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The Rising: A devastating cold case. A town on edge. Trust no one.
After floods devastate the rural NSW town of Birradurra, journalist Bec Carter and paperboy Jeremy Collins uncover the bones of a baby buried 20 years ago next to the local church.
Two weeks later, Bec’s close friend, Harry Adams, winds up missing after a violent attack. Blood is found at Harry’s house, with no weapon or body to be seen, and Bec finds herself covered in dried blood, but with no memory of why.
Bec is left with two huge Harry was about to tell her crucial information about a devastating cold case that would unravel their rural community – and now she’s the lead suspect in his disappearance.
Two weeks later, Bec’s close friend, Harry Adams, winds up missing after a violent attack. Blood is found at Harry’s house, with no weapon or body to be seen, and Bec finds herself covered in dried blood, but with no memory of why.
Bec is left with two huge Harry was about to tell her crucial information about a devastating cold case that would unravel their rural community – and now she’s the lead suspect in his disappearance.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2026
About the author
Whitney Fitzsimmons
1 book6 followersWHITNEY FITZSIMMONS is an award-winning journalist, television presenter and author, who is best known for her work at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), where she spent more than a decade presenting the 7pm News, Business Today, Lateline Business, The Drum, and The Midday Report.
She was also a senior producer on the ABC’s national current affairs program Lateline and a contributor to One Plus One, where she interviewed high-profile figures including Brené Brown and Tony Bennett.
Whitney was awarded journalism fellowships from the East West Centre at the University of Hawaii and the Asia Pacific Journalism Centre.
She has a Masters of Arts: Journalism from
the University of Technology Sydney and a Bachelor of Arts: Theatre and Performance from Western Sydney University.
The Rising is her debut novel.
You can find her @whitneyfitzsimmons on Instagram and Facebook.
She was also a senior producer on the ABC’s national current affairs program Lateline and a contributor to One Plus One, where she interviewed high-profile figures including Brené Brown and Tony Bennett.
Whitney was awarded journalism fellowships from the East West Centre at the University of Hawaii and the Asia Pacific Journalism Centre.
She has a Masters of Arts: Journalism from
the University of Technology Sydney and a Bachelor of Arts: Theatre and Performance from Western Sydney University.
The Rising is her debut novel.
You can find her @whitneyfitzsimmons on Instagram and Facebook.
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June 29, 2026Is it ever okay to break the law or withhold the truth if the reason is good?
This is the moral dilemma posed for more than one of our characters in The Rising.
If you're a lover of small-town Aussie murder mysteries, let me introduce you to a new voice in the genre, Whitney Fitzsimmons. Her debut novel begins with the shocking discovery of a baby's bones in the flood-ravaged rural town of Birradurra. Local journalist Bec Carter is determined to find justice for the victim and embarks on her own investigation. When her friend Harry, who is helping her, disappears, all eyes turn to Bec. She was the last person seen with him the night before and has woken up with his blood all over her, only she has no memory of what happened. Now she has to find Harry, clear her name and solve the cold case of the murdered baby.
The inspiration for this fictional town was as clear to me as the precarious lean on my TBR pile. I have family living in Lismore and the similarities drawn from the Northern Rivers flood-torn town to Fitzsimmons' fictional setting of Birradurra were unmistakeable. Shopfronts adorned with painted love hearts as a sign of resilience and hope. Funding delays in the rebuilding efforts. A church perched on a hill. I was taken straight back there.
The pace of The Rising is dynamic from start to finish, with the story offering everything crime buffs enjoy - intrigue, red herrings, dodgy characters, and even a dash of romance.
If this sounds like a book you'd enjoy, then you don't have much longer to wait. The Rising drops on July 28.
This is the moral dilemma posed for more than one of our characters in The Rising.
If you're a lover of small-town Aussie murder mysteries, let me introduce you to a new voice in the genre, Whitney Fitzsimmons. Her debut novel begins with the shocking discovery of a baby's bones in the flood-ravaged rural town of Birradurra. Local journalist Bec Carter is determined to find justice for the victim and embarks on her own investigation. When her friend Harry, who is helping her, disappears, all eyes turn to Bec. She was the last person seen with him the night before and has woken up with his blood all over her, only she has no memory of what happened. Now she has to find Harry, clear her name and solve the cold case of the murdered baby.
The inspiration for this fictional town was as clear to me as the precarious lean on my TBR pile. I have family living in Lismore and the similarities drawn from the Northern Rivers flood-torn town to Fitzsimmons' fictional setting of Birradurra were unmistakeable. Shopfronts adorned with painted love hearts as a sign of resilience and hope. Funding delays in the rebuilding efforts. A church perched on a hill. I was taken straight back there.
The pace of The Rising is dynamic from start to finish, with the story offering everything crime buffs enjoy - intrigue, red herrings, dodgy characters, and even a dash of romance.
If this sounds like a book you'd enjoy, then you don't have much longer to wait. The Rising drops on July 28.
July 31, 2026
The small rural community of Birradurra in NSW is already on edge after a recent devastating flood. When local reporter Bec discovers bones of a baby next to the church, she becomes determined to find answers of who the child is and what happened
And to make matters worse, Bec is now a key person of interest in the disappearance of local accountant Harry, when blood is found at his house, and Bec wakes unknowingly covered in his dried blood.
All before Harry was going to tell Bec important information on the cold case that would have thrown the investigation open
Bec must now clear her name, solve the cold case and find her dear friend Harry.
This rural crime mystery is a solid page turner! I love a small town setting, especially when there is many possibly culprits and a history of secrets
Bec is tenacious, smart and very likeable. I loved the rural Aussie community spirit throughout, no matter what is thrown at the town they continue to band together. And with a few red herrings along the way I was guessing right up until the end
A wonderful debut, I am very excited to see what is next for Whitney!
And to make matters worse, Bec is now a key person of interest in the disappearance of local accountant Harry, when blood is found at his house, and Bec wakes unknowingly covered in his dried blood.
All before Harry was going to tell Bec important information on the cold case that would have thrown the investigation open
Bec must now clear her name, solve the cold case and find her dear friend Harry.
This rural crime mystery is a solid page turner! I love a small town setting, especially when there is many possibly culprits and a history of secrets
Bec is tenacious, smart and very likeable. I loved the rural Aussie community spirit throughout, no matter what is thrown at the town they continue to band together. And with a few red herrings along the way I was guessing right up until the end
A wonderful debut, I am very excited to see what is next for Whitney!
July 18, 2026
4.5⭐️
What a debut!
I’ve gone from back-to-back Aussie reads - The Burn by Jessica Mansour-Nahra, a dystopian centred around devastating bushfires on the far South Coast of NSW, to The Rising, set against catastrophic flooding in northern NSW. Pure coincidence, but reading these back-to-back really highlighted how effectively two very different natural disasters can shape not only Australia’s landscape and environment, but the stories told within them.
The Rising is so authentically Australian, blending police corruption, international investors, criminal gangland activities, drug & weapons trafficking, a decades-old cold case, and a small town where everyone seems to have something to hide. While the looming flood bookends the story and hangs over the town throughout, it also serves as a metaphor, threatening to wash long-buried secrets to the surface.
At the heart of the novel is an investigation that I couldn’t help becoming invested in. Once the discovery of baby bones sets everything in motion, Bec’s determination as a journalist to uncover the truth, regardless of where it leads or who it implicates, became the driving force of the story for me. Given Whitney Fitzsimmons’ own background in journalism, Bec’s investigative instincts felt incredibly authentic and added another layer of credibility to the story.
My favourite character was easily Eli. He’s one of Bec’s childhood best friends and one of those genuinely good people you can’t help but root for. He brings so much emotional heart to the novel and perfectly balances the darker subject matter with moments of loyalty, compassion and quiet humanity.
I’ll be signing myself up eagerly for whatever Whitney Fitzsimmons writes next.
What a debut!
I’ve gone from back-to-back Aussie reads - The Burn by Jessica Mansour-Nahra, a dystopian centred around devastating bushfires on the far South Coast of NSW, to The Rising, set against catastrophic flooding in northern NSW. Pure coincidence, but reading these back-to-back really highlighted how effectively two very different natural disasters can shape not only Australia’s landscape and environment, but the stories told within them.
The Rising is so authentically Australian, blending police corruption, international investors, criminal gangland activities, drug & weapons trafficking, a decades-old cold case, and a small town where everyone seems to have something to hide. While the looming flood bookends the story and hangs over the town throughout, it also serves as a metaphor, threatening to wash long-buried secrets to the surface.
At the heart of the novel is an investigation that I couldn’t help becoming invested in. Once the discovery of baby bones sets everything in motion, Bec’s determination as a journalist to uncover the truth, regardless of where it leads or who it implicates, became the driving force of the story for me. Given Whitney Fitzsimmons’ own background in journalism, Bec’s investigative instincts felt incredibly authentic and added another layer of credibility to the story.
My favourite character was easily Eli. He’s one of Bec’s childhood best friends and one of those genuinely good people you can’t help but root for. He brings so much emotional heart to the novel and perfectly balances the darker subject matter with moments of loyalty, compassion and quiet humanity.
I’ll be signing myself up eagerly for whatever Whitney Fitzsimmons writes next.
July 18, 2026
After devastating floods hit a rural NSW town, journalist Bec Carter discovers the bones of a baby hidden in the wall of a shack beside the local church. When her friend Harry Adams disappears following an attack, Bec suddenly finds herself the lead suspect in his murder, and caught up in a mystery someone is determined to keep buried.
I loved this read. It gave me Redbelly Crossing by Candice Fox vibes: gritty, atmospheric and so quintessentially Australian.
I did struggle to fully focus during the first third or so, but that was very much a “me” problem rather than the book itself. Once the pace picked up, I was completely hooked. I devoured the last couple of hundred pages because I needed to know what was happening.
I was so sure I had it worked out - there were subtle clues scattered throughout the story that had me confidently piecing everything together, only for them to turn out to be red herrings. I was very, very wrong by the end - exactly how I like my thrillers!
The ending did wrap up quite quickly, which is something I usually enjoy, but in this case I was left feeling like there were still a few unanswered questions I would have liked explored a little further.
Atmospheric, clever and incredibly compelling once it gets going, The Rising is another fantastic Aussie thriller debut which I absolutely recommend!
Thank you to Whitney Fitzsimmons for my advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this read. It gave me Redbelly Crossing by Candice Fox vibes: gritty, atmospheric and so quintessentially Australian.
I did struggle to fully focus during the first third or so, but that was very much a “me” problem rather than the book itself. Once the pace picked up, I was completely hooked. I devoured the last couple of hundred pages because I needed to know what was happening.
I was so sure I had it worked out - there were subtle clues scattered throughout the story that had me confidently piecing everything together, only for them to turn out to be red herrings. I was very, very wrong by the end - exactly how I like my thrillers!
The ending did wrap up quite quickly, which is something I usually enjoy, but in this case I was left feeling like there were still a few unanswered questions I would have liked explored a little further.
Atmospheric, clever and incredibly compelling once it gets going, The Rising is another fantastic Aussie thriller debut which I absolutely recommend!
Thank you to Whitney Fitzsimmons for my advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 31, 2026
A lot is going on in this crime fiction novel: there's a cold case, drug running, and a murder, good cops, bad cops, good members of the community and not so good ones, and I had no idea if they were all going to be related.
Bec is the main protagonist, a reporter who is pushing for the truth behind the buried bones of a baby she found after the latest flood. I can't say I really liked Bec, but I did appreciate how tenacious she was in uncovering the truth behind everything going on in the town despite all the obstacles put in her way. I also liked the fact that she wanted to be a 'real' journalist, not someone who writes stories for clicks or sensationalism; she had integrity where many around her didn't.
There were plenty of nastier characters through this story, which kept me wondering who exactly was the culprit behind the newest crime. I did have an inkling by halfway through who may be behind one of the crimes, but I enjoyed continuing to read and uncover everything dark and dodgy that was going on.
A great debut by Whitney Fitzsimmons, and I look forward to seeing what she creates next.
Bec is the main protagonist, a reporter who is pushing for the truth behind the buried bones of a baby she found after the latest flood. I can't say I really liked Bec, but I did appreciate how tenacious she was in uncovering the truth behind everything going on in the town despite all the obstacles put in her way. I also liked the fact that she wanted to be a 'real' journalist, not someone who writes stories for clicks or sensationalism; she had integrity where many around her didn't.
There were plenty of nastier characters through this story, which kept me wondering who exactly was the culprit behind the newest crime. I did have an inkling by halfway through who may be behind one of the crimes, but I enjoyed continuing to read and uncover everything dark and dodgy that was going on.
A great debut by Whitney Fitzsimmons, and I look forward to seeing what she creates next.
July 28, 2026
An atmospheric rural thriller that will keep you guessing till the last wound!
Thank you to @whitneyfitzsimmons for providing me with a copy of #theRising It’s such a page-turner!
This debut is a rural thriller, full of rising tension and corruption, that will make you question whether all truths should be shared.
Welcome to the scarred town of Birradurra. Floods continue to threaten the livelihood of everyone in the community when journalist Bec Carter unearths the bones of a baby from the wall in a shack near the local church.
Shaken by her discovery and haunted by her traumatic past, Bec is determined to find out what happened to this baby.
But everything gets messy when she wakes up with dried blood on her hands, and her friend Harry is missing.
Questions are asked, but nothing will stop Bec from finding Harry and investigating what happened to the baby.
This book grabbed me from the first chapter! Every chapter ending is so clever you won’t’ be able to stop reading. I loved the map, which helped to ground me in the town of Birrundara and how interwoven every character in the community is, all playing their parts to help or hinder Bec’s enquires.
If you love rural noir whodunits then The Rising is for you! You won’t guess who did it!
P.S. If you’d like to know more about Whitney and how she wrote this novel, stay tuned for my chat with her on Kelly’s Writerly Q&A Podcast, live on July 30th!
Thank you to @whitneyfitzsimmons for providing me with a copy of #theRising It’s such a page-turner!
This debut is a rural thriller, full of rising tension and corruption, that will make you question whether all truths should be shared.
Welcome to the scarred town of Birradurra. Floods continue to threaten the livelihood of everyone in the community when journalist Bec Carter unearths the bones of a baby from the wall in a shack near the local church.
Shaken by her discovery and haunted by her traumatic past, Bec is determined to find out what happened to this baby.
But everything gets messy when she wakes up with dried blood on her hands, and her friend Harry is missing.
Questions are asked, but nothing will stop Bec from finding Harry and investigating what happened to the baby.
This book grabbed me from the first chapter! Every chapter ending is so clever you won’t’ be able to stop reading. I loved the map, which helped to ground me in the town of Birrundara and how interwoven every character in the community is, all playing their parts to help or hinder Bec’s enquires.
If you love rural noir whodunits then The Rising is for you! You won’t guess who did it!
P.S. If you’d like to know more about Whitney and how she wrote this novel, stay tuned for my chat with her on Kelly’s Writerly Q&A Podcast, live on July 30th!
July 27, 2026
The Rising
Whitney Fitzsimmons
‘Trouble is one thing, but murder, that's next level,' Bec said to Eli.
He sighed. 'Maybe it was just an accident.'
'Murder .. accident ..’ Bec shrugged. 'It's all too grim and sad if you ask me.’
Firstly loved this. There was drama building on multiple fronts: historic baby bones were discovered, a close knit community member missing feared dead, building floodwaters and the organised crime network operating
under the cover of darkness. Aussie crime done well.
'Bec, I'll be fine'
She looked at him with doubt. 'Don't be fine, Pete, be careful.’
With the rural NSW town of Birradurra recovering from recent devastating floods, journalist Bec and local paperboy Jeremy uncover the bones of a baby buried 20 years ago next to the local church.
'Hmmm... odd, the watched being the watcher.
What do you think he's up to?'
Two weeks later, Bec’s close friend Harry winds up missing after a violent attack. Bec herself covered in his blood but no memory of what occurred. And just before he went missing, he told Bec he had crucial information on the cold case of the baby bones. Can Bec solve this mystery whilst she's the lead suspect in Harry’s disappearance?
'People are complex, Bec. We have to take the good with the bad,
This was an atmospheric and compelling read. Well done to Whitney on her debut Aussie thriller.
'Old Snoop on the snoop.’
Bec made a clicking sound with her mouth and winked. 'You know it'
ps. The Australian vernacular is strong in this one. The names alone were very quintessentially Aussie.
Whitney Fitzsimmons
‘Trouble is one thing, but murder, that's next level,' Bec said to Eli.
He sighed. 'Maybe it was just an accident.'
'Murder .. accident ..’ Bec shrugged. 'It's all too grim and sad if you ask me.’
Firstly loved this. There was drama building on multiple fronts: historic baby bones were discovered, a close knit community member missing feared dead, building floodwaters and the organised crime network operating
under the cover of darkness. Aussie crime done well.
'Bec, I'll be fine'
She looked at him with doubt. 'Don't be fine, Pete, be careful.’
With the rural NSW town of Birradurra recovering from recent devastating floods, journalist Bec and local paperboy Jeremy uncover the bones of a baby buried 20 years ago next to the local church.
'Hmmm... odd, the watched being the watcher.
What do you think he's up to?'
Two weeks later, Bec’s close friend Harry winds up missing after a violent attack. Bec herself covered in his blood but no memory of what occurred. And just before he went missing, he told Bec he had crucial information on the cold case of the baby bones. Can Bec solve this mystery whilst she's the lead suspect in Harry’s disappearance?
'People are complex, Bec. We have to take the good with the bad,
This was an atmospheric and compelling read. Well done to Whitney on her debut Aussie thriller.
'Old Snoop on the snoop.’
Bec made a clicking sound with her mouth and winked. 'You know it'
ps. The Australian vernacular is strong in this one. The names alone were very quintessentially Aussie.
August 12, 2026
A week after a second destructive flood hits the rural town of Birradurra, reporter Bec Carter finds a baby's remains hidden inside a church wall. When her friend Harry Adams, the town's parish accountant, discovers an important clue, he suddenly disappears, leaving a bloodstained lounge room and Bec being woken up by police covered in blood and with no memory of what happened.
💭 Thoughts: The Rising is a fantastic Aussie crime debut. The combination of catastrophic floods, corrupt local politics, and a small town full of secrets makes for a stark, claustrophobic setting and a truly gripping read.
The way that Whitney seamlessly weaves multiple mystery threads together without the plot ever getting tangled or losing momentum is so impressive. Alongside the case of the mysterious baby bones and Harry’s sudden disappearance, the trauma involving Bec’s brother, Robbie, is breadcrumbed to the reader through nightmares and tense family debates, making Bec's past feel like a slow-burning reveal. I could see Bec evolving into a recurring character in a series, which makes me excited to see what Whitney writes next!!
Thanks to the author for providing an eARC for my honest review.
💭 Thoughts: The Rising is a fantastic Aussie crime debut. The combination of catastrophic floods, corrupt local politics, and a small town full of secrets makes for a stark, claustrophobic setting and a truly gripping read.
The way that Whitney seamlessly weaves multiple mystery threads together without the plot ever getting tangled or losing momentum is so impressive. Alongside the case of the mysterious baby bones and Harry’s sudden disappearance, the trauma involving Bec’s brother, Robbie, is breadcrumbed to the reader through nightmares and tense family debates, making Bec's past feel like a slow-burning reveal. I could see Bec evolving into a recurring character in a series, which makes me excited to see what Whitney writes next!!
Thanks to the author for providing an eARC for my honest review.
July 28, 2026
Congratulations to Whitney for a fabulously addictive debut.
If you love an Aussie crime thriller with bountiful plot, you’ll find it in The Rising.
The country town of Birradurra is recovering after its second vicious flood in as many weeks.
The flood has uncovered the 20 year old skeleton of a newborn baby concealed in the church grounds.
Local reporter Bec is shocked by the gruesome discovery and determined to investigate it further.
But then drama!
Bec is awoken abruptly by police one morning. Her friend Harry is missing and the last person to see him alive was Bec. There’s no body, but a whole lot of blood at his house. The same blood that Bec is covered with (I’m thinking Carrie with the pigs’ blood). And worse, Bec has no recollection of the previous evening at all.
What happened that night? And can she find Harry before it’s too late!?!
See- plot!!
This is a town with a seedy underbelly. Corrupt cops, amorous priests, organised crime.
The constant threat of imminent flooding.
A fiercely determined FMC.
Plenty to keep a reader engaged!
I flew through this one; I adore Aussie rural crime.
The glorious setting, the rinky dink country folk, the tension!
Thanks to @whitney for sending a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
AD-PR
If you love an Aussie crime thriller with bountiful plot, you’ll find it in The Rising.
The country town of Birradurra is recovering after its second vicious flood in as many weeks.
The flood has uncovered the 20 year old skeleton of a newborn baby concealed in the church grounds.
Local reporter Bec is shocked by the gruesome discovery and determined to investigate it further.
But then drama!
Bec is awoken abruptly by police one morning. Her friend Harry is missing and the last person to see him alive was Bec. There’s no body, but a whole lot of blood at his house. The same blood that Bec is covered with (I’m thinking Carrie with the pigs’ blood). And worse, Bec has no recollection of the previous evening at all.
What happened that night? And can she find Harry before it’s too late!?!
See- plot!!
This is a town with a seedy underbelly. Corrupt cops, amorous priests, organised crime.
The constant threat of imminent flooding.
A fiercely determined FMC.
Plenty to keep a reader engaged!
I flew through this one; I adore Aussie rural crime.
The glorious setting, the rinky dink country folk, the tension!
Thanks to @whitney for sending a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
AD-PR
July 26, 2026
Another gripping debut from an Australian author, set in the small rural town of Birradura, and one that kept me completely hooked from start to finish.
The discovery of baby bones, following a devasting flood that had destroyed large parts of the town sends local journalist Bec Carter down a dangerous path of corruption, buried crimes, and long-held secrets. From the moment Bec began digging, I was constantly wondering who in this town was innocent and who was hiding something darker.
The characters were a real standout for me. I became invested in several of them, and more than once I found myself othe edge of my seat, hoping a particular person would make it out alive.
This is an author I'll gladly read again. A strong debut with atmosphere, heart, and a mystery that will keep you guessing
The discovery of baby bones, following a devasting flood that had destroyed large parts of the town sends local journalist Bec Carter down a dangerous path of corruption, buried crimes, and long-held secrets. From the moment Bec began digging, I was constantly wondering who in this town was innocent and who was hiding something darker.
The characters were a real standout for me. I became invested in several of them, and more than once I found myself othe edge of my seat, hoping a particular person would make it out alive.
This is an author I'll gladly read again. A strong debut with atmosphere, heart, and a mystery that will keep you guessing
July 15, 2026
An ARC review, thank you for the opportunity!
A crime/thriller set in rural Australia, where a flood has devastated the town and uncovered old secrets some are desperate to keep buried. Steady pacing and a likeable FMC, a who dunnit you wouldn’t be able to guess!
A crime/thriller set in rural Australia, where a flood has devastated the town and uncovered old secrets some are desperate to keep buried. Steady pacing and a likeable FMC, a who dunnit you wouldn’t be able to guess!
August 2, 2026
Looooved this!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A stunning debut from Whitney Fitzsimmons! I was hooked from the very first page of The Rising. It is a story that will grab you and doesn’t let go. I love a small-town mystery, and this one is a belter.
There is so much to love about this book. We are in a rural town in NSW, a town that has had more than its fair share of disasters. They are still recovering from the last flood, and it looks like more rain is on the way. Birradurra is a small place where everyone knows everything about everyone else and their business. We have the discovery of human bones near the churchyard that turn out to be of a baby who was buried there over 20 years ago. Journalist Bec Carter is on a mission to find out the story behind them when her life is turned upside down once again. Her friend Harry has gone missing after a night at the pub with Bec. She has recollection of what happened, and why his house and her clothes and body are covered in his blood.
See what I mean! So much is happening, and that is not all. We have dirty cops, a priest with a secret, plenty of family drama, a bit of romance in the air and a mayor who cannot see what the townspeople really need. All of this with the overwhelming fear of more rain makes this a book that is impossible to put down. Full of intrigue and suspense, this is a fantastic read.
Bec is our main protagonist, and she is quite frustrating, but I wanted her to keep doing what she was doing. She cares so much about the truth, putting herself and those close to her in danger. She can’t help but keep digging, even when she has been told to stop. I would love more books with her, I am sure that she has much more to offer.
The location and the locals were all so well constructed and you really get a feel for what it is like in this town. There are a lot of characters but it is easy to keep them straight as they all have their own unique voice in the story. I would love to see this on the screen once day.
Thank you so much to Whitney for reaching out and sending me a copy of your amazing book. Get your copy on July 28th.
There is so much to love about this book. We are in a rural town in NSW, a town that has had more than its fair share of disasters. They are still recovering from the last flood, and it looks like more rain is on the way. Birradurra is a small place where everyone knows everything about everyone else and their business. We have the discovery of human bones near the churchyard that turn out to be of a baby who was buried there over 20 years ago. Journalist Bec Carter is on a mission to find out the story behind them when her life is turned upside down once again. Her friend Harry has gone missing after a night at the pub with Bec. She has recollection of what happened, and why his house and her clothes and body are covered in his blood.
See what I mean! So much is happening, and that is not all. We have dirty cops, a priest with a secret, plenty of family drama, a bit of romance in the air and a mayor who cannot see what the townspeople really need. All of this with the overwhelming fear of more rain makes this a book that is impossible to put down. Full of intrigue and suspense, this is a fantastic read.
Bec is our main protagonist, and she is quite frustrating, but I wanted her to keep doing what she was doing. She cares so much about the truth, putting herself and those close to her in danger. She can’t help but keep digging, even when she has been told to stop. I would love more books with her, I am sure that she has much more to offer.
The location and the locals were all so well constructed and you really get a feel for what it is like in this town. There are a lot of characters but it is easy to keep them straight as they all have their own unique voice in the story. I would love to see this on the screen once day.
Thank you so much to Whitney for reaching out and sending me a copy of your amazing book. Get your copy on July 28th.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Look out Australia we have a new Crime Writer entering the mix!
I was very excited to read the debut novel "The Rising" written by Whitney Fitzsimmons and published by Ventura Press - it had everything I look for in a Crime/Thriller storyline. I loved to be hooked in those first few chapters so that I keep turning those pages and this book well and truly delivered.
When a devastating flood rips through the town of Birradurra, baby bones are found in the mud on church property. Bec Carter the local journalist finds these remains and is determined to find out what happened to this baby. Harry, a friend of Bec's, has information to help her investigation but after a night at the pub with Bec he goes missing before they can discuss what he knows and Bec is the prime suspect in his disappearance.
The story is set in a small rural town in NSW, and I immediately pictured in my mind the Northern NSW towns that are often affected by devastating floods. The resilience of these towns and their communities I felt was reflected in the story. I felt the book had great pace, I was hooked in immediately and there were enough red herrings that had me unsure who was involved in both the baby bones and the disappearance of Harry. Bec as a character was well written - she was driven to learn the truth regardless of being told to stop digging she wanted justice for the baby and to find her missing friend Harry.
Well done to Whitney on a fabulous debut - the story was so engaging, and I finished it within a few days. "The Rising" is due for release on the 28th July 2026 and I highly recommend it. Thank you to Whitney and Ventura Press for the e-copy of the book for me to read and review.
I was very excited to read the debut novel "The Rising" written by Whitney Fitzsimmons and published by Ventura Press - it had everything I look for in a Crime/Thriller storyline. I loved to be hooked in those first few chapters so that I keep turning those pages and this book well and truly delivered.
When a devastating flood rips through the town of Birradurra, baby bones are found in the mud on church property. Bec Carter the local journalist finds these remains and is determined to find out what happened to this baby. Harry, a friend of Bec's, has information to help her investigation but after a night at the pub with Bec he goes missing before they can discuss what he knows and Bec is the prime suspect in his disappearance.
The story is set in a small rural town in NSW, and I immediately pictured in my mind the Northern NSW towns that are often affected by devastating floods. The resilience of these towns and their communities I felt was reflected in the story. I felt the book had great pace, I was hooked in immediately and there were enough red herrings that had me unsure who was involved in both the baby bones and the disappearance of Harry. Bec as a character was well written - she was driven to learn the truth regardless of being told to stop digging she wanted justice for the baby and to find her missing friend Harry.
Well done to Whitney on a fabulous debut - the story was so engaging, and I finished it within a few days. "The Rising" is due for release on the 28th July 2026 and I highly recommend it. Thank you to Whitney and Ventura Press for the e-copy of the book for me to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🩵 Blurb-In a town scarred by floodwaters, the past refuses to stay buried.
When a catastrophic flood rips through the rural town of Birradurra, a shocking cold case is discovered. Unearthed from the mud are the skeletal remains of a baby.
Shaken by this and haunted by her traumatic past, journalist Bec Carter is consumed with getting justice for the victim.
But when her friend Harry who vowed to help with the investigation vanishes in violent circumstances, authorities look to Bec for answers.
Now the prime suspect in Harry’s disappearance, Bec must fight to clear her name and uncover the facts before another flood hits.
But nothing is straightforward, and someone will do anything to keep the past from resurfacing.
Twisty, atmospheric and utterly gripping, The Rising is a heart-stopping thriller where every secret comes with a cost — and some truths are better left hidden.
💓 Review -
This was such a twisty and entertaining read. From the very first chapter I was on the edge of my seat and trying to guess what was going to happen. The author's writing style is brilliant and they have a way to grip you and not let you go until the end. Also the pacing was just right. I loved the place settings in the story, it helped add something extra to the story and there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💜The Rising release date - 28th July.
💝 Thank you to the author Whitney Fitzsimmons for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
When a catastrophic flood rips through the rural town of Birradurra, a shocking cold case is discovered. Unearthed from the mud are the skeletal remains of a baby.
Shaken by this and haunted by her traumatic past, journalist Bec Carter is consumed with getting justice for the victim.
But when her friend Harry who vowed to help with the investigation vanishes in violent circumstances, authorities look to Bec for answers.
Now the prime suspect in Harry’s disappearance, Bec must fight to clear her name and uncover the facts before another flood hits.
But nothing is straightforward, and someone will do anything to keep the past from resurfacing.
Twisty, atmospheric and utterly gripping, The Rising is a heart-stopping thriller where every secret comes with a cost — and some truths are better left hidden.
💓 Review -
This was such a twisty and entertaining read. From the very first chapter I was on the edge of my seat and trying to guess what was going to happen. The author's writing style is brilliant and they have a way to grip you and not let you go until the end. Also the pacing was just right. I loved the place settings in the story, it helped add something extra to the story and there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💜The Rising release date - 28th July.
💝 Thank you to the author Whitney Fitzsimmons for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love reading a debut, especially when it's this good and I know there's another author whose books I will look forward to.
There's a few things I like in my Aussie noir - a town on the edge ☑️ a dirty cop ☑️ a mystery from the past ☑️ upstanding citizens who really aren't ☑️ and a journalist who won't give up ☑️ so I was pretty happy that The Rising had all of those.
Bec is working for the Birradurra Tribune, keeping as far away from her family back in Sydney who run a huge media conglomerate as she can. When she stumbles upon the skeleton of a baby on church grounds after another flood has ravaged this town, she is drawn to this story and is determined to find out the truth. Battling her own demons from her childhood pushes her to make some questionable decisions in her search for answers.
Before she can get her teeth into the story Bec finds herself a possible suspect in the disappearance of her friend Harry, the town accountant. Why was she covered in his blood and who would want to hurt Harry?
As this story unfolds and we meet the people of this community, there were a few people I had in my sights as the culprit. The weaving together of the mystery of the baby bones and Harry's disappearance was well paced and had me finishing just over the last half the book in one day.
Throw in a priest who didn't quite keep his vows, organised crime thugs, a cop on the take and the good cops determined to bring him down, a blossoming romance or two and family bonds that run deep and you get a really great story.
There's a few things I like in my Aussie noir - a town on the edge ☑️ a dirty cop ☑️ a mystery from the past ☑️ upstanding citizens who really aren't ☑️ and a journalist who won't give up ☑️ so I was pretty happy that The Rising had all of those.
Bec is working for the Birradurra Tribune, keeping as far away from her family back in Sydney who run a huge media conglomerate as she can. When she stumbles upon the skeleton of a baby on church grounds after another flood has ravaged this town, she is drawn to this story and is determined to find out the truth. Battling her own demons from her childhood pushes her to make some questionable decisions in her search for answers.
Before she can get her teeth into the story Bec finds herself a possible suspect in the disappearance of her friend Harry, the town accountant. Why was she covered in his blood and who would want to hurt Harry?
As this story unfolds and we meet the people of this community, there were a few people I had in my sights as the culprit. The weaving together of the mystery of the baby bones and Harry's disappearance was well paced and had me finishing just over the last half the book in one day.
Throw in a priest who didn't quite keep his vows, organised crime thugs, a cop on the take and the good cops determined to bring him down, a blossoming romance or two and family bonds that run deep and you get a really great story.
July 28, 2026
Some stories pull you in... others refuse to let you go. The Rising by Whitney Fitzsimmons had me questioning everything from the first page, and I loved every gripping second of it!
If this brilliance is what Whitney Fitzsimmons can deliver as her debut crime novel, I can't wait to see what she writes next. Masterfully plotted with twist after twist, The Rising had me hooked from beginning to end.
Devastated by recent floods, this small town is noticing strange comings and goings of a local crime syndicate. Meanwhile, Bec Carter, a journalist for the local paper, discovers the remains of a baby boy unearthed in the local church by the flood waters.
Helping her uncover the mystery of this 20-year cold baby bones case, Bec's friend Harry disappears, and it's looking a lot like Bec was involved in his disappearance, waking absolutely covered in Harry's blood. Is it he just gone walk about, coincidence with the local crimes or related to the mystery remains, only Bec can clear her name and uncover the mysterys that are unfolding.
If you love small town settings, relatable and loveable characters, crime, mystery, and loads of twists, this is the book for you!
Congratulations to Whitney on her publication day! It was such a joy and privilege to be part of your journey. I'm giving this brilliant debut five stars!
If this brilliance is what Whitney Fitzsimmons can deliver as her debut crime novel, I can't wait to see what she writes next. Masterfully plotted with twist after twist, The Rising had me hooked from beginning to end.
Devastated by recent floods, this small town is noticing strange comings and goings of a local crime syndicate. Meanwhile, Bec Carter, a journalist for the local paper, discovers the remains of a baby boy unearthed in the local church by the flood waters.
Helping her uncover the mystery of this 20-year cold baby bones case, Bec's friend Harry disappears, and it's looking a lot like Bec was involved in his disappearance, waking absolutely covered in Harry's blood. Is it he just gone walk about, coincidence with the local crimes or related to the mystery remains, only Bec can clear her name and uncover the mysterys that are unfolding.
If you love small town settings, relatable and loveable characters, crime, mystery, and loads of twists, this is the book for you!
Congratulations to Whitney on her publication day! It was such a joy and privilege to be part of your journey. I'm giving this brilliant debut five stars!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Rising is an impressive debut from Whitney Fitzsimmons that immediately establishes her as an author to watch.
Set against the backdrop of a small Australian town, this is a beautifully grounded story filled with authentic characters, resilient Aussie battlers, and a community determined to keep going no matter what life throws at them. Fitzsimmons captures the spirit of rural Australia with warmth and realism, making the setting feel every bit as important as the characters themselves.
At its heart, The Rising is a compelling mystery. Just when I thought I had worked things out, another twist would send me in a completely different direction. The suspense builds naturally throughout the novel, keeping me invested from beginning to end.
What impressed me most was how seamlessly the author balanced so many challenges within the story. Floods, tragedy, loss, and mounting personal dramas could easily have overwhelmed the narrative, but instead they were woven together into a gripping, emotionally engaging tale that never lost its heart.
For a debut novel, The Rising is remarkably assured. It’s an absorbing blend of mystery, community, resilience, and hope that had me hooked from the first pages to the last. I look forward to seeing what Whitney Fitzsimmons writes next.
Set against the backdrop of a small Australian town, this is a beautifully grounded story filled with authentic characters, resilient Aussie battlers, and a community determined to keep going no matter what life throws at them. Fitzsimmons captures the spirit of rural Australia with warmth and realism, making the setting feel every bit as important as the characters themselves.
At its heart, The Rising is a compelling mystery. Just when I thought I had worked things out, another twist would send me in a completely different direction. The suspense builds naturally throughout the novel, keeping me invested from beginning to end.
What impressed me most was how seamlessly the author balanced so many challenges within the story. Floods, tragedy, loss, and mounting personal dramas could easily have overwhelmed the narrative, but instead they were woven together into a gripping, emotionally engaging tale that never lost its heart.
For a debut novel, The Rising is remarkably assured. It’s an absorbing blend of mystery, community, resilience, and hope that had me hooked from the first pages to the last. I look forward to seeing what Whitney Fitzsimmons writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
From the beginning I was invested in this country town.
With Bec being a local journalist, there was always a nod to finding out truths that wanted to be kept hidden.
When she finds a body hidden in a wall after the floods have receded, the mystery deepens.
In a town where everyone knows everyone, how has this been kept secret for so long?
What Bec discovers is only the tip of the iceberg. There are a lot of things in this town that don't add up, like the trucks coming and going late in the evening, the local council member trying to sell off land to foreign investors, and now her friend Harry has been killed and she is a suspect.
This took me in directions I didn't think it would, and the ending was a satisfying way to go. And definitely made me think of what I would do in this situation.
From the beginning I was invested in this country town.
With Bec being a local journalist, there was always a nod to finding out truths that wanted to be kept hidden.
When she finds a body hidden in a wall after the floods have receded, the mystery deepens.
In a town where everyone knows everyone, how has this been kept secret for so long?
What Bec discovers is only the tip of the iceberg. There are a lot of things in this town that don't add up, like the trucks coming and going late in the evening, the local council member trying to sell off land to foreign investors, and now her friend Harry has been killed and she is a suspect.
This took me in directions I didn't think it would, and the ending was a satisfying way to go. And definitely made me think of what I would do in this situation.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A truly gripping Aussie crime thriller!
I was so engrossed in the book I found it hard to put down. The pace of the story was perfect, I found myself questioning everyone.
It flowed well, the characters gave depth to the town of Birradurra and the accuracy of hardships that are faced in a small town spot on.
I can’t wait to see what Whitney Fitzsimmons writes next.
For a debut novel I was super impressed!
Thank you to the author for gifting me with an arc ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was so engrossed in the book I found it hard to put down. The pace of the story was perfect, I found myself questioning everyone.
It flowed well, the characters gave depth to the town of Birradurra and the accuracy of hardships that are faced in a small town spot on.
I can’t wait to see what Whitney Fitzsimmons writes next.
For a debut novel I was super impressed!
Thank you to the author for gifting me with an arc ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
-This review is based on an advanced copy I was gifted from the author.
If I could give this book 6 stars I would. It had it all; a wonderful sense of place (small town Australia), great characters, not one but two mysteries to work through, a twist I did not see coming, and was compulsivly readable and well paced.
I will not go into a full re-cap, but this debut is one to keep a look out for if you like all of the above in your books.
If I could give this book 6 stars I would. It had it all; a wonderful sense of place (small town Australia), great characters, not one but two mysteries to work through, a twist I did not see coming, and was compulsivly readable and well paced.
I will not go into a full re-cap, but this debut is one to keep a look out for if you like all of the above in your books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well done to this first time published author The characters are developed & the story line is consistent which exudes the expertise of a seasoned writer. The many twists and turns kept me guessing until the end. I was sure I knew who the perp was but was proven wrong many times over. I like this kind of book, easy to get into and hard to put down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A flood uncovered more than anyone was prepared to find...
Tropes
Cold Case Mystery / Journalist Protagonist / Small Town Secrets / Missing Person Investigation / Crime & Corruption / Australian Crime Thriller
Synopsis
When catastrophic floodwaters uncover long-buried remains in the rural town of Birradurra, journalist Bec Carter is drawn into a mystery that refuses to stay in the past. What begins as a story quickly becomes something far more personal and dangerous.
As Bec digs deeper, she finds herself entangled in a web of secrets that the town would rather keep hidden. With tensions rising and questions mounting, she must navigate a growing sense that not everyone wants the truth uncovered — and that getting too close could come at a cost.
My Thoughts
Australian crime thrillers are quickly becoming one of my favourite genres, and The Rising reminded me exactly why.
I really enjoyed Bec as the main character. As a journalist trying to build a life away from her influential family, she was determined, relatable, and easy to root for. Watching her navigate being both an investigator and a suspect added an extra layer of tension that made the story even more compelling.
I was convinced I knew where the investigation was leading, but the deeper I got into the story, the more I realised there was far more going on beneath the surface. The twists kept coming, and the way everything tied together at the end felt both surprising and believable.
The pacing kept me engaged, there was always another clue to uncover, and I genuinely wanted to know how everything connected. I also appreciated how the different storylines came together naturally without feeling forced or confusing.
If you're a fan of Australian crime fiction with layered mysteries, compelling characters, and plenty of secrets waiting to be uncovered, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Whitney Fitzsimmons has definitely earned a spot on my Authors to Watch list, and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Whitney Fitzsimmons for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Tropes
Cold Case Mystery / Journalist Protagonist / Small Town Secrets / Missing Person Investigation / Crime & Corruption / Australian Crime Thriller
Synopsis
When catastrophic floodwaters uncover long-buried remains in the rural town of Birradurra, journalist Bec Carter is drawn into a mystery that refuses to stay in the past. What begins as a story quickly becomes something far more personal and dangerous.
As Bec digs deeper, she finds herself entangled in a web of secrets that the town would rather keep hidden. With tensions rising and questions mounting, she must navigate a growing sense that not everyone wants the truth uncovered — and that getting too close could come at a cost.
My Thoughts
Australian crime thrillers are quickly becoming one of my favourite genres, and The Rising reminded me exactly why.
I really enjoyed Bec as the main character. As a journalist trying to build a life away from her influential family, she was determined, relatable, and easy to root for. Watching her navigate being both an investigator and a suspect added an extra layer of tension that made the story even more compelling.
I was convinced I knew where the investigation was leading, but the deeper I got into the story, the more I realised there was far more going on beneath the surface. The twists kept coming, and the way everything tied together at the end felt both surprising and believable.
The pacing kept me engaged, there was always another clue to uncover, and I genuinely wanted to know how everything connected. I also appreciated how the different storylines came together naturally without feeling forced or confusing.
If you're a fan of Australian crime fiction with layered mysteries, compelling characters, and plenty of secrets waiting to be uncovered, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Whitney Fitzsimmons has definitely earned a spot on my Authors to Watch list, and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Whitney Fitzsimmons for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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