Outback Red: A Gritty Aussie Thriller

by Cam Shaw

They took his family. They think he won’t fight back. They’re dead wrong.

Darryl “Jack” Daniels isn't a hero. He’s just a rough-around-the-edges, simple Aussie bloke trying to find his way in the world. But when a corrupt cop tears his family apart to support an underground criminal empire, Jack is left with no option but to stand up and be counted.

A young female police officer, Leanne Miller, confides in Jack and offers him a help her expose the corruption festering behind the badge, and she'll help get his family back—but her deal comes with a heavy price tag.

Thrust into a ruthless world of crime and betrayal, Jack must quickly learn new skills and uphold new morals to protect the people he loves and keep himself alive, because in the outback, justice doesn’t come easy—and when the dust settles, the dirt will run red.

Fans of Jane Harper, Chris Hammer, Matthew Reilly and Lee Child will be hooked by this gritty Australian thriller full of suspense, betrayal, and heart-stopping twists. Safe to say, it is a journey like no other.

Get your copy today—or read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

510 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2025

Reviews

[Sensei Sarhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased an author signed copy at the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival. The book description grabbed my attention and I love supporting Australian Indie Authors.

Not my normal 'go to' genre but I really enjoyed reading this story. Every night turning in early so I could read more.

Surprised to find out at the end of the book, that the protagonist was based on a real person.

Great story Cam!

[Kelly Alberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This synopsis grabbed me from the very first line! The stakes are high, the tension is raw, and the Australian outback setting adds a rugged, atmospheric edge that makes this story stand out. Darryl “Jack” Daniels feels like the kind of everyman hero readers can’t help but root for ordinary, but forced to face extraordinary danger to save his family.

[Lauren Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely tore through Outback Red - had me hooked from the first page to the last. Many fantastic characters, some way too memorable than you’d like them to be. The nods to the Aussie way of life had me feeling very much at home in this book.

[Ann L · Rating 4 out of 5]

New to me author and I enjoyed the revenge thriller vibe.

Fast-paced and gritty, Jack Daniels is about an Aussie outlaw who’s forced to take on corrupt cops to save his family. Rough justice, shady deals, and high-stakes action in the outback.

[Melba · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting & thrilling! Not for everyone, I am sure. There is rough language, but the story is one that keeps you riveted to the page until the end. I would love to read more about these characters, so maybe the author will write another one.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping read from start to end, with several unexpected plot twists along the way that kept me hooked. A great action packed read that really explores the effects of corruption and betrayal.

[Willow Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow talk about can't put it down book! It was really good. Action packed from start to finish!

[Bluesheedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read, couldn't put it down.

[John Roach, · Rating 5 out of 5]

very enjoyable reading