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Murder in the Pacific #4
Murder in the Pacific: Waterfall Village
A gripping crime mystery in the heart of the Pacific — murder, kastom, and diplomacy collide in this compelling new instalment of
'Murder in the Pacific'
.
Clare Roberts, an American volunteer living on Pentecost Island in Vanuatu, is found dead at the base of one of the island’s iconic land-diving towers. With her death threatening to become an international incident, Sergeant George Long and Constable Jayline Oli of the Vanuatu Police Force are called in to investigate — and keep the situation contained.
When the son of a senior politician confesses to the crime, the local authorities are eager to close the case. But George and Jayline suspect otherwise. As they dig deeper, secrets emerge. Clare’s life unravels as they probe: a secret pregnancy, and her housemates each had reason to resent her. Meanwhile, local kastoms, cultural complexities, and political interference threaten to derail their search for the truth.
From lush inland villages to windswept cliffs, George and Jayline confront language barriers, entrenched power and secrets someone will kill to protect.
'Ifira Point' the first book in the series won 2025 Ned Kelly Award, for, Best Debut Crime Fiction.
Praise for the series:
"A tour de force." – Colin Cotterill
"Twist and turns throughout and suspenseful." – Beauty and Lace
"The place setting is an integral ‘character’ of the book." – Emily Webb
Clare Roberts, an American volunteer living on Pentecost Island in Vanuatu, is found dead at the base of one of the island’s iconic land-diving towers. With her death threatening to become an international incident, Sergeant George Long and Constable Jayline Oli of the Vanuatu Police Force are called in to investigate — and keep the situation contained.
When the son of a senior politician confesses to the crime, the local authorities are eager to close the case. But George and Jayline suspect otherwise. As they dig deeper, secrets emerge. Clare’s life unravels as they probe: a secret pregnancy, and her housemates each had reason to resent her. Meanwhile, local kastoms, cultural complexities, and political interference threaten to derail their search for the truth.
From lush inland villages to windswept cliffs, George and Jayline confront language barriers, entrenched power and secrets someone will kill to protect.
'Ifira Point' the first book in the series won 2025 Ned Kelly Award, for, Best Debut Crime Fiction.
Praise for the series:
"A tour de force." – Colin Cotterill
"Twist and turns throughout and suspenseful." – Beauty and Lace
"The place setting is an integral ‘character’ of the book." – Emily Webb
330 pages, Paperback
Published December 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Waterfall Village is the fourth instalment of this enjoyable series set in Vanuatu. It was great to be reunited with Sergeant George Long and Constable Jayline Oli – they feel like my friends after four books! This one sees them sent to Pentecost Island to deliver training on gender and diversity in policing.
“He had no interest in spending any time on Pentecost Island - there was virtually nothing there. It only had a main road, sealed, from one end of the island to the other. It was also where the local men jumped from towers made of bamboo and other timber with only vines tied to their feet.”
The famous land-diving towers feature prominently. I had previously seen them on television but learned more about their role and place in Pentecost culture from reading this. Soon after they arrive there, an American volunteer (Clare Roberts) is found dead at the base of a tower. Things escalate when the son of a politician confesses. George and Jayline find themselves under pressure to solve the death while it threatens to become an international incident.
As George and Jayline dig deeper, they discover secrets and the list of suspects grows. It was impressive how Matt could make the reader feel immense sympathy for the murder victim, then conflicted about them the next. It helped create depth to a character that otherwise didn’t exist in the story outside a body bag.
The book retains the trademark feel of the series, moving along on island time. I love the easy going feel which contrasts to the murder, creating a wholesome vibe amidst the darkness.
I was pleased to see the return of various favourites – George’s chocolate milkshakes, the dreaded kava sessions, and Alfred’s decrepit taxivan. I regularly found myself smiling or chuckling – the humour is a fun part of these books. Descriptions of landscapes across Vanuatu were enjoyable too, ultimately transporting me there.
I love that I was unable to guess the plot twist. While I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending, I respect authors who don’t automatically write cliché happy endings. In that sense, it’s thought-provoking and lingers with the reader, highlighting how more needs to be done combatting gendered violence and inequality across our cultures. I applaud Matt for delving into such important and timely themes.
Waterfall Village is another fantastic entry in the series, one that bravely tackles heavy subjects with sensitivity and respect while delivering an intriguing mystery in an idyllic setting. I recommend this series for those wanting their crime reads in a unique location. I look forward to seeing what’s next for George and Jayline!
“He held on tightly to the thin tree limb in front of his face. He didn’t know if he could go any further - in either direction.”
Many thanks to Matt Francis and Big Sky Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“He had no interest in spending any time on Pentecost Island - there was virtually nothing there. It only had a main road, sealed, from one end of the island to the other. It was also where the local men jumped from towers made of bamboo and other timber with only vines tied to their feet.”
The famous land-diving towers feature prominently. I had previously seen them on television but learned more about their role and place in Pentecost culture from reading this. Soon after they arrive there, an American volunteer (Clare Roberts) is found dead at the base of a tower. Things escalate when the son of a politician confesses. George and Jayline find themselves under pressure to solve the death while it threatens to become an international incident.
As George and Jayline dig deeper, they discover secrets and the list of suspects grows. It was impressive how Matt could make the reader feel immense sympathy for the murder victim, then conflicted about them the next. It helped create depth to a character that otherwise didn’t exist in the story outside a body bag.
The book retains the trademark feel of the series, moving along on island time. I love the easy going feel which contrasts to the murder, creating a wholesome vibe amidst the darkness.
I was pleased to see the return of various favourites – George’s chocolate milkshakes, the dreaded kava sessions, and Alfred’s decrepit taxivan. I regularly found myself smiling or chuckling – the humour is a fun part of these books. Descriptions of landscapes across Vanuatu were enjoyable too, ultimately transporting me there.
I love that I was unable to guess the plot twist. While I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending, I respect authors who don’t automatically write cliché happy endings. In that sense, it’s thought-provoking and lingers with the reader, highlighting how more needs to be done combatting gendered violence and inequality across our cultures. I applaud Matt for delving into such important and timely themes.
Waterfall Village is another fantastic entry in the series, one that bravely tackles heavy subjects with sensitivity and respect while delivering an intriguing mystery in an idyllic setting. I recommend this series for those wanting their crime reads in a unique location. I look forward to seeing what’s next for George and Jayline!
“He held on tightly to the thin tree limb in front of his face. He didn’t know if he could go any further - in either direction.”
Many thanks to Matt Francis and Big Sky Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2025
Waterfall Village is the fourth book in Matt Francis’ delightful, yet often quite dark, Murder in the Pacific series set in Vanuatu. This volume sees detectives George Long and Jayline Oli sent to the island of Pentecost, home to the famous land diving tradition, and getting caught up in the investigation of the murder of an American volunteer.
Waterfall Village opens a few months after Long and Oli’s last case Champagne Beach. George is now living with girlfriend Veronique and their newborn daughter. Jayline has been asked to help out a relative who has moved to Port Vila for work and is being harassed online by her husband from their home island of Tanna. The two are also involved in a Gender Diversity training being sponsored by the New Zealand government and when there is money left over are tapped to go to Pentecost Island to deliver the training there. But not long after they arrive on Pentecost the training is shelved and George and Jayline are asked to help investigate the apparent murder of an American Peace Corp volunteer. The prime suspect, who has confessed (although the confession is not believed by the local police), is the son of a government official. Given the identities of the victim and the suspect, politics quickly comes into play and the pressure is on George and Jayline to solve the case quickly.
The characters of George and Jayline, with their very different but complementary ways of investigating, and their relationship of mutual respect is once again at the centre of this mystery. They are delightful characters and one of the joys of this series is spending time with them, seeing the country through their eyes, and following the progress of their lives.
Each book of this series has taken readers to a unique part of Vanuatu. Pentecost is well known for the custom of land diving, where giant structures are built and men jump off with only vines tied to their feet. The victim in this case has been found at the bottom of one of the land diving towers and the custom does play some role in the story. But this does not feel like a tourist’s view of the island, its people or its traditions. Francis is respectful of the role of custom and culture but is also live to the influence of politics and foreign interference in the communities of Vanuatu.
Waterfall Village may sometimes be light in tone but Francis has serious intent and does not pull his punches. Combining this with delightful central characters and a strong sense of place and community makes this another great entry in an always entertaining series.
Waterfall Village opens a few months after Long and Oli’s last case Champagne Beach. George is now living with girlfriend Veronique and their newborn daughter. Jayline has been asked to help out a relative who has moved to Port Vila for work and is being harassed online by her husband from their home island of Tanna. The two are also involved in a Gender Diversity training being sponsored by the New Zealand government and when there is money left over are tapped to go to Pentecost Island to deliver the training there. But not long after they arrive on Pentecost the training is shelved and George and Jayline are asked to help investigate the apparent murder of an American Peace Corp volunteer. The prime suspect, who has confessed (although the confession is not believed by the local police), is the son of a government official. Given the identities of the victim and the suspect, politics quickly comes into play and the pressure is on George and Jayline to solve the case quickly.
The characters of George and Jayline, with their very different but complementary ways of investigating, and their relationship of mutual respect is once again at the centre of this mystery. They are delightful characters and one of the joys of this series is spending time with them, seeing the country through their eyes, and following the progress of their lives.
Each book of this series has taken readers to a unique part of Vanuatu. Pentecost is well known for the custom of land diving, where giant structures are built and men jump off with only vines tied to their feet. The victim in this case has been found at the bottom of one of the land diving towers and the custom does play some role in the story. But this does not feel like a tourist’s view of the island, its people or its traditions. Francis is respectful of the role of custom and culture but is also live to the influence of politics and foreign interference in the communities of Vanuatu.
