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DS Walker #5
Hero
A sporting legend. A brutal death. A dark legacy.
DS Lucas Walker is back home in Queensland, following the dramatic fallout from his last case. He is just getting to grips with his new role in the small outback town of Katima, when the body of an unknown young man is found hanging from a tree in the park.
What at first looks like a tragic suicide soon has Walker's detective instincts on alert, and he and his young partner throw themselves into the case - discovering a connection with an unsolved death.
And then a brutal murder changes everything. The victim is Caden Conroy, national cricketing hero, and the dark nature of his death leads to an unparallelled media frenzy.
When Walker is sidelined by Brisbane Homicide after being first on the scene, he must go his own way to unpick the deceit and corruption at the heart of these cases. Only then will he know if they are connected, and how - but at what cost?
Still reeling from Berlin, and with his own family in freefall, DS Lucas Walker faces one of his toughest cases yet in the fifth instalment of this gripping, bestselling Aussie Noir series - for fans of Jane Harper, Cara Hunter and Chris Hammer.
DS Lucas Walker is back home in Queensland, following the dramatic fallout from his last case. He is just getting to grips with his new role in the small outback town of Katima, when the body of an unknown young man is found hanging from a tree in the park.
What at first looks like a tragic suicide soon has Walker's detective instincts on alert, and he and his young partner throw themselves into the case - discovering a connection with an unsolved death.
And then a brutal murder changes everything. The victim is Caden Conroy, national cricketing hero, and the dark nature of his death leads to an unparallelled media frenzy.
When Walker is sidelined by Brisbane Homicide after being first on the scene, he must go his own way to unpick the deceit and corruption at the heart of these cases. Only then will he know if they are connected, and how - but at what cost?
Still reeling from Berlin, and with his own family in freefall, DS Lucas Walker faces one of his toughest cases yet in the fifth instalment of this gripping, bestselling Aussie Noir series - for fans of Jane Harper, Cara Hunter and Chris Hammer.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2026
About the author
Patricia Wolf
30 books449 followersPatricia Wolf grew up in Queensland, Australia, and now lives in Berlin. She likes whisky and strong coffee, busy cities, surf beaches and wild places. Patricia has been a journalist for almost twenty years. She is a regular contributor to newspapers including the Guardian, the Financial Times and the Daily Telegraph, among others, and was formerly a design columnist at the Independent and the Lisbon correspondent for Monocle magazine. Outback is her fiction debut.
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In the fifth Patrica Wolf novel featuring Australian police officer Lucas Walker, he is back in rural Australia, with no signs of him becoming inert in his investigations.
Wolf, through these five novels, has continued forward progress with her stories and characters in a way that has not grown stale or fallen into cliches or widely overused tropes. She also does not rely upon creating a damaged character reliant upon personal demons, alcohol, or other human frailties, so often used when creating stories involving criminal investigators.
The only downfall for the Walker character is his ability to somehow get into trouble for doing the right things, rather than committing acts of misconduct.
In Hero, after hints of false allegations, Walker has been removed from his Australian Federal Police position and returned to the world of rural Australian policing.
One morning, after a woman opens up her mobile cafe in a park parking lot for business, she is horrified to discover a dead male hanging in a tree by the neck. The male, at first thought to be dead from suicide, has no identification and is unknown to anyone in the area.
Of course, things are not what they seem, and as Walker continues his investigation, another dead man is found, but this time, from murder. Unfortunately for Walker, this man is also known as possibly the best and legendary cricket ball player in the world, which then leads Walker into another investigation where others, more deadlier and dangerous than the killer, roam beneath the surface. Because of the notoriety of the victim and being seen as inadequate in their abilities, Walker and his new young stationed police officer are quickly pushed aside, with more seasoned homicide detectives brought in to solve the murder.
Soon, as parts of each death investigation, and of another previously unsolved suspicious death, appear to overlap, Walker and his new co-worker's pursuit of the truth becomes not only much more difficult, but dangerous as well.
Wolf also tosses in other related plot threads that further develop not only the Walker character, but others as well, while creating a rich environment for her characters to grow and breathe.
Wolf is also superb at creating a true police procedural where pieces of the puzzle are methodically put together while slowly developing the entire story to its logical and reasoned conclusion without being boring, and with Hero ending in such a way that we know this is not the last Walker story to be told.
Hero was provided by Netgalley and Embla Publishing upon the return of a fair review.
Wolf, through these five novels, has continued forward progress with her stories and characters in a way that has not grown stale or fallen into cliches or widely overused tropes. She also does not rely upon creating a damaged character reliant upon personal demons, alcohol, or other human frailties, so often used when creating stories involving criminal investigators.
The only downfall for the Walker character is his ability to somehow get into trouble for doing the right things, rather than committing acts of misconduct.
In Hero, after hints of false allegations, Walker has been removed from his Australian Federal Police position and returned to the world of rural Australian policing.
One morning, after a woman opens up her mobile cafe in a park parking lot for business, she is horrified to discover a dead male hanging in a tree by the neck. The male, at first thought to be dead from suicide, has no identification and is unknown to anyone in the area.
Of course, things are not what they seem, and as Walker continues his investigation, another dead man is found, but this time, from murder. Unfortunately for Walker, this man is also known as possibly the best and legendary cricket ball player in the world, which then leads Walker into another investigation where others, more deadlier and dangerous than the killer, roam beneath the surface. Because of the notoriety of the victim and being seen as inadequate in their abilities, Walker and his new young stationed police officer are quickly pushed aside, with more seasoned homicide detectives brought in to solve the murder.
Soon, as parts of each death investigation, and of another previously unsolved suspicious death, appear to overlap, Walker and his new co-worker's pursuit of the truth becomes not only much more difficult, but dangerous as well.
Wolf also tosses in other related plot threads that further develop not only the Walker character, but others as well, while creating a rich environment for her characters to grow and breathe.
Wolf is also superb at creating a true police procedural where pieces of the puzzle are methodically put together while slowly developing the entire story to its logical and reasoned conclusion without being boring, and with Hero ending in such a way that we know this is not the last Walker story to be told.
Hero was provided by Netgalley and Embla Publishing upon the return of a fair review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hero by Patricia Wolf is the fifth instalment in the Outback-Noir DS Lucas Walker series. If you haven’t ready any of the previous books, you can still jump in and enjoy this book as it references past events and relationships which will catch you up.
In this instalment, Walker no longer works for the Australian Federal Police (AFP), but as a detective in the Queensland Police, working in a small rural police station in Katima. He’s settling into his new role and new life in which he now spends more time with his extended in Caloodie, which isn’t too far away.
A body of a young man is found hanging in a tree in a park in Katima and Walker and his partner Vinh are called in to investigate. Whilst it’s been staged to look like a suicide, it can’t have been and Walker and Vinh set out to identify the victim and also solve the murder.
Walker and Vinh are then called out to another murder at a large secluded property to discover that an Aussie Cricketing Legend, Caden Conroy, has been brutally murdered. As it is such a high-profile case, they are very quickly dropped from the case and detectives from Brisbane Homocide are flown in to take control of the crime scene.
I’m a huge fan of this series of books and love how Walker doesn’t play the politicking game, even if it makes him unpopular or puts him in the firing line. HIs priority is to honour the victims and solve the crimes to do right by them.
Whilst Walker and VInh solve the murder of the John Doe found hanging in the Katima Park and find connections to Caden Conroy’s murder and a cold case. This book is also very much anchored to exploring corruption across society, political corruption, police corruption and corruption of sport, which I found fascinating.
I also love this series of books as they really evoke life in a small outback town. Katima and Caloodie are both small with a supermarket, a bakery and the pub which plays an integral park of small-town life. The pub is the epicentre of outback life where people spend their time and share stories. I really enjoyed how in Hero, Walker is making his home in Katima and making friends with the locals including his partner Vinh, Charli the barrista and Radar who is a retired Katima police officer.
I really can’t wait for the next DS Lucas Walker instalment!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Embla Books, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
In this instalment, Walker no longer works for the Australian Federal Police (AFP), but as a detective in the Queensland Police, working in a small rural police station in Katima. He’s settling into his new role and new life in which he now spends more time with his extended in Caloodie, which isn’t too far away.
A body of a young man is found hanging in a tree in a park in Katima and Walker and his partner Vinh are called in to investigate. Whilst it’s been staged to look like a suicide, it can’t have been and Walker and Vinh set out to identify the victim and also solve the murder.
Walker and Vinh are then called out to another murder at a large secluded property to discover that an Aussie Cricketing Legend, Caden Conroy, has been brutally murdered. As it is such a high-profile case, they are very quickly dropped from the case and detectives from Brisbane Homocide are flown in to take control of the crime scene.
I’m a huge fan of this series of books and love how Walker doesn’t play the politicking game, even if it makes him unpopular or puts him in the firing line. HIs priority is to honour the victims and solve the crimes to do right by them.
Whilst Walker and VInh solve the murder of the John Doe found hanging in the Katima Park and find connections to Caden Conroy’s murder and a cold case. This book is also very much anchored to exploring corruption across society, political corruption, police corruption and corruption of sport, which I found fascinating.
I also love this series of books as they really evoke life in a small outback town. Katima and Caloodie are both small with a supermarket, a bakery and the pub which plays an integral park of small-town life. The pub is the epicentre of outback life where people spend their time and share stories. I really enjoyed how in Hero, Walker is making his home in Katima and making friends with the locals including his partner Vinh, Charli the barrista and Radar who is a retired Katima police officer.
I really can’t wait for the next DS Lucas Walker instalment!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Embla Books, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 23, 2026
I was sent a copy of this book for review.
DS Lucas Walker is back in Queensland, taking stock after the troubling events of his last case in Germany. He’s contemplating his relationship/friendship with his colleague Barbara and how they haven’t managed to deal with their growing feelings for each other.
Lucas is now working in a the small outback town of Katima and doesn’t expect much crime but then a body is found hanging from a tree that at first looks like a suicide but it quickly becomes clear that it’s a murder and may be connected to a previous missing person‘s case. While delving into the case, Lucas is called to the home of a famous cricketer Caden Conroy who has been found brutally murdered with multiple possible suspects including ones from within Caden’s family. Lucas is faced with two gruesome murders but as the clues start to lead him in strange directions, he wonders if his two cases are connected.
As Lucas investigates the crimes he must also deal with family drama that is making it difficult to focus on everything all at once. Will Lucas drop the ball in the cases and a killer goes free or will his family life suffer due to the pressures of his job?
Another great instalment in this series. The narrator does an incredible job of providing distinct voices while portraying the variety of personalities in the story and adding tension as the plot unfolds. The cases are compelling and as each clue is revealed the levels of complexity in the plot keep growing which keeps the story fast paced, intriguing and filled with angst and emotion as Lucas‘s family troubles collide with his hunt for his murder suspects. I really felt for Lucas in this book and I think he is a brilliantly written and nuanced character that you can’t help but admire and care for him.
The two cases side-by-side is a lot to take in at times but I feel the dual narratives adds more to the ongoing plot rather than overloads you. Overall, this a great addition to the series which I found hard to stop listening to.
DS Lucas Walker is back in Queensland, taking stock after the troubling events of his last case in Germany. He’s contemplating his relationship/friendship with his colleague Barbara and how they haven’t managed to deal with their growing feelings for each other.
Lucas is now working in a the small outback town of Katima and doesn’t expect much crime but then a body is found hanging from a tree that at first looks like a suicide but it quickly becomes clear that it’s a murder and may be connected to a previous missing person‘s case. While delving into the case, Lucas is called to the home of a famous cricketer Caden Conroy who has been found brutally murdered with multiple possible suspects including ones from within Caden’s family. Lucas is faced with two gruesome murders but as the clues start to lead him in strange directions, he wonders if his two cases are connected.
As Lucas investigates the crimes he must also deal with family drama that is making it difficult to focus on everything all at once. Will Lucas drop the ball in the cases and a killer goes free or will his family life suffer due to the pressures of his job?
Another great instalment in this series. The narrator does an incredible job of providing distinct voices while portraying the variety of personalities in the story and adding tension as the plot unfolds. The cases are compelling and as each clue is revealed the levels of complexity in the plot keep growing which keeps the story fast paced, intriguing and filled with angst and emotion as Lucas‘s family troubles collide with his hunt for his murder suspects. I really felt for Lucas in this book and I think he is a brilliantly written and nuanced character that you can’t help but admire and care for him.
The two cases side-by-side is a lot to take in at times but I feel the dual narratives adds more to the ongoing plot rather than overloads you. Overall, this a great addition to the series which I found hard to stop listening to.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
(4.5 stars)
After Nemesis being a little lacklustre, Hero is a return to form for Patricia Wolf. Set in a small town a hundred kilometres away from his hometown, DS Lucas Walker is now working for Queensland Police "covering a huge swathe of outback Queensland." Luckily there are a number of murders to keep him busy...
Wolf tackles a number of issues that are big in Australia right now, including "Sovereign citizen bullshit" with a mention of the now deceased Dezi Freeman, and the impact online gambling is having on sport. While I have no interest in cricket, I liked the way it was covered in this book, particularly the exploitation of young cricketers from developing countries under the guise of a being a foundation.
The landscape is back to feeling expansive, particularly on the property called Annabel Downs: "Half a dozen kangaroos lope lazily away as they pass, fading to invisibility in the grass, and a flock of cockatoos rises in a yellow-and-white cloud from the trees beside the track." Male sex work is a theme, with a rent boy, Benjy, a key character. Benjy experiences luxury through his clients: "He's done the same himself, more than once, hit on a rich guy in the hope of some scraps from the table." This was nicely depicted without the usual moralism. I also liked the floating of queer cricketers, something you don't hear much about, but they clearly exist. Even the lure of gambling is well covered: "The familiar rhythm, the distraction, the low-key buzz of risking a couple of hundred bucks is soothing. His mind empties, all his concerns retreat."
I looked forward to going to bed each evening for the next installment in this reasonably believable tale.
With thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for sending me a copy to read.
After Nemesis being a little lacklustre, Hero is a return to form for Patricia Wolf. Set in a small town a hundred kilometres away from his hometown, DS Lucas Walker is now working for Queensland Police "covering a huge swathe of outback Queensland." Luckily there are a number of murders to keep him busy...
Wolf tackles a number of issues that are big in Australia right now, including "Sovereign citizen bullshit" with a mention of the now deceased Dezi Freeman, and the impact online gambling is having on sport. While I have no interest in cricket, I liked the way it was covered in this book, particularly the exploitation of young cricketers from developing countries under the guise of a being a foundation.
The landscape is back to feeling expansive, particularly on the property called Annabel Downs: "Half a dozen kangaroos lope lazily away as they pass, fading to invisibility in the grass, and a flock of cockatoos rises in a yellow-and-white cloud from the trees beside the track." Male sex work is a theme, with a rent boy, Benjy, a key character. Benjy experiences luxury through his clients: "He's done the same himself, more than once, hit on a rich guy in the hope of some scraps from the table." This was nicely depicted without the usual moralism. I also liked the floating of queer cricketers, something you don't hear much about, but they clearly exist. Even the lure of gambling is well covered: "The familiar rhythm, the distraction, the low-key buzz of risking a couple of hundred bucks is soothing. His mind empties, all his concerns retreat."
I looked forward to going to bed each evening for the next installment in this reasonably believable tale.
With thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for sending me a copy to read.
May 24, 2026
This is the fifth book in the DS Walker thriller series and although I've still not caught up with the first three books, it's not been too long since I read through Nemesis, book 4.
It was really good to be back in Walker's world but even better to be back in his old stomping ground, the heart of Australia.
Having only read book 4 so far - and that being set in Berlin with Barbara - I was really excited to be seeing more of the Australian landscape through this storyline.
This was a complex case with unidentified victims as well as a high profile death which sends Walker all over and with his new position so unstable, he knows he has to make a good impression.
There were a lot of characters again through this case and I think I suspected almost everyone at one point, but as the story gradually unfolds, we find new links and connections throughout and sending me off to make new theories.
Despite the larger character list, this was still pretty easy to keep track of.
I loved the way Walker worked and went out of his way to get to the bottom of the case and do a great job - encouraging others too rather than taking all the glory.
Totally unlike the person his superior assumed of him.
This side of things was really satisfying.
I loved the setting and seeing much more of the personal side of Walker - meeting his family and hearing more about his background.
I also loved the possibility of a new romance for him after the events of the previous book.
This was again well written and I was hooked to the end.
I wonder whether I'll get chance to catch up before ethe release of book 6?
It was really good to be back in Walker's world but even better to be back in his old stomping ground, the heart of Australia.
Having only read book 4 so far - and that being set in Berlin with Barbara - I was really excited to be seeing more of the Australian landscape through this storyline.
This was a complex case with unidentified victims as well as a high profile death which sends Walker all over and with his new position so unstable, he knows he has to make a good impression.
There were a lot of characters again through this case and I think I suspected almost everyone at one point, but as the story gradually unfolds, we find new links and connections throughout and sending me off to make new theories.
Despite the larger character list, this was still pretty easy to keep track of.
I loved the way Walker worked and went out of his way to get to the bottom of the case and do a great job - encouraging others too rather than taking all the glory.
Totally unlike the person his superior assumed of him.
This side of things was really satisfying.
I loved the setting and seeing much more of the personal side of Walker - meeting his family and hearing more about his background.
I also loved the possibility of a new romance for him after the events of the previous book.
This was again well written and I was hooked to the end.
I wonder whether I'll get chance to catch up before ethe release of book 6?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hero is the 5th book by Patricia Wolf in the DS Lucas Walker series.
Walker is now working for the Queensland Police in the small town of Katima. He is called to a suspected suicide in a local park, however things do not add up. At a nearby property, popular Australian cricketer Caden Conroy is found dead soon afterwards. Walker is called to investigate, however as this is such a high profile case, it is handed to the Brisbane based homicide team. However, things do not add up, and Walker wants to do the right thing by his victims and keep working on the case. Corrupt police are not helping his investigating.
There are also issues happening with Walker’s family 200km up the road, to keep things interesting.
The themes of police and sporting corruption were fascinating. I certainly learned a lot about the role of gambling in sport. The book also touched on sovereign citizens, which is a very topical issue.
I have read all of the previous Walker books, and again the author does not disappoint. Walker is a very likeable character. Unlike other characters from similar type books, he is not bound up with baggage or a drinking problem etc. However he has the uncanny ability to annoy some of his work hierarchy for trying to do the right thing.
I found the book to be fast paced – plenty going on to keep me interested, with lots of twists and turns. I finished the book in two days. The ending leaves itself way open for another novel. Bring it on!!
5 stars from me. Patricia Wolf is one of my favourite authors – I will read anything she writes.
Walker is now working for the Queensland Police in the small town of Katima. He is called to a suspected suicide in a local park, however things do not add up. At a nearby property, popular Australian cricketer Caden Conroy is found dead soon afterwards. Walker is called to investigate, however as this is such a high profile case, it is handed to the Brisbane based homicide team. However, things do not add up, and Walker wants to do the right thing by his victims and keep working on the case. Corrupt police are not helping his investigating.
There are also issues happening with Walker’s family 200km up the road, to keep things interesting.
The themes of police and sporting corruption were fascinating. I certainly learned a lot about the role of gambling in sport. The book also touched on sovereign citizens, which is a very topical issue.
I have read all of the previous Walker books, and again the author does not disappoint. Walker is a very likeable character. Unlike other characters from similar type books, he is not bound up with baggage or a drinking problem etc. However he has the uncanny ability to annoy some of his work hierarchy for trying to do the right thing.
I found the book to be fast paced – plenty going on to keep me interested, with lots of twists and turns. I finished the book in two days. The ending leaves itself way open for another novel. Bring it on!!
5 stars from me. Patricia Wolf is one of my favourite authors – I will read anything she writes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Shenanigans and cricket = murder!🏏
I love the main character: honest and dedicated police detective Lucas Walker. This story set in rural Queensland and the series in general give him an interesting family life and some romance, but it's the crimes he investigates and the way he has to be inventive about end-running bad cops and bureaucracy that make his cases suspenseful and fascinating. There's always a sense of tension, that he's going to run into a roadblock too many and his career and life will hang in the balance.
Not to say he doesn't have some old contacts and new allies ready to work with him. What starts as an apparent suicide of an unidentified man and a question of whether it's connected to a similar cold case soon gets Walker on the wrong side of some well-connected wheeler-dealers who are intent on subverting the investigation into a cricket legend's violent death on a nearby estate.
I have to admit that at one point I was dreading a violent end for a character and had to put the story down to bolster up my courage. The scene did not actually play out the way I feared. But author Patricia Wolf had me truly caught up with the characters, especially Lucas, his new girlfriend and the trail of innocent victims.
Great reading experience. Definitely recommended, especially if you, like me, love Australian suspense.
Thanks to Embla Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the story; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
I love the main character: honest and dedicated police detective Lucas Walker. This story set in rural Queensland and the series in general give him an interesting family life and some romance, but it's the crimes he investigates and the way he has to be inventive about end-running bad cops and bureaucracy that make his cases suspenseful and fascinating. There's always a sense of tension, that he's going to run into a roadblock too many and his career and life will hang in the balance.
Not to say he doesn't have some old contacts and new allies ready to work with him. What starts as an apparent suicide of an unidentified man and a question of whether it's connected to a similar cold case soon gets Walker on the wrong side of some well-connected wheeler-dealers who are intent on subverting the investigation into a cricket legend's violent death on a nearby estate.
I have to admit that at one point I was dreading a violent end for a character and had to put the story down to bolster up my courage. The scene did not actually play out the way I feared. But author Patricia Wolf had me truly caught up with the characters, especially Lucas, his new girlfriend and the trail of innocent victims.
Great reading experience. Definitely recommended, especially if you, like me, love Australian suspense.
Thanks to Embla Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the story; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The magic that Patricia Wolf brings to crime writing is extraordinary. I have read this series from the start and, despite it being a while since I read #4, I was straight into this "new" story. It is a continuum. Like the best of the genre, Wolf recognises that each case cannot easily be boxed off and isolated, the past and other cases (and their consequences) are always there and rear their heads amidst current investigations.
There are so many elements in the story that show difference between British and Australian writing. It is almost a given that the scale of the country, the distances between "neighbouring" authorities is so vast that investigations need to circle the issues from afar, This enables the now "local" Outback cop - our detective Lucas Walker, to hone in on his skillset rather than his remit.
I love (although feel depressed) that even in these remote settings, the universal is going on - homophobia, gambling, bullying, grooming and corruption in every guise.
It was great. All these books have pace, plot, character and different strands insinuating themselves at every turn. So intelligently written that I was confused several times by what was happening. Love the authorial prowess in being cleverer than the reader (this reader anyway!)
With thanks to #NetGalley and #EmblaBooks for the opportunity to read and review
There are so many elements in the story that show difference between British and Australian writing. It is almost a given that the scale of the country, the distances between "neighbouring" authorities is so vast that investigations need to circle the issues from afar, This enables the now "local" Outback cop - our detective Lucas Walker, to hone in on his skillset rather than his remit.
I love (although feel depressed) that even in these remote settings, the universal is going on - homophobia, gambling, bullying, grooming and corruption in every guise.
It was great. All these books have pace, plot, character and different strands insinuating themselves at every turn. So intelligently written that I was confused several times by what was happening. Love the authorial prowess in being cleverer than the reader (this reader anyway!)
With thanks to #NetGalley and #EmblaBooks for the opportunity to read and review
April 1, 2026
Hero, the 5th in series, delivers another gripping instalment featuring protagonist Lucas Walker. Patricia Wolf continues to build on the strong foundation of the earlier books, blending tension, investigation and character development in a way that keeps the pages turning. I read it in less than a day.
The story is well paced and plotted, with plenty of twists to maintain momentum throughout. Lucas Walker remains a compelling lead, and the narrative does a great job of keeping readers invested in both the mystery and the personal stakes surrounding him. A side plot relating to his family in the outback is a nice revisit to familiar characters from previous books in the series.
That said, the ending feels a little uneven. I felt it was slightly rushed and I was left with a few questions by the time the main storyline wrapped up. The final chapter also feels a bit like an add-on, rather than a natural conclusion to the story.
Even so, Hero is still an engaging entry in the series and an enjoyable read overall. Fans of Lucas Walker and Patricia Wolf’s storytelling will find plenty here to keep them entertained. Bring on book 6 please!
The story is well paced and plotted, with plenty of twists to maintain momentum throughout. Lucas Walker remains a compelling lead, and the narrative does a great job of keeping readers invested in both the mystery and the personal stakes surrounding him. A side plot relating to his family in the outback is a nice revisit to familiar characters from previous books in the series.
That said, the ending feels a little uneven. I felt it was slightly rushed and I was left with a few questions by the time the main storyline wrapped up. The final chapter also feels a bit like an add-on, rather than a natural conclusion to the story.
Even so, Hero is still an engaging entry in the series and an enjoyable read overall. Fans of Lucas Walker and Patricia Wolf’s storytelling will find plenty here to keep them entertained. Bring on book 6 please!
April 4, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Hero by Patricia Wolf
I have followed this series eagerly and was very pleased to return to DS Lucas Walker. As someone who enjoys antipodean crime fiction, this again delivers a strong sense of place and atmosphere that really adds to the tension.
This instalment centres around an unexplained suicide that quickly proves to be anything but straightforward. As Lucas begins to dig deeper, the case opens out into something far more complex, with layers of secrecy and unease that keep the momentum building throughout.
Lucas remains a compelling lead, and I continue to enjoy how his character develops with each book. His instincts, combined with the weight of his past experiences, bring a realism to the investigation that grounds the story. The landscape once again plays a key role, adding isolation and an underlying sense of threat.
The pacing is steady and engaging, balancing procedural detail with character development. While a few elements felt familiar, the strength of the setting and the central mystery kept me fully invested.
Another strong addition to a series I really enjoy. A solid four star read.
I have followed this series eagerly and was very pleased to return to DS Lucas Walker. As someone who enjoys antipodean crime fiction, this again delivers a strong sense of place and atmosphere that really adds to the tension.
This instalment centres around an unexplained suicide that quickly proves to be anything but straightforward. As Lucas begins to dig deeper, the case opens out into something far more complex, with layers of secrecy and unease that keep the momentum building throughout.
Lucas remains a compelling lead, and I continue to enjoy how his character develops with each book. His instincts, combined with the weight of his past experiences, bring a realism to the investigation that grounds the story. The landscape once again plays a key role, adding isolation and an underlying sense of threat.
The pacing is steady and engaging, balancing procedural detail with character development. While a few elements felt familiar, the strength of the setting and the central mystery kept me fully invested.
Another strong addition to a series I really enjoy. A solid four star read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Following the fallout from his last case and the disbanding of his team in the AFP, DS Lucas Walker has returned to Queensland. He is working and living in the town of Katima. Walker is getting to grips with his new role when the body of a young man is found hanging from a tree in the local park. The young man's identity is a mystery and from all appearances it's a case of suicide. However, the autopsy shows that the victim was dead before being suspended from tree and Walker starts investigating. Shortly afterwards another murder occurs in the area - this victim is well known though; Caden Conroy is a famous fast-bowler. Walker soon finds himself side-lined from the Conroy case - the Conroy family have friends in high places. As he continues to look into the hanging Walker ends up discovering that the cases are linked.
This is the fifth book in the DS Walker series and another fantastic read. The ending already has me looking forward to reading book number six when it comes out.
Thanks to Netgalley, Embla Books and Patricia Wolf for an eARC of this book in return for an honest review.
This is the fifth book in the DS Walker series and another fantastic read. The ending already has me looking forward to reading book number six when it comes out.
Thanks to Netgalley, Embla Books and Patricia Wolf for an eARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25 stars
Excellent new instalment in this series. So happy to see DS Lucas Walker back in Australia and getting back into what he does best.
The book is really well written and full of action. There are a lot of moving pieces and they are very well knitted together. Despite the multitude of characters, it is very easy to keep track of them all as they have a distinct role and they are impactful characters brining a lot to the story.
I enjoyed every character, even the bad, mean ones.
I liked the pace of the book, the unfolding of every important detail. The whole thing felt realistic, believable. Lucas is putting in the work and following up the leads, leaving no loose ends. No magic, no rabbits out of hats, just plain work and putting together the pieces. Loved it!!!!!
The only thing I hope it's not going to happen in the next book is the return of Barbara and Stefan Markovich. It was arguably the worse book in this series and we could all do without those two.
Can't wait for the next one!!!!!!
Thank you Netgaley and Embla Books for allowing me to read this awesome book!
Excellent new instalment in this series. So happy to see DS Lucas Walker back in Australia and getting back into what he does best.
The book is really well written and full of action. There are a lot of moving pieces and they are very well knitted together. Despite the multitude of characters, it is very easy to keep track of them all as they have a distinct role and they are impactful characters brining a lot to the story.
I enjoyed every character, even the bad, mean ones.
I liked the pace of the book, the unfolding of every important detail. The whole thing felt realistic, believable. Lucas is putting in the work and following up the leads, leaving no loose ends. No magic, no rabbits out of hats, just plain work and putting together the pieces. Loved it!!!!!
The only thing I hope it's not going to happen in the next book is the return of Barbara and Stefan Markovich. It was arguably the worse book in this series and we could all do without those two.
Can't wait for the next one!!!!!!
Thank you Netgaley and Embla Books for allowing me to read this awesome book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Life comes with twists for DS Lucas Walker. Riding a professional high (and a romantic disappointment) at the end of Book 4, Lucas starts book 5 in a very different space, working as a detective sergeant in the remote Queensland town of Katima near (by North Queensland standards at least) to his family home. Two murders in quick succession begin the novel - one an international journalist the other a cricket hero. Lucas is sidelined from the second, but steadily, intelligently begins to solve the first.
I felt Barbara’s absence in the book. Lucas worries he’s ruined their friendship and resists his regular impulse to call her to talk life and policing. There’s a new potential love, Charli who owns the local coffee van. Will Lucas move on? He doesn’t seem to be able to move on from organised crime, however, it seems to underpin the new case.
This continues to be an excellent series. The threads of social conscience are present as always this time looking at gambling addiction and homophobia in sport. The novel ends with an intriguing hook for book 6. Can’t wait…
I felt Barbara’s absence in the book. Lucas worries he’s ruined their friendship and resists his regular impulse to call her to talk life and policing. There’s a new potential love, Charli who owns the local coffee van. Will Lucas move on? He doesn’t seem to be able to move on from organised crime, however, it seems to underpin the new case.
This continues to be an excellent series. The threads of social conscience are present as always this time looking at gambling addiction and homophobia in sport. The novel ends with an intriguing hook for book 6. Can’t wait…
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Lucas Walker is now working in rural Queensland based in Katima, left alone by his boss and enjoying life.
He gets a call from the woman who works on the coffee cart in the park saying there is a body of a man hanging in a tree.
The body has nothing to ID the man, even his shoes are missing.
Over a conversation with the retired local policeman, he finds out that there was another unidentified body a few years ago that has never been identified.
All this pales into insignificance when they get a call that Caden Conroy, Australia's golden boy of cricket, has been found dead at his property not far from Katima.
Lucas and his colleague are first on the scene. He senses that something isn't right and this is confirmed when the homicide squad arrive from Brisbane and whisk the case from him.
As he digs into his other murders, he finds more and more overlap between them and the Conroy case.
I loved reading this. This is a great series.
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Lucas Walker is now working in rural Queensland based in Katima, left alone by his boss and enjoying life.
He gets a call from the woman who works on the coffee cart in the park saying there is a body of a man hanging in a tree.
The body has nothing to ID the man, even his shoes are missing.
Over a conversation with the retired local policeman, he finds out that there was another unidentified body a few years ago that has never been identified.
All this pales into insignificance when they get a call that Caden Conroy, Australia's golden boy of cricket, has been found dead at his property not far from Katima.
Lucas and his colleague are first on the scene. He senses that something isn't right and this is confirmed when the homicide squad arrive from Brisbane and whisk the case from him.
As he digs into his other murders, he finds more and more overlap between them and the Conroy case.
I loved reading this. This is a great series.
May 24, 2026
I really enjoyed being back in the Australian setting in Hero. DC Walker has left the AFP and finds himself in rural Queensland, not far from the home he inherited from his grandmother and where his cousin and their family live.
Walker also has a new work partner and a potential new love interest, which makes it fun getting to know some fresh characters.
What begins as a single dead body quickly escalates into multiple murdersm including an old unidentified person, with several threads running at once. Walker is taken off one of the key cases due to its high profile, as the murder victim's family brings "trusted" police to assist or hide what's really happened. The story weaves in themes of police corruption and sports gambling in an engaging and thoughtful way, making for an intriguing and layered read.
While it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, the conclusion clearly sets things up for book six. I’m already looking forward to it.
Walker also has a new work partner and a potential new love interest, which makes it fun getting to know some fresh characters.
What begins as a single dead body quickly escalates into multiple murdersm including an old unidentified person, with several threads running at once. Walker is taken off one of the key cases due to its high profile, as the murder victim's family brings "trusted" police to assist or hide what's really happened. The story weaves in themes of police corruption and sports gambling in an engaging and thoughtful way, making for an intriguing and layered read.
While it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, the conclusion clearly sets things up for book six. I’m already looking forward to it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book # 5 in the DS Lucas Walker series, set in Australia. In this entry, Lucas has a new job as a small-town policeman near his hometown. His first big case is a suicide that not what it seems, quickly followed by news of another death at the home of a famous Australian athlete. Working with fewer resources and up against potentially corrupt cops from Brisbane, Lucas investigates to see if both cases are connected.
HERO is a straight-forward police procedural that is heavier on advancing the personal story of Lucas, his family and a potential new romance. A side-story about his niece and the ending definitely set things in motion for Book #6, which I'm looking forward to, as this series is one of my current favorites.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Embla Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
HERO is a straight-forward police procedural that is heavier on advancing the personal story of Lucas, his family and a potential new romance. A side-story about his niece and the ending definitely set things in motion for Book #6, which I'm looking forward to, as this series is one of my current favorites.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Embla Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2026
When I say this book was like putting on a familiar pair of comfy slippers, I mean it in the best way possible! I fell into this book straight away and found it so hard to put down. I really didn’t want it to end.
We’re back in outback Queensland where DS Lucas Walker belongs. Now working for Queensland police, Walker investigates a suicide in his small town which is not what it seems. A brutal murder of a local world class cricketer follows and DS Walker finds himself involved in both cases.
Patricia Wolf is an absolute delight to read and I love the DS Walker cases. The characters are interesting and believable. The setting is described to perfection and the storylines are so well explored. You can’t get better in this genre.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in return for my review.
We’re back in outback Queensland where DS Lucas Walker belongs. Now working for Queensland police, Walker investigates a suicide in his small town which is not what it seems. A brutal murder of a local world class cricketer follows and DS Walker finds himself involved in both cases.
Patricia Wolf is an absolute delight to read and I love the DS Walker cases. The characters are interesting and believable. The setting is described to perfection and the storylines are so well explored. You can’t get better in this genre.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in return for my review.
April 14, 2026
Hero is the fifth book in the Walker series. I have read the first book in the series and have the others on my TBR. It does help to have some knowledge of the previous books, but I also think that this can be read as a standalone.
I was absolutely engrossed in this story and could not stop turning the pages. I loved the cricket gambling storyline and the corruption with police, family and other players. It was also great to check back in with Walker and get to know the new characters in town.
I loved putting the pieces of the mystery together as we get clues along the way and I loved that I couldn’t guess the ending straight away.
This book will suit those who love rural crime, sport and a great mystery.
I really must finally get to the rest of this series on my TBR list.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 ⭐
I don't think about Walker much when we are apart, but as soon as he comes into my eyeliner, I'm snapping up that book and reading it now.
This is book 5 of what has been a consistently great series.
I'll happily be reading book 55 if they're all like this.
Nice to see Lucas more settled into his life and new role, yet never giving up the hunt for answers on suspicious deaths.
He's good at following the clues no matter what gets thrown at him.
Very much enjoyed the investigation into a cricketing heros death, but the last chapter has me excited for the next book already.
Always a great read.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy
I don't think about Walker much when we are apart, but as soon as he comes into my eyeliner, I'm snapping up that book and reading it now.
This is book 5 of what has been a consistently great series.
I'll happily be reading book 55 if they're all like this.
Nice to see Lucas more settled into his life and new role, yet never giving up the hunt for answers on suspicious deaths.
He's good at following the clues no matter what gets thrown at him.
Very much enjoyed the investigation into a cricketing heros death, but the last chapter has me excited for the next book already.
Always a great read.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Patricia Wolf is back with her 5th in the DS Lucas Walker series, Hero. Lucas is back in the Australian Outback in his hometown of Katima this time as a detective for the small town. The story starts with a murder of a journalist who had ties with the murder of a famous Aussie Cricketer. As Lucas digs deeper he uncovers more police corruption. The story also touches on gambling and organized crime. If you like crime stories set in small towns and plots with multiple layers, this one is for you! Special thanks to NetGalley and the author for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
Another winner in the DS Walker series. I'm glad to see Walker back on home ground this time. I loved the new characters of Vinh and Charli and hope we see more of them as the series progresses. I love how the author mixes both personal and professional equally, with Walker's family making appearances once again, with niece Zoe having a bit of a side story herself - that plot line brought a lot of tension to the story. I love how Walker sticks to his guns and doesn't let the higher-ups get to him. Such a great series! Highly recommend.
Another winner in the DS Walker series. I'm glad to see Walker back on home ground this time. I loved the new characters of Vinh and Charli and hope we see more of them as the series progresses. I love how the author mixes both personal and professional equally, with Walker's family making appearances once again, with niece Zoe having a bit of a side story herself - that plot line brought a lot of tension to the story. I love how Walker sticks to his guns and doesn't let the higher-ups get to him. Such a great series! Highly recommend.
May 20, 2026
Spare me the soap opera ending
I loved most of this one. The Katima setting is great, the cricketing-hero murder pulls you in fast, and Walker is as easy to root for. I tore through it.
What I didn’t love was the ending. Walker finally finds a genuinely likable love interest, someone you actually want things to work out for, and then Barbara turns up and throws cold water on the whole thing. It tipped a solid outback crime novel into romance-novel territory right at the finish, and it made me cringe. ripping read.
If you’re in it for the crime and the outback, you’ll have a good time. Just brace yourself for the soap-opera turn at the end.
I loved most of this one. The Katima setting is great, the cricketing-hero murder pulls you in fast, and Walker is as easy to root for. I tore through it.
What I didn’t love was the ending. Walker finally finds a genuinely likable love interest, someone you actually want things to work out for, and then Barbara turns up and throws cold water on the whole thing. It tipped a solid outback crime novel into romance-novel territory right at the finish, and it made me cringe. ripping read.
If you’re in it for the crime and the outback, you’ll have a good time. Just brace yourself for the soap-opera turn at the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book five in the Lucas Walker series. Walker is no longer with the Australian Federal Police, but instead is now a Queensland Police detective, stationed at a small rural station. The discovery of first a young man hanging in the park and then of a star cricket player, bludgeoned in his home, provide the investigations for this novel. Walker remains a fascinating character, and the supporting cast, several of them returning characters, are also engaging. I recommend Hero, and, in fact the entire series. Many thanks to NetGalley and Embla Publishing for the opportunity to read the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is such a good series featuring Lucas Walker and set in rural Australia. Book 5 had me hooked right from the start as Walker is now transferred to Queensland police and investigating a suicide/murder in his small town. The plotting is based around corruption and gambling, it's fast paced and has plenty of twists which kept me interested until the finale. I liked the characters, the character development and the setting, with the ending leaving me totally eager to read the next book! An excellent series in Australian noir genre. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When a body is found in a park hanging from a tree, most people assume that it is a tragic suicide. But it turns out to perhaps be something more sinister...
After returning to the small Queensland town that is his home - still struggling with the aftermath of his previous case - DI Lucas Walker soon finds himself in the thick of things.
A well written crime thriller, this is worth checking out.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
After returning to the small Queensland town that is his home - still struggling with the aftermath of his previous case - DI Lucas Walker soon finds himself in the thick of things.
A well written crime thriller, this is worth checking out.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another instalment of Aussie Noir from Patricia Wolf
The flawed central protagonist is more finely drawn than ever before and the landscape, as always is a character here. The plot is intricate but effortless and easy to follow and the characters, even the less savoury ones are likeable for the realistic way they are drawn. I’m looking very much forward to the 6th book in the series.
The flawed central protagonist is more finely drawn than ever before and the landscape, as always is a character here. The plot is intricate but effortless and easy to follow and the characters, even the less savoury ones are likeable for the realistic way they are drawn. I’m looking very much forward to the 6th book in the series.
March 27, 2026
Thank you to Embla Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Hero by Patricia Wolf.
I love these series of books and getting immersed in the Australian outback.
Book five is another twisty thriller with a ‘whodunnit’ element exploring deep themes of homophobia in sport, gambling addiction and match fixing.
This one’s out in May and I already can’t wait for book 6!
I love these series of books and getting immersed in the Australian outback.
Book five is another twisty thriller with a ‘whodunnit’ element exploring deep themes of homophobia in sport, gambling addiction and match fixing.
This one’s out in May and I already can’t wait for book 6!
May 20, 2026
I enjoyed this book but felt that I needed to have read more past ones. I’ve only read a couple of previous books in this series and it did affect my reading of Hero. Patricia Wolf is a very good author and I will definitely look out for her other books.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 23, 2026
3.5 stars
Slightly improved on the last book in the series. I did listen to these books as an audiobook so I wonder if the narrator is my issue but regardless the storyline was more interesting than the last couple of books. Lucas Walker is no longer with the AFP and is a detective in a small town so there are new characters and we have finally moved away from the Stefan Markovic storyline.
Slightly improved on the last book in the series. I did listen to these books as an audiobook so I wonder if the narrator is my issue but regardless the storyline was more interesting than the last couple of books. Lucas Walker is no longer with the AFP and is a detective in a small town so there are new characters and we have finally moved away from the Stefan Markovic storyline.
May 22, 2026
This is an excellent series and this latest novel , in spite of my initial reservations, is great reading.
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