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Provocation
PROVOCATION
A brutal cop thriller set in Australia’s remote PROVOCATION is filled with pitch-black humour, unforgettable characters and unexpected plot twists.
One bush cop, two missing hunters and a predator at large.
Constable Chris Taylor runs a one-cop station in the remote, high-country town of Jarrajarra where he expects little more than to mediate small-town disputes and oversee the barbeque at local fundraisers.
But when two hunters vanish without a trace, the search for answers unearths a buried secret and a decades-old mystery begins to unravel.
As Chris digs deeper, he sets up a collision course with characters from his past and a ruthless killer determined to hide the truth.
Can Chris restore order, bring justice to the forgotten and protect the town he loves? Or has he provoked an unstoppable monster?
Bloodshed, betrayal and belly laughs. It's THE CASTLE meets DIE HARD in the Australian bush.
Geoff Davis has delivered another gripping chapter in the Jarrajarra series.
A brutal cop thriller set in Australia’s remote PROVOCATION is filled with pitch-black humour, unforgettable characters and unexpected plot twists.
One bush cop, two missing hunters and a predator at large.
Constable Chris Taylor runs a one-cop station in the remote, high-country town of Jarrajarra where he expects little more than to mediate small-town disputes and oversee the barbeque at local fundraisers.
But when two hunters vanish without a trace, the search for answers unearths a buried secret and a decades-old mystery begins to unravel.
As Chris digs deeper, he sets up a collision course with characters from his past and a ruthless killer determined to hide the truth.
Can Chris restore order, bring justice to the forgotten and protect the town he loves? Or has he provoked an unstoppable monster?
Bloodshed, betrayal and belly laughs. It's THE CASTLE meets DIE HARD in the Australian bush.
Geoff Davis has delivered another gripping chapter in the Jarrajarra series.
527 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2024
100 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 27, 2025
An entertaining crime thriller from Australia
I have seen mention that Geoff Davis has a unique style. Having read several other works by well known Australian crime writers, I would have to agree. He writes about serious crime and still manages to capture the self-deprecating Australian sense of humour to a T.
This book is very easy to read, often very funny, and solidly steeped in good police procedure. This book works on so many levels. Set in a fictional small town in north east Victoria it showcases the interactions between an unconventional, non- conformist country police constable and the community he works with. The contrast between the police methods in this small town and the big smoke, in this case Melbourne, make for some amusing and interesting situations. At times it is almost slapstick. There is something quintessentially Australian about the whole book - the dialogue, the situations, the camaraderie, the characters.
I found the book very entertaining. The plot is complex and engrossing, underpinned by skilful structure and painstaking research.
A refreshing novel for lovers of Australian crime fiction.
I have seen mention that Geoff Davis has a unique style. Having read several other works by well known Australian crime writers, I would have to agree. He writes about serious crime and still manages to capture the self-deprecating Australian sense of humour to a T.
This book is very easy to read, often very funny, and solidly steeped in good police procedure. This book works on so many levels. Set in a fictional small town in north east Victoria it showcases the interactions between an unconventional, non- conformist country police constable and the community he works with. The contrast between the police methods in this small town and the big smoke, in this case Melbourne, make for some amusing and interesting situations. At times it is almost slapstick. There is something quintessentially Australian about the whole book - the dialogue, the situations, the camaraderie, the characters.
I found the book very entertaining. The plot is complex and engrossing, underpinned by skilful structure and painstaking research.
A refreshing novel for lovers of Australian crime fiction.
February 6, 2025
Aussie writing at it’s best
Fabulous read. Witty funny and emotional. I’m looking forward to the next book. I love a good crime thriller and Geoff Davis is a great writer with a wonderful imagination, and a great research technique making the story have a true ring to it. Great read, great writer.
Fabulous read. Witty funny and emotional. I’m looking forward to the next book. I love a good crime thriller and Geoff Davis is a great writer with a wonderful imagination, and a great research technique making the story have a true ring to it. Great read, great writer.
March 1, 2025
So fun! I really enjoy the Jarrajarra series and am so sorry I have to wait for the next one! I didn't want it to end! The characters are memorable and the relationship arcs are lovely. Barney is a fantastic character. It's just real and enjoyable. Plus, you learn about Australia. Start the series, but read slowly! You'll experience withdrawals if you finish them both!
September 16, 2025
Wow, Geoff has done it again....just like the first book (The Black Mist) I couldn't put it down & I didn't want it to end.
humour, suspense, mystery...you name it, it has it....I'm just hoping that I don't have to wait too long for book #3
If you're after a great read, go no further than The Jarrajarra Series, Books 1 & 2.....amazing!!
Highly recommend 😁
Gwen NZ 🇳🇿
humour, suspense, mystery...you name it, it has it....I'm just hoping that I don't have to wait too long for book #3
If you're after a great read, go no further than The Jarrajarra Series, Books 1 & 2.....amazing!!
Highly recommend 😁
Gwen NZ 🇳🇿
December 8, 2025
the most satisfying crime book since the “Jack Irish” works of Peter Temple!
What a great read, as was his previous “Black Mist”. Kept me glued to my kindle with a compelling story line wrapped in some of the funniest dialogue I’ve read in a long time.
Waiting for Geoff’s next one!
What a great read, as was his previous “Black Mist”. Kept me glued to my kindle with a compelling story line wrapped in some of the funniest dialogue I’ve read in a long time.
Waiting for Geoff’s next one!
August 6, 2024
even better than #1
Superb plotting, larconic humour and slightly more nuanced characters and character development than the excellent Installment 1 offered. I’m looking forward to #3
Superb plotting, larconic humour and slightly more nuanced characters and character development than the excellent Installment 1 offered. I’m looking forward to #3
August 19, 2024
A really enjoyable follow on from book 1. The character development is great and it is fun learning more about the people of Jarrajarra. Writing style is easy and entertaining. Look forward to book 3.
September 8, 2024
Would like some more
These 2 books kept me awake! I just could not put them down and read both in 2 days.
I thoroughly enjoyed them - excellent story telling and a great read, very well written. Hope the will be more from Geoff Davis.
These 2 books kept me awake! I just could not put them down and read both in 2 days.
I thoroughly enjoyed them - excellent story telling and a great read, very well written. Hope the will be more from Geoff Davis.
November 15, 2024
Even better than the black mist, the second book in a great new series. I am loving the interactions between the characters as much as the plot, and the depiction of life in a small rural town. This is very satisfying Australian noir.
February 23, 2025
A ripping read
An absolute page turner from start to finish!
I didn't think it would be better than the black mist(book1) but was pleasantly surprised.
Now I have to wait for book 3 to come out.....
An absolute page turner from start to finish!
I didn't think it would be better than the black mist(book1) but was pleasantly surprised.
Now I have to wait for book 3 to come out.....
November 6, 2025
Loved this book as much as the first. Geoff Davis is a refreshing author who has a great knack for story telling. The plot is riveting, the characters very engaging. This book follows on from his first book, Black Mist, and apparently has a third one on the way, which I look forward to reading.
September 14, 2024
as good as the first book
Enthralling, great Australian humour, good character development and crime progression. Enjoyed both books and the twists in the story line
Enthralling, great Australian humour, good character development and crime progression. Enjoyed both books and the twists in the story line
November 10, 2024
great story
Humour and characters I came to love. If you need a good yarn and a laugh this Bush police station procedural is for you.
Humour and characters I came to love. If you need a good yarn and a laugh this Bush police station procedural is for you.
July 7, 2025
Exciting read
Great plot, characters are really filled out, can't second guess the ending. Dry Aussie humour through the story is spot on.
Loved it.
Great plot, characters are really filled out, can't second guess the ending. Dry Aussie humour through the story is spot on.
Loved it.
November 23, 2025
This book is awesome so is the first part.
One of the best books I’ve read, part 1 and part 2. Unbelievably great. This 2 part novel is a must read.
One of the best books I’ve read, part 1 and part 2. Unbelievably great. This 2 part novel is a must read.
February 1, 2025
I’ll give it 41/2 stars. I Liked it but I don’t think it’s as good as Black Mist. I think the author is trying too hard to make Chris, the protagonist, into a smart arse. Some of the dialogue is just too contrived.
Other than that a great storyline about the solving of a twenty year old murder set in northwest Victoria and I look forward to Geoff Davis next book.
Other than that a great storyline about the solving of a twenty year old murder set in northwest Victoria and I look forward to Geoff Davis next book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews