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Summer of Blood
Get ready for a wild ride through the Summer of Love with Dave Warner's newest crime novel.
Two Australian police officers travel to San Francisco and Los Angeles in the summer of 1967 in search of a missing young man, only to find themselves fully immersed in the world of music, free love, drugs and hippie counterculture. They soon realise this isn’t just any ordinary missing person investigation. A big gig is the perfect place to get away with murder, and their search becomes a thrilling journey through the seamy side of the 1960s counterculture.
This book is not to be missed for fans of gripping crime fiction and rock’n’roll.
Two Australian police officers travel to San Francisco and Los Angeles in the summer of 1967 in search of a missing young man, only to find themselves fully immersed in the world of music, free love, drugs and hippie counterculture. They soon realise this isn’t just any ordinary missing person investigation. A big gig is the perfect place to get away with murder, and their search becomes a thrilling journey through the seamy side of the 1960s counterculture.
This book is not to be missed for fans of gripping crime fiction and rock’n’roll.
320 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2023
About the author
Dave Warner
44 books92 followersDave Warner is the author of fourteen crime novels, including the winner of the 1996 WA Premier’s Award for Fiction (City of Light) and the 2016 Ned Kelly winner of Best Australian Crime Fiction (Before it Breaks). He has also written a children's book series and seven non-fiction titles, and screenwritten for film and TV.
Dave Warner originally gained national recognition as a musician-songwriter in the late 1970s with Bob Dylan referring to Dave and Richard Clapton as his “favourite Australian artists”.
As early as 1973 Dave had formed Australia’s first punk band, Pus, playing early versions of tracks such as Suburban Boy and Hot Crotch which he was later to record with Dave Warner’s from the Suburbs. In 1975, Dave went to London and wrote many new songs which expressed a clearly-defined vision of Australia, including tracks such as Convict Streak and Oklahoma. Suburban Boy became the cornerstone of this new style of music, which Dave labelled suburban rock. Warner’s music is probably best described as Lou Reed meets Tomas Pynchon.
Dave's feature films include the cult-horror CUT (starring Kylie Minogue and Molly Ringwald) and GARAGE DAYS (co-written with director Alex Proyas). His many TV credits include scripts for MCLEOD’S DAUGHTERS and PACKED TO THE RAFTERS.
Dave was educated at Aquinas College and the University of Western Australia, graduating with a B.A. (Hons.), majoring in Psychology. Growing up an ardent supporter of the East Fremantle Football Club, his passion of Australian football remains.
Dave Warner originally gained national recognition as a musician-songwriter in the late 1970s with Bob Dylan referring to Dave and Richard Clapton as his “favourite Australian artists”.
As early as 1973 Dave had formed Australia’s first punk band, Pus, playing early versions of tracks such as Suburban Boy and Hot Crotch which he was later to record with Dave Warner’s from the Suburbs. In 1975, Dave went to London and wrote many new songs which expressed a clearly-defined vision of Australia, including tracks such as Convict Streak and Oklahoma. Suburban Boy became the cornerstone of this new style of music, which Dave labelled suburban rock. Warner’s music is probably best described as Lou Reed meets Tomas Pynchon.
Dave's feature films include the cult-horror CUT (starring Kylie Minogue and Molly Ringwald) and GARAGE DAYS (co-written with director Alex Proyas). His many TV credits include scripts for MCLEOD’S DAUGHTERS and PACKED TO THE RAFTERS.
Dave was educated at Aquinas College and the University of Western Australia, graduating with a B.A. (Hons.), majoring in Psychology. Growing up an ardent supporter of the East Fremantle Football Club, his passion of Australian football remains.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 31, 2024
I have only read one book by this author before called Over My Dead Body and it was smart and funny. I was really looking forward to reading Summer of Blood but sadly it turned out to be not my kind of book.
The story tells of two Sydney detectives sent to California to search for a missing Australian man (son of the Minister of Transport). The year is 1967 and the reader gets to enjoy a lot of Hippy pop culture references. Janis Joplin plays a role and even Elvis appears briefly. I think someone must have dared the author to do it!
I found the mystery to be a little too convoluted especially by the end when people started getting shot even when they did not commit the crime. I prefer my main characters to be the good guys who do not take the law into their own hands, kill people and use LSD. As I said just not my kind of book. Still an interesting mystery with a nostalgic base and lots of police work which will suit many readers.
The story tells of two Sydney detectives sent to California to search for a missing Australian man (son of the Minister of Transport). The year is 1967 and the reader gets to enjoy a lot of Hippy pop culture references. Janis Joplin plays a role and even Elvis appears briefly. I think someone must have dared the author to do it!
I found the mystery to be a little too convoluted especially by the end when people started getting shot even when they did not commit the crime. I prefer my main characters to be the good guys who do not take the law into their own hands, kill people and use LSD. As I said just not my kind of book. Still an interesting mystery with a nostalgic base and lots of police work which will suit many readers.
October 19, 2023
A police drama set in 1967 California.. what’s not to love ❤️
Sydney police officers Roy and a John are sent to San Francisco and Los Angeles to help find a missing Aussie man, who has disappeared from his college. Nobody has seen him for days, nor his girlfriend. As the 2 detectives look deeper into this case, the more intriguing it becomes. And the bodies start to stack up.
I loved the setting and era for this book. The 2 Aussies get caught up in the world of sex, drugs and rock n roll. It was a big time of change and these men start to learn more about themselves than they ever imagined. There are some big names dropped throughout this story which made it relatable and entertaining. It was a time like no other in history. This is all before the internet, mobiles and all of todays modern conveniences. They had to leave messages and send telegrams to get messages across the world.
If you like crime fiction and pop culture then this book is for you.
Thanks to Freemantle Books for sending me this copy to read.
Sydney police officers Roy and a John are sent to San Francisco and Los Angeles to help find a missing Aussie man, who has disappeared from his college. Nobody has seen him for days, nor his girlfriend. As the 2 detectives look deeper into this case, the more intriguing it becomes. And the bodies start to stack up.
I loved the setting and era for this book. The 2 Aussies get caught up in the world of sex, drugs and rock n roll. It was a big time of change and these men start to learn more about themselves than they ever imagined. There are some big names dropped throughout this story which made it relatable and entertaining. It was a time like no other in history. This is all before the internet, mobiles and all of todays modern conveniences. They had to leave messages and send telegrams to get messages across the world.
If you like crime fiction and pop culture then this book is for you.
Thanks to Freemantle Books for sending me this copy to read.
November 16, 2023
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Summer of Blood by Dave Warner. (2023).
**Thank you to Fremantle Pess for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 October 2023**
May, 1967. A young Australian student has gone missing San Francisco. Sent to find him, DS John Gordon and CI Ray Shearer follows leads through a maze of love-ins, nightclubs and backstage parties. But their Californian dreamin' starts to feel like a bad acid trip when they discover the missing Australian was hunting a serial killer. And now it's up to them to finish the job.
This one is a 'rock-n-roll' ride with Australian police officers chasing a murderer in America in a time of music, drugs, Vietnam war protests and 'hippies'. This is the second novel to feature John and Ray after first appearing in 'Big Bad Blood'; I haven't read that novel and enjoyed this one just fine but I did get the feeling it would have been good to have read the other first just to get some context with the main characters. The pop culture references to some big names in music history were pretty cool. The murder case was intriguing with well-placed twists. It took me a few chapters to get used to the writing style, and I think if you have the chance to read it over a couple of sessions rather than spread out over many days that makes for a better reading experience.
Overall: recommend for those that enjoy crime fiction.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Summer of Blood by Dave Warner. (2023).
**Thank you to Fremantle Pess for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 October 2023**
May, 1967. A young Australian student has gone missing San Francisco. Sent to find him, DS John Gordon and CI Ray Shearer follows leads through a maze of love-ins, nightclubs and backstage parties. But their Californian dreamin' starts to feel like a bad acid trip when they discover the missing Australian was hunting a serial killer. And now it's up to them to finish the job.
This one is a 'rock-n-roll' ride with Australian police officers chasing a murderer in America in a time of music, drugs, Vietnam war protests and 'hippies'. This is the second novel to feature John and Ray after first appearing in 'Big Bad Blood'; I haven't read that novel and enjoyed this one just fine but I did get the feeling it would have been good to have read the other first just to get some context with the main characters. The pop culture references to some big names in music history were pretty cool. The murder case was intriguing with well-placed twists. It took me a few chapters to get used to the writing style, and I think if you have the chance to read it over a couple of sessions rather than spread out over many days that makes for a better reading experience.
Overall: recommend for those that enjoy crime fiction.
December 2, 2023
There’s quite a bit to like about a PI novel that sets a couple of Sydney cops in the middle of San Francisco in the late 1960s and gives them (virtually) free rein to carry out a maverick investigation. Throwing in many of the big names in the music industry from the time only makes it all the more intriguing.
Detective Sergeant John Gordon returns. First sighted in Dave’s Ned Kelly Award winning Big Bad Blood, Gordon has progressed from the raw recruit to a more experienced homicide detective. Big Bad Blood was set in 1965, Summer of Blood is set in 1967.
I had to check my records but it’s been 18 years since I read Big Bad Blood and am struggling to remember much about it. But it was notable for hitting many of the issues that were considered important throughout that particular era. It also played with the criminal underworld, dragging a couple of diligent police officers down into the mire. They survived and they’re reunited in this book.
When the state Minister of Transport’s son goes missing while studying in San Francisco, the Police Commissioner wants one of his own to head on over to conduct their own investigation. Gordon’s boss decides that John’s the man for the job and wants him over there immediately. But he has no status as a policeman in the US so the plan is that he’s to go there as a private investigator.
But he’s not going alone and when asked who he’d like to be partnered with one man’s name came to mind, none other than Chief Inspector Ray Shearer. After all, the pair made a formidable duo when they were running the investigation documented in Big Bad Blood.
The pair of investigators reach San Francisco and dive straight into the hippy scene, treading the streets of Haight-Ashbury in search of a trail to follow. All roads seem to lead to the many concerts that have become singularly popular hangout scenes and so, Jefferson Airplane, Buffalo Springfield and Big Brother and the Holding Company start to infiltrate deeply into their consciousness.
The language, the setting and the writing style all evoke the vibe of San Francisco in the late 1960s. Here we have the ultimate clash of the free-love dropouts of the psychedelic crowd and the predators who take advantage of them. Through what becomes a steady, almost tedious process of chasing leads, showing photographs and asking questions, a picture gradually emerges that not everyone is out to “make love, not war”. It’s an old-school PI novel and makes use of the abrupt writing style of that era. I could see glimpses of Ross Macdonald’s Lew Archer in the way John Gordon went about his work.
And, sure there was some self-indulgent fantasy going on as close encounters with the likes of Janis Joplin and Elvis Presley are included for some titillating spice and that’s okay. It all made for an even greater feeling that this was a place and time where almost anything was possible.
I appreciated the fact that each chapter was titled with a song from the times and, yes, I played each one to provide myself with the full sensory experience. (Didn’t get through the entire 11+ minutes of The End by The Doors, though).
As a fan of the classic PI novels, I felt the mystery side of Summer of Blood lost impetus and stalled halfway along. As a fan of classic 60s folk and rock songs I was well satisfied with the scene that was set, for what it’s worth.
Detective Sergeant John Gordon returns. First sighted in Dave’s Ned Kelly Award winning Big Bad Blood, Gordon has progressed from the raw recruit to a more experienced homicide detective. Big Bad Blood was set in 1965, Summer of Blood is set in 1967.
I had to check my records but it’s been 18 years since I read Big Bad Blood and am struggling to remember much about it. But it was notable for hitting many of the issues that were considered important throughout that particular era. It also played with the criminal underworld, dragging a couple of diligent police officers down into the mire. They survived and they’re reunited in this book.
When the state Minister of Transport’s son goes missing while studying in San Francisco, the Police Commissioner wants one of his own to head on over to conduct their own investigation. Gordon’s boss decides that John’s the man for the job and wants him over there immediately. But he has no status as a policeman in the US so the plan is that he’s to go there as a private investigator.
But he’s not going alone and when asked who he’d like to be partnered with one man’s name came to mind, none other than Chief Inspector Ray Shearer. After all, the pair made a formidable duo when they were running the investigation documented in Big Bad Blood.
The pair of investigators reach San Francisco and dive straight into the hippy scene, treading the streets of Haight-Ashbury in search of a trail to follow. All roads seem to lead to the many concerts that have become singularly popular hangout scenes and so, Jefferson Airplane, Buffalo Springfield and Big Brother and the Holding Company start to infiltrate deeply into their consciousness.
The language, the setting and the writing style all evoke the vibe of San Francisco in the late 1960s. Here we have the ultimate clash of the free-love dropouts of the psychedelic crowd and the predators who take advantage of them. Through what becomes a steady, almost tedious process of chasing leads, showing photographs and asking questions, a picture gradually emerges that not everyone is out to “make love, not war”. It’s an old-school PI novel and makes use of the abrupt writing style of that era. I could see glimpses of Ross Macdonald’s Lew Archer in the way John Gordon went about his work.
And, sure there was some self-indulgent fantasy going on as close encounters with the likes of Janis Joplin and Elvis Presley are included for some titillating spice and that’s okay. It all made for an even greater feeling that this was a place and time where almost anything was possible.
I appreciated the fact that each chapter was titled with a song from the times and, yes, I played each one to provide myself with the full sensory experience. (Didn’t get through the entire 11+ minutes of The End by The Doors, though).
As a fan of the classic PI novels, I felt the mystery side of Summer of Blood lost impetus and stalled halfway along. As a fan of classic 60s folk and rock songs I was well satisfied with the scene that was set, for what it’s worth.
November 3, 2023
Oh dear, a serious misstep by Warner, this book is trying to hark back to the 'good old days' of the 1960s when everything was groovy, but comes across as a pointless exercise in nostalgia by an aging Boomer. I did not know that the characters of Gordon and Shearer had appeared in a previous book by Warner, so a lot of the back story was lost on me and there were many head scratching moments of 'what is going on here?'. But, really, my only head scratching should have been 'why am I reading this?' This was one wretched read, featuring poor writing in short, half formed sentences giving me the impression that Warner couldn't be bothered. I sincerely wish he hadn't. The plot (I think there was one, I can't be really sure as it was the most uninvolving one I have read in a long time!) mostly seemed to involve Gordon and Shearer being sent to California to follow up on a missing person and talking to people and showing them photographs. Then they did this in the next chapter and the next and the next, until they very excruciatingly and slowly managed to somehow uncover a serial killer. Sadly the boring repetition was not the worst of it, perhaps Warner was using the language and attitudes of the day, but I do actually find words such as 'spastic', 'schizo' and 'spade' offensive. I could also touch on the casual sexism, homophobia and our dynamic duo's frightening enthusiasm to act as judge, jury and executioner, but why bother as this is one seriously messed up book. Warner somehow manages to insert tragic singer Janis Joplin into the story and then seems to live out one of his school boy fantasies through one of the main characters. Uuurrrrrrgggghhh!!! The ending, which also nods to a real life unsolved case, is so eye-rollingly bad that it beggars belief. This book only serves as an embarrassment to Warner, it is completely devoid of any suspense or a serviceable mystery or even vaguely likable characters (including the 'real life' ones!). In Warner's hands 1960s California is rendered drab and unconvincing, which is a shame as this trip down memory lane could have been so much better. Avoid at all costs.
May 31, 2024
Wow! Now this was a great crime novel, filled with suspense, many victims, multiple suspects and lots of twists and turns along the way!
It’s 1967, Ray and John, two Australian police officers head to San Francisco to help find a missing Australian student. Their leads take them from San Fran to LA and they get caught up in the whole free love, drugs, music and hippie culture.
So much is going on, it’s intense and thrilling, everything you want in a crime novel. You’re taken through the investigation piece by piece and you can’t believe what unravels, it’s so good!
The setting in the late 60’s was fabulous! No phones, internet or cctv, John and Ray were constantly leaving phone messages, sometimes waiting half a day or more for a reply. A time when life was so different to now.
So many wonderful music references, the Beatles releasing a new album, Elvis Presley and Frank Zappa! Definitely going to check out the playlist on Spotify!
Highly recommend for all crime lovers!
Many thanks to the lovely team at @fremantlepress for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
It’s 1967, Ray and John, two Australian police officers head to San Francisco to help find a missing Australian student. Their leads take them from San Fran to LA and they get caught up in the whole free love, drugs, music and hippie culture.
So much is going on, it’s intense and thrilling, everything you want in a crime novel. You’re taken through the investigation piece by piece and you can’t believe what unravels, it’s so good!
The setting in the late 60’s was fabulous! No phones, internet or cctv, John and Ray were constantly leaving phone messages, sometimes waiting half a day or more for a reply. A time when life was so different to now.
So many wonderful music references, the Beatles releasing a new album, Elvis Presley and Frank Zappa! Definitely going to check out the playlist on Spotify!
Highly recommend for all crime lovers!
Many thanks to the lovely team at @fremantlepress for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 30, 2023
Thanks to @Goodreadingmagazine for my ARC copy of Summer of Blood, by Dave Warner, an Australian author who I have not read before. The novel is set in 1967, mostly in San Francisco and LA, USA and the music and culture of the time is featured widely throughout. The writing style is different, and it took me a few chapters for the style to flow for me. Also I initially struggled with all the characters and back stories of the main two Australian characters and the numerous people they were meeting. But I’m so glad I kept with the book, from around chapter five the story roars along with surprises and red herrings at every chapter. The main guys, John Gordon and Ray Shearer, are not perfect in personality or work ethic, but they are very likeable and certainly dedicated. I loved that each chapter has a title so similar to a song title. There are lots of famed musicians subtlety mentioned through out and this adds a fun touch as well. Fours stars for me and I’m keen to read more of the authors work - and hear his music! I recommend reading his Authors note at the end as well, really rounds the story off.
February 9, 2025
Summer of Blood is a historical crime mystery in San Francisco and Los Angeles in 1967 by Dave Warner. In search of the missing young man, two Australian police officers travel to San Francisco and Los Angeles and become involved in the world of music, free love, drugs and hippie counterculture. Both Australian police officers realised it was not only a missing person investigation but a murder investigation, and the bad side of San Francisco and Los Angeles are fantastic places for murder. The readers of Summer of Blood would continue to follow the two police officers to discover what happens.
I read another book by Dave Warner before Summer of Blood and found it very slow, so I read Summer of Blood to see if my view of his book has changed. However, Summer of Blood has not changed my opinion of his book. I had difficulty engaging with Dave Warner's description of the settings and portrayal of the characters of Summer of Blood. The readers of Summer of Blood will learn about living in San Francisco and Los Angeles during the 1970's.
I recommend this book.
I read another book by Dave Warner before Summer of Blood and found it very slow, so I read Summer of Blood to see if my view of his book has changed. However, Summer of Blood has not changed my opinion of his book. I had difficulty engaging with Dave Warner's description of the settings and portrayal of the characters of Summer of Blood. The readers of Summer of Blood will learn about living in San Francisco and Los Angeles during the 1970's.
I recommend this book.
October 22, 2023
Who knew that a book set in the late 60's in San Francisco and LA featuring some of the most famous musicians of the time would grab me the way it did. I really enjoyed this look back at that time.
When a young Australian guy vanishes from Berkeley University in California, two Aussie cops, Ray Shearer and John Gordon, are sent over to the US to try and find him.
Given the powers of Private Investigators, they can really only ask around after the missing guy. When they discover he was actually tracking a serial killer, they know they have to find him quick smart.
Ray and John quickly find themselves swept up in the mood of the time - psychedelic music, drugs and the peace loving hippies of the time. With references to Janis Joplin, Frank Zappa, Jim Morrison and even Elvis Presley there was a soundtrack on my head while I was reading this.
I like Dave Warner's writing. He sets the scene and paces his stories really well. Now that I know there is another book with these two detectives, well I'm gonna have to get it!
When a young Australian guy vanishes from Berkeley University in California, two Aussie cops, Ray Shearer and John Gordon, are sent over to the US to try and find him.
Given the powers of Private Investigators, they can really only ask around after the missing guy. When they discover he was actually tracking a serial killer, they know they have to find him quick smart.
Ray and John quickly find themselves swept up in the mood of the time - psychedelic music, drugs and the peace loving hippies of the time. With references to Janis Joplin, Frank Zappa, Jim Morrison and even Elvis Presley there was a soundtrack on my head while I was reading this.
I like Dave Warner's writing. He sets the scene and paces his stories really well. Now that I know there is another book with these two detectives, well I'm gonna have to get it!
February 24, 2025
Summer of Blood has a tidal wave of crime, mystery, thrills and intrigue, with flotsam and jetsam humor woven together to form a tapestry of gripping reading.
John Gordon and Ray Shearer are two Aussie cops, who have been assigned to L A to track down a missing young Aussie student, Martin Davis.
They have an auspicious meeting with Janis at a liquor store, where from then on they meet here at various concerts venues.
Gordon and Shearer experience many blocks and dead ends while carrying out their investigations.
Their paths cross with Larry McKnight, who is determined to be the killer of several young girls, including Davis' missing girlfriend Spring.
But was McKnight the true culprit?
I don't want to spoil this awesome story by giving away too much, but I'll say I loved Dave's portrayal ofJanis Joplin.
She will be smiling from above.
Dave got into the vivid vibes of 1967,where the reader time travels back to that world, and experiences the music, locations, and feels connected to the characters.
Pull up a comfy chair, let your incense waft round, sip on your beer, and enjoy the ride.
John Gordon and Ray Shearer are two Aussie cops, who have been assigned to L A to track down a missing young Aussie student, Martin Davis.
They have an auspicious meeting with Janis at a liquor store, where from then on they meet here at various concerts venues.
Gordon and Shearer experience many blocks and dead ends while carrying out their investigations.
Their paths cross with Larry McKnight, who is determined to be the killer of several young girls, including Davis' missing girlfriend Spring.
But was McKnight the true culprit?
I don't want to spoil this awesome story by giving away too much, but I'll say I loved Dave's portrayal ofJanis Joplin.
She will be smiling from above.
Dave got into the vivid vibes of 1967,where the reader time travels back to that world, and experiences the music, locations, and feels connected to the characters.
Pull up a comfy chair, let your incense waft round, sip on your beer, and enjoy the ride.
October 2, 2023
This cops-on-tour yarn follows two Aussie detectives Ray Shearer and John Gordon (with skeletons from their closet packed for the ride) off to the US at the end of the swinging 60s to look into a disappearance of a young male expatriate for a favour but stumble on a series of deaths they can’t help but stick their noses
into. As they explore San Fran and LA to find him, the plethora of names, dates and places is confusing at first but once you get a handle on the tale you follow along keenly. Shearer and Gordon - though resembling the haunted-and-slightly-corrupt-but-good-hearted tropes of this genre - are likeable and you want them to get their man. References to uber-famous pop culture icons like Elvis and Janis Joplin feel a little jarring, but forgivable in this good humoured, rollicking story. Would pay to read the first Warner book Big Bad Blood featuring Shearer/Gordon to get a feel for his sparse, sometimes-stilted prose. Not my go-to style of book but would recommend to blokes who want to immerse themselves into another era where whiskey is ordered by the bottle and the cops are as haunted as a creepy old mansion at Halloween.
into. As they explore San Fran and LA to find him, the plethora of names, dates and places is confusing at first but once you get a handle on the tale you follow along keenly. Shearer and Gordon - though resembling the haunted-and-slightly-corrupt-but-good-hearted tropes of this genre - are likeable and you want them to get their man. References to uber-famous pop culture icons like Elvis and Janis Joplin feel a little jarring, but forgivable in this good humoured, rollicking story. Would pay to read the first Warner book Big Bad Blood featuring Shearer/Gordon to get a feel for his sparse, sometimes-stilted prose. Not my go-to style of book but would recommend to blokes who want to immerse themselves into another era where whiskey is ordered by the bottle and the cops are as haunted as a creepy old mansion at Halloween.
September 25, 2023
I’m surprised that Summer of Blood by Dave Warner wasn’t rushed to be published by Father’s Day, because it is definitely the type of book you’d find my Dad or Granddad reading. It very much reminded me of the blokes at the pub giving me a ‘back in my day’ speech about how wild policing was, and the over-exaggerated parties they had with people who went on to become famous.
Whilst I found it to be an easy, fast paced read, I must concede that I found myself rolling my eyes at how often these two Aussie police officers in America were bumping into these famous musicians – with mentions of Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Bob Dylan, Frank Zappa etc. Obviously, I understand that they weren’t all as regarded at the time the book was set to what they ended up becoming, but the ego of it all still lingered with disbelief for me.
I think this just wasn’t really for me, but if you are the type that love 60’s counter culture, and love hearing the war tales of living and loving through it, then this might just be the book for you.
2.5 / 5
Thank you to Fremantle Press and Good Reading for the advanced copy.
Whilst I found it to be an easy, fast paced read, I must concede that I found myself rolling my eyes at how often these two Aussie police officers in America were bumping into these famous musicians – with mentions of Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Bob Dylan, Frank Zappa etc. Obviously, I understand that they weren’t all as regarded at the time the book was set to what they ended up becoming, but the ego of it all still lingered with disbelief for me.
I think this just wasn’t really for me, but if you are the type that love 60’s counter culture, and love hearing the war tales of living and loving through it, then this might just be the book for you.
2.5 / 5
Thank you to Fremantle Press and Good Reading for the advanced copy.
July 19, 2025
Usually like Dave Warner. Read half and gave up.
October 4, 2023
Set in 1967, Summer of Blood is a really great story that starts with a bang, introducing us to detective sergeant John Gordon who is arriving at a crime scene in Sydney, there is a dead wife on the ground, a scared neighbour and the husband is on foot with a bread knife heading for a brewery..
After solving this case, Gordan is debriefing with Homicide Chief Geary when a missing ministers son is needing to be found in the States. Gordon teams up with informant Ray Shearer and heads to San Francisco to follow leads to try and find Martin Davis before it’s too late
We then embark on a solid crime investigation taking you on a journey through 60s music festivals
I really enjoyed this Aussie crime novel, with a mix of American summer thrown in. Gordan and Shearer are strong characters plus the 60s vibe, music and settings really add to the story and take you back to a huge cornerstone in Music.
Thank you so much to Fremantle Press & Good reading for my early bird copy
After solving this case, Gordan is debriefing with Homicide Chief Geary when a missing ministers son is needing to be found in the States. Gordon teams up with informant Ray Shearer and heads to San Francisco to follow leads to try and find Martin Davis before it’s too late
We then embark on a solid crime investigation taking you on a journey through 60s music festivals
I really enjoyed this Aussie crime novel, with a mix of American summer thrown in. Gordan and Shearer are strong characters plus the 60s vibe, music and settings really add to the story and take you back to a huge cornerstone in Music.
Thank you so much to Fremantle Press & Good reading for my early bird copy
October 13, 2023
Took me quite a while to get into, but 1/2 way through, I really started to enjoy it
September 22, 2023
My review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is an enjoyable and fast paced crime novel set in LA in the late 1960's. To change it up we have 2 Australian detectives sent over to find a missing person. There are plenty of suspects and people to meet and most of those people are enjoying the hippie lifestyle of sex, drugs and rock n roll. There is music, rock stars and festivals to complicate matters and even Elvis makes a cameo appearance. But there is evil at play and an investigation ongoing to get answers to the crimes being committed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is an enjoyable and fast paced crime novel set in LA in the late 1960's. To change it up we have 2 Australian detectives sent over to find a missing person. There are plenty of suspects and people to meet and most of those people are enjoying the hippie lifestyle of sex, drugs and rock n roll. There is music, rock stars and festivals to complicate matters and even Elvis makes a cameo appearance. But there is evil at play and an investigation ongoing to get answers to the crimes being committed.
December 9, 2023
Summer of Blood by Australian author with Dave Warner is a work of fiction in the crime, mystery, and suspense subgenre.
Set in 1967, Sydney detectives John Gordon and Ray Shearer find themselves travelling to San Francisco and Los Angeles in search of a missing minister’s son, Martin Davis. His family and girlfriend had not seen him for days and in fear for his life.
John and Ray begin their investigation and soon find themselves immersed in American hippie culture and a journey through music festivals. Amongst their search they come across numerous deaths, gathering evidence they wonder if these murders are linked to their case, and will they find Martin dead or alive?
The author has crafted a work that cleverly intertwines crime and 1960’ pop culture into the narrative, providing an intriguing and enlightening story. The characters are well developed, and the dialogue flows seamlessly within the storyline to convey both culture and character whilst also moving the chain of events forward.
Scenes are vividly described, with quirks, and thrilling moments, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Warner’s writing is not only easy to follow but also brimming with a distinctive style that keeps readers engaged and eagerly turning the pages. Fraught with tension, drama, and suspense, delivered with highs and lows of pace to give readers moments of contemplation to piece the case together for themselves.
The characters are quirky and unforgettable, and there is a great deal of dedication to individualism in the dialogue, The author does an excellent job mixing these detective tales with enough twists and noir charm to make them relatable. The dynamic between the two main protagonist is humorous, clever, and fun and effectively draws you into their world.
Rock became such a countercultural movement in the sixties, and I loved how each chapter incorporates a song title and famous musicians’ names were mentioned throughout the book.
The cover has a real retro feel with its intense contrasting colours, pattern, and type. It is not your usual crime book cover, but it is highly effective making the eye draw attention to the book like a psychedelic sunset.
Summer of Blood is an accomplished piece of work that offers everything the genre should for readers, making it a captivating read for those who enjoy crime fiction.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and Fremantle Press, for the opportunity to read and review.
Set in 1967, Sydney detectives John Gordon and Ray Shearer find themselves travelling to San Francisco and Los Angeles in search of a missing minister’s son, Martin Davis. His family and girlfriend had not seen him for days and in fear for his life.
John and Ray begin their investigation and soon find themselves immersed in American hippie culture and a journey through music festivals. Amongst their search they come across numerous deaths, gathering evidence they wonder if these murders are linked to their case, and will they find Martin dead or alive?
The author has crafted a work that cleverly intertwines crime and 1960’ pop culture into the narrative, providing an intriguing and enlightening story. The characters are well developed, and the dialogue flows seamlessly within the storyline to convey both culture and character whilst also moving the chain of events forward.
Scenes are vividly described, with quirks, and thrilling moments, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Warner’s writing is not only easy to follow but also brimming with a distinctive style that keeps readers engaged and eagerly turning the pages. Fraught with tension, drama, and suspense, delivered with highs and lows of pace to give readers moments of contemplation to piece the case together for themselves.
The characters are quirky and unforgettable, and there is a great deal of dedication to individualism in the dialogue, The author does an excellent job mixing these detective tales with enough twists and noir charm to make them relatable. The dynamic between the two main protagonist is humorous, clever, and fun and effectively draws you into their world.
Rock became such a countercultural movement in the sixties, and I loved how each chapter incorporates a song title and famous musicians’ names were mentioned throughout the book.
The cover has a real retro feel with its intense contrasting colours, pattern, and type. It is not your usual crime book cover, but it is highly effective making the eye draw attention to the book like a psychedelic sunset.
Summer of Blood is an accomplished piece of work that offers everything the genre should for readers, making it a captivating read for those who enjoy crime fiction.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and Fremantle Press, for the opportunity to read and review.
January 18, 2024
I'm writing this review with a bout of gastro on the back-burner, so my creativity levels are low.
Australia's original Suburban Boy, Dave Warner, continues to power on, unlike his cricketing namesake.
In Summer of Blood, he resurrects detectives Ray Shearer and John Gordon from his 1999 novel Big Bad Blood, one of the novels which set the precedence for Australian crime noire as we now know it - I'll be plucking this off my bookshelf for another read.
Ray is an old school copper, at home in a Pelaco nylon body shirt, while John is a younger man, hair below the collar, open to the changing world of 1967 and the summer of love.
When the son of a police commissioner goes missing in San Francisco, the less than worldly duo are plonked head first into a land of anti-Vietnam protests, love-ins, psychedelic music, hippies, bikies, mind altering drugs and - of course - murder. It's a confronting trip - in all contexts of the word - but even Ray ditches the narrow tie and brown shoes to embrace a slice of counter culture.
If you've ever wanted a sneak peak into the lives of some of the biggest musical artists of the late 60s, this book will delight you, even though it's fictional. Dave Warner has a wonderful grasp of musical history and the profound impact it has on shaping lives. And it shows.
Turn on, tune in, and drop out. This book's a trip, man. Peace out.
Australia's original Suburban Boy, Dave Warner, continues to power on, unlike his cricketing namesake.
In Summer of Blood, he resurrects detectives Ray Shearer and John Gordon from his 1999 novel Big Bad Blood, one of the novels which set the precedence for Australian crime noire as we now know it - I'll be plucking this off my bookshelf for another read.
Ray is an old school copper, at home in a Pelaco nylon body shirt, while John is a younger man, hair below the collar, open to the changing world of 1967 and the summer of love.
When the son of a police commissioner goes missing in San Francisco, the less than worldly duo are plonked head first into a land of anti-Vietnam protests, love-ins, psychedelic music, hippies, bikies, mind altering drugs and - of course - murder. It's a confronting trip - in all contexts of the word - but even Ray ditches the narrow tie and brown shoes to embrace a slice of counter culture.
If you've ever wanted a sneak peak into the lives of some of the biggest musical artists of the late 60s, this book will delight you, even though it's fictional. Dave Warner has a wonderful grasp of musical history and the profound impact it has on shaping lives. And it shows.
Turn on, tune in, and drop out. This book's a trip, man. Peace out.
April 6, 2024
Dave Warner's 'Summer of Blood' takes us back to the summer of 1967 - San Fransisco love-ins, Janis Joplin, The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, drugs, anti-Vietnam War protests... Warner captures the essence of the times through vivid descriptions of the crowds, the energy as well as the laid-back atmosphere, the vocabulary, and the music. I liked the way each chapter was the title of a song. Two Australian cops -John and Ray - are sent to the States to find Marty, the missing son of a politically-connected family. At first it seems an easy task but John and Ray discover there's more to it than a missing person. His girlfriend is also missing. Marty has amassed clues and evidence that actual point to a( perhaps) serial killer. While the story gathers pace, the actual police procedure is slow and frustrating, ending in dead-ends and red herrings. I couldn't put the book down as the plot began to become clearer. There's quite a bit of violence, creepy people, and vivid descriptions of foul play. However, two things irked me a bit: I'm not a fan of characters meeting and becoming mates with famous people. And there were flashbacks to Ray and John's previous cases showing why their characters were flawed and which I couldn't quite understand (as I hadn't read a previous story in which they featured - 'Big Bad Blood'). Otherwise, an absorbing crime thriller.
January 21, 2024
Australian author and musician, Dave Warner has penned a historic crime mystery, The Summer of Blood (2023) set amidst the Californian hippie culture of 1967. Sydney homicide detectives CI Ray Shearer and DS John Gordon are sent to San Francisco to assist in the hunt for a missing twenty-two-year-old – the son of a prominent politician. As Ray and John enjoy the delights of the vibes and music of the era, they discover the young man was on the trail of a serial killer. They decide to follow his evidence trail and have numerous possible suspects, as their search leads them to the gigs and music artists of the era. More a tribute to the musicians of the counter-culture and progressive ‘60s, the murder mystery is somewhat secondary and focused on eliminating various suspects. The hunt for a serial killer historic tale is a salute to the artist of Dave’s teenage years, so only a three stars crime read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.
January 14, 2024
This was dire. I made it to page 76. An interesting set up initially, but I started having doubts at the beginning of Chapter 3 when the blokes, en route to the States, stopped over in 'Nandi' (yes I know that is how it is pronounced but not how it is spelt) and then were garlanded with a 'leigh' in Hawaii. And the syntax! Or more to the point, lack of. It's like they put the manuscript through an algorithm to remove every instance of the verbs 'was' and 'were', along with assorted determiners and prepositions. Then there's the tense changes. It's like it's trying too hard to be edgy or groovy. The same goes for injecting people like Janis Joplin in to the story as active participant. It just feels like a middle-aged bloke's nostalgic musical Summer of Love wet dream.
March 13, 2024
Given it 4 stars because Australian crime fiction is my sweet spot. But really a 3.5 stars for me. Set well in its time and shows the author’s love of the music of the late 60s. The Aussie Ds chases lot of dead ends in California I a missing person case turning into a possible serial killer case, through many bars and performance venues, giving plenty of time to name check musical stars of the era.
Probably realistic about the number of dead ends in police detective work but it means the crime fiction aspect dragged a bit at times. Perhaps a window to a wilder time in policing and drug culture and life more generally?
I enjoyed it but not as much as others by Warner - especially those set in Western Australia.
Probably realistic about the number of dead ends in police detective work but it means the crime fiction aspect dragged a bit at times. Perhaps a window to a wilder time in policing and drug culture and life more generally?
I enjoyed it but not as much as others by Warner - especially those set in Western Australia.
March 15, 2026
Had to stick at it, both the reader and the 2 Aussie detectives immersed in the flower power drug fueled music scene of West Coast US relentlessly following leads firstly to find a missing young Australian man, and progressing through a string of murdered or missing young females.
The landscape remains fairly similar and a bit tedious for both Ray and John mostly working apart for much of the 300 odd pages, and also the reader, but rewarding in the end for both.
Guess I would read another by Dave Warner, but would hope the formula would be different, maybe a bit more lively.
The landscape remains fairly similar and a bit tedious for both Ray and John mostly working apart for much of the 300 odd pages, and also the reader, but rewarding in the end for both.
Guess I would read another by Dave Warner, but would hope the formula would be different, maybe a bit more lively.
October 12, 2023
Dave Warner takes you on a real adventure with Summer of Blood. Unique in its style, it takes a few pages to get used to it, but when you do, you will be full immersed in this story. Set in Los Angeles in the '60's, you meet all the rock stars of the era, which made me wish I had been born into this time.
The story itself captures your attention, and moves at a great pace. I will be looking for more of Warner's stuff to read.
I received an ARC from Good Reading for an honest review.
The story itself captures your attention, and moves at a great pace. I will be looking for more of Warner's stuff to read.
I received an ARC from Good Reading for an honest review.
January 12, 2025
Second book I've read by this author in two series; can't say I was a fan of this one. Started off ok but it got pretty boring about halfway through and I don't condone cheating (which one of the policemen does repeatedly - wouldn't cheat on his partner in Australia, but it 'doesn't count' when he's in the US). And then to have him sleep with a real-life person (Janis Joplin) feels a bit disrespectful.
November 22, 2023
This is a typical Dave Warner novel with an engaging plot, likeable and plausible characters and most importantly written with a real sense of fun. The time setting of 1967 US with many historical and musical references resonated with someone like myself growing up in Perth at a similar time to the author. A good read!
November 27, 2023
I felt it took me a while to get into this book. Ray and Gordon go to the US to try and find an Australian male. They become involved in the hippy scene in their search. The book seemed to improve as it progressed.
December 30, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
The mystery kept me guessing with some good red herrings along the way, however there are parts where the writing is too disjointed and I found it jarred me out of the story. There are some really bad typos/editing errors in the edition I read as well.
The mystery kept me guessing with some good red herrings along the way, however there are parts where the writing is too disjointed and I found it jarred me out of the story. There are some really bad typos/editing errors in the edition I read as well.
January 7, 2024
Great audiobook straight out of the late 60s with two Australians in California in San Francisco and Los Angeles living the dream of the time with Janis Joplin Jefferson Airplane and more. Good storyline. Interesting characters. Enjoy this one.
Read the blurb on good rates
Read the blurb on good rates
January 22, 2024
A very clever crime novel that takes you right back to California in the late 60s. Loved the weaving in of the rock and folk scene of the time, San Francisco and LA, and the beginning of the serial murders that have become legend.
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