fiction that features rabid anti-Semites, parlour Nazis, kidnapping, torture, good detective work, naturists and ice-skating. The reader knows who the murderer is from the outset, but there’s one aspect of the motive that only becomes apparent closer to the nail-biting climax, and the twist is one that even the most astute reader is unlikely to pick.
Titus is a refreshingly non-chauvinist 1940s cop, a plain-speaking man who recognises ability over rank. His wife is a delight, clever and insightful, and their dialogue is often entertaining.
While this is a dark and gritty tale, there are some laugh-out-loud moments to relieve the tension. Gott easily captures 1940s Victoria and his main protagonists have more than enough appeal, for all their flaws (except Maude, who clearly has no flaws at all!), to ensure fans will eagerly anticipate further books in the series. Great Aussie fiction.
March 11, 2015
WOW! 6 stars!!!
Powerful, brutal, captivating and charming. And did I mention well written??
An Open letter to Robert Gott
Dear Mr Gott
I am ashamed to say I knew nothing about you as an author until after I read the schedule of the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival (May 2015) where I noticed your name against a session titled “A Season to Die For.” This session sparked my interest and I decided to research your work and consequently decided to try and read a few of your books to see if I liked your narratives and style before committing to the session. I am committed! What a brilliant writer you are. Why haven’t I come across your name before?
I have just finished reading The Holiday Murders, it is two o’clock in the morning and I should be going back to bed…I am really tempted to start the next book in this series, The Port Fairy Murders…what a dilemma…sleep V reading….in the end I decided I had better try and get some sleep- I knew if I started this next book I would still be reading at sunrise or however long it took me to finish reading this book.
What did I love about The Holiday Murders I hear you asking? Everything! Characterisations, interesting plot touching on the changing role of women’s place in society, politics, prejudice, Nazism, history, bullying, power over, murder, co dependence in a violent kind of way … …and I was alerted to so much domestic and international history/politics that I wasn't even aware of in Australia at that time (coincidentally this also was referred to in a recent read by Peter Carey – Amnesia: re migration/White Australia policy) funny how thing resonate...as a baby boomer, I mostly was unaware of these issues…times were changing before I became aware.
So back to the book; great writing, engaging characters, authentic settings, enlightening social commentary and an amazing twist at the end and did I mention that as you know from the start who did it – you spend the rest of the book trying to figure out why; intriguing. Bring on the next in this series – I can’t wait.
PS
Did I mention up until know I thought I didn't like historical crime fiction?? I am converted.
Powerful, brutal, captivating and charming. And did I mention well written??
An Open letter to Robert Gott
Dear Mr Gott
I am ashamed to say I knew nothing about you as an author until after I read the schedule of the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival (May 2015) where I noticed your name against a session titled “A Season to Die For.” This session sparked my interest and I decided to research your work and consequently decided to try and read a few of your books to see if I liked your narratives and style before committing to the session. I am committed! What a brilliant writer you are. Why haven’t I come across your name before?
I have just finished reading The Holiday Murders, it is two o’clock in the morning and I should be going back to bed…I am really tempted to start the next book in this series, The Port Fairy Murders…what a dilemma…sleep V reading….in the end I decided I had better try and get some sleep- I knew if I started this next book I would still be reading at sunrise or however long it took me to finish reading this book.
What did I love about The Holiday Murders I hear you asking? Everything! Characterisations, interesting plot touching on the changing role of women’s place in society, politics, prejudice, Nazism, history, bullying, power over, murder, co dependence in a violent kind of way … …and I was alerted to so much domestic and international history/politics that I wasn't even aware of in Australia at that time (coincidentally this also was referred to in a recent read by Peter Carey – Amnesia: re migration/White Australia policy) funny how thing resonate...as a baby boomer, I mostly was unaware of these issues…times were changing before I became aware.
So back to the book; great writing, engaging characters, authentic settings, enlightening social commentary and an amazing twist at the end and did I mention that as you know from the start who did it – you spend the rest of the book trying to figure out why; intriguing. Bring on the next in this series – I can’t wait.
PS
Did I mention up until know I thought I didn't like historical crime fiction?? I am converted.
December 22, 2021
Careful what you wish for. Asiņainu viņai griboties! Stulbie sadistiskie naciķi! Fui, nē. Stāsts pats par sevi ok un gana labi uzrakstīts, bet tās dažas epizodes bija pārāk... Ugh.
October 30, 2021
Excellent police procedural set in 1943 Melbourne, gripping until the end. I particularly liked the fact that the lead detective actually gets on with his wife!
February 27, 2018
The Holiday Murders is a historical crime mystery by Robert Gott. Inspected Titus Lambert was having dinner with his wife when Sergeant Joe Sable called Titus to a father and son murder-suicide in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Inspected Titus Lambert from the start did not believe that it was a murder-suicide. The readers of The Holiday Murders will follow the twist and turns in Inspected Titus Lambert investigation into the death of Xavier and John Quinn.
The Holiday Murders is the second book I have read of Robert Gott, and I enjoyed reading it. In the Holiday Murders, Robert Gott has created another great husband and wife team in Inspector Titus Lambert and Mrs Maude Lambert. I also like the way Robert Gott portrayed his other characters Sergeant Joe Sable and Constable Helen Lord. I loved the way Robert Gott describes Melbourne in WWII. "The Holiday Murders" is well written and researched by Robert Gott. I like the twist and turns in Robert Gott plot and the conclusion of The Holiday Murders was a surprise to me.
The readers of The Holiday Murders will learn about living in Melbourne during WWII. Also, The Holiday Murders highlights the bigotry and racism that was involved in the law enforcement and political parties during this period.
I recommend this book.
The Holiday Murders is the second book I have read of Robert Gott, and I enjoyed reading it. In the Holiday Murders, Robert Gott has created another great husband and wife team in Inspector Titus Lambert and Mrs Maude Lambert. I also like the way Robert Gott portrayed his other characters Sergeant Joe Sable and Constable Helen Lord. I loved the way Robert Gott describes Melbourne in WWII. "The Holiday Murders" is well written and researched by Robert Gott. I like the twist and turns in Robert Gott plot and the conclusion of The Holiday Murders was a surprise to me.
The readers of The Holiday Murders will learn about living in Melbourne during WWII. Also, The Holiday Murders highlights the bigotry and racism that was involved in the law enforcement and political parties during this period.
I recommend this book.
February 17, 2013
The Holiday Murders by Robert Gott explores the fragile territory between prejudice and murderous hatred in a riveting crime novel that is both intelligent and terrifying.
Shedding light on a nasty period in Australian history when right-wing elements -- motivated by politics or pathology -- attempted to cultivate a home-grown version of National Socialism, The Holiday Murders also provides fascinating insight into policing in Victoria at a time when the Homicide division was in its infancy.
The action takes place between Christmas Eve 1943 and the 1944 New Year. Melbourne is on a war footing. Police Inspector Titus Lambert and Sergeant Joe Sable of the new Homicide Division are called to a wealthy home in East Melbourne to find two corpses, those of a father and son, the latter nailed to the floor in a ghastly imitation of a crucifixion.
A search of the home unearths copies of a right-wing, anti-Semitic periodical called The Publicist and a stash of German nudist magazines. When one of the deceased turns out to have links to Military Intelligence, the police are forced to cooperate with the army in an investigation that will place some of them in mortal danger and leave others broken, perhaps irrevocably.
The reader is aware of who is responsible for what becomes an increasing number of violent crimes long before the police catch on. It is a measure of Gott's skill that this only increases rather than diminishes the novel's tension.
Gott has assembled an appealing ensemble cast in what is billed as the first novel in a new series. There is the happily married albeit world weary Inspector Titus Lambert, who relies as much on his wife Maude as he does on his colleagues in the pursuit of his cases. His sidekick Sergeant Joe Sable is likeable though conflicted, self-conscious about both his Jewish heritage and the heart murmur that exempts him from national service. They are joined in the course of the investigation by Constable Helen Lord, whose excitement at being deployed to Homicide is tempered by the fear her male colleagues are playing her for a fool.
The evocation of mid-1940s Melbourne hits all the right notes, the period detail subtle and engaging, never jarring.
Apart from the historical setting and the odd Shakespearean reference, The Holiday Murders has little in common with Gott's three previous historical crime novels, Good Murder, A Thing of Blood and Amongst the Dead, featuring thespian-cum-sleuth William Power. Where the William Power novels were unashamedly comical, The Holiday Murders is dark, brutal, almost tragic in its scope.
The novel's rare moments of levity play on the preoccupation of some among the fascists with the nakenkultur German nudist movement of the 1930s, and the reluctance of Australian intelligence officers to infiltrate such groups. For Gott, creator of that paean to inappropriate nudity Adventures of Naked Man cartoon, this subplot must have been irresistible.
Shedding light on a nasty period in Australian history when right-wing elements -- motivated by politics or pathology -- attempted to cultivate a home-grown version of National Socialism, The Holiday Murders also provides fascinating insight into policing in Victoria at a time when the Homicide division was in its infancy.
The action takes place between Christmas Eve 1943 and the 1944 New Year. Melbourne is on a war footing. Police Inspector Titus Lambert and Sergeant Joe Sable of the new Homicide Division are called to a wealthy home in East Melbourne to find two corpses, those of a father and son, the latter nailed to the floor in a ghastly imitation of a crucifixion.
A search of the home unearths copies of a right-wing, anti-Semitic periodical called The Publicist and a stash of German nudist magazines. When one of the deceased turns out to have links to Military Intelligence, the police are forced to cooperate with the army in an investigation that will place some of them in mortal danger and leave others broken, perhaps irrevocably.
The reader is aware of who is responsible for what becomes an increasing number of violent crimes long before the police catch on. It is a measure of Gott's skill that this only increases rather than diminishes the novel's tension.
Gott has assembled an appealing ensemble cast in what is billed as the first novel in a new series. There is the happily married albeit world weary Inspector Titus Lambert, who relies as much on his wife Maude as he does on his colleagues in the pursuit of his cases. His sidekick Sergeant Joe Sable is likeable though conflicted, self-conscious about both his Jewish heritage and the heart murmur that exempts him from national service. They are joined in the course of the investigation by Constable Helen Lord, whose excitement at being deployed to Homicide is tempered by the fear her male colleagues are playing her for a fool.
The evocation of mid-1940s Melbourne hits all the right notes, the period detail subtle and engaging, never jarring.
Apart from the historical setting and the odd Shakespearean reference, The Holiday Murders has little in common with Gott's three previous historical crime novels, Good Murder, A Thing of Blood and Amongst the Dead, featuring thespian-cum-sleuth William Power. Where the William Power novels were unashamedly comical, The Holiday Murders is dark, brutal, almost tragic in its scope.
The novel's rare moments of levity play on the preoccupation of some among the fascists with the nakenkultur German nudist movement of the 1930s, and the reluctance of Australian intelligence officers to infiltrate such groups. For Gott, creator of that paean to inappropriate nudity Adventures of Naked Man cartoon, this subplot must have been irresistible.
October 18, 2013
Based on real political events in Australia during the Second World War, Robert Gott has crafted a compelling and historically detailed crime mystery, suffused with a cast of characters, some good, some rotten and misguided to the core, that certainly kept my interest throughout. Charting a murder investigation between Chistmas and New Year 1943, the book opens with a scene of total carnage which will test the investigating ability of not only the eminently likeable police Inspector Titus Lambert but his cohorts, Jewish detective, Joe Sable and female Constable Helen Lord. All three of these characters are perfectly drawn with a wonderful camararderie and sound professionalism gravitating between them, that add a strength to the overarching solidity of the central plotline. There are some nice little vignettes threaded in, for example the heartwarming relationship between Inspector Lambert and his wife Maude, who is more than happy to cast her eye on the more gruesome aspects of her husband’s investigation: the emergence of Helen Lord as a detective comparable to her male counterparts despite the resistance she faces as a woman, and the turmoil of Joe Sable as he is drawn into a particularly dark and dangerous world beyond his understanding, as an unfailingly fair-minded and right thinking man.
With the plot based on a real right wing political group of the period, Australia First, who harbour an intrinsic hatred of other racial groups, Sable in particular as a Jew, along with Lord and Lambert, must draw on his complete sense of professionalism to infiltrate this group and catch an intrinsically deranged and brutal killer. Gott perfectly characterises the members of this insidious political group from the weak and wooly figurehead to those tasked with furthering the group’s ends, and as a fellow reviewer points out, there are a few of these characters that you are glad are confined to this fictional world as they are a very nasty bunch indeed. Gott pulls no punches in his depiction of violence throughout the book, which has you as a reader firmly rooting for the good guys, and with the thought always in your head that this is based on fact, it adds a particular shiver of the spine to the whole affair. There is also a complete gem of a twist in the reveal of one protagonist as being a whole lot less wholesome that we are originally led to believe…
Overall, I was much impressed with this book, giving me an insight into a period of history I was totally unfamiliar with and enriched by just the right combination of fact and fiction. A great cast of characters, a fluid writing style and more importantly a gripping mystery compounded my enjoyment of this book. A good read and a would heartily recommend.
With the plot based on a real right wing political group of the period, Australia First, who harbour an intrinsic hatred of other racial groups, Sable in particular as a Jew, along with Lord and Lambert, must draw on his complete sense of professionalism to infiltrate this group and catch an intrinsically deranged and brutal killer. Gott perfectly characterises the members of this insidious political group from the weak and wooly figurehead to those tasked with furthering the group’s ends, and as a fellow reviewer points out, there are a few of these characters that you are glad are confined to this fictional world as they are a very nasty bunch indeed. Gott pulls no punches in his depiction of violence throughout the book, which has you as a reader firmly rooting for the good guys, and with the thought always in your head that this is based on fact, it adds a particular shiver of the spine to the whole affair. There is also a complete gem of a twist in the reveal of one protagonist as being a whole lot less wholesome that we are originally led to believe…
Overall, I was much impressed with this book, giving me an insight into a period of history I was totally unfamiliar with and enriched by just the right combination of fact and fiction. A great cast of characters, a fluid writing style and more importantly a gripping mystery compounded my enjoyment of this book. A good read and a would heartily recommend.
December 12, 2022
'The Holiday Murders' starts on Christmas Eve but that's really its only link to the Christmas season. This isn't a cosy Christmas Crime story with snowbound country houses, locked room mysteries and a brilliant but eccentric amateur detective. This is a hard-hitting historical police procedural, investigating sadistic, graphically violent murders.
It is set in Melbourne in 1943 and begins with the discovery of two dead bodies, on Christmas Eve. One of the dead appears to have been tortured before being killed, The other, his father, has been arranged, rather unconvincingly, to be seen as a suicide.
Despite this gruesome start, I found my attention being snagged mainly by the historical details that Robert Gott so deftly incorporate in the story. I knew nothing about the Australian history that provides the context for the crimes. I was surprised to find that the Australian government had imposed an austerity regime that effectively banned Christmas or that they were directly allocating civilians to jobs. It seemed as though the Australian version of the English 'Don't You Know There's A War On?' attitude was much more authoritarian and left me wondering whether it was necessary or was just a sort of macho response to being at war. I'd also never heard of the Australia First Movement, although I was aware of its American and English counterparts.
Once I settled in to the historical period, my attention was taken up by the police team investigating the crimes. I thought the characters were well-drawn and provide an ensemble cast that could sustain a series. We have Inspector Titus Lambert, experienced but still young to have been appointed to lead the newly formed and dramatically understaffed Homicide Division. He has a too-modern-for-his-times view of women that seemed a little bit of a stretch at first, but his personality and his relationship with his wife made them plausibly personal rather than anachronistic. We have new-to-the-job Detective Sargeant Joe Sable, a non-practising Jew, whose heart murmur has prevented him from enlisting, Finally, we have Constable Helen Lord, bright, insightful and combative. She has had eight frustrating years on the job and has mostly been treated as a secretary by her colleagues but who Inspector Lamber seconds onto his team because he sees her potential.
The driving force of the plot is Ptolemy Jones, a viciously violent man with an ambition to bring the Australian people the benefits of National Socialism and who is ready to crush anyone who stands in his way. Jones is a vivid and deeply disturbing creation. He's a man driven by hate: for the communists, for the degenerates and homosexuals and especially for Jews. He's a charismatic, physically intimidating man who revels in causing pain. I found him very easy to believe in. His actions in the book and the things he gets others to do are brutal. The book doesn't glamourise him but it does acknowledge the power that his passion, focus and unhesitating use of violence give him.
I admired Robert Gott's storytelling style. The pacing works, moving the multiple storylines along in a way that kept me interested and made me speculate on how they would come together. Events are described in a slightly detached way that keeps the brutality from being glorified but still produces lots of tension edged with fear.
The plot is enriched by the involvement of Australian Military Intelligence and complicated by the slightly bizarre familial relationships of the first murder victims. There are several surprises along the way, mainly to do with obscured motivations and hidden relationships. I found the final reveal very convincing, even though I hadn't seen it coming.
I've already downloaded 'The Port Fairy Murders', the next book in the series.
June 10, 2013
‘Titus Lambert had never been fond of Christmas.’
In Melbourne, on Christmas Eve in 1943, a young man and his father are found violently killed in their home. While the scene is staged as a murder and suicide, it doesn’t take long for Inspector Titus Lambert to see realise that both men have been murdered. Inspector Lambert is a member of Melbourne’s newly formed Homicide Division which is unfortunately undermanned as a consequence of the severe manpower shortage at this stage during World War II. Military Intelligence also becomes involved in the case – co-opting assistance from Inspector Lambert’s offsider, Detective Joe Sable. With only part-time access to Detective Sable, Inspector Lambert calls on Constable Helen Lord to assist.
The novel is set between Christmas Eve 1943 and the early new year of 1944. Trying to solve the horrific murders of John and Xavier Quinn leads Lambert and his team through a Melbourne divided into wealthy and poor and into a dark space inhabited by anti-Semitism, racism, violence and hatred.
Aspects of this novel are factually based. A group known as the Australia First Movement (most active between 1936 to 1942), with its monthly magazine the Publicist, had moved beyond the literary figures it first attracted (including Xavier Herbert, Eleanor Dark and Miles Franklin) to Nazi sympathizers and vicious anti-Semitism.
As Joe Sable says:
‘The Publicist costs sixpence. Sixpence. That was all you had to pay to be admitted into the realm of pure evil.’ ‘The people who wrote this, and the people who read it, weren’t thousands of miles away in Europe. They were here, in Melbourne.’
It’s a sobering thought, and makes this a confronting read. I usually prefer my crime fiction with less of a basis in fact – it’s more comfortable that way.
And within the brief period covered by this novel there are other murders and a number of violent acts. The tension increases as Lambert, Sable and Lord race against time to try to prevent more deaths.
I found myself racing through this novel - both wanting to see justice done and wanting to learn more about the characters involved. There were a few twists and turns I didn’t anticipate, and there’s some history I want to explore.
‘In the end, though, don’t most investigations depend on the carelessness and stupidity of the perpetrators?
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
In Melbourne, on Christmas Eve in 1943, a young man and his father are found violently killed in their home. While the scene is staged as a murder and suicide, it doesn’t take long for Inspector Titus Lambert to see realise that both men have been murdered. Inspector Lambert is a member of Melbourne’s newly formed Homicide Division which is unfortunately undermanned as a consequence of the severe manpower shortage at this stage during World War II. Military Intelligence also becomes involved in the case – co-opting assistance from Inspector Lambert’s offsider, Detective Joe Sable. With only part-time access to Detective Sable, Inspector Lambert calls on Constable Helen Lord to assist.
The novel is set between Christmas Eve 1943 and the early new year of 1944. Trying to solve the horrific murders of John and Xavier Quinn leads Lambert and his team through a Melbourne divided into wealthy and poor and into a dark space inhabited by anti-Semitism, racism, violence and hatred.
Aspects of this novel are factually based. A group known as the Australia First Movement (most active between 1936 to 1942), with its monthly magazine the Publicist, had moved beyond the literary figures it first attracted (including Xavier Herbert, Eleanor Dark and Miles Franklin) to Nazi sympathizers and vicious anti-Semitism.
As Joe Sable says:
‘The Publicist costs sixpence. Sixpence. That was all you had to pay to be admitted into the realm of pure evil.’ ‘The people who wrote this, and the people who read it, weren’t thousands of miles away in Europe. They were here, in Melbourne.’
It’s a sobering thought, and makes this a confronting read. I usually prefer my crime fiction with less of a basis in fact – it’s more comfortable that way.
And within the brief period covered by this novel there are other murders and a number of violent acts. The tension increases as Lambert, Sable and Lord race against time to try to prevent more deaths.
I found myself racing through this novel - both wanting to see justice done and wanting to learn more about the characters involved. There were a few twists and turns I didn’t anticipate, and there’s some history I want to explore.
‘In the end, though, don’t most investigations depend on the carelessness and stupidity of the perpetrators?
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
July 13, 2020
Disappointing. The strength was WWII Melbourne - attitudes, expectations, assumptions. The history of Australia First and Nazi sympathisers in Australia is fertile ground. The detectives, who will presumably develop over the series, are positioned to be interesting.
The weaknesses, from my point of view, largely stem from the lack of narrative focus. There is danger in spending so much narrative time on the perpetrators and the crimes. It gives space and attention to violence, sadism and destruction and creates a competing narrative. I got bored with detail, the meandering of the plot in numerous directions and the failure to engage me in a trail, a purpose, a focus. I skipped pages, hoping to pick up a thread to follow to a conclusion.
It’s more like 2.5 stars. There’s a good story in there somewhere. It needs telling in a more economical and focused way - either as a detective story, a thriller or noir.
The weaknesses, from my point of view, largely stem from the lack of narrative focus. There is danger in spending so much narrative time on the perpetrators and the crimes. It gives space and attention to violence, sadism and destruction and creates a competing narrative. I got bored with detail, the meandering of the plot in numerous directions and the failure to engage me in a trail, a purpose, a focus. I skipped pages, hoping to pick up a thread to follow to a conclusion.
It’s more like 2.5 stars. There’s a good story in there somewhere. It needs telling in a more economical and focused way - either as a detective story, a thriller or noir.
May 27, 2019
As a palate cleanser this novel was perfect. I hasten to add, though, that the nudists I know are nothing like the ones in this novel.
September 16, 2019
I am in shock. I did not expect this twist.
October 21, 2019
Very enjoyable crime thriller set in 1940's Melbourne. Looking forward to the next one.
July 29, 2023
I'd give this 2.5 stars actually. I didn't particularly "enjoy" this book and took longer to read than expected because I just didn't feel motivated. "Holiday murders" sounds like it would be some murders while someone's on holiday (or vacation). Instead it rather brutal murders over the Christmas/New Year period. I'm still not sure whether they were personal or politically motivated. Perhaps both. I certainly didn't believe that Mary was attracted to Jones in any way. If she was supposed to be insane enough to regard him as potential fiance material, this wasn't conveyed. I guess that was the point, so that the reader is surprised (and ultimately unconvinced) by the ending. I'm hesitant to read further books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2020
Loved it set in Melbourne in 1943 didn't think I would like it but sat down today and read the whole book .
February 8, 2014
The Holiday Murders is a very competently told police procedural. The real strengths of the book are the plotting and historical contextualisation. The story has a nice pace and cadence, and carefully works all the various clues and participants into place, with some nice feints and blinds. Set in Melbourne in 1943, the story is well framed with respect to the small pockets of anti-Semitism and Nazi sympathisers and agitators who felt the real enemies of Australia were the Jews and communists rather than fascism. Despite this, the sense of place is a little underdeveloped, giving little flavour of the locale. The characterisation is nicely done and there is a good dynamic between the various actors, especially Inspector Titus, Sergeant Joe Sable, and Constable Helen Lord. Overall, an interesting and entertaining read that is hopefully the first in a series.
June 13, 2013
The Holiday Murders is a clever mystery/thriller set in a time when Australia had less than admirable policies about immigration (hmm, we still may have a way to go with those issues). Addressing the issues of xenophobia by mingling factual quotes from Nazi handbooks within the narrative, this novel reveals the best and worst in people during of suspicion in Australian history. There is also a nice subplot about the role of women within the Australian police force.
I started the novel thinking it was a Columbo-style crime story, with the killer up front and known to us. Oh but the twist will surprise you!
Great setting, characters and plot. I would read this again and will search out more from Gott.
I started the novel thinking it was a Columbo-style crime story, with the killer up front and known to us. Oh but the twist will surprise you!
Great setting, characters and plot. I would read this again and will search out more from Gott.
February 26, 2013
This title was reviewed for the Newtown Review of Books
This novel of murder and military intelligence in wartime Melbourne is inspired by history.
While The Holiday Murders isn’t, sadly, a new William Powell book, Robert Gott has delivered another masterful crime novel steeped in Australia’s past.
For the full review: http://newtownreviewofbooks.com/2013/...
This novel of murder and military intelligence in wartime Melbourne is inspired by history.
While The Holiday Murders isn’t, sadly, a new William Powell book, Robert Gott has delivered another masterful crime novel steeped in Australia’s past.
For the full review: http://newtownreviewofbooks.com/2013/...
January 4, 2022
I can't really recommend this story to you, especially not the audiobook, unless you've run out of murder mysteries and you just need something more. I saw book two of this series, which is called The Port Fairy Murders, in a little book store in Port Fairy, while I was living and working in Port Fairy. So naturally I wanted to read it, a little homework led me here, I am pretty strict about reading things in order most of the time.
For at least the first half of the book I was sure I wouldn't make it to book two. The story picks up just a smidge in the third quarter, and I suppose I'll confess I liked the final quarter when the drama reaches a heart thumping crescendo. I think you'll guess the shocking reveal, I guessed it but even so, the ending still packs an intense blow.
The pacing was fine. I didn't think much of the narration though and I didn't feel much of anything for any of the characters (until maybe just a little bit towards the end, but that's just because I'm not a sociopath). I'm going to try the ebook for book two and see if that helps improve the experience.
The story was a bit gross and alright, I can stomach it, but again I find myself wondering how it is that books can get away without having a content advisory label. So be warned that this story is, shall we say, not suitable for children.
The story is set during the latter years of WWII, with nazi socialism being a main focus of the plot and I did like the reminder that women in the police force was a new thing back then. I thought that the women in this book were reasonably strong characters and I liked that.
I'm not sure what else to add. Read it or don't read it, but definitely don't blame me. It's your call.
For at least the first half of the book I was sure I wouldn't make it to book two. The story picks up just a smidge in the third quarter, and I suppose I'll confess I liked the final quarter when the drama reaches a heart thumping crescendo. I think you'll guess the shocking reveal, I guessed it but even so, the ending still packs an intense blow.
The pacing was fine. I didn't think much of the narration though and I didn't feel much of anything for any of the characters (until maybe just a little bit towards the end, but that's just because I'm not a sociopath). I'm going to try the ebook for book two and see if that helps improve the experience.
The story was a bit gross and alright, I can stomach it, but again I find myself wondering how it is that books can get away without having a content advisory label. So be warned that this story is, shall we say, not suitable for children.
The story is set during the latter years of WWII, with nazi socialism being a main focus of the plot and I did like the reminder that women in the police force was a new thing back then. I thought that the women in this book were reasonably strong characters and I liked that.
I'm not sure what else to add. Read it or don't read it, but definitely don't blame me. It's your call.
November 1, 2024
3.5 ⭐
The first in a police procedural set in Melbourne, Australia, 1943 introducing Sergeant Joe Sable, his boss Inspector Titus Lambert & female constable, Helen Lord.
The newly minted Homicide squad is called to the home of retired solicitor John Quinn to investigate the horrific murder of Quinn and his son, whose bodies were discovered by the daughter of the house.
The investigative waters are made murky when Army Intelligence suggests that Quinn's murder may be due to his infiltration of an Australian National Socialist organisation. Is politics the reason for the gruesome crime or is it a much more personal matter?
A well written story highlighting the perversity of humans. I was disabused of my belief that Australia was on the side of the angels and that the Allied forces were fighting WWII to save the Jews and all those marginalised by the Nazis when I visited Yad Vashem. And this story highlights even more just how far reaching hate can be.
Spoiler alert, if you like Hugo Boss fragrances and fashion, you may be horrified to learn that the founder was a paid up Nazi long before WWII & was very well recompensed for his design & manufacture of Nazi uniforms.
Only getting 3.5, cos of the ick factor of some of the facts & because the e-copy I read had quite a few editing errors. I also felt that Joe, with his agnostic Judaism wasn't so much an anti-hero, as a rather flat caricature and that he was overshadowed by the characters of Lambert and Lord.
The first in a police procedural set in Melbourne, Australia, 1943 introducing Sergeant Joe Sable, his boss Inspector Titus Lambert & female constable, Helen Lord.
The newly minted Homicide squad is called to the home of retired solicitor John Quinn to investigate the horrific murder of Quinn and his son, whose bodies were discovered by the daughter of the house.
The investigative waters are made murky when Army Intelligence suggests that Quinn's murder may be due to his infiltration of an Australian National Socialist organisation. Is politics the reason for the gruesome crime or is it a much more personal matter?
A well written story highlighting the perversity of humans. I was disabused of my belief that Australia was on the side of the angels and that the Allied forces were fighting WWII to save the Jews and all those marginalised by the Nazis when I visited Yad Vashem. And this story highlights even more just how far reaching hate can be.
Spoiler alert, if you like Hugo Boss fragrances and fashion, you may be horrified to learn that the founder was a paid up Nazi long before WWII & was very well recompensed for his design & manufacture of Nazi uniforms.
Only getting 3.5, cos of the ick factor of some of the facts & because the e-copy I read had quite a few editing errors. I also felt that Joe, with his agnostic Judaism wasn't so much an anti-hero, as a rather flat caricature and that he was overshadowed by the characters of Lambert and Lord.
November 24, 2025
(4.5 stars)
I don’t usually enjoy historical fiction, and wartime storylines interest me even less. I had no idea this book fell into either category when I started it, and I’m so glad I didn’t, because I would’ve missed one of the best mystery novels I’ve read in a while. It almost immediately pulled me in.
The dialogue, the storyline, the characters, and especially the final plot twist were all incredibly engrossing. Particularly in the last quarter, that kept me right on the edge of my seat the entire time.
I also really liked the narrative style. Being able to see and know more than the characters felt refreshing to me, especially since most of the books I’ve been reading lately are in first person. Third-person storytelling seems oddly rare these days, so it was a nice change.
I give it 4.5 stars only because some of the gore made me uncomfortable. There were moments where I literally grimaced and just wanted certain scenes to be over so I wouldn’t have to read any more detail.
For some reason, reading about one human torturing/harming another is much more disturbing to me than a fictional monster doing it; probably because of how real it could be.
But to be fair, it never crossed the line into being overwhelmingly graphic. The level of detail was just enough to make the story feel vivid, grounded, and very real. I absolutely enjoyed it, even if a few moments did make me squeamish.
I don’t usually enjoy historical fiction, and wartime storylines interest me even less. I had no idea this book fell into either category when I started it, and I’m so glad I didn’t, because I would’ve missed one of the best mystery novels I’ve read in a while. It almost immediately pulled me in.
The dialogue, the storyline, the characters, and especially the final plot twist were all incredibly engrossing. Particularly in the last quarter, that kept me right on the edge of my seat the entire time.
I also really liked the narrative style. Being able to see and know more than the characters felt refreshing to me, especially since most of the books I’ve been reading lately are in first person. Third-person storytelling seems oddly rare these days, so it was a nice change.
I give it 4.5 stars only because some of the gore made me uncomfortable. There were moments where I literally grimaced and just wanted certain scenes to be over so I wouldn’t have to read any more detail.
For some reason, reading about one human torturing/harming another is much more disturbing to me than a fictional monster doing it; probably because of how real it could be.
But to be fair, it never crossed the line into being overwhelmingly graphic. The level of detail was just enough to make the story feel vivid, grounded, and very real. I absolutely enjoyed it, even if a few moments did make me squeamish.
April 30, 2019
It's Christmas 1943 and the new Melbourne homicide division have a double murder on their hands, hands that are short staffed. Being in the middle of World War II military intelligence soon become involved adding a new and dangerous complication. Inspector Titus Lambert and Sergeant Joe Sable are joined by Constable Helen Lord to unravel the mystery. Things soon turn sadistically violent as more bodies turn up and this is just a prelude to even more to come.
This is an enjoyable read of little addressed period in Australian history. It's a crime story at heart but it has all the elements of the time thrown in; the war, the rationing, the changing political scene and the emergence of woman in their own right.
However, this could have been so much more. I feel that parts were missing and things didn't all fit together and in the end it was a bit rushed. But still it's worth reading and I look forward to the next book in the series.
This is an enjoyable read of little addressed period in Australian history. It's a crime story at heart but it has all the elements of the time thrown in; the war, the rationing, the changing political scene and the emergence of woman in their own right.
However, this could have been so much more. I feel that parts were missing and things didn't all fit together and in the end it was a bit rushed. But still it's worth reading and I look forward to the next book in the series.
November 26, 2019
This is a really gritty story set in the early 1940's in Melbourne Australia. I bought it in Melbourne whilst I was there in the summer and looked forward to reading a book about my home town with some knowledge of the locations, albeit set many years before I was born there. The story centres around the brutal murder of a father and son on Christmas day and the subsequent investigation by the newly formed Homicide department of the police force. There are several strands to this story bringing in extreme politics of the day and ill treatment of minority groups by extremists. It is violent and graphic with strong language and almost no lightness to balance the dark themes. That said the characters were brought to life so well and the atmosphere created was excellently drawn so that at times it made - for me at least- an unsettling read. There are a further two books with the same police characters and I will return to read them at some point but for now I think I need a lighter read.
October 16, 2021
I was very pleased to be introduced to yet another excellent Australian crime writer. Another series to follow!
This has a rather jolly title but is anything but jolly except that the first crimes occur on Christmas Eve. The novel is set in 1943 in Melbourne (coincidentally the year and place I was born) and so is historically interesting as well as an absorbing police procedural. It is wartime but there are nasty undercurrents that support the fascism and anti-semitism of Hitler's Germany. One of the detective's team is Jewish and another is a woman who is finding it difficult to gain respect because of her gender. The lead detective, Titus, is a tolerant man and his wife, Maude, is a willing ally in helping him understand the crimes he is seeking to solve. These crimes are grisly so this is not for the faint hearted but it is a well written and convincing story with a good twist at the end.
This has a rather jolly title but is anything but jolly except that the first crimes occur on Christmas Eve. The novel is set in 1943 in Melbourne (coincidentally the year and place I was born) and so is historically interesting as well as an absorbing police procedural. It is wartime but there are nasty undercurrents that support the fascism and anti-semitism of Hitler's Germany. One of the detective's team is Jewish and another is a woman who is finding it difficult to gain respect because of her gender. The lead detective, Titus, is a tolerant man and his wife, Maude, is a willing ally in helping him understand the crimes he is seeking to solve. These crimes are grisly so this is not for the faint hearted but it is a well written and convincing story with a good twist at the end.
October 21, 2018
Set in Melbourne and Victorian locations during the late 1930s - early 1940s, at a time when fascist and communist fears were high, when being an immigrant from Italy or Germany was raising questions regardless of how long a family had lived in Australia - and Jewish issues in Europe were challenging Australians with Jewish faith or origins, this crime thriller/murder mystery is a great read. This is lots of fun for American soldiers who were stationed in Melbourne and Melbourne residents - particularly those old enough to remember Russell Street Police Headquarters. Gott has captured the setting well, a period of radio drama, the beginning of the homicide force, Truth, The Listener In, 3UZ and women entering new roles in the workforce. The murders had classical twists and turns and far less predictable than many books of this genre.
November 28, 2019
Again, it was surprising to learn of a strong anti-Semitism movement in Australia prevalent during the WW II era, which is the background behind this mystery. The story begins with the brutal killing of a father and son in Melbourne. The son was nailed to the floor, and the father's murdered body was found in the bathroom. Another victim was decapitated and when she was found, her head was between her hands in her lap. Certainly gruesome, but at least these horrors were not detailed in their execution. The identity of the killer is apparent from the beginning--obviously a psychopath with strong Nazi leanings--but the motive wasn't clear. Also, the identity of a "sympathizer" revealed at the end was a surprise. Interesting novel. Not sure I would have read it had I not listened to the presentation of this Australian author with three of his colleagues.
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