Waterfall Village may sometimes be light in tone but Francis has serious intent and does not pull his punches. Combining this with delightful central characters and a strong sense of place and community makes this another great entry in an always entertaining series.
December 21, 2025
I’ve been taken to Vanuatu five times….well once by a cruise ship and four times by Matt Francis and his Murder in the Pacific series.
This series is absolutely brilliant, with this latest instalment, Murder in the Pacific: Water Village, being no exception. These locations are bought to life with the skilful descriptions provided by Matt and the beauty just flows from the pages.
So why not drop in a body to make things interesting……
This time Sergeant George Long returns with his partner Constable Jayline Oli, and head to Pentecost Island for a training seminar but end up investigating the death of an American volunteer, and once again the investigation is carried out Vanuatu style, in a laid back and relaxed sort of way and as usual things don’t always go to plan, not the there is really a plan.
The talented storytelling incorporates the local customs and lifestyles of the townships and villages showing the vast differences within Vanuatu, as well as a wonderful cast of new characters and the revisiting of some old friends, giving the story an even greater authentic feel.
During the course of the investigation, stronger emotional subjects are put into the mix that bring to the forefront the imbalances that still exist in many countries, including Vanuatu.
I find this book, actually this entire series, has such a unique way of telling a crime story and I’m very much a fan. Not only are George and Jayline’s methods very easy going but it causes the reading experience to be a relaxed one as well, resulting in a feeling of contentment and enjoyment.
Waterfall Village can easily be read as a stand-alone, but the experience is enhanced if you start at book one, Ifira Point, and work your way through the series.
Take yourself away on an island getaway, slow down a bit and relax with this fabulous book.
Thank you Matt Francis for my gifted copy for an honest review.
Release date | 30 December 2025
#murderinthepacificwaterfallvillage
#murderinthepacific
#mattfrancis
#platformmurder
#bigskypublishing
This series is absolutely brilliant, with this latest instalment, Murder in the Pacific: Water Village, being no exception. These locations are bought to life with the skilful descriptions provided by Matt and the beauty just flows from the pages.
So why not drop in a body to make things interesting……
This time Sergeant George Long returns with his partner Constable Jayline Oli, and head to Pentecost Island for a training seminar but end up investigating the death of an American volunteer, and once again the investigation is carried out Vanuatu style, in a laid back and relaxed sort of way and as usual things don’t always go to plan, not the there is really a plan.
The talented storytelling incorporates the local customs and lifestyles of the townships and villages showing the vast differences within Vanuatu, as well as a wonderful cast of new characters and the revisiting of some old friends, giving the story an even greater authentic feel.
During the course of the investigation, stronger emotional subjects are put into the mix that bring to the forefront the imbalances that still exist in many countries, including Vanuatu.
I find this book, actually this entire series, has such a unique way of telling a crime story and I’m very much a fan. Not only are George and Jayline’s methods very easy going but it causes the reading experience to be a relaxed one as well, resulting in a feeling of contentment and enjoyment.
Waterfall Village can easily be read as a stand-alone, but the experience is enhanced if you start at book one, Ifira Point, and work your way through the series.
Take yourself away on an island getaway, slow down a bit and relax with this fabulous book.
Thank you Matt Francis for my gifted copy for an honest review.
Release date | 30 December 2025
#murderinthepacificwaterfallvillage
#murderinthepacific
#mattfrancis
#platformmurder
#bigskypublishing
December 29, 2025
Murder in the Pacific: Waterfall Village is a slow burn crime procedural set in Vanuatu. In this fourth installment, Sergent George Long and Constable Jayline Oli travel to Pentecost Island to present an International seminar on gender and diversity in policing. While there they become involved in investigating and containing a murder of an American volunteer. A secondary case is also explored in which Jayline’s cousin is being abused via messages by her husband who lives on another island. Both these cases facilitate an interesting exploration of law, police practices and cultural traditions on Vanuatu.
However, Waterfall Village is more than a simple crime procedural. It also provides an insight into life on Vanuatu we don’t see often in media. It further explores the dichotomy between tourism and the local way of life there, through the unique lens of George who is a local police officer navigating family life, the justice system, tourism and politics.
Underscored by a wry humour, Waterfall Village is a multi-layered story, which (among other things) highlights the intersection between traditional and modern Vanuatu and the struggles that individuals may have navigating the two.
However, Waterfall Village is more than a simple crime procedural. It also provides an insight into life on Vanuatu we don’t see often in media. It further explores the dichotomy between tourism and the local way of life there, through the unique lens of George who is a local police officer navigating family life, the justice system, tourism and politics.
Underscored by a wry humour, Waterfall Village is a multi-layered story, which (among other things) highlights the intersection between traditional and modern Vanuatu and the struggles that individuals may have navigating the two.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews