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The Bait Trap
A man disappears without a trace.
A troubled cop falls in love with his daughter.
A secret bush cabin holds all the answers.
When local father, family man and community icon John Judd goes missing in an Australian bush town, all roads lead to a sinkhole - can a man disappear into the earth?
It’s 2021, and the Australian Riverina bush town of Cooinda is in the grip of a fearsome plague, the locals are deeply divided by a planned coal seam gas mine and family secrets simmer below the surface, raising the town’s temperature to boiling point.
City cop Zac Byrne is sent to investigate the disappearance of Judd, reeling from a bruising separation and an internal investigation into a botched raid. The newly sober Sydney detective sets about uncovering the truth, partnered with an unlikely collaborator, local cop,Marko Bozic, as open as Byrne is closed. The locals seem determined to keep the truth from Byrne, but he discovers that Judd had a secret – a hidden bush cabin that might hold the answers– if they could find it.
Is a killer living amongst them? Will they strike again to prevent the truth from being revealed? What Byrne doesn’t expect is to develop feelings for Judd’s daughter, Thea. Will his feelings for Thea stop him from uncovering the truth?
The Bait Trap is about powerlessness, forgiveness, redemption and freedom.
A troubled cop falls in love with his daughter.
A secret bush cabin holds all the answers.
When local father, family man and community icon John Judd goes missing in an Australian bush town, all roads lead to a sinkhole - can a man disappear into the earth?
It’s 2021, and the Australian Riverina bush town of Cooinda is in the grip of a fearsome plague, the locals are deeply divided by a planned coal seam gas mine and family secrets simmer below the surface, raising the town’s temperature to boiling point.
City cop Zac Byrne is sent to investigate the disappearance of Judd, reeling from a bruising separation and an internal investigation into a botched raid. The newly sober Sydney detective sets about uncovering the truth, partnered with an unlikely collaborator, local cop,Marko Bozic, as open as Byrne is closed. The locals seem determined to keep the truth from Byrne, but he discovers that Judd had a secret – a hidden bush cabin that might hold the answers– if they could find it.
Is a killer living amongst them? Will they strike again to prevent the truth from being revealed? What Byrne doesn’t expect is to develop feelings for Judd’s daughter, Thea. Will his feelings for Thea stop him from uncovering the truth?
The Bait Trap is about powerlessness, forgiveness, redemption and freedom.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2023
8 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 5, 2024
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
The Bait Trap by Lynne Johnson is a great rural crime debut and an interesting look at Sydney Detective Zac Byrne who is a rehabilitated alcoholic, struggling and trying his best to battle his addiction to alcohol. His wife has left him and he’s back living with his parents.
The story is set in the NSW rural town of Cooinda. Respected local farmer John Judd sixty has gone missing after not showing up at the pub after work and it raises an alarm with his family. A disgraced Zac has been given the case and sent to the small country town after he botched a drug raid.
The story builds steadily and is written in a very respectful and authentic way of Zac as he balances work and his addiction recovery. The author has used her own experience with alcoholism to craft the character of Zac which gives a great insight into the difficulty of overcoming alcoholism.
I enjoyed the mystery, secrets and the twists and turns and loved the creepiness of the mouse plaque. The characters were fabulously flawed and well developed. There’s a AA romance, forbidden love, family dramas and redemption. I look forward to seeing what this new Aussie author brings us next, don’t miss this one if you love rural crime!
Publication Date 04 December 2023
Thank you so much Lynn Johnson for the opportunity to read your debut novel. 💖
The Bait Trap by Lynne Johnson is a great rural crime debut and an interesting look at Sydney Detective Zac Byrne who is a rehabilitated alcoholic, struggling and trying his best to battle his addiction to alcohol. His wife has left him and he’s back living with his parents.
The story is set in the NSW rural town of Cooinda. Respected local farmer John Judd sixty has gone missing after not showing up at the pub after work and it raises an alarm with his family. A disgraced Zac has been given the case and sent to the small country town after he botched a drug raid.
The story builds steadily and is written in a very respectful and authentic way of Zac as he balances work and his addiction recovery. The author has used her own experience with alcoholism to craft the character of Zac which gives a great insight into the difficulty of overcoming alcoholism.
I enjoyed the mystery, secrets and the twists and turns and loved the creepiness of the mouse plaque. The characters were fabulously flawed and well developed. There’s a AA romance, forbidden love, family dramas and redemption. I look forward to seeing what this new Aussie author brings us next, don’t miss this one if you love rural crime!
Publication Date 04 December 2023
Thank you so much Lynn Johnson for the opportunity to read your debut novel. 💖
February 11, 2024
What an excellent debut novel.
I do love a crime book set in Australia, rural Australia in particular is a great setting for such violent murders. Throw in a mouse plague (ewww). The Bait Trap is much more than just a detective story. This city cop has plenty of demons, but for a change, he seems to be working hard to get better.
Zac Byrne, straight from rehab, is sent to the small town of Cooinda, near Cowra, to help find a missing farmer, John Judd. John is well liked in the community but it seems there are plenty of people with grudges too. He seems to have disappeared without a trace. Working with the locals, they start to put the pieces together.
Zac is beginning his recovery journey, in as,all town where everything revolves around the local pub. Not easy to say no. He attends meetings and throws himself into his work. It was refreshing for a character to actually to be trying to make amends and change.
Thanks so much to the author for sending me a copy of her book to read. The authors notes were eye opening and helped understand the importance of Zac’s character.
I do love a crime book set in Australia, rural Australia in particular is a great setting for such violent murders. Throw in a mouse plague (ewww). The Bait Trap is much more than just a detective story. This city cop has plenty of demons, but for a change, he seems to be working hard to get better.
Zac Byrne, straight from rehab, is sent to the small town of Cooinda, near Cowra, to help find a missing farmer, John Judd. John is well liked in the community but it seems there are plenty of people with grudges too. He seems to have disappeared without a trace. Working with the locals, they start to put the pieces together.
Zac is beginning his recovery journey, in as,all town where everything revolves around the local pub. Not easy to say no. He attends meetings and throws himself into his work. It was refreshing for a character to actually to be trying to make amends and change.
Thanks so much to the author for sending me a copy of her book to read. The authors notes were eye opening and helped understand the importance of Zac’s character.
January 7, 2024
This is a real pager turner, I couldn’t put it down.
Set in the Aussie bush, this is not your ordinary thriller.
Interesting characters dealing with deep themes of addiction, misogyny, patriarchy and family trauma give this debut novel an extra dimension.
Highly recommended.
Set in the Aussie bush, this is not your ordinary thriller.
Interesting characters dealing with deep themes of addiction, misogyny, patriarchy and family trauma give this debut novel an extra dimension.
Highly recommended.
January 5, 2024
Set in the Australian Riverina, 'The Bait Trap' opens with a grisly murder, plunging us into the secrets, conflicts and issues that simmer just below the surface in the small town of Cooinda. When urban cop, Zac Byrne, is sent to investigate the disappearance of well-liked local John Judd, we learn that Byrne has his own ghosts. Recently separated from his wife, he is determined to overcome his alcohol addiction and finds himself embroiled not in a missing person investigation but a homicide.
While having all the ingredients we expect from a gritty crime novel, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns, Johnson also explores the complex issues of excessive drinking and its wide-reaching impacts. In Australia, our relationship with drinking is bittersweet and we turn a blind eye to the highly functional alcoholic who still turns up for work and maintains an outwardly sober appearance. There is always an outcry when attempts are made to regulate the alcohol industry despite evidence that this leads to fewer admissions to emergency departments and reduces deaths related both directly and indirectly to excessive alcohol consumption
With her personal experience working as a lawyer and attaining sobriety, Johnson delivers a crime fiction novel to satisfy not only readers of crime but anyone who enjoys intriguing plot twists, a smattering of romance and family conflicts. I was on the edge of my seat up till the very end.
The beauty of genre writing is that it provides the scaffolding for the skilled author to nudge us to think about broader social issues and The Bait Trap delivers not only an enjoyable read but holds a mirror to our fraught love affair with that most common of drugs, alcohol.
While having all the ingredients we expect from a gritty crime novel, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns, Johnson also explores the complex issues of excessive drinking and its wide-reaching impacts. In Australia, our relationship with drinking is bittersweet and we turn a blind eye to the highly functional alcoholic who still turns up for work and maintains an outwardly sober appearance. There is always an outcry when attempts are made to regulate the alcohol industry despite evidence that this leads to fewer admissions to emergency departments and reduces deaths related both directly and indirectly to excessive alcohol consumption
With her personal experience working as a lawyer and attaining sobriety, Johnson delivers a crime fiction novel to satisfy not only readers of crime but anyone who enjoys intriguing plot twists, a smattering of romance and family conflicts. I was on the edge of my seat up till the very end.
The beauty of genre writing is that it provides the scaffolding for the skilled author to nudge us to think about broader social issues and The Bait Trap delivers not only an enjoyable read but holds a mirror to our fraught love affair with that most common of drugs, alcohol.
January 20, 2024
So many crime authors put the defective detective at the centre of their stories. And in many cases, this works well. But I loved how Johnson turned that trope around, just a little bit, by bringing us a cop in all his vulnerability, struggling with sobriety.
The book follows the story of city cop Zac Byrne who arrives in the Central NSW town of Cooinda after respected local businessman and farmer, John Judd, goes missing without a trace. Byrne has been shifted from Sydney after a failed raid put him under the microscope of an internal investigation. Teaming up with local cop, Marko Bozic, the pair soon discover all is not as it seems in the Judd household.
There is so much to love in this self-published debut, but at its heart are its characters. Although a debut, there’s a real sense the author really understands character development, bringing a real layer of authenticity particularly to Byrne, no doubt due to her own journey with sobriety.
A great plot that builds steadily to a satisfying conclusion and a town filled with layered and relatable characters, this book ticked a lot of boxes for me.
The book follows the story of city cop Zac Byrne who arrives in the Central NSW town of Cooinda after respected local businessman and farmer, John Judd, goes missing without a trace. Byrne has been shifted from Sydney after a failed raid put him under the microscope of an internal investigation. Teaming up with local cop, Marko Bozic, the pair soon discover all is not as it seems in the Judd household.
There is so much to love in this self-published debut, but at its heart are its characters. Although a debut, there’s a real sense the author really understands character development, bringing a real layer of authenticity particularly to Byrne, no doubt due to her own journey with sobriety.
A great plot that builds steadily to a satisfying conclusion and a town filled with layered and relatable characters, this book ticked a lot of boxes for me.
January 8, 2024
Excellent first book. Was engaging, suspenseful and well written. It painted an accurate picture of Australian country life as I have experienced it. Looking forward to reading more from this new author.
The struggle the protagonist has with his addiction to alcohol gives the reader an insight into how difficult it is for people with this affliction and for those around them.
The struggle the protagonist has with his addiction to alcohol gives the reader an insight into how difficult it is for people with this affliction and for those around them.
July 27, 2024
Cooinda, 2021. A local father, family man and community icon John Judd goes missing. City cop Zac Byrne is sent to investigate Judd’s disappearance, while reeling from a bruising separation and an internal investigation into a botched raid. The newly sober Sydney detective sets about uncovering the truth, partnered with an unlikely collaborator, local cop, Marko Bozic.
If you know me, you know I love details in my fiction. On that front, this book didn’t disappoint at all. Lynne definitely incorporated all her subject matter expertise in alcohol addiction and recovery process. I really appreciated the zoomed-in view of Byrne’s struggles against addiction and his journey to get back to being the best version of himself.
I loved the dynamics between Byrne and Bozic! Their contrasting personalities were so fun to watch, and I felt they made a good partnership. I hope to see them again in Lynne’s future books (if this turns into a trilogy or even series!).
The mystery itself was great. I definitely didn’t see the twist coming. I really enjoyed tagging along as Byrne interviewed and investigated each suspect. The romance aspect, while not the main ingredient I was looking for, was quite entertaining while presenting an extra layer of challenge for Byrne in the story.
All in all, a very enjoyable debut I’d recommend to any Aussie crime fiction fan!
(Thanks to the author for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
If you know me, you know I love details in my fiction. On that front, this book didn’t disappoint at all. Lynne definitely incorporated all her subject matter expertise in alcohol addiction and recovery process. I really appreciated the zoomed-in view of Byrne’s struggles against addiction and his journey to get back to being the best version of himself.
I loved the dynamics between Byrne and Bozic! Their contrasting personalities were so fun to watch, and I felt they made a good partnership. I hope to see them again in Lynne’s future books (if this turns into a trilogy or even series!).
The mystery itself was great. I definitely didn’t see the twist coming. I really enjoyed tagging along as Byrne interviewed and investigated each suspect. The romance aspect, while not the main ingredient I was looking for, was quite entertaining while presenting an extra layer of challenge for Byrne in the story.
All in all, a very enjoyable debut I’d recommend to any Aussie crime fiction fan!
(Thanks to the author for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
March 9, 2024
In the fictional Australian town of Cooinda, which is currently overrun by mice, the community is divided over a proposed coal seam gas mine. When local man, John Judd, disappears, city cop Zac Byrne is sent to investigate. Currently the subject of an internal investigation, Zac is newly sober and struggling. With the locals determined to hold their cards close to their chests, Byrne starts to uncover their secrets and develop a bond with Thea, the missing man’s daughter. As the danger begins to escalate, will he be able to uncover the truth before it’s too late?
I loved the way this book turned the stereotype of the damaged hard boiled detective on its head, with Zac trying his best to stay sober and get the job done. Lynne has based his and Thea’s battles with alcohol and their recovery on her own experiences and I really appreciated this insight and authentic representation. At it’s heart this book is a crime novel, with plenty of police procedure, similar to Garry Disher’s work, but in this novel, Byrne is attempting to change his life despite the huge drinking culture that surrounds him. The attitudes of others to someone else’s drinking, or lack of, was really interesting to see on the page and I could definitely relate. In Australian culture, people are often suspicious of those who don’t drink and many do not understand that alcoholism is a disease, rather than a choice.
I also found it intriguing, after having just finished Victoria Vanstone’s A Thousand Wasted Sundays, that Byrne’s character in The Bait Trap also expressed the sentiment of wanting to “learn to drink properly”. I really began to understand after reading this thought that for alcoholics there is no such thing.
The Bait Trap was a standout read for me, with its destigmatising of alcoholism and recovery. I really came to empathise with Zac by the end of the book and I have my fingers crossed that we will see him in future novels.
I loved the way this book turned the stereotype of the damaged hard boiled detective on its head, with Zac trying his best to stay sober and get the job done. Lynne has based his and Thea’s battles with alcohol and their recovery on her own experiences and I really appreciated this insight and authentic representation. At it’s heart this book is a crime novel, with plenty of police procedure, similar to Garry Disher’s work, but in this novel, Byrne is attempting to change his life despite the huge drinking culture that surrounds him. The attitudes of others to someone else’s drinking, or lack of, was really interesting to see on the page and I could definitely relate. In Australian culture, people are often suspicious of those who don’t drink and many do not understand that alcoholism is a disease, rather than a choice.
I also found it intriguing, after having just finished Victoria Vanstone’s A Thousand Wasted Sundays, that Byrne’s character in The Bait Trap also expressed the sentiment of wanting to “learn to drink properly”. I really began to understand after reading this thought that for alcoholics there is no such thing.
The Bait Trap was a standout read for me, with its destigmatising of alcoholism and recovery. I really came to empathise with Zac by the end of the book and I have my fingers crossed that we will see him in future novels.
January 17, 2024
This was a really good book. A bit shaky at the start, but it firmed into a strong story with a bit of a hidden message - a shout out to those that are struggling with addiction.
When wealthy farmer John Judd doesn't turn up at the pub on a Friday night the alarm bells start to ring. Something is up, something is wrong because John is always there.
When it becomes obvious that John is missing, or may have met with foul play, Sydney cop Zac Byrne is sent to the little town of Cooinda to help the investigation.
There are many people that may have wanted Juddy dead. His cool as ice wife, Ros. His son Gus and wife Stephanie who think they stand to inherit the lot. His daughter Thea, pissed off that she has been cut out of the will and picking up the pieces of her life after moving back to Cooinda with her tail between her legs.
Zac is fighting his own demons, the breakdown of his marriage and the ever present lure of alcohol.
I enjoyed this story and it's tale of family loyalties, forbidden love, revenge and redemption.
For a debut novel, it was pretty impressive and I will happily read the next outing of this author.
When wealthy farmer John Judd doesn't turn up at the pub on a Friday night the alarm bells start to ring. Something is up, something is wrong because John is always there.
When it becomes obvious that John is missing, or may have met with foul play, Sydney cop Zac Byrne is sent to the little town of Cooinda to help the investigation.
There are many people that may have wanted Juddy dead. His cool as ice wife, Ros. His son Gus and wife Stephanie who think they stand to inherit the lot. His daughter Thea, pissed off that she has been cut out of the will and picking up the pieces of her life after moving back to Cooinda with her tail between her legs.
Zac is fighting his own demons, the breakdown of his marriage and the ever present lure of alcohol.
I enjoyed this story and it's tale of family loyalties, forbidden love, revenge and redemption.
For a debut novel, it was pretty impressive and I will happily read the next outing of this author.
April 15, 2024
3.5⭐️ Thank you @lynne_johnson_author for sending me a copy of your amazing debut novel. I love nothing better than an Australian small-town crime novel.
The book opens with the brutal death of town local John Judd. Sydney cop Zac Bryne is sent to investigate his disappearance.
Zac is battling his own demons. Newly separated from his wife, he is sober after a long addiction to alcohol. He teams up with local cop Marko to uncover the town’s secrets and to find out why and who killed John Judd.
Lynne herself is a recovering alcoholic and her own experiences really bring the struggles that people go through to light in this story.
The book opens with the brutal death of town local John Judd. Sydney cop Zac Bryne is sent to investigate his disappearance.
Zac is battling his own demons. Newly separated from his wife, he is sober after a long addiction to alcohol. He teams up with local cop Marko to uncover the town’s secrets and to find out why and who killed John Judd.
Lynne herself is a recovering alcoholic and her own experiences really bring the struggles that people go through to light in this story.
April 25, 2024
A massive thank you to Lynne Johnson for sending me a gifted copy for my honest book review. It was such a nice surprise that it was a signed copy.
In The Bait Trap we learn that John Judd, a local farmer has gone missing. Zac Byrne ends up being put on the case, travelling to a small town of Cooinda to assist the police in the missing persons case. We learn that Zac has some demons - being on rehab from alcohol and separating from his wife. Once they get on the case, Zac and Bozic realise nothing is as it seems and they do not know who to trust. Especially when the case becomes a homicide. What could possibly go wrong?
Thank you to Mandie for buddy reading this one with me. I enjoyed the backstory and learning about all the characters especially the family dynamics. I did not see that ending coming at all and was very well written - it had me wanting more. I enjoyed the aspects of alcoholism as well. I'm looking forward to reading more from the author.
In The Bait Trap we learn that John Judd, a local farmer has gone missing. Zac Byrne ends up being put on the case, travelling to a small town of Cooinda to assist the police in the missing persons case. We learn that Zac has some demons - being on rehab from alcohol and separating from his wife. Once they get on the case, Zac and Bozic realise nothing is as it seems and they do not know who to trust. Especially when the case becomes a homicide. What could possibly go wrong?
Thank you to Mandie for buddy reading this one with me. I enjoyed the backstory and learning about all the characters especially the family dynamics. I did not see that ending coming at all and was very well written - it had me wanting more. I enjoyed the aspects of alcoholism as well. I'm looking forward to reading more from the author.
March 12, 2024
I did enjoy this rural crime drama. The characters are well drawn as is the far western NSW setting. I love a tight plot, and this one is well done. Most of all I loved that the main character, Zac Byrne, is not a policeman with a problem (so many are alcoholics or troubled in other ways.) Zac is fresh out of rehab and fresh out of a separation. In the book he learns to undestand himself, and his drinking. It's an interesting take.
February 8, 2024
The Bait Trap by Australian author Lynne Johnson is a work of fiction in the crime, suspense, and romance subgenres.
Sydney Detective Seargeant Zac Byrne works in the drug squad, his drinking is no longer just a casual social activity but has become a daily habit, struggling with alcoholism he checks himself into Shangri-La Private Hospital or as those in the revolving door of rehab like to call it La-La Land. His wife Jenny cannot take it any more especially after putting their daughter Skye at risk and asks for a separation.
Newly sober Byrne is sent to investigate the disappearance of a well-known local, John Judd in the Australian Riverina bush town of Coodina. A mouse plague is terrorising the small town and locals are divided by a planned coal seam gas mine. Byrne teams with local police officer, Marko Bozic to uncover the truth of Judd’s disappearance.
The locals are hell bent to keep the truth from a city Detective, which adds to the suspicion if one of them a killer and how far will they go to prevent the truth being revealed. As secrets are uncovered can the answer lie in a hidden bush cabin owned by Judd?
If there is a style of fiction that can get me to sit up and take notice, it is a beautifully paced character study set against a backdrop of adversity and the step-by-step overcoming of that adversity. Johnson has written a stellar tale of that very nature.
Zac Byrne is an excellent protagonist whose characterisation naturally evolves throughout the story as the events of the narrative promote change and growth. He has gone through such a challenging time with separation and sobriety, and many hurdles to overcomes. His determination to pursue the truth until the end, at the cost of his relationships, will have you rooting for him.
The cast of characters were authentic and relatable. they charm their way into your heart with their ordinary lives and salt-of-the-earth personalities. The conversations between the characters maintain the perspective of a lot of activity going on within a closed community which adds to the novel's realistic tone The author captures the ambiance of the remote bush town and its people perfectly.
The story is fast-paced, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. It was action-packed, and I could not stop turning the pages with all the twists and turns. I never knew what to expect next and found myself going back to reread a few chapters just to make sure I did not miss anything. Overall, it is a clever whodunnit that will keep the reader guessing.
The writing is descriptive enough to make you feel you are there and compelling enough to keep you reading all the way through. It is a story of damaged people who find their way back to the light as they begin to heal from their own traumas.
For her debut novel Lynne Johnson draws on her own struggles with alcoholism which inspired her to write The Bait Trap, she incorporates this into the fictional storyline giving multilayers to her characters. I thought this was very commendable of her to be so open and share part of herself and other people’s lives that struggle with addiction. This is one author to watch.
Both well-balanced and alluring the book cover feels like the perfect image and fits tremendously well with the book without giving too much away. I also loved the large print which not many books have, I find it so much easier to read.
If you love to read crime mysteries, you will not go wrong with this one. I highly recommend.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and Big Sky Publishing for the opportunity to tread and review.
Sydney Detective Seargeant Zac Byrne works in the drug squad, his drinking is no longer just a casual social activity but has become a daily habit, struggling with alcoholism he checks himself into Shangri-La Private Hospital or as those in the revolving door of rehab like to call it La-La Land. His wife Jenny cannot take it any more especially after putting their daughter Skye at risk and asks for a separation.
Newly sober Byrne is sent to investigate the disappearance of a well-known local, John Judd in the Australian Riverina bush town of Coodina. A mouse plague is terrorising the small town and locals are divided by a planned coal seam gas mine. Byrne teams with local police officer, Marko Bozic to uncover the truth of Judd’s disappearance.
The locals are hell bent to keep the truth from a city Detective, which adds to the suspicion if one of them a killer and how far will they go to prevent the truth being revealed. As secrets are uncovered can the answer lie in a hidden bush cabin owned by Judd?
If there is a style of fiction that can get me to sit up and take notice, it is a beautifully paced character study set against a backdrop of adversity and the step-by-step overcoming of that adversity. Johnson has written a stellar tale of that very nature.
Zac Byrne is an excellent protagonist whose characterisation naturally evolves throughout the story as the events of the narrative promote change and growth. He has gone through such a challenging time with separation and sobriety, and many hurdles to overcomes. His determination to pursue the truth until the end, at the cost of his relationships, will have you rooting for him.
The cast of characters were authentic and relatable. they charm their way into your heart with their ordinary lives and salt-of-the-earth personalities. The conversations between the characters maintain the perspective of a lot of activity going on within a closed community which adds to the novel's realistic tone The author captures the ambiance of the remote bush town and its people perfectly.
The story is fast-paced, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. It was action-packed, and I could not stop turning the pages with all the twists and turns. I never knew what to expect next and found myself going back to reread a few chapters just to make sure I did not miss anything. Overall, it is a clever whodunnit that will keep the reader guessing.
The writing is descriptive enough to make you feel you are there and compelling enough to keep you reading all the way through. It is a story of damaged people who find their way back to the light as they begin to heal from their own traumas.
For her debut novel Lynne Johnson draws on her own struggles with alcoholism which inspired her to write The Bait Trap, she incorporates this into the fictional storyline giving multilayers to her characters. I thought this was very commendable of her to be so open and share part of herself and other people’s lives that struggle with addiction. This is one author to watch.
Both well-balanced and alluring the book cover feels like the perfect image and fits tremendously well with the book without giving too much away. I also loved the large print which not many books have, I find it so much easier to read.
If you love to read crime mysteries, you will not go wrong with this one. I highly recommend.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and Big Sky Publishing for the opportunity to tread and review.
February 28, 2024
Detective Zac Byrne is fresh out of rehab, and desperate to learn to “drink properly”. His wife wants nothing more to do with him, and he’s back to living with his parents. Fortunately for him, he’s just been assigned a case out of town.
John Judd, a well respected member of a rural Australian town has gone missing after he didn’t show up for his regular beer at the local (and only) pub. Zac is on the case to solve his disappearance, and to get answers for his family.
🐁
Quite often you read crime thrillers where the main Detective has an alcohol addiction. And just as often it’s written as a “quirk” of their character. What makes The Bait Trap different, is that it focuses on Zac’s path towards recovery. His coming to terms with the problems his drinking caused, both just professionally, but also personally. A lot of the way this plays out is drawn from the authors own journey of recovery from alcoholism. And it works. It doesn’t come across as a gimmick, or shame people into not drinking. It’s written in a way where you respect Zac and the struggles he faces balancing his stressful job with recovery.
This story had me hooked early on, and I loved the little Australian language quirks, the mouse plague also making an appearance was a delight. And the mystery kept me guessing. Even right before the big reveal I didn’t have a clue what was going to happen.
Honestly, if you love a crime thriller, you’ll love this
John Judd, a well respected member of a rural Australian town has gone missing after he didn’t show up for his regular beer at the local (and only) pub. Zac is on the case to solve his disappearance, and to get answers for his family.
🐁
Quite often you read crime thrillers where the main Detective has an alcohol addiction. And just as often it’s written as a “quirk” of their character. What makes The Bait Trap different, is that it focuses on Zac’s path towards recovery. His coming to terms with the problems his drinking caused, both just professionally, but also personally. A lot of the way this plays out is drawn from the authors own journey of recovery from alcoholism. And it works. It doesn’t come across as a gimmick, or shame people into not drinking. It’s written in a way where you respect Zac and the struggles he faces balancing his stressful job with recovery.
This story had me hooked early on, and I loved the little Australian language quirks, the mouse plague also making an appearance was a delight. And the mystery kept me guessing. Even right before the big reveal I didn’t have a clue what was going to happen.
Honestly, if you love a crime thriller, you’ll love this
June 9, 2024
The Bait Trap was a hit with me , I loved the cover , it has good sized print and the storyline is superb. Set in the Australian Riverina bush town of Cooinda where the people are experiencing a plague of mice and locals are also upset with the planned coal seam gas mine proposal.
Then one of their farmers doesn't turn up at his local on Friday night , setting off a missing persons case for Sergeant Marko Bozic , who is soon joined by Detective Sergeant Zac Byrne who leads the investigation
Author Lynne Johnson's writing just oozes rural living ,with many Aussie expressions and vivid descriptions of the countryside," A placid dun pony lifted its head , Angus beef cows their hides the colour and texture of liquorice, grazed in paddocks once green but now haying-off and chocolate tinged." She sensitively includes issues with alcoholism, sexuality , family breakups as well as other issues which arise in small communities , weaving these into the strong characters to develop a novel with many twists and turns which had me guessing until the end.
A riveting read ,which will be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys crime novels and I will be keen to see if the author develops this theme further and we get to read more of Zac Byrne and the Australian rural lifestyle
Then one of their farmers doesn't turn up at his local on Friday night , setting off a missing persons case for Sergeant Marko Bozic , who is soon joined by Detective Sergeant Zac Byrne who leads the investigation
Author Lynne Johnson's writing just oozes rural living ,with many Aussie expressions and vivid descriptions of the countryside," A placid dun pony lifted its head , Angus beef cows their hides the colour and texture of liquorice, grazed in paddocks once green but now haying-off and chocolate tinged." She sensitively includes issues with alcoholism, sexuality , family breakups as well as other issues which arise in small communities , weaving these into the strong characters to develop a novel with many twists and turns which had me guessing until the end.
A riveting read ,which will be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys crime novels and I will be keen to see if the author develops this theme further and we get to read more of Zac Byrne and the Australian rural lifestyle
February 26, 2024
✍️ When a local Farmer goes missing in a remote New South Wales town with no trace, it's up to Sydney Detective Zac Byrne to uncover the mystery behind the missing man along with local cop Marko Bozic as they investigate the town and its inhabitants for clues.
I Thoroughly Devoured this Stunning and Fabulous Thriller which took me on an Atmospheric Journey into the dark world of Drugs, Alcohol, Corruption and Missing Persons as I was immediately hooked by the Prologue and the fast paced story that followed.
The storyline was filled with great Attention to Detail and Investigative work that was so Compelling and held me on the edge of my seat in Curiosity and Excitement as I was running through the case in my mind and trying to figure out what was going on and who the Suspects were in the story which had a great way of maintaining an air of mystery and surprise till the end.
The themes of Secrecy, Intrigue and Community were vivid and enthralling as I was enveloped in the dark, dusty and thrilling town of Cooinda and the well crafted characters with their own innuendos and suspicions. I couldn't put it down.
Highly recommended!
I Thoroughly Devoured this Stunning and Fabulous Thriller which took me on an Atmospheric Journey into the dark world of Drugs, Alcohol, Corruption and Missing Persons as I was immediately hooked by the Prologue and the fast paced story that followed.
The storyline was filled with great Attention to Detail and Investigative work that was so Compelling and held me on the edge of my seat in Curiosity and Excitement as I was running through the case in my mind and trying to figure out what was going on and who the Suspects were in the story which had a great way of maintaining an air of mystery and surprise till the end.
The themes of Secrecy, Intrigue and Community were vivid and enthralling as I was enveloped in the dark, dusty and thrilling town of Cooinda and the well crafted characters with their own innuendos and suspicions. I couldn't put it down.
Highly recommended!
February 15, 2024
The Bait Trap is about a missing person case set in the small town of Cooinda in the Australian Riverina, NSW during a mouse plague. The detective, Zac Byrne, has his own issues to deal with including a marriage breakdown, alcohol addiction, and the trials and tribulations of parenting a teen daughter who has her heart set on becoming an influencer. He’s sent from the city to investigate when local farmer, John ‘Juddy’ Judd, goes missing after a drug raid went wrong.
There were plenty of twists and turns in the missing person investigation, which quickly turns into a homicide investigation. It soon becomes clear that Juddy was keeping secrets of his own, but will Byrne figure out who killed him or will he allow his own issues and growing feelings for Juddy’s daughter, Thea, get in the way of the investigation?
I loved the pervasiveness of the mouse plague and the insights into the secrets and characters found within small country towns. I also appreciated how Byrne and Thea were actively working to recover from their alcohol addictions.
There were plenty of twists and turns in the missing person investigation, which quickly turns into a homicide investigation. It soon becomes clear that Juddy was keeping secrets of his own, but will Byrne figure out who killed him or will he allow his own issues and growing feelings for Juddy’s daughter, Thea, get in the way of the investigation?
I loved the pervasiveness of the mouse plague and the insights into the secrets and characters found within small country towns. I also appreciated how Byrne and Thea were actively working to recover from their alcohol addictions.
March 4, 2024
Stone the bloody crows! Prepare for a crash course in fair dinkum Aussie ocker country crime. Streuth, the conversational slang is absolute bonzer. Ace.
Detective Zac Byrne is at an all time low.
A recovering alcoholic fresh from rehab.
In disgrace with the police force following a drug raid gone wrong.
Barely hanging onto his relationship with his daughter.
As he awaits his disciplinary hearing, he is sent out to the sticks to investigate the disappearance of well loved local farmer, Jack Judd.
I was really drawn into this story. It’s a slow burn rural crime- very heavy on character, potentially a little too detailed at times, but certainly delivers on plot for the grand finale.
It is also an honest, gritty reflection on the ongoing road to recovery from alcoholism. Encapsulated perfectly within the character of Zac Byrnes.
Thanks Lynne for sending me a copy of your baby! Hours of entertainment and I solidly recommend for any lover of a good Australian rural crime novel.
Read if you loved Jane Harper’s ‘The Lost Man’.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Detective Zac Byrne is at an all time low.
A recovering alcoholic fresh from rehab.
In disgrace with the police force following a drug raid gone wrong.
Barely hanging onto his relationship with his daughter.
As he awaits his disciplinary hearing, he is sent out to the sticks to investigate the disappearance of well loved local farmer, Jack Judd.
I was really drawn into this story. It’s a slow burn rural crime- very heavy on character, potentially a little too detailed at times, but certainly delivers on plot for the grand finale.
It is also an honest, gritty reflection on the ongoing road to recovery from alcoholism. Encapsulated perfectly within the character of Zac Byrnes.
Thanks Lynne for sending me a copy of your baby! Hours of entertainment and I solidly recommend for any lover of a good Australian rural crime novel.
Read if you loved Jane Harper’s ‘The Lost Man’.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 3, 2024
The Bait Trap was a very interesting read, a murder mystery with cop who is a recovering alcoholic.
When a local farmer goes missing Detective Zac Byrne is sent out to investigate, he's resentful at first at being sent out to 'The sticks' the change of scenery helps his healing process as he investigates the farmers disappearance, all whilst he's fighting an attraction to the missing farmers daughter.
The book tackles some big issues in alcohol abuse and was an interesting insight.
There was no twist with who the murderer was, it was pretty straight forward but still a really intriguing book to read that had me sucked in.
Thank you Lynne Johnson for the lovely signed book and Beauty and Lace
When a local farmer goes missing Detective Zac Byrne is sent out to investigate, he's resentful at first at being sent out to 'The sticks' the change of scenery helps his healing process as he investigates the farmers disappearance, all whilst he's fighting an attraction to the missing farmers daughter.
The book tackles some big issues in alcohol abuse and was an interesting insight.
There was no twist with who the murderer was, it was pretty straight forward but still a really intriguing book to read that had me sucked in.
Thank you Lynne Johnson for the lovely signed book and Beauty and Lace
February 27, 2024
Zac Byrne has almost hit rock bottom. His wife has left him and after a botched drug bust at work, detective Zac Byrne is banished to the Riverina town of Cooinda to investigate the disappearance of local farmer, John Judd. He doesn’t expect to meet the missing man’s daughter at the local AA meeting. And after THAT, things get complicated.
Johnson is a former copyright lawyer and recovering alcoholic. When I read in the press release that Lynne wanted to explore addiction through a novel, I was worried that the book would focus on Byrne’s alcoholism with a crime story tacked on the end. Instead, Johnson wove a story of a detective trying to solve the case of a man with his own secrets while struggling to maintain his sobriety. There are many suspects, amusing locals and red herrings to keep things interesting. The visuals of the mouse plague had me shuddering.
This was a solid debut from Johnson. I look forward to her next book but please, no more mouse plagues!
Thanks to the author for this gifted copy in return for an honest opinion.
Johnson is a former copyright lawyer and recovering alcoholic. When I read in the press release that Lynne wanted to explore addiction through a novel, I was worried that the book would focus on Byrne’s alcoholism with a crime story tacked on the end. Instead, Johnson wove a story of a detective trying to solve the case of a man with his own secrets while struggling to maintain his sobriety. There are many suspects, amusing locals and red herrings to keep things interesting. The visuals of the mouse plague had me shuddering.
This was a solid debut from Johnson. I look forward to her next book but please, no more mouse plagues!
Thanks to the author for this gifted copy in return for an honest opinion.
November 15, 2025
The Bait Trap is an atmospheric and engaging Australian crime novel that blends mystery, small-town tension, and emotional depth. Lynne Johnson captures the Riverina setting vividly, layering the story with pandemic pressure, environmental conflict, and buried secrets. Zac Byrne is a flawed but compelling protagonist, and his unlikely partnership with local cop Marko adds warmth and grit to the investigation. The slow reveal of John Judd’s hidden life keeps the tension high, and the romantic thread with Thea adds human stakes without overwhelming the plot. Suspenseful, grounded, and full of heart, this is a satisfying read for fans of character-driven crime.
April 16, 2024
I won this book thanks to an online bookclub that authors are invited to write about their writing journey and May talk about their most recent book and others they have written.
This mystery has a detective sent to investigate a murder in the country who is just trying to change from his alcoholic ways.
He teams up with local police but is carrying pain from his pre so be days that has is written by the author well.
I kept wanting to know more and kept reading. Do read the author's note when you finish.
I recommend this book.
This mystery has a detective sent to investigate a murder in the country who is just trying to change from his alcoholic ways.
He teams up with local police but is carrying pain from his pre so be days that has is written by the author well.
I kept wanting to know more and kept reading. Do read the author's note when you finish.
I recommend this book.
May 12, 2024
3 1/2 stars rounded up
After a botched raid, alcoholic Detective Zac Byrne finds himself in the rural town of Cooinda, searching for missing farmer Judd.
There's a lot to like about this debut novel. Byrne is interesting, complicated, yet likeable despite his flaws. The other main characters are well fleshed out and relatable. At times believability is stretched too far and the ending is wrapped up a little too neatly but overall this was a great read. Non Australian's may struggle with some of the jargon. Looking foward to the author's next read.
After a botched raid, alcoholic Detective Zac Byrne finds himself in the rural town of Cooinda, searching for missing farmer Judd.
There's a lot to like about this debut novel. Byrne is interesting, complicated, yet likeable despite his flaws. The other main characters are well fleshed out and relatable. At times believability is stretched too far and the ending is wrapped up a little too neatly but overall this was a great read. Non Australian's may struggle with some of the jargon. Looking foward to the author's next read.
November 29, 2025
The Bait Trap by Lynne is a gripping and emotionally charged mystery set in the tense Australian Riverina. When respected local John Judd vanishes, the community’s secrets begin to unravel. Lynne masterfully blends suspense with raw human emotion as detective Zac Byrne battles personal demons while uncovering hidden truths, including a secluded bush cabin that may hold the key. With complex characters, rising tension, and themes of redemption and power, this compelling story is one I highly recommend to mystery lovers.
January 26, 2024
Enter another rural crime author in debut novelist Lynne Johnson, this book was well paced and the author kept me turning the pages until it was completed. A missing man brings a Sydney detective to a rural community to investigate the disappearance. Many suspects and some red herrings thrown in to boot. Very impressive first novel.
March 9, 2024
4/5
A very realistic depiction of small town Australia with a range of likeable and suspicious characters.
I do enjoy the unraveling of a good mystery thriller and to no surprise I did not accurately guess the perpetrator and the plot twist took me by surprise!
Thank you for the opportunity to read your debut novel Lynne!
A very realistic depiction of small town Australia with a range of likeable and suspicious characters.
I do enjoy the unraveling of a good mystery thriller and to no surprise I did not accurately guess the perpetrator and the plot twist took me by surprise!
Thank you for the opportunity to read your debut novel Lynne!
January 20, 2024
Another small town murder solved by a cop with issues. Hope for Byrne and his future. Solution slightly far fetched but otherwise all the ingredients for a crime were ticked off, if perhaps a little formulaic, with some rather heavy handed use of similes and figurative language.
March 5, 2024
Our latest Wondering Women Bookclub pick exceeded expectations with its captivating storyline and well-developed characters. It was a pleasure to support self-published author Lynne Johnson and i look forward to her future works.
October 7, 2024
The Bait Trap by Lynne Johnson
A very good debut novel from author Lynn Johnson, covering a variety of topics and set in the beautiful Australian country side. The main character is a likeable bloke Zac, normally working in the city he has been drafted to a rural town as a detective in a murder investigation. Zac has lots going on, he is a recovering alcoholic, his relationship is in shambles and he has an almost severed relationship with his teenage daughter Skye. Zac partners with local police officer Marko, and observing the relationship between the two develop, is often very amusing. Both men have flaws but are prepared to own their issues and keen to improve their life in general. There are a lot of characters, and the first half of the book brings the many players roles and personalities to the readers attention whilst in the background the murderer roams free. The mystery is very layered and there are many potential suspects. Alcoholism, and the fall out from those affected is always there in the back ground, with the benefits and the support of groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous explored in a lovely way. An enjoyable read and a page turner as the end approaches. Thanks to my online book club and author Lynne for my copy of the book.
A very good debut novel from author Lynn Johnson, covering a variety of topics and set in the beautiful Australian country side. The main character is a likeable bloke Zac, normally working in the city he has been drafted to a rural town as a detective in a murder investigation. Zac has lots going on, he is a recovering alcoholic, his relationship is in shambles and he has an almost severed relationship with his teenage daughter Skye. Zac partners with local police officer Marko, and observing the relationship between the two develop, is often very amusing. Both men have flaws but are prepared to own their issues and keen to improve their life in general. There are a lot of characters, and the first half of the book brings the many players roles and personalities to the readers attention whilst in the background the murderer roams free. The mystery is very layered and there are many potential suspects. Alcoholism, and the fall out from those affected is always there in the back ground, with the benefits and the support of groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous explored in a lovely way. An enjoyable read and a page turner as the end approaches. Thanks to my online book club and author Lynne for my copy of the book.
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