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James & Sandersen Files #1
The Hunt For The Dingo
In the arid expanses of Australia’s red deserts, a killer is preying on British female backpackers. Dubbed 'The Dingo' by the media, he stalks his prey then disappears without a trace.
In a bid to catch the man responsible, the local police call on the talents of Melbourne's finest, ex British cop, Lawrence James and leading criminal psychologist Jesse Sandersen.
Meanwhile, James has unfinished business with Melbourne crime kingpin, Cyrus Bain, a gangster who will do whatever it takes to stay out of jail.
When another young girl disappears, it is a race against time to catch the killer.
Can James bring The Dingo to justice?
Will he escape with his life intact?
In their hunt for the murderer, James and Sandersen unearth some disturbing secrets that many would rather remain buried.
In a bid to catch the man responsible, the local police call on the talents of Melbourne's finest, ex British cop, Lawrence James and leading criminal psychologist Jesse Sandersen.
Meanwhile, James has unfinished business with Melbourne crime kingpin, Cyrus Bain, a gangster who will do whatever it takes to stay out of jail.
When another young girl disappears, it is a race against time to catch the killer.
Can James bring The Dingo to justice?
Will he escape with his life intact?
In their hunt for the murderer, James and Sandersen unearth some disturbing secrets that many would rather remain buried.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2014
695 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Nash
5 books6 followersP.J. Nash was born in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, the birthplace of George Eliot and Shakespeare, respectively. Not surprisingly he decided he’d like to be a writer too.
After studying history and working in PR for a few years, he was running a second hand bookshop, when wanderlust and destiny in the form of his future wife took him to Prague.
During his time behind the counter in the shop and travelling on trams between English lessons he wrote his first crime novel, The Hunt for the Dingo featuring maverick British expat cop, Lawrence James and and his hunt for a serial killer in Australia. On his return to the UK, he drew on his Bohemian adventures to write his second crime novel featuring Lawrence James and his co-investigator, Dr Jessie Sandersen. He currently lives on a narrowboat with his wife Clare and grumpy cat, Lulu.
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After studying history and working in PR for a few years, he was running a second hand bookshop, when wanderlust and destiny in the form of his future wife took him to Prague.
During his time behind the counter in the shop and travelling on trams between English lessons he wrote his first crime novel, The Hunt for the Dingo featuring maverick British expat cop, Lawrence James and and his hunt for a serial killer in Australia. On his return to the UK, he drew on his Bohemian adventures to write his second crime novel featuring Lawrence James and his co-investigator, Dr Jessie Sandersen. He currently lives on a narrowboat with his wife Clare and grumpy cat, Lulu.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 8, 2018
4☆ A Thrilling Read
The Hunt for the Dingo is a fast paced crime Thriller that weaves several stories together.
It's a story of a Serial Killer, Mystery, Police target who has a kill order on his head, Deep Dark Secrets, Action, it's Fast Paced short sharp Chapters.
There is so much going on in this book i had to stop to catch my breath.
The Dingo Serial killer is back with a vengeance. After laying dormant for several years he is back and is still preying on British backpackers.
Alongside the Dingo Case, Constable Lawrence James has a hit on his head after he was shot in the arm arresting the Infamous Cyrus Bain. Kingpin Bain is the leader of the Infamous Redbacks.
The Media branded James a Hero, but made him a target for all the underworld.
I really enjoyed The Hunt For the Dingo, however I did feel that with so many characters and stories crossing over it got a little confusing at times.
I would of loved to of gotten to know James and Dr Sandersen more. I loved the banter and sexual chemistry between them.
I was expecting a cat and mouse chase to catch a serial killer. But what I got was much more.
The Australian Out back gives the book an eerie feeling as the bodies mount up.
If you are looking for a well written crime thriller that weaves several enthralling storylines. That stretches your imagination. It's suspenseful and action packed that keeps you turning pages.
Then The Hunt for the Dingo is the book for you.
Looking forward to reading more books
from P.J. Nash.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review & More Info is on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
The Hunt for the Dingo is a fast paced crime Thriller that weaves several stories together.
It's a story of a Serial Killer, Mystery, Police target who has a kill order on his head, Deep Dark Secrets, Action, it's Fast Paced short sharp Chapters.
There is so much going on in this book i had to stop to catch my breath.
The Dingo Serial killer is back with a vengeance. After laying dormant for several years he is back and is still preying on British backpackers.
Alongside the Dingo Case, Constable Lawrence James has a hit on his head after he was shot in the arm arresting the Infamous Cyrus Bain. Kingpin Bain is the leader of the Infamous Redbacks.
The Media branded James a Hero, but made him a target for all the underworld.
I really enjoyed The Hunt For the Dingo, however I did feel that with so many characters and stories crossing over it got a little confusing at times.
I would of loved to of gotten to know James and Dr Sandersen more. I loved the banter and sexual chemistry between them.
I was expecting a cat and mouse chase to catch a serial killer. But what I got was much more.
The Australian Out back gives the book an eerie feeling as the bodies mount up.
If you are looking for a well written crime thriller that weaves several enthralling storylines. That stretches your imagination. It's suspenseful and action packed that keeps you turning pages.
Then The Hunt for the Dingo is the book for you.
Looking forward to reading more books
from P.J. Nash.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review & More Info is on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
March 7, 2018
I couldn’t not read this book after reading the description. Just sounded to good a book to miss out on.
The story is actually a relatively quick read and only took me a few hours to devour. The chapters are pretty short and snappy so you have that hard task of deciding which chapter you actually stop at to take a break. I just kept telling myself one more and then all of a sudden I was nearly half way through!
The setting couldn’t be anymore perfect. You really get the whole sense of the outback and how far away from everything you can be. I kept getting the Aussie accent in my head and trying to talk the lingo. Failing miserably I may add.
The book actually kind of reminded me of a television crime series but for the life of me I can’t remember it’s name. I think because we jump from place to place in quite quick succession due to the chapters, it makes the whole read set at a very steady pace, quite often picking up pace quite dramatically.
I have to admit I would have liked to have got to know the main characters a bit better. There is enough to be going on with but I didn’t quite get the usual connection I usually would do. The epilogue had it feeling like the story was a one off but was glad to see that there is more to come from this duo as definitely want to get to know them better. I love the pairing as Jesse being a criminal psychologist, which is something that has always fascinated me, I think guarantees just what we can look forward to in future books.
The Hunt For The Dingo is a definite must read for crime fans who love a fast moving and action packed story. It certainly had me on the edge of my seat routing for James and Sanderson to catch the killer and when all is revealed, it certainly did not disappoint!
The story is actually a relatively quick read and only took me a few hours to devour. The chapters are pretty short and snappy so you have that hard task of deciding which chapter you actually stop at to take a break. I just kept telling myself one more and then all of a sudden I was nearly half way through!
The setting couldn’t be anymore perfect. You really get the whole sense of the outback and how far away from everything you can be. I kept getting the Aussie accent in my head and trying to talk the lingo. Failing miserably I may add.
The book actually kind of reminded me of a television crime series but for the life of me I can’t remember it’s name. I think because we jump from place to place in quite quick succession due to the chapters, it makes the whole read set at a very steady pace, quite often picking up pace quite dramatically.
I have to admit I would have liked to have got to know the main characters a bit better. There is enough to be going on with but I didn’t quite get the usual connection I usually would do. The epilogue had it feeling like the story was a one off but was glad to see that there is more to come from this duo as definitely want to get to know them better. I love the pairing as Jesse being a criminal psychologist, which is something that has always fascinated me, I think guarantees just what we can look forward to in future books.
The Hunt For The Dingo is a definite must read for crime fans who love a fast moving and action packed story. It certainly had me on the edge of my seat routing for James and Sanderson to catch the killer and when all is revealed, it certainly did not disappoint!
April 8, 2018
Well here were three things that frighten me silly. The thought of my daughters back packing, the Australian outback and the third a psychopath, especially if all three come in the same sentence! So being a lover of being frightened to death reading books, it became an instant must read which I flew through. It only took a few hours and packs a number of story lines in that could have made separate books themselves. But no-ones life begins from day one when you meet them does it?
The Dingo, as the media named him, or raving bloody lunatic as I think of him, had been quiet for the past 5 years after his reign of killing British female back packers had come to an abrupt end. Well it looked like he was back when the remains of a young woman were discovered. Two unlikely characters are put together to make sense of who and why someone is doing this and where they could find the killer. An ex British Policeman Lawrence James for the where and who side of things and leading criminal psychologist Jesse Sandersen for the why. The thing is James is bringing with him baggage that isn’t finished with yet.
It makes for an all round tense, pacey read with danger waiting in every shadow as the story goes between serial killer and gangsters within a sentence, sounds like it shouldn’t work but it does. One way or another be ready to meet some pretty nasty characters with very different agendas. A real intense read with one eye on your book and one on the nearest escape route. It really got to me.
The descriptions of the Australian outback rattled me confirming all my darkest thoughts and fears, super writing. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book with its quirky humour and full on Australian experience. The chapters were short sharp bursts with characters jumping between the story lines, so keep your eye on the ball as they say. A super round-up and conclusion to the story. Looking forward to finding out more about James and Sandersen in the near future too.
The Dingo, as the media named him, or raving bloody lunatic as I think of him, had been quiet for the past 5 years after his reign of killing British female back packers had come to an abrupt end. Well it looked like he was back when the remains of a young woman were discovered. Two unlikely characters are put together to make sense of who and why someone is doing this and where they could find the killer. An ex British Policeman Lawrence James for the where and who side of things and leading criminal psychologist Jesse Sandersen for the why. The thing is James is bringing with him baggage that isn’t finished with yet.
It makes for an all round tense, pacey read with danger waiting in every shadow as the story goes between serial killer and gangsters within a sentence, sounds like it shouldn’t work but it does. One way or another be ready to meet some pretty nasty characters with very different agendas. A real intense read with one eye on your book and one on the nearest escape route. It really got to me.
The descriptions of the Australian outback rattled me confirming all my darkest thoughts and fears, super writing. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book with its quirky humour and full on Australian experience. The chapters were short sharp bursts with characters jumping between the story lines, so keep your eye on the ball as they say. A super round-up and conclusion to the story. Looking forward to finding out more about James and Sandersen in the near future too.
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April 10, 2019In the arid expanses of Australia’s red deserts, a killer is preying on British female backpackers. Dubbed 'The Dingo' by the media, he stalks his prey then disappears without a trace.
February 23, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bloodhound Books for an advance copy of The Hunt for the Dingo, the first novel in a projected series to feature DS Lawrence James of the Melbourne police and criminal psychologist Dr Jessie Sandersen.
When criminal kingpin Cyrus Bain shoots James it unleashes a series of difficulties for him. He is the witness who can put Bain behind bars but Bain isn't keen on this and puts a bounty on James's head. As an alternative to going into hiding James is sent to the New Territory to help the local force hunt for The Dingo, a killer who went dormant for 15 years but is now back killing young English backpackers.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Hunt for the Dingo. It is a tense, taut thriller which held my attention throughout. It is not so much a whodunnit as the killer's voice is heard throughout the novel but more of a hunt for the killer and his motivations. The novel mostly concentrates on James but when he co-opts former journalist, Adrian Marsh, to help with research his point of view is introduced, as it that of Cyrus Bain as he plots his revenge. This scattergun approach should make for a choppy read but I was so caught up in the story that I welcomed every scrap of information available and didn't find it distracting as I usually do. I think the short chapters keep the novel punchy and the reader immersed.
I enjoyed the writing as well. It has an inviting style which had me hooked from the first page. I'm not sure how to describe it, down to earth and plain with a dash of cop humour is my best stab but whatever it is I found it addictive.
The plot itself requires a certain suspension of disbelief, especially on how often James can survive potentially deadly attacks, but it becomes amusing after a while - I'm sure he must be a Weeble - and the motivation is not original although firmly grounded in reality but it is an exhilarating read.
I like James as a protagonist. He is smart and determined but doesn't take himself too seriously. He is well drawn and comes across as both human and very likeable. Sandersen is not nearly as well drawn and comes across as the token dame, there for glamour rather than contribution. Perhaps this will change in the next novel.
The Hunt for the Dingo is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
When criminal kingpin Cyrus Bain shoots James it unleashes a series of difficulties for him. He is the witness who can put Bain behind bars but Bain isn't keen on this and puts a bounty on James's head. As an alternative to going into hiding James is sent to the New Territory to help the local force hunt for The Dingo, a killer who went dormant for 15 years but is now back killing young English backpackers.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Hunt for the Dingo. It is a tense, taut thriller which held my attention throughout. It is not so much a whodunnit as the killer's voice is heard throughout the novel but more of a hunt for the killer and his motivations. The novel mostly concentrates on James but when he co-opts former journalist, Adrian Marsh, to help with research his point of view is introduced, as it that of Cyrus Bain as he plots his revenge. This scattergun approach should make for a choppy read but I was so caught up in the story that I welcomed every scrap of information available and didn't find it distracting as I usually do. I think the short chapters keep the novel punchy and the reader immersed.
I enjoyed the writing as well. It has an inviting style which had me hooked from the first page. I'm not sure how to describe it, down to earth and plain with a dash of cop humour is my best stab but whatever it is I found it addictive.
The plot itself requires a certain suspension of disbelief, especially on how often James can survive potentially deadly attacks, but it becomes amusing after a while - I'm sure he must be a Weeble - and the motivation is not original although firmly grounded in reality but it is an exhilarating read.
I like James as a protagonist. He is smart and determined but doesn't take himself too seriously. He is well drawn and comes across as both human and very likeable. Sandersen is not nearly as well drawn and comes across as the token dame, there for glamour rather than contribution. Perhaps this will change in the next novel.
The Hunt for the Dingo is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 3, 2024
Fast paced, complex story, written in a sharp, concise way. It was a good story but I wasn't gripped by it. Just not one for me.
March 9, 2018
It’s been five years since the Dingo has been active but suddenly the body of young British tourist is found and the case hots up again. Lawrence James and Jesse Sandersen are called in to help with the case.
Jesse Sandersen is top of her field in psychology but is seen by a lot of law enforcement as trying to explain away bad guys behaviour by blaming their childhood etc, which doesn’t make her popular. She is forced to team up with Lawrence James, a misplaced British policeman. He had to leave Britain after a case went bad, he ended up in Australia and comes across Cyrus Bain, a nasty piece of work, who after almost killing Lawrence puts a bounty on his head. He deals with all that and has to find a sadistic murderer like the Dingo.
This book is full to the brim with action. There’s plane crashes, explosions, kidnapping and murder all crammed into this story. It has short chapters and an easy writing style that makes it a quick read.
I love the fact it was set in Australia, which is rapidly becoming my second favourite setting outside the UK. It had a nice use of Aussie lingo and the it’s set against the backdrop of the outback, which too me seems like a scary and desolate place and I feel is really captured within the pages of this book.
If I had some critique it would be at times it felt a little rushed, and there were a few too many viewpoints for my taste. Also I felt there were a couple of small plot holes but then again there was so much going on in the story, I may have missed a few details.
I hope in the next book there is a bit more from Sandersen’s perspective as she intrigues me as a character.
Overall an action packed read and a good start to a series.
Jesse Sandersen is top of her field in psychology but is seen by a lot of law enforcement as trying to explain away bad guys behaviour by blaming their childhood etc, which doesn’t make her popular. She is forced to team up with Lawrence James, a misplaced British policeman. He had to leave Britain after a case went bad, he ended up in Australia and comes across Cyrus Bain, a nasty piece of work, who after almost killing Lawrence puts a bounty on his head. He deals with all that and has to find a sadistic murderer like the Dingo.
This book is full to the brim with action. There’s plane crashes, explosions, kidnapping and murder all crammed into this story. It has short chapters and an easy writing style that makes it a quick read.
I love the fact it was set in Australia, which is rapidly becoming my second favourite setting outside the UK. It had a nice use of Aussie lingo and the it’s set against the backdrop of the outback, which too me seems like a scary and desolate place and I feel is really captured within the pages of this book.
If I had some critique it would be at times it felt a little rushed, and there were a few too many viewpoints for my taste. Also I felt there were a couple of small plot holes but then again there was so much going on in the story, I may have missed a few details.
I hope in the next book there is a bit more from Sandersen’s perspective as she intrigues me as a character.
Overall an action packed read and a good start to a series.
March 10, 2018
The Hunt For The Dingo is described as a fast paced serial killer thriller. It is certainly that but it's also a complex tale that cleverly weaves the various storylines together. Meanwhile, the dry Australian sense of humour and the vivid descriptions of the environment add an authentic sense of place to proceedings.
Lawrence James is the police officer tasked with catching a serial killer termed, 'The Dingo.' Originally from Britain, he moved to Australia for a fresh start after being blamed for the failure of a high profile case. His move to Australia hasn't been entirely smooth sailing, he was shot on a raid to capture gang leader, Cyrus Bain. Bain is now awaiting trial but James cannot rest easy, a price is on his head and he is forced to live in a safe house with round the clock cover to protect him. His expertise means he's required however, and so he takes a trip to the Northern Territory where before long he's not only facing a race against time to discover who the vicious serial killer is, he's also facing threats on his own life in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
The Hunt For The Dingo introduces a large cast of characters; Lawrence James' fellow officers, criminal psychologist, Jesse Sandersen, cynical journalist, Adrian Marsh and Fiona Hawkins, news anchor for Oceania News all play a part in this intricate thriller. The narrative switches between the two storylines as the race to stop the serial killer takes the investigation to England, and Cyrus Bain's long reach into the criminal underworld continues even when he's behind bars. As the criminals in the book takes great pleasure from their horrific acts of violence, this is a dark, uncompromising look at the darker recesses of society. It doesn't feel cynical however, the brutality is never glorified and the reasons for a person's descent into depravity are sensitively explored. There are hints to the killer's identity throughout the book as the perspective occasionally switches to them but this isn't really a novel about the big reveal; it's really about the painstaking investigation to find them and as such it's a fascinating, gripping, even sometimes humorous read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. Lawrence James and Jesse Sandersen will return in the second book in the series, Dark Angel in Spring 2018, I'm very much looking forward to reading it.
Lawrence James is the police officer tasked with catching a serial killer termed, 'The Dingo.' Originally from Britain, he moved to Australia for a fresh start after being blamed for the failure of a high profile case. His move to Australia hasn't been entirely smooth sailing, he was shot on a raid to capture gang leader, Cyrus Bain. Bain is now awaiting trial but James cannot rest easy, a price is on his head and he is forced to live in a safe house with round the clock cover to protect him. His expertise means he's required however, and so he takes a trip to the Northern Territory where before long he's not only facing a race against time to discover who the vicious serial killer is, he's also facing threats on his own life in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
The Hunt For The Dingo introduces a large cast of characters; Lawrence James' fellow officers, criminal psychologist, Jesse Sandersen, cynical journalist, Adrian Marsh and Fiona Hawkins, news anchor for Oceania News all play a part in this intricate thriller. The narrative switches between the two storylines as the race to stop the serial killer takes the investigation to England, and Cyrus Bain's long reach into the criminal underworld continues even when he's behind bars. As the criminals in the book takes great pleasure from their horrific acts of violence, this is a dark, uncompromising look at the darker recesses of society. It doesn't feel cynical however, the brutality is never glorified and the reasons for a person's descent into depravity are sensitively explored. There are hints to the killer's identity throughout the book as the perspective occasionally switches to them but this isn't really a novel about the big reveal; it's really about the painstaking investigation to find them and as such it's a fascinating, gripping, even sometimes humorous read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. Lawrence James and Jesse Sandersen will return in the second book in the series, Dark Angel in Spring 2018, I'm very much looking forward to reading it.
March 9, 2018
An extremely addictive fast paced thriller, that I read in one sitting. It did take a couple of chapters as there are so many characters introduced, however this sets the plot and I was soon involved alongside James and Sandersen working out what was going on and by whom.
Cyrus Bain, great character name, with a dark side I wouldn't want to come across in the lightest of days.
The author had a great writing style, that was not only pacey, but I could imagine the settings that were described within the pages. This is a slightly different to the usual crime reads and I really enjoyed it for that reason.
Cyrus Bain, great character name, with a dark side I wouldn't want to come across in the lightest of days.
The author had a great writing style, that was not only pacey, but I could imagine the settings that were described within the pages. This is a slightly different to the usual crime reads and I really enjoyed it for that reason.
March 5, 2018
Once again I am indebted to Bloodhound Books for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I never cease to be amazed by the ability of this wonderful publishing company to unearth new talent, and they have done it again with P J Nash. This novel is set in Australia and the evocation of place is most impressive. Although the elements of the book are familiar--the hunt for a serial killer, child abuse, paedophilia, the Catholic Church etc.--they are presented in an original way in this exciting and fast-paced novel, and I await the follow-up eagerly.
March 15, 2018
Painful!
Reading this novel was just painful. I received the book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. This story is Part 1 of a multi-part novel written by P.J. Nash, and published originally by Raven Crest Books in 2014, then re-published by Bloodhound books in 2018. The re-publishing apparently did not improve an already-bad book with its not-very-credible plot, which is, to be frank, completely helter-skelter. New characters appear with uncommon regularity in this story and its chaotic plot. We learn previously unknown character names every couple of chapters. The scene moves rapidly between the Darwin area in Northern Australia, the Melbourne area in Southern Australia, and points between. Parts of the story also take place in the U.K. The story line in this novel is very difficult to follow. It meanders all over the place.
There are at least two, and perhaps three, different themes to the plot of this story. One is the hunt to catch a serial killer called “The Dingo,” while another is about a continent-wide organization of crooked cops called “The Brotherhood.” There is also a sub-plot about a master criminal named Cyrus Bain, who seems to behave inexplicably, then disappears from the story line. Perhaps this could have been a much better novel had the author stuck with a single point of view—from the protagonist, for example. At times, we have no idea who is telling the story. Actually, that’s not true. It appears that everybody is telling the story.
Lawrence James is a Brit who now lives and works as a police officer in Australia. He is trying to catch a serial killer nicknamed “The Dingo.” Unfortunately, he is a complete incompetent. He stumbles and bumbles around getting shot up, beat up, blown up, and otherwise seriously injured or captured by the bad guys. He is not the epitome of a good police detective in any country, at any time, ever! I could not identify with Lawrence James at all, and I don’t think you will, either.
We are told that James used to be “a detective sergeant in the Metropolitan Police in London” before he came to Australia, but we aren’t told his current rank. He could be a detective constable, or a detective sergeant, or even a detective inspector. We don’t know. Key parts of the back story are revealed piecemeal on a seemingly random basis. Nor does the author do a very good job of character development. It seems that James was a member of the Melbourne police force before being reassigned to the Northern Territory Police, but that’s not certain.
The book has numerous logical and factual inconsistencies. At one point, the author describes how James is told by Constable Dan Collins of the Northern Territory Police that “if you’re going to shoot me you’d better take the safety off first.” James has taken out his Glock 17 and is holding it up and pointing it at Collins. The only problem with that comment is that Glock handguns do not have safeties, and a little research would have told the author that. Author Nash also has an uninformed tendency to refer to magazines as clips, even though they are two entirely different parts of a weapon. By location #3083 in the Kindle edition of the book, the Glock 17 carried by James has miraculously morphed into a “Beretta 9mm,” but he also seems to carry a .38 revolver. On several occasions, the ground is referred to as the “floor.” In one place, we are told that there is a “squeal of tyres as the ABS kicked in, holding the four-wheel drive on the rain slicked road.” Never mind that the whole purpose of an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is to prevent the “tyres” from squealing. Then, too, rubber doesn’t squeal much on a rain-slicked surface, in my experience. Skid, yes. Squeal, no.
Considering that the book has been published twice, there are an unacceptable number of editing errors within. Two different publishing companies have had the opportunity to correct any bad editing, but neither has apparently done so. Spelling and grammar errors abound. To top it off, Dr. Jessie Sandersen of Melbourne University is once referred to as Ms Sandersen, and sometimes her name is spelled “Sanderson” with an “o.” The editing is just bad. This is not a book I can recommend to anybody. In fact, it is one of the worst pieces of fiction I have ever read. Feel free to skip this single-star work. Read something else, instead.
There are at least two, and perhaps three, different themes to the plot of this story. One is the hunt to catch a serial killer called “The Dingo,” while another is about a continent-wide organization of crooked cops called “The Brotherhood.” There is also a sub-plot about a master criminal named Cyrus Bain, who seems to behave inexplicably, then disappears from the story line. Perhaps this could have been a much better novel had the author stuck with a single point of view—from the protagonist, for example. At times, we have no idea who is telling the story. Actually, that’s not true. It appears that everybody is telling the story.
Lawrence James is a Brit who now lives and works as a police officer in Australia. He is trying to catch a serial killer nicknamed “The Dingo.” Unfortunately, he is a complete incompetent. He stumbles and bumbles around getting shot up, beat up, blown up, and otherwise seriously injured or captured by the bad guys. He is not the epitome of a good police detective in any country, at any time, ever! I could not identify with Lawrence James at all, and I don’t think you will, either.
We are told that James used to be “a detective sergeant in the Metropolitan Police in London” before he came to Australia, but we aren’t told his current rank. He could be a detective constable, or a detective sergeant, or even a detective inspector. We don’t know. Key parts of the back story are revealed piecemeal on a seemingly random basis. Nor does the author do a very good job of character development. It seems that James was a member of the Melbourne police force before being reassigned to the Northern Territory Police, but that’s not certain.
The book has numerous logical and factual inconsistencies. At one point, the author describes how James is told by Constable Dan Collins of the Northern Territory Police that “if you’re going to shoot me you’d better take the safety off first.” James has taken out his Glock 17 and is holding it up and pointing it at Collins. The only problem with that comment is that Glock handguns do not have safeties, and a little research would have told the author that. Author Nash also has an uninformed tendency to refer to magazines as clips, even though they are two entirely different parts of a weapon. By location #3083 in the Kindle edition of the book, the Glock 17 carried by James has miraculously morphed into a “Beretta 9mm,” but he also seems to carry a .38 revolver. On several occasions, the ground is referred to as the “floor.” In one place, we are told that there is a “squeal of tyres as the ABS kicked in, holding the four-wheel drive on the rain slicked road.” Never mind that the whole purpose of an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is to prevent the “tyres” from squealing. Then, too, rubber doesn’t squeal much on a rain-slicked surface, in my experience. Skid, yes. Squeal, no.
Considering that the book has been published twice, there are an unacceptable number of editing errors within. Two different publishing companies have had the opportunity to correct any bad editing, but neither has apparently done so. Spelling and grammar errors abound. To top it off, Dr. Jessie Sandersen of Melbourne University is once referred to as Ms Sandersen, and sometimes her name is spelled “Sanderson” with an “o.” The editing is just bad. This is not a book I can recommend to anybody. In fact, it is one of the worst pieces of fiction I have ever read. Feel free to skip this single-star work. Read something else, instead.
March 15, 2018
The first thing that attracted me to this book is that it is set in Australia, a Country I absolutely love.
The story follows a police officer, Lawrence James, and police psychologist, Jesse Sanderson, as they hunt for a serial killer dubbed The Dingo, all whilst James avoids being killed by a hitman sent by Cyrus Bain, a master criminal, who James is trying to put away for a long time.
The book is very fast paced, with short chapters meaning you can either read a couple of chapters at a time if you are short on time, or read the whole thing really quickly under the presumption that you are going to just read one more chapter and then another one. It was a very easy read for me as I love these kinds of books, especially with this one as it had the added suspense of the police officer being hunted by a third party at the same time.
Overall I thought it was a brilliant read with a lot of suspense as the killer has to be caught before he kills again.
The story follows a police officer, Lawrence James, and police psychologist, Jesse Sanderson, as they hunt for a serial killer dubbed The Dingo, all whilst James avoids being killed by a hitman sent by Cyrus Bain, a master criminal, who James is trying to put away for a long time.
The book is very fast paced, with short chapters meaning you can either read a couple of chapters at a time if you are short on time, or read the whole thing really quickly under the presumption that you are going to just read one more chapter and then another one. It was a very easy read for me as I love these kinds of books, especially with this one as it had the added suspense of the police officer being hunted by a third party at the same time.
Overall I thought it was a brilliant read with a lot of suspense as the killer has to be caught before he kills again.
March 9, 2018
Lawrence James is a Melbourne police office that has run up against crime boss Cyrus Bain. James is a witness that Bain is determined to make disappear. To keep James safe he is sent to the New Territory. He is put to work with criminal psychologist Jessie Sandersen to stop The Dingo killer. The Dingo killer targets English backpackers.
James and Sandersen are a great team and are playing cat and mouse with a man that went dormant fifteen years prior and is back. This was quite a ride with short chapters, multiple views, and a story that is hard to put down. James has his charm but I do wish there was more to Jessie. Hopefully in the next book she will have more to her character.
This is a great story and one I recommend mystery lovers check out. I think it was a great story and can’t wait for the second book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
James and Sandersen are a great team and are playing cat and mouse with a man that went dormant fifteen years prior and is back. This was quite a ride with short chapters, multiple views, and a story that is hard to put down. James has his charm but I do wish there was more to Jessie. Hopefully in the next book she will have more to her character.
This is a great story and one I recommend mystery lovers check out. I think it was a great story and can’t wait for the second book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
March 20, 2018
Lawrence James is a different breed...An unputdownable read...
Lawrence James is a top investigator..When the Australian police call in James to help them with their hunt for the Dingo .. a killer who is killing wealthy young female backpackers.. James is out there... but someone has put a price on his head..a villain Cyprus Bain and almost succeeds in doing the job..Also on the case is criminal psychologist Jesse Sanderson...James has crossed hairs with her before...not one for psychological mumbo jumbo James has mixed feelings about Ms.Sanderson..Add to the mix a journalist by the name of Marsh who like a dog with a bone won't let go...Then after another young woman goes missing they know that time is running out...Will they find the young woman? Who is the Dingo who has evaded capture after so long? As the story reaches its conclusion..and after many murders ...your heart will race faster as the past of the Dingo is revealed...and there will be blood..Raced through this fast paced thriller..From the United Kingdom to Australia the Dingo has left his mark....This is a story of a dark past..A mind twisted by murder...and a team that will go to the edge of darkness.....A classy ,slick read....Lawrence James is a different kind of hero...Five stars...Unputdownable for me.
Lawrence James is a top investigator..When the Australian police call in James to help them with their hunt for the Dingo .. a killer who is killing wealthy young female backpackers.. James is out there... but someone has put a price on his head..a villain Cyprus Bain and almost succeeds in doing the job..Also on the case is criminal psychologist Jesse Sanderson...James has crossed hairs with her before...not one for psychological mumbo jumbo James has mixed feelings about Ms.Sanderson..Add to the mix a journalist by the name of Marsh who like a dog with a bone won't let go...Then after another young woman goes missing they know that time is running out...Will they find the young woman? Who is the Dingo who has evaded capture after so long? As the story reaches its conclusion..and after many murders ...your heart will race faster as the past of the Dingo is revealed...and there will be blood..Raced through this fast paced thriller..From the United Kingdom to Australia the Dingo has left his mark....This is a story of a dark past..A mind twisted by murder...and a team that will go to the edge of darkness.....A classy ,slick read....Lawrence James is a different kind of hero...Five stars...Unputdownable for me.
March 9, 2018
The first thing that attracted me to this book is that it is set in Australia, a Country I absolutely love.
The story follows a police officer, Lawrence James, and police psychologist, Jesse Sanderson, as they hunt for a serial killer dubbed The Dingo, all whilst James avoids being killed by a hitman sent by Cyrus Bain, a master criminal, who James is trying to put away for a long time.
The book is very fast paced, with short chapters meaning you can either read a couple of chapters at a time if you are short on time, or read the whole thing really quickly under the presumption that you are going to just read one more chapter and then another one. It was a very easy read for me as I love these kinds of books, especially with this one as it had the added suspense of the police officer being hunted by a third party at the same time.
Overall I thought it was a brilliant read with a lot of suspense as the killer has to be caught before he kills again.
The story follows a police officer, Lawrence James, and police psychologist, Jesse Sanderson, as they hunt for a serial killer dubbed The Dingo, all whilst James avoids being killed by a hitman sent by Cyrus Bain, a master criminal, who James is trying to put away for a long time.
The book is very fast paced, with short chapters meaning you can either read a couple of chapters at a time if you are short on time, or read the whole thing really quickly under the presumption that you are going to just read one more chapter and then another one. It was a very easy read for me as I love these kinds of books, especially with this one as it had the added suspense of the police officer being hunted by a third party at the same time.
Overall I thought it was a brilliant read with a lot of suspense as the killer has to be caught before he kills again.
March 13, 2018
I have to say that I love books set in Australia especially in the outback as they often convey how isolated and wild it can be so I jumped at the chance to read this book. So what did I think... Well the short and to the point chapters really worked for me helping to keep the momentum going throughout. I found the story moved at a solid pace and easily kept my attention. The setting was perfect as we go from place to place following various characters. Although I have to admit this could be a slight negative for some people as it would go from one place to another in quick succession. However I thought it added an extra bit of tension to the story as more details are revealed and really helped to move the story along. I really enjoyed how the investigation progressed along with seeing James get into quite a few scrapes along the way. Add in a few twists and turns and it easily kept me invested in the story.
James is an interesting character and it was good to see James interacting with a variety of minor characters who all brought an interesting edge to the story especially Marsh. You also had the added threat hanging over James from Bain. I ended up finishing this book quite quickly, I just had to see if The Dingo would be caught.
The Hunt for The Dingo has lots of elements that all come together to make a very intriguing, tense and thrilling story!
Four stars from me!
With thanks to Sarah at Bloodhound Books for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
James is an interesting character and it was good to see James interacting with a variety of minor characters who all brought an interesting edge to the story especially Marsh. You also had the added threat hanging over James from Bain. I ended up finishing this book quite quickly, I just had to see if The Dingo would be caught.
The Hunt for The Dingo has lots of elements that all come together to make a very intriguing, tense and thrilling story!
Four stars from me!
With thanks to Sarah at Bloodhound Books for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
November 28, 2014
A fantastic crime thriller set in Australia. The author really managed to set the scene and has obviously spent time in Australia as you could almost imagine you were there along side police officer James an ex British officer.
I was initially slightly confused by the characters in the first few pages as there were a number introduced, however that quickly passed as I became engrossed within the story. The characters are all well developed and the authors writing style allows for the fast paced exciting story progression that is suited to a novel of the crime/thriller genre. Once I started this book I did not want to put it down, a real page-turner, which leaves you wanting more. I will be looking out for more books from this author.
I was initially slightly confused by the characters in the first few pages as there were a number introduced, however that quickly passed as I became engrossed within the story. The characters are all well developed and the authors writing style allows for the fast paced exciting story progression that is suited to a novel of the crime/thriller genre. Once I started this book I did not want to put it down, a real page-turner, which leaves you wanting more. I will be looking out for more books from this author.
August 11, 2018
Without a doubt this is one of the most badly written books I have ever read. I wonder how the author got another two published? The characters have no depth. The story is a string of cliches cobbled together. Although supposedly mostly set in Australia, I wonder if the author has done more than read a couple of Wikipedia articles. Melbourne = coffee, rain, tram bells... The Northern Territory, people speaking in strange combinations of supposedly Australian slang than sounds like something from a comedy sketch. The author must assume that repeated use of proprietary names lends verisimilitude to his writing - maybe so, if he had found out which Australian ones to use. Australian police were not using Blackberries when this book was written (and still are not). We use capsicum spray, not Captor spray. Some American words are used here, but not as many, and not as readily, as he has his characters use. I guessed WhoDunnit pretty early on, though I had formed a far more sophisticated and interesting solution than the one which was finally revealed. The bones of a reasonable crime story lie buried here beneath a pile of nonsense.
January 8, 2019
The Hunt For The Dingo is described as a fast paced serial killer thriller and it didn't let me down. This is a story about an ex British cop who is now like ing and working in Australia, Lawrence James. He's been caught up in a trial against a gangster whilst chasing a serial killer.
I honestly don't know what to make of this book. It was fast paced and recalling thrilling in places but there were two plots going on and honestly I don't think the trial against the gangster really added anything to the story.
I found the use of some words confusing at times because I'd never heard of them and even the dictionary on my kindle didn't know them. The number of characters confused the story and made it hard to follow at times. I also found it hard to believe how things were left between James and the gangster after all the hype/build up to the trial. Was a bit disappointing honestly.
I liked Sanderson as a character but after one night with James and she's in love, really?
An ok book but confused at times.
I honestly don't know what to make of this book. It was fast paced and recalling thrilling in places but there were two plots going on and honestly I don't think the trial against the gangster really added anything to the story.
I found the use of some words confusing at times because I'd never heard of them and even the dictionary on my kindle didn't know them. The number of characters confused the story and made it hard to follow at times. I also found it hard to believe how things were left between James and the gangster after all the hype/build up to the trial. Was a bit disappointing honestly.
I liked Sanderson as a character but after one night with James and she's in love, really?
An ok book but confused at times.
September 24, 2018
Overall I liked the book but there was so much going on and so much back and forth it took some of the enjoyment out of the whole reading experience. Some events took place with no real lead up, e.g. when the mans head exploded from the rifle shot just as he was about to kill James you believed that the only person with tracking skills good enough to follow the bad guy just had his leg broken by the bad guy when the woman who the bad guy had just evaded, well, I thought how did that happen? There were several other instances similar to that. Kind of like a fast moving TV episode, huge jumps. Would I read another book by this author, probably yes, if it was amazingly priced on Bookbub.
March 28, 2018
This book is a very intriguing and fast paced thriller. Set in the Australian Outback, Lawrence James is an investigator tasked with finding the killer of young female backpackers. Apart from this, he has a price on his head by Cyrus Bain, a criminal mastermind who had previously shot James. He is the one witness who can put Bain behind bars. Lots of twists in this book and it is well written. A really good serial killer thriller. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
June 4, 2019
Decent first effort
A little scattershot, but okay. I was able to care about a couple of the characters. There were a few angles that they tried to tie together. The writers obvious political and religious biases killed some of the anticipation of joy of discovery, as it telegraphed everything. I will read the next installment out of curiosity to see if it improves. Fast paced, not necessarily although that isn't bad, just a bit misleading.
A little scattershot, but okay. I was able to care about a couple of the characters. There were a few angles that they tried to tie together. The writers obvious political and religious biases killed some of the anticipation of joy of discovery, as it telegraphed everything. I will read the next installment out of curiosity to see if it improves. Fast paced, not necessarily although that isn't bad, just a bit misleading.
December 30, 2019
Recently finished reading this novel and found it hard going. The chapters are short but the location keeps chopping and changing and the same with the characters. Several times I had no idea which character was being writtern about. Never really got to any great suspense. Ties together at the end but felt let down at the end as the story did not reach the heights I was expecting. Love Australia novels but this one was disappointing.
May 25, 2021
Don't waste your time.
Two stories? I guess two main stories, but so many diversions, and jumping back and forth on those multiple stories, and multiple characters that it is impossible to keep up with whatever is going on.
Oh, then there is the "love" interest between the main characters, James and Sandersen, who hardly see each other. (?)
None of the living or dead characters captured my interest. I couldn't read until the end.
Two stories? I guess two main stories, but so many diversions, and jumping back and forth on those multiple stories, and multiple characters that it is impossible to keep up with whatever is going on.
Oh, then there is the "love" interest between the main characters, James and Sandersen, who hardly see each other. (?)
None of the living or dead characters captured my interest. I couldn't read until the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2018
Fast paced and well-writing, this is the kind of story you keep telling yourself: just one more chapter.
The setting is great, with its vastness and its sense of danger, and the characters are interesting, although I'd have like to know them a little bit better.
A suspenseful, twisty, well-plotted book, that any fan of the genre will enjoy.
The setting is great, with its vastness and its sense of danger, and the characters are interesting, although I'd have like to know them a little bit better.
A suspenseful, twisty, well-plotted book, that any fan of the genre will enjoy.
May 17, 2018
The Hunt For The Dingo, was a wild ride!!
This book, was hard to put down!! A lot of major characters, involved in trying to find the bad guys, from England to Australia!! Quite a few bad guys are trying to be found and prosecuted for their crimes. Especially, whoever is responsible for the capture and murders of young British women on Holiday in Australia. A MUST READ!!
This book, was hard to put down!! A lot of major characters, involved in trying to find the bad guys, from England to Australia!! Quite a few bad guys are trying to be found and prosecuted for their crimes. Especially, whoever is responsible for the capture and murders of young British women on Holiday in Australia. A MUST READ!!
October 4, 2020
Engrossing search for a murderer
There were two stories in this book: one, a racketeer and escape artist on trial, and the second: a serial killer of young women. Both made for exciting reading, especially the side story of the cop and psychiatrist performing the searches. I loved the various characters, including several journalists, who aided the investigations.
There were two stories in this book: one, a racketeer and escape artist on trial, and the second: a serial killer of young women. Both made for exciting reading, especially the side story of the cop and psychiatrist performing the searches. I loved the various characters, including several journalists, who aided the investigations.
April 20, 2021
A real humdinger
This book has everything apart from a good cover; I nearly passed it by. Spanning over years, the story unfolds of a predator with links in the UK and Australia. Brutal murders, abuse of orphaned children and corruption bring James and Sanderson back together to team up and identify the face of evil. Seven stars out of five.
This book has everything apart from a good cover; I nearly passed it by. Spanning over years, the story unfolds of a predator with links in the UK and Australia. Brutal murders, abuse of orphaned children and corruption bring James and Sanderson back together to team up and identify the face of evil. Seven stars out of five.
March 27, 2018
Good 😊 is works
“Well, we’ll never know, now that arsehole got rid of all the evidence. But you’re right: it feels like someone was spooked and had something big to hide,” said Collins. “Agreed,” said Toohey. “I reckon we’re going to take another look around the Patterson place.”
“Well, we’ll never know, now that arsehole got rid of all the evidence. But you’re right: it feels like someone was spooked and had something big to hide,” said Collins. “Agreed,” said Toohey. “I reckon we’re going to take another look around the Patterson place.”
May 27, 2018
Fast paced thrill ride
Loved this book, easy to warm to the characters and great pace that kept me wanting to turn the pages. Loved that it was set in Australia and I was able to relate to a lot of the places and references. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Loved this book, easy to warm to the characters and great pace that kept me wanting to turn the pages. Loved that it was set in Australia and I was able to relate to a lot of the places and references. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
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