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Full Circle
Not yet published
Expected 28 Sep 26Master crime writer Chris Hammer returns with his first standalone blockbuster thriller.
‘If there is enough money involved, truth becomes a tradeable commodity. Like gold, it is malleable; it can be melted down and recast without losing its value.’
Travis Somerland is a man accustomed to danger – but nothing can prepare him for the peril, the intrigue or the ruthlessness that confront him at Montechino. Or the murders.
Montechino: part palace and part fortress, the secluded estate of the uber-wealthy Claptons, modern-day robber barons who live by the credo: business is arithmetic, not morality.
Now Travis finds himself entangled in the ultimate power struggle, generations in the making, as the Claptons challenge the authority of one of the country’s most formidable families. Can he survive the dynastic rivalries to bring some measure of justice to an unjust world?
With echoes of Succession and The Big Short, and a dusting of The Great Gatsby, Full Circle is a thrilling, epic and unforgettable story of intrigue and revenge, love and redemption.
‘If there is enough money involved, truth becomes a tradeable commodity. Like gold, it is malleable; it can be melted down and recast without losing its value.’
Travis Somerland is a man accustomed to danger – but nothing can prepare him for the peril, the intrigue or the ruthlessness that confront him at Montechino. Or the murders.
Montechino: part palace and part fortress, the secluded estate of the uber-wealthy Claptons, modern-day robber barons who live by the credo: business is arithmetic, not morality.
Now Travis finds himself entangled in the ultimate power struggle, generations in the making, as the Claptons challenge the authority of one of the country’s most formidable families. Can he survive the dynastic rivalries to bring some measure of justice to an unjust world?
With echoes of Succession and The Big Short, and a dusting of The Great Gatsby, Full Circle is a thrilling, epic and unforgettable story of intrigue and revenge, love and redemption.
10 pages, Audible Audio
Expected publication September 28, 2026
About the author
Chris Hammer
15 books1,528 followersChris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction author. His first book, Scrublands, was an instant #1 bestseller upon publication in 2018. It won the prestigious UK Crime Writers' Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger and was shortlisted for awards in Australia and the United States.
Scrublands has been sold into translation in several foreign languages. Chris's follow-up books—Silver (2019), Trust (2020), Treasure & Dirt (2021), The Tilt (2022) and The Seven (2023)—are also bestsellers and all have been shortlisted for major literary prizes. The Valley is his seventh novel.
The Tilt (published as Dead Man's Creek in the UK) was named The Sunday Times Crime Book of the Year for 2023.
Scrublands has been adapted for television, screening globally, and production is underway for a second series based on Silver.
Before turning to fiction, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) and The Coast (2012).
He has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master's degree in international relations from the Australian National University.
Scrublands has been sold into translation in several foreign languages. Chris's follow-up books—Silver (2019), Trust (2020), Treasure & Dirt (2021), The Tilt (2022) and The Seven (2023)—are also bestsellers and all have been shortlisted for major literary prizes. The Valley is his seventh novel.
The Tilt (published as Dead Man's Creek in the UK) was named The Sunday Times Crime Book of the Year for 2023.
Scrublands has been adapted for television, screening globally, and production is underway for a second series based on Silver.
Before turning to fiction, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) and The Coast (2012).
He has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master's degree in international relations from the Australian National University.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 22, 2026
Unlike others who have reviewed this thriller by Chris Hammer, set in the world of the uber rich and high finance, I found this to be quite disappointing. I thought there were too many thinly drawn characters and a very complicated plot and sub-plots that detracted from building suspense. Hammer does explain some of the financial jargon in a way that doesn’t jar the narrative, but I found it difficult to get a handle on many of the characters with the exception of Travis Somerland. I loved shows like Succession and Billions so it wasn’t the subject matter that deterred me. And I have enjoyed other books by Chris Hammer. Overall I think I would have preferred a more pared-down plot and getting to know the characters more fully.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the first standalone thriller from Australian author Chris Hammer, and an insight into the murky world of corporate espionage, financial market manipulation and basically, very rich people wanting to be even richer. I enjoyed the book and found the story exciting.
Travis Somerland was a policeman until he made a mistake. Now he’s working for one of the richest people in Australia, closely involved in a power struggle with a family firm that dominates the media and other industries. Can he redeem himself?
Corporate and financial shenanigans might not sound the most thrilling of plots, but the author manages to insert a great deal of action into the story, and you definitely want to keep reading it to find out where the story will go. Yes, there are some sections explaining in detail what things like “shorting” are in the financial markets, but there are plenty of thrills as well. There are a number of twists that suddenly come out of nowhere, and some shocking events and crimes.
The story switches between a few different timelines to build up the complete picture to what is happening and why.
The characters are well developed, especially Travis as the key protagonist. However, the book also gives other characters a good story arc; some chapters are told from the point of view of another important character in the story, and some written as if part of a fictional biography.
The rich and powerful characters here are key to the story, and come with a range of different ambitions and morals, which certainly gives the reader plenty to think about. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, but it’s worth the effort.
The writing style is excellent. As with all his books, the author adds extra layers to his characters, providing a lot of depth; there is no superficial skimming over things here; the reader gets a proper insight into how the characters are thinking or feeling.
Overall the book is a good and ultimately thrilling read. It’s quite long, but I read it pretty quickly and it didn’t drag for me.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
Travis Somerland was a policeman until he made a mistake. Now he’s working for one of the richest people in Australia, closely involved in a power struggle with a family firm that dominates the media and other industries. Can he redeem himself?
Corporate and financial shenanigans might not sound the most thrilling of plots, but the author manages to insert a great deal of action into the story, and you definitely want to keep reading it to find out where the story will go. Yes, there are some sections explaining in detail what things like “shorting” are in the financial markets, but there are plenty of thrills as well. There are a number of twists that suddenly come out of nowhere, and some shocking events and crimes.
The story switches between a few different timelines to build up the complete picture to what is happening and why.
The characters are well developed, especially Travis as the key protagonist. However, the book also gives other characters a good story arc; some chapters are told from the point of view of another important character in the story, and some written as if part of a fictional biography.
The rich and powerful characters here are key to the story, and come with a range of different ambitions and morals, which certainly gives the reader plenty to think about. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, but it’s worth the effort.
The writing style is excellent. As with all his books, the author adds extra layers to his characters, providing a lot of depth; there is no superficial skimming over things here; the reader gets a proper insight into how the characters are thinking or feeling.
Overall the book is a good and ultimately thrilling read. It’s quite long, but I read it pretty quickly and it didn’t drag for me.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Glocks and non-disclosures, billionaires and hedge funds, the stock markets and predatory behaviour to achieve end games. Travis Somerland, 27, once an undercover cop investigating and failing to bring down the Mutrie Corporation, is heading to Montechino. He’s to be a driver for Felix Clapton, owner of hedge fund Titanic Research, only his job is way more than that. Will Felix pull off his plan or is Travis caught up in the ultimate power struggle?
The world of finance is a complete mystery to me as my limit is remembering to use my ISA allowance and feeling pleased with myself when I do! Chris Hammer does a good job of untangling this complex world and for the first time ever I actually understand hedge funds! However, that’s not really the main focus of the novel, it’s the starting point of a revenge spree and it gets really wild from early on. It’s Dynasty meets Succession meets Billions combined with your favourite undercover cop show/film. Money and power, deals with devils, connections and intrigue, double dealing and double crossing and sailing close to the wind in terms of the law. Along the exciting devious route are twist after twist, and a truckload of duplicity and trickery.
The characters are interesting but not necessarily likeable as you’d expect, as there’s a cold ruthlessness attached to many, forming the bulk of their personalities. Travis is the one I root for and hope he emerges as intact and unscathed as possible, yet he’s duped, tricked and betrayed.
For the most part this is a gripping read, shedding light on a murky dark world and it’s a journey of discovery for Travis in particular. I like how the book gets its title and there are several full circle moments. However, I think the book is too long and so parts of the second half drag until it picks up pace again reaching a good ending with ends justifying means. Overall though, it’s a compelling read from an Australian author at the top of his game.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline/Wildfire for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
The world of finance is a complete mystery to me as my limit is remembering to use my ISA allowance and feeling pleased with myself when I do! Chris Hammer does a good job of untangling this complex world and for the first time ever I actually understand hedge funds! However, that’s not really the main focus of the novel, it’s the starting point of a revenge spree and it gets really wild from early on. It’s Dynasty meets Succession meets Billions combined with your favourite undercover cop show/film. Money and power, deals with devils, connections and intrigue, double dealing and double crossing and sailing close to the wind in terms of the law. Along the exciting devious route are twist after twist, and a truckload of duplicity and trickery.
The characters are interesting but not necessarily likeable as you’d expect, as there’s a cold ruthlessness attached to many, forming the bulk of their personalities. Travis is the one I root for and hope he emerges as intact and unscathed as possible, yet he’s duped, tricked and betrayed.
For the most part this is a gripping read, shedding light on a murky dark world and it’s a journey of discovery for Travis in particular. I like how the book gets its title and there are several full circle moments. However, I think the book is too long and so parts of the second half drag until it picks up pace again reaching a good ending with ends justifying means. Overall though, it’s a compelling read from an Australian author at the top of his game.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline/Wildfire for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Felix Clapton, head of the biggest Hedge Fund in Australia, is about to ‘Short’ Murtie Corp, a conglomerate ranging from coal to media. Travis Somerland is a former police officer who left under a cloud and has been hired as a driver by Felix. But Travis’s last case had been undercover in the Murtie organisation, because he has serious financial credentials, and has useful insights. ‘Shorting’ is a legal process, a sort of gamble on the way share prices will move, but this Hedge Fund is called Titanic because it sinks its targets. Still legal, but it makes enemies who might fight back, perhaps violently, perhaps lethally. So Travis is a driver, but also an assistant, and, courtesy of the Glock he is given, a security guard. There are also a range of other characters, of course, and at least three subplots, which do all, eventually, come “Full Circle”.
This is a thriller, the subplots obviously, the ‘Shorting’ less obviously but just as nail-biting. You may or may not know about the process before reading, but you will afterwards, as the intricacies appear – buried in the story not blatantly exposed because of the skill of the writing. It’s a very long book by thriller standards, but that’s because there are so many elements to the tale. Reading it doesn’t feel that long because of the clever plotting and the excellent writing. It’s a new direction for Hammer, and I look forward to following it.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This is a thriller, the subplots obviously, the ‘Shorting’ less obviously but just as nail-biting. You may or may not know about the process before reading, but you will afterwards, as the intricacies appear – buried in the story not blatantly exposed because of the skill of the writing. It’s a very long book by thriller standards, but that’s because there are so many elements to the tale. Reading it doesn’t feel that long because of the clever plotting and the excellent writing. It’s a new direction for Hammer, and I look forward to following it.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Meriwether Murtrie, full of port and pudding, of privilege and entitlement, took what he thought was his for the taking…forever forfeiting the love and respect of his eldest son. Perhaps that is where it all started, that was the first pebble and that was the moment it fell into the ocean. For now Meriwether’s son…and Mille’s granddaughter…exacted their revenge. Full circle.”
This powerful quote from the novel sums up so much. I love it when an author gives pwerful meaning to the book title!
Full Circle by Chris Hammer a complex story about family betrayal, stock machinations, double agents and murder. Hammer does not disappoint with this new offering.
The story is told in the present with flashes back to the past as needed. It’s told by two different narrators from their perspectives, which I found compelling. The addition of a biography also telling parts of the story added strands to the web of intrigue.
Because it goes back and forth in time I found the use of present tense for the action happening now a bit jarring. I know it is all in vogue now to add immediacy but I don't think it always works.
I hope it becomes a best seller because it deserves to be. A rich plot, credible characters, involved back story, and high drama. It was a page-turner till the very end!
I received an ARC through NetGalley for a fair and honest review. I would give it 4.25-4.5 if I could.
This powerful quote from the novel sums up so much. I love it when an author gives pwerful meaning to the book title!
Full Circle by Chris Hammer a complex story about family betrayal, stock machinations, double agents and murder. Hammer does not disappoint with this new offering.
The story is told in the present with flashes back to the past as needed. It’s told by two different narrators from their perspectives, which I found compelling. The addition of a biography also telling parts of the story added strands to the web of intrigue.
Because it goes back and forth in time I found the use of present tense for the action happening now a bit jarring. I know it is all in vogue now to add immediacy but I don't think it always works.
I hope it becomes a best seller because it deserves to be. A rich plot, credible characters, involved back story, and high drama. It was a page-turner till the very end!
I received an ARC through NetGalley for a fair and honest review. I would give it 4.25-4.5 if I could.
September 4, 2026
4.5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Vibe check: Twisty, Corporate Greed, Power Moves
full review ⬇️
Chris Hammer is my safe bet when I need a true Aussie thriller where seemingly unrelated stories slowly collide to a great ending… and he’s done it again!
Chris is back with another blockbuster book and he retains his title of king of the thrills. This time they centre around power, greed, murders, families and revenge.
Chris has such a knack for weaving past and present together, gradually revealing how everything connects without making it feel like he’s spoon feeding the answers. And there was A LOT going on here, with plenty of characters and subplots to keep track of, but the way it all came together was incredibly well done.
I’ll admit the in depth tax, corporate, share trading and company talk went a little over my head at times but thankfully there was enough intrigue happening around it to keep me completely invested.
It was actually wild to think these types of things are happening out there in the real world. On a similar note, the mention of camera glasses felt like a scary nod to the future of tech that I predict will be popping up in more and more books.
I started this book thinking I’d take my time with it and somehow finished it in a day. That’s always a good sign. The layers kept unfolding, the twists kept me guessing and I was desperate to see how all the threads would eventually come full circle (get it?! 😉)
This was one cleverly constructed puzzle of a story. Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the sneak peek.
Vibe check: Twisty, Corporate Greed, Power Moves
full review ⬇️
Chris Hammer is my safe bet when I need a true Aussie thriller where seemingly unrelated stories slowly collide to a great ending… and he’s done it again!
Chris is back with another blockbuster book and he retains his title of king of the thrills. This time they centre around power, greed, murders, families and revenge.
Chris has such a knack for weaving past and present together, gradually revealing how everything connects without making it feel like he’s spoon feeding the answers. And there was A LOT going on here, with plenty of characters and subplots to keep track of, but the way it all came together was incredibly well done.
I’ll admit the in depth tax, corporate, share trading and company talk went a little over my head at times but thankfully there was enough intrigue happening around it to keep me completely invested.
It was actually wild to think these types of things are happening out there in the real world. On a similar note, the mention of camera glasses felt like a scary nod to the future of tech that I predict will be popping up in more and more books.
I started this book thinking I’d take my time with it and somehow finished it in a day. That’s always a good sign. The layers kept unfolding, the twists kept me guessing and I was desperate to see how all the threads would eventually come full circle (get it?! 😉)
This was one cleverly constructed puzzle of a story. Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the sneak peek.
August 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I am a long term fan of Chris Hammer, so I was really excited to see him take a completely different approach with Full Circle. This standalone moves away from his usual settings and into the world of high finance, stock market manipulation and the murky ethics of an industry where money, power and ambition can blur the lines between right and wrong.
I loved the slow build of the story. There is a lot to take in, particularly with the financial scheming and the different character storylines, and I did find myself going back a few times to keep track of who was who and make sure I had understood exactly what was happening. But it was absolutely worth the effort.
The undercover agents attempting to infiltrate this world added another layer of tension, while the twists were both believable and genuinely shocking. Nothing felt thrown in simply for effect and I loved the way the different strands gradually came together.
The characters were also brilliantly developed, making it easy to become invested in their individual stories and motivations.
A very different Chris Hammer, but one I absolutely loved. Another five star read from a long term fan and, if there is another standalone like this in the future, I will be first in the queue.
I am a long term fan of Chris Hammer, so I was really excited to see him take a completely different approach with Full Circle. This standalone moves away from his usual settings and into the world of high finance, stock market manipulation and the murky ethics of an industry where money, power and ambition can blur the lines between right and wrong.
I loved the slow build of the story. There is a lot to take in, particularly with the financial scheming and the different character storylines, and I did find myself going back a few times to keep track of who was who and make sure I had understood exactly what was happening. But it was absolutely worth the effort.
The undercover agents attempting to infiltrate this world added another layer of tension, while the twists were both believable and genuinely shocking. Nothing felt thrown in simply for effect and I loved the way the different strands gradually came together.
The characters were also brilliantly developed, making it easy to become invested in their individual stories and motivations.
A very different Chris Hammer, but one I absolutely loved. Another five star read from a long term fan and, if there is another standalone like this in the future, I will be first in the queue.
September 5, 2026
This was my first Chris Hammer book, and I really enjoyed it.
I went into Full Circle without knowing too much about the story, which I think was the best way to read it. From the beginning, there’s this feeling that something isn't quite right, and as the story unfolds, the layers of secrets, money, power and family tension really start to build.
What I particularly enjoyed was the atmosphere. The wealthy world surrounding the characters feels glamorous on the surface, but underneath it is full of rivalry, manipulation and plenty of things being left unsaid. There are so many characters with their own motives that I found myself constantly questioning who I could trust.
It is a detailed read, and at times there is a lot to keep track of, but I liked that about it. Hammer takes his time developing the story rather than giving you a simple, predictable thriller.
The biggest advice I would give is don't try too hard to work everything out too early. Just let the story unfold and enjoy the twists and turns.
Overall, a gripping and clever thriller with plenty of secrets, complicated relationships and suspense. Definitely a book that kept me wanting to read "just one more chapter."
A huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Full Circle by Chris Hammer as an ARC.
I went into Full Circle without knowing too much about the story, which I think was the best way to read it. From the beginning, there’s this feeling that something isn't quite right, and as the story unfolds, the layers of secrets, money, power and family tension really start to build.
What I particularly enjoyed was the atmosphere. The wealthy world surrounding the characters feels glamorous on the surface, but underneath it is full of rivalry, manipulation and plenty of things being left unsaid. There are so many characters with their own motives that I found myself constantly questioning who I could trust.
It is a detailed read, and at times there is a lot to keep track of, but I liked that about it. Hammer takes his time developing the story rather than giving you a simple, predictable thriller.
The biggest advice I would give is don't try too hard to work everything out too early. Just let the story unfold and enjoy the twists and turns.
Overall, a gripping and clever thriller with plenty of secrets, complicated relationships and suspense. Definitely a book that kept me wanting to read "just one more chapter."
A huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Full Circle by Chris Hammer as an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Chris Hammer’s Full Circle is an epic, multi-layered crime thriller that showcases everything readers have come to expect from him: moral complexity, high-stakes intrigue, and a richly textured world where power, money, and danger collide. The novel is substantial, and you feel that breadth. Hammer builds a dense web of dynastic rivalries, corporate corruption, and personal peril, all centred on Travis Somerland’s descent into the ruthless world of Montechino, a fortress-like estate ruled by the ultra-wealthy Clapton family.
Despite its length, Full Circle remains highly enjoyable. Hammer’s pacing is deliberate but never sluggish; each chapter adds another layer of intrigue or character depth.
What makes the long form work is Hammer’s control. He blends Succession‑style power struggles and Shakespearean-scale family drama into a narrative that feels both expansive and tightly engineered. The result is a thriller that doesn’t just entertain—it envelops.
If you enjoy crime fiction that takes its time, builds its world brick by brick, and delivers a payoff worthy of the journey, Full Circle is a standout.
Despite its length, Full Circle remains highly enjoyable. Hammer’s pacing is deliberate but never sluggish; each chapter adds another layer of intrigue or character depth.
What makes the long form work is Hammer’s control. He blends Succession‑style power struggles and Shakespearean-scale family drama into a narrative that feels both expansive and tightly engineered. The result is a thriller that doesn’t just entertain—it envelops.
If you enjoy crime fiction that takes its time, builds its world brick by brick, and delivers a payoff worthy of the journey, Full Circle is a standout.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a complex and twisty mystery with a cast of characters, two different points of view, as well as a historical timeline! Added to this is wrapping your head around the finance scene: shorts and trading and stock markets and politics and dodgy business deals and multibillion dollar companies. You have to pay attention. In saying all of that, I flew through this novel. It was written to be read slowly and methodically, but somehow it was still thrilling and high=stakes, with a looming sense of danger. We got to glimpse the high-rolling life of Australian corporation owners and traders and drug dealers. Our MC is a former police officer turned driver, turned investigator - and everyone is a suspect! I spent the whole book wondering who I could and couldn't trust - are the cops dirty? Is it the politician? Will the rich trader double cross him? Will his daughter?
There were a couple of things I didn't see coming, and a couple I guessed along the way.
Ultimately it was a cosy, Australian thriller and I'll definitely go back and read more from Chris Hammer!
This is a complex and twisty mystery with a cast of characters, two different points of view, as well as a historical timeline! Added to this is wrapping your head around the finance scene: shorts and trading and stock markets and politics and dodgy business deals and multibillion dollar companies. You have to pay attention. In saying all of that, I flew through this novel. It was written to be read slowly and methodically, but somehow it was still thrilling and high=stakes, with a looming sense of danger. We got to glimpse the high-rolling life of Australian corporation owners and traders and drug dealers. Our MC is a former police officer turned driver, turned investigator - and everyone is a suspect! I spent the whole book wondering who I could and couldn't trust - are the cops dirty? Is it the politician? Will the rich trader double cross him? Will his daughter?
There were a couple of things I didn't see coming, and a couple I guessed along the way.
Ultimately it was a cosy, Australian thriller and I'll definitely go back and read more from Chris Hammer!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Travis Somerland has quit the police force after an undercover operation resulted in him being beaten up and his girlfriend being killed. Following a recommendation from his former boss he has secured a job as a chauffeur/gopher to Felix