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Nick Vada #6
Murder In Secret
When Kiwi backpacker, Cody Short, goes missing on one of the biggest cattle stations in Australia, the local police in the town of Secret are out of their depth and are forced to ask for reinforcements.
Detective Sergeant Nick Vada is sent with his new partner, Probationary Detective Joanna Gray, to the harsh environment to search for the man, along with looking into the disappearance of another woman who had gone missing on the same station in mysterious circumstances a year earlier.
As Nick tries to find answers and give the grieving families some closure, he is forced to tackle some unruly locals, survive the blazing heat, and deal with a forgotten memory from his past...
Detective Sergeant Nick Vada is sent with his new partner, Probationary Detective Joanna Gray, to the harsh environment to search for the man, along with looking into the disappearance of another woman who had gone missing on the same station in mysterious circumstances a year earlier.
As Nick tries to find answers and give the grieving families some closure, he is forced to tackle some unruly locals, survive the blazing heat, and deal with a forgotten memory from his past...
- GenresCrime
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
385 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 9, 2024
I have read all of his books so far, and whilst large parts of them are very good, some parts are not so great. In some books, he leaves unresolved loose ends, in others he makes incorrect statements: not an exact quote but close "every farmer has a semi-auto in his shed". He is young so may not be aware that autos and semi-auto guns were banned in Australia, following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
All of his books are consistent in one regard - The vast numbers of typos and incorrect spellings per book, which indicate very poor editing and/or proof-reading. In one book, I kept a tally of how many typos I found but I gave up counting when I had found 30. I have done my best to send notifications every time I found an error, but their presence detracts from the enjoyment of a book.
All of his books are consistent in one regard - The vast numbers of typos and incorrect spellings per book, which indicate very poor editing and/or proof-reading. In one book, I kept a tally of how many typos I found but I gave up counting when I had found 30. I have done my best to send notifications every time I found an error, but their presence detracts from the enjoyment of a book.
April 19, 2025
Murder In Secret is book six in the Detective Sergeant Nick Vada series by Jason Summers. Detective Sergeant Nick Vada and his partner, Probationary Detective Joanna, took on a new case in the small rural community of Secret when the local law enforcement officer requested assistance after a Kiwi backpacker went missing. However, upon arrival, Detective Sergeant Nick Vada discovered that another Kiwi had gone missing the year before under suspicious circumstances. Readers of Murder In Secret will continue to follow the twists and turns of Detective Sergeant Nick Vada's investigation to discover what happens next.
I am delighted to have discovered books by Jason Summers, and I thoroughly enjoy reading them. I like how Jason Summers incorporated the twists and turns in the plot of this book. Reading this book, I began to understand the vast area that law enforcement officers oversee in rural areas. Reading Murder In Secret, you know the dangers of walking alone in remote areas. I love Jason Summers's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Murder In Secret is well-written and researched by Jason Summers. I like Jason Summers's description of the settings in Murder In Secret, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book.
I recommend this book.
I am delighted to have discovered books by Jason Summers, and I thoroughly enjoy reading them. I like how Jason Summers incorporated the twists and turns in the plot of this book. Reading this book, I began to understand the vast area that law enforcement officers oversee in rural areas. Reading Murder In Secret, you know the dangers of walking alone in remote areas. I love Jason Summers's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Murder In Secret is well-written and researched by Jason Summers. I like Jason Summers's description of the settings in Murder In Secret, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book.
I recommend this book.
May 5, 2024
excellent series keeps getting better
Hard to put down- and excellent plot and a particularly well drawn main character, a series I hope will continue and if it does, I’ll certainly continue reading
Hard to put down- and excellent plot and a particularly well drawn main character, a series I hope will continue and if it does, I’ll certainly continue reading
July 17, 2024
I enjoy the stories but get frustrated at the typo's, grammatical errors and spelling, and other errors. Bro, get an editor.
May 5, 2024
In The Middle of Nowhere
Another brilliant story this time about a very small time policeman with too many secrets in a place called SECRET!!
After another death they send in Nick and Joanna, who after many false leads and outright lies eventually solve the mystery.
It was lovely to have the chief involved in helping out in the field instead of the office, hasn't lost his touch.
Hopefully the dynamic duo will be back sooner rather than later.
Recommended without prejudice, although reading the whole series is a must.
Another brilliant story this time about a very small time policeman with too many secrets in a place called SECRET!!
After another death they send in Nick and Joanna, who after many false leads and outright lies eventually solve the mystery.
It was lovely to have the chief involved in helping out in the field instead of the office, hasn't lost his touch.
Hopefully the dynamic duo will be back sooner rather than later.
Recommended without prejudice, although reading the whole series is a must.
May 7, 2024
Murder in Secret
Thoroughly enjoyed this book,great story,hard to guess the ending.Love the characters who wouldn’t give in, to find the victims.Wouldn’t like to think about being left in the outback.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book,great story,hard to guess the ending.Love the characters who wouldn’t give in, to find the victims.Wouldn’t like to think about being left in the outback.
May 8, 2024
another cracker
Once again a marvellous story with again old characters being mixed in with new so impressive how the author finds a way to bring everything together so well in a satisfying ending
Once again a marvellous story with again old characters being mixed in with new so impressive how the author finds a way to bring everything together so well in a satisfying ending
July 25, 2024
Fast paced thriller
This book is full of fast paced action. Something is happening on every page. The description of the hash Australian outback is spot on. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
This book is full of fast paced action. Something is happening on every page. The description of the hash Australian outback is spot on. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
January 2, 2025
another good Nick Vada book
Thanks Jason for another awesome book! I’ve read nearly all your books now and each time I start reading I don’t want to stop until it’s finished. The joys of speed reading means I get through them quickly and onto the next.
Thanks Jason for another awesome book! I’ve read nearly all your books now and each time I start reading I don’t want to stop until it’s finished. The joys of speed reading means I get through them quickly and onto the next.
May 15, 2024
top read
great read. enjoyed this whole
series but this for me was jason summers best. hoping to see Nick vada at it again soon.
great read. enjoyed this whole
series but this for me was jason summers best. hoping to see Nick vada at it again soon.
May 13, 2024
An excellent series, all books very different. Captures rural Australia really well, I think!
August 21, 2025
I absolutely flew through this book.
It takes place in a small remote town called Secret where a kiwi backpacker goes missing. I was hooked by the first chapter, the story was set up so well. He depicted the harsh Aussie outback in such amazing detail, I could almost feel that blistering heat on my skin. I don't want to give any spoilers away but I'll just say that you won't be disappointed.
Loved the plot, the pacing and the relationship between the characters.
It takes place in a small remote town called Secret where a kiwi backpacker goes missing. I was hooked by the first chapter, the story was set up so well. He depicted the harsh Aussie outback in such amazing detail, I could almost feel that blistering heat on my skin. I don't want to give any spoilers away but I'll just say that you won't be disappointed.
Loved the plot, the pacing and the relationship between the characters.
August 25, 2025
Ok.
The plot was good, but errors with plot, characters and grammer were so distracting that finishing the book was a chore.
The plot was good, but errors with plot, characters and grammer were so distracting that finishing the book was a chore.
May 24, 2024
A good read as usual. I’ve just read there will be a 7th book out soon which takes place so close to home. I am excited to read about Joanna taking the lead with some girl power.
January 21, 2026
Loving the Nick Vada series and Jason Summer's writing style.
July 13, 2024
Really good read
I really enjoyed catching up with Nick Vada again..local tensions and history..i guessed the Property owner and his mate were involved somehow but not the local cop..looking forward to the next book..thank you Jason Summers for you talent in getting the story to come together.
I really enjoyed catching up with Nick Vada again..local tensions and history..i guessed the Property owner and his mate were involved somehow but not the local cop..looking forward to the next book..thank you Jason Summers for you talent in getting the story to come together.
July 12, 2024
keeps you guessing.
A great read as all of Jason Summers books have been. Now onto the next. Thank you Jason very much.
A great read as all of Jason Summers books have been. Now onto the next. Thank you Jason very much.
December 23, 2025
An enjoyable and engaging plot with vivid characters and well-paced action.
Perhaps Nick suffers too much and after all the previous stories with injury it could well end in medical retirement of the character. I'm sure he must take that body to another case - he's still alive!
Perhaps Nick suffers too much and after all the previous stories with injury it could well end in medical retirement of the character. I'm sure he must take that body to another case - he's still alive!
June 4, 2024
Another Good Story, But.....
**NO SPOILERS BECAUSE I DETEST THEM**
Well I just finished Book Six and it was another good story. (See my review of Book Five for a list of my petty grievances. They all apply to this book also.
First the bad:
In this series the author uses flashbacks, but gives you absolutely no warning when he's writing in the past or the present. It can be quite confusing for a few sentences.
This book contained a bit more profanity than previous books in this series. I don't mind some of the profanity, but when he uses the Lord's name in vain, that hurts me.
The Good:
Mr. Summers is a very good storyteller. His plotting is good and he makes you really care about a lot of the characters. He is also very good at showing how harsh and unforgiving living or working in the Outback can be. I always thought I'd like to visit there, but now having read several authors writing about the Outback I have changed my mind.
I think if this author followed my suggestion to find a good proofreader or editor, this series could be absolutely great and I would definitely change my rating to five stars.
I highly recommend this series to anyone interested in Australian crime or police procedurals in general.
**NO SPOILERS BECAUSE I DETEST THEM**
Well I just finished Book Six and it was another good story. (See my review of Book Five for a list of my petty grievances. They all apply to this book also.
First the bad:
In this series the author uses flashbacks, but gives you absolutely no warning when he's writing in the past or the present. It can be quite confusing for a few sentences.
This book contained a bit more profanity than previous books in this series. I don't mind some of the profanity, but when he uses the Lord's name in vain, that hurts me.
The Good:
Mr. Summers is a very good storyteller. His plotting is good and he makes you really care about a lot of the characters. He is also very good at showing how harsh and unforgiving living or working in the Outback can be. I always thought I'd like to visit there, but now having read several authors writing about the Outback I have changed my mind.
I think if this author followed my suggestion to find a good proofreader or editor, this series could be absolutely great and I would definitely change my rating to five stars.
I highly recommend this series to anyone interested in Australian crime or police procedurals in general.
August 31, 2024
Thrilling and ‘unputdownable’!
Thoroughly enjoyed this Australian outback drama. Full of suspense.
Thoroughly enjoyed this Australian outback drama. Full of suspense.
May 8, 2024
Another good story from a good storyteller. (Although book 5 was better than 6). Some implausible parts, but still a good read. Jason - if you read reviews please edit your books and re-release. I think you would find a new larger audience. Basic spelling errors, poor grammar and just the use of incorrect words are too frequent. I would like to read more outside of the Nick Vada series, which had me hooked, but I don’t think I can be bothered with such poorly edited material.
July 21, 2024
An enthralling Australian outback thriller
I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping, gritty story.
I haven't read any of Jason Summer's books before. There are quite a few novels in this genre now so it is becoming a competitive field. As far as I'm concerned Jason can stand with the best.
For an outsider, indeed for a lot of Australians, the rigours of life in the outback are an unknown quantity. We often hear about tourists becoming lost and dying metres from their abandoned vehicle. It is probably some of the harshest, least forgiving terrain in the world. The indigenous people know the country and their knowledge has often proved life-saving. Some of the largest cattle properties in the world are in the Australian outback. As one of the characters says in this book, it is like being on another planet.
Add to that the inherent racial tensions you have the setting for some meaty plots, hence the new wave of Australian thrillers.
Jason Summer has tapped into this in this fast paced story set in the fictional town of Secret. It's tucked into the corner of NSW, a state the size of France. It may as well be on the moon given the remoteness and lack of communication.
Two NZ nationals go missing on a huge station near Secret. The sole local police officer seems incapable of finding what happened to them. The Rural Homicide team is despatched from Sydney, even though there is no evidence of foul play.
The main character, Detective Sergeant Nick Vada immediately smells a rat. He and his offsider set out to find the truth, with a lot of help from the local Walla Walla people, but not the station owner or his employees.
It is confidentiality told and full of tension. The characters are well drawn and bounce off each other realistically. The station manager's wife is a beautiful tall woman. I couldn't help picturing Elizabeth Debicki every time she came into the story. If this novel were ever made into a movie she would be perfect for this part.
There are lots of interesting facts and insights in this book. It will keep your attention right up to the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping, gritty story.
I haven't read any of Jason Summer's books before. There are quite a few novels in this genre now so it is becoming a competitive field. As far as I'm concerned Jason can stand with the best.
For an outsider, indeed for a lot of Australians, the rigours of life in the outback are an unknown quantity. We often hear about tourists becoming lost and dying metres from their abandoned vehicle. It is probably some of the harshest, least forgiving terrain in the world. The indigenous people know the country and their knowledge has often proved life-saving. Some of the largest cattle properties in the world are in the Australian outback. As one of the characters says in this book, it is like being on another planet.
Add to that the inherent racial tensions you have the setting for some meaty plots, hence the new wave of Australian thrillers.
Jason Summer has tapped into this in this fast paced story set in the fictional town of Secret. It's tucked into the corner of NSW, a state the size of France. It may as well be on the moon given the remoteness and lack of communication.
Two NZ nationals go missing on a huge station near Secret. The sole local police officer seems incapable of finding what happened to them. The Rural Homicide team is despatched from Sydney, even though there is no evidence of foul play.
The main character, Detective Sergeant Nick Vada immediately smells a rat. He and his offsider set out to find the truth, with a lot of help from the local Walla Walla people, but not the station owner or his employees.
It is confidentiality told and full of tension. The characters are well drawn and bounce off each other realistically. The station manager's wife is a beautiful tall woman. I couldn't help picturing Elizabeth Debicki every time she came into the story. If this novel were ever made into a movie she would be perfect for this part.
There are lots of interesting facts and insights in this book. It will keep your attention right up to the end.
August 18, 2024
Why does he always make it so obvious who the killer is
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews