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A Luke Harris Thriller #1
Stillwater
Luke thought he’d left his violent past behind in this suspenseful debut crime thriller for fans of Lee Child and Jane Harper.
After years away from his hometown of Melbourne, Luke Harris is back on track. All he wants is a normal job, his own house and a dog.
But Luke is a man with a past, where life was anything but peaceful and his skills ran to the dark side. A past not easily forgotten – or forgiven.
When he crosses paths with Gus Alberici – the brutal criminal he worked for as a teenager – he's dragged reluctantly back to his old life. Luke's father has vanished, along with a chunk of Gus's cash. And something is up with his new girlfriend's father ...
As his past and present collide, can Luke keep his long-held secrets – and outsmart a man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants?
'Tanya Scott explodes onto the crime scene with this rip-roaring debut that I read in a single sitting. Stillwater is an instant classic of the genre.' Hayley Scrivenor
'A propulsive, gritty thriller with compelling characters and edge of your seat action from a stunning new voice in Australian crime.' Mark Smith, author of Three Boys Gone
After years away from his hometown of Melbourne, Luke Harris is back on track. All he wants is a normal job, his own house and a dog.
But Luke is a man with a past, where life was anything but peaceful and his skills ran to the dark side. A past not easily forgotten – or forgiven.
When he crosses paths with Gus Alberici – the brutal criminal he worked for as a teenager – he's dragged reluctantly back to his old life. Luke's father has vanished, along with a chunk of Gus's cash. And something is up with his new girlfriend's father ...
As his past and present collide, can Luke keep his long-held secrets – and outsmart a man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants?
'Tanya Scott explodes onto the crime scene with this rip-roaring debut that I read in a single sitting. Stillwater is an instant classic of the genre.' Hayley Scrivenor
'A propulsive, gritty thriller with compelling characters and edge of your seat action from a stunning new voice in Australian crime.' Mark Smith, author of Three Boys Gone
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2025
71 people are currently reading
9041 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Scott
2 books57 followersTanya Scott is an Australian writer, doctor and educator. She is an accomplished survivor of near misses, including escaping from an engineering degree out of high school, crashing a car with a huntsman (spider, not human) on her lap and getting caught in a rip off the coast of Cocos Island. She also managed to finish medical school with her sense of humour intact.
Over a varied medical career, she has learned more from her patients than from any textbook – not just about physical and mental health, but about humanity, resilience and the absurdity of life. While these themes inform her writing, her love of twisty mysteries has made her an accidental crime writer.
After growing up on the coast in western Victoria, Tanya studied and worked in Melbourne for over a decade, but always knew the beach would claim her back. She is now based on Wadawurrung country, on the Victorian Surf Coast, with her family and pets. When not writing, she can be found with her head in a book or braving the wind at the beach. Her first novel, a suspense thriller titled Stillwater will be published in 2025.
Over a varied medical career, she has learned more from her patients than from any textbook – not just about physical and mental health, but about humanity, resilience and the absurdity of life. While these themes inform her writing, her love of twisty mysteries has made her an accidental crime writer.
After growing up on the coast in western Victoria, Tanya studied and worked in Melbourne for over a decade, but always knew the beach would claim her back. She is now based on Wadawurrung country, on the Victorian Surf Coast, with her family and pets. When not writing, she can be found with her head in a book or braving the wind at the beach. Her first novel, a suspense thriller titled Stillwater will be published in 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
August 18, 2025
EXCERPT: Dense fog cloaked the forest, clinging to the straight, tall trunks of the ironbarks and hovering suspended over the sparse undergrowth. Grey dawn light filtered through. The silence was absolute, a solid wall; no birdsong, not a hint of wind. The trees held their breath, as still as death. Even the water on the leaves had arrested mid-drip, frozen by the wintry night. The dam's mirror reflected nothing but the white sky.
He moved at last, leaving the dam behind to trudge past the wooden cabin on the narrow, tree-lined track. Overnight, the storm had turned it into a muddy river, carving deep crevices in the dirt. With each step, mud splashed to his knees, and he stumbled and slipped on the slick surface.
The fog thickened as he descended, reducing visibility to an arm's length. At the end of the track, where it intersected with a broader road, a rusty wire gate stood open, choked in place with mud and leaf litter from the storm. He scraped it clear so he could drag the gate across the track, and with a huff - of force, and finality - he slammed it into place. The faded metal sign rattled against the wire. He paused, staring at the single word.
stillwater
Then he squared his shoulders and turned his back on the sign, on the foggy track and the mess he'd left behind, and he set off along the road.
ABOUT 'STILLWATER': Luke Harris is a man trying to move beyond his criminal past but finds himself forced back into his old life and a deadly battle to survive.
When Jack Quinlan’s mother dies of a drug overdose, it’s not his father that raises him, but Gus—a ruthless crime boss who sees Jack for what he is, a whip-smart kid with untapped potential. It doesn’t take long for Gus to forge Jack into a weapon.
But Jack was also self-aware enough to know where this sort of life was going to lead him. When the time was right, he got out. Or so he thought.
Seven years later, Jack is now Luke Harris, a regular guy putting himself through college and aiming for a real job and a real future. Falling in love. But Jack’s past isn’t so easily forgotten, and the bodies in his closet won’t forgive him.
When Luke’s newfound life collides with Gus’s underworld, survival becomes a deadly game. Luke must resurrect his dormant skills and confront the demons that threaten to consume him.
MY THOUGHTS: Wow! Tanya Scott, this is some debut thriller!
I'm not known for my love of thrillers, especially ones concerned with organised crime. But I picked Stillwater up and simply devoured it, riveted and consumed by the storyline, entranced by the characters, particularly that of Jack/Luke. But I have to admit, even the bad guys fascinated me.
The whole way through I was rooting for Jack/Luke as his story in the now alternated with his past. He had a terrible upbringing, caught in a spiral of bad parenting, poverty, petty crime and bullying. Gus Alberici appears to offer Luke the help he needs but, in reality, Gus is anything but the light at the end of the tunnel.
Dark, gritty and brutal with a rich emotional timbre, Stillwater is the story of survival against all odds, about the past Luke thought he'd left behind catching up with him and his determination not to be consumed by it. Easier said than done.
Jack/Luke's a character I won't forget in a hurry.
A slickly written, debut Aussie crime novel from an author I will follow closely.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#Stillwater #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: TANYA SCOTT is an Australian writer, doctor and educator. She is an accomplished survivor of near misses, including escaping from an engineering degree out of high school, crashing a car with a huntsman (spider, not human) on her lap and getting caught in a rip off the coast of Cocos Island. She also managed to finish medical school with her sense of humour intact.
Over a varied medical career, she has learned more from her patients than from any textbook – not just about physical and mental health, but about humanity, resilience and the absurdity of life. While these themes inform her writing, her love of twisty mysteries has made her an accidental crime writer.
After growing up on the coast in western Victoria, Tanya studied and worked in Melbourne for over a decade, but always knew the beach would claim her back. She is now based on Wadawurrung country, on the Victorian Surf Coast, with her family and pets. When not writing, she can be found with her head in a book or braving the wind at the beach.
DISCLOSURE: Thak you to Grove Atlantic via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Stillwater by Tanya Scott for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
He moved at last, leaving the dam behind to trudge past the wooden cabin on the narrow, tree-lined track. Overnight, the storm had turned it into a muddy river, carving deep crevices in the dirt. With each step, mud splashed to his knees, and he stumbled and slipped on the slick surface.
The fog thickened as he descended, reducing visibility to an arm's length. At the end of the track, where it intersected with a broader road, a rusty wire gate stood open, choked in place with mud and leaf litter from the storm. He scraped it clear so he could drag the gate across the track, and with a huff - of force, and finality - he slammed it into place. The faded metal sign rattled against the wire. He paused, staring at the single word.
stillwater
Then he squared his shoulders and turned his back on the sign, on the foggy track and the mess he'd left behind, and he set off along the road.
ABOUT 'STILLWATER': Luke Harris is a man trying to move beyond his criminal past but finds himself forced back into his old life and a deadly battle to survive.
When Jack Quinlan’s mother dies of a drug overdose, it’s not his father that raises him, but Gus—a ruthless crime boss who sees Jack for what he is, a whip-smart kid with untapped potential. It doesn’t take long for Gus to forge Jack into a weapon.
But Jack was also self-aware enough to know where this sort of life was going to lead him. When the time was right, he got out. Or so he thought.
Seven years later, Jack is now Luke Harris, a regular guy putting himself through college and aiming for a real job and a real future. Falling in love. But Jack’s past isn’t so easily forgotten, and the bodies in his closet won’t forgive him.
When Luke’s newfound life collides with Gus’s underworld, survival becomes a deadly game. Luke must resurrect his dormant skills and confront the demons that threaten to consume him.
MY THOUGHTS: Wow! Tanya Scott, this is some debut thriller!
I'm not known for my love of thrillers, especially ones concerned with organised crime. But I picked Stillwater up and simply devoured it, riveted and consumed by the storyline, entranced by the characters, particularly that of Jack/Luke. But I have to admit, even the bad guys fascinated me.
The whole way through I was rooting for Jack/Luke as his story in the now alternated with his past. He had a terrible upbringing, caught in a spiral of bad parenting, poverty, petty crime and bullying. Gus Alberici appears to offer Luke the help he needs but, in reality, Gus is anything but the light at the end of the tunnel.
Dark, gritty and brutal with a rich emotional timbre, Stillwater is the story of survival against all odds, about the past Luke thought he'd left behind catching up with him and his determination not to be consumed by it. Easier said than done.
Jack/Luke's a character I won't forget in a hurry.
A slickly written, debut Aussie crime novel from an author I will follow closely.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#Stillwater #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: TANYA SCOTT is an Australian writer, doctor and educator. She is an accomplished survivor of near misses, including escaping from an engineering degree out of high school, crashing a car with a huntsman (spider, not human) on her lap and getting caught in a rip off the coast of Cocos Island. She also managed to finish medical school with her sense of humour intact.
Over a varied medical career, she has learned more from her patients than from any textbook – not just about physical and mental health, but about humanity, resilience and the absurdity of life. While these themes inform her writing, her love of twisty mysteries has made her an accidental crime writer.
After growing up on the coast in western Victoria, Tanya studied and worked in Melbourne for over a decade, but always knew the beach would claim her back. She is now based on Wadawurrung country, on the Victorian Surf Coast, with her family and pets. When not writing, she can be found with her head in a book or braving the wind at the beach.
DISCLOSURE: Thak you to Grove Atlantic via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Stillwater by Tanya Scott for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
January 18, 2025
It is really hard to believe this is a debut thriller. I would have thought the author had written countless others. Luke, previously known as Jack, is an absolute badass. He tried to get away from a life of crime, but is suddenly thrown back into that life. It reminds me of like a mob life story.
The parts that I loved the most are the flashbacks of how he got into this life. They found a young boy in need of a true father figure and exploited that. At times it seemed like they were helping him until it became something different. It felt so realistic about what I imagine it is truly like.
There is lots of action in this book and every character is somehow interconnected and woven together. In the beginning you don’t realize how much each character is important and connected. Also, there is some romance but that definitely is not the main point of the story. This is definitely a crime thriller.
I would absolutely read this author again.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review. 🩷
The parts that I loved the most are the flashbacks of how he got into this life. They found a young boy in need of a true father figure and exploited that. At times it seemed like they were helping him until it became something different. It felt so realistic about what I imagine it is truly like.
There is lots of action in this book and every character is somehow interconnected and woven together. In the beginning you don’t realize how much each character is important and connected. Also, there is some romance but that definitely is not the main point of the story. This is definitely a crime thriller.
I would absolutely read this author again.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review. 🩷
September 28, 2025
4.5★s
Luke Harris was a young man with a traumatic past, with Jack Quinlan a person he'd left in that past. But after seven years of Luke's life centering around study, work and little play, he was suddenly confronted by a nemesis from the time he was a kid. Gus was a criminal and didn't like to be crossed. Luke could feel his contented life slipping away from him; was he brave enough to say "no"? One of Luke's jobs was as a disability support worker, and meeting Jonathan Wylie, father of Phil & Emma, proved to be an eye opener. Phil was a sweet young man, loaded with disabilities, which his father had no idea how to manage. Emma was a budding actress, loved her brother and didn't get on with her father.
When Luke encountered Gus again, it wasn't long before Gus expected Luke to pick up where he'd left off. There was tragedy ahead, but Luke had learned to keep his wits about him, always alert, always on guard. There were many irons in the fire and Luke wasn't sure he could put them all out...
Stillwater is the debut novel by Aussie author Tanya Scott and it's amazing! Fast paced, filled with twists, an exceptional cast of players and a perfect setting for the plot. Melbourne, Australia plus areas away from the city in the bush is where Luke found himself after he was reinvented and he loved it. I'll be looking out for Tanya Scott's next book, and highly recommend this one.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for the uncorrected proof copy I won.
Luke Harris was a young man with a traumatic past, with Jack Quinlan a person he'd left in that past. But after seven years of Luke's life centering around study, work and little play, he was suddenly confronted by a nemesis from the time he was a kid. Gus was a criminal and didn't like to be crossed. Luke could feel his contented life slipping away from him; was he brave enough to say "no"? One of Luke's jobs was as a disability support worker, and meeting Jonathan Wylie, father of Phil & Emma, proved to be an eye opener. Phil was a sweet young man, loaded with disabilities, which his father had no idea how to manage. Emma was a budding actress, loved her brother and didn't get on with her father.
When Luke encountered Gus again, it wasn't long before Gus expected Luke to pick up where he'd left off. There was tragedy ahead, but Luke had learned to keep his wits about him, always alert, always on guard. There were many irons in the fire and Luke wasn't sure he could put them all out...
Stillwater is the debut novel by Aussie author Tanya Scott and it's amazing! Fast paced, filled with twists, an exceptional cast of players and a perfect setting for the plot. Melbourne, Australia plus areas away from the city in the bush is where Luke found himself after he was reinvented and he loved it. I'll be looking out for Tanya Scott's next book, and highly recommend this one.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for the uncorrected proof copy I won.
Read
October 28, 2025This was not my type of book enjoyment wise think I am the wrong type of audience for this book no rating.
September 14, 2025
Another fabulous debut Aussie crime book! We have been so spoilt in recent years and Tanya Scott is another name to look out for. Stillwater is a dark yet emotional story that you won’t be able to stop reading.
I really enjoyed the dual timelines, learning about Luke getting his life together today, and hearing about his really tough childhood. When the 2 worlds collide once again and bring those he has grown close to into danger, Luke really struggles to go back to that place. I loved the Melbourne setting, always enjoy reading about a location that I know well.
If you are a fan of great characters and Aussie crime books then you need to read this.
Thanks so much to Allen and Unwin for my copy of this book to read on NetGalley
I really enjoyed the dual timelines, learning about Luke getting his life together today, and hearing about his really tough childhood. When the 2 worlds collide once again and bring those he has grown close to into danger, Luke really struggles to go back to that place. I loved the Melbourne setting, always enjoy reading about a location that I know well.
If you are a fan of great characters and Aussie crime books then you need to read this.
Thanks so much to Allen and Unwin for my copy of this book to read on NetGalley
December 10, 2025
This is one of my favourite debut novel reads this year - I absolutely devoured this gritty and intriguing crime thriller story.
Luke Harris (formerly Jack Quinlan) is studying and is working as a support worker while studying and attempting to save up for his goal of a ‘normal’ life. Although he has a dark past, including a connection with brutal crime boss Gus Alberici. Luke thought that his violent and volatile past were behind him, until his long-hidden secrets set him back into survival mode.
Luke was a believably raw, vulnerable and flawed protagonist. I loved how each character within this story added to complexity of Luke’s experiences and choices. I really enjoyed being immersed into how Luke came to be involved with Gus, and his early life experiences.
I love that Tanya’s work has informed her writing, with inclusion of the lasting impacts of childhood trauma, seeking our professional support, and the variety of strategies that Luke used to manage his traumatic past and physical bodily reactions to stress.
I am so surprised this is a debut thriller novel and I would love to read more from Australian Tanya Scott.
If you enjoy crime fiction, then please pick this one up!
Luke Harris (formerly Jack Quinlan) is studying and is working as a support worker while studying and attempting to save up for his goal of a ‘normal’ life. Although he has a dark past, including a connection with brutal crime boss Gus Alberici. Luke thought that his violent and volatile past were behind him, until his long-hidden secrets set him back into survival mode.
Luke was a believably raw, vulnerable and flawed protagonist. I loved how each character within this story added to complexity of Luke’s experiences and choices. I really enjoyed being immersed into how Luke came to be involved with Gus, and his early life experiences.
I love that Tanya’s work has informed her writing, with inclusion of the lasting impacts of childhood trauma, seeking our professional support, and the variety of strategies that Luke used to manage his traumatic past and physical bodily reactions to stress.
I am so surprised this is a debut thriller novel and I would love to read more from Australian Tanya Scott.
If you enjoy crime fiction, then please pick this one up!
September 15, 2025
This is a story about Luke also known as Jack Quinn, who is trying to escape his past and move on with his life.
Luke had a hard start to life, his mum died of a drug overdose, and he was raised by a crime boss who sees him as a long term prospective.
Luke doesn't want this type of life, so he leaves. Life is good and his prospects are promising. Unfortunately, his past will collide with his future and it's up to him if he survives or not.
This is a book about choices we make in life. I connected with Luke, he was a good-natured guy who just had a bad start to life. He was a believable character, and I cared about what was going to happen to him.
This was a crime/thriller book but also an emotional read. I highly recommend it; I look forward to hopefully reading more by this author especially since this is her debut.
Luke had a hard start to life, his mum died of a drug overdose, and he was raised by a crime boss who sees him as a long term prospective.
Luke doesn't want this type of life, so he leaves. Life is good and his prospects are promising. Unfortunately, his past will collide with his future and it's up to him if he survives or not.
This is a book about choices we make in life. I connected with Luke, he was a good-natured guy who just had a bad start to life. He was a believable character, and I cared about what was going to happen to him.
This was a crime/thriller book but also an emotional read. I highly recommend it; I look forward to hopefully reading more by this author especially since this is her debut.
July 24, 2025
A great debut with a lot of grit
October 14, 2025
Tanya Scott’s debut thriller, Stillwater, was an excellent crime fiction read, and I am glad this is the first in a series. Lloyd Allison-Young was an excellent narrator, and I loved listening to this one on audio. This is told in dual timelines, current day and seven years ago, and it worked well here as we slowly learned why Luke Harris is trying to escape his past, but it just can’t seem to quit him. Jack Quinn (f/k/a Luke Harris) is trying to start a new life, get through college, fall in love, all the things. But the crime boss who raised him after his mother died shows up and off we go. I thoroughly enjoyed this the entire time I was listening, it was intense and I loved how different plots all wove themselves together in ways I didn’t expect. The ending was satisfying but open just enough that I am ready for the second book already.
Thank you to Atlantic Crime #partner for the gifted copy to review.
Thank you to Atlantic Crime #partner for the gifted copy to review.
August 4, 2025
This was n interesting crime novel as it did not have a detective, journalist or private investigator as the protagonist. Luke is a young man who has emerged from a difficult childhood and is trying to find a way to right old wrongs and give himself a fresh start. It does however follow the theme of ‘once you’re in a hole you keep digging yourself deeper’, but you do begin to care for him and wish for his success. The other characters were okay but I did feel that you were exposed to their true intentions too early and they really didn’t change or develop. There was no slow reveal or depth to them.
As a debut novel this was well done and it certainly had enough pace.
As a debut novel this was well done and it certainly had enough pace.
August 1, 2025
Tanya Scott’s Stillwater is a compelling, dual-timeline thriller that dives deep into both the brutality of survival and the quiet, tentative emergence of humanity in a man who has seen far too much. Watching Luke navigate his past and present is as heart-wrenching as it is hopeful—his growth feels earned, not forced. The transitions between a violent upbringing and the version of himself he's trying to create—one guided by his heart, not just instinct—are masterfully done. Luke is raw, flawed, and deeply real; he’s someone readers will not only identify with, but also remember long after the last page.
This isn’t just a gritty crime novel—it’s one with soul. Having a woman at the helm of this story lends a distinct emotional depth, especially in how survival, trauma, and tenderness coexist in Luke’s world. His quiet compassion for Phil, his wary but growing connections at university, and the complexity of his bond with Emma all give us a rare portrait of a protagonist capable of both violence and vulnerability. The supporting characters are more than filler; each one adds texture and stakes to Luke’s journey.
The pacing is pitch-perfect, starting with a slow, deliberate build that eventually snowballs into a relentless, high-stakes climax. It’s a banger of a debut—gripping, thoughtful, and utterly unputdownable. Tanya Scott is officially on my watch list, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.
This isn’t just a gritty crime novel—it’s one with soul. Having a woman at the helm of this story lends a distinct emotional depth, especially in how survival, trauma, and tenderness coexist in Luke’s world. His quiet compassion for Phil, his wary but growing connections at university, and the complexity of his bond with Emma all give us a rare portrait of a protagonist capable of both violence and vulnerability. The supporting characters are more than filler; each one adds texture and stakes to Luke’s journey.
The pacing is pitch-perfect, starting with a slow, deliberate build that eventually snowballs into a relentless, high-stakes climax. It’s a banger of a debut—gripping, thoughtful, and utterly unputdownable. Tanya Scott is officially on my watch list, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.
November 13, 2025
Stillwater is a crime thriller with two timelines. In the present, Luke Harris is trying to put a life of crime behind him for a chance for a new life. However, he gets pulled back by his old "boss" to do some side jobs for him, and Luke knows he can't refuse. In the past Luke, then known as Jack Quinlan, has a hard life and is mentored by a crime boss who takes advantage of Jack's intelligence and vulnerability. Part of the timeline in the past includes "Jack's" sessions with an understanding counselor and I've been enjoying those flashbacks.
The book gets off to a strong start, but slows a bit in the middle.The action and the tension ramps up towards the end of the book. Luke wants so much to get a fresh start, but is facing so many obstacles. I like that the ending of this gritty crime novel is both dramatic and hopeful.
Thank you to Atlantic Crime for the gifted copy of this book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
The book gets off to a strong start, but slows a bit in the middle.The action and the tension ramps up towards the end of the book. Luke wants so much to get a fresh start, but is facing so many obstacles. I like that the ending of this gritty crime novel is both dramatic and hopeful.
Thank you to Atlantic Crime for the gifted copy of this book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
June 21, 2025
At one point in Tanya Scott’s Stillwater a character observes of the protagonist: ‘He’s the sort of guy who doesn’t make it to thirty’. Luke Harris (Jack Quinlan) is desperate to break away from being that sort of guy. He’s changed his name, is studying commerce at university and is working casual shifts in disability support. His past has been challenging. He lost his beloved mother to an overdose and has been ‘raised’ by his father whose criminal activities and associations have bought added trauma to Luke’s life. Unfortunately Luke is recognised by gangster Gus Alberici and drawn back into the world he has so wanted to escape.
Stillwater is a compelling read. The narrative shifts between the present and Luke’s childhood and we come to really care for him, both the boy he has been and the man he is trying to be. It’s not a novel with cardboard villains but rather Scott explores the complexity of criminal behaviour and its links to trauma, class and poverty. In this way it reminded me a little of the work of Scottish writer Denise Mina in particular her book The Less Dead. The setting is expertly rendered and there’s a certain pleasure to be had in living just down the road from ‘Stillwater’.
Stillwater is a compelling read. The narrative shifts between the present and Luke’s childhood and we come to really care for him, both the boy he has been and the man he is trying to be. It’s not a novel with cardboard villains but rather Scott explores the complexity of criminal behaviour and its links to trauma, class and poverty. In this way it reminded me a little of the work of Scottish writer Denise Mina in particular her book The Less Dead. The setting is expertly rendered and there’s a certain pleasure to be had in living just down the road from ‘Stillwater’.
September 22, 2025
Great debut novel for the multi-talented Tanya Scott (author and GP!). It has similar vibes to Lola in the Mirror and Jasper Jones. Something about Australian authors and young adult main characters maybe? I don't want to give too much away..
July 18, 2025
Dark, gritty, and unputdownable!
Jack Quinn was raised by a crime boss after his mom died, think less bedtime stories, more bullets and broken bones. Years later, he’s reinvented himself as Luke Harris, a college guy just trying to live a normal life and maybe even fall in love. But his past? Yeah, it’s not done with him yet.
This book is a rollercoaster of secrets, survival, and second chances. Tanya Scott nails the tension, the emotion, and that gut-wrenching feeling of trying to outrun who you used to be. If you love morally gray characters, found family vibes gone dark, and stories that punch you right in the feelings Stillwater delivers.
⚡️Thank you Atlantic Monthly Press and Tanya Scott for sharing this book with me!
Jack Quinn was raised by a crime boss after his mom died, think less bedtime stories, more bullets and broken bones. Years later, he’s reinvented himself as Luke Harris, a college guy just trying to live a normal life and maybe even fall in love. But his past? Yeah, it’s not done with him yet.
This book is a rollercoaster of secrets, survival, and second chances. Tanya Scott nails the tension, the emotion, and that gut-wrenching feeling of trying to outrun who you used to be. If you love morally gray characters, found family vibes gone dark, and stories that punch you right in the feelings Stillwater delivers.
⚡️Thank you Atlantic Monthly Press and Tanya Scott for sharing this book with me!
August 6, 2025
Big thanks to Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Crime fiction has a new force in the very talented fold of writers that keep us guessing and gasping.
Returning back to his home town and adopting a new and incognito lifestyle is the only answer for Luke Harris.
A past that involved shadier elements of society and where danger is lurking in shadows.
Working as a carer whilst studying exposes Luke to a family that will touch and torment him.
Inadvertently reacquainting with a criminal that he and his father had dealings with years ago opens up the wounds of his past and invites intrigue as the truth reveals.
An intense sequence of events, a criminal on his tail and some quick witted manoeuvres climax into an exciting plot.
Welcome Tanya to this fantastic genre and thank you for an awesome read.
The crime component was nailed and the peripheral detail around the carers role added diversity and interest.
A soft and hard side of the main character was beautifully executed.
Crime fiction has a new force in the very talented fold of writers that keep us guessing and gasping.
Returning back to his home town and adopting a new and incognito lifestyle is the only answer for Luke Harris.
A past that involved shadier elements of society and where danger is lurking in shadows.
Working as a carer whilst studying exposes Luke to a family that will touch and torment him.
Inadvertently reacquainting with a criminal that he and his father had dealings with years ago opens up the wounds of his past and invites intrigue as the truth reveals.
An intense sequence of events, a criminal on his tail and some quick witted manoeuvres climax into an exciting plot.
Welcome Tanya to this fantastic genre and thank you for an awesome read.
The crime component was nailed and the peripheral detail around the carers role added diversity and interest.
A soft and hard side of the main character was beautifully executed.
August 15, 2025
Stillwater is new crime fiction from Tanya Scott.
"When Jack's mother dies from an overdose, he ends up spending most of his time with Gus, a ruthless criminal. Gus sends him on errands and teaches him how to fight. Jack knows how this life ends up and is desperate to leave. Jack bides his time and thinks he's gotten away - until a chance encounter brings Gus back into his life. Gus puts him right back to work and Jack knows he will have to find a way out if he wants any kind of future."
Jack, also known as Luke, is a bit of an antihero. He's done some awful, criminal things for Gus, but wants nothing of that life. He wants to be an accountant because of his savant ability with numbers. His attempt to stay under-the-radar doesn't work.
This is sort of a dual-timeline story. There's the present and Scott tells the backstory for how Jack got to a certain point. There are several surprises along the way and a wild ending. A couple of Aussie specific items had me stumped - What's a 'ute'?
This was a slow build but great payoff at the end.
"When Jack's mother dies from an overdose, he ends up spending most of his time with Gus, a ruthless criminal. Gus sends him on errands and teaches him how to fight. Jack knows how this life ends up and is desperate to leave. Jack bides his time and thinks he's gotten away - until a chance encounter brings Gus back into his life. Gus puts him right back to work and Jack knows he will have to find a way out if he wants any kind of future."
Jack, also known as Luke, is a bit of an antihero. He's done some awful, criminal things for Gus, but wants nothing of that life. He wants to be an accountant because of his savant ability with numbers. His attempt to stay under-the-radar doesn't work.
This is sort of a dual-timeline story. There's the present and Scott tells the backstory for how Jack got to a certain point. There are several surprises along the way and a wild ending. A couple of Aussie specific items had me stumped - What's a 'ute'?
This was a slow build but great payoff at the end.
August 25, 2025
Stillwater focuses on Luke's efforts to create a new and different life. Through flashbacks Luke's past is slowly revealed. A past that has significant consequences on his present - thwarting his attempts to move beyond the criminal society of his childhood and adolescence.
"Dense fog cloaked the forest, clinging to the straight, tall trunks of the ironbarks and hovering suspended over the sparse undergrowth. Grey dawn light filtered through. The silence was absolute, a solid wall; no birdsong, not a hint of wind. The trees held their breath, as still as death. Even the water on the leaves had arrested mid-drip, frozen by the wintry night. The dam's mirror reflected nothing but the white sky."
There are some interesting descriptions, some nice writing here, but the catalogue of horrible ruthless people, the constant enabling of the key protagonist while he supposedly aimed at a new life wore me down. So many aspects of the novel, in particular the relationships, felt underdeveloped and I struggled to see, in Luke's actions, his genuine aims - a complex or confusing character? One bad situation is replaced by another and I struggled with the actions of Luke, Gus and Emma. I didn't dislike this book but I cannot say I loved it.
"Dense fog cloaked the forest, clinging to the straight, tall trunks of the ironbarks and hovering suspended over the sparse undergrowth. Grey dawn light filtered through. The silence was absolute, a solid wall; no birdsong, not a hint of wind. The trees held their breath, as still as death. Even the water on the leaves had arrested mid-drip, frozen by the wintry night. The dam's mirror reflected nothing but the white sky."
There are some interesting descriptions, some nice writing here, but the catalogue of horrible ruthless people, the constant enabling of the key protagonist while he supposedly aimed at a new life wore me down. So many aspects of the novel, in particular the relationships, felt underdeveloped and I struggled to see, in Luke's actions, his genuine aims - a complex or confusing character? One bad situation is replaced by another and I struggled with the actions of Luke, Gus and Emma. I didn't dislike this book but I cannot say I loved it.
July 25, 2025
~ “Sometimes we have to choose the harder path,” she said. “Every choice you make leads to other choices and, in combination, these define your path and your character. Ask yourself: which path brings you closer to your goals?”~
I really enjoyed this book. I really loved the dual timelines in this story. As for the third person, I don’t usually take to this and prefer first persons narrative, however, I really liked the way this was written and like how as I read, I got insight into the thinking of multiple characters.
The character building was done very well. Very ‘mysterious’ at times but all with purpose. I really grew to love that main character and felt for him for his hardships in his past.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the timelines meet up. Especially the suspense and surprises throughout.
I really enjoyed this book. I really loved the dual timelines in this story. As for the third person, I don’t usually take to this and prefer first persons narrative, however, I really liked the way this was written and like how as I read, I got insight into the thinking of multiple characters.
The character building was done very well. Very ‘mysterious’ at times but all with purpose. I really grew to love that main character and felt for him for his hardships in his past.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the timelines meet up. Especially the suspense and surprises throughout.
August 16, 2025
A former crime boss's enforcer tries to escape his past and start a new life, only to have it all come crashing back down. It had all the makings of a tense, action-packed thriller and I was certainly ready for a story about a man wrestling with his demons.
On the one hand, the book did a great job of setting up the dual identity, showing a glimpse of his ruthless past and his sincere desire for a real future. The moments where his old skills resurfaced were definitely exciting and the constant threat of his past colliding with his present created a solid foundation of suspense. The action sequences were well-paced and kept the story moving forward.
However, the book's biggest struggle was in making those characters feel as real as the danger they were in. The "regular guy" Luke and his love story felt a bit underdeveloped especially when contrasted with the ruthless world of Gus's crime syndicate. The emotional stakes didn't always feel as high as the physical ones, and it was hard to truly connect with the "real future" Luke was fighting for when it felt like a thin veneer over his more interesting past.
Overall, while it was a decent read for a quick dose of suspense it didn't quite manage to make me feel invested in its characters or their high-stakes struggles, leaving me more a detached observer than a participant.
(Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for a review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own)
On the one hand, the book did a great job of setting up the dual identity, showing a glimpse of his ruthless past and his sincere desire for a real future. The moments where his old skills resurfaced were definitely exciting and the constant threat of his past colliding with his present created a solid foundation of suspense. The action sequences were well-paced and kept the story moving forward.
However, the book's biggest struggle was in making those characters feel as real as the danger they were in. The "regular guy" Luke and his love story felt a bit underdeveloped especially when contrasted with the ruthless world of Gus's crime syndicate. The emotional stakes didn't always feel as high as the physical ones, and it was hard to truly connect with the "real future" Luke was fighting for when it felt like a thin veneer over his more interesting past.
Overall, while it was a decent read for a quick dose of suspense it didn't quite manage to make me feel invested in its characters or their high-stakes struggles, leaving me more a detached observer than a participant.
(Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for a review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own)
July 31, 2025
Stillwater by Tanya Scott
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stillwater by Tanya Scott is an impressive debut thriller that delivers steady suspense and compelling twists. With flawed but likable characters and a plot that keeps you hooked, it’s a strong first novel. Fans of the Jack Reacher series will feel right at home. A gripping and satisfying read from a promising new voice in thrillers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stillwater by Tanya Scott is an impressive debut thriller that delivers steady suspense and compelling twists. With flawed but likable characters and a plot that keeps you hooked, it’s a strong first novel. Fans of the Jack Reacher series will feel right at home. A gripping and satisfying read from a promising new voice in thrillers.
August 18, 2025
Simply put until its conclusion I did not like this book.
September 10, 2025
A cracking Aussie crime fiction. Fast paced, clever use of multiple timelines, interesting characters. Probably the best example of this genre I’ve ever read. Such an entertaining read. Can’t wait for more from this debut author.
October 7, 2025
Fantastic book and first novel from this author loved the ending
December 22, 2025
A very good thriller- just what I wanted!
August 13, 2025
Luke Harris is trying to build a good and honest life for himself, away from his troubled past. But when that past catches up to him, he finds himself in a very tricky situation as his past and present collide.
Luke, on the surface, seems like an ordinary young man but as the timeline is switched to his childhood, it is clear that he has faced a huge amount of trauma and even though he has changed his name, there are people that don’t want to let him move on.
The plot was very clever in how it brought all of the characters together as the layers of Luke’s life were peeled away. There wasn’t actually a mystery as such, this was more about Luke as a person and the characters who had influenced his life. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t really grip me in the way that I had hoped.
3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
Luke, on the surface, seems like an ordinary young man but as the timeline is switched to his childhood, it is clear that he has faced a huge amount of trauma and even though he has changed his name, there are people that don’t want to let him move on.
The plot was very clever in how it brought all of the characters together as the layers of Luke’s life were peeled away. There wasn’t actually a mystery as such, this was more about Luke as a person and the characters who had influenced his life. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t really grip me in the way that I had hoped.
3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
July 14, 2025
Thank you Better Reading for an advance copy of Stillwater by Tanya Scott.
What a pleasure it was to read Luke's story. This book covered the complete package of emotions with action, edge of seat suspense and complex relationships. The seamless connections between characters and segues between past and present were worthy of a much more experienced author. The descriptive passeges were just enough to give me a sense of the settings and the characters without going over the top like a lot of books these days. Nothing felt like "filler," just all substance (and I've already imagined who could play the characters on screen).
You could tell the author was extremely knowledgeable in mental health fields, especially around the lasting effects of childhood trauma, and managed to blend information into the story without it becoming preachy.
My only problem was that as an advance copy before final edits, it was missing 15 pages in the middle, which has given me extreme FOMO. Despite this, I'd still give this book 5 stars, as I'm sure this will be corrected by final print. Just means I'll be looking forward to reading it again once released.
What a pleasure it was to read Luke's story. This book covered the complete package of emotions with action, edge of seat suspense and complex relationships. The seamless connections between characters and segues between past and present were worthy of a much more experienced author. The descriptive passeges were just enough to give me a sense of the settings and the characters without going over the top like a lot of books these days. Nothing felt like "filler," just all substance (and I've already imagined who could play the characters on screen).
You could tell the author was extremely knowledgeable in mental health fields, especially around the lasting effects of childhood trauma, and managed to blend information into the story without it becoming preachy.
My only problem was that as an advance copy before final edits, it was missing 15 pages in the middle, which has given me extreme FOMO. Despite this, I'd still give this book 5 stars, as I'm sure this will be corrected by final print. Just means I'll be looking forward to reading it again once released.
July 18, 2025
What a great first novel by Tanya Scott.
There is so much depth to this story. The characters and environments are relatable, and cleverly described. Luke is such a strong main character, level-headed and protective to those who deserve it like Emma. But he can be ruthless when crossed.
The twists and turns towards the end were a surprise. I love how bits and pieces mentioned early on in the story tied into and created a very clever and dramatic finale.
I will be following Scott to see what she releases next. Maybe a sequel? I keep wondering what is next for both Luke and Emma.
Thank you Better Reading for the advanced copy of this book.
There is so much depth to this story. The characters and environments are relatable, and cleverly described. Luke is such a strong main character, level-headed and protective to those who deserve it like Emma. But he can be ruthless when crossed.
The twists and turns towards the end were a surprise. I love how bits and pieces mentioned early on in the story tied into and created a very clever and dramatic finale.
I will be following Scott to see what she releases next. Maybe a sequel? I keep wondering what is next for both Luke and Emma.
Thank you Better Reading for the advanced copy of this book.
August 4, 2025
Tanya Scott's debut novel opens with an arresting image: a bloodied, mud-caked figure kneeling by a mirror-still dam, scrubbing crimson from his hands in the silver water. The prologue to Stillwater reads like poetry drenched in violence, establishing Scott's gift for atmospheric prose that transforms the Australian bush into something both beautiful and menacing. This opening scene, with its "silence absolute, a solid wall," immediately signals that this is no ordinary crime thriller—it's a meditation on identity, survival, and the weight of buried secrets.
The Reinvention of Luke Harris
At the heart of Stillwater lies Jack Quinn—or rather, Luke Harris, the man he's desperately trying to become. Seven years after escaping the violent underworld of Melbourne crime boss Gus Alberici, Luke has crafted a quiet existence: studying commerce at university, working in disability care, driving a failing Subaru, and living in a shabby St Kilda flat. Scott's portrayal of Luke's double life crackles with authenticity. His careful construction of normalcy—the way he practices breathing exercises to quell his violent instincts, how he navigates conversations to avoid revealing too much—reveals a character haunted by his past yet determined to transcend it.
The brilliance of Scott's character development lies in how she allows Luke's criminal past to seep through the cracks of his carefully maintained facade. When he effortlessly picks locks or scales buildings to save Emma's brother, we witness not just his skills but his internal conflict. He's a man who has weaponized his body and mind for survival, yet yearns for the peace that ordinary life might bring.
