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Redbelly Crossing
Win a free print copy of this book!
9 days and 00:17:29
5 copies available
U.S. only
A fractured family of police detectives must solve the murder of a young woman in a small Australian town, unearthing dark secrets thought long buried.
After a violent confrontation tore apart a family five years ago, brothers and fellow cops Russell and Evan haven’t spoken a word to each other. When they’re both assigned to the murder of a young journalist in the tiny town of Redbelly Crossing, their paths are forced to cross again.
This was supposed to be the week Russell could repair things with his teenage daughter, and instead he has to drag her on a murderous ride along to the middle of snake-infested nowhere.
For Evan, this case is exactly what he needed: a high-profile investigation that will give him the chance to rebuild his career after a terrible mistake that nearly ended it.
Then a dark discovery leaves Evan with only one way out: to bury the truth Russell is so determined to uncover.
After a violent confrontation tore apart a family five years ago, brothers and fellow cops Russell and Evan haven’t spoken a word to each other. When they’re both assigned to the murder of a young journalist in the tiny town of Redbelly Crossing, their paths are forced to cross again.
This was supposed to be the week Russell could repair things with his teenage daughter, and instead he has to drag her on a murderous ride along to the middle of snake-infested nowhere.
For Evan, this case is exactly what he needed: a high-profile investigation that will give him the chance to rebuild his career after a terrible mistake that nearly ended it.
Then a dark discovery leaves Evan with only one way out: to bury the truth Russell is so determined to uncover.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2026
About the author
Candice Fox
26 books2,188 followersCandice Fox is the middle child of a large, eccentric family from Sydney's western suburbs composed of half-, adopted and pseudo siblings. The daughter of a parole officer and an enthusiastic foster-carer, Candice spent her childhood listening around corners to tales of violence, madness and evil as her father relayed his work stories to her mother and older brothers.
As a cynical and trouble-making teenager, her crime and gothic fiction writing was an escape from the calamity of her home life. She was constantly in trouble for reading Anne Rice in church and scaring her friends with tales from Australia's wealth of true crime writers.
Bankstown born and bred, she failed to conform to military life in a brief stint as an officer in the Royal Australian Navy at age eighteen. At twenty, she turned her hand to academia, and taught high school through two undergraduate and two postgraduate degrees. Candice lectures in writing at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney, while undertaking a PhD in literary censorship and terrorism.
Hades is her first novel, and she is currently working on its sequel.
As a cynical and trouble-making teenager, her crime and gothic fiction writing was an escape from the calamity of her home life. She was constantly in trouble for reading Anne Rice in church and scaring her friends with tales from Australia's wealth of true crime writers.
Bankstown born and bred, she failed to conform to military life in a brief stint as an officer in the Royal Australian Navy at age eighteen. At twenty, she turned her hand to academia, and taught high school through two undergraduate and two postgraduate degrees. Candice lectures in writing at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney, while undertaking a PhD in literary censorship and terrorism.
Hades is her first novel, and she is currently working on its sequel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
April 3, 2026
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a massive fan of Candice Fox. Ever since Hades blew me away she has been one of my favourite Australian crime writers. Her books are always so dark and gritty, which storylines that are original and realistic. Redbelly Crossing is no different and I am going to say it might be her best book yet.
Set in a fictional town in rural NSW, about an hour north of Sydney, of Redbelly Crossing. Everyone knows everyone’s business, there is a pub and that is where this story begins. A young woman visiting the town is found murdered in her room above that pub. Who was she and why was she in town? Who could possibly want her dead? The local police are called in, as well as Sydney Detective Russell Powder, who grew up there and really does not want to go back. He is estranged from his father, a former police officer himself, and his brother Evan, who is part of the local team.
There is so much going on in this book, multiple strands to the story and the characters. It is a book that you want to devour but you also want to take your time with it and fully appreciate its brilliance. Once you pick it up it is impossible to stop thinking about.
When you have finished, please do not skip the authors notes at the end. It is a fascinating story of an unsolved crime from the 1970s that Candice has a family connection to, and is trying to help solve the case for the victims families. I was lucky enough to be invited to an event with Candice before publication in Sydney where she talked about her research and insight into this case and how she came to write Redbelly Crossing. Oh and she brought a snake along for the fun of it
Thank you to Candice and Penguin Books Australia for my advanced copy to read. A top read for 2026.
Set in a fictional town in rural NSW, about an hour north of Sydney, of Redbelly Crossing. Everyone knows everyone’s business, there is a pub and that is where this story begins. A young woman visiting the town is found murdered in her room above that pub. Who was she and why was she in town? Who could possibly want her dead? The local police are called in, as well as Sydney Detective Russell Powder, who grew up there and really does not want to go back. He is estranged from his father, a former police officer himself, and his brother Evan, who is part of the local team.
There is so much going on in this book, multiple strands to the story and the characters. It is a book that you want to devour but you also want to take your time with it and fully appreciate its brilliance. Once you pick it up it is impossible to stop thinking about.
When you have finished, please do not skip the authors notes at the end. It is a fascinating story of an unsolved crime from the 1970s that Candice has a family connection to, and is trying to help solve the case for the victims families. I was lucky enough to be invited to an event with Candice before publication in Sydney where she talked about her research and insight into this case and how she came to write Redbelly Crossing. Oh and she brought a snake along for the fun of it
Thank you to Candice and Penguin Books Australia for my advanced copy to read. A top read for 2026.
May 5, 2026
Russell Powder is bonding with his teenage daughter Bridie, and she is along for the ride as he visits the small town of Redbelly Crossing. A young journalist has been murdered and found by the pub manager, but the town is small so there are no police detectives. Because the journalist was from Sydney, there is also a detective from the big city involved, none other than Russell's estranged brother Evan. And needless to say, they do not like working together. The slain journalist was looking into some cold cases of women killed at home that were never solved, and now they are opening back up the old cases to see if they are related to the murder investigation.
Set in Australia, this seems like a typical small town with the politics and corruption and closeness it entails. I loved how Evan and Russell had different experiences of growing up with their cop father, and this was toxic masculinity that drove them apart. Russell was closeted and lying to himself about his sexuality and now has accepted that he is gay and his father wants nothing to do with him. But both of them were really raised to be cops, and they are both really strong detectives.
This is a typical police procedural, but the plot element of having two detective POV makes it really fast paced and fun to read. I also really appreciated the family drama and relationship elements with the brothers, but also their teenage children. We do not know or feel connected to the victims, but instead we are engrossed in the procedure of solving the mysteries despite few clues. I did guess some of the reveals, but I still enjoyed reading through the plot and admired the prose.
Recommend for fans of Tana French
3.5/5 stars
Set in Australia, this seems like a typical small town with the politics and corruption and closeness it entails. I loved how Evan and Russell had different experiences of growing up with their cop father, and this was toxic masculinity that drove them apart. Russell was closeted and lying to himself about his sexuality and now has accepted that he is gay and his father wants nothing to do with him. But both of them were really raised to be cops, and they are both really strong detectives.
This is a typical police procedural, but the plot element of having two detective POV makes it really fast paced and fun to read. I also really appreciated the family drama and relationship elements with the brothers, but also their teenage children. We do not know or feel connected to the victims, but instead we are engrossed in the procedure of solving the mysteries despite few clues. I did guess some of the reveals, but I still enjoyed reading through the plot and admired the prose.
Recommend for fans of Tana French
3.5/5 stars
April 7, 2026
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Redbelly Crossing
I loved that this latest offering from Candice Fox, it’s set in Australia (yay!) and it’s brilliantly addictive, a must read!
A young woman’s body is discovered at the Redbelly Inn, a place out in the sticks, a small rural community.
Russell and Evan Powder are both assigned to the murder case, therefore forced to work together. Sparks fly as the two brothers are reunited after being estranged for some years after a family dispute. Russell’s had to drag his daughter Bridie along and I loved their interactions and her wildlife rescues.
There is plenty of mystery and the male characters in the story are so complex and damaged yet fascinating. The fiery family dynamics are very prominent in this story and the Powder brothers past and upbringing is terrifying.
Redbelly Crossing is loaded with secrets, suspense and action and is a super engaging read.
📝Note: I hope this book helps to catch a real life killer. At the back of the book is the Authors Note, please read it and maybe someone somewhere will remember something.
Publication date 31 March 2026
Publisher Imprint Penguin
Thank you so much Penguin Books Australia for a copy of the book to read.
Redbelly Crossing
I loved that this latest offering from Candice Fox, it’s set in Australia (yay!) and it’s brilliantly addictive, a must read!
A young woman’s body is discovered at the Redbelly Inn, a place out in the sticks, a small rural community.
Russell and Evan Powder are both assigned to the murder case, therefore forced to work together. Sparks fly as the two brothers are reunited after being estranged for some years after a family dispute. Russell’s had to drag his daughter Bridie along and I loved their interactions and her wildlife rescues.
There is plenty of mystery and the male characters in the story are so complex and damaged yet fascinating. The fiery family dynamics are very prominent in this story and the Powder brothers past and upbringing is terrifying.
Redbelly Crossing is loaded with secrets, suspense and action and is a super engaging read.
📝Note: I hope this book helps to catch a real life killer. At the back of the book is the Authors Note, please read it and maybe someone somewhere will remember something.
Publication date 31 March 2026
Publisher Imprint Penguin
Thank you so much Penguin Books Australia for a copy of the book to read.
April 2, 2026
This author is one amazing lady. A wife, a mother, a rescuer of animals in danger or need of help. She also sews and knits, does woodwork and paints beautiful artwork. Now after reading her notes at the end of this book she is also trying to help two husbands who lost wives to murderer in the ‘70s.
Redbelly Crossing is a little town in Australia where the body of a young girl has been found, stabbed to death. For different reasons 2 brothers, in law enforcement are sent to help with investigation. Evan and Russell haven’t seen eye to eye in years. The product of a nasty man, a cop himself, and a downtrodden now deceased wife, the two brothers find themselves at odds right from the start. Evan is trying to atone for an event from the previous year that tarnished his reputation and Russell is there under protest but is a cantankerous gruff person at the,best of times. Both have teenagers, Russell has Birdie, with his ex wife and Evan has Chris with his wife. As the investigation progresses Evan sees a photo of a young man, that has to be Chris, there in the pub where the dead girl was found in her room upstairs. As he sets out to cover up any part Chris might have played in the murder, a confession changes his whole world and sets on course a series of events that have no good outcome.
Another outstanding read from one of my favourite authors.
#Red eye Crossing #NetGalley
Redbelly Crossing is a little town in Australia where the body of a young girl has been found, stabbed to death. For different reasons 2 brothers, in law enforcement are sent to help with investigation. Evan and Russell haven’t seen eye to eye in years. The product of a nasty man, a cop himself, and a downtrodden now deceased wife, the two brothers find themselves at odds right from the start. Evan is trying to atone for an event from the previous year that tarnished his reputation and Russell is there under protest but is a cantankerous gruff person at the,best of times. Both have teenagers, Russell has Birdie, with his ex wife and Evan has Chris with his wife. As the investigation progresses Evan sees a photo of a young man, that has to be Chris, there in the pub where the dead girl was found in her room upstairs. As he sets out to cover up any part Chris might have played in the murder, a confession changes his whole world and sets on course a series of events that have no good outcome.
Another outstanding read from one of my favourite authors.
#Red eye Crossing #NetGalley
April 28, 2026
Set in Australia with two very complex characters, Russell and Evan who are estranged brothers. Their past is full of trauma that I would never wish on anyone. Absolutely brutal.
A murder mystery that both brothers have been assigned to investigate and over the course of the investigation we quickly realize it's a very complex story. I loved the way the author weaved in the mystery along with the baggage that both brothers were dealing with including personal and family life. The twists and turns were shocking and it really drew me in. There’s also some soft and tender moments, with Russell and his daughter who loves to rescue wildlife. Some moments are hilarious as well.
This was such an addicting listen. The narrator Heath Miller did a good job portraying the characters. I did have to listen very closely for the character changes between Russell and Evan. I didn’t feel like there was a lot of distinguishing tones and inflections between the two especially when their POV changed. But I still enjoyed the listen.
I would recommend that everyone listen to the author’s note in the end. Made me love the author even more.
This is perfect for readers who are looking for books set in Australia, complex and layered characters, childhood trauma, murder mystery, and police procedural.
A very special thanks to TLC Book Tours for the gifted audiobook.
A murder mystery that both brothers have been assigned to investigate and over the course of the investigation we quickly realize it's a very complex story. I loved the way the author weaved in the mystery along with the baggage that both brothers were dealing with including personal and family life. The twists and turns were shocking and it really drew me in. There’s also some soft and tender moments, with Russell and his daughter who loves to rescue wildlife. Some moments are hilarious as well.
This was such an addicting listen. The narrator Heath Miller did a good job portraying the characters. I did have to listen very closely for the character changes between Russell and Evan. I didn’t feel like there was a lot of distinguishing tones and inflections between the two especially when their POV changed. But I still enjoyed the listen.
I would recommend that everyone listen to the author’s note in the end. Made me love the author even more.
This is perfect for readers who are looking for books set in Australia, complex and layered characters, childhood trauma, murder mystery, and police procedural.
A very special thanks to TLC Book Tours for the gifted audiobook.
April 18, 2026
This is the first book of Candice Fox that I’ve read, and wow it was good.
Written by an Australian female author-a grippy thriller set in Australia, with so much family trauma in it.
I will definitely be adding more of Fox’s books on my TBR list.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Written by an Australian female author-a grippy thriller set in Australia, with so much family trauma in it.
I will definitely be adding more of Fox’s books on my TBR list.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 26, 2026
When a young girl is found murdered in a small town pub the investigation brings together police detectives and brothers, Russell and Evan Powder, whose relationship is broken to say the least.
This is such a layered story with the current investigation and the background of the Powder brothers and their upbringing being expertly woven together.
As the possible links between the two cases came to light you could feel the anguish of those involved. I questioned some decisions made but I could tell they were all justified in the mind of that character.
It's not very often that a crime read makes me emotional, but there is so much trauma in this story and the ending had me shed a tear.
Set in the rural outskirts of Sydney and with references to suburban towns that I know made the story feel real and authentic. I could very easily visualise what I was reading.
As with all books the author's notes are integral to the story and more so with this story as Candice asks people to delve into their memories regarding two unsolved murders from the early 70's in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
This is such a layered story with the current investigation and the background of the Powder brothers and their upbringing being expertly woven together.
As the possible links between the two cases came to light you could feel the anguish of those involved. I questioned some decisions made but I could tell they were all justified in the mind of that character.
It's not very often that a crime read makes me emotional, but there is so much trauma in this story and the ending had me shed a tear.
Set in the rural outskirts of Sydney and with references to suburban towns that I know made the story feel real and authentic. I could very easily visualise what I was reading.
As with all books the author's notes are integral to the story and more so with this story as Candice asks people to delve into their memories regarding two unsolved murders from the early 70's in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
April 28, 2026
tell me why the authors note was better than the book itself 🙈. okay that might be a exaggeration but the note at the end was quite moving. this book was pretty middle of the road. i was really yearning for an aussie book and while this didn’t exactly scratch that itch, it still made a nice attempt.
this was easy to read and quite dramatic. a good beach read or winter getaway read.
and taken from said authors note:
‘And if their killer or killers are still out there: I hope you’ve lived in unrelenting dread and terror all these years, waiting for justice to arrive at your front door. I hope, someday soon, you’ll hear it knocking.’
this was easy to read and quite dramatic. a good beach read or winter getaway read.
and taken from said authors note:
‘And if their killer or killers are still out there: I hope you’ve lived in unrelenting dread and terror all these years, waiting for justice to arrive at your front door. I hope, someday soon, you’ll hear it knocking.’
April 20, 2026
I absolutely devoured this book in a couple of days. The writing pulled me in immediately and what really stood out was how layered the characters were. They weren’t one dimensional at all. Each of them had their own story and it was done so well.
But honestly the thing that hit hardest was the author’s note. This book brings light to the real unsolved cases of Lynette and Maria, and if you know anything, please go to the police.
Please read the author’s note once you’ve finished. It puts everything into perspective and makes the story hit even harder.
A must read. 🖤
But honestly the thing that hit hardest was the author’s note. This book brings light to the real unsolved cases of Lynette and Maria, and if you know anything, please go to the police.
Please read the author’s note once you’ve finished. It puts everything into perspective and makes the story hit even harder.
A must read. 🖤
May 3, 2026
I read this book within 24 hours. It was gripping and heartbreaking all at the same time. The book itself was fantastic, the afterward shattered my heart.
This is the first Candice Fox book I’ve read and you can guarantee it will not be the last.
This is the first Candice Fox book I’ve read and you can guarantee it will not be the last.
May 7, 2026
petition to stop using the word “junkie” in the year 2026
May 12, 2026
There were parts I really liked, where I thought the book would get really good, but then parts were a hot mess and didn’t really fit in with the rest of the book. I was disappointed by how things ended
May 3, 2026
Another fabulous read from Candice Fox… if I could give it more than five stars I would!! The character development was so so good and by the end I just couldn’t put it down!!
May 9, 2026
A murder in small town Australia and a dysfunctional family of police: the retired abusive father, the detective son with a secret, and the youngest son who has bungled his career and family. I want to read more by this author for sure!
April 14, 2026
Fantastic Read!!
Gripping from the Get Go!!!
Gripping from the Get Go!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sometimes I finish a book and I think, wow! Then I read the author’s note at the end, and I’m floored again. This was my experience with Redbelly Crossing.
Let me explain.
Redbelly Crossing begins with the murder of a young journalist at a remote pub. A local cop (Evan) elbows his way onto the case, seeing it as an opportunity to restore his tarnished reputation after a past mistake nearly cost him his career. Meanwhile, another detective (Russell) is sent to the isolated town to head up the investigation. Evan and Russell are estranged brothers, driven apart by a family altercation years earlier involving their lunatic father (‘lunatic’ being an understatement). Lunatic Dad is a former cop who, despite being off the force, uses one of his sons to manipulate the case for his own reasons. Things get messy, and by messy, I mean it’s a raging dumpster fire. Old murder cases come back into the spotlight, and as the evidence piles up, one of the men makes a decision he can never come back from.
It’s no secret I’m a Candice Fox fan. I’ve been to her talks, I’ve done her writing course and, while I may not have read all her books, I own a lot of them. I’m constantly impressed with the wild plots she manufactures and how sticky her stories are once a reader makes contact with the first page. I was glued the whole way through. But this book is not like any of her other books, at least not any I’ve read, because there’s the story she’s written, and then there’s the story behind that story.
The story she’s written is anxiety-inducing tension at its best, laced with her signature witty undertone throughout. I was intrigued by both the police procedural content and the depth of the characters. I particularly enjoyed the interplay between Russell and his daughter; in fact, between Russell and everyone, with his whip-smart dialogue making me chuckle during this otherwise disturbing read.
Then there’s the story behind this story. As the author explains in her note at the end, the seed for this story (which is fiction) germinated from an unsolved true crime. A crime that once Fox learned about it, she couldn’t shake from her mind. And so, with this book as her vehicle, Fox hopes to drive new attention to the cold case in a bid to have it solved for the families involved. If that’s the only reason you read this book, it will be a great one. The bonus is that it’s also an engaging and fast-paced read.
Let me explain.
Redbelly Crossing begins with the murder of a young journalist at a remote pub. A local cop (Evan) elbows his way onto the case, seeing it as an opportunity to restore his tarnished reputation after a past mistake nearly cost him his career. Meanwhile, another detective (Russell) is sent to the isolated town to head up the investigation. Evan and Russell are estranged brothers, driven apart by a family altercation years earlier involving their lunatic father (‘lunatic’ being an understatement). Lunatic Dad is a former cop who, despite being off the force, uses one of his sons to manipulate the case for his own reasons. Things get messy, and by messy, I mean it’s a raging dumpster fire. Old murder cases come back into the spotlight, and as the evidence piles up, one of the men makes a decision he can never come back from.
It’s no secret I’m a Candice Fox fan. I’ve been to her talks, I’ve done her writing course and, while I may not have read all her books, I own a lot of them. I’m constantly impressed with the wild plots she manufactures and how sticky her stories are once a reader makes contact with the first page. I was glued the whole way through. But this book is not like any of her other books, at least not any I’ve read, because there’s the story she’s written, and then there’s the story behind that story.
The story she’s written is anxiety-inducing tension at its best, laced with her signature witty undertone throughout. I was intrigued by both the police procedural content and the depth of the characters. I particularly enjoyed the interplay between Russell and his daughter; in fact, between Russell and everyone, with his whip-smart dialogue making me chuckle during this otherwise disturbing read.
Then there’s the story behind this story. As the author explains in her note at the end, the seed for this story (which is fiction) germinated from an unsolved true crime. A crime that once Fox learned about it, she couldn’t shake from her mind. And so, with this book as her vehicle, Fox hopes to drive new attention to the cold case in a bid to have it solved for the families involved. If that’s the only reason you read this book, it will be a great one. The bonus is that it’s also an engaging and fast-paced read.
April 8, 2026
Her best yet!!
The queen of Aussie crime fiction Candice Fox has outdone herself. An intense cat and mouse game with some amazing twists and a jaw dropping ending I never saw coming. The afterword sent chills through me. Candice Fox should be on every crime lovers TBR. This would make an amazing short series for Netflix.
The queen of Aussie crime fiction Candice Fox has outdone herself. An intense cat and mouse game with some amazing twists and a jaw dropping ending I never saw coming. The afterword sent chills through me. Candice Fox should be on every crime lovers TBR. This would make an amazing short series for Netflix.
April 28, 2026
So disappointed in this as I usually like Candice Fox, but this was awful. The lead detective was just a horrible person who treated everyone on his team like shit. So unprofessional that it seemed fake and contrived. His brother, also a police detective, was just as unlikeable. And his behaviour seemed to be implausible. I really hate it when characters lack enough motivation for their actions and behaviour. I also really need to have at least one character I can bond with. To add insult to injury, the mystery was boring.
February 24, 2026
Candice Fox never fails to deliver a compelling mystery/thriller/procedural - oftentimes with some downright bananas plot points. She doesn’t shy away from the corruption in law enforcement, the depravity of killers, the uniquely Australian bushland (when appropriate, since some of her books don’t even take place in Australia at all).
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up liking Russel. Fox does a fantastic job of making us understand him, seeing him through his interactions with others, his “Prick Switch”, the way he sees his daughter and how he feels being seen by her, his anguish at the pain he caused his wife, the hatred he has for his father and how he takes it out on his brother, the lingering trauma of his coming out and what being gay means in his profession/with his upbringing. He was such a multifaceted character.
Evan on the other hand honestly felt like he didn’t belong in the same book. Most of his decisions don’t feel grounded in reality, and so it was much harder to buy into how he acted over the course of the book. I thought we got pretty close when he was talking to his son, but then it all kind of slipped away.
{Thank you Crooked Lane Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review; all thoughts are my own}
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up liking Russel. Fox does a fantastic job of making us understand him, seeing him through his interactions with others, his “Prick Switch”, the way he sees his daughter and how he feels being seen by her, his anguish at the pain he caused his wife, the hatred he has for his father and how he takes it out on his brother, the lingering trauma of his coming out and what being gay means in his profession/with his upbringing. He was such a multifaceted character.
Evan on the other hand honestly felt like he didn’t belong in the same book. Most of his decisions don’t feel grounded in reality, and so it was much harder to buy into how he acted over the course of the book. I thought we got pretty close when he was talking to his son, but then it all kind of slipped away.
{Thank you Crooked Lane Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review; all thoughts are my own}
January 28, 2026
5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibe check: Super Suspense, Crooked Cops
full review ⬇️
I’m calling it early, Redbelly Crossing is one of my top reads of the year (yes we’re still in January I know 🤭) and Candice Fox has officially landed herself a permanent spot on my must buy author list.
This is EXACTLY how Australian crime should be done. Sharp characters, small town tension, a believable murder mystery and suspense galore. Every chapter left me hooked, suspicious of everyone and desperate to keep going.
The story was brilliantly told through short, sharp chapters and dual points of view. If a chapter wasn’t ending on a cliffhanger, it was going off with an absolute bang. No boring bits to be seen!
The characters were perfect. Some I loved, some I absolutely loved to hate and all of them played their part perfectly (I am crossing my fingers in the hope of a sequel featuring Russell and hopefully with his daughter joining the crime fighting chaos too)!
Spoiler alert ‼️ I also really enjoyed finding out who the killer was partway through the story rather than at the very end. It was a great twist and instead of deflating the suspense, it cranked it up even higher and made the rest of the story even more intense.
Gritty, addictive and wildly entertaining, this is one of the strongest crime dramas I’ve read in a long while. Also that final note - I have all my fingers crossed Candice solves a real crime out of this!!
Huge thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the sneak peek. Add this to your TBR immediately when it drops in April.
Vibe check: Super Suspense, Crooked Cops
full review ⬇️
I’m calling it early, Redbelly Crossing is one of my top reads of the year (yes we’re still in January I know 🤭) and Candice Fox has officially landed herself a permanent spot on my must buy author list.
This is EXACTLY how Australian crime should be done. Sharp characters, small town tension, a believable murder mystery and suspense galore. Every chapter left me hooked, suspicious of everyone and desperate to keep going.
The story was brilliantly told through short, sharp chapters and dual points of view. If a chapter wasn’t ending on a cliffhanger, it was going off with an absolute bang. No boring bits to be seen!
The characters were perfect. Some I loved, some I absolutely loved to hate and all of them played their part perfectly (I am crossing my fingers in the hope of a sequel featuring Russell and hopefully with his daughter joining the crime fighting chaos too)!
Spoiler alert ‼️ I also really enjoyed finding out who the killer was partway through the story rather than at the very end. It was a great twist and instead of deflating the suspense, it cranked it up even higher and made the rest of the story even more intense.
Gritty, addictive and wildly entertaining, this is one of the strongest crime dramas I’ve read in a long while. Also that final note - I have all my fingers crossed Candice solves a real crime out of this!!
Huge thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the sneak peek. Add this to your TBR immediately when it drops in April.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm a big fan of Candice Fox’s body of work and ‘Redbelly Crossing’ is no exception. It's a gloriously thrilling page turner. I had absolutely no clue as to the real premise for this book until I reached the Author's Note at the end, at which point I loved and appreciated Candice Fox even more. I truly hope that the book helps catch a real killer. In the meantime, I would love to hear more from some of the characters in ‘Redbelly Crossing’. A series would be fabulous! If you enjoy Chris Whitaker's work, I think you'll love this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Finished reading: February 28th 2026
DNF at 52% (183 pages)
"My brother, Russell, was there. The sight of him made me freeze. The moment seemed to collaps in on itself. It was like realising I was inside a dream but not being able to wake up from it. Nothing made sense. Russell seemed somehow larger and more menacing than the last time I had seen him, five years ago."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
WARNING: it's time for another unscheduled stop of the unpopular opinion train!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Candice Fox’s Redbelly Crossing (April 28, 2026), marks a return to her gritty, "Aussie noir" roots. This gripping standalone police procedural is as much about a dysfunctional family as it is about a murder. Inspired by chilling true events of real-life murders of two women in Sydney in the early 70s.
Highlights...
~The Vibe: Gritty, visceral, and "Aussie Noir."
~Mood: Suffocating, muscular, moral complexity, snake-infested.
~Themes: Generational trauma, toxic masculinity, and brothers on opposite sides of the law.
~The Hook: The Powder brothers are stuck in the outback; one is trying to solve a murder, while the other is trying to bury the evidence to save himself.
Blood and Dust: A Duel of Brothers in Redbelly Crossing
"Blood is thicker than water— but too much leaves a trail. In this visceral Aussie noir, estranged cop brothers Russell and Evan Powder are forced to reunite in the snake-infested town of Redbelly Crossing. As one brother hunts for a killer and the other works to bury the evidence, Candice Fox delivers a muscular, suffocating masterpiece of generational trauma and outback suspense."
My thoughts...
"Candice Fox returns to the high-stakes, gritty storytelling of her roots with Redbelly Crossing, a novel that has been called, 'Australian noir at its most suffocating.' When a young journalist is found murdered in a tiny outback pub, Sydney Detective Russell Powder and his disgraced brother Evan find themselves working the same case—but with violently different agendas.
Told through alternating perspectives, the story is a morally alert study of a disastrously dysfunctional family. While Russell relentlessly pursues the truth, Evan discovers a secret that leaves him with only one way out: burying the very facts his brother is uncovering. With brittle dialogue and an eerie, 'venomous' atmosphere, Fox creates a complex world where the suspects aren't the only ones with something to hide.
An intricately plotted unputdownable journey into the hearts of two damaged men, proving that in Redbelly Crossing, the past is never truly buried.
As a massive devoted fan of Candice Fox for many years, I can confidently say that REDBELLY CROSSING stands as one of her finest works. The story unfolds in a small, isolated outback town, where the atmosphere is thick with tension and despair.
The setting is not just a backdrop but an integral character in itself—snake-infested and oppressive, it amplifies the novel's haunting "noir" essence. Fox has a unique talent for weaving dark and gritty police procedurals, and her ability to captivate readers is unparalleled. The narrative pulls you in and holds you spellbound, leaving you breathless with each twist and turn.
In the Author's Note, Candice Fox details her personal connection to two real-life, unsolved 1970s cold cases in Sydney, Australia, which inspired the novel. Redbelly Crossing reimagines key aspects of these murders in an attempt to spark new information that could help bring the killer to justice.
Morally complex, unlike a standard whodunit, the focus is on the moral corruption of its protagonists. Visceral and explosive from the "bloody opening line" to the "venomous" environment, Fox explores the "toxic" and "fractured" dynamics of the Powder family and generational violence.
The Verdict: 5/5 Stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
"REDBELLY CROSSING" emerges as a gripping and robust police procedural, distinguished by its rich character development and an evocative "Aussie noir" ambiance. The novel reflects the pinnacle of Fox's storytelling prowess, weaving a tapestry of intense emotional experiences that resonate deeply with readers. It stands as one of her finest works to date, further enriching her impressive catalog of compelling narratives.
Takeaway Message:
Responsibility is as much moral as it is legal. The story serves as a meditation on the long shadow of generational violence, proving that justice is often messy and that inherited trauma can drive even brothers to violently different ends.
Candice Fox is an acclaimed Australian crime author known for fast-paced thrillers, standalone novels, and her upcoming Redbelly Crossing (2026), alongside high-octane collaborations. Her standalone works often feature intense outback scenarios or gripping, high-stakes plots.
Recs...
Based on Redbelly Crossing, being an outback Australian police procedural thriller, similar earlier Candice Fox books include her high-tension, rural-set crime thrillers and the Crimson Lake series, which features similar small-town secrets, dark atmospheric settings, and complex characters dealing with, or involved in, serious crimes. I highly recommend the author, this novel, and her entire backlist.
~Crimson Lake Series
~The Archer & Bennett Series
~Standalone Australian Thrillers
~High Wire (2024)
~Collaborative Works (with James Patterson)
If you like the fast-paced detective work and rural settings, her Harriet Blue series starts with Never Never (2016), which is also set in the vast Australian outback.
I also recommend
~Devil's Kitchen (2024)
~Fire with Fire (2023)
~The Chase (2021)
Special thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: April 28, 2026
April Newsletter
Highlights...
~The Vibe: Gritty, visceral, and "Aussie Noir."
~Mood: Suffocating, muscular, moral complexity, snake-infested.
~Themes: Generational trauma, toxic masculinity, and brothers on opposite sides of the law.
~The Hook: The Powder brothers are stuck in the outback; one is trying to solve a murder, while the other is trying to bury the evidence to save himself.
Blood and Dust: A Duel of Brothers in Redbelly Crossing
"Blood is thicker than water— but too much leaves a trail. In this visceral Aussie noir, estranged cop brothers Russell and Evan Powder are forced to reunite in the snake-infested town of Redbelly Crossing. As one brother hunts for a killer and the other works to bury the evidence, Candice Fox delivers a muscular, suffocating masterpiece of generational trauma and outback suspense."
My thoughts...
"Candice Fox returns to the high-stakes, gritty storytelling of her roots with Redbelly Crossing, a novel that has been called, 'Australian noir at its most suffocating.' When a young journalist is found murdered in a tiny outback pub, Sydney Detective Russell Powder and his disgraced brother Evan find themselves working the same case—but with violently different agendas.
Told through alternating perspectives, the story is a morally alert study of a disastrously dysfunctional family. While Russell relentlessly pursues the truth, Evan discovers a secret that leaves him with only one way out: burying the very facts his brother is uncovering. With brittle dialogue and an eerie, 'venomous' atmosphere, Fox creates a complex world where the suspects aren't the only ones with something to hide.
An intricately plotted unputdownable journey into the hearts of two damaged men, proving that in Redbelly Crossing, the past is never truly buried.
As a massive devoted fan of Candice Fox for many years, I can confidently say that REDBELLY CROSSING stands as one of her finest works. The story unfolds in a small, isolated outback town, where the atmosphere is thick with tension and despair.
The setting is not just a backdrop but an integral character in itself—snake-infested and oppressive, it amplifies the novel's haunting "noir" essence. Fox has a unique talent for weaving dark and gritty police procedurals, and her ability to captivate readers is unparalleled. The narrative pulls you in and holds you spellbound, leaving you breathless with each twist and turn.
In the Author's Note, Candice Fox details her personal connection to two real-life, unsolved 1970s cold cases in Sydney, Australia, which inspired the novel. Redbelly Crossing reimagines key aspects of these murders in an attempt to spark new information that could help bring the killer to justice.
Morally complex, unlike a standard whodunit, the focus is on the moral corruption of its protagonists. Visceral and explosive from the "bloody opening line" to the "venomous" environment, Fox explores the "toxic" and "fractured" dynamics of the Powder family and generational violence.
The Verdict: 5/5 Stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
"REDBELLY CROSSING" emerges as a gripping and robust police procedural, distinguished by its rich character development and an evocative "Aussie noir" ambiance. The novel reflects the pinnacle of Fox's storytelling prowess, weaving a tapestry of intense emotional experiences that resonate deeply with readers. It stands as one of her finest works to date, further enriching her impressive catalog of compelling narratives.
Takeaway Message:
Responsibility is as much moral as it is legal. The story serves as a meditation on the long shadow of generational violence, proving that justice is often messy and that inherited trauma can drive even brothers to violently different ends.
Candice Fox is an acclaimed Australian crime author known for fast-paced thrillers, standalone novels, and her upcoming Redbelly Crossing (2026), alongside high-octane collaborations. Her standalone works often feature intense outback scenarios or gripping, high-stakes plots.
Recs...
Based on Redbelly Crossing, being an outback Australian police procedural thriller, similar earlier Candice Fox books include her high-tension, rural-set crime thrillers and the Crimson Lake series, which features similar small-town secrets, dark atmospheric settings, and complex characters dealing with, or involved in, serious crimes. I highly recommend the author, this novel, and her entire backlist.
~Crimson Lake Series
~The Archer & Bennett Series
~Standalone Australian Thrillers
~High Wire (2024)
~Collaborative Works (with James Patterson)
If you like the fast-paced detective work and rural settings, her Harriet Blue series starts with Never Never (2016), which is also set in the vast Australian outback.
I also recommend
~Devil's Kitchen (2024)
~Fire with Fire (2023)
~The Chase (2021)
Special thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: April 28, 2026
April Newsletter
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4 1/2 Stars
Australian author Candice Fox is one of the finest creators of crime thrillers working today and her latest effort, REDBELLY CROSSING, provides a story with a setting that is very familiar to her and features a brutal murder case being handled by two dueling brothers who happen to be Police Detectives from different units that have a fractured past with each other.
Readers might now Fox best from her numerous team-ups with the great James Patterson. One thing she has taken away from her time writing with him is the power of the short chapter that builds momentum and pacing while keeping the pages turning at a furious speed. When a man named Rob, owner of a local motel in Redbelly Crossing that was atop a frequented dive bar, spies blood on the door handle to a room he is shocked when he learns that inside is the ravaged body of a deceased young woman named Chloe Lutz.
Two separate detectives are called to the case, unbeknownst of each other’s initial involvement. Evan is the first on the case and he could really use a big win with a high-profile case that might put him back in good graces with his superiours. Travelling from out of town to also take on this case, and take over as the superiour officer on duty, was Russell who also needed to save face with his Captain after he was accused of beating a witness on a case he had been working on. The only problem is that Evan and Russell are brothers who have not spoken in five years since a violent family confrontation that tore them and their family apart.
Russell has additional personal baggage that he brings with him on this case. First off, he is accompanied by his daughter Birdie who he was supposed to be spending time with when the case arose. Secondly, he was a proud homosexual who often butted heads with those in the profession that did not look kindly upon this. It also had caused a permanent rift with his father, who was still close to Evan and living in the same town as he was near Redbelly Crossing where the murder took place.
Their father shows interest in the Chloe Lutz case with Evan, almost uncomfortably so, which causes an additional set of worries regarding the case. Russell and a local policeman name Dodge from Evan’s squad, have a gunfight and physical confrontation with a man on his property and they believe he is a likely candidate for not only the murder of Chloe Lutz but might be a serial killer with other recent slayings to his name. The problem is that their father has confessed to all of the killings to Evan, who handles this in a highly controversial manner. Now, Evan must try to subtly cover this confession up and keep it from his brother Russell who is an extremely by the book police detective.
As Evan is struggling to keep dark family secrets hidden everything spirals out of control with further acts of violence that threaten to not only destroy the entire case but also tear down their family for good. REDBELY CROSSING is classic noir storytelling masterfully realized by Candice Fox with engaging characters and a backwater setting that keeps things very real. To that point, Fox indicates in the Author’s Note that this novel was based on a very real crime involving the murders of two young women in Sydney in 1973-74.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
Australian author Candice Fox is one of the finest creators of crime thrillers working today and her latest effort, REDBELLY CROSSING, provides a story with a setting that is very familiar to her and features a brutal murder case being handled by two dueling brothers who happen to be Police Detectives from different units that have a fractured past with each other.
Readers might now Fox best from her numerous team-ups with the great James Patterson. One thing she has taken away from her time writing with him is the power of the short chapter that builds momentum and pacing while keeping the pages turning at a furious speed. When a man named Rob, owner of a local motel in Redbelly Crossing that was atop a frequented dive bar, spies blood on the door handle to a room he is shocked when he learns that inside is the ravaged body of a deceased young woman named Chloe Lutz.
Two separate detectives are called to the case, unbeknownst of each other’s initial involvement. Evan is the first on the case and he could really use a big win with a high-profile case that might put him back in good graces with his superiours. Travelling from out of town to also take on this case, and take over as the superiour officer on duty, was Russell who also needed to save face with his Captain after he was accused of beating a witness on a case he had been working on. The only problem is that Evan and Russell are brothers who have not spoken in five years since a violent family confrontation that tore them and their family apart.
Russell has additional personal baggage that he brings with him on this case. First off, he is accompanied by his daughter Birdie who he was supposed to be spending time with when the case arose. Secondly, he was a proud homosexual who often butted heads with those in the profession that did not look kindly upon this. It also had caused a permanent rift with his father, who was still close to Evan and living in the same town as he was near Redbelly Crossing where the murder took place.
Their father shows interest in the Chloe Lutz case with Evan, almost uncomfortably so, which causes an additional set of worries regarding the case. Russell and a local policeman name Dodge from Evan’s squad, have a gunfight and physical confrontation with a man on his property and they believe he is a likely candidate for not only the murder of Chloe Lutz but might be a serial killer with other recent slayings to his name. The problem is that their father has confessed to all of the killings to Evan, who handles this in a highly controversial manner. Now, Evan must try to subtly cover this confession up and keep it from his brother Russell who is an extremely by the book police detective.
As Evan is struggling to keep dark family secrets hidden everything spirals out of control with further acts of violence that threaten to not only destroy the entire case but also tear down their family for good. REDBELY CROSSING is classic noir storytelling masterfully realized by Candice Fox with engaging characters and a backwater setting that keeps things very real. To that point, Fox indicates in the Author’s Note that this novel was based on a very real crime involving the murders of two young women in Sydney in 1973-74.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Candice Fox, and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always eager for another Australian thriller by Candice Fox, I was quick to pick up this digital ARC. Fox has a knack for crafting stories that demand attention and reward readers who follow the details closely. While this novel offers her signature tension and strong sense of place, it ultimately did not leave the lasting impact I was hoping for.
It has been years since brothers Russell and Evan—both police officers—have spoken. A bitter family rift tore them apart, leaving each to forge his own path. When a young journalist is found murdered in a small Australian town, the brothers are unexpectedly assigned to the same case. Forced to confront their past while pursuing the truth, they must navigate their fractured relationship alongside a complex investigation.
Russell approaches the case with determination, though the decision to bring his teenage daughter along complicates matters and adds strain to their already fragile bond. Evan, meanwhile, sees the investigation as an opportunity to rebuild his reputation after an anger-fuelled incident nearly ended his career. When a disturbing discovery tempts Russell to bury the truth, Evan faces a difficult choice: protect what remains of their relationship or expose everything and risk destroying it completely.
Fox blends familial tension with a dark and compelling murder investigation, creating a story that is often gripping and suspenseful. The narrative moves briskly, with chapters that steadily build momentum and keep the reader engaged as the mystery unfolds.
The character work is one of the novel’s strengths. Fox excels at creating personalities that both clash and complement one another, particularly in the uneasy dynamic between Russell and Evan. Their interactions are layered with resentment, regret, and the faint possibility of reconciliation. A supporting cast adds texture to the story and helps bring the small-town setting to life.
The plot itself is solid and evolves in interesting ways, though I found myself wishing for a sharper emotional hook or a moment that truly grabbed me by the collar. While the novel has all the ingredients of a strong thriller, it never quite reached the level of intensity I expected. That said, Fox remains a skilled storyteller, and many readers will likely find plenty to enjoy in this tense and character-driven mystery.
Kudos, Madam Fox, for delivering something readers will surely enjoy.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Always eager for another Australian thriller by Candice Fox, I was quick to pick up this digital ARC. Fox has a knack for crafting stories that demand attention and reward readers who follow the details closely. While this novel offers her signature tension and strong sense of place, it ultimately did not leave the lasting impact I was hoping for.
It has been years since brothers Russell and Evan—both police officers—have spoken. A bitter family rift tore them apart, leaving each to forge his own path. When a young journalist is found murdered in a small Australian town, the brothers are unexpectedly assigned to the same case. Forced to confront their past while pursuing the truth, they must navigate their fractured relationship alongside a complex investigation.
Russell approaches the case with determination, though the decision to bring his teenage daughter along complicates matters and adds strain to their already fragile bond. Evan, meanwhile, sees the investigation as an opportunity to rebuild his reputation after an anger-fuelled incident nearly ended his career. When a disturbing discovery tempts Russell to bury the truth, Evan faces a difficult choice: protect what remains of their relationship or expose everything and risk destroying it completely.
Fox blends familial tension with a dark and compelling murder investigation, creating a story that is often gripping and suspenseful. The narrative moves briskly, with chapters that steadily build momentum and keep the reader engaged as the mystery unfolds.
The character work is one of the novel’s strengths. Fox excels at creating personalities that both clash and complement one another, particularly in the uneasy dynamic between Russell and Evan. Their interactions are layered with resentment, regret, and the faint possibility of reconciliation. A supporting cast adds texture to the story and helps bring the small-town setting to life.
The plot itself is solid and evolves in interesting ways, though I found myself wishing for a sharper emotional hook or a moment that truly grabbed me by the collar. While the novel has all the ingredients of a strong thriller, it never quite reached the level of intensity I expected. That said, Fox remains a skilled storyteller, and many readers will likely find plenty to enjoy in this tense and character-driven mystery.
Kudos, Madam Fox, for delivering something readers will surely enjoy.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 3, 2026
★★★★☆
I have spent quite a bit of time with Candice Fox’s writing before, particularly the Crimson Lake series, so I was interested to see where this new story would take me. I wasn’t entirely sure if this was going to be a standalone or the start of a fresh series, but I think the premise holds its own either way. While I’ve drifted away from police procedurals lately because they can feel a bit clinical, I never found myself feeling that way with this one. It moved with a dramatic energy that made it a very easy book to fall into, though I was a bit annoyed that the blurb revealed the victim was a journalist—a detail that felt like it was intended to be a surprise within the narrative.
The story centres on a fractured family in a small Australian town where brothers Russell and Evan haven't spoken since a violent confrontation tore them apart five years ago. They are forced back into each other's orbits when a young woman is murdered in Redbelly Crossing. Russell is a detective trying to juggle the investigation while repairing a strained relationship with his teenage daughter, while Evan is desperate for redemption and a detective's badge after a scandal nearly ended his career the year before.
I found Russell to be a fascinating, if difficult, protagonist. He is loud, brash, and borderline abusive, using that aggression to mask a deep-seated fear of letting anyone get close to him. The history of trauma between the two brothers is absolutely brutal, and you feel the weight of that past in every tense exchange. However, I did feel that Evan was a much harder character to buy into. Most of his decisions felt jarringly out of place, and his blatant corruption made his perspective feel quite disconnected from the rest of the narrative. I thought we were getting close to a more human side of him during the scenes with his son, but that connection seemed to slip away.
There were a few things that held this back from being a five-star read for me. I struggled to properly visualise the surroundings and found myself wishing for more vivid descriptions of the environment, as the setting felt so integral to the plot. I also found the "who-dun-it" aspect quite predictable; I kept waiting for a big twist that never came, and it unfolded exactly as I had mapped out. By the end, some of the character actions felt a bit too unbelievable to be credible. That said, I really liked Dodge; he was a cool character who stood out in the mix. I found myself staying up much later than I intended just to see how the brothers would eventually face each other.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
I have spent quite a bit of time with Candice Fox’s writing before, particularly the Crimson Lake series, so I was interested to see where this new story would take me. I wasn’t entirely sure if this was going to be a standalone or the start of a fresh series, but I think the premise holds its own either way. While I’ve drifted away from police procedurals lately because they can feel a bit clinical, I never found myself feeling that way with this one. It moved with a dramatic energy that made it a very easy book to fall into, though I was a bit annoyed that the blurb revealed the victim was a journalist—a detail that felt like it was intended to be a surprise within the narrative.
The story centres on a fractured family in a small Australian town where brothers Russell and Evan haven't spoken since a violent confrontation tore them apart five years ago. They are forced back into each other's orbits when a young woman is murdered in Redbelly Crossing. Russell is a detective trying to juggle the investigation while repairing a strained relationship with his teenage daughter, while Evan is desperate for redemption and a detective's badge after a scandal nearly ended his career the year before.
I found Russell to be a fascinating, if difficult, protagonist. He is loud, brash, and borderline abusive, using that aggression to mask a deep-seated fear of letting anyone get close to him. The history of trauma between the two brothers is absolutely brutal, and you feel the weight of that past in every tense exchange. However, I did feel that Evan was a much harder character to buy into. Most of his decisions felt jarringly out of place, and his blatant corruption made his perspective feel quite disconnected from the rest of the narrative. I thought we were getting close to a more human side of him during the scenes with his son, but that connection seemed to slip away.
There were a few things that held this back from being a five-star read for me. I struggled to properly visualise the surroundings and found myself wishing for more vivid descriptions of the environment, as the setting felt so integral to the plot. I also found the "who-dun-it" aspect quite predictable; I kept waiting for a big twist that never came, and it unfolded exactly as I had mapped out. By the end, some of the character actions felt a bit too unbelievable to be credible. That said, I really liked Dodge; he was a cool character who stood out in the mix. I found myself staying up much later than I intended just to see how the brothers would eventually face each other.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
May 4, 2026
Candice Fox is one of the finest creators of crime thrillers working today. I am happy to report that her latest effort, REDBELLY CROSSING, is no exception. Readers may know Fox best from her numerous collaborations with the great James Patterson. One takeaway from working with him is the power of the short chapter, which builds momentum and pacing while keeping the pages turning at a furious speed.
When the owner of a motel in the small Australian town of Redbelly Crossing, which sits atop a frequented dive bar, spots blood on the door handle to a room, he is shocked to learn that inside is the ravaged body of a deceased woman who turns out to be a young journalist named Chloe Lutz.
Two detectives are separately called to investigate, each unaware of the other’s involvement. Sr. Sgt. Evan Powder could really use a big win in a high-profile case, which might put him back in the good graces of his superiors. DI Russell Powder also needs to save face with his captain after being accused of beating up a witness. Evan and Russell are brothers who have not spoken to each other in five years due to a violent confrontation that tore them and their family apart.
Russell has more personal baggage that he brings with him. He is accompanied by his daughter, Bridie, who he had promised to spend time with before duty called. He also is a proud gay man who often butts heads with those in the profession who do not look kindly upon his sexuality. This has caused a permanent rift with his father, Arthur, who is still close to Evan.
Arthur shows interest in the Chloe Lutz case, almost uncomfortably so, which causes an additional set of worries. Russell and an officer from Evan’s squad have a gunfight and physical confrontation with a man on his property. They believe he may have murdered Chloe and could be a serial killer with other recent slayings to his name. The problem is that Arthur has made a confession to Evan --- one that Evan must try to subtly cover up and keep from Russell, who is an extremely by-the-book detective.
As Evan is struggling to keep dark family secrets hidden, everything spirals out of control with further acts of violence that threaten not only to destroy the entire case but also to tear down their family for good.
REDBELLY CROSSING is classic noir storytelling masterfully realized by Candice Fox, featuring engaging characters and a backwater setting that keeps the plot believable. To that point, Fox indicates in the Author’s Note that the novel is based on the real-life murders of two young women in Sydney in the early 1970s.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
When the owner of a motel in the small Australian town of Redbelly Crossing, which sits atop a frequented dive bar, spots blood on the door handle to a room, he is shocked to learn that inside is the ravaged body of a deceased woman who turns out to be a young journalist named Chloe Lutz.
Two detectives are separately called to investigate, each unaware of the other’s involvement. Sr. Sgt. Evan Powder could really use a big win in a high-profile case, which might put him back in the good graces of his superiors. DI Russell Powder also needs to save face with his captain after being accused of beating up a witness. Evan and Russell are brothers who have not spoken to each other in five years due to a violent confrontation that tore them and their family apart.
Russell has more personal baggage that he brings with him. He is accompanied by his daughter, Bridie, who he had promised to spend time with before duty called. He also is a proud gay man who often butts heads with those in the profession who do not look kindly upon his sexuality. This has caused a permanent rift with his father, Arthur, who is still close to Evan.
Arthur shows interest in the Chloe Lutz case, almost uncomfortably so, which causes an additional set of worries. Russell and an officer from Evan’s squad have a gunfight and physical confrontation with a man on his property. They believe he may have murdered Chloe and could be a serial killer with other recent slayings to his name. The problem is that Arthur has made a confession to Evan --- one that Evan must try to subtly cover up and keep from Russell, who is an extremely by-the-book detective.
As Evan is struggling to keep dark family secrets hidden, everything spirals out of control with further acts of violence that threaten not only to destroy the entire case but also to tear down their family for good.
REDBELLY CROSSING is classic noir storytelling masterfully realized by Candice Fox, featuring engaging characters and a backwater setting that keeps the plot believable. To that point, Fox indicates in the Author’s Note that the novel is based on the real-life murders of two young women in Sydney in the early 1970s.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Australian crime and thriller author Candice Fox is an expert in delivering compellingly compromised characters who are informed by childhood trauma. Right from her Ned Kelly Award winning debut Hades she has been writing books about frighteningly competent yet damaged characters. That trend continues in her latest thriller Redbelly Crossing, set in a small regional town just north of Sydney and featuring a pair of police officer brothers.
When Redbelly Crossing opens, Evan is helping his wife Delle entertain a group of teenagers at his son’s sixteenth birthday party. A phonecall from his ex-cop father changes that and he is convinced to put his hand up to support the investigation of a local murder case as a way of redeeming himself in the eyes of his colleagues. Only what Evan doesn’t know is that the lead detective on the case is coming from Sydney and is Evan’s estranged older brother Russell. Russell has his own personal problems and is trying to reconnect with his eighteen-year-old daughter Bridie when he is assigned to the case so brings her with him.
The brothers are investigating the violent murder of a young woman in the small town of Redbelly Crossing. But Evan soon finds that his son might have been involved, or at least at the scene, so starts to try and manipulate the evidence to point in another direction. Both have to manage the way they relate to other people, much of that informed by the violent and combative way they were brought up.
As mentioned already, the main characters of Even and Russell are extremely competent but damaged. Both are driven by, and respond differently to, the legacy of their upbringing. And both are trying desperately to form different, more open and caring relationships with their own children. This inner conflict forms the centre of a narrative that twists and turns through the investigation and is also central to the way that the brothers’ relationship shifts as the investigation plays out.
Redbelly Crossing is another page-turning thrill ride with heart from Fox. But there is more to it than that. A lengthy Afterword provides some background and the actual events and victims of now cold cases who inspired the novel and its central suite of crimes.
When Redbelly Crossing opens, Evan is helping his wife Delle entertain a group of teenagers at his son’s sixteenth birthday party. A phonecall from his ex-cop father changes that and he is convinced to put his hand up to support the investigation of a local murder case as a way of redeeming himself in the eyes of his colleagues. Only what Evan doesn’t know is that the lead detective on the case is coming from Sydney and is Evan’s estranged older brother Russell. Russell has his own personal problems and is trying to reconnect with his eighteen-year-old daughter Bridie when he is assigned to the case so brings her with him.
The brothers are investigating the violent murder of a young woman in the small town of Redbelly Crossing. But Evan soon finds that his son might have been involved, or at least at the scene, so starts to try and manipulate the evidence to point in another direction. Both have to manage the way they relate to other people, much of that informed by the violent and combative way they were brought up.
As mentioned already, the main characters of Even and Russell are extremely competent but damaged. Both are driven by, and respond differently to, the legacy of their upbringing. And both are trying desperately to form different, more open and caring relationships with their own children. This inner conflict forms the centre of a narrative that twists and turns through the investigation and is also central to the way that the brothers’ relationship shifts as the investigation plays out.
Redbelly Crossing is another page-turning thrill ride with heart from Fox. But there is more to it than that. A lengthy Afterword provides some background and the actual events and victims of now cold cases who inspired the novel and its central suite of crimes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wonder if this will be the first in a new series featuring Detective Inspector Russell Powder who happily owns the fact he has a 'Prick Switch' admitting he's a complete arsehole to everyone when he's on the job. He's due for a break here, time planned to reconcile with his 18 year old daughter Bridie who he's seen little of since leaving her and her mother and coming out as gay five years earlier.
Instead he's sent to Redbelly Crossing following the murder of a young woman (Chloe) at a local pub. Also on the case is Evan, bullied into working the case by his retired cop father, Arthur. We learn that Evan's damaged his professional reputation and Arthur believes this is his son's chance to find the killer and redeem himself.
It sets Russell and Evan on a collision course... complicated by the fact that they're brothers and Russell refuses to have anything to do with his brother and father. Initially Evan's motivation is the chance to solve the case and get re-posted somewhere else, but he finds additional incentive when he sees his own son on footage at the pub that night.
Initially the cops seek out local oddities who may have preyed on the young woman before learning Chloe was studying journalism and inspired by cold cases... in town to follow up on a series of murdered women. To protect his son Evan makes bad decision after bad decision, hiding evidence that could have helped the police solve the latest death sooner.
I really liked both Russell and Evan... and appreciated their complicated relationship with their father. Evan sees himself however, as a poor imitation of his brother.
'The need to be like him had made us both cops and family men. But I wondered who I might have. been had I not spent my whole life trying so hard to be Dad, or hating Russell because he was better at it than me.' 22% through novel
I also really liked Bridie, upon whom Fox has graced with her own love of animal rescue.
This ultimately has a tragic ending... one that didn't need to unfold that way given secrets are unearthed anyway. Another excellent but bittersweet read from Fox. 4.5 stars
Instead he's sent to Redbelly Crossing following the murder of a young woman (Chloe) at a local pub. Also on the case is Evan, bullied into working the case by his retired cop father, Arthur. We learn that Evan's damaged his professional reputation and Arthur believes this is his son's chance to find the killer and redeem himself.
It sets Russell and Evan on a collision course... complicated by the fact that they're brothers and Russell refuses to have anything to do with his brother and father. Initially Evan's motivation is the chance to solve the case and get re-posted somewhere else, but he finds additional incentive when he sees his own son on footage at the pub that night.
Initially the cops seek out local oddities who may have preyed on the young woman before learning Chloe was studying journalism and inspired by cold cases... in town to follow up on a series of murdered women. To protect his son Evan makes bad decision after bad decision, hiding evidence that could have helped the police solve the latest death sooner.
I really liked both Russell and Evan... and appreciated their complicated relationship with their father. Evan sees himself however, as a poor imitation of his brother.
'The need to be like him had made us both cops and family men. But I wondered who I might have. been had I not spent my whole life trying so hard to be Dad, or hating Russell because he was better at it than me.' 22% through novel
I also really liked Bridie, upon whom Fox has graced with her own love of animal rescue.
This ultimately has a tragic ending... one that didn't need to unfold that way given secrets are unearthed anyway. Another excellent but bittersweet read from Fox. 4.5 stars
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