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Redbelly Crossing
'Candice Fox is way up my list of must-read authors.' Ian Rankin
'Fox books should come with a remember to breathe.' Michael Robotham
'Fox is the queen of Aussie crime.' Hayley Scrivenor
Blood is thicker than water. But too much leaves a trail . . .
Russell and Evan Powder are cops.
The brothers haven't spoken for five years, since a violent confrontation tore their family apart.
Now they are both assigned to the murder of a young journalist, Chloe Lutz, in the small town of Redbelly Crossing (population 205).
It's the last thing Russell wants. This is supposed to be the week he repairs things with his teenage daughter Bridie. Now he's had to drag her on a murderous ride-along to the middle of snake-infested nowhere.
But a big case like this is just what Evan needs after a terrible mistake nearly tanked his career.
Then a dark discovery leaves Evan with only one way out; to bury the truth Russell is so determined to uncover ...
'Fox books should come with a remember to breathe.' Michael Robotham
'Fox is the queen of Aussie crime.' Hayley Scrivenor
Blood is thicker than water. But too much leaves a trail . . .
Russell and Evan Powder are cops.
The brothers haven't spoken for five years, since a violent confrontation tore their family apart.
Now they are both assigned to the murder of a young journalist, Chloe Lutz, in the small town of Redbelly Crossing (population 205).
It's the last thing Russell wants. This is supposed to be the week he repairs things with his teenage daughter Bridie. Now he's had to drag her on a murderous ride-along to the middle of snake-infested nowhere.
But a big case like this is just what Evan needs after a terrible mistake nearly tanked his career.
Then a dark discovery leaves Evan with only one way out; to bury the truth Russell is so determined to uncover ...
Audible Audio
First published March 31, 2026
About the author
Candice Fox
26 books2,210 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 177 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
May 28, 2026
Ugh- this is a pretty good thriller, but I wanted to like it more than I did. Russell Powder is an epic character who made up for some of this book’s meandering. Really, really cool Acknowledgements as well.
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.
June 4, 2026
If you found a buried "ugly journal," where you could read about someone's dark secrets and gut wrenching raw emotion, and even if there was loads of profanity, you probably would read it, right? If so, read this. It's good. Really good.
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.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
May 29, 2026
Wow, what an amazing read and the link to actual real events is the greatest tribute, well done Candice, sincerely hope that it gets conversations happening.
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.
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
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.’
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.
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.
May 19, 2026
In the middle of a fractured family and a murder investigation, brothers Evan and Russel Powder — both cops — are forced to work together to uncover who killed Chloe. But as the case unfolds, the Powder family’s darkest secrets begin surfacing one by one, unraveling shocking twists that change everything.
Red Belly Crossing starts a little slow, but quickly turns into a mind-churning mystery that keeps you constantly guessing. Every twist had me needing to know what would happen next.
One of my favorite parts was watching Russel and Birdie grow closer throughout the story — and honestly, the name Birdie is adorable.
And Arthur got exactly what he deserved. I just hate that Evan had to go down too.
Red Belly Crossing starts a little slow, but quickly turns into a mind-churning mystery that keeps you constantly guessing. Every twist had me needing to know what would happen next.
One of my favorite parts was watching Russel and Birdie grow closer throughout the story — and honestly, the name Birdie is adorable.
And Arthur got exactly what he deserved. I just hate that Evan had to go down too.
May 25, 2026
I really wanted to love this book after meeting Candice Fox in person. She is such a dynamic, fun character of a person.
I had a difficult time getting into the story, the brothers Russell and Evan, both detectives, have a very tenuous relationship, and their father is the worst. I really wanted to like Russell as he tries to related to his teenage daughter, who funny enough, I saw as Candice herself. The brothers get assigned to a high-profile investigation in the middle of nowhere. The second half of the book picks up speed, and the author's note really drives the book home.
This is my first book experience of Candice Fox, and I will give her another try.
I had a difficult time getting into the story, the brothers Russell and Evan, both detectives, have a very tenuous relationship, and their father is the worst. I really wanted to like Russell as he tries to related to his teenage daughter, who funny enough, I saw as Candice herself. The brothers get assigned to a high-profile investigation in the middle of nowhere. The second half of the book picks up speed, and the author's note really drives the book home.
This is my first book experience of Candice Fox, and I will give her another try.
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 27, 2026
Great book. Couldn’t put it down.
June 2, 2026
More of a 3.5/5
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.
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}
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