Killing For Sport

by Dwayne Russell

On the eve of their wedding, Jackson discovers something he can’t forgive about his fiancee Sara. As he tries to make himself disappear so that he won’t be found by her and her violent family, he connects with international art dealer Sebastian Lee who offers him an escape route – but at what cost?

Gripping and unputdownable, Killing for Sport is a high-octane thriller set in the world of international organised crime, from one of Australia’s best-loved media personalities.

288 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 23, 2026

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Kennedy looked Jackson in the eye and held out a hand, his Rolex visible as they shook. Kennedy wore no jewellery other than a gold Daytona. No wedding ring, no chains, no diamond stud earrings or other displays of wealth. Ordinary guys often wore Rolexes, and fakes wore fakes, but Jackson knew that ordinary men didn't wear Rolex Daytonas.’

Killing for Sport is Dwayne Russell’s debut novel and honestly, it’s an impressive start. The story kicks off with Jackson, a man running from a wedding gone very wrong, and from there, it dives headfirst into a world of art crime, violence, and survival. It’s sharp, cinematic, and reads like something that was meant to be adapted for the screen.

What stood out most to me was how confidently Russell writes. There’s no hesitation, he balances pace, tension, and emotion in a way that feels seasoned, not like a first time author finding his feet. The plot twists come fast, but they never feel cheap, and there’s a real sense of character underneath all the action.

I went in curious, and came out genuinely impressed. Killing for Sport proves Russell has serious storytelling chops, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever he writes next.

I Highly Recommend.

Thank you Affirm Press for my early readers copy.

Available Now!

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Killing For Sport is a well paced and action packed debut crime novel and what a great first novel for radio and TV commenter Dwayne Russell. The story is set across Europe.

On the eve of his wedding to Sara, Jackson discovers something unforgivable about her and flees. Jackson needs to hide from Sara’s criminal and violent family and finds an opportunity involving art to disappear for a while. In a world of crime and survival this book feels like it should be an action movie.

With one of the biggest Picasso forgeries to be pulled off and an opportunity to escape will Jackson survive?

An absolutely entertainig read.

Publication Date 14 October 2025
Publisher Affirm Press

Thank you so much Afirm Press for a copy of the book.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Affirm Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
The title and cover grabbed my attention and I speculated it was an Aussie crime fiction with a difference.
The world of international organised crime, the elite art world and Olympic sport athletes add flavour to this intense and entertaining read.
Sara is jilted on her wedding day, an event that would make the social pages. Jackson abandons her at the alter after a discovery, his disappearance is a matter of life and death.
He is on the run and she on his trail as Europe is the playground for cat and mouse.
Each of the protagonists have reasons for their actions and add an intensity.
Forged artwork and the elite sporting element made this global hunt even more exciting.
Will he be found?
The quality coming from our debut authors is astonishing and a refreshing sway in this genre does illuminate its success.

[Lauryn Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Dwayne on footy commentary and the radio, so was interested in his book. Unputdownable was right, it sucked me in and I was reading it at every opportunity. Very enjoyable and glad I picked it up

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟

What an unexpectedly good book. It came as a surprise, I didn’t really know much about it before starting to listen.
I enjoyed the story - full of suspense, gangsters, forgeries, a jilted bride, a run away groom, money - as usually, and murder. Nothing is what you’d expect as you learn about each protagonist’s reason for their actions. While the ending was a little predictable, it may have you reeling at the ramifications to come. I want to know more ….
Great choice ConnectAU, it’s a shame we couldn’t have Dwayne come for a chat this month.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

A debut thriller, Killing For Sport (2025) by Dwayne Russell, is an international tale set in the art world. On his wedding day, Jackson flees Sydney for Europe, after learning of his fiancée's deception. Her criminally connected brothers send a hitman to find Jackson, who takes up the opportunity to work for a wealthy art dealer. An enjoyable story that is more of a coming-of-age tale, with various flashbacks filling out what led to the wedding-day desertion. Subsequent dangerous events culminate in a confronting finale. Unfortunately, there was a lack of significant tension, making for a folksy family tale with an okay three star rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you wish to read a fantastical story of the uber rich, feckless crooks, art theft and impossible forgery, star crossed love and jealousy, this novel is for you. Whew! Impossible to suspend judgement on this one.

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was very interesting to me but the writing was a little difficult at times, particularly dialogue and some of the research showing. It was an enjoyable trashy story.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great first novel from Dwyane Russell. With some refinement in his prose he could find himself with a long career as an author

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

great first up novel from Dwayne Russell

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent 1st novel by Dwayne Russel!
Story had a real freshness to it, great characters, story and plots.
Full of intrigue and suspense.
Look forward to the sequel !