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DS Walker #2
Paradise: A totally addictive crime thriller packed with jaw-dropping twists
As DS Lucas Walker recovers from his injuries, he heads from Caloodie, Queensland, to the Gold Coast. Surfer's Paradise: a seaside city where gleaming high rises fringe sparkling surf beaches, sunny days lead to wild nights, and criminals and bikie gangs mingle with tourists and dignitaries at five star hotels, clubs and casinos.
Before long, Walker is part of a team trying to solve a horrific home invasion and murder that has claimed the life of a young mother and left her nine-year-old daughter fighting to survive. Can he help them find the perpetrators, and keep the young girl safe? Meanwhile, Vandals head honcho Stefan Markovich is in town - and Walker once again finds himself on a dangerous collision course with the drug gang.
Weak from his injuries, and grieving, can Walker solve a case that is more shocking than anyone expected, and survive the dark underbelly of Australia's Surfer's Paradise?
Before long, Walker is part of a team trying to solve a horrific home invasion and murder that has claimed the life of a young mother and left her nine-year-old daughter fighting to survive. Can he help them find the perpetrators, and keep the young girl safe? Meanwhile, Vandals head honcho Stefan Markovich is in town - and Walker once again finds himself on a dangerous collision course with the drug gang.
Weak from his injuries, and grieving, can Walker solve a case that is more shocking than anyone expected, and survive the dark underbelly of Australia's Surfer's Paradise?
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2023
3592 people are currently reading
3617 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Wolf
28 books416 followersPatricia Wolf grew up in Queensland, Australia, and now lives in Berlin. She likes whisky and strong coffee, busy cities, surf beaches and wild places. Patricia has been a journalist for almost twenty years. She is a regular contributor to newspapers including the Guardian, the Financial Times and the Daily Telegraph, among others, and was formerly a design columnist at the Independent and the Lisbon correspondent for Monocle magazine. Outback is her fiction debut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 562 reviews
April 3, 2025
Patricia Wolf is an excellent writer, definitely literary fiction or realism quality, so her thrillers are as much full blown novels as they are genre pieces.
🇦🇺I’m not so much a murder mystery aficionado but I like to read fiction set in other parts of the world that’s written by people who live in those places. So my first interest here is reading something authentic about Australia and this book delivers on that score. Her first book I learned a lot about the outback, this second book I’ve learned a lot about the famous Gold Coast. And Aussie slang along with the generous spread of Vegemite on bread!
🇦🇺 In this volume Lucas Walker gets entangled with the hardcore biker version of organized crime. The suspense is acute, the action sequences intense. A wife is murdered and her child left for dead. But is it murder by outsiders? Or is it domestic violence?
Slick, gritty and lethal.
🇦🇺I’m not so much a murder mystery aficionado but I like to read fiction set in other parts of the world that’s written by people who live in those places. So my first interest here is reading something authentic about Australia and this book delivers on that score. Her first book I learned a lot about the outback, this second book I’ve learned a lot about the famous Gold Coast. And Aussie slang along with the generous spread of Vegemite on bread!
🇦🇺 In this volume Lucas Walker gets entangled with the hardcore biker version of organized crime. The suspense is acute, the action sequences intense. A wife is murdered and her child left for dead. But is it murder by outsiders? Or is it domestic violence?
Slick, gritty and lethal.
August 20, 2024
DS Lucas Walker was recovering from the injuries obtained in his last case, and Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast in Queensland soothed him, with his daily swimming at the local beach, and exercising at a nearby gym just what his doctor ordered. But the Gold Coast was also home to crime gangs, drugs and bikies, and when he discovered Stefan Markovich was in town, it wasn't long before Walker was in their sights.
Meanwhile a brutal murder/home invasion had occurred; a young woman had lost her life, her daughter barely survived. Walker was determined to help the local police discover the perpetrators while keeping young Grace safe as she recovered in hospital. Was Walker taking on too much in his weakened state?
Paradise is #2 in the DS Walker series by Aussie author Patricia Wolf and I enjoyed it very much. Walker is an excellent character, and with Barbara Guerre in Berlin (from the 1st book), it was good to have her input as well. My only complaint is the constant overuse of "yeah, nah"/"nah, yeah" throughout the book. Completely over the top and unnecessary! Looking forward to #3, Opal, soon. Highly recommended.
Meanwhile a brutal murder/home invasion had occurred; a young woman had lost her life, her daughter barely survived. Walker was determined to help the local police discover the perpetrators while keeping young Grace safe as she recovered in hospital. Was Walker taking on too much in his weakened state?
Paradise is #2 in the DS Walker series by Aussie author Patricia Wolf and I enjoyed it very much. Walker is an excellent character, and with Barbara Guerre in Berlin (from the 1st book), it was good to have her input as well. My only complaint is the constant overuse of "yeah, nah"/"nah, yeah" throughout the book. Completely over the top and unnecessary! Looking forward to #3, Opal, soon. Highly recommended.
May 6, 2025
Paradise by Patricia Wolf
Synopsis /
As DS Lucas Walker recovers from his injuries, he heads from Caloodie, Queensland, to the Gold Coast. Surfer's Paradise: a seaside city where gleaming high rises fringe sparkling surf beaches, sunny days lead to wild nights, and criminals and bikie gangs mingle with tourists and dignitaries at five star hotels, clubs and casinos.
Before long, Walker is part of a team trying to solve a horrific home invasion and murder that has claimed the life of a young mother and left her nine-year-old daughter fighting to survive. Can he help them find the perpetrators, and keep the young girl safe? Meanwhile, Vandals head honcho Stefan Markovich is in town - and Walker once again finds himself on a dangerous collision course with the drug gang.
Weak from his injuries, and grieving, can Walker solve a case that is more shocking than anyone expected, and survive the dark underbelly of Australia's Surfer's Paradise?
My Thoughts /
From Caloodie to Surfers. From the dust and red dirt, to the ocean and pristine golden sands. From the Outback to Paradise.
In book #2 of this totally bingeable series, author, Patricia Wolf has Australian Federal Police Detective Sergeant Lucas Walker recuperating from the aftermath of the injuries he sustained in book #1 (Outback).
Surfers Paradise. The glitter strip of the Gold Coast. Home to a thriving retail and restaurant market, cafes and lively nightlife. Hailed as one of Australia's most prized beaches boasting a three-kilometre strip of pristine golden sand, attracting surfers, swimmers and joggers from around the world. But for all the clear blue skies, blazing sunshine and sparkling ocean, Surfers is also home to criminals, bikie gangs and drug king pins.
For DS Walker, one of his first duties after being given the green light to return to work, is as guest lecturer in a drugs and serious crime training program for Queensland police officers being held on the Gold Coast. His future with the AFP tenuous with the review board still conducting its inquiry into past events at Caloodie. But he's making the best of his time in Surfers – he's staying in a swanky beachside apartment courtesy of Craig Ford, a friend of his late father; and progressing his rehab at one of the local gyms.
With the training program coming to an end, Walker receives a call from his boss, DCI Dan Rutherford. Matt Monroe, an Associate of the Vandals motorcycle club is dead, killed in an execution style murder. Walker knew Monroe from his time in Caloodie, and Rutherford is keen for him to get eyes on the investigation. Assuming (wrongfully) that Monroe has been taken out by a rival gang, Walker begins an investigation. Following up on leads, things take a dark turn when Walker discovers that Monroe's murder may have been ordered by the Vandals boss and organised crime kingpin, Stefan Markovich.
Markovich, whose drug running enterprise in Caloodie was uncovered and dismantled by Walker, has re-established his network here on the Gold Coast and is none to happy when he learns of Walker's interest in Monroe's murder.
There are several other threads at play, with many characters crossing over from book #1 and the storyline 'continuing'; so I would recommend that you read this series in order. Walker is a relatable protagonist. He's impetuous at times and has a definite moral compass. He knows that his actions at Caloodie may have been career ending; but as a reader I'm voting to keep him – he's intelligent, intuitive and not open to corruption. There's something eerily familiar reading a book which is set in/near your own home town. I had that feeling of déjà vu more than once.
In book #3, Opal, Walker is returning to Caloodie and this reader is looking forward to what happens next.
Synopsis /
As DS Lucas Walker recovers from his injuries, he heads from Caloodie, Queensland, to the Gold Coast. Surfer's Paradise: a seaside city where gleaming high rises fringe sparkling surf beaches, sunny days lead to wild nights, and criminals and bikie gangs mingle with tourists and dignitaries at five star hotels, clubs and casinos.
Before long, Walker is part of a team trying to solve a horrific home invasion and murder that has claimed the life of a young mother and left her nine-year-old daughter fighting to survive. Can he help them find the perpetrators, and keep the young girl safe? Meanwhile, Vandals head honcho Stefan Markovich is in town - and Walker once again finds himself on a dangerous collision course with the drug gang.
Weak from his injuries, and grieving, can Walker solve a case that is more shocking than anyone expected, and survive the dark underbelly of Australia's Surfer's Paradise?
My Thoughts /
From Caloodie to Surfers. From the dust and red dirt, to the ocean and pristine golden sands. From the Outback to Paradise.
In book #2 of this totally bingeable series, author, Patricia Wolf has Australian Federal Police Detective Sergeant Lucas Walker recuperating from the aftermath of the injuries he sustained in book #1 (Outback).
Surfers Paradise. The glitter strip of the Gold Coast. Home to a thriving retail and restaurant market, cafes and lively nightlife. Hailed as one of Australia's most prized beaches boasting a three-kilometre strip of pristine golden sand, attracting surfers, swimmers and joggers from around the world. But for all the clear blue skies, blazing sunshine and sparkling ocean, Surfers is also home to criminals, bikie gangs and drug king pins.
For DS Walker, one of his first duties after being given the green light to return to work, is as guest lecturer in a drugs and serious crime training program for Queensland police officers being held on the Gold Coast. His future with the AFP tenuous with the review board still conducting its inquiry into past events at Caloodie. But he's making the best of his time in Surfers – he's staying in a swanky beachside apartment courtesy of Craig Ford, a friend of his late father; and progressing his rehab at one of the local gyms.
With the training program coming to an end, Walker receives a call from his boss, DCI Dan Rutherford. Matt Monroe, an Associate of the Vandals motorcycle club is dead, killed in an execution style murder. Walker knew Monroe from his time in Caloodie, and Rutherford is keen for him to get eyes on the investigation. Assuming (wrongfully) that Monroe has been taken out by a rival gang, Walker begins an investigation. Following up on leads, things take a dark turn when Walker discovers that Monroe's murder may have been ordered by the Vandals boss and organised crime kingpin, Stefan Markovich.
Markovich, whose drug running enterprise in Caloodie was uncovered and dismantled by Walker, has re-established his network here on the Gold Coast and is none to happy when he learns of Walker's interest in Monroe's murder.
There are several other threads at play, with many characters crossing over from book #1 and the storyline 'continuing'; so I would recommend that you read this series in order. Walker is a relatable protagonist. He's impetuous at times and has a definite moral compass. He knows that his actions at Caloodie may have been career ending; but as a reader I'm voting to keep him – he's intelligent, intuitive and not open to corruption. There's something eerily familiar reading a book which is set in/near your own home town. I had that feeling of déjà vu more than once.
In book #3, Opal, Walker is returning to Caloodie and this reader is looking forward to what happens next.
April 23, 2024
In the first book featuring DS Walker (Outback), the Australian Federal Police Officer found himself helping in the search for a pair of missing backpackers. As that book reached its conclusion, it was clear that a number of loose ends were yet to be tied off, suggesting the possibility of a sequel appearing at some point in the future. In this second book, the action moves to Queensland’s Gold Coast and is centred in and around the resort of Surfers Paradise. Sure enough, we quickly learn that a number of carry-over characters are to feature in this story, too.
To me, the most appealing aspect of these books is Walker himself. He’s someone who is strong enough to carry off the role he’s assigned but with enough frailties and worries to hold a reader’s interest. Aside from my regard for the lead man, the tale itself bumps along at a decent pace but without ever really introducing anyone or anything that piqued my interest to the same degree. It's all fairly routine and really offers up few surprises, as Walker helps the local cops investigate a brutal home invasion murder.
I spent Christmas at Surfers Paradise some years back, and so I enjoyed the descriptions of this place, which married with my own experience: essentially that of a brash holiday resort with a truly amazing beach. I found this to be a fun and enjoyable read, though it didn’t particularly tax me in working out whodunnit and came complete with a climax which was just as unlikely as that provided in the first book. Three stars it is.
My thanks to Embla Books for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
To me, the most appealing aspect of these books is Walker himself. He’s someone who is strong enough to carry off the role he’s assigned but with enough frailties and worries to hold a reader’s interest. Aside from my regard for the lead man, the tale itself bumps along at a decent pace but without ever really introducing anyone or anything that piqued my interest to the same degree. It's all fairly routine and really offers up few surprises, as Walker helps the local cops investigate a brutal home invasion murder.
I spent Christmas at Surfers Paradise some years back, and so I enjoyed the descriptions of this place, which married with my own experience: essentially that of a brash holiday resort with a truly amazing beach. I found this to be a fun and enjoyable read, though it didn’t particularly tax me in working out whodunnit and came complete with a climax which was just as unlikely as that provided in the first book. Three stars it is.
My thanks to Embla Books for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2023
4.5*
Paradise is a gripping intrigue-thriller with a quintessentially Australian setting, a worthy follow-up to Patricia Wolf's breakout thriller Outback (Embla, 2022).
Recovering from the injuries he sustained during a confrontation with a killer in Caloodie over three months ago, Australian Federal Police Detective Sergeant Lucas Walker has finally been given the go-ahead to return to work, albeit on light duties. As a guest lecturer for a drugs and serious crime training program for Queensland police officers, he's temporarily relocated to the beachside city of Surfer's Paradise, on Queensland's Gold Coast. Before long, he's deputised to investigate the gangland-style murder of drug dealer Matt Monroe, who readers may remember as a supporting character in Outback. It transpires that D.S. Walker's nemesis, organised crime kingpin Stefan Markovich, has re-established his network on the Gold Coast and retains lingering resentment against Walker for destroying his Caloodie enterprise.
Meanwhile, Walker is also drawn into a major local investigation into a devastating home invasion-murder, in the high-spec enclave of Macintosh Island. Wife and mother Siobhan Owen has been brutally killed and her eight-year-old daughter Gabby seriously injured. Walker finds he has an indirect personal link to the investigation, as Siobhan's surviving husband, David Owen, is a member of the social circle of Walker's main Gold Coast contact, well-heeled gym owner Craig Ford.
Walker also makes contact with American pro-kite surfer Kaia Hale, a friend of his younger sister Grace. Hale is a troubled young woman, who has become embroiled in the drinking and drug culture of the Gold Coast. Walker feels a strong pull to help Kaia return to a healthier lifestyle, but finds his attention diverted to the two active investigations in which he's involved.
Paradise is a great read, with engaging intertwined storylines, well-developed and multifaceted characters and a thrilling conclusion. D.S. Lucas Walker is a complex and relatable hero, daringly impetuous at times but displaying great emotional intelligence. He's fighting to retain his police career after the events at Caloodie, but it strikes the reader that he's exactly the sort of person who we need more of in law enforcement - intuitive, decisive and resolutely incorruptible. Dialogue throughout the book suggests that readers can expect a reunion between Walker and Berlin-based detective Barbara Guerra - his investigative colleague in Outback, which is a tantalising prospect.
I'd highly recommend Paradise and its predecessor Outback to any reader who enjoys high quality Australian crime fiction (author Patricia Wolf is based in Europe, but spent her childhood in outback Queensland), well executed multi-strand plots, fascinating characters and evocative settings.
My thanks to the author, Patricia Wolf, publisher Embla Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this great new title prior to publication on 17 May 2023.
Paradise is a gripping intrigue-thriller with a quintessentially Australian setting, a worthy follow-up to Patricia Wolf's breakout thriller Outback (Embla, 2022).
Recovering from the injuries he sustained during a confrontation with a killer in Caloodie over three months ago, Australian Federal Police Detective Sergeant Lucas Walker has finally been given the go-ahead to return to work, albeit on light duties. As a guest lecturer for a drugs and serious crime training program for Queensland police officers, he's temporarily relocated to the beachside city of Surfer's Paradise, on Queensland's Gold Coast. Before long, he's deputised to investigate the gangland-style murder of drug dealer Matt Monroe, who readers may remember as a supporting character in Outback. It transpires that D.S. Walker's nemesis, organised crime kingpin Stefan Markovich, has re-established his network on the Gold Coast and retains lingering resentment against Walker for destroying his Caloodie enterprise.
Meanwhile, Walker is also drawn into a major local investigation into a devastating home invasion-murder, in the high-spec enclave of Macintosh Island. Wife and mother Siobhan Owen has been brutally killed and her eight-year-old daughter Gabby seriously injured. Walker finds he has an indirect personal link to the investigation, as Siobhan's surviving husband, David Owen, is a member of the social circle of Walker's main Gold Coast contact, well-heeled gym owner Craig Ford.
Walker also makes contact with American pro-kite surfer Kaia Hale, a friend of his younger sister Grace. Hale is a troubled young woman, who has become embroiled in the drinking and drug culture of the Gold Coast. Walker feels a strong pull to help Kaia return to a healthier lifestyle, but finds his attention diverted to the two active investigations in which he's involved.
Paradise is a great read, with engaging intertwined storylines, well-developed and multifaceted characters and a thrilling conclusion. D.S. Lucas Walker is a complex and relatable hero, daringly impetuous at times but displaying great emotional intelligence. He's fighting to retain his police career after the events at Caloodie, but it strikes the reader that he's exactly the sort of person who we need more of in law enforcement - intuitive, decisive and resolutely incorruptible. Dialogue throughout the book suggests that readers can expect a reunion between Walker and Berlin-based detective Barbara Guerra - his investigative colleague in Outback, which is a tantalising prospect.
I'd highly recommend Paradise and its predecessor Outback to any reader who enjoys high quality Australian crime fiction (author Patricia Wolf is based in Europe, but spent her childhood in outback Queensland), well executed multi-strand plots, fascinating characters and evocative settings.
My thanks to the author, Patricia Wolf, publisher Embla Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this great new title prior to publication on 17 May 2023.
August 18, 2023
felt like every other sentence was 'yeah, nah' or 'nah, yeah' - very annoying!
August 29, 2023
4.5★s
Paradise is the second book in the DS Walker Thriller series by Australian journalist and author, Patricia Wolf. Still recovering from gunshot wounds sustained in the search for a pair of missing backpackers, and grieving his recently departed, beloved grandmother, AFP DS Lucas Walker is sent to Surfers Paradise as guest lecturer in a training program on drug and serious crime for Queensland Police.
He’s lucked upon a very fancy beachside apartment owned by Craig Ford, a friend of his late father’s, who also makes sure his rehab is looked after at one of his chain of gymnasiums. His benefactor does ask a favour in return: a close friend’s wife, Siobhan Owen has just been murdered in a brutal home invasion, the friend tortured during the robbery, and his daughter in critical condition in hospital. Will Lucas let Craig know of progress in the case?
As the training program draws to a close, his boss, DCI Dan Rutherford sends him north to Brisbane to assist in the investigation of execution-style murder of an associate of the Vandals motorcycle gang, Matt Monroe. Lucas had met the aspirant Vandal back in Caloodie months earlier, so his input might be helpful.
His spare time is spent swimming, working on his rehab and also, somewhat reluctantly, entertaining a friend of his sister’s, a very attractive champion kite-surfer. Lucas also volunteers himself on the roster of police keeping guard on eight-year-old Gabby Owen in the ICU. He makes occasional calls to German police detective Barbara Guerra, with whom he sought a kidnapper/murderer some months earlier. All while he awaits the results of the board reviewing his actions in Caloodie some months earlier, deciding if he still has a job.
At first assuming Matt Monroe has fallen foul of a different bikie gang, when he follows up leads Lucas realises that the hit may have been ordered by Vandal boss, Stefan Markovich. Queensland Police DI Cummings is very pleased with the arrest made, even if Lucas isn’t entirely confident they have the right man.
Lucas has kept abreast of developments in the Owen case and, at Cummings’s request, reviews all the information they have so far. He realises that there are some things about the case that niggle, things about the victim that just don’t sit right. But QP are convinced certain islanders with a grudge are the perpetrators, and are dismissive of the concerns that Lucas raises.
Lucas is also unaware that his presence in Surfers Paradise has been noted, and a bounty exists for his elimination, something that leads to a poor judgement call and quite a lot of pain later on.
Wolf gives the reader another fast-paced Aussie crime thriller: a wholly credible tale with that requires virtually no suspension of disbelief, and builds up to a nail-biting climax. The dialogue is convincing, with a generous helping of the Australian vernacular, and her depiction of coastal Queensland feels truly authentic.
It’s clear that the story with motorcycle gangs and dirty coppers isn’t yet complete, and the final chapter hints at the possible reappearance of Lucas’s favourite German detective. This sequel to Outback is excellent Aussie noir.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Embla Books.
Paradise is the second book in the DS Walker Thriller series by Australian journalist and author, Patricia Wolf. Still recovering from gunshot wounds sustained in the search for a pair of missing backpackers, and grieving his recently departed, beloved grandmother, AFP DS Lucas Walker is sent to Surfers Paradise as guest lecturer in a training program on drug and serious crime for Queensland Police.
He’s lucked upon a very fancy beachside apartment owned by Craig Ford, a friend of his late father’s, who also makes sure his rehab is looked after at one of his chain of gymnasiums. His benefactor does ask a favour in return: a close friend’s wife, Siobhan Owen has just been murdered in a brutal home invasion, the friend tortured during the robbery, and his daughter in critical condition in hospital. Will Lucas let Craig know of progress in the case?
As the training program draws to a close, his boss, DCI Dan Rutherford sends him north to Brisbane to assist in the investigation of execution-style murder of an associate of the Vandals motorcycle gang, Matt Monroe. Lucas had met the aspirant Vandal back in Caloodie months earlier, so his input might be helpful.
His spare time is spent swimming, working on his rehab and also, somewhat reluctantly, entertaining a friend of his sister’s, a very attractive champion kite-surfer. Lucas also volunteers himself on the roster of police keeping guard on eight-year-old Gabby Owen in the ICU. He makes occasional calls to German police detective Barbara Guerra, with whom he sought a kidnapper/murderer some months earlier. All while he awaits the results of the board reviewing his actions in Caloodie some months earlier, deciding if he still has a job.
At first assuming Matt Monroe has fallen foul of a different bikie gang, when he follows up leads Lucas realises that the hit may have been ordered by Vandal boss, Stefan Markovich. Queensland Police DI Cummings is very pleased with the arrest made, even if Lucas isn’t entirely confident they have the right man.
Lucas has kept abreast of developments in the Owen case and, at Cummings’s request, reviews all the information they have so far. He realises that there are some things about the case that niggle, things about the victim that just don’t sit right. But QP are convinced certain islanders with a grudge are the perpetrators, and are dismissive of the concerns that Lucas raises.
Lucas is also unaware that his presence in Surfers Paradise has been noted, and a bounty exists for his elimination, something that leads to a poor judgement call and quite a lot of pain later on.
Wolf gives the reader another fast-paced Aussie crime thriller: a wholly credible tale with that requires virtually no suspension of disbelief, and builds up to a nail-biting climax. The dialogue is convincing, with a generous helping of the Australian vernacular, and her depiction of coastal Queensland feels truly authentic.
It’s clear that the story with motorcycle gangs and dirty coppers isn’t yet complete, and the final chapter hints at the possible reappearance of Lucas’s favourite German detective. This sequel to Outback is excellent Aussie noir.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Embla Books.
August 13, 2023
PARADISE is the second book in the DS Lucas Walker series by the Australian author Patricia Wolf. I didn’t find it as thrilling, as “Outback”, the first book in the series. Although I have given them both the same three-star rating, I thought that ”Outback” was a high 3.5, whereas PARADISE is a low 3.0.
I had hoped that PARADISE would tie up the unresolved strands left over from Outback. It didn’t. Instead, it introduced a new mystery, a brutal home invasion murder, that Walker eventually solves, but the killer in the home invasion case was not a surprise to me. ”Outback” was a “howcatchthem” type of thriller whereas PARADISE is a more traditional “whodunnit”.
Several characters who appeared in the first book appear in the second, including members of the motorcycle gang that was producing drugs, but that story still remains unfinished. Most of the villains from the first instalment played minor roles in this book, and we received no further insight into the leak at the top—the person who is manipulating both the police and the drug dealers.
Furthermore, I found DS Walker to be rather uninteresting and somewhat naive in this one. He was rather naive in the first book also, but ”Outback” had interesting insights into the minds of the serial killer, the kidnapped girl, her sister Barbara, Grogan (the bent cop), and others. Here we stay more within Walker’s POV, and I found him somewhat boring and overly sentimental. He just didn’t seem mentally tough enough to be an undercover cop—the role he supposedly plays in Sydney.
I doubt that I’ll continue to follow this series unless something exciting occurs to tie up all the dangling threads from the first book.
I had hoped that PARADISE would tie up the unresolved strands left over from Outback. It didn’t. Instead, it introduced a new mystery, a brutal home invasion murder, that Walker eventually solves, but the killer in the home invasion case was not a surprise to me. ”Outback” was a “howcatchthem” type of thriller whereas PARADISE is a more traditional “whodunnit”.
Several characters who appeared in the first book appear in the second, including members of the motorcycle gang that was producing drugs, but that story still remains unfinished. Most of the villains from the first instalment played minor roles in this book, and we received no further insight into the leak at the top—the person who is manipulating both the police and the drug dealers.
Furthermore, I found DS Walker to be rather uninteresting and somewhat naive in this one. He was rather naive in the first book also, but ”Outback” had interesting insights into the minds of the serial killer, the kidnapped girl, her sister Barbara, Grogan (the bent cop), and others. Here we stay more within Walker’s POV, and I found him somewhat boring and overly sentimental. He just didn’t seem mentally tough enough to be an undercover cop—the role he supposedly plays in Sydney.
I doubt that I’ll continue to follow this series unless something exciting occurs to tie up all the dangling threads from the first book.
March 14, 2025
While waiting for his review hearing, and still recovering from the injuries sustained during the case that led to it, DS Lucas Walker is in Surfer's Paradise. He's enjoying the physical routine of daily ocean swims and working with a local gym trainer on his physio program, while staying in the penthouse luxury of a friend's generous hospitality. For work, he's lending a hand to Queensland Police, delivering a series of lectures and generally staying out of trouble. That is, until Matt Monroe, connected to the big Caloodie case from the last book, turns up dead nearby. Because of their former connection, Walker is asked to take a look at what appears to be the execution of the young drug dealer. After all, the murder investigation team already have their hands full with another local case - the violent home invasion of a high profile sports physician.
This is what I like! A gripping storyline with a pace that moves along at a consistent clip. Walker is a great character, who knows how to handle himself, but also knows when to ask for help. I also appreciated the presence of German detective, Barbara, albeit at a distance. Looking forward to book #3 already.
Available for free with Prime Reading.
This is what I like! A gripping storyline with a pace that moves along at a consistent clip. Walker is a great character, who knows how to handle himself, but also knows when to ask for help. I also appreciated the presence of German detective, Barbara, albeit at a distance. Looking forward to book #3 already.
Available for free with Prime Reading.
January 1, 2024
"Yeah nah" drove me crazy!
February 13, 2024
"Yeah, nah" the terrible writing style and dialogue in this book did my head in. It was also very predictable
December 28, 2023
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
Paradise by Patricia Wolf was such an engaging and gripping Aussie crime story, I enjoyed it even more than the first book Outback, it was such a page turner!
DS Lucas Walker is a brilliant character and so relatable which makes him extremely likeable. The setting for this book is the Gold Coast, Australia and I Ioved being taken there, the descriptions of Surfers are vivid and vibrant and it really brought this iconic tourist destination to life and inspired me to want to take a trip there again although not anywhere near the seedy parts in the story.
In this story our protagonist DC Lucas Walker is given two choices to take unpaid leave or be assigned to the Gold Coast to act as a guest lecturer as part of a training programme while waiting on the review findings for his actions on the last case.
The plot revolves around the Vandals an outlaw motorcycle club, drug trafficking, violence, greed, corruption and a mother and her young daughter involved in a heinous home invasion.
This book is an excellent Aussie crime thriller that is fast paced and down to earth. I really liked that Lucas still keeps in contact with Barbara (they were colleagues on his last case) who lives in Berlin and I’m hoping something will develop there! My only negative is the overuse of the ‘nah, yeah’ saying, it was too much.
I look forward to continuing this series so fingers crossed that there’s more to come. If you’re addicted to Aussie crime fiction this book will fill the void when you’re looking for your next fix!
Publication Date 31 October 2023
Publisher Echo Publishing
Thanks so much to the lovely team Echo Publishing for a copy of the book.
Paradise by Patricia Wolf was such an engaging and gripping Aussie crime story, I enjoyed it even more than the first book Outback, it was such a page turner!
DS Lucas Walker is a brilliant character and so relatable which makes him extremely likeable. The setting for this book is the Gold Coast, Australia and I Ioved being taken there, the descriptions of Surfers are vivid and vibrant and it really brought this iconic tourist destination to life and inspired me to want to take a trip there again although not anywhere near the seedy parts in the story.
In this story our protagonist DC Lucas Walker is given two choices to take unpaid leave or be assigned to the Gold Coast to act as a guest lecturer as part of a training programme while waiting on the review findings for his actions on the last case.
The plot revolves around the Vandals an outlaw motorcycle club, drug trafficking, violence, greed, corruption and a mother and her young daughter involved in a heinous home invasion.
This book is an excellent Aussie crime thriller that is fast paced and down to earth. I really liked that Lucas still keeps in contact with Barbara (they were colleagues on his last case) who lives in Berlin and I’m hoping something will develop there! My only negative is the overuse of the ‘nah, yeah’ saying, it was too much.
I look forward to continuing this series so fingers crossed that there’s more to come. If you’re addicted to Aussie crime fiction this book will fill the void when you’re looking for your next fix!
Publication Date 31 October 2023
Publisher Echo Publishing
Thanks so much to the lovely team Echo Publishing for a copy of the book.
April 8, 2023
Paradise opens with a shocking, brutal crime, and from there on in there’s mystery, murder, suspense, and intrigue. Plenty to keep the crime thriller lover happy! I’m a big fan of Australian noir, although this one isn’t set in the outback, you really get a sense of place. This book follows on from Outback, but it can be read as a standalone. Gritty and sometimes brutal Paradise is a tightly plotted page-turner that kept me reading well into the night.
DS Lucas Walker heads to the Gold Coast. Surfer’s Paradise: Before long, Walker is part of a team trying to solve a murder that has claimed the life of a young mother and left her nine-year-old daughter fighting for her life. Can he help them find the perpetrators and keep the young girl safe? Can Walker solve a case that is more shocking than anyone expected, and survive the dark underbelly of Australia’s Surfer’s Paradise?
I loved the setting of Surfer’s beach by day. It’s a seaside city with its sparkling surf beaches, tourists and sunny days. But there’s also a seedier side hidden from the tourist, where violence, drugs and criminal activities thrive. Wolf’s setting is so vividly described you can practically smell the suntan lotion and salty air!
I liked the fact there are basically two threads to this story. I enjoyed guessing how the stories converge. Dual plots can be hit and miss, but in this case I thought it worked really well, also it ensures that ‘all important’ suspense and tension never waivers. Paradise is an evocative novel that excels in its characterisations and depictions of the seedier and violent side of the Gold Coast. Highly recommend.
My thanks to @EmblaBooks #AustralianNoir
You can follow me at
http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
Or read more of my reviews on my Instagram page at
https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
DS Lucas Walker heads to the Gold Coast. Surfer’s Paradise: Before long, Walker is part of a team trying to solve a murder that has claimed the life of a young mother and left her nine-year-old daughter fighting for her life. Can he help them find the perpetrators and keep the young girl safe? Can Walker solve a case that is more shocking than anyone expected, and survive the dark underbelly of Australia’s Surfer’s Paradise?
I loved the setting of Surfer’s beach by day. It’s a seaside city with its sparkling surf beaches, tourists and sunny days. But there’s also a seedier side hidden from the tourist, where violence, drugs and criminal activities thrive. Wolf’s setting is so vividly described you can practically smell the suntan lotion and salty air!
I liked the fact there are basically two threads to this story. I enjoyed guessing how the stories converge. Dual plots can be hit and miss, but in this case I thought it worked really well, also it ensures that ‘all important’ suspense and tension never waivers. Paradise is an evocative novel that excels in its characterisations and depictions of the seedier and violent side of the Gold Coast. Highly recommend.
My thanks to @EmblaBooks #AustralianNoir
You can follow me at
http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
Or read more of my reviews on my Instagram page at
https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
October 26, 2024
Paradise by Aussie author Patricia Wolf is the second book in the DS Walker series. This is shaping up to be a really good series with great characters and intriguing plot all the things that leave readers wanting more. Can’t wait to read the next book. Recommended.
March 12, 2025
We're off to the Gold Coast in book 2 of Patricia Wolf's DS Lucas Walker series.
After being injured as a result of his last case, Lucas is spending some much needed recuperation time on the Goldie. When he's not building up strength, Lucas is leading the AFP training program whilst awaiting an internal review.
This is not a simple holiday, though. Although Lucas has no judicisation in Queensland, he's been invited to assist in two cases that's puzzling local police.
First up is the brutal murder of Siobhan Owen, wife of prominent sports doctor David Owen. It's assumed that Siobhan is the victim of a home invasion gone wrong. Husband and daughter Gabby survived the incident, but the eight year old is currently in a coma at Gold Coast Hospital. As a witness, it's important that police talk to her. But are they ready for whatever she has to say? And why is there something niggling in the back of Lucas's mind? Something about this case isn't sitting right at all.
Secondly is a case that Lucas would rather forget. His old foes, bike gang The Vandals are making themselves known far from home. Now, they've murdered one of their own. Behind the golden beaches and high rises is the dark underbelly of the GC, and Lucas is right in the thick of it.
So, are the two homicides connected at all? Either way, it won't take long for Caloodie residents to start popping up around town. And that only means one thing - trouble.
It's been an age since I last picked up this addictive series. Paradise was calling to me as a former local. It was a lot of fun recognising locations that I know and love. I love when this happens in fiction as I'm in the unique position to actually visualise correctly instead of relying on guesswork or Google.
I always feel sad when a child is a victim of crime. Gabby's narrative was harrowing. It's bad enough being almost smothered to death, then unable to comprehend what comes next. She has some really big feelings and is super scared. Your heart will go out to her.
It was great to see Lucas's Berlin colleague, Barbara, once more. Although she's on the other side of the world, she proves how valuable her worth is. I think that her and Lucas have a bit of a thing going on as well. Time will tell.
Bring on Opal, book 3. Hopefully, the gap between books 2 & 3 will be shorter than books 1 & 2!
4.75 🌟
After being injured as a result of his last case, Lucas is spending some much needed recuperation time on the Goldie. When he's not building up strength, Lucas is leading the AFP training program whilst awaiting an internal review.
This is not a simple holiday, though. Although Lucas has no judicisation in Queensland, he's been invited to assist in two cases that's puzzling local police.
First up is the brutal murder of Siobhan Owen, wife of prominent sports doctor David Owen. It's assumed that Siobhan is the victim of a home invasion gone wrong. Husband and daughter Gabby survived the incident, but the eight year old is currently in a coma at Gold Coast Hospital. As a witness, it's important that police talk to her. But are they ready for whatever she has to say? And why is there something niggling in the back of Lucas's mind? Something about this case isn't sitting right at all.
Secondly is a case that Lucas would rather forget. His old foes, bike gang The Vandals are making themselves known far from home. Now, they've murdered one of their own. Behind the golden beaches and high rises is the dark underbelly of the GC, and Lucas is right in the thick of it.
So, are the two homicides connected at all? Either way, it won't take long for Caloodie residents to start popping up around town. And that only means one thing - trouble.
It's been an age since I last picked up this addictive series. Paradise was calling to me as a former local. It was a lot of fun recognising locations that I know and love. I love when this happens in fiction as I'm in the unique position to actually visualise correctly instead of relying on guesswork or Google.
I always feel sad when a child is a victim of crime. Gabby's narrative was harrowing. It's bad enough being almost smothered to death, then unable to comprehend what comes next. She has some really big feelings and is super scared. Your heart will go out to her.
It was great to see Lucas's Berlin colleague, Barbara, once more. Although she's on the other side of the world, she proves how valuable her worth is. I think that her and Lucas have a bit of a thing going on as well. Time will tell.
Bring on Opal, book 3. Hopefully, the gap between books 2 & 3 will be shorter than books 1 & 2!
4.75 🌟
May 18, 2023
On my blog.
CWs: gore, violence, coercive control, domestic abuse
Galley provided by publisher
I picked up the first Lucas Walker book on a whim, in the midst of an Aussie crime kick, so its sequel was always going to be high on my to read list. While it didn’t disappoint, as such, it was definitely one I enjoyed less, although that doesn’t stop me from wanting to continue the series (because there will be a book 3 after all that, right? Right??).
The story continues on from the end of Outback, with Lucas now recovering from his injury on the Gold Coast, invited there by an old friend of his father’s. It is, unfortunately for him as it will turn out, coincidentally exactly where the Vandals have ended up too, including Stefan, who has a particular grudge against Lucas. This is entirely unknown to Lucas though, who ends up helping solve an apparent violent home invasion instead.
The start of this one is a little slow, I found, but mostly in a setting the scene kind of way. Obviously too, we as readers know more than Lucas does (on account of the number of POVs this book gets), so I was sat waiting for Lucas to get with it, while having more knowledge than he did. Not necessarily a good thing for a detective novel, although it did work in raising tension towards the end.
I think where this one worked less well than the first one was the balance between Lucas’s case and the drug cartel aspect of it. In the first, you were pretty unaware of the drug cartel, just as Lucas was when he went stumbling into an investigation, but here, because of that, you’re very much aware of it (where Lucas is not). As such, that and the sheer number of POVs mean that the investigation that Lucas is heading doesn’t get as much page time and becomes condensed. It’s also pretty easy to see where it’s heading, since there aren’t really many actual suspects introduced into the equation. In fact, there’s barely any questioning about it going on, mostly just thinking.
That on its own would have been fine, I suppose, but the more egregious part was relating to the finale. I’ll try keep this vague, but the police have an informant in a high level position in the cartel. Now, somehow, this informant has failed for a book and a half to keep apprised of the cartel’s Telegram channel, in which they have shared Lucas’s police credentials and called for a hit on him. This guy’s one job is to keep tabs on the cartel’s activities and he’s apparently doing an alright job until now, but somehow I have to believe he completely checks out when it comes to this. Out of the chat, out of any discussion with his boss (of which, I’m sure there were a few on the sodding page where this came up and he was present), he basically has to be hiding under a rock at this point. This kind of thing is his job! And yet!
Really, that last part is why I settled on a 3 star rating. I can deal with some suspension of disbelief, of course, but it just felt so contrived in this case. However, that’s not going to stop me from continuing the series, I think. I’ll just have to work on that suspension beforehand.
CWs: gore, violence, coercive control, domestic abuse
Galley provided by publisher
I picked up the first Lucas Walker book on a whim, in the midst of an Aussie crime kick, so its sequel was always going to be high on my to read list. While it didn’t disappoint, as such, it was definitely one I enjoyed less, although that doesn’t stop me from wanting to continue the series (because there will be a book 3 after all that, right? Right??).
The story continues on from the end of Outback, with Lucas now recovering from his injury on the Gold Coast, invited there by an old friend of his father’s. It is, unfortunately for him as it will turn out, coincidentally exactly where the Vandals have ended up too, including Stefan, who has a particular grudge against Lucas. This is entirely unknown to Lucas though, who ends up helping solve an apparent violent home invasion instead.
The start of this one is a little slow, I found, but mostly in a setting the scene kind of way. Obviously too, we as readers know more than Lucas does (on account of the number of POVs this book gets), so I was sat waiting for Lucas to get with it, while having more knowledge than he did. Not necessarily a good thing for a detective novel, although it did work in raising tension towards the end.
I think where this one worked less well than the first one was the balance between Lucas’s case and the drug cartel aspect of it. In the first, you were pretty unaware of the drug cartel, just as Lucas was when he went stumbling into an investigation, but here, because of that, you’re very much aware of it (where Lucas is not). As such, that and the sheer number of POVs mean that the investigation that Lucas is heading doesn’t get as much page time and becomes condensed. It’s also pretty easy to see where it’s heading, since there aren’t really many actual suspects introduced into the equation. In fact, there’s barely any questioning about it going on, mostly just thinking.
That on its own would have been fine, I suppose, but the more egregious part was relating to the finale. I’ll try keep this vague, but the police have an informant in a high level position in the cartel. Now, somehow, this informant has failed for a book and a half to keep apprised of the cartel’s Telegram channel, in which they have shared Lucas’s police credentials and called for a hit on him. This guy’s one job is to keep tabs on the cartel’s activities and he’s apparently doing an alright job until now, but somehow I have to believe he completely checks out when it comes to this. Out of the chat, out of any discussion with his boss (of which, I’m sure there were a few on the sodding page where this came up and he was present), he basically has to be hiding under a rock at this point. This kind of thing is his job! And yet!
Really, that last part is why I settled on a 3 star rating. I can deal with some suspension of disbelief, of course, but it just felt so contrived in this case. However, that’s not going to stop me from continuing the series, I think. I’ll just have to work on that suspension beforehand.
April 5, 2024
Probably more a 3.5 but an enjoyable thriller. Definitely sold on this series and looking forward to number three later this year. Great sense of place - a real contrast to the Sally Hepworth I just read. Definitely Australia!
June 7, 2023
3.5 stars. Interesting enough story and ties up a few lose ends from the previous one. Obviously leaving it open for another in the series. I didn't enjoy this one nearly as much as the first but I'm sure I'll pick up the next. A few too many 'yeah, nahs' in this one too.
September 13, 2023
I found this a little disappointing as I quiet enjoyed book one in this series, but I found this totally predictable, virtually from page one.
March 5, 2025
Another gripping crime fiction story featuring Detective Sergeant Lucas Walker. This time set within the dark underbelly of the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland.
November 25, 2023
A Riveting Continuation of DS Walker's Adventures in Paradise
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Patricia Wolf's "Paradise" is a compelling addition to the DS Walker series, delivering another gripping tale that seamlessly picks up from where "Outback" left off. Three months after the events in the arid Outback, DS Walker finds himself on the vibrant Gold Coast, entangled in a multifaceted web of crime that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The narrative unfolds as Walker awaits news on the review of his actions in the previous book, setting the stage for a new set of challenges. Assigned to train local narcotics officers, Walker becomes embroiled in the investigation of the execution of Matt Munro, a character familiar to those who followed the previous installment. Simultaneously, he is drawn into the heartbreaking case of a brutal home invasion that claims the life of Siobhan Owen and leaves her young daughter Gabby in a coma.
One of the strengths of "Paradise" lies in its character continuity, with the return of key figures like Lucas Walker, Stefan Mark Malkovich, Tina Monro, and Dave Grogan. Although Barbara Guerrera is absent physically, her presence is felt through phone calls and emails, maintaining a connection with the first book.
A noteworthy aspect of this installment is the complexity of its plot. Unlike its predecessor, where the mystery unfolded in the harsh Outback, "Paradise" presents multiple storylines, including the home invasion, the drug investigation, and Walker's evolving relationships. Even though the reader may uncover certain aspects of the plot early on, the enjoyment isn't compromised; rather, it heightens the anticipation as Walker skillfully pieces together the puzzle.
The book successfully delves deeper into Walker's character, providing insights into his personal life and relationships. The introduction of a local and a Hawaiian kite surfer adds layers to Walker's persona, making him a more well-rounded and relatable character. The juxtaposition of the idyllic beach setting against the harsh Outback enhances the story's dynamic, offering a refreshing change of scenery without sacrificing the intensity of the plot.
Despite the absence of Barbara Guerrera in a physical presence, the hope for a reunion with Walker adds an emotional layer to the narrative, leaving readers eager for the next instalment. "Paradise" is a masterfully crafted continuation of DS Walker's adventures, maintaining the series' momentum and leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Walker's journey.
Perfect for fans of Jane Harper and Shelley Burr, "Paradise" is a masterfully crafted continuation of DS Walker's adventures, maintaining the series' momentum and leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Walker's journey.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Patricia Wolf's "Paradise" is a compelling addition to the DS Walker series, delivering another gripping tale that seamlessly picks up from where "Outback" left off. Three months after the events in the arid Outback, DS Walker finds himself on the vibrant Gold Coast, entangled in a multifaceted web of crime that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The narrative unfolds as Walker awaits news on the review of his actions in the previous book, setting the stage for a new set of challenges. Assigned to train local narcotics officers, Walker becomes embroiled in the investigation of the execution of Matt Munro, a character familiar to those who followed the previous installment. Simultaneously, he is drawn into the heartbreaking case of a brutal home invasion that claims the life of Siobhan Owen and leaves her young daughter Gabby in a coma.
One of the strengths of "Paradise" lies in its character continuity, with the return of key figures like Lucas Walker, Stefan Mark Malkovich, Tina Monro, and Dave Grogan. Although Barbara Guerrera is absent physically, her presence is felt through phone calls and emails, maintaining a connection with the first book.
A noteworthy aspect of this installment is the complexity of its plot. Unlike its predecessor, where the mystery unfolded in the harsh Outback, "Paradise" presents multiple storylines, including the home invasion, the drug investigation, and Walker's evolving relationships. Even though the reader may uncover certain aspects of the plot early on, the enjoyment isn't compromised; rather, it heightens the anticipation as Walker skillfully pieces together the puzzle.
The book successfully delves deeper into Walker's character, providing insights into his personal life and relationships. The introduction of a local and a Hawaiian kite surfer adds layers to Walker's persona, making him a more well-rounded and relatable character. The juxtaposition of the idyllic beach setting against the harsh Outback enhances the story's dynamic, offering a refreshing change of scenery without sacrificing the intensity of the plot.
Despite the absence of Barbara Guerrera in a physical presence, the hope for a reunion with Walker adds an emotional layer to the narrative, leaving readers eager for the next instalment. "Paradise" is a masterfully crafted continuation of DS Walker's adventures, maintaining the series' momentum and leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Walker's journey.
Perfect for fans of Jane Harper and Shelley Burr, "Paradise" is a masterfully crafted continuation of DS Walker's adventures, maintaining the series' momentum and leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Walker's journey.
Read
December 22, 2024This author has such a compulsive writing style that I devoured this in a day, even though the plot was easy to pick from the beginning.
An excellent series.
An excellent series.
February 13, 2025
Paradise is the second instalment in Patricia Wolf's DS Walker Thriller series. Paradise is another riveting crime novel that includes brutal murders and outlaw bikie drug gangs.
AFP officer Lucas Walker is in Surfers Paradise on the Queensland coast, on leave to recover from injuries sustained in Outback. He is also under review for putting a huge undercover operation at risk.
Lucas once again gets involved in a murder investigation, helping out the overburdened Queensland police force.
There is never a dull moment in Paradise! I was pulled into the story right from the prologue and was intrigued to see how Wolf would pull the different plot-lines together.
Characters from the previous book do feature in Paradise however with a bit of backstory included it reads well as a standalone.
Wolf combines a compelling mystery with non-stop action and a perfect sense of place with vivid descriptions of the Gold Coast making Paradise a book I found hard to put down.
The use of colloquial language and Aussie slang plus Walker's longing for his hometown and connection to country give the book a unique Aussie flavour.
I loved Paradise even more than Outback. It is a wonderful follow on for this new series. I'm looking forward to the next book!
AFP officer Lucas Walker is in Surfers Paradise on the Queensland coast, on leave to recover from injuries sustained in Outback. He is also under review for putting a huge undercover operation at risk.
Lucas once again gets involved in a murder investigation, helping out the overburdened Queensland police force.
There is never a dull moment in Paradise! I was pulled into the story right from the prologue and was intrigued to see how Wolf would pull the different plot-lines together.
Characters from the previous book do feature in Paradise however with a bit of backstory included it reads well as a standalone.
Wolf combines a compelling mystery with non-stop action and a perfect sense of place with vivid descriptions of the Gold Coast making Paradise a book I found hard to put down.
The use of colloquial language and Aussie slang plus Walker's longing for his hometown and connection to country give the book a unique Aussie flavour.
I loved Paradise even more than Outback. It is a wonderful follow on for this new series. I'm looking forward to the next book!
August 21, 2023
Brilliant book. Vivid description in an understated way, interwoven storylines and a realistic main character. I loved Outback but, for me, this book topped it. I hope there will be further instalments featuring DS Walker.
July 7, 2025
This novel follows closely on from the conclusion of Outback. Same detectives, may of the same characters but coastal rather than wilderness Outback. Whilst I love getting to know all the players in the series, this follow-up, although setting new dogs running, largely played back to the investigations of the first book. This may well may the core of the whole series, so I may have to reserve judgement.
The new strands introduced whilst DS Walker is on the Gold Coast seemed somewhat contrived to me. I am imagining that when you write such a stunner as Outback, the Detective has to be re-cast and I look forward to seeing how he progresses
The new strands introduced whilst DS Walker is on the Gold Coast seemed somewhat contrived to me. I am imagining that when you write such a stunner as Outback, the Detective has to be re-cast and I look forward to seeing how he progresses
September 27, 2023
4.4 ⭐️. Thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Great character development and enjoyable twists and turns. Thought the ending was a tad predictable, but I enjoyed the narrative and plot so much that I didn’t mind. Probably don’t read this one without reading the first in it’s series. (JR)
August 12, 2024
Paradise is book two in the DS Walker series by Patricia Wolf.
DS Lucas Walker, still recuperating from his injuries and awaiting the outcome of his disciplinary hearing, finds himself in Surfer's Paradise. Here, he becomes entangled in two law enforcement cases, one of which hits close to home. However, for DS Lucas Walker, someone from his past came to town and out for revenge. Will this be DS Lucas Walker's last case? Paradise's readers will continue to follow DS Walker's investigations to discover what happened.
Paradise is a fantastic addition to this excellent series set in Australia's beautiful Gold Coast. I enjoyed that Patricia Wolf portrayed her main character in a way that highlights that you can be flawed to achieve the right outcome. You only need to care. I love Patricia Wolf's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Paradise is well-written and researched. I like Patricia Wolf's description of the settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Paradise will learn about the consequences of domestic violence on everyone involved and about living in Surfer's Paradise in Queensland.
I recommend this book.
DS Lucas Walker, still recuperating from his injuries and awaiting the outcome of his disciplinary hearing, finds himself in Surfer's Paradise. Here, he becomes entangled in two law enforcement cases, one of which hits close to home. However, for DS Lucas Walker, someone from his past came to town and out for revenge. Will this be DS Lucas Walker's last case? Paradise's readers will continue to follow DS Walker's investigations to discover what happened.
Paradise is a fantastic addition to this excellent series set in Australia's beautiful Gold Coast. I enjoyed that Patricia Wolf portrayed her main character in a way that highlights that you can be flawed to achieve the right outcome. You only need to care. I love Patricia Wolf's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Paradise is well-written and researched. I like Patricia Wolf's description of the settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Paradise will learn about the consequences of domestic violence on everyone involved and about living in Surfer's Paradise in Queensland.
I recommend this book.
October 9, 2024
Having loved Outback, book one in this new-to-me Australian crime series, I had to keep listening and went straight into book 2.
This time it’s set on the Gold Coast in Australian, specifically Surfers Paradise where Lucas is on desk duties, recovering from injuries he sustained in book one. This book centres around a home invasion, where a wife and mother has been murdered, and her daughter has been hospitalised with head injuries. Her husband is found traumatised and covered in his wife’s blood when the police and paramedics arrive.
DS Walker is helping with the investigation, as well as doing shifts at the hospital keeping guard over the young girl. He’s also agreed to keep a brotherly eye on his younger sister’s friend, who’s over from Hawaii on holiday. Oh yes and he’s kept in contact with Barbara, the detective German detective from book one.
This wasn’t as slow as book one as there was plenty going on and the tension was just as ramped up especially towards the end! Some very nasty characters from the previous book turned up, so you really do need to read these books in order to understand what’s happening. I guessed some of the reveals but I wasn’t disappointed as I was on the same track as Lucas.
Adam Fitzgerald’s narration was superb again, bringing all the different characters to life!
Highly recommended on audio especially if you enjoy crime novels set in Australia.
August 26, 2025
Very readable Australian detective novel, second in a series that currently numbers four, with a likeable lead character and ongoing plot lines as well as the individual story.
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