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Rose Riley #2
Broke Road
In Australia’s bucolic wine country, a homicide detective is on the hunt for a killer with a ruthless agenda in a gripping novel of suspense by the author of Black River.
A young woman is found dead in her isolated town house in rural Red Creek, an up-and-coming wine tourism destination outside Sydney. No forced entry. No signs of struggle. And her geologist husband has an alibi, though it’s not exactly solid. While a tabloid journalist is quick to spin her own damning narrative, homicide detective Rose Riley is questioning everything she sees—especially in a rapidly developing community that already seems on edge.
While Riley and her partner, Priya Patel, work the case with a local detective, crime reporter Adam Bowman follows his own leads. Then forensic evidence matches that of a pair of unsolved murders elsewhere in two other married women, murdered months apart yet in the exact same manner. Riley realizes she’s dealing with a serial killer. But one whose victims weren’t random. These women were chosen, watched, and targeted for a purpose.
As the secrets in this small town emerge, the suspects mount. Now Riley must unearth the deadliest secret of all—the true motive behind the murders—before another woman dies.
A young woman is found dead in her isolated town house in rural Red Creek, an up-and-coming wine tourism destination outside Sydney. No forced entry. No signs of struggle. And her geologist husband has an alibi, though it’s not exactly solid. While a tabloid journalist is quick to spin her own damning narrative, homicide detective Rose Riley is questioning everything she sees—especially in a rapidly developing community that already seems on edge.
While Riley and her partner, Priya Patel, work the case with a local detective, crime reporter Adam Bowman follows his own leads. Then forensic evidence matches that of a pair of unsolved murders elsewhere in two other married women, murdered months apart yet in the exact same manner. Riley realizes she’s dealing with a serial killer. But one whose victims weren’t random. These women were chosen, watched, and targeted for a purpose.
As the secrets in this small town emerge, the suspects mount. Now Riley must unearth the deadliest secret of all—the true motive behind the murders—before another woman dies.
400 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2025
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3725 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
June 26, 2025
Homicide Detective Sergeant Rose Riley and her partner Priya Patel are called to Australia’s wine country. In Red Creek in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia, a woman has been found murdered in her home. The scene is in an isolated town house that will be part of a much larger development to support wine tourism. There are no signs of a struggle and the wife’s geologist husband has an alibi, but it’s not solid. They’re joined by local Detective Senior Constable Christian Rodrigues while an analyst supports them remotely. A tabloid journalist is quick to put her spin on the events and crime reporter Adam Bowman follows his own leads.
The characterization is well-done. Riley is courageous, dedicated, and organized. Patel is smart and funny. Both are great investigators. Rodrigues know the locals and Bowman is trusted by Riley. The other characters have adequate characterization for their roles. The author does a great job of balancing the personal and professional lives of the main characters.
This is an excellent police procedural. There are plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings. There are several references to the events that occurred in the first book in the series and readers gain some background on Riley’s childhood. They also get insight into the cultural clashes between those associated with the wine and tourism business and those who have lived in the area for generations working in the coal industry or making a living marginal farming.
The story captivated me from the first page to its conclusion. It also did a great job of portraying the town, its people, and their cultural lifestyles. The investigation builds momentum until it comes to its satisfying conclusion. It’s well-plotted and beautifully executed. I had to do some research on locations mentioned in the book. There were some Australian terms that I wasn’t familiar with, but most of those could be deciphered through context.
Overall, this is an excellent police procedural and mystery with compelling characters and engrossing plot that unfolds at a moderate pace. If you’re a fan of contemporary of the genre, then this is a series to consider. I can’t wait to read what happens in book three.
Thomas and Mercer and Matthew Spencer provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for July 08, 2025.
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My 4.23 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
The characterization is well-done. Riley is courageous, dedicated, and organized. Patel is smart and funny. Both are great investigators. Rodrigues know the locals and Bowman is trusted by Riley. The other characters have adequate characterization for their roles. The author does a great job of balancing the personal and professional lives of the main characters.
This is an excellent police procedural. There are plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings. There are several references to the events that occurred in the first book in the series and readers gain some background on Riley’s childhood. They also get insight into the cultural clashes between those associated with the wine and tourism business and those who have lived in the area for generations working in the coal industry or making a living marginal farming.
The story captivated me from the first page to its conclusion. It also did a great job of portraying the town, its people, and their cultural lifestyles. The investigation builds momentum until it comes to its satisfying conclusion. It’s well-plotted and beautifully executed. I had to do some research on locations mentioned in the book. There were some Australian terms that I wasn’t familiar with, but most of those could be deciphered through context.
Overall, this is an excellent police procedural and mystery with compelling characters and engrossing plot that unfolds at a moderate pace. If you’re a fan of contemporary of the genre, then this is a series to consider. I can’t wait to read what happens in book three.
Thomas and Mercer and Matthew Spencer provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for July 08, 2025.
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My 4.23 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
July 17, 2025
5+ Stars. Review in the works. = )
June 17, 2025
Broke Road by Matthew Spencer
Synopsis /
In Australia’s bucolic wine country, a homicide detective is on the hunt for a killer with a ruthless agenda in a gripping novel of suspense by the author of Black River.
