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Devil Mountain
A wickedly dark police procedural with a hint of the supernatural, this crime novel is
Dinuka McKenzie
meets
The Bluffs
.
When Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown is sent to investigate the strange death of a man found in a small NSW town, she sees it as an opportunity to redeem herself after an unjust suspension.
But it’s far from a simple homicide. The victim, a beloved GP and councilor, is found on a nearby mountain chained to a fence and burned to a crisp, with arcane symbols carved into the soles of his feet – and the boy who found the body saw a ghost lingering in the trees.
As Ana struggles against small-town secrets and high-level misogyny, the truth only grows murkier. Is this a clever killer with a flair for the macabre? Or are the local murmurs of the mountain being haunted more than just folklore??
When Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown is sent to investigate the strange death of a man found in a small NSW town, she sees it as an opportunity to redeem herself after an unjust suspension.
But it’s far from a simple homicide. The victim, a beloved GP and councilor, is found on a nearby mountain chained to a fence and burned to a crisp, with arcane symbols carved into the soles of his feet – and the boy who found the body saw a ghost lingering in the trees.
As Ana struggles against small-town secrets and high-level misogyny, the truth only grows murkier. Is this a clever killer with a flair for the macabre? Or are the local murmurs of the mountain being haunted more than just folklore??
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 12, 2026
For a respected GP and supposedly outstanding member of the community, there sure are a lot of people in Stony Creek who wouldn't mind seeing him dead.
Devil Mountain is the debut novel from Aussie author Inessa Jackson and introduces Detective Sergeant Anastasia “Ana” Brown, a Sydney homicide detective sent to the small town of Stony Creek to investigate a particularly grisly murder. A local doctor has been found chained to a fence and burned, with strange symbols carved into the soles of his feet. On paper, the victim appears to be an all-around top bloke, but the more Ana digs into his extracurricular activities, the more it seems like nearly every Tom, Dick and Harry in town has a bone to pick with him.
Looming over Stony Creek is the mountain itself, giving the story a really eerie backdrop with local legends, talk of ghosts and a witchy angle thrown into the mix. I wasn't completely invested in that side of the story, but I did like the spooky atmosphere it created. With the strange symbols found on the victim, I enjoyed wondering how much of it was actually connected to the mountain and its history, or whether there was a much simpler explanation closer to home.
Ana was a solid character to follow, and I'd happily spend another book with her. She's capable, determined and trying to do her job while dealing with a boys' club full of fragile egos and misogynistic attitudes. There were definitely more than a few characters who needed a good karate chop to the throat. I especially liked her partnership with local detective Harry Frost. Their dynamic felt natural, they worked well together, and he was probably one of the only men in this book I could actually stomach.
The mystery gave me plenty to work with, and though I had a few inklings about possible culprits along the way, I was never completely certain how it was all going to play out. I enjoyed seeing everything come together in the end and finding out which of my suspicions were actually on the right track.
This was an impressive debut with an eerie small-town setting, a messy list of suspects and a detective I'd definitely like to revisit. Apparently there's another instalment on the way, so I'll be keen to head back to Stony Creek and see what messed-up crime Ana has to investigate next.
Devil Mountain is the debut novel from Aussie author Inessa Jackson and introduces Detective Sergeant Anastasia “Ana” Brown, a Sydney homicide detective sent to the small town of Stony Creek to investigate a particularly grisly murder. A local doctor has been found chained to a fence and burned, with strange symbols carved into the soles of his feet. On paper, the victim appears to be an all-around top bloke, but the more Ana digs into his extracurricular activities, the more it seems like nearly every Tom, Dick and Harry in town has a bone to pick with him.
Looming over Stony Creek is the mountain itself, giving the story a really eerie backdrop with local legends, talk of ghosts and a witchy angle thrown into the mix. I wasn't completely invested in that side of the story, but I did like the spooky atmosphere it created. With the strange symbols found on the victim, I enjoyed wondering how much of it was actually connected to the mountain and its history, or whether there was a much simpler explanation closer to home.
Ana was a solid character to follow, and I'd happily spend another book with her. She's capable, determined and trying to do her job while dealing with a boys' club full of fragile egos and misogynistic attitudes. There were definitely more than a few characters who needed a good karate chop to the throat. I especially liked her partnership with local detective Harry Frost. Their dynamic felt natural, they worked well together, and he was probably one of the only men in this book I could actually stomach.
The mystery gave me plenty to work with, and though I had a few inklings about possible culprits along the way, I was never completely certain how it was all going to play out. I enjoyed seeing everything come together in the end and finding out which of my suspicions were actually on the right track.
This was an impressive debut with an eerie small-town setting, a messy list of suspects and a detective I'd definitely like to revisit. Apparently there's another instalment on the way, so I'll be keen to head back to Stony Creek and see what messed-up crime Ana has to investigate next.
July 11, 2026
A creepy mountain that is said to be haunted is the centrepiece of this fabulous debut crime novel from Inessa Jackson. I love a good detective, and Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown is one determined cop. Life hasn’t been kind to her recently,so the Sydney homicide detective is sent to a small town in rural NSW to work a murder case.
A body, burnt to a crisp and chained to a fence is found by a young boy on Devils Mountain. This mountain is said to be haunted by the spirit of a wronged woman, and the local coven of witches meet there for their rituals. Ana is teamed up with Harry Frost, a young local and I loved their banter and friendship. When the body is identified as a local GP with a reputation, there are no end of likely suspects.
Ana is a tough as nails woman who just keeps finding herself in trouble and danger. She doesn’t let it stop her though, she is desperate to prove her critics wrong. As a woman in the police force, she has to deal with so much misogynistic behaviour and abuse. I hope we get more books with Ana and Harry too, he was a great character.
Another new author to add to your list, I look forward to seeing what Inessa Jackson has in store for us next.
Thank you Affirm Press for sending this book my way. It is out now.
A body, burnt to a crisp and chained to a fence is found by a young boy on Devils Mountain. This mountain is said to be haunted by the spirit of a wronged woman, and the local coven of witches meet there for their rituals. Ana is teamed up with Harry Frost, a young local and I loved their banter and friendship. When the body is identified as a local GP with a reputation, there are no end of likely suspects.
Ana is a tough as nails woman who just keeps finding herself in trouble and danger. She doesn’t let it stop her though, she is desperate to prove her critics wrong. As a woman in the police force, she has to deal with so much misogynistic behaviour and abuse. I hope we get more books with Ana and Harry too, he was a great character.
Another new author to add to your list, I look forward to seeing what Inessa Jackson has in store for us next.
Thank you Affirm Press for sending this book my way. It is out now.
June 27, 2026
Devil Mountain is an impressive Australian crime novel from debut author Inessa Jackson.
Pouring rain, a near miss with a guardrail, and a collision with a kangaroo that leaves her with an orphaned joey make for an inauspicious welcome to Stony Creek for Sydney homicide detective Ana Brown. Then there’s the body found chained to a construction fence, set alight, with strange symbols carved into the soles of his feet.
I really enjoyed this well-paced police procedural. Paired with local detective Harry Frost, Ana finds herself leading a complex investigation. Jackson’s plot is cleverly crafted, offering several convincing red herrings. Identifying the dead man as a local GP does little to narrow the possible motives for his murder, while the legend of a ghost on Devil Mountain and the disappearance of a young girl only complicate matters further.
Jackson leans into the legend of Devil Mountain, the vengeful spirit of a wronged woman, to create an atmospheric backdrop for the novel. It also reinforces one of the story’s major themes, exploring the misogyny Ana faces within the police force alongside the victim’s appalling treatment of women.
Ana is initially quite a prickly character, but learning what’s weighing on her helps to soften that impression. I found her responses to the discrimination she faces frustrating at times, even though she has few good options available to her, but I also admired her determination and courage in pursuing every lead, even at considerable personal risk.
With its absorbing pace, clever plotting, atmospheric setting, and strong characterisation, Devil Mountain is a terrific read and a welcome addition to the Australian crime fiction canon.
Pouring rain, a near miss with a guardrail, and a collision with a kangaroo that leaves her with an orphaned joey make for an inauspicious welcome to Stony Creek for Sydney homicide detective Ana Brown. Then there’s the body found chained to a construction fence, set alight, with strange symbols carved into the soles of his feet.
I really enjoyed this well-paced police procedural. Paired with local detective Harry Frost, Ana finds herself leading a complex investigation. Jackson’s plot is cleverly crafted, offering several convincing red herrings. Identifying the dead man as a local GP does little to narrow the possible motives for his murder, while the legend of a ghost on Devil Mountain and the disappearance of a young girl only complicate matters further.
Jackson leans into the legend of Devil Mountain, the vengeful spirit of a wronged woman, to create an atmospheric backdrop for the novel. It also reinforces one of the story’s major themes, exploring the misogyny Ana faces within the police force alongside the victim’s appalling treatment of women.
Ana is initially quite a prickly character, but learning what’s weighing on her helps to soften that impression. I found her responses to the discrimination she faces frustrating at times, even though she has few good options available to her, but I also admired her determination and courage in pursuing every lead, even at considerable personal risk.
With its absorbing pace, clever plotting, atmospheric setting, and strong characterisation, Devil Mountain is a terrific read and a welcome addition to the Australian crime fiction canon.
August 30, 2026
Nothing says welcome to regional Australia quite like hitting a roo on the drive into town. Unfortunately, as someone who’s done exactly that twice now, Ana Brown had my sympathy before she’d even properly made it to Stony Creek. And, her trip only gets worse from there 😂
A local doctor has been found chained to a fence & burned alive, there are some questionable markings involved, Devil Mountain comes complete with its own folklore & possible supernatural shenanigans, and basically half the town seems to be carrying around a secret in their back pocket. THIS is how you get me invested in a police procedural.
I really liked Ana, but pairing her with Harry Frost was where this became especially fun for me. Their dynamic worked so well, and between the suspects, red herrings & increasingly messy picture of exactly what had been happening around Stony Creek, I was more than happy following them down every questionable path this investigation wandered onto.
Underneath the murder & everything unfolding around Devil Mountain, Inessa has also made this feel incredibly Australian. There’s misogyny within the police force, the housing crisis & other contemporary issues worked naturally into the fabric of the story rather than shoved in purely to make a point. Even Schapelle Corby gets a mention 😂 Those little details made Stony Creek feel like somewhere that could genuinely exist rather than Fictional Small Town™ plonked into NSW for convenience.
The Wiccan elements were probably the biggest wildcard for me, but they ended up adding a really fun extra flavour without hijacking the police procedural. There’s always that lil question mark hanging over Devil Mountain about what’s folklore, what’s bullshit & whether maybe something stranger is going on.
For a debut, this was seriously impressive. Inessa has taken a police procedural, sprinkled some witchiness over the crime scene, dumped a mountain of small-town secrets on top & somehow made the whole concoction work.
Very keen for more Ana & Harry after this one.
4.5⭐️
A local doctor has been found chained to a fence & burned alive, there are some questionable markings involved, Devil Mountain comes complete with its own folklore & possible supernatural shenanigans, and basically half the town seems to be carrying around a secret in their back pocket. THIS is how you get me invested in a police procedural.
I really liked Ana, but pairing her with Harry Frost was where this became especially fun for me. Their dynamic worked so well, and between the suspects, red herrings & increasingly messy picture of exactly what had been happening around Stony Creek, I was more than happy following them down every questionable path this investigation wandered onto.
Underneath the murder & everything unfolding around Devil Mountain, Inessa has also made this feel incredibly Australian. There’s misogyny within the police force, the housing crisis & other contemporary issues worked naturally into the fabric of the story rather than shoved in purely to make a point. Even Schapelle Corby gets a mention 😂 Those little details made Stony Creek feel like somewhere that could genuinely exist rather than Fictional Small Town™ plonked into NSW for convenience.
The Wiccan elements were probably the biggest wildcard for me, but they ended up adding a really fun extra flavour without hijacking the police procedural. There’s always that lil question mark hanging over Devil Mountain about what’s folklore, what’s bullshit & whether maybe something stranger is going on.
For a debut, this was seriously impressive. Inessa has taken a police procedural, sprinkled some witchiness over the crime scene, dumped a mountain of small-town secrets on top & somehow made the whole concoction work.
Very keen for more Ana & Harry after this one.
4.5⭐️
August 1, 2026
Devil Mountain is a debut novel by Inessa Jackson and the author has certainly made an arresting entrance into the somewhat crowded scene of Australian crime fiction. Based in Sydney, Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown is reeling from an unjust workplace suspension when she's sent to Stony Creek - a small town in NSW - to investigate the murder of a local GP. Pairing up with local Detective Harry Frost, Ana gets a quick run down of the unusual crime scene and seeks to find out more about the victim and why someone would want to kill him.
This police procedural moves quickly and several motives are swiftly identified. I loved this phrase summing up the motives for murder and haven't heard or seen it before:
"It met the criteria for one of the most common motivations for murder: love, lust, loot and loathing." Page 38
The mountain of the title overlooks Stony Creek and forms part of the Stony Creek State Forest where lights have been seen and the vengeful spirit of a wronged woman is said to haunt the mountain for eternity. Yikes!
DS Ana Brown is an easy protagonist to cheer for as she tackles misogyny in the workplace, peels back layers of lies in the small town to reveal adultery and addiction, investigates a Wiccan coven and plunges headlong into the forest despite the reported hauntings.
Detective Harry Frost was a highlight and my favourite character and I'd love to see Ana and Harry working together again in the future if this becomes a series.
Devil Mountain by Inessa Jackson is an enjoyable Aussie noir crime novel although I wish the supernatural element was more prominent.
* Copy courtesy of Simon & Schuster *
This police procedural moves quickly and several motives are swiftly identified. I loved this phrase summing up the motives for murder and haven't heard or seen it before:
"It met the criteria for one of the most common motivations for murder: love, lust, loot and loathing." Page 38
The mountain of the title overlooks Stony Creek and forms part of the Stony Creek State Forest where lights have been seen and the vengeful spirit of a wronged woman is said to haunt the mountain for eternity. Yikes!
DS Ana Brown is an easy protagonist to cheer for as she tackles misogyny in the workplace, peels back layers of lies in the small town to reveal adultery and addiction, investigates a Wiccan coven and plunges headlong into the forest despite the reported hauntings.
Detective Harry Frost was a highlight and my favourite character and I'd love to see Ana and Harry working together again in the future if this becomes a series.
Devil Mountain by Inessa Jackson is an enjoyable Aussie noir crime novel although I wish the supernatural element was more prominent.
* Copy courtesy of Simon & Schuster *
July 30, 2026
A fabulous debut by the author!
Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown is sent to investigate a grizzly murder in a small New South Wales town, welcoming the chance to escape her current workplace and the devastation it has brought her. But when she arrives, the charred body, chained to a fence on the mountain wasn't what she expected. The symbols carved into the person's feet only add to the mystery, along with the boy that claims he saw a ghost nearby. As the investigation goes on, we see the local police politics, combined with the murky waters of the investigation and the background of the victim and so many intriguing aspects woven into the story.
This was such a clever novel, with the many suspicious characters involved, the victims' interesting background and the Wiccan aspect all combined. Ana's own life story added to the tension and suspense, along with her new colleagues and the locals. The mystery surrounding the mountain and atmosphere was so creepy and haunting and the author really set the scene right away for a fabulous police procedural and part mystery/thriller. 4.5✨
Thank you to the author and Simon and Schuster Australia for this gifted review copy.
Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown is sent to investigate a grizzly murder in a small New South Wales town, welcoming the chance to escape her current workplace and the devastation it has brought her. But when she arrives, the charred body, chained to a fence on the mountain wasn't what she expected. The symbols carved into the person's feet only add to the mystery, along with the boy that claims he saw a ghost nearby. As the investigation goes on, we see the local police politics, combined with the murky waters of the investigation and the background of the victim and so many intriguing aspects woven into the story.
This was such a clever novel, with the many suspicious characters involved, the victims' interesting background and the Wiccan aspect all combined. Ana's own life story added to the tension and suspense, along with her new colleagues and the locals. The mystery surrounding the mountain and atmosphere was so creepy and haunting and the author really set the scene right away for a fabulous police procedural and part mystery/thriller. 4.5✨
Thank you to the author and Simon and Schuster Australia for this gifted review copy.
July 28, 2026
A dead body, chained to a fence, burnt and with mysterious symbols carved into his feet.
A town that believes the mountain is guarded by a vengeful ghost.
A detective hiding from an embarrassing and brutal betrayal.
The story that plays out in Devil Mountain is creepy and intriguing and had me from the first chapter. I love a slightly damaged detective and DS Anastasia Brown is certainly that, though through no fault of her own.
She teams up with local cop, Detective Senior Constable Harry Frost, and they form a sometimes united team, as they search for clues to try and figure out what really happened to the local GP, Dr Michael Falzon.
I loved all the different tangents to this story and the possible suspects. Was it a jealous husband? Was it the housing developers? Could it possibly be the local Wicca? Or the ghost of Lady Hay?
There were some great characters in Devil Mountain as well as some that made me want to reach into the book and kick them in the you know whats!!
Anastasia is determined to solve this case, even though the 'establishment' is doing everything in its power to discredit her. The ending was satisfying and wrapped the story up well. I do hope we see more of Anastasia.
A town that believes the mountain is guarded by a vengeful ghost.
A detective hiding from an embarrassing and brutal betrayal.
The story that plays out in Devil Mountain is creepy and intriguing and had me from the first chapter. I love a slightly damaged detective and DS Anastasia Brown is certainly that, though through no fault of her own.
She teams up with local cop, Detective Senior Constable Harry Frost, and they form a sometimes united team, as they search for clues to try and figure out what really happened to the local GP, Dr Michael Falzon.
I loved all the different tangents to this story and the possible suspects. Was it a jealous husband? Was it the housing developers? Could it possibly be the local Wicca? Or the ghost of Lady Hay?
There were some great characters in Devil Mountain as well as some that made me want to reach into the book and kick them in the you know whats!!
Anastasia is determined to solve this case, even though the 'establishment' is doing everything in its power to discredit her. The ending was satisfying and wrapped the story up well. I do hope we see more of Anastasia.
July 8, 2026
2.5 stars. This was just to slow! It took me forever to get through and finish I got bored and over the repetitive nature of it. I didn’t feel like things where flushed out and whole part of the symbols just felt like a waste of time.
This need more development and work
This need more development and work
August 29, 2026
4.5 stars
Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown arrives in the remote mountain community of Stony Creek, where a murder investigation draws her into a world of dark secrets, deeply held beliefs and a community that isn’t quite what it seems. With an eerie, almost supernatural atmosphere hanging over the mountain, Ana soon finds herself questioning who she can trust - and what is really going on.
I absolutely loved the setting of this book. There’s something about an isolated, atmospheric location paired with a creepy “someone’s watching” feeling that will always get me.
And I LOVED the strong female lead. Ana is exactly the kind of protagonist I enjoy following - capable, headstrong, compelling and easy to get invested in.
As someone who has identified as Pagan for more than 25 years, I was particularly interested in the Wiccan elements of the story - and I genuinely couldn’t find fault with Inessa Jackson’s portrayal. It felt respectful and authentic, and importantly, Wicca was never demeaned or treated as something inherently sinister simply because it was unfamiliar. Ana had her skepticism but ultimately, I don’t think even she could deny the possibility of other forces at play.
The book also tackles some heavier issues, including the way women are dismissed when they report sexual assault, institutional sexism within the police force, and the broader attitudes within the community that contribute to women not being listened to or believed.
Was there anything particularly groundbreaking or completely unique about the story? Not necessarily. But did I thoroughly enjoy reading it? Absolutely.
It was atmospheric, spooky, engaging and kept me invested throughout. Sometimes a book doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel to be a bloody good read.
Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown arrives in the remote mountain community of Stony Creek, where a murder investigation draws her into a world of dark secrets, deeply held beliefs and a community that isn’t quite what it seems. With an eerie, almost supernatural atmosphere hanging over the mountain, Ana soon finds herself questioning who she can trust - and what is really going on.
I absolutely loved the setting of this book. There’s something about an isolated, atmospheric location paired with a creepy “someone’s watching” feeling that will always get me.
And I LOVED the strong female lead. Ana is exactly the kind of protagonist I enjoy following - capable, headstrong, compelling and easy to get invested in.
As someone who has identified as Pagan for more than 25 years, I was particularly interested in the Wiccan elements of the story - and I genuinely couldn’t find fault with Inessa Jackson’s portrayal. It felt respectful and authentic, and importantly, Wicca was never demeaned or treated as something inherently sinister simply because it was unfamiliar. Ana had her skepticism but ultimately, I don’t think even she could deny the possibility of other forces at play.
The book also tackles some heavier issues, including the way women are dismissed when they report sexual assault, institutional sexism within the police force, and the broader attitudes within the community that contribute to women not being listened to or believed.
Was there anything particularly groundbreaking or completely unique about the story? Not necessarily. But did I thoroughly enjoy reading it? Absolutely.
It was atmospheric, spooky, engaging and kept me invested throughout. Sometimes a book doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel to be a bloody good read.
August 13, 2026
Devil Mountain by Inessa Jackson 🇦🇺
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #devilmountain
August is Australian Author Appreciation Month
This book started with a punch and ended with one as well. It was a medium paced book with lots of red herrings and secrets.
The character development was strong and I really liked Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown with all her flaws. I was guessing right up until the end, who the murderer was. The twist was great and unexpected.
Loved this small town murder police mystery. I would 💯read the next book with these fabulous characters.
"When Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown is sent to investigate a grizzly murder in a small New South Wales town, she welcomes the chance to run from heartbreak and humiliation. But she quickly discovers that this is no ordinary murder. The body of a popular doctor has been found on the mountain, chained and burned, with arcane symbols carved into the soles of his feet – and the boy who found him swears he saw a ghost lingering in the trees.
Is this a clever killer with a flair for the macabre? Or the work of an elusive Wiccan coven that worships on the mountain? Or, even stranger, are the local murmurs of the mountain being haunted more than just folklore??
As the investigation grows ever murkier, Ana realises that everyone in town has a secret … and some are deadly.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #devilmountain
August is Australian Author Appreciation Month
This book started with a punch and ended with one as well. It was a medium paced book with lots of red herrings and secrets.
The character development was strong and I really liked Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown with all her flaws. I was guessing right up until the end, who the murderer was. The twist was great and unexpected.
Loved this small town murder police mystery. I would 💯read the next book with these fabulous characters.
"When Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown is sent to investigate a grizzly murder in a small New South Wales town, she welcomes the chance to run from heartbreak and humiliation. But she quickly discovers that this is no ordinary murder. The body of a popular doctor has been found on the mountain, chained and burned, with arcane symbols carved into the soles of his feet – and the boy who found him swears he saw a ghost lingering in the trees.
Is this a clever killer with a flair for the macabre? Or the work of an elusive Wiccan coven that worships on the mountain? Or, even stranger, are the local murmurs of the mountain being haunted more than just folklore??
As the investigation grows ever murkier, Ana realises that everyone in town has a secret … and some are deadly.
July 30, 2026
A debut Aussie crime noir, Devil Mountain (2026) by Inessa Jackson, begins with a grizzly, bloody murder. Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown is sent from Sydney to investigate the unidentified remains in the small New South Wales town of Stoney Creek. The burnt-out body, chained up to a fence, is discovered on the local mountain and later identified as a local doctor and councillor. The autopsy finds strange symbols carved onto the soles of the victim’s feet, which are identified as an arcane protection symbol, from evil. Complicating the investigation is the public knowledge of the GP’s infidelity and the impending Council vote on a housing development, requiring vegetation clearing on Devils Mountain. Then there is the local historical legend of Lady Hay, a ghost supposedly seen near the body. This dark police procedural, with a hint of the supernatural, is a first-class debut crime tale with a four and a half star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.
August 19, 2026
What an impressive debut! Devil Mountain is an Australian police procedural with an eerie twist – a gripping mystery with just enough dark magic to make it feel fresh and deliciously unsettling. Inessa Jackson has created a wonderfully quirky cast of characters, led by Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown, whose backstory makes her as intriguing as the case she’s investigating. The book explores institutional misogyny, environmental tensions and the complex relationships that bind small communities together, through a cast of supporting characters that's well-crafted and so entertaining. I was mesmerised by Jackson’s off-beat small town, with the brooding, unforgiving mountain almost a character in itself. The pace is fantastic and the plot kept me in suspense. The sprinkling of magic – which I love – helps this small-town Aussie crime story stand out, in a crowded field. I hope Ana Brown returns in a series, because I can’t wait to see where Inessa Jackson takes her next.
June 23, 2026
Devil Mountain is the exciting debut of Aussie author Inessa Jackson. It’s a dark and intriguing police procedural that cleverly uses a Wicca/folklore element to evoke an eerie undercurrent to the narrative.
🌒 Devil Mountain is a clever and gripping debut that I couldn’t put down. The narrative moved quickly, had fantastic tension and a sinister undercurrent. The folklore element was a clever addition as it leaves you questioning everyone as the story evolves.
I really liked Ana’s character. This was a redemption case for her and she was keen to prove herself, especially given the misogyny she is experiencing in the workplace. Harry was the perfect partner for her too and I hope we see more of them both!
A fantastic aussie noir debut you that will pull you in and keep you guessing. Five stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @inessa_jackson_writer and @affirmpress for a copy to review.
🌒 Devil Mountain is a clever and gripping debut that I couldn’t put down. The narrative moved quickly, had fantastic tension and a sinister undercurrent. The folklore element was a clever addition as it leaves you questioning everyone as the story evolves.
I really liked Ana’s character. This was a redemption case for her and she was keen to prove herself, especially given the misogyny she is experiencing in the workplace. Harry was the perfect partner for her too and I hope we see more of them both!
A fantastic aussie noir debut you that will pull you in and keep you guessing. Five stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @inessa_jackson_writer and @affirmpress for a copy to review.
June 13, 2026
Impressive debut.
Small time crime, and a gripping police procedural. Elements of the supernatural may be at play too, with the mountain having a spooky history and a local mythology. Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown is looking to redeem herself, having been sent to rural NSW to investigate a complex homicide, where a local GP and councilor is found chained to a fence and burned to a crisp. Definitely not a simple case and Anastasia and her young partner Harry make an entertaining team.
Small time crime, and a gripping police procedural. Elements of the supernatural may be at play too, with the mountain having a spooky history and a local mythology. Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown is looking to redeem herself, having been sent to rural NSW to investigate a complex homicide, where a local GP and councilor is found chained to a fence and burned to a crisp. Definitely not a simple case and Anastasia and her young partner Harry make an entertaining team.
May 30, 2026
Thanks to Affirm Press for my advanced reading copy.
Ana and her new cohort Harry make a great team investigating a grisly murder on Devil Mountain.
Who is good? Who is evil? Can people be both? Good people in bad situations and bad people taking advantage of ‘good’ situations.
This is one of the best debut crime thrillers I have read in a long while.
Ana and her new cohort Harry make a great team investigating a grisly murder on Devil Mountain.
Who is good? Who is evil? Can people be both? Good people in bad situations and bad people taking advantage of ‘good’ situations.
This is one of the best debut crime thrillers I have read in a long while.
June 25, 2026
This book has just the right amount of creepy witchy vibes. The police-procedural element makes it fast-paced, and the ending is so dramatic and cinematic that it would make an excellent film. But at its heart it is a story exploring misogyny and the challenges women still face in male-dominated industries, as well as the misconceptions that abound when they take back their power. Great read.
July 1, 2026
I enjoyed this debut novel by Inessa Jackson. It features Anastasia Brown, a detective sergeant who is dealing with an unfortunate relationship breakdown with a colleague, and is assigned to a case involving the murder of a doctor in a small town. The location adds to the mystery - is there a supernatural involvement? Or is it more a case of personalities? Read on to find out, no spoilers here!
August 25, 2026
with a 1/2
Another impressive debut~ that is two in a row !
It is amazing how so many unsettling murders take place in Australian country towns....not unlike those below the Dixie Line!
A good strong female protaganist in Det Sgt Ana Brown.
A list of suspects with hints as to who may be the culprit.
Good read and await the next.
Another impressive debut~ that is two in a row !
It is amazing how so many unsettling murders take place in Australian country towns....not unlike those below the Dixie Line!
A good strong female protaganist in Det Sgt Ana Brown.
A list of suspects with hints as to who may be the culprit.
Good read and await the next.
June 28, 2026
Literally could not put this down!! Absolutely gripping!!
July 12, 2026
Brilliant police procedural with a strong female lead, set in rural Australia. I can’t wait to read Inessa Jackson’s next book!
July 24, 2026
I found this OK. It was just a bit drawn out for me though. And also a bit predictable
July 24, 2026
Toooooooooo damn slow!
August 16, 2026
Loved this so much!!!!
August 4, 2026
Devil Mountain is one of the best police procedural novels I've read in a long time.
The premise initially drew me in, but it was Inessa's writing style that truly kept me hooked. Her storytelling is immersive, and I couldn't get enough.
Set in a small Australian town, Devil Mountain has all the thrilling, creepy, unnerving, and supernatural elements that make for a gripping read. Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown is transferred from Sydney to lead an investigation after a man is found chained and burned in the bush. As Ana digs deeper into the case, it quickly becomes clear that everyone in town is hiding secrets.
The pacing was spot on. Every chapter revealed something new or pushed the investigation forward in a way that kept me completely engrossed. I never found myself wanting to put it down.
Anastasia was a fantastic protagonist. She's headstrong, determined, and doesn't take any nonsense from anyone. I loved reading from her perspective and even found myself laughing at her very relatable Aussie food cravings while working the case. She was a strong female lead who stood her ground and refused to let the misogyny within the police force diminish her.
I also loved the witchy vibes and supernatural elements woven throughout the story. I'm always a sucker for a good ghost story, and these aspects added another layer of intrigue without overshadowing the investigation.
This was a brilliant debut novel, and I can't wait to see what Inessa writes next. She will definitely be an author I will look out for.
Thank you so much, Inessa, for sending me a copy of Devil Mountain to review!
The premise initially drew me in, but it was Inessa's writing style that truly kept me hooked. Her storytelling is immersive, and I couldn't get enough.
Set in a small Australian town, Devil Mountain has all the thrilling, creepy, unnerving, and supernatural elements that make for a gripping read. Detective Sergeant Anastasia Brown is transferred from Sydney to lead an investigation after a man is found chained and burned in the bush. As Ana digs deeper into the case, it quickly becomes clear that everyone in town is hiding secrets.
The pacing was spot on. Every chapter revealed something new or pushed the investigation forward in a way that kept me completely engrossed. I never found myself wanting to put it down.
Anastasia was a fantastic protagonist. She's headstrong, determined, and doesn't take any nonsense from anyone. I loved reading from her perspective and even found myself laughing at her very relatable Aussie food cravings while working the case. She was a strong female lead who stood her ground and refused to let the misogyny within the police force diminish her.
I also loved the witchy vibes and supernatural elements woven throughout the story. I'm always a sucker for a good ghost story, and these aspects added another layer of intrigue without overshadowing the investigation.
This was a brilliant debut novel, and I can't wait to see what Inessa writes next. She will definitely be an author I will look out for.
Thank you so much, Inessa, for sending me a copy of Devil Mountain to review!
August 28, 2026
I love a good crime thriller and this was a great one. This is Inessa’s debut so I very much look forward to what she does next. This has quite a gothic feel as well and I love that in a book as it adds an extra element to the story.
DS Anastasia Brown is sent to a small town in NSW to investigate the death of a man found chained to a fence. She sees it as an opportunity to leave behind her unjust suspension and start fresh. Ana struggles with the small town as she’s the new person and this town has secrets and folklore featuring a ghost lingering in the mountain. Does any of this have to do with the murder? Will she be able to solve the case and leave behind her suspension?
If you’re after a great crime thriller with lots of twists and turns, then this is for you.
DS Anastasia Brown is sent to a small town in NSW to investigate the death of a man found chained to a fence. She sees it as an opportunity to leave behind her unjust suspension and start fresh. Ana struggles with the small town as she’s the new person and this town has secrets and folklore featuring a ghost lingering in the mountain. Does any of this have to do with the murder? Will she be able to solve the case and leave behind her suspension?
If you’re after a great crime thriller with lots of twists and turns, then this is for you.
July 22, 2026
I absolutely loved this creepy police procedural by Inessa Jackson. The eerie mountain setting, its kick-ass female cop, and the spooky vibes around the murders — all completely up my alley. And that ending! It was fabulous, heart-stopping and brilliantly cinematic. I absolutely churned through the final chapters. Perfect for readers of The Wolf Tree by Laura McCluskey and The Bluffs by Kyle Perry, this is great Aussie spooky crime and I can't wait to see what Jackson writes next... sign me up!
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