The Ghosts of Stillwater
The titular location serves as more than just a setting—it's a character unto itself. Stillwater, with its isolated cabin, mirror-like dam, and hidden mine shaft, becomes the repository of Luke's deepest traumas and darkest secrets. Scott's descriptions of the Victorian bush are hauntingly beautiful, transforming the landscape into something almost mythical. The dam reflects not just the sky but the weight of memory, while the forest holds its breath around secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Through a series of expertly woven flashbacks, we learn the truth about Kevin McNally and Quin, the two father figures who shaped Jack's youth in distinctly different ways. The revelation that Kevin—violent, unpredictable Kevin—was actually Luke's biological father adds layers of complexity to an already nuanced narrative. Scott doesn't simply tell us about Luke's traumatic past; she immerses us in it, making us feel the claustrophobia of being trapped between competing loyalties and the constant threat of violence.
Emma Rossetti: More Than a Love Interest
In Emma Rossetti, Scott has created a character who transcends typical thriller romance tropes. As an actress from a wealthy family, Emma could have been a simple foil to Luke's working-class background. Instead, she emerges as a fully realized character with her own agency and complexity. Her relationship with her controlling father Jonathan mirrors Luke's complicated history with father figures, creating thematic resonance that enriches both characters.
The chemistry between Luke and Emma feels genuine and earned. Scott doesn't rush their relationship; instead, she allows it to develop organically through shared vulnerabilities and mutual respect. Emma's final act—shooting Gus to protect Luke and her father—demonstrates her evolution from privileged actress to someone willing to make impossible choices for love.
Gus Alberici: The Complexity of Mentorship and Betrayal
Gus Alberici stands as one of the most compelling antagonists in recent Australian crime fiction. Scott avoids the trap of making him a cartoonish villain; instead, she presents a man who genuinely believes he's been a father figure to Luke. His Catholic morality exists alongside his criminal activities in ways that feel psychologically authentic rather than contradictory. When Gus rails about loyalty and family values while threatening violence, we see a character whose worldview is both twisted and internally consistent.
The betrayal Gus feels when he discovers Luke's deception—and the truth about Kevin and Quin's deaths—drives the novel's climactic confrontation. Scott masterfully shows how Gus's paternal feelings toward Luke make his rage all the more dangerous and personal.
Technical Mastery and Narrative Structure
Scott demonstrates remarkable control over her material, weaving between past and present with precision that never confuses or overwhelms. The structure serves the story perfectly: as Luke's carefully constructed new life begins to crumble, we learn more about the events that made his escape necessary. The pacing builds inexorably toward the confrontation at Stillwater, where past and present collide with devastating consequences.
The author's background in medicine and mental health care informs her writing in subtle but important ways. Her understanding of trauma, both physical and psychological, adds authenticity to Luke's character development. She knows how the body holds memory, how violence leaves invisible scars alongside visible ones.
Strengths That Elevate the Genre
Stillwater succeeds on multiple levels that distinguish it from typical crime thrillers:
Atmospheric Writing: Scott's prose transforms the Australian landscape into something almost mystical, where every shadow might hide danger and every reflection tells a story.
Psychological Depth: Rather than relying solely on action and violence, Scott explores the psychological cost of Luke's double life with remarkable insight.
Authentic Dialogue: The conversations feel natural and revealing, advancing both plot and character without feeling forced or expository.
Cultural Authenticity: The Melbourne setting and Australian voices feel lived-in rather than researched, adding credibility to the narrative.
Areas for Critical Examination
While Stillwater is largely successful, a few elements merit critical attention. The convenience of Emma's wealthy background occasionally strains credibility—her family's resources become almost too useful for advancing the plot. Additionally, some of the violence, particularly in the final act, borders on excessive, though it serves the story's themes about the impossibility of escaping one's past.
The revelation about Luke's true parentage, while emotionally resonant, arrives relatively late in the narrative. Earlier hints might have strengthened the psychological framework of Luke's identity crisis throughout the novel.
Thematic Resonance
At its core, Stillwater explores questions of identity, redemption, and the possibility of reinvention. Can we truly escape our past, or does it inevitably surface like bodies in a dam? Scott doesn't offer easy answers, instead presenting a character caught between who he was and who he wants to become. The final image of Luke at Stillwater, claiming his inheritance while mourning his losses, suggests that redemption might be possible—but only after confronting the darkest truths about ourselves.
The Reinvention of Luke Harris
At the heart of Stillwater lies Jack Quinn—or rather, Luke Harris, the man he's desperately trying to become. Seven years after escaping the violent underworld of Melbourne crime boss Gus Alberici, Luke has crafted a quiet existence: studying commerce at university, working in disability care, driving a failing Subaru, and living in a shabby St Kilda flat. Scott's portrayal of Luke's double life crackles with authenticity. His careful construction of normalcy—the way he practices breathing exercises to quell his violent instincts, how he navigates conversations to avoid revealing too much—reveals a character haunted by his past yet determined to transcend it.
The brilliance of Scott's character development lies in how she allows Luke's criminal past to seep through the cracks of his carefully maintained facade. When he effortlessly picks locks or scales buildings to save Emma's brother, we witness not just his skills but his internal conflict. He's a man who has weaponized his body and mind for survival, yet yearns for the peace that ordinary life might bring.
The Ghosts of Stillwater
The titular location serves as more than just a setting—it's a character unto itself. Stillwater, with its isolated cabin, mirror-like dam, and hidden mine shaft, becomes the repository of Luke's deepest traumas and darkest secrets. Scott's descriptions of the Victorian bush are hauntingly beautiful, transforming the landscape into something almost mythical. The dam reflects not just the sky but the weight of memory, while the forest holds its breath around secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Through a series of expertly woven flashbacks, we learn the truth about Kevin McNally and Quin, the two father figures who shaped Jack's youth in distinctly different ways. The revelation that Kevin—violent, unpredictable Kevin—was actually Luke's biological father adds layers of complexity to an already nuanced narrative. Scott doesn't simply tell us about Luke's traumatic past; she immerses us in it, making us feel the claustrophobia of being trapped between competing loyalties and the constant threat of violence.
Emma Rossetti: More Than a Love Interest
In Emma Rossetti, Scott has created a character who transcends typical thriller romance tropes. As an actress from a wealthy family, Emma could have been a simple foil to Luke's working-class background. Instead, she emerges as a fully realized character with her own agency and complexity. Her relationship with her controlling father Jonathan mirrors Luke's complicated history with father figures, creating thematic resonance that enriches both characters.
The chemistry between Luke and Emma feels genuine and earned. Scott doesn't rush their relationship; instead, she allows it to develop organically through shared vulnerabilities and mutual respect. Emma's final act—shooting Gus to protect Luke and her father—demonstrates her evolution from privileged actress to someone willing to make impossible choices for love.
Gus Alberici: The Complexity of Mentorship and Betrayal
Gus Alberici stands as one of the most compelling antagonists in recent Australian crime fiction. Scott avoids the trap of making him a cartoonish villain; instead, she presents a man who genuinely believes he's been a father figure to Luke. His Catholic morality exists alongside his criminal activities in ways that feel psychologically authentic rather than contradictory. When Gus rails about loyalty and family values while threatening violence, we see a character whose worldview is both twisted and internally consistent.
The betrayal Gus feels when he discovers Luke's deception—and the truth about Kevin and Quin's deaths—drives the novel's climactic confrontation. Scott masterfully shows how Gus's paternal feelings toward Luke make his rage all the more dangerous and personal.
Technical Mastery and Narrative Structure
Scott demonstrates remarkable control over her material, weaving between past and present with precision that never confuses or overwhelms. The structure serves the story perfectly: as Luke's carefully constructed new life begins to crumble, we learn more about the events that made his escape necessary. The pacing builds inexorably toward the confrontation at Stillwater, where past and present collide with devastating consequences.
The author's background in medicine and mental health care informs her writing in subtle but important ways. Her understanding of trauma, both physical and psychological, adds authenticity to Luke's character development. She knows how the body holds memory, how violence leaves invisible scars alongside visible ones.
Strengths That Elevate the Genre
Stillwater succeeds on multiple levels that distinguish it from typical crime thrillers:
Atmospheric Writing: Scott's prose transforms the Australian landscape into something almost mystical, where every shadow might hide danger and every reflection tells a story.
Psychological Depth: Rather than relying solely on action and violence, Scott explores the psychological cost of Luke's double life with remarkable insight.
Authentic Dialogue: The conversations feel natural and revealing, advancing both plot and character without feeling forced or expository.
Cultural Authenticity: The Melbourne setting and Australian voices feel lived-in rather than researched, adding credibility to the narrative.
Areas for Critical Examination
While Stillwater is largely successful, a few elements merit critical attention. The convenience of Emma's wealthy background occasionally strains credibility—her family's resources become almost too useful for advancing the plot. Additionally, some of the violence, particularly in the final act, borders on excessive, though it serves the story's themes about the impossibility of escaping one's past.
The revelation about Luke's true parentage, while emotionally resonant, arrives relatively late in the narrative. Earlier hints might have strengthened the psychological framework of Luke's identity crisis throughout the novel.
Thematic Resonance
At its core, Stillwater explores questions of identity, redemption, and the possibility of reinvention. Can we truly escape our past, or does it inevitably surface like bodies in a dam? Scott doesn't offer easy answers, instead presenting a character caught between who he was and who he wants to become. The final image of Luke at Stillwater, claiming his inheritance while mourning his losses, suggests that redemption might be possible—but only after confronting the darkest truths about ourselves.
August 18, 2025
All Luke Harris wants to do is earn enough money to survive on while studying. A new placement brings him face-to-face with the dangerous past he thought he'd escaped from.
Luke Harris is a man with a past, one he hoped he'd escaped from by leaving Melbourne years ago. In Stillwater by Tanya Scott, Luke has returned to his hometown to study. To make ends meet, he works as a disability support worker, and it is during a new placement that his past comes crashing back. Luke is an engaging and likeable character; he's intelligent, empathetic and composed, skills which serve him well working with adults with learning difficulties.
As a child, Luke's homelife was chaotic with a drug-addicted mother and a father involved in petty crime. One of Melbourne's crime lords, Gus Alberici, saw something in Luke and took him under his wing. As the story moves back in time, we learn that Luke was originally called Jack Quinn and through Gus, he was taught skills to help Gus's criminal endeavours. Since returning to Melbourne, Luke has kept his head down, hoping that this, along with the name change, will stop Gus finding him and dragging him back into a life of crime.
The story is action-packed, with some of it being quite violent, as Luke's past and present collide. When Gus discovers Luke/Jack is back in the city, he quickly gets his claws into him. Luke is desperate to protect the people around him, so he goes along with Gus's plans, hoping to find a way of getting Gus off his back for good. Gus is trying to track down Luke's father, who has disappeared with a large amount of money belonging to Gus; the problem is that Luke hasn't seen his father in years.
I enjoyed the chapters that skipped to the past and gave us a glimpse of Luke's childhood; we gained a greater understanding of the decisions he makes in the present. Life, both now and in the past, is a fine balancing act for Luke, trying not to upset Gus, who is a violent and unforgiving man. As Luke tries to do what Gus wants, and keep a distance between him and his new life, we slowly realise that there are secrets he desperately wants to keep hidden.
As the two timelines merge, we reach shocking conclusions in both. A host of secrets are revealed, and some ghosts are put to rest. For Luke, there is a chance that he can continue the new life he has forged for himself however; I hope this isn't the last we see of the character.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
or on Bluesky; @debbiehartuk.bsky.social
Luke Harris is a man with a past, one he hoped he'd escaped from by leaving Melbourne years ago. In Stillwater by Tanya Scott, Luke has returned to his hometown to study. To make ends meet, he works as a disability support worker, and it is during a new placement that his past comes crashing back. Luke is an engaging and likeable character; he's intelligent, empathetic and composed, skills which serve him well working with adults with learning difficulties.
As a child, Luke's homelife was chaotic with a drug-addicted mother and a father involved in petty crime. One of Melbourne's crime lords, Gus Alberici, saw something in Luke and took him under his wing. As the story moves back in time, we learn that Luke was originally called Jack Quinn and through Gus, he was taught skills to help Gus's criminal endeavours. Since returning to Melbourne, Luke has kept his head down, hoping that this, along with the name change, will stop Gus finding him and dragging him back into a life of crime.
The story is action-packed, with some of it being quite violent, as Luke's past and present collide. When Gus discovers Luke/Jack is back in the city, he quickly gets his claws into him. Luke is desperate to protect the people around him, so he goes along with Gus's plans, hoping to find a way of getting Gus off his back for good. Gus is trying to track down Luke's father, who has disappeared with a large amount of money belonging to Gus; the problem is that Luke hasn't seen his father in years.
I enjoyed the chapters that skipped to the past and gave us a glimpse of Luke's childhood; we gained a greater understanding of the decisions he makes in the present. Life, both now and in the past, is a fine balancing act for Luke, trying not to upset Gus, who is a violent and unforgiving man. As Luke tries to do what Gus wants, and keep a distance between him and his new life, we slowly realise that there are secrets he desperately wants to keep hidden.
As the two timelines merge, we reach shocking conclusions in both. A host of secrets are revealed, and some ghosts are put to rest. For Luke, there is a chance that he can continue the new life he has forged for himself however; I hope this isn't the last we see of the character.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
or on Bluesky; @debbiehartuk.bsky.social
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