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Don't Say His Name
When Detective Stayer takes a job in the idyllic Australian beach town of Thoorgala, he hopes it will offer a chance to reconnect with his sister, Ruby, who he has barely spoken to in fifteen years. As local women are found murdered on the sand dunes, marked with a peculiar symbol, locals begin blaming Tall Harry, a shadowy urban legend, as the culprit. And when Ruby also goes missing, Stayer finds himself reluctantly teaming up with Sister Catherine Kelley, a woman steeped in the town's folklore, to help solve the crime. Digging deeper, the detective and nun discover Ruby may be harbouring secrets of her own. As the investigation intensifies, Stayer must confront the dark side of picturesque Thoorgala before this folkloric figure exacts any more of his promised revenge...
- GenresCrime
341 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2025
15 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Givney
3 books107 followersA writer and filmmaker originally from Sydney, Australia, Givney has worked on many of Australia's most beloved and successful shows such as Offspring, and McLeod's Daughters.
Rachel Givney's international bestseller Jane in Love was published in 2020 to critical acclaim. Booklist Magazine judged Jane in Love as "outstanding", and Publisher's Weekly named it in their top ten releases for fall 2020. Amazon Studios and Di Novi Pictures (Little Women) have acquired the rights to adapt Jane in Love for the screen. Givney will write the screenplay.
Givney's second novel, Secrets My Father Kept, was published in June 2021, again to critical acclaim.
Her third novel, Don't Say His Name, is out August 2025.
Rachel Givney's international bestseller Jane in Love was published in 2020 to critical acclaim. Booklist Magazine judged Jane in Love as "outstanding", and Publisher's Weekly named it in their top ten releases for fall 2020. Amazon Studios and Di Novi Pictures (Little Women) have acquired the rights to adapt Jane in Love for the screen. Givney will write the screenplay.
Givney's second novel, Secrets My Father Kept, was published in June 2021, again to critical acclaim.
Her third novel, Don't Say His Name, is out August 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 2, 2025
3.5⭐️
I love the story of a detective returning to his hometown—where things are never as they seem, they are pulled in deep. Stayer is chasing a serial killer in a beach town, just back from working overseas. His sister Ruby has gone missing, and the clock is ticking.
I don’t usually go for ghosty, paranormal vibes, but this one worked. Ruby’s character was so readable—I loved her. Her backstory was layered and revealed gradually in a satisfying, slowly revealing way. There always seems to be an evil man in the wings, doesn’t it?
Sister Catherine Kelley was another standout, she is a great addition. A fearless folklore scholar, never shying away from the action. I was afraid for her, yet she never was.
The sense of urgency was constant. The town’s chatter about “Tall Harry” killing women in the sand, Ruby’s disappearance, and Stayer’s conflicted partnership with Sister Catherine all felt believable and tense.
An atmospheric and effective read. My first from this author and I enjoyed it.
Thank you to the author and publisher for my review copy, so much Aussie talent!
I love the story of a detective returning to his hometown—where things are never as they seem, they are pulled in deep. Stayer is chasing a serial killer in a beach town, just back from working overseas. His sister Ruby has gone missing, and the clock is ticking.
I don’t usually go for ghosty, paranormal vibes, but this one worked. Ruby’s character was so readable—I loved her. Her backstory was layered and revealed gradually in a satisfying, slowly revealing way. There always seems to be an evil man in the wings, doesn’t it?
Sister Catherine Kelley was another standout, she is a great addition. A fearless folklore scholar, never shying away from the action. I was afraid for her, yet she never was.
The sense of urgency was constant. The town’s chatter about “Tall Harry” killing women in the sand, Ruby’s disappearance, and Stayer’s conflicted partnership with Sister Catherine all felt believable and tense.
An atmospheric and effective read. My first from this author and I enjoyed it.
Thank you to the author and publisher for my review copy, so much Aussie talent!
November 19, 2025
What a great book! i do love an Aussie police drama and this one had a it of a twist. Once I started to read this I was hooked and just needed to know how it was all going to play out.
Detective Stayer has returned home to end bridges with his sister Ruby and a quieter life. A small beach side town where nothing really happens. Until a body is found in the beach and the whole town believes it is the work of the local urban legend and myth, Tall Harry. He is having none of it but then another body turns up with similar marks. He has limited staff and resources and asks the local expert , who is also a nun, for help. It is a race to stop this killer, is it really Tall Harry?
This is a pretty dark book and I really enjoyed it. Everyone in town knows each other and past secrets are hard to hide in a small town. Really well done.
Thanks so much to Ultimo Press for my copy of this fantastic book to read.
Detective Stayer has returned home to end bridges with his sister Ruby and a quieter life. A small beach side town where nothing really happens. Until a body is found in the beach and the whole town believes it is the work of the local urban legend and myth, Tall Harry. He is having none of it but then another body turns up with similar marks. He has limited staff and resources and asks the local expert , who is also a nun, for help. It is a race to stop this killer, is it really Tall Harry?
This is a pretty dark book and I really enjoyed it. Everyone in town knows each other and past secrets are hard to hide in a small town. Really well done.
Thanks so much to Ultimo Press for my copy of this fantastic book to read.
July 29, 2025
Big thanks to Ultimo Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
Say the rhyme and his name ‘Tall Harry’ three times and he will arrive.
Is he an urban legend or something more sinister……
Rachel Givney returns with a crime fiction novel that will send chills down your spine.
Welcome to the beach town of Thoorgala.
Detective Matt Stayer arrives with his sister Ruby.
A time to refresh their estranged relationship.
Before he has time to settle, murders happen.
They all have the same markings and are found in the same place.
The town believes it’s Tall Harry, a dark, mysterious urban legend.
Sister Catherine Kelley writes books and knows much about the myth.
Teaming up together and with secrets to hide, the detective and the nun get more than they ever imagined……
A strong, creepy read with a sense of vivid descriptions and spooky atmosphere.
As the story unfolds, the plot grips you with suspense, tension and the twist all while bringing the reader into the drama.
An entertaining book.
Say the rhyme and his name ‘Tall Harry’ three times and he will arrive.
Is he an urban legend or something more sinister……
Rachel Givney returns with a crime fiction novel that will send chills down your spine.
Welcome to the beach town of Thoorgala.
Detective Matt Stayer arrives with his sister Ruby.
A time to refresh their estranged relationship.
Before he has time to settle, murders happen.
They all have the same markings and are found in the same place.
The town believes it’s Tall Harry, a dark, mysterious urban legend.
Sister Catherine Kelley writes books and knows much about the myth.
Teaming up together and with secrets to hide, the detective and the nun get more than they ever imagined……
A strong, creepy read with a sense of vivid descriptions and spooky atmosphere.
As the story unfolds, the plot grips you with suspense, tension and the twist all while bringing the reader into the drama.
An entertaining book.
August 22, 2025
When Detective Stayer takes a job in his home town of Thoorgala he hopes to get closer to his sister who he has lost touch with
But when a local woman’s body is found dead in the sand dunes. Forensics show there is no cause of death?! But worse, she has a symbol marking on her hand which leads the town to believe her death was at the hands of Tall Harry. A local Urban Legend that has haunted the quiet town
While trying to investigate, small town gossip starts to get in the way, but when Detective Stayer’s sister goes missing time appears to be running out
Don’t Say His Name is atmospheric, eerie and compelling. The story is a fab mix of police procedural, murder mystery and urban myths. I thoroughly enjoyed it
Thank you so much @ultimopress @rachelgivney for my gifted book to review 🫶
But when a local woman’s body is found dead in the sand dunes. Forensics show there is no cause of death?! But worse, she has a symbol marking on her hand which leads the town to believe her death was at the hands of Tall Harry. A local Urban Legend that has haunted the quiet town
While trying to investigate, small town gossip starts to get in the way, but when Detective Stayer’s sister goes missing time appears to be running out
Don’t Say His Name is atmospheric, eerie and compelling. The story is a fab mix of police procedural, murder mystery and urban myths. I thoroughly enjoyed it
Thank you so much @ultimopress @rachelgivney for my gifted book to review 🫶
January 22, 2026
This was a good read and written well. I was intrigued and finished it quickly. This might be a spoiler but was really hoping the supernatural element would play a bigger role, as that’s what hooked me in the first place. Maybe a good thing it didn’t though as I might’ve gotten a bit too scared. So actually in the end was a probably good level of spooky-ooky for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2025
The cop was useless. The only thing that kept me going was the nun and sister.
October 7, 2025
a great page Turner.
June 18, 2025
Dective Stayer came back to Australia after being away for many years when his sister Ruby asked him to come back. There was an opening for a Dective in his old home town he decided to take it. He arrives just before Christmas in the scorching summer heat. Before he even has a chance to settle in he is called out to a body was found on the sand dunes. When he finally arrives it to the incident site, the forensic patholgist is already there. They saw that the girl had some unsual marking on her body but nothing else.
With bushfires raging in the area support for the investigation is thin on the ground. Dective Stayer found out that the people in town had started spreading rumours about the urban myth of Tall Harry being the killer. Sister Catherine Kelley has written a lot about the town's urban myths and folklores Detective Stayer recruites her to help.
While they were investigating the first murder more murders take place. The bodies were all put on the sand dunes and had the same markings. The only link these victims seem to have was their time together in high school. When Detective Stayer's sister goes missing he knows time is running out fast! Will they find the missing women and the killer before it is too late?
This is a well written book which I enjoyed right from the start. It had lots drama and the myths and legends about the town which they used to solve the mystery were fascinating. Anybody who likes a good thriller should read this and hopefully you will love it like I did. There's room for more from this duo and the ending leaves you wondering 'what next'? Giveny builds tension and atmosphere well. If you like Jane Harper or Chris Hammer then this is a book you need to try
With bushfires raging in the area support for the investigation is thin on the ground. Dective Stayer found out that the people in town had started spreading rumours about the urban myth of Tall Harry being the killer. Sister Catherine Kelley has written a lot about the town's urban myths and folklores Detective Stayer recruites her to help.
While they were investigating the first murder more murders take place. The bodies were all put on the sand dunes and had the same markings. The only link these victims seem to have was their time together in high school. When Detective Stayer's sister goes missing he knows time is running out fast! Will they find the missing women and the killer before it is too late?
This is a well written book which I enjoyed right from the start. It had lots drama and the myths and legends about the town which they used to solve the mystery were fascinating. Anybody who likes a good thriller should read this and hopefully you will love it like I did. There's room for more from this duo and the ending leaves you wondering 'what next'? Giveny builds tension and atmosphere well. If you like Jane Harper or Chris Hammer then this is a book you need to try
August 2, 2025
.....📚 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 📚.....
Don't Say His Name by Rachel Givney is a new Australian thriller based around a beach-side town and their local urban legend. But what if urban legends are real... and they kill?
Don’t say his name
Don’t say it thrice
What happens next
It won’t be nice
Tall Harry
Tall Harry
Tall Harry ...
When former Olympic swimmer turned police officer, Detective Stayer, takes a job in the idyllic Australian beach town of Thoorgala, he hopes it will offer a chance to reconnect with his sister, Ruby. They've never been close. In fact, they've barely spoken over the last fifteen years.
As local women are found murdered on the sand dunes, marked with a peculiar symbol, locals begin blaming Tall Harry, a shadowy urban legend, as the culprit. And when Ruby also goes missing, Stayer finds himself reluctantly teaming up with Sister Catherine Kelley, a woman steeped in the town’s folklore, to help solve the crime. Digging deeper, the detective and nun discover Ruby may be harbouring secrets of her own.
As the investigation intensifies, Stayer must confront the dark side of picturesque Thoorgala before this folkloric figure exacts any more of his promised revenge.
I really enjoyed the way this thriller was paced and the weaving of folklore with the modern day murders. The characters, in particular Detective Stayer and Sister Catherine Kelley, were a highlight, and how their friendship built over the course of the investigation. This is perfect for fans of urban legend stories and brings I Know What You Did Last Summer vibes.
.
.
.
.
Thank you to @ultimopress and @rachelgivney for this copy in exchange for my honest review.
Don't Say His Name by Rachel Givney is a new Australian thriller based around a beach-side town and their local urban legend. But what if urban legends are real... and they kill?
Don’t say his name
Don’t say it thrice
What happens next
It won’t be nice
Tall Harry
Tall Harry
Tall Harry ...
When former Olympic swimmer turned police officer, Detective Stayer, takes a job in the idyllic Australian beach town of Thoorgala, he hopes it will offer a chance to reconnect with his sister, Ruby. They've never been close. In fact, they've barely spoken over the last fifteen years.
As local women are found murdered on the sand dunes, marked with a peculiar symbol, locals begin blaming Tall Harry, a shadowy urban legend, as the culprit. And when Ruby also goes missing, Stayer finds himself reluctantly teaming up with Sister Catherine Kelley, a woman steeped in the town’s folklore, to help solve the crime. Digging deeper, the detective and nun discover Ruby may be harbouring secrets of her own.
As the investigation intensifies, Stayer must confront the dark side of picturesque Thoorgala before this folkloric figure exacts any more of his promised revenge.
I really enjoyed the way this thriller was paced and the weaving of folklore with the modern day murders. The characters, in particular Detective Stayer and Sister Catherine Kelley, were a highlight, and how their friendship built over the course of the investigation. This is perfect for fans of urban legend stories and brings I Know What You Did Last Summer vibes.
.
.
.
.
Thank you to @ultimopress and @rachelgivney for this copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 14, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: Urban Legends, Creepy Crime
- - -
The cover of this book was giving dark and moody vibes and the story delivered that same atmosphere the whole way through.
A serial killer in a small beachside community was always going to be a win for me, but this one had an extra layer of intrigue with its thread of urban legends.
Long time followers will know I’m not big on ghost stories, so dipping into the more mysterious side of things was a bit of a gamble but it absolutely paid off. The folklore subplot gave the story a unique twist (and if I’m honest, an extra suspect!). It kept both me and the local police characters guessing right until the end.
Speaking of, the detective was great to follow and the layered sister side stories (both literal and figurative) added depth and heart to the crime drama.
This was my first read from Rachel Givney and I really enjoyed her writing style. I devoured it in a single day. The crime kept me hooked, the folklore wasn’t overdone and that sneaky final twist was the cherry on top.
A big thank you to Ultimo Press for sharing this shadowy story with me.
Vibes: Urban Legends, Creepy Crime
- - -
The cover of this book was giving dark and moody vibes and the story delivered that same atmosphere the whole way through.
A serial killer in a small beachside community was always going to be a win for me, but this one had an extra layer of intrigue with its thread of urban legends.
Long time followers will know I’m not big on ghost stories, so dipping into the more mysterious side of things was a bit of a gamble but it absolutely paid off. The folklore subplot gave the story a unique twist (and if I’m honest, an extra suspect!). It kept both me and the local police characters guessing right until the end.
Speaking of, the detective was great to follow and the layered sister side stories (both literal and figurative) added depth and heart to the crime drama.
This was my first read from Rachel Givney and I really enjoyed her writing style. I devoured it in a single day. The crime kept me hooked, the folklore wasn’t overdone and that sneaky final twist was the cherry on top.
A big thank you to Ultimo Press for sharing this shadowy story with me.
October 20, 2025
Thank you Ultimo Press & Rachel Givney for this read! I was so excited to read a new to me local author.
Firstly, the plot to this book was just BRILLIANT. The old legend was really creepy and unsettling and the first few chapters totally set the scene and the bar high for the book. As each chapter goes on the chase to hunt down the killer intensifies and we get a first hand glimpse of crime solving through our protagonist. I felt that the author did well to build suspense and unpredictability throughout the book as I was shocked to find out the truth in the ending chapters.
In addition to the creepy plot and procedural style set up, I feel that another strong element was the way that the protagonist was written. The flaws and growing friendships with other characters enhanced the story and made it more real.
Overall, I was really impressed with this read. It was easy to fly through, with it's short chapters and multiple POVs. It was the perfect read coming into the Christmas months as the book takes places during the Christmas season. I look forward to further work by this author.
Firstly, the plot to this book was just BRILLIANT. The old legend was really creepy and unsettling and the first few chapters totally set the scene and the bar high for the book. As each chapter goes on the chase to hunt down the killer intensifies and we get a first hand glimpse of crime solving through our protagonist. I felt that the author did well to build suspense and unpredictability throughout the book as I was shocked to find out the truth in the ending chapters.
In addition to the creepy plot and procedural style set up, I feel that another strong element was the way that the protagonist was written. The flaws and growing friendships with other characters enhanced the story and made it more real.
Overall, I was really impressed with this read. It was easy to fly through, with it's short chapters and multiple POVs. It was the perfect read coming into the Christmas months as the book takes places during the Christmas season. I look forward to further work by this author.
August 26, 2025
Dont Say His Name, is an interesting read, mid-paced, easy to follow, small town, Coastal Australia at its best.
There is always something special about reading books set in Australia, they have a little, something extra, a magic, that others don't have.
As you turn the pages of this book, you can tell that everything is important, everything is a clue, every person, a suspect. It makes it impossible to know who and what to trust, which makes this book so psychologically thrilling.
I didn't pick the 'baddie', I picked the where and the why, but not whe who, so I'm still taking that as a win. It was Interesting to see the plot play out, to see characters develop and to put ideas together.
This book feels very current. How Givney has woven folklore and current technologies together, shows readers how these things coincide in day-to-day life. Giving it a modern yet ancient feel. Cleverly done.
Thankyou to UltimoPress for sending me a review copy of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There is always something special about reading books set in Australia, they have a little, something extra, a magic, that others don't have.
As you turn the pages of this book, you can tell that everything is important, everything is a clue, every person, a suspect. It makes it impossible to know who and what to trust, which makes this book so psychologically thrilling.
I didn't pick the 'baddie', I picked the where and the why, but not whe who, so I'm still taking that as a win. It was Interesting to see the plot play out, to see characters develop and to put ideas together.
This book feels very current. How Givney has woven folklore and current technologies together, shows readers how these things coincide in day-to-day life. Giving it a modern yet ancient feel. Cleverly done.
Thankyou to UltimoPress for sending me a review copy of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 22, 2025
An Aussie noir, Don't Say His Name (2025) by Rachel Givney is a captivating murder mystery. When a young woman is found dead on top of a sand dune in the coastal town of Thoorgala, locals believe Tall Harry is responsible. Detective Stayer has recently moved in with his sister, who also goes missing after a second body is discovered. Needing to learn more about Tall Harry, Stayer consults Sister Catherine Kelley, an expert on the mythical local legend. An enthralling tale with simmering tension and an explosive finale makes for an unexpected twist, which makes this a must-read five star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.
August 13, 2025
Don't Say His Name by Rachel Givney is a great read that I whipped through in one sitting. (Thank god for air-fryer dinners because my pre-dinner bath/read went longer than expected.) I'm not a fan of supernatural-themed novels but, though this novel is soused in folklore, it's more about it being manipulated which is often the case and more palatable for pragmatic logic-lovers such as moi!
This is an enjoyable read with a few surprises scattered throughout to keep readers' interest and Givney instills a sense of suspense and urgency when Ruby goes missing and her brother is faced with that proverbial race against time. I noted that Givney has worked in television and there is a sense of something dramatic or theatrical about this. In a good way.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
This is an enjoyable read with a few surprises scattered throughout to keep readers' interest and Givney instills a sense of suspense and urgency when Ruby goes missing and her brother is faced with that proverbial race against time. I noted that Givney has worked in television and there is a sense of something dramatic or theatrical about this. In a good way.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
September 3, 2025
Enjoyed this one. I have been struggling for awhile to click and stick with a book but this one held my interest. Well written, well paced, well drawn characters and setting. I loved the spot on depictions of the ageing, has-been Australian coastal town and its residents and that despite its stunning, natural beauty, the town had an angry, menacing, unwelcoming undertone. Loads of tension and suspense to keep me intrigued and engaged to the exciting end.
July 26, 2025
Thanks to Ultimo Press for this copy.
This is a great paced police procedural with an urban legend twist. Love the quirky investigative duo and the layers of the occult on small town gossip.
There’s a lot in this one, it’s really gripping.
This is a great paced police procedural with an urban legend twist. Love the quirky investigative duo and the layers of the occult on small town gossip.
There’s a lot in this one, it’s really gripping.
January 10, 2026
This is the first of Rachel’s books I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. It flowed well and was fast paced happening over a few days. I liked the twists and turns. Her tv writing skills show as I could easily see this being made into a miniseries. Off to see if the library has her other books
August 5, 2025
Loved it. A detective investigates a series of murders in a beach town and a nun helps him catch the killer. They make a great odd couple. It was fast-paced and humorous and has a great twist ending.
October 14, 2025
It was eerie read but it was perfect spooky month . I enjoy the story as it had a mix of police procedural, murder mystery and urban myths which makes you so intrigued with the story
January 28, 2026
Interesting twist. I recommend as a librarian to my Aussie crime readers!
November 30, 2025
4 ⭐ I really enjoyed this one!
I really enjoyed the incorporation of local folklore into the story and the elements of the occult. delightfully suspenseful and full of tension, a really solid read for any lover of crime and police procedural.
Thank you Ultimo for my early copy!
I really enjoyed the incorporation of local folklore into the story and the elements of the occult. delightfully suspenseful and full of tension, a really solid read for any lover of crime and police procedural.
Thank you Ultimo for my early copy!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews