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Two Islands
A race against time for justice at the edge of the world.
When a desperate young man arrives on an isolated Scottish isle, the locals view him with suspicion. But Niko is there for a reason – he’s running for his life, pursued by those who want him silenced for what he has seen in the Balkan War. His neighbour is a recluse known to the villagers as ‘Slow Fergus’. As the two men circle each other, Australian war crimes investigator Anita Costello races against sinister forces to locate her key witness.
Against this rugged landscape, where the tight-knit island community holds painful memories close, Niko must weigh his loyalties to his family, his country and himself.
Written with compassion and insight, Two Islands explores how the ripples of distant conflicts can wash up on the most remote shores.
When a desperate young man arrives on an isolated Scottish isle, the locals view him with suspicion. But Niko is there for a reason – he’s running for his life, pursued by those who want him silenced for what he has seen in the Balkan War. His neighbour is a recluse known to the villagers as ‘Slow Fergus’. As the two men circle each other, Australian war crimes investigator Anita Costello races against sinister forces to locate her key witness.
Against this rugged landscape, where the tight-knit island community holds painful memories close, Niko must weigh his loyalties to his family, his country and himself.
Written with compassion and insight, Two Islands explores how the ripples of distant conflicts can wash up on the most remote shores.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 13, 2026
Often thrillers are high on action but low on character development. Ian Kemish has combined a page turning thriller with fully fleshed protagonists whose trajectories you’re deeply involved in.
His background as a diplomat, Ambassador, High Commissioner, and international advisor to the Prime Minister equip him well to navigate the complexities of international war crimes.
In Australia I’m familiar with his cogent commentary on political matters on various media and have appreciated his calm and informed viewpoint. There’s a sense in which that measured tone informs the narrative of this book.
The story belongs to Niko, witness to unthinkable war crimes in the 1990’s Balkan War, and to Anita, war crimes investigator, charged with keeping him safe until he can testify at the War Crimes Tribunal. As the book opens, Niko has disappeared.
Whilst that key storyline drives the action of the story, there is, along the way, a coterie of characters who are intriguing and engaging. There’s Fergus, a loner damaged by war, amongst them:
“We’re all marked by something. But marked isn’t the same as lost”.
Niko, convinced he is being pursued in order to silence his testimony, seeks safe haven on a small Scottish island. Its local inhabitants initially view him with suspicion, but their gradual acceptance and embrace of his presence is a surprisingly moving facet of the story.
It’s unusual, I think, to become so warmly engaged with character in a book which is at its heart a compelling thriller. I found I loved that combination. And this book.
Thank you UQP books for kindly sending me a copy.
#thrillerbooks #australianwriters #bookstagram #booksandflowers #uqpbooks
His background as a diplomat, Ambassador, High Commissioner, and international advisor to the Prime Minister equip him well to navigate the complexities of international war crimes.
In Australia I’m familiar with his cogent commentary on political matters on various media and have appreciated his calm and informed viewpoint. There’s a sense in which that measured tone informs the narrative of this book.
The story belongs to Niko, witness to unthinkable war crimes in the 1990’s Balkan War, and to Anita, war crimes investigator, charged with keeping him safe until he can testify at the War Crimes Tribunal. As the book opens, Niko has disappeared.
Whilst that key storyline drives the action of the story, there is, along the way, a coterie of characters who are intriguing and engaging. There’s Fergus, a loner damaged by war, amongst them:
“We’re all marked by something. But marked isn’t the same as lost”.
Niko, convinced he is being pursued in order to silence his testimony, seeks safe haven on a small Scottish island. Its local inhabitants initially view him with suspicion, but their gradual acceptance and embrace of his presence is a surprisingly moving facet of the story.
It’s unusual, I think, to become so warmly engaged with character in a book which is at its heart a compelling thriller. I found I loved that combination. And this book.
Thank you UQP books for kindly sending me a copy.
#thrillerbooks #australianwriters #bookstagram #booksandflowers #uqpbooks
February 9, 2026
Two Islands by retired diplomat Ian Kemish is not only a tightly-woven thriller but, equally, an enlightening study of a small community on a remote Scottish island where personal differences evaporate in the face of intruders. Kemish's details of the Balkans war atrocities is obviously informed by his diplomatic career but his character development of the island's seemingly disparate community demonstrates his intellectual skill and humanity.
A rewarding page-turner.
Warren Kidson
A rewarding page-turner.
Warren Kidson
February 10, 2026
An interesting insight into what it might feel like to be chased around Europe by war criminals whose sole aim is to silence you permanently
Thoughtfully written, the story is quite moving at times. The cast of characters is quite small, and the plot meanders through the tale like a lost cow that can’t decide if it’s hungry enough or not yet to panic.
But the book certainly gives the reader a resolution. A happy ending too. Books about war are essential reads. They’re essential writes too. Two Islands doesn’t reveal its true nature until you are completely invested in it, or you have thrown it against the wall out of frustration. But life isn’t always meant to be fun. War certainly wasn’t.
Thoughtfully written, the story is quite moving at times. The cast of characters is quite small, and the plot meanders through the tale like a lost cow that can’t decide if it’s hungry enough or not yet to panic.
But the book certainly gives the reader a resolution. A happy ending too. Books about war are essential reads. They’re essential writes too. Two Islands doesn’t reveal its true nature until you are completely invested in it, or you have thrown it against the wall out of frustration. But life isn’t always meant to be fun. War certainly wasn’t.
April 12, 2026
Here is the result of an author combining his love of the western isles of Scotland with an impressive career in international diplomacy. I couldn’t get a handle on what sort of book this was going to be. It was too much of a slow burn to be a thriller, I felt like three quarters of the book was character introductions and setting the story. The last quarter slipped into the territory of a cosy band of misfits saving the day which gave the story some momentum.
It was an interesting premise, Nico a young Croatian man, witness to war crimes in 1990s former Yugoslavia, is on the run. Will Anita the UN international prosecutor and her team find him before the bad guys do? Although we hear the story from various points of view I didn’t get a good sense of any of them. I would have liked to feel more connection to Anita, Nico or Fergus, also a better resolution to their personal stories. Ultimately it’s a four star rating from me because I thought it was a unique and intelligent novel, not necessarily a gripping one.
It was an interesting premise, Nico a young Croatian man, witness to war crimes in 1990s former Yugoslavia, is on the run. Will Anita the UN international prosecutor and her team find him before the bad guys do? Although we hear the story from various points of view I didn’t get a good sense of any of them. I would have liked to feel more connection to Anita, Nico or Fergus, also a better resolution to their personal stories. Ultimately it’s a four star rating from me because I thought it was a unique and intelligent novel, not necessarily a gripping one.
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February 17, 2026The wet weekend was a perfect excuse to hunker down with TWO ISLANDS by Ian Kemish. It’s a sophisticated mix of thriller, crime and the politics of the often long road to convicting war criminals. It is also about PTSD in veterans across generations, from WWll to Northern Ireland and the Balkans, and the courage and determination of witnesses and investigators who bring those who commit war crimes to answer for their actions in the International Criminal Court. Most of the novel’s suspense and intrigue occurs in the weather-ravaged landscape of an isolated Scottish isle, a place populated with quirky, tight-knit locals and is a temporary home for more than one person seeking to escape.
February 28, 2026
Many books in this genre are page turners. You want to read quickly to find out what happens. With this book, I very much wanted to know what happened, but read the book slowly, taking my time and enjoying spending slow time on an island where time does move more slowly than in cities. This is a very, very good read and a reminder of the destruction of a country we don’t think about much today. Buy it, read it, you’ll be glad you did.
March 13, 2026
Interesting first novel about the Bosnian crisis of the 90s and the aftermath.
February 21, 2026
It was an insightful and thrilling story of a terrible time in history in the 1990s. The story takes you from the former Yugoslavia to Australia and the outer islands of Scotland.
I have to agree with another review, the character development is really good, especially of the Scottish people.
I have to agree with another review, the character development is really good, especially of the Scottish people.
March 10, 2026
Loved this book, really gave me an insight into the psychological damage and trauma caused by war.
February 18, 2026
Very readable fact based story and instructive political and humanitarian insights. Deserves to have many appreciative readers.
March 12, 2026
I chose this book because it was concerned with the Bosnian War, a war that I was keen to better understand as I personally know some families who chose to leave their homelands and have settled here in Australia. It is a work of fiction written by Ian Kemish, a well respected former Australian diplomat, drawing on both his experiences in the Balkans in the mid-1990s and his strong family links with the western isles of Scotland.
The book is a very readable crime thriller in which Niko, a witness to war crimes in the Balkans, is due to give evidence of atrocities in his own village at the “ International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia” in The Hague.
Fearing that members of Serbian military and associated criminal gangs who wish to silence him, know where he can be found, Niko flees London and takes refuge in a remote island community in Scotland.
There he encounters many quirky local characters, two of whom have also served in war zones and experienced PTSD. Will the community be able to help protect Niko from his pursuers and will justice eventually take its course?
I enjoyed this book. It was a good page turner yet had a level of authenticity and the characters were well drawn, credible and likeable too.
The book is a very readable crime thriller in which Niko, a witness to war crimes in the Balkans, is due to give evidence of atrocities in his own village at the “ International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia” in The Hague.
Fearing that members of Serbian military and associated criminal gangs who wish to silence him, know where he can be found, Niko flees London and takes refuge in a remote island community in Scotland.
There he encounters many quirky local characters, two of whom have also served in war zones and experienced PTSD. Will the community be able to help protect Niko from his pursuers and will justice eventually take its course?
I enjoyed this book. It was a good page turner yet had a level of authenticity and the characters were well drawn, credible and likeable too.
April 6, 2026
An excellent tale based in fact and with fascinating characters. Could not put it down. So beautiful to visualise the island settings but heartrending and brutal to be reminded of the wars.
February 10, 2026
Ian Kemish’s debut fiction TWO ISLANDS (UQP 2026) is a fast-paced, emotionally charged thriller informed by his experience as a former Australian diplomat, particularly his work in the Balkans in the 1990’s. He combines this with an engrossing, evocative portrait of the isolated Western Isles of Scotland, from where he has strong family history.
I recently reviewed Gretchen Shirm’s OUT OF THE WOODS, and TWO ISLANDS deals with similar themes around the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, established in The Hague in the Netherlands. Both books explore the horrific war crimes and genocide of that period through the hindsight of investigators, pathologists and prosecutors from around the world who have taken a secondment role in the proceedings over many years. This enforcement team is tasked with locating, charging and punishing the guilty, and offering some sense of closure or justice for the survivors and their families.
In TWO ISLANDS, Kemish creates a sophisticated and resonate story, with fully formed characters, and he captures the emotional intensity of the situation. He also manages to write a page-turning suspense thriller – a terrifying game of cat and mouse that threatens not only the main protagonist but those who choose to help him. (Much as in times of war, brave civilians put their lives on the line to protect the innocent and oppressed.)
Niko is literally running for his life and wants to be as far away as possible from his (new) home in London when he realises his witness protection guarantee has been compromised, and ruthless people are willing to chase him around the world to avoid him giving testimony at The Hague. He fears too for his family and friends. Niko was only a teenager when he saw terrible crimes committed. He understands what is at stake. On a whim, he chooses the loneliest part of Scotland, a tiny, isolated island off the coast. At first, he is desperate to escape the busyness of larger cities but then he wonders if he has made himself a target by settling as a strange newcomer in a small community. People have long memories, however, and some characters are connected to Niko in ways he could not have predicted.
The other protagonist is Australian Anita, who is on leave in her home country to visit her sick father when she receives the news that her star witness – Niko – has disappeared. This is out of character for him, and she fears the worst, either that he has been killed or is being pursued. The other option is that he has simply decided not to testify after all, which would be devastating for her case against the notorious war criminal Arkan.
Through the perspectives of Anita and Niko, plus a couple of local Scottish characters, the narrative is thrilling and unputdownable, as Niko evades detection from both Anita (whom he trusts, but has been unable to reach) and the goons that have been ordered to silence him.
TWO ISLANDS is set in the shadow of the Bosnia-Herzegovina tragedy, but it mirrors the genocides and horrors of post-World War Two atrocities including Rwanda, Ukraine, Gaza, The Northern Ireland Troubles and Afghanistan. Kemish makes the specific universal through his enormous compassion and understanding of these conflicts, and he introduces easily relatable characters that remind readers of our shared humanity. TWO ISLANDS is informative, insightful and page-turning.
I recently reviewed Gretchen Shirm’s OUT OF THE WOODS, and TWO ISLANDS deals with similar themes around the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, established in The Hague in the Netherlands. Both books explore the horrific war crimes and genocide of that period through the hindsight of investigators, pathologists and prosecutors from around the world who have taken a secondment role in the proceedings over many years. This enforcement team is tasked with locating, charging and punishing the guilty, and offering some sense of closure or justice for the survivors and their families.
In TWO ISLANDS, Kemish creates a sophisticated and resonate story, with fully formed characters, and he captures the emotional intensity of the situation. He also manages to write a page-turning suspense thriller – a terrifying game of cat and mouse that threatens not only the main protagonist but those who choose to help him. (Much as in times of war, brave civilians put their lives on the line to protect the innocent and oppressed.)
Niko is literally running for his life and wants to be as far away as possible from his (new) home in London when he realises his witness protection guarantee has been compromised, and ruthless people are willing to chase him around the world to avoid him giving testimony at The Hague. He fears too for his family and friends. Niko was only a teenager when he saw terrible crimes committed. He understands what is at stake. On a whim, he chooses the loneliest part of Scotland, a tiny, isolated island off the coast. At first, he is desperate to escape the busyness of larger cities but then he wonders if he has made himself a target by settling as a strange newcomer in a small community. People have long memories, however, and some characters are connected to Niko in ways he could not have predicted.
The other protagonist is Australian Anita, who is on leave in her home country to visit her sick father when she receives the news that her star witness – Niko – has disappeared. This is out of character for him, and she fears the worst, either that he has been killed or is being pursued. The other option is that he has simply decided not to testify after all, which would be devastating for her case against the notorious war criminal Arkan.
Through the perspectives of Anita and Niko, plus a couple of local Scottish characters, the narrative is thrilling and unputdownable, as Niko evades detection from both Anita (whom he trusts, but has been unable to reach) and the goons that have been ordered to silence him.
TWO ISLANDS is set in the shadow of the Bosnia-Herzegovina tragedy, but it mirrors the genocides and horrors of post-World War Two atrocities including Rwanda, Ukraine, Gaza, The Northern Ireland Troubles and Afghanistan. Kemish makes the specific universal through his enormous compassion and understanding of these conflicts, and he introduces easily relatable characters that remind readers of our shared humanity. TWO ISLANDS is informative, insightful and page-turning.
April 19, 2026
TWO ISLANDS - IAN KEMISH
⭐⭐⭐.5
Thank you @uqpbooks for this book! This was the first I had heard about this book and feel it'll be the perfect fit for some people here!
From the get-go it was clear that this author has a brilliant depth of knowledge in politics and foreign affairs. There is quite a lot of political background information fed through the chapters to enhance the characters story and the realistic nature of this thriller. However, I did find myself feeling like the information was a bit too much for me in some parts. I'm not sure whether this is because the way the world is or not, and feel this won't be a downside for everyone!
The setting and characters were described vividly. They were deeply thought out and portrayed in a way that I felt I could see each and everything setting and person.
The mystery itself was gripping and the book is definitely a slow burn. Unfortunately for me it took quite a while for me to get into, but once things really heated up I couldn't stop reading.
Overall a well thought out and written book. While the heavy political setting was not my thing right now, this will be a winner for readers who will appreciate the brilliant depth of knowledge of this author.
#bookblogger #bookrecs #twoislandsiankemish
#uqpbooks #kiirstyanneereads
⭐⭐⭐.5
Thank you @uqpbooks for this book! This was the first I had heard about this book and feel it'll be the perfect fit for some people here!
From the get-go it was clear that this author has a brilliant depth of knowledge in politics and foreign affairs. There is quite a lot of political background information fed through the chapters to enhance the characters story and the realistic nature of this thriller. However, I did find myself feeling like the information was a bit too much for me in some parts. I'm not sure whether this is because the way the world is or not, and feel this won't be a downside for everyone!
The setting and characters were described vividly. They were deeply thought out and portrayed in a way that I felt I could see each and everything setting and person.
The mystery itself was gripping and the book is definitely a slow burn. Unfortunately for me it took quite a while for me to get into, but once things really heated up I couldn't stop reading.
Overall a well thought out and written book. While the heavy political setting was not my thing right now, this will be a winner for readers who will appreciate the brilliant depth of knowledge of this author.
#bookblogger #bookrecs #twoislandsiankemish
#uqpbooks #kiirstyanneereads
April 13, 2026
A debut novel, Two Islands (2026) by Ian Kemish, is a multi-narrated tale set on the Scottish Isle of Skarney. Locals are suspicious when Niko arrives in their community, as strangers are not welcome. They are already wary of Fergus, a recluse whose past and origins are unknown. The ramifications of these two men’s presence are soon replaced with angst, when another pair of intimidating visitors arrive on the island. In the meantime, Anita Costello, a senior investigator on the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal of Yugoslavia, returns to Australia to visit her dying father. An enjoyable story of community, tragic past wrongs and the fight to survive makes this a three and a half star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.
March 24, 2026
The research and backdrop to this book is insane. Ian Kemish really drew on his own work to write such an extensive book & one that doesn’t feel too far away. For his first work of fiction, this is such a touching story of so many characters whose lives blend and intertwine on this small Scottish island. We fall in love with these characters - their charm, their flaws, their personalities- and it’s hard to look away from them. This was such a fantastic read, one that I think will stay with me for a while.
March 3, 2026
Wonderful book. Great characterisations. A spectacular setting with powerful themes.
Quote at the start struck me
"Goodness is adorable, and it is immortal. When it is trodden down into the earth it springs up again, and human beings scrabble in the first to find the first green seedling of its return" Rebecca West - Black Lamb and Grey Falcon
Quote at the start struck me
"Goodness is adorable, and it is immortal. When it is trodden down into the earth it springs up again, and human beings scrabble in the first to find the first green seedling of its return" Rebecca West - Black Lamb and Grey Falcon
March 31, 2026
It's a tough genre to write in, but this was very thoughtfully done, with lots of insights into the trauma of war without all the exact gory details. The author's real-world diplomatic experience shines through. It was great to be reminded of the broader political context of the time, as well as the local Sydney details of King Street Newtown.
April 16, 2026
3.8 this was a little predictable but the characters and the setting saved it. I struggled with the stories of Croatia Bosnia but that’s the point.
The ending was not perfect and I respect him for that and it leaves a sequel wide open. Mr Kemish please spend a lot of time on your imaginary island next book I liked those characters the most.
The ending was not perfect and I respect him for that and it leaves a sequel wide open. Mr Kemish please spend a lot of time on your imaginary island next book I liked those characters the most.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2026
The emotion and tension of this story builds brilliantly through careful revelation of past events, motivations and desires of well crafted characters. You wont put it down and youll be thrilled with an ending that will stay with you long after you finish.
April 6, 2026
A great first novel! Hope it won't be the last from Ian Kemish.
Good story line, well-told. BUT I also learnt more about the former Yugoslavia and its aftermath. So educational as well as being a great read.
Good story line, well-told. BUT I also learnt more about the former Yugoslavia and its aftermath. So educational as well as being a great read.
April 10, 2026
This for me was one of those hard to put down books. Memories of troubled times abroad in the 1990s and the echoes that we are currently witnessing today. Will we ever learn?
Themes include war atrocities; post traumatic disorder, but also kindness and bravery.
Themes include war atrocities; post traumatic disorder, but also kindness and bravery.
April 15, 2026
A well written thriller set on a remote Scottish island. Niko ends up there on the run from those who want to silence him because of what he witnessed during the Balkan war. An interesting cast of characters, and very fast paced.
March 1, 2026
this book made complete sense towards the end. a great story and some good insite into assylum seekers.
March 7, 2026
Clear writing, enjoyable and informative story - atmospheric even!
March 12, 2026
I loved this. It’s well paced, has great locations and descriptions, very relatable characters, and addresses very important and timely issues. I couldn’t put it down.
March 12, 2026
Story and characters were ok but writing style very average.
March 14, 2026
Not my style, couldn’t wait for it to be over. The ending made it a little better for me though.
March 15, 2026
easy to read, interesting scenario.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews