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Harper Quinn #1
Red Lake: Harper Quinn Book 1
Sergeant Harper Quinn has returned to her sleepy hometown of Koorinda in search of a quieter life. Until she learns that the town's once glittering waterpark is being reopened, on the shores of its famous Red the place that her little brother vanished into thin air 30 years ago.
And then Harper receives a a body has been found at the park.
Once again, Harper finds her family at the centre of a shocking criminal investigation. This time, she is determined to find her own answers.
But when secrets run this deep, the truth can drag you under . . .
Red Lake is the page-turning first book in a brand new series by the digitally bestselling author of the Nick Vada series, Jason Summers.
And then Harper receives a a body has been found at the park.
Once again, Harper finds her family at the centre of a shocking criminal investigation. This time, she is determined to find her own answers.
But when secrets run this deep, the truth can drag you under . . .
Red Lake is the page-turning first book in a brand new series by the digitally bestselling author of the Nick Vada series, Jason Summers.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 21, 2026
This is a book about consequences, secrets and family dynamics.
I really enjoyed the character of Harper. She was what made the book for me. I hope we get to see more books with her character. She was a driven woman who wanted to find out the truth.
What I loved about this book was the fact I couldn't stop thinking about it. My mind changed several times as to who had the motive and why.
I have noticed he has a backlist, can't wait to dive in and read them if this is the standard of his writing sign me up!
Highly recommend.
I really enjoyed the character of Harper. She was what made the book for me. I hope we get to see more books with her character. She was a driven woman who wanted to find out the truth.
What I loved about this book was the fact I couldn't stop thinking about it. My mind changed several times as to who had the motive and why.
I have noticed he has a backlist, can't wait to dive in and read them if this is the standard of his writing sign me up!
Highly recommend.
August 8, 2026
What a great Aussie crime novel. I do have a love for a small town detective story so it was a no brainer when Pan Macmillan Australia reached out and asked me if I would like to read Red Lake by Jason Summers. Once I picked up this book I couldn’t put it down. It was everything I hoped it would and more.
This is the first book in what looks to be a a new series by the is author. Sergeant Harper Quinn has moved back to her hometown of Koorinda in rural NSW with her husband and son. The whole family is shocked when they hear that the water park at Red Lake is going to be reopened- the last place her little brother Nick was seen alive 30 years earlier. And now a body has been found on the lake, and her family is once again the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons.
I loved Harper, she is one great tough woman and relentless in her quest to find the killer and give her family peace. She will do anything for her family and they have such a great relationship. Her Dad Tony cracked me up, being a former Australian cricketer and loved to talk about it to anyone and everyone.
This an emotional crime thriller, small towns are always full of secrets so there are plenty of possible suspects and you can’t always be sure that you trusting the right people.
I look forward to book 2.
This is the first book in what looks to be a a new series by the is author. Sergeant Harper Quinn has moved back to her hometown of Koorinda in rural NSW with her husband and son. The whole family is shocked when they hear that the water park at Red Lake is going to be reopened- the last place her little brother Nick was seen alive 30 years earlier. And now a body has been found on the lake, and her family is once again the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons.
I loved Harper, she is one great tough woman and relentless in her quest to find the killer and give her family peace. She will do anything for her family and they have such a great relationship. Her Dad Tony cracked me up, being a former Australian cricketer and loved to talk about it to anyone and everyone.
This an emotional crime thriller, small towns are always full of secrets so there are plenty of possible suspects and you can’t always be sure that you trusting the right people.
I look forward to book 2.
July 11, 2026
My favourite book to write because I didn’t have to edit it!
(Well copyedit at least)
Thankyou so much for all of the kind reviews, it has made this whole journey from self publishing to traditional SO worthwhile! There will be more Harper Quinn to come!
(Well copyedit at least)
Thankyou so much for all of the kind reviews, it has made this whole journey from self publishing to traditional SO worthwhile! There will be more Harper Quinn to come!
August 9, 2026
I really enjoyed this book it had two great mysteries within the story. The characters were really likeable and I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 2, 2026
A lost child, small town secrets, ambition, and a developer’s greed makes for a gripping introduction to Red Lake, the start of a new crime series from Jason Summers featuring Australian police officer Harper Quinn.
When former Sydney homicide detective, Sergeant Harper Quinn is informed a body has been discovered in the grounds of the abandoned town waterpark where her younger brother vanished more than thirty years earlier, she wonders if it will provide the answers she’s been searching for. But the body is not the remains of the missing boy, it’s that of a young local woman who has been beaten and strangled.
Despite her experience, Harper finds herself sidelined from the investigation due to her teenage son’s relationship with the victim. Disturbed by the seconded detectives focus on his admittedly weak alibi, Harper frantically tries to find proof of his innocence, or at least an alternative suspect, without tanking her career.
Harper is a likeable and capable protagonist. Though her brother’s disappearance has had a profound impact on her it’s not an obsession that rules her life, but this case does provoke old feelings of anxiety, and renews unanswered questions.
The story moves at a brisk pace, with the investigation unfolding alongside glimpses into the events leading up to the murder, steadily introducing suspects, motives and some surprising connections. I enjoyed the way Summers gradually peels back the layers of Koorinda, where everyone seems to have a secret and the past is never quite as buried as it appears. While I did have a strong suspicion about where the story was heading there were some satisfying turns, and I enjoyed the tense conclusion.
An entertaining and fast-paced mystery with an engaging protagonist and a strong sense of place, I think Red Lake is a promising start a new rural crime series, and I look forward to reading more.
When former Sydney homicide detective, Sergeant Harper Quinn is informed a body has been discovered in the grounds of the abandoned town waterpark where her younger brother vanished more than thirty years earlier, she wonders if it will provide the answers she’s been searching for. But the body is not the remains of the missing boy, it’s that of a young local woman who has been beaten and strangled.
Despite her experience, Harper finds herself sidelined from the investigation due to her teenage son’s relationship with the victim. Disturbed by the seconded detectives focus on his admittedly weak alibi, Harper frantically tries to find proof of his innocence, or at least an alternative suspect, without tanking her career.
Harper is a likeable and capable protagonist. Though her brother’s disappearance has had a profound impact on her it’s not an obsession that rules her life, but this case does provoke old feelings of anxiety, and renews unanswered questions.
The story moves at a brisk pace, with the investigation unfolding alongside glimpses into the events leading up to the murder, steadily introducing suspects, motives and some surprising connections. I enjoyed the way Summers gradually peels back the layers of Koorinda, where everyone seems to have a secret and the past is never quite as buried as it appears. While I did have a strong suspicion about where the story was heading there were some satisfying turns, and I enjoyed the tense conclusion.
An entertaining and fast-paced mystery with an engaging protagonist and a strong sense of place, I think Red Lake is a promising start a new rural crime series, and I look forward to reading more.
July 27, 2026
Four years ago Harper Quinn gave up being a detective in the city to live the quiet country life as a sargeant in her hometown of Koorinda. Farm life with her family had been bliss until a realestate tycoon arrives in town to reopen the old water park, stirring up a devastating past for Harper and her family. The water park is the last place Harper saw her little brother before he disappeared, never to be seen again almost 30 years ago. Not long after works begin on the park a body is found. Will Harper finally get the answers to her family’s heartache?
This was a great small town Aussie crime book. I loved the small town vibes where everyone knows everyone and anyone could be a suspect. Summer’s will have you suspicious of everyone and jumping between suspects all the way to the end.
I look forward to seeing what happens next for Harper Quinn and hope she gets an even darker, grittier case next 🙌🏼
This was a great small town Aussie crime book. I loved the small town vibes where everyone knows everyone and anyone could be a suspect. Summer’s will have you suspicious of everyone and jumping between suspects all the way to the end.
I look forward to seeing what happens next for Harper Quinn and hope she gets an even darker, grittier case next 🙌🏼
July 10, 2026
What a debut 🙌
Set in the quiet country town of Koorinda, Sergeant Harper Quinn has returned to her home town with her husband Darren and son Will searching for a quieter life.
When news spreads that the towns old Waterpark is reopening, a flood of hard memories come rushing back to Harper. The waterpark was the last place she saw her younger brother Nick before he went missing decades ago. Harper has never really forgiven herself and Nick’s body has never been found
As works begin to reinstate the waterpark, Harper is shocked to learn a body is found dead at the park, and once again Harper and her family are in the thick of the investigations, this time for the wrong reasons
What secrets is someone trying to protect in this small town?
Jason Summers writes an interesting, thoughtful and suspenseful story.
The story flows perfectly between past and present. Harper is the perfect FMC, she is gutsy, smart, caring and determined.
The small town setting is written so beautifully you feel you are right in the thick of it, the side characters are perfect and some are very shady! As you try to piece it all together, while many have motive, who has the most loose?
Red Lake is a must read and hopefully not the last time we see Sergeant Harper Quinn.
Thank you so much MacMillian for sending me a copy of this fabulous Aussie outback crime. I was hooked in from the first chapter and glued to the page until the final sentence
Set in the quiet country town of Koorinda, Sergeant Harper Quinn has returned to her home town with her husband Darren and son Will searching for a quieter life.
When news spreads that the towns old Waterpark is reopening, a flood of hard memories come rushing back to Harper. The waterpark was the last place she saw her younger brother Nick before he went missing decades ago. Harper has never really forgiven herself and Nick’s body has never been found
As works begin to reinstate the waterpark, Harper is shocked to learn a body is found dead at the park, and once again Harper and her family are in the thick of the investigations, this time for the wrong reasons
What secrets is someone trying to protect in this small town?
Jason Summers writes an interesting, thoughtful and suspenseful story.
The story flows perfectly between past and present. Harper is the perfect FMC, she is gutsy, smart, caring and determined.
The small town setting is written so beautifully you feel you are right in the thick of it, the side characters are perfect and some are very shady! As you try to piece it all together, while many have motive, who has the most loose?
Red Lake is a must read and hopefully not the last time we see Sergeant Harper Quinn.
Thank you so much MacMillian for sending me a copy of this fabulous Aussie outback crime. I was hooked in from the first chapter and glued to the page until the final sentence
July 11, 2026
I love reading a good Aussie noir and Red Lake by Jason Summers is a fantastic addition to the genre. Set in a small town and filled with colourful characters, it’s a fast paced and compelling read that’s hard to put down.
📰 Wow, this story was a ride from start to finish. Fast paced, taut and with a fantastic narrative I couldn’t get enough.
It has a little bit of everything readers want: a tragic backstory, arrogant characters, family trauma and tension, a tight knit community, secrets, lies and betrayal all expertly woven together to create a fantastic and thrilling read.
I was really drawn to Harper and I think this book perfectly focuses on her character, so we get to know her in depth. It has left me wanting more from her…which is perfect given this is book one in The Harper Quinn series! I can’t wait to see what comes next for her. I would love to also see Garth return! He really complimented Harper well as an older detective partner.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, thrilling Aussie crime read then I definitely recommend Red Lake.
Thank you to Macmillan for a copy to review.
📰 Wow, this story was a ride from start to finish. Fast paced, taut and with a fantastic narrative I couldn’t get enough.
It has a little bit of everything readers want: a tragic backstory, arrogant characters, family trauma and tension, a tight knit community, secrets, lies and betrayal all expertly woven together to create a fantastic and thrilling read.
I was really drawn to Harper and I think this book perfectly focuses on her character, so we get to know her in depth. It has left me wanting more from her…which is perfect given this is book one in The Harper Quinn series! I can’t wait to see what comes next for her. I would love to also see Garth return! He really complimented Harper well as an older detective partner.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, thrilling Aussie crime read then I definitely recommend Red Lake.
Thank you to Macmillan for a copy to review.
August 22, 2026
Really enjoyed this small town mystery. Ended up finishing it in two days. Happy to see it’s a series looking forward to seeing Harper Quinn in the next one.
I will have my full review up in the next couple of days. I did guess the killer pretty early. There was a bit of a red flag early in the book that I clocked, then when the murder happened I was pretty sure it was that person.
It don’t take away from the experience of reading this book. I was invested in the characters, it was very enjoyable. Full review to come . 4 stars.
I’m keen to the next book in the series very excited
I will have my full review up in the next couple of days. I did guess the killer pretty early. There was a bit of a red flag early in the book that I clocked, then when the murder happened I was pretty sure it was that person.
It don’t take away from the experience of reading this book. I was invested in the characters, it was very enjoyable. Full review to come . 4 stars.
I’m keen to the next book in the series very excited
July 3, 2026
Just a moment please, while I recover from the powerful, dramatic and ultimately heart wrenching conclusion to Red Lake, a brilliant new Australian crime novel by Jason Summers.
The town of Koorinda in the Riverina district of New South Wales skirts Lake Koorinda, or Red Lake as it is known because the red brown earth and red clay loam of the area make the water in the lake look red. The town’s big attraction is a water park, with dips and slides and especially one huge slide which tests the bravery of the local children. It is there, one day in 1989, that Harper goes with her little brother, Nick, to the top of the tower while their parents wait below for them to emerge from the slide.
So begins a story which has consequences that are still being felt thirty seven years later, by which time Harper and her husband, Darren, are the parents of an eighteen-year-old son, Will. Harper had been a well respected detective in Sydney before she decided to come back to Koorinda with Darren and Will. She is happy with her job as a sergeant with the local police, Darren is doing well as a builder and Will is in his last year at high school. Will has a 19-year-old girlfriend, Camilla, who is a junior reporter at the local newspaper. When a murder is discovered at Red Lake Harper is considered too close to the case and is asked to step back and make way for detectives from Sydney.
I love murder mysteries and Red Lake is a stunning addition to the genre. Momentum builds slowly and by the end of the book I was emotionally engaged, to say the least. But wait: that wasn’t quite the end of the book, and by the real end my emotions (tears) came spilling out and, as I said at the start of this review, I had to take some time out to recover.
It really is that good
The town of Koorinda in the Riverina district of New South Wales skirts Lake Koorinda, or Red Lake as it is known because the red brown earth and red clay loam of the area make the water in the lake look red. The town’s big attraction is a water park, with dips and slides and especially one huge slide which tests the bravery of the local children. It is there, one day in 1989, that Harper goes with her little brother, Nick, to the top of the tower while their parents wait below for them to emerge from the slide.
So begins a story which has consequences that are still being felt thirty seven years later, by which time Harper and her husband, Darren, are the parents of an eighteen-year-old son, Will. Harper had been a well respected detective in Sydney before she decided to come back to Koorinda with Darren and Will. She is happy with her job as a sergeant with the local police, Darren is doing well as a builder and Will is in his last year at high school. Will has a 19-year-old girlfriend, Camilla, who is a junior reporter at the local newspaper. When a murder is discovered at Red Lake Harper is considered too close to the case and is asked to step back and make way for detectives from Sydney.
I love murder mysteries and Red Lake is a stunning addition to the genre. Momentum builds slowly and by the end of the book I was emotionally engaged, to say the least. But wait: that wasn’t quite the end of the book, and by the real end my emotions (tears) came spilling out and, as I said at the start of this review, I had to take some time out to recover.
It really is that good
July 8, 2026
Red Lake is a compelling Australian rural noir novel. The first in a new series featuring Sergeant Harper Quinn. Set in the Riverina in a small town called Koorinda, known as Red Lake. The novels opens in 1989 and the town is celebrating the opening of its new water park. During the opening Harper’s younger Nick’s brother goes missing. Jason’s descriptions of the hot summer, small town and the lead up to Nick’s disappearance hooked me in immediately and from there it was hard to put down.
Thirty years later Hayley has returned to her home town as police officer. The water park is underdeveloped which has brought renewed interest in her family’s story and her brother’s disappearance. This intensifies when a body is found at the water park. I enjoyed the different characters and the small town connections. Harper’s family life was interesting with her cricketing legend father and then her own family dynamic and the links to the person found murdered. The investigation kept me guessing and I enjoyed the way secrets were revealed and was surprised by the killer and the emotional ending. Red Lake is the first traditionally published novel from Jason and I’m keen to read his indie series and see more from Harper. For fans of Chris Hammer, Jane Harper and Margaret Hickey.
Thirty years later Hayley has returned to her home town as police officer. The water park is underdeveloped which has brought renewed interest in her family’s story and her brother’s disappearance. This intensifies when a body is found at the water park. I enjoyed the different characters and the small town connections. Harper’s family life was interesting with her cricketing legend father and then her own family dynamic and the links to the person found murdered. The investigation kept me guessing and I enjoyed the way secrets were revealed and was surprised by the killer and the emotional ending. Red Lake is the first traditionally published novel from Jason and I’m keen to read his indie series and see more from Harper. For fans of Chris Hammer, Jane Harper and Margaret Hickey.
July 20, 2026
The story follows Sergeant Harper as her life is interrupted when she receives a call that a body has been found in an old waterpark. The same waterpark that her brother went missing in over 30 years ago.
This was a really great debut from the author! It was really intriguing and kept me hooked the whole time especially considering I’m in a slump at the moment. I’m currently reading like 4 books and nothing was keeping my interest except this one and I kept going back to this book because I was so invested in the story and finding out what happened especially after the small twist towards the beginning that I didn’t expect!
I was questioning everyone and had my suspicions, I did clock who did it around half way but not the motive and the way things developed and were revealed was done well and I still enjoyed it!
I have mad respect for Harper I loved her character so much and I really want to see more books with her! And I’d love to see her partner with Garth again because I liked him!
Overall this was a great small town detective murder mystery and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
Red Lake is out now! ✨
July 4, 2026
What a read.
I was sooooo excited to see perhaps my favorite self published author finally get the recognition he deserves with traditional publishing, and this book absolutely did not disappoint.
With another wonderful story set in this beautiful country (Australia) and a collection of highly believable characters, Jason Summers has once again created a magical story that brings together modern storytelling with the nostalgia of country policing reminiscent of a early Blue Heelers episode.
I was sooooo excited to see perhaps my favorite self published author finally get the recognition he deserves with traditional publishing, and this book absolutely did not disappoint.
With another wonderful story set in this beautiful country (Australia) and a collection of highly believable characters, Jason Summers has once again created a magical story that brings together modern storytelling with the nostalgia of country policing reminiscent of a early Blue Heelers episode.
July 8, 2026
I have been a fan of the Nick Vada series for years now so I was really excited to dive into the new series featuring Detective Harper. I’m glad to say I was not disappointed and I really enjoyed this read. The book is suspenseful with just the right amount of plot twists to keep you turning the pages and the main characters are well written making them feel like people you might meet in any small town. The only thing stopping this being a 5 star read in the rushed feeling of the last few chapters making them feel like an ad on rather than part of the story.
July 29, 2026
Very enjoyable story that kept me interested to the end. I liked the fact the key family were so close and loving. I would definitely be interested to read the next book in the series when it comes out.
July 13, 2026
Amazing!!! Review to come
August 4, 2026
Great read . Jason doesn’t disappoint
I really enjoyed this book. I felt like it was well researched and the plot was terrific.
I’ve loved all of Jason’s books and will look forward to the next ones. Thanks mate
I really enjoyed this book. I felt like it was well researched and the plot was terrific.
I’ve loved all of Jason’s books and will look forward to the next ones. Thanks mate
Read
July 31, 2026Thoroughly enjoyed. A captivating story so well written. Concise and thrilling-good until the last page.
July 13, 2026
Agood light read. Enjoyed it
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another fantastic thriller debut from an Australian author, and one that kept me second-guessing évery character.
Sergeant Harper Quinn has returned to her rural hometown hoping to give her family a quieter life.
But peace was never going to be simple for Harper, not when her childhood was shattered at ten years old by the disappearance of her younger brother, Nick, during the grand opening of the town's new waterpark.
Nick was never seen again, and the loss shaped both her family and her career.
Thirty years later, the waterpark is being redeveloped by another local who has returned to town. At the site a body is discovered, and long-buried secrets begin to surface.
I found myself questioning everyone, their pasts, their motives, and what they were hiding in the present.
Camille, a young reporter and girlfriend of Harper's son Will, is writing a story for the local paper on the redevelopment and hopes to include Nick's disappearance.
But when Camille is murdered and Will becomes a suspect, Harper's world unravels.
Her family refuses to talk about Nick, she's barred from the investigation, causing her to question everything the thought she knew about her past
This had twists I did not see coming and I will certainly be reading the next Harper Quinn book when its released
Sergeant Harper Quinn has returned to her rural hometown hoping to give her family a quieter life.
But peace was never going to be simple for Harper, not when her childhood was shattered at ten years old by the disappearance of her younger brother, Nick, during the grand opening of the town's new waterpark.
Nick was never seen again, and the loss shaped both her family and her career.
Thirty years later, the waterpark is being redeveloped by another local who has returned to town. At the site a body is discovered, and long-buried secrets begin to surface.
I found myself questioning everyone, their pasts, their motives, and what they were hiding in the present.
Camille, a young reporter and girlfriend of Harper's son Will, is writing a story for the local paper on the redevelopment and hopes to include Nick's disappearance.
But when Camille is murdered and Will becomes a suspect, Harper's world unravels.
Her family refuses to talk about Nick, she's barred from the investigation, causing her to question everything the thought she knew about her past
This had twists I did not see coming and I will certainly be reading the next Harper Quinn book when its released
August 1, 2026
Wow, what a ride…..
I found Red Lake to be incredibly entertaining, and the story just flowed so effortlessly, grabbing you by the collar and dragging you along to witness the events that were about to unfold.
Now it would be easy to think that this story revolves solely around the disappearance of Harper Quinn’s brother 30 years ago, but there is so much more to this storyline, as a body is found at the derelict waterpark, thrusting Harper and her family front and centre into the investigation.
A story told from two points of view. Harper, who goes by Sergeant instead of Detective now that she has moved back with her family and is running the station at her hometown of Koorinda, and Camilla, the young local journalist trying to track down a big scoop to help start a new life for herself.
I must confess that my favourite character is Harper. The way that she goes about her work, sympathetic and knowledgeable to the locals and the ways of a small town but still maintaining the sharpness obtained as a detective, while keeping a high priority when it comes to family. It also intrigued me to see how she managed when work and family ran into each other head on.
Although I can safely say that all the characters were created brilliantly including the naïve Camilla and Will, and veteran detective Garth, but I also had a soft spot for the quiet but lovingly supportive Darren, Harper’s husband. He gave such a calming feel during his presence.
Lastly, what would the story be without the amazing rural locations portrayed, the township of Koorinda, Koorinda Lake aka Red Lake, the abandoned waterpark and the properties and homesteads surrounding it all. You really do feel like you are standing right there.
This is a story set in a small sleepy Australian town, but this is far from a sleepy story. It will have you mesmerised while you try to figure out who is responsible, how it happened, and whether we will get all the answers. Just be prepared for a couple of twists at the end that might leave you a little stunned.
Grab a copy and settle down for a truly entertaining read, and like me you'll be over the moon to hear there will be more of Harper Quinn to come.
#redlake
#jasonsummers
#deadlysecrets
#panmacmillanaustralia
I found Red Lake to be incredibly entertaining, and the story just flowed so effortlessly, grabbing you by the collar and dragging you along to witness the events that were about to unfold.
Now it would be easy to think that this story revolves solely around the disappearance of Harper Quinn’s brother 30 years ago, but there is so much more to this storyline, as a body is found at the derelict waterpark, thrusting Harper and her family front and centre into the investigation.
A story told from two points of view. Harper, who goes by Sergeant instead of Detective now that she has moved back with her family and is running the station at her hometown of Koorinda, and Camilla, the young local journalist trying to track down a big scoop to help start a new life for herself.
I must confess that my favourite character is Harper. The way that she goes about her work, sympathetic and knowledgeable to the locals and the ways of a small town but still maintaining the sharpness obtained as a detective, while keeping a high priority when it comes to family. It also intrigued me to see how she managed when work and family ran into each other head on.
Although I can safely say that all the characters were created brilliantly including the naïve Camilla and Will, and veteran detective Garth, but I also had a soft spot for the quiet but lovingly supportive Darren, Harper’s husband. He gave such a calming feel during his presence.
Lastly, what would the story be without the amazing rural locations portrayed, the township of Koorinda, Koorinda Lake aka Red Lake, the abandoned waterpark and the properties and homesteads surrounding it all. You really do feel like you are standing right there.
This is a story set in a small sleepy Australian town, but this is far from a sleepy story. It will have you mesmerised while you try to figure out who is responsible, how it happened, and whether we will get all the answers. Just be prepared for a couple of twists at the end that might leave you a little stunned.
Grab a copy and settle down for a truly entertaining read, and like me you'll be over the moon to hear there will be more of Harper Quinn to come.
#redlake
#jasonsummers
#deadlysecrets
#panmacmillanaustralia
July 1, 2026
This is the first novel in a new series by an Australian author🎊
Sergeant Harper Quinn has returned to her rural hometown of Koorinda in search of a quieter life. But this new life is interrupted when she discovers the waterpark is being reopened, the same place her little brother went missing 30 years ago. Then comes the call, that a body has been found at the park.
I can't go into more detail, save for spoilers, but this one had me completely immersed! The family dynamics of living in a town with her parents, her young son and issues that begin to unfold there, along with her brother's case, all kept me flying through these pages. I love a rural town crime fiction/police procedural and this looks like the start of a fabulous series. I look forward to more by this author.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for this gifted review copy.
Sergeant Harper Quinn has returned to her rural hometown of Koorinda in search of a quieter life. But this new life is interrupted when she discovers the waterpark is being reopened, the same place her little brother went missing 30 years ago. Then comes the call, that a body has been found at the park.
I can't go into more detail, save for spoilers, but this one had me completely immersed! The family dynamics of living in a town with her parents, her young son and issues that begin to unfold there, along with her brother's case, all kept me flying through these pages. I love a rural town crime fiction/police procedural and this looks like the start of a fabulous series. I look forward to more by this author.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for this gifted review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Addictive read. Rural noir.
30 years ago, Harper Quinn's brother disappeared on the big opening day of the glittering waterpark.
Now she's a detective, and the waterpark is in the throes of being redeveloped and reopened.
A body is found on the site, murdered.
Lots of misdirection to keep you guessing as to our killer, lots of secrets being gradually uncovered.
I found this one a genuine page turner.
30 years ago, Harper Quinn's brother disappeared on the big opening day of the glittering waterpark.
Now she's a detective, and the waterpark is in the throes of being redeveloped and reopened.
A body is found on the site, murdered.
Lots of misdirection to keep you guessing as to our killer, lots of secrets being gradually uncovered.
I found this one a genuine page turner.
August 5, 2026
Enjoyable enough. I had a suspicion on the killer fairly early on. The story presents to you a pretty obvious suspect but I found that too obvious 😆 and was looking at other characters.
I also had a suspicion on what happened to her brother when they were kids. Turned out to be partly correct.
Overall, the story was good but I didn't find myself overly drawn to pick it up and read the book.
I also had a suspicion on what happened to her brother when they were kids. Turned out to be partly correct.
Overall, the story was good but I didn't find myself overly drawn to pick it up and read the book.
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