A young woman is found dead in her isolated town house in rural Red Creek, an up-and-coming wine tourism destination outside Sydney. No forced entry. No signs of struggle. And her geologist husband has an alibi, though it’s not exactly solid. While a tabloid journalist is quick to spin her own damning narrative, homicide detective Rose Riley is questioning everything she sees—especially in a rapidly developing community that already seems on edge.
While Riley and her partner, Priya Patel, work the case with a local detective, crime reporter Adam Bowman follows his own leads. Then forensic evidence matches that of a pair of unsolved murders elsewhere in two other married women, murdered months apart yet in the exact same manner. Riley realises she’s dealing with a serial killer. But one whose victims weren’t random. These women were chosen, watched, and targeted for a purpose.
As the secrets in this small town emerge, the suspects mount. Now Riley must unearth the deadliest secret of all—the true motive behind the murders—before another woman dies.
My Thoughts /
4.5 rounded up
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, publishers Thomas & Mercer and author, Matthew Spencer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for July 08, 2025.
There's nothing I enjoy more in a book than a good isolating environment. Add in extreme climates and roughened people, vast landscapes of nothing that travel as far as the eye can see, it's the perfect storm for a story.
Australian born, from immigrant parents. I'm proud to be Australian and to live in the lucky country. We are blessed to have many wonderful sights, scenery, animals, and….talented writers, of which, Matthew Spencer is most definitely one. Spencer's Rose Riley series covers off Australian crime fiction noir nicely. It is often referred to as rural or outback noir, but this subgenre combines the conventions of noir fiction with the distinctive Australian landscape, and more particularly, the vast and often harsh rural and outback settings which emphasize the isolating and unforgiving nature of the Australian environment. The setting is key – and in Broke Road, the setting certainly works - amplifying the tension and moral ambiguities present within the story. Spencer is very obviously clued into the prevailing social issues of the day.
Firstly, if you haven't read Black River, the first book in the series – you really should.
Secondly, if you do happen to find yourself with the opportunity to read Broke Road – heck yeah, go for it – it will serve you well as a standalone.
Spencer's multilayered story is tightly plotted and he draws upon his descriptive talent to flesh out the characters. Detective Sergeant Rose Riley, Priya Patel and freelance journalist Adam Bowman all return in this instalment. The list of possible suspects grew exponentially as the novel drew on, as does the level of mystery and intrigue. Spencer writes with a high level of investigative detail, but the twist is, that the pacing is not compromised.
I've been purposefully vague about divulging too much about the story, but know this – if you are after a crime novel with good connectivity between characters and a unique angle for a storyline – this is it.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Thomas & Mercer for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for July 08, 2025.
Synopsis /
In Australia’s bucolic wine country, a homicide detective is on the hunt for a killer with a ruthless agenda in a gripping novel of suspense by the author of Black River.
A young woman is found dead in her isolated town house in rural Red Creek, an up-and-coming wine tourism destination outside Sydney. No forced entry. No signs of struggle. And her geologist husband has an alibi, though it’s not exactly solid. While a tabloid journalist is quick to spin her own damning narrative, homicide detective Rose Riley is questioning everything she sees—especially in a rapidly developing community that already seems on edge.
While Riley and her partner, Priya Patel, work the case with a local detective, crime reporter Adam Bowman follows his own leads. Then forensic evidence matches that of a pair of unsolved murders elsewhere in two other married women, murdered months apart yet in the exact same manner. Riley realises she’s dealing with a serial killer. But one whose victims weren’t random. These women were chosen, watched, and targeted for a purpose.
As the secrets in this small town emerge, the suspects mount. Now Riley must unearth the deadliest secret of all—the true motive behind the murders—before another woman dies.
My Thoughts /
4.5 rounded up
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, publishers Thomas & Mercer and author, Matthew Spencer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for July 08, 2025.
There's nothing I enjoy more in a book than a good isolating environment. Add in extreme climates and roughened people, vast landscapes of nothing that travel as far as the eye can see, it's the perfect storm for a story.
Australian born, from immigrant parents. I'm proud to be Australian and to live in the lucky country. We are blessed to have many wonderful sights, scenery, animals, and….talented writers, of which, Matthew Spencer is most definitely one. Spencer's Rose Riley series covers off Australian crime fiction noir nicely. It is often referred to as rural or outback noir, but this subgenre combines the conventions of noir fiction with the distinctive Australian landscape, and more particularly, the vast and often harsh rural and outback settings which emphasize the isolating and unforgiving nature of the Australian environment. The setting is key – and in Broke Road, the setting certainly works - amplifying the tension and moral ambiguities present within the story. Spencer is very obviously clued into the prevailing social issues of the day.
Firstly, if you haven't read Black River, the first book in the series – you really should.
Secondly, if you do happen to find yourself with the opportunity to read Broke Road – heck yeah, go for it – it will serve you well as a standalone.
Spencer's multilayered story is tightly plotted and he draws upon his descriptive talent to flesh out the characters. Detective Sergeant Rose Riley, Priya Patel and freelance journalist Adam Bowman all return in this instalment. The list of possible suspects grew exponentially as the novel drew on, as does the level of mystery and intrigue. Spencer writes with a high level of investigative detail, but the twist is, that the pacing is not compromised.
I've been purposefully vague about divulging too much about the story, but know this – if you are after a crime novel with good connectivity between characters and a unique angle for a storyline – this is it.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Thomas & Mercer for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for July 08, 2025.
July 11, 2025
Black River was one of my favourite Australian crime novels in 2023, and I have been eagerly awaiting the follow up, Broke Road. I was thrilled to receive an early copy to read and I must say it was worth the wait.
The murder of a woman in her home in the Hunter Valley NSW brings Rose Riley and her partner Priya Patel to Pokolbin, right in the middle of the vineyards. It appears that the woman knew her attacker but the evidence suggests that she was alone. It is a tough case with plenty of suspects around town. Investigative journalist Adam Bowman finds his way to the scene in the hopes of getting the story., and to work with Rose again. It was so interesting to see their friendship grow after the events of Black River.
This case really did keep me guessing, trying to piece the clues together wasn’t easy. I loved the setting, the Hunter Valley is one of my favourite places to visit and of course sample the wine. I could see the roads and the area as I was reading. The author captured the beautiful landscape and the ways of the people in the area perfectly. I feel another trip on the cards soon!!
Big thanks to Allen and Unwin for my early copy of this book to read.
The murder of a woman in her home in the Hunter Valley NSW brings Rose Riley and her partner Priya Patel to Pokolbin, right in the middle of the vineyards. It appears that the woman knew her attacker but the evidence suggests that she was alone. It is a tough case with plenty of suspects around town. Investigative journalist Adam Bowman finds his way to the scene in the hopes of getting the story., and to work with Rose again. It was so interesting to see their friendship grow after the events of Black River.
This case really did keep me guessing, trying to piece the clues together wasn’t easy. I loved the setting, the Hunter Valley is one of my favourite places to visit and of course sample the wine. I could see the roads and the area as I was reading. The author captured the beautiful landscape and the ways of the people in the area perfectly. I feel another trip on the cards soon!!
Big thanks to Allen and Unwin for my early copy of this book to read.
December 31, 2025
Another great Australian crime fiction story from Matthew Spencer!
This is the second book in the DS Rose Riley series, this time set in winemaking country of the Hunter Valley.
Homicide Detective Sergeant Rose Riley grew up in the valley and is now investigating the suspected murder of a local woman, alongside her partner Priya Patel. Soon enough crime reporter Adam Bowman also becomes ingratiated in the high-stakes investigation. Forensic evidence links other unsolved murders, and it becomes apparent that women are being chosen and targeted. Will Rose and Priya identify the serial killer, before another woman is murdered?
I really enjoyed the police procedural elements, the atmospheric setting of Red Creek and the variety of possible suspects.
Give this one a read if you like crime fiction, or police procedurals.
UPDATE - June 22nd 2025
I have been fortunate enough to access the audiobook, with thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. The audio is well-produced and the narration by Kellie Jones is brilliant for the storyline and setting. If you love a thrilling audiobook, give this one a listen!
This is the second book in the DS Rose Riley series, this time set in winemaking country of the Hunter Valley.
Homicide Detective Sergeant Rose Riley grew up in the valley and is now investigating the suspected murder of a local woman, alongside her partner Priya Patel. Soon enough crime reporter Adam Bowman also becomes ingratiated in the high-stakes investigation. Forensic evidence links other unsolved murders, and it becomes apparent that women are being chosen and targeted. Will Rose and Priya identify the serial killer, before another woman is murdered?
I really enjoyed the police procedural elements, the atmospheric setting of Red Creek and the variety of possible suspects.
Give this one a read if you like crime fiction, or police procedurals.
UPDATE - June 22nd 2025
I have been fortunate enough to access the audiobook, with thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. The audio is well-produced and the narration by Kellie Jones is brilliant for the storyline and setting. If you love a thrilling audiobook, give this one a listen!
July 7, 2025
Happy publication day 🎉🥳🎧
I made the mistake of not realising that this was a follow up to Black River, and while I really enjoyed Broke Road I definitely think it would’ve been better had I read in order.
I enjoyed getting to know detective Rose Riley and her partner Priya Patel as they begin their venture into wine country in the bid to unravel a murder case. The locals are less than keen to help them solve the case, so as much as they need to build evidence they need to build relationships.
The author has written the scenery really well, I’ve never been to Australia but I could vividly imagine the area.
Great writing, great narration but I’m sorry I missed the first book.
Huge thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
I made the mistake of not realising that this was a follow up to Black River, and while I really enjoyed Broke Road I definitely think it would’ve been better had I read in order.
I enjoyed getting to know detective Rose Riley and her partner Priya Patel as they begin their venture into wine country in the bid to unravel a murder case. The locals are less than keen to help them solve the case, so as much as they need to build evidence they need to build relationships.
The author has written the scenery really well, I’ve never been to Australia but I could vividly imagine the area.
Great writing, great narration but I’m sorry I missed the first book.
Huge thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
September 15, 2025
Broke Road is the second book in the Rose Riley series by Australian journalist and author, Matthew Spencer. The audio version is narrated by Kellie Jones. Late in the night on an August Monday, Detective Sergeant Rose Riley is called out to a flyspeck town in the Hunter Valley where a woman has been murdered in the kitchen of the apartment she shares with her husband. Geologist Nigel Armytage was working late in Maitland and came home to discover Penelope’s body.
Riley is joined at the scene by Detective Constable Priya Patel. They liaise with first at the scene, Detective Senior Constable Christian Rodrigues, check in with the pathologist and crime scene officers, and Riley interviews the husband. Estimated time of death doesn’t rule him out as the prime suspect, but he seems genuinely stricken by the loss of his wife.
While the Mirror’s pushy journalist is soon filing stories with sensational headlines that implicate the husband, now-freelance Adam Bowman is prepared to bide his time. Having written a successful book about the first case, two and a half years ago, in which he encountered Rose Riley, he has built up a rapport and gained her trust: he knows what she eventually reveals will be worth the wait.
As the young woman’s movements prior to her death are ascertained, and the autopsy reveals more detail about the crime, the search for others with motive and opportunity ramps up. Despite his lack of motive, Nigel Armytage isn’t in the clear until a database search of crimes that feature certain unusual trace evidence throws up another unsolved murder, in Canberra, some nine months earlier, almost identical to their case.
The winemaker who contracted Penelope to help with online marketing, the young man with a criminal history whom he employs on a part-time basis, the rather creepy couple who run the motel where Riley and Patel are staying, the barman at the Packhorse Inn, and the ruthless local developer who, it gradually becomes apparent, has both a journalist and a cop in his pocket: none has a strong alibi for the time of the murder.
Then there’s the prison at Cessnock, and the families of the inmates living nearby. Or might it have something to do with Nigel’s job consulting to the proposed coal mine that has the wine-growing community up in arms? Then a third victim, seventeen months earlier, a carbon copy of the other two, and Riley, Patel and Rodrigues realise the murderer is selecting his victims according to certain criteria. But what, exactly, and where?
Spencer gives the reader a plot with enough red herrings, twists and surprises to keep the pages turning. He easily evokes his era and setting, and readers familiar with the Hunter Valley will delight in the many local mentions. His main protagonist is smart and gutsy, and members of her support crew have depth and appeal: more of this cast are most definitely welcome.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and Brilliance Audio
Riley is joined at the scene by Detective Constable Priya Patel. They liaise with first at the scene, Detective Senior Constable Christian Rodrigues, check in with the pathologist and crime scene officers, and Riley interviews the husband. Estimated time of death doesn’t rule him out as the prime suspect, but he seems genuinely stricken by the loss of his wife.
While the Mirror’s pushy journalist is soon filing stories with sensational headlines that implicate the husband, now-freelance Adam Bowman is prepared to bide his time. Having written a successful book about the first case, two and a half years ago, in which he encountered Rose Riley, he has built up a rapport and gained her trust: he knows what she eventually reveals will be worth the wait.
As the young woman’s movements prior to her death are ascertained, and the autopsy reveals more detail about the crime, the search for others with motive and opportunity ramps up. Despite his lack of motive, Nigel Armytage isn’t in the clear until a database search of crimes that feature certain unusual trace evidence throws up another unsolved murder, in Canberra, some nine months earlier, almost identical to their case.
The winemaker who contracted Penelope to help with online marketing, the young man with a criminal history whom he employs on a part-time basis, the rather creepy couple who run the motel where Riley and Patel are staying, the barman at the Packhorse Inn, and the ruthless local developer who, it gradually becomes apparent, has both a journalist and a cop in his pocket: none has a strong alibi for the time of the murder.
Then there’s the prison at Cessnock, and the families of the inmates living nearby. Or might it have something to do with Nigel’s job consulting to the proposed coal mine that has the wine-growing community up in arms? Then a third victim, seventeen months earlier, a carbon copy of the other two, and Riley, Patel and Rodrigues realise the murderer is selecting his victims according to certain criteria. But what, exactly, and where?
Spencer gives the reader a plot with enough red herrings, twists and surprises to keep the pages turning. He easily evokes his era and setting, and readers familiar with the Hunter Valley will delight in the many local mentions. His main protagonist is smart and gutsy, and members of her support crew have depth and appeal: more of this cast are most definitely welcome.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and Brilliance Audio
August 4, 2025
This is the second book in the Rose Riley series. I think it can be easily read as a standalone.
What I loved about this book was the way Matthew writes. He does police procedurals brilliantly. Reading his books are like watching your favorite crime shows all wrapped up into one. You feel like a detective yourself. He drip feeds you background information on the characters to help you try and solve the case.
This one involves a cold case (which I love) and is a character driven book rather than the action. There is a lot of characters to keep you busy solving the case. It's all about the "who" and the " why". I love Rose's character, love her banter, the way she deals with people both professionally and personally.
I'm hoping Matt keeps writing more books about Rose! Highly recommend.
What I loved about this book was the way Matthew writes. He does police procedurals brilliantly. Reading his books are like watching your favorite crime shows all wrapped up into one. You feel like a detective yourself. He drip feeds you background information on the characters to help you try and solve the case.
This one involves a cold case (which I love) and is a character driven book rather than the action. There is a lot of characters to keep you busy solving the case. It's all about the "who" and the " why". I love Rose's character, love her banter, the way she deals with people both professionally and personally.
I'm hoping Matt keeps writing more books about Rose! Highly recommend.
August 16, 2025
I read his previous book ‘Black River’ and I strongly related to that story because it was set in a part of Sydney that I grew up in. ‘Broke Road’ is set in a place that I have a strong connection with. Both my grandparents are buried in Cessnock cemetery, and I have distant and vague memories of travelling to Cessnock by train in my childhood. More recently, like in 2001, I was appointed as a principal in a Hunter Valley school. We regularly had our principal meetings at various wineries. Finally, I do have a liking for the squeezed grapes and I have been travelling to the Wine Country to enjoy and buy wine. My favourite winery is Tullochs. So, after that small plug I will move onto to reviewing this police procedural novel.
Spencer undoubtedly does his research into police policies and behaviour and also other topics that arise in his story e.g. pottery, real estate, air-conditioning, building etc. I must say he is very particular in naming all the vehicles used by characters in this story, especially Rose Riley in her Calais!
As mentioned, Spencer goes into great detail describing the setting of this story. Sadly, poor old Cessnock (Nock Nock, to unappreciative locals) doesn’t come out in glowing terms.
Hippies in Cessnock? Never!
Black tyres cut into the shape of swans
V8s utes and trucks parked in driveways.
Two youths on pushbikes wearing hoodies – Cessnock uniform.
A gaol town.
Ham and pineapple pizza, yes, they’re in Cessnock.
Interviewing a suspect, “Riley watched his throat under a three-day growth. As he swallowed, she saw that his shaving was sporadic there were parts he didn’t reach. His fingers were bitten but clean.”
At times he uses descriptive language. Approaching Cessnock “. . . thin armies of eucalyptus in the head lights.” “Cessnock was sleeping in tendrils of valley fog.”
The story centres around the slaying of an attractive young woman in her home. Initially suspicion falls on the husband but then Rose Riley and Priya Patel, the two investigating detectives find two similar murders in other parts of Australia. Through slow methodical police work the perpetrator is identified and captured.
I did find the story somewhat tedious at times and like so many Australian crime fiction books it was filled with an excess of dialogue.
The characters were well developed and believable. I did lose track of a few of the minor police officers. Nevertheless, Spencer has constructed a believable story with an acceptable and realistic ending, although . . . the bang! bang! troubled me and might not have been necessary! To me, the motivations for the crimes was left unsaid. There is a back story but when women are subjected to brutal murders I always look for reasons as to why a male would commit such heinous crimes.
Spencer undoubtedly does his research into police policies and behaviour and also other topics that arise in his story e.g. pottery, real estate, air-conditioning, building etc. I must say he is very particular in naming all the vehicles used by characters in this story, especially Rose Riley in her Calais!
As mentioned, Spencer goes into great detail describing the setting of this story. Sadly, poor old Cessnock (Nock Nock, to unappreciative locals) doesn’t come out in glowing terms.
Hippies in Cessnock? Never!
Black tyres cut into the shape of swans
V8s utes and trucks parked in driveways.
Two youths on pushbikes wearing hoodies – Cessnock uniform.
A gaol town.
Ham and pineapple pizza, yes, they’re in Cessnock.
Interviewing a suspect, “Riley watched his throat under a three-day growth. As he swallowed, she saw that his shaving was sporadic there were parts he didn’t reach. His fingers were bitten but clean.”
At times he uses descriptive language. Approaching Cessnock “. . . thin armies of eucalyptus in the head lights.” “Cessnock was sleeping in tendrils of valley fog.”
The story centres around the slaying of an attractive young woman in her home. Initially suspicion falls on the husband but then Rose Riley and Priya Patel, the two investigating detectives find two similar murders in other parts of Australia. Through slow methodical police work the perpetrator is identified and captured.
I did find the story somewhat tedious at times and like so many Australian crime fiction books it was filled with an excess of dialogue.
The characters were well developed and believable. I did lose track of a few of the minor police officers. Nevertheless, Spencer has constructed a believable story with an acceptable and realistic ending, although . . . the bang! bang! troubled me and might not have been necessary! To me, the motivations for the crimes was left unsaid. There is a back story but when women are subjected to brutal murders I always look for reasons as to why a male would commit such heinous crimes.
September 10, 2025
Another excellent story from this author. It just so happened that while reading this book I was on a weekend away in the Hunter Valley, I even drove along Broke Road. The setting was very well described and easily pictured, being as I was among the vineyards and new developments springing up around open paddocks. The dialogue is very authentic Aussie which I loved. It feels like a brave move by the author as international readers might need some sort of glossary but I really enjoyed the nuance and realness it created.
The story is a standard police procedural with homicide detective Rose Riley and her partner Priya Patel investigating the murder of a woman in wine country north of Sydney. There were just enough characters and twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Journalist and now true crime author Adam Bowman is also on the scene and I understood the dynamic created between him and Riley a bit better this time although I’m not sure where it’s heading. I hope Matthew Spencer is writing another instalment in this series and I’ll look forward to see where we’re going next.
The story is a standard police procedural with homicide detective Rose Riley and her partner Priya Patel investigating the murder of a woman in wine country north of Sydney. There were just enough characters and twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Journalist and now true crime author Adam Bowman is also on the scene and I understood the dynamic created between him and Riley a bit better this time although I’m not sure where it’s heading. I hope Matthew Spencer is writing another instalment in this series and I’ll look forward to see where we’re going next.
July 9, 2025
As soon as I'd finished Black River, Spencer's award-winning debut, I was greedy for the next one. Besides the tightly plotted story and well-drawn characters, it was a testimony to Spencer's descriptive skills that he allowed a Sydney-sider to see the Parramatta River and Balmain surrounds with fresh appraising eyes. And THIS Sydney-sider grew up in the Hunter, so I was beside myself when I found out we were heading up the F1 for book 2!
Broke Road sees Rose Reilly and her side-kick Priya Patel following the weekend wine trail up to Cessnock and Pokolbin, where a woman has been murdered in her own home, in the fictional village of Red Creek. The journo Adam Bowman, with his new taste for scintillating outfits, isn't far behind.
There's an interesting array of recognisable characters and Spencer feeds us a few more threads from Reilly's backstory to fill out a detective who would otherwise be a little too clinical and machine-like. Spencer is also a dab hand at the humorous throwaway remark or comparison: there are several laugh out loud--read again--and laugh again moments. His character sketches of Cessnock and the various milleux reveal sharp observation, but also deep research - I sense many conversations have layered up these well-chosen building blocks. Not that Spencer finds many redeeming features in Cessnock proper (ahem, read NONE) and he patently enjoys the politics of playing the rich wine interests off against the coal miners.
A trail of flame burned these pages as I tore through them. The tightness of the logic and method followed, the tensile suspense as facts built to clues and started to stick together in patterns ratcheted up the bug-eyed suspense. Spencer has a few writerly super powers but one of his strongest is his meticulous police procedural. You only have to check out his acknowledgements and connections to see he is getting it all from the horse's mouth, not only from his own years of journalism and police connections, but right down to researching the firing of pottery. When you open a Spencer book, you are not only in safe hands, you are watching a meticulous craftsman at work. He took three years to write Black River, and Broke Road the same. It's been worth the wait. I was grateful to receive an ARC prior to the publication date of 1 July, but I'm happy to call it now. There will be awards.
Regardless of whether you've ever visited this wine area - or any wine country for that matter - the setting and atmosphere are a treat, but it is the connections, patterns and pace that really make this book zip. You are in for a fast intelligent ride on Broke Road. Best buckle up!
Broke Road sees Rose Reilly and her side-kick Priya Patel following the weekend wine trail up to Cessnock and Pokolbin, where a woman has been murdered in her own home, in the fictional village of Red Creek. The journo Adam Bowman, with his new taste for scintillating outfits, isn't far behind.
There's an interesting array of recognisable characters and Spencer feeds us a few more threads from Reilly's backstory to fill out a detective who would otherwise be a little too clinical and machine-like. Spencer is also a dab hand at the humorous throwaway remark or comparison: there are several laugh out loud--read again--and laugh again moments. His character sketches of Cessnock and the various milleux reveal sharp observation, but also deep research - I sense many conversations have layered up these well-chosen building blocks. Not that Spencer finds many redeeming features in Cessnock proper (ahem, read NONE) and he patently enjoys the politics of playing the rich wine interests off against the coal miners.
A trail of flame burned these pages as I tore through them. The tightness of the logic and method followed, the tensile suspense as facts built to clues and started to stick together in patterns ratcheted up the bug-eyed suspense. Spencer has a few writerly super powers but one of his strongest is his meticulous police procedural. You only have to check out his acknowledgements and connections to see he is getting it all from the horse's mouth, not only from his own years of journalism and police connections, but right down to researching the firing of pottery. When you open a Spencer book, you are not only in safe hands, you are watching a meticulous craftsman at work. He took three years to write Black River, and Broke Road the same. It's been worth the wait. I was grateful to receive an ARC prior to the publication date of 1 July, but I'm happy to call it now. There will be awards.
Regardless of whether you've ever visited this wine area - or any wine country for that matter - the setting and atmosphere are a treat, but it is the connections, patterns and pace that really make this book zip. You are in for a fast intelligent ride on Broke Road. Best buckle up!
July 3, 2025
I read the first book in this series and found it interesting. You can read this one without the first as it is an entirely different case and setting for the detective team.
I have to confess that I have a weakness for an Australian accent so listening to this on audiobook was a real treat. Set in Australia, the narrator is native to the country.
The story involves a woman who has been murdered but the murder has no real leads until the detectives uncover some similarities of this murder to others. This leads the team to try and track down a serial killer.
Here’s where the audiobook was probably a source of frustration for me as the author brings in multiple people and I start losing the thread. I guess reading a print version along with the audio would help the reader keep track of the story. I got a little lost at times.
Overall this is a decent mystery.
I have to confess that I have a weakness for an Australian accent so listening to this on audiobook was a real treat. Set in Australia, the narrator is native to the country.
The story involves a woman who has been murdered but the murder has no real leads until the detectives uncover some similarities of this murder to others. This leads the team to try and track down a serial killer.
Here’s where the audiobook was probably a source of frustration for me as the author brings in multiple people and I start losing the thread. I guess reading a print version along with the audio would help the reader keep track of the story. I got a little lost at times.
Overall this is a decent mystery.
May 4, 2025
This was a very technical crime novel that unfortunately didn’t quite keep me in suspense. At the end of the day I don't think it met my preferences for murder mystery novels. However, this would probably be perfect for those who enjoy in-depth representations of modern homicide cases.
I could tell that this was very well-researched when it came to the locations and processes of detective work. The book certainly gets into great detail with forensics. Some of the country slang and police jargon went a bit over my head and left me confused. At points I considered making a list of the characters as it was overwhelming to keep up with who was who. I felt similarly while trying to mentally map the locations mentioned in the book. As a result, the pacing felt a bit slow for my liking. I think I prefer crime novels that write from a non-detective perspective.
I thought it was interesting how working relationships between detectives and the press were explored. I liked the relationship dynamic of Riley and Patel in their detective partnership. Events culminated to a pretty satisfying ending. Although I hadn’t read the previous Rose Riley book, this one felt fairly accessible. I’d recommend this to enjoyers of crime novels that get deeply technical with detective work.
Thanks to Allen & Unwin and Better Reading Preview for providing me with an advanced copy for review!
I could tell that this was very well-researched when it came to the locations and processes of detective work. The book certainly gets into great detail with forensics. Some of the country slang and police jargon went a bit over my head and left me confused. At points I considered making a list of the characters as it was overwhelming to keep up with who was who. I felt similarly while trying to mentally map the locations mentioned in the book. As a result, the pacing felt a bit slow for my liking. I think I prefer crime novels that write from a non-detective perspective.
I thought it was interesting how working relationships between detectives and the press were explored. I liked the relationship dynamic of Riley and Patel in their detective partnership. Events culminated to a pretty satisfying ending. Although I hadn’t read the previous Rose Riley book, this one felt fairly accessible. I’d recommend this to enjoyers of crime novels that get deeply technical with detective work.
Thanks to Allen & Unwin and Better Reading Preview for providing me with an advanced copy for review!
July 16, 2025
DNF. I am not sure how, after not particularly enjoying Matthew Spencer's first book, his second one ended up in my book basket on my last shopping trip.
If ever there was a need for a time machine that would allow me to go back and not buy a book, this is when I need it.
After I had read the first few pages and realised what I had done, I thought, okay... let's see where this goes. It might not be too bad. And you know what? I was wrong. It was that bad and a lot worse.
Clunky sentences, simple actions over described, terrible conversations, and a lack of any engagement with the characters or plot.
This one is in the op-shop box.
This might be the book for you, but it was definitely not the book for me.
If ever there was a need for a time machine that would allow me to go back and not buy a book, this is when I need it.
After I had read the first few pages and realised what I had done, I thought, okay... let's see where this goes. It might not be too bad. And you know what? I was wrong. It was that bad and a lot worse.
Clunky sentences, simple actions over described, terrible conversations, and a lack of any engagement with the characters or plot.
This one is in the op-shop box.
This might be the book for you, but it was definitely not the book for me.
October 14, 2025
Another solid story and loved this story based in the Hunter Valley this time.
April 13, 2025
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It was a bit slow moving to begin with but the characters eventually grew on me and the story line held my interest. In the end I couldn't put it down. Thanks again to Better Reading for the chance to review this book.
August 2, 2025
I do love it when I find a good crime mystery. Four and a half stars.
July 30, 2025
3.5/5 as it took me a while to get through but once I got into it, great ending. I did find it had a lot of characters in play and I was slightly confused with all the naming and the police chat did get complicated at parts. I love Australian crime for being able to know where the books are set and really visualising the settings.
November 23, 2025
You were good I’m waiting for you to the great!
April 5, 2025
I very much enjoyed Broke Road by Matthew Spencer though must confess I remembered little detail from the first book of the series,
Black River,
published in 2022. I really liked our lead, Rose Riley—a detective who seems to be a roaming homicide squad detective—here partnered with Priya Patel and on the trail of a killer. I did remember Adam Bowman quite well, who described himself [in the first book] as a mediocre journalist whose career was going nowhere fast. The case in Black River was quite personal as it took him back to his hometown where his brother had died and family fallen apart years earlier. When he reappears here he's found some fame and fortune from a true crime book based on Riley's investigation.
I like the way Spencer unpicks the crime here, pulling readers into the investigation. Naturally the victim's husband is the key suspect despite an alibi—until Riley finds links to a similar murder and starts piecing the connections together.
Spencer again throws in local flavour, giving us a sense of 'place'. We’re in wine country so the community of Red Creek (near Cessnock) grows on weekends but is also rife with new development and old farming families.
When Bowman knows Riley and Patel are on the case, he requests the story and easily ingratiates himself with the locals. Spencer brings those characters to life through Bowman's interactions, putting us there in the thick of things, as he gathers intel and gossip he shares with Riley and Patel.
This is another great read from Spencer and I appreciated that he balances the unfolding investigations with the characters' own personal evolutions.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/other-stuff/b...
I like the way Spencer unpicks the crime here, pulling readers into the investigation. Naturally the victim's husband is the key suspect despite an alibi—until Riley finds links to a similar murder and starts piecing the connections together.
Spencer again throws in local flavour, giving us a sense of 'place'. We’re in wine country so the community of Red Creek (near Cessnock) grows on weekends but is also rife with new development and old farming families.
When Bowman knows Riley and Patel are on the case, he requests the story and easily ingratiates himself with the locals. Spencer brings those characters to life through Bowman's interactions, putting us there in the thick of things, as he gathers intel and gossip he shares with Riley and Patel.
This is another great read from Spencer and I appreciated that he balances the unfolding investigations with the characters' own personal evolutions.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/other-stuff/b...
July 22, 2025
Rep: Indian Australian side character
CWs: mentions of rape
Galley provided by publisher
Broke Road is a book I've been looking forward to ever since reading Black River and it didn't disappoint. It's a fast-paced mystery, with a gradually revealing plot and one that I enjoyed a lot. On the basis of the two books I've read by Spencer so far, he's one to watch out for and I'll be eagerly hoping for a third book featuring Rose Riley.
CWs: mentions of rape
Galley provided by publisher
Broke Road is a book I've been looking forward to ever since reading Black River and it didn't disappoint. It's a fast-paced mystery, with a gradually revealing plot and one that I enjoyed a lot. On the basis of the two books I've read by Spencer so far, he's one to watch out for and I'll be eagerly hoping for a third book featuring Rose Riley.
December 31, 2025
I’m slightly delayed in reading Broke Road as I realised it was part of a series and went back to read Black River first, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Broke Road continues in a similar vein, bringing Detective Rose Riley and her colleague Priya Patel, and journalist Adam Bowman together in a many-pronged approach to the telling the story of a gruesome series of murderers.
This time, the action brings the trio to Red Creek, a rural postage stamp ensconced within the Hunter Valley wine region. As with Black River, there is a murder with very little evidence – trace, circumstantial or otherwise, and as Riley and Patel work the scene, it becomes clear that this is not the first victim of this particular killer…
Spencer weaves a compelling cast of secondary characters around his central trio, igniting enough mystery behind each character to keep the reader guessing. This instalment is perhaps not as twisty as Black River was; I think the culprit is a bit more obvious though there are plenty of red herrings along the way.
As a former journo, I enjoy the character of Bowman who reads authentically – the job is phone calls and grind, convincing people to talk, hoping for a way into a scoop through a side door, skylight, whatever. The obvious comparison is with Chris Hammer, who has also come from a journalism background and juxtaposed it to page quite well. Bowman’s transformation from what he was in Black River seems a little too ‘about turn’ but he, and his interactions with Riley and Patel, drive the action well.
I thought Riley and Patel’s working relationship was a little too smooth – a little bit of conflict between them might have ratcheted up the tension somewhat, in the way that happened between O’Neil and Riley in Black River.
That said, this is a well-crafted, twisty and ultimately satisfying crime thriller that will keep you turning the pages long after you should have turned off the light and went to bed.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for the eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Broke Road continues in a similar vein, bringing Detective Rose Riley and her colleague Priya Patel, and journalist Adam Bowman together in a many-pronged approach to the telling the story of a gruesome series of murderers.
This time, the action brings the trio to Red Creek, a rural postage stamp ensconced within the Hunter Valley wine region. As with Black River, there is a murder with very little evidence – trace, circumstantial or otherwise, and as Riley and Patel work the scene, it becomes clear that this is not the first victim of this particular killer…
Spencer weaves a compelling cast of secondary characters around his central trio, igniting enough mystery behind each character to keep the reader guessing. This instalment is perhaps not as twisty as Black River was; I think the culprit is a bit more obvious though there are plenty of red herrings along the way.
As a former journo, I enjoy the character of Bowman who reads authentically – the job is phone calls and grind, convincing people to talk, hoping for a way into a scoop through a side door, skylight, whatever. The obvious comparison is with Chris Hammer, who has also come from a journalism background and juxtaposed it to page quite well. Bowman’s transformation from what he was in Black River seems a little too ‘about turn’ but he, and his interactions with Riley and Patel, drive the action well.
I thought Riley and Patel’s working relationship was a little too smooth – a little bit of conflict between them might have ratcheted up the tension somewhat, in the way that happened between O’Neil and Riley in Black River.
That said, this is a well-crafted, twisty and ultimately satisfying crime thriller that will keep you turning the pages long after you should have turned off the light and went to bed.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for the eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2025
Having read Matthew Spencer's previous novel with Bowman, Patel and Riley, I was very keen for more! The crime in this one felt slightly less personal to the protagonists and the whodunnit was probably not as gripping but the pace was outstanding. The story really takes its time slowly introducing the people, the places and the relationships, making sure the reader gets totally invested before the suspicions start to sink in. I enjoyed the unpleasantness a lot of the cast exuded, a number of them being obviously unpleasant people but possibly not bad enough to become murderers. Or are they? The gentle pace through the middle of the book really picks up towards the ending to the point where I found it near impossible to put down. A great follow-up and well worth the time.
January 5, 2026
Broke Road by Matthew Spencer is the second book in the Rose Riley series. My mistake was really enjoying the first book, Black River, and allowing too much time (2 years) before I read the second book. This lead to a bit more work trying to remember the characters and their relationships. That said, this series is a good, solid detective series with a female lead that is set in Australia. If you like crime fiction or police procedurals, you should check this one out. My rating is 3.5 stars out of 5.
August 5, 2025
Set in the Hunter Valley of NSW, this crime fiction was another page-turner (2nd in the Rose Riley series). The weekend destination for many Sydney siders - “The Wineries”, however, is painted with less than its usual flattering portrayal. Having only ever driven through Cessnock, I cringed with the depictions of some of the locals.
At times, I struggled to keep up with the cast of characters, but enjoyed the continued developments of the main three characters.
At times, I struggled to keep up with the cast of characters, but enjoyed the continued developments of the main three characters.
August 10, 2025
This was a really well paced and interesting crime fiction. The characters are interesting and the dynamic between the journalist Bowman and the cops is well written. Big on police procedures and details it makes for a good story.
July 15, 2025
A fantastic page turner that kept me guessing until the end. Spencer is taking his place alongside Chris Hammer and Jane Harper in my list of ‘must-read’ Australian crime writers
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August 12, 2025always fun when the setting is local
I read this 2nd in the series first so now on 1st I think it may spoil the story a bit reading in reverse, we'll see
I read this 2nd in the series first so now on 1st I think it may spoil the story a bit reading in reverse, we'll see
October 28, 2025
a good paced thriller that had me guessing til nearly the end
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