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Teeth Kicker: A dark and original debut crime thriller for fans of Mark Brandi and Matthew Spencer
All he wanted was a second chance. What he got was a job that could kill him.
This blisteringly original crime thriller and exciting debut smashes Mr Inbetween, Monkey Grip and Animal Kingdom into a gutter opera on the vicious, bent and drug-laden streets of Newcastle - written by the Pushcart nominated writer and 2009 shark attack survivor
Young Vincent Silk is back in the decaying maw of Australia's Steel City after losing everything - his money, his family, his friends, even his self-respect. Determined to make amends, he's haunted by a massive debt to an unhinged loan shark who demands repayment at any cost. With no way to make good, Vincent is forced into a brutal new working as the shark's enforcer, collecting debts in a town where everyone owes someone something.
He might look big and tough but Vincent hates the violence and guilt weighs on him heavily. When his next target turns out to be Henrietta, the woman who once saved him - and someone he loves - Vincent wants to protect her, and running isn't an option. The shark would come for their families, including Vincent's younger brother, Ray.
Vincent and Ray have a difficult past, scarred by a horrific car accident that left Ray an amputee and Vincent with a metal plate in his head. As Ray spirals into his own trouble, Vincent tries desperately to solve everyone's troubles, until it all unravels, and Vincent's left with an impossible choice between the people he loves the most ...
Unless, of course, he's willing to sacrifice himself to save them all.
When you're pushed to the edge, you'll find out what you're made of.
This blisteringly original crime thriller and exciting debut smashes Mr Inbetween, Monkey Grip and Animal Kingdom into a gutter opera on the vicious, bent and drug-laden streets of Newcastle - written by the Pushcart nominated writer and 2009 shark attack survivor
Young Vincent Silk is back in the decaying maw of Australia's Steel City after losing everything - his money, his family, his friends, even his self-respect. Determined to make amends, he's haunted by a massive debt to an unhinged loan shark who demands repayment at any cost. With no way to make good, Vincent is forced into a brutal new working as the shark's enforcer, collecting debts in a town where everyone owes someone something.
He might look big and tough but Vincent hates the violence and guilt weighs on him heavily. When his next target turns out to be Henrietta, the woman who once saved him - and someone he loves - Vincent wants to protect her, and running isn't an option. The shark would come for their families, including Vincent's younger brother, Ray.
Vincent and Ray have a difficult past, scarred by a horrific car accident that left Ray an amputee and Vincent with a metal plate in his head. As Ray spirals into his own trouble, Vincent tries desperately to solve everyone's troubles, until it all unravels, and Vincent's left with an impossible choice between the people he loves the most ...
Unless, of course, he's willing to sacrifice himself to save them all.
When you're pushed to the edge, you'll find out what you're made of.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 1, 2026
Another fantastic Aussie crime debut. Teeth Kicker is dark and gritty but full of heart.
Set on the mean streets of Newcastle, brothers Vincent and Ray couldn’t be more different and have been estranged for some time now. But family is family and you will do anything for them. These brothers find themselves in some trouble with some unscrupulous people which brings them together.
A world of drug dealers, loan sharks, dirty cops and sex workers is always going to be disturbing and dangerous. Vince is still young and his life hasn’t turned out the way he had hoped. He makes some bad decisions that have a knock on effect on him and those around him.
It is not a happy story, but Vincent has a big heart and will protect those who he loves. He is deeply flawed but does what he has to do to survive in this world. It is brutal and messy, will make you squirm.
I look forward to more from this very talented writer.
Thank you to Harper Collins for sending me this ARC to read.
Set on the mean streets of Newcastle, brothers Vincent and Ray couldn’t be more different and have been estranged for some time now. But family is family and you will do anything for them. These brothers find themselves in some trouble with some unscrupulous people which brings them together.
A world of drug dealers, loan sharks, dirty cops and sex workers is always going to be disturbing and dangerous. Vince is still young and his life hasn’t turned out the way he had hoped. He makes some bad decisions that have a knock on effect on him and those around him.
It is not a happy story, but Vincent has a big heart and will protect those who he loves. He is deeply flawed but does what he has to do to survive in this world. It is brutal and messy, will make you squirm.
I look forward to more from this very talented writer.
Thank you to Harper Collins for sending me this ARC to read.
July 28, 2026
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Wow Teeth Kicker: A dark and original debut crime thriller for fans of Mark Brandi and Matthew Spencer by Glenn Orgias is an incredible crime fiction debut, it’s gritty and raw and I can’t stop thinking about teeth after reading this and not in a nice way.
The story is set on the shady streets of Newcastle, Australia amongst loan sharks, drug addicts, dirty cops and crime bosses.
Vincent Silk is twenty one and a terrific character, he’s deeply flawed, an addict, broke, has no friends and is full of self loathing. Vince does have a good heart but seems to continually make bad decisions much to his detriment, his future is chaotic.
In order to pay off his debts he finds himself reluctantly working as an enforcer for a loan shark, he can’t leave or they will come for him and his brother Ray. Will Vincent break not one but both of the loan sharks deadly rules?
Ray Silk is an amputee and seems to be on his own path of trouble and despair. The brothers are estranged but Vincent will fiercely protect his brother.
A brutally dark and insane debut that is not my usual vibe but it sure packed a punch and I recommend!
Publication Date 28 July 2026
Publisher Harper Collins
Thank you so much Harper Collins Australia for an early copy of the book.
Wow Teeth Kicker: A dark and original debut crime thriller for fans of Mark Brandi and Matthew Spencer by Glenn Orgias is an incredible crime fiction debut, it’s gritty and raw and I can’t stop thinking about teeth after reading this and not in a nice way.
The story is set on the shady streets of Newcastle, Australia amongst loan sharks, drug addicts, dirty cops and crime bosses.
Vincent Silk is twenty one and a terrific character, he’s deeply flawed, an addict, broke, has no friends and is full of self loathing. Vince does have a good heart but seems to continually make bad decisions much to his detriment, his future is chaotic.
In order to pay off his debts he finds himself reluctantly working as an enforcer for a loan shark, he can’t leave or they will come for him and his brother Ray. Will Vincent break not one but both of the loan sharks deadly rules?
Ray Silk is an amputee and seems to be on his own path of trouble and despair. The brothers are estranged but Vincent will fiercely protect his brother.
A brutally dark and insane debut that is not my usual vibe but it sure packed a punch and I recommend!
Publication Date 28 July 2026
Publisher Harper Collins
Thank you so much Harper Collins Australia for an early copy of the book.
August 9, 2026
What a dark and emotional story this was. My heart was in my mouth the whole way through. I could not put it down until I was finished. A wonderful depiction of the underbelly of Newcastle and a great cast of characters. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book could have easily been titled King Hit or Gut Punch. Anything that describes the brutality of this story. A story that to me had so much heart as well.
We follow Vincent as he spirals into the violent and unforgiving world of loan sharks, dirty cops, drugs and maniacal henchmen. Vincent needs to pay off his debt and finds himself in deeper trouble than he ever has been in, and much deeper than he can handle. He is at heart a gentle soul that has been dealt a shit hand.
Every time he thought maybe he was clawing his way out, he would suffer another setback and find himself sinking, beholden to his boss and far from where he wanted to be.
When his younger brother Ray becomes the target of the thugs Vincent works for, he knows he needs to sort things out, once and for all. Can he finally pull himself together and make up for the past?
Wow this story. Incredibly well written and with characters I won't forget for some time. This depraved and vicious world was so real to read but unbelievably had a soft touch at times.
Another insanely good debut novel from an Aussie author. If you like your stories dark, dirty and gritty then Teeth Kicker is for you.
We follow Vincent as he spirals into the violent and unforgiving world of loan sharks, dirty cops, drugs and maniacal henchmen. Vincent needs to pay off his debt and finds himself in deeper trouble than he ever has been in, and much deeper than he can handle. He is at heart a gentle soul that has been dealt a shit hand.
Every time he thought maybe he was clawing his way out, he would suffer another setback and find himself sinking, beholden to his boss and far from where he wanted to be.
When his younger brother Ray becomes the target of the thugs Vincent works for, he knows he needs to sort things out, once and for all. Can he finally pull himself together and make up for the past?
Wow this story. Incredibly well written and with characters I won't forget for some time. This depraved and vicious world was so real to read but unbelievably had a soft touch at times.
Another insanely good debut novel from an Aussie author. If you like your stories dark, dirty and gritty then Teeth Kicker is for you.
July 4, 2026
4 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibe check: Gritty, Debt Collecting, Rough Around The Edges
full review ⬇️
Wow. This sure one was great, gritty debut.
From the first page, Teeth Kicker immediately had that raw, unpolished feel that reminded me a little of Trent Dalton's writing. The characters aren't polished either and that's exactly the point. They're flawed, messy, and trying to survive in a world that doesn't make life easy.
A down on his luck drug addict paired up with a germaphobe debt collector was the storyline I didn’t realise I needed in my life. Such an unexpected combination, and one that added plenty of personality to the story.
It took a little time for me to place the era, picture the characters in my head and fully settle into the story but once everything clicked I found myself very invested.
What stood out most was Glenn Orgias' voice as a writer. For a debut novel, this feels incredibly confident and I'm genuinely excited to see what he writes next.
If you enjoy Australian crime fiction that's gritty, character driven and a little rough around the edges, this is well worth a look.
Vibe check: Gritty, Debt Collecting, Rough Around The Edges
full review ⬇️
Wow. This sure one was great, gritty debut.
From the first page, Teeth Kicker immediately had that raw, unpolished feel that reminded me a little of Trent Dalton's writing. The characters aren't polished either and that's exactly the point. They're flawed, messy, and trying to survive in a world that doesn't make life easy.
A down on his luck drug addict paired up with a germaphobe debt collector was the storyline I didn’t realise I needed in my life. Such an unexpected combination, and one that added plenty of personality to the story.
It took a little time for me to place the era, picture the characters in my head and fully settle into the story but once everything clicked I found myself very invested.
What stood out most was Glenn Orgias' voice as a writer. For a debut novel, this feels incredibly confident and I'm genuinely excited to see what he writes next.
If you enjoy Australian crime fiction that's gritty, character driven and a little rough around the edges, this is well worth a look.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Clear eyed, uncompromising and compelling, Teeth Kicker enters the Newcastle crime scene from the basement and tells its story from the underside, giving voice to the invisible casualties of a brutal, corrupt sub-sub-culture of addicts, debtors, thieves, gamblers, dealers and bottom feeder thugs. We meet Vincent, who has a goodish heart and a genius for making poor decisions, and his brother Ray, who lost an arm to one of those decisions, and seems compelled to make a few monumentally poor decisions of his own. We also meet Machine, a brilliantly realised crim with a warehouse of issues of his own. And Henrietta, who just wants to be loved for herself. Teeth Kicker is a pacy, raw, character driven crime novel with the heart of a Miles Franklin winner. If you loved Mr Inbetween and Two Hands, you're sure to find what you've been missing in Teeth Kicker.
August 4, 2026
Everything other reviewers are saying about TEETH KICKER is true. The setting is great. The love story sneaks up on you and hits you in the gut (whoever said that was right on!) The tone is dark and gritty. The brutality is balanced by its heart. All true.
But the sole reason I am writing this review is that no one has mentioned The Machine!! Since the moment he enters the story, he’s the most compelling villain I’ve encountered in a crime novel in many years. It’s rare an author gives so much dimension to a henchman, but like everything else in the novel, Henrietta most of all, Glenn gave The Machine an arc instead of treating him like a tool or a means to an end.
It’s all brilliant. Along with FIVE DECEMBERS (James Kestrel) and A GIFT BEFORE DYING (Malcolm Kempt), Glenn’s debut crime novel is a recent read that is going to stick with me for a long, long time.
But the sole reason I am writing this review is that no one has mentioned The Machine!! Since the moment he enters the story, he’s the most compelling villain I’ve encountered in a crime novel in many years. It’s rare an author gives so much dimension to a henchman, but like everything else in the novel, Henrietta most of all, Glenn gave The Machine an arc instead of treating him like a tool or a means to an end.
It’s all brilliant. Along with FIVE DECEMBERS (James Kestrel) and A GIFT BEFORE DYING (Malcolm Kempt), Glenn’s debut crime novel is a recent read that is going to stick with me for a long, long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yeah, Teeth Kicker knocked me out.
Sure, it's a gritty crime novel full of violence, debt collectors, and underworld bosses—but Glenn Orgias know how to level up, that story has heart.
Vincent is a recovering addict with a fundamentally good soul. He wants to make up for the damage he's done, especially to his younger brother, Ray, but every step toward redemption drags him deeper into the life he's trying to escape. You can't help but root for him.
What really sets this book apart is its humanity. There are no cardboard heroes or villains here. Everyone is broken. Everyone is carrying a difficult load. Even the hardest characters have moments that surprised me.
The writing is sharp, vivid, and authentic. Half the scenes hit like a gut-punch, the other half are insightful and thought-provoking.
If you like crime fiction with real emotional weight—stories about guilt, loyalty, family, and second chances—read this book. I was lucky enough to read Teeth Kicker before its release, and it's one of those rare novels that has stayed with me. I still catch myself thinking about Vincent.
Sure, it's a gritty crime novel full of violence, debt collectors, and underworld bosses—but Glenn Orgias know how to level up, that story has heart.
Vincent is a recovering addict with a fundamentally good soul. He wants to make up for the damage he's done, especially to his younger brother, Ray, but every step toward redemption drags him deeper into the life he's trying to escape. You can't help but root for him.
What really sets this book apart is its humanity. There are no cardboard heroes or villains here. Everyone is broken. Everyone is carrying a difficult load. Even the hardest characters have moments that surprised me.
The writing is sharp, vivid, and authentic. Half the scenes hit like a gut-punch, the other half are insightful and thought-provoking.
If you like crime fiction with real emotional weight—stories about guilt, loyalty, family, and second chances—read this book. I was lucky enough to read Teeth Kicker before its release, and it's one of those rare novels that has stayed with me. I still catch myself thinking about Vincent.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to read an early version of this blistering crime novel set in 90s Australia (thanks to the author for sharing!). It's wonderful, moving, dark, and shot through with a surprising tenderness - from the main character's struggles with self-loathing, recovery, addiction, his own predicament, his love and sense of responsibility towards both his brother and the novel's sparkling love interest. With a sort of minimalist but propulsive prose that eschews interiority, it builds and builds with a tension and underlying humour that makes it difficult to put down. Tremendous book, one for lovers of crime, seedy underbellies, face tattoos, shit going terribly, irrevocably, wrong, and for those who like good writing full of heart and hope, despite the darkness.
August 9, 2026
This one is dark, it's gritty. But underneath is a story of what one might sacrifice for those he loves the most.
Lots of familiarity for me with this one, being set in the Newcastle area. But we're on the dark side of the city. Vincent is an addict, and after release from incarceration, he needs to make good on his debt to a loan shark. As he has no means to pay, he's employed by the loan shark as a debt collector, a teeth kicker.
Brutal at times, this provides an insight to a side of life many of us are lucky enough to never had to be so deeply involved in.
Lots of familiarity for me with this one, being set in the Newcastle area. But we're on the dark side of the city. Vincent is an addict, and after release from incarceration, he needs to make good on his debt to a loan shark. As he has no means to pay, he's employed by the loan shark as a debt collector, a teeth kicker.
Brutal at times, this provides an insight to a side of life many of us are lucky enough to never had to be so deeply involved in.
Review of advance copy
I was so lucky to work with Glenn Orgias as a critique partner, swapping feedback on Teeth Kicker and my memoir, Delirium Vitae. Orgias is the real deal, and watching Teeth Kicker evolve was a joy--its world always vivid and lived-in. Written with a stripped-down intensity reminiscent of Hemingway and Donald Ray Pollock, while grounded, violent, and relentlessly human, Teeth Kicker is a misty-eyed crime novel with a broken nose.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am so glad I read this novel! It's fast and gritty, but never without heart and emotional complexity. Teeth Kicker is filled with rough places and raw characters—characters that stick. Most importantly, you won't just be rooting for Vincent as he tries to right many wrongs, you'll fall in love with him.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a copy of this through my writing group and became aware of Glenn's work that way. Wow! I absolutely see why this author has a Pushcart nomination for his writing. Lots of twists and emotional stakes.
July 28, 2026
A crime novel set in the 90's in Newcastle? This book was delicious! It was gritty, dark atmospheric and really packed a punch with it's plotline and story of the Underground world of addictions, organised crime and dodgy cops! This had me on the edge of my seat the whole book, wanting more 😍
July 29, 2026
Teeth Kicker is a gritty noir with more broken, mangled fingers than you could possibly imagine, infused with the kind of humanism you just can't fake. The central love story crept up on me and hit me like a gut punch. Really enjoyed.
Review of advance copy
Gritty and full of heart, let's call this nu-pulp. Aussie crime needs a bit of a kick up the butt and this can do it.
August 11, 2026
What a cracker of a thriller! A dark, gritty and deeply compelling tale of redemption and forgiveness.
August 13, 2026
This one is destined to become an Australian classic. Recommended!
Review of advance copy
Couldn’t put this book down.
Had me from “Walk these streets..”
Had me from “Walk these streets..”
July 27, 2026
A dark, gripping debut crime thriller. Set in Newcastle in 1990s this is the story of Vincent Silk. Vincent ends up in debt to a loan shark and is forced to work as a debt collector or teeth kicker to pay off his debts. He is forced to collect from friends and family and comes up with a plan to help them all. A character driven story, I enjoyed how messy and raw all the different characters were. Vincent and his brother Raymond’s relationship was complex and interesting to read about. I enjoyed Glenn’s writing style and how we brought a world of addicts, gamblers, loan sharks and sorry cops to life.
It hooked me in immediately and kept up pace the whole way through. A story of survival, forgiveness and brotherhood perfect for fans of Garry Disher and Matthew Spencer.
It hooked me in immediately and kept up pace the whole way through. A story of survival, forgiveness and brotherhood perfect for fans of Garry Disher and Matthew Spencer.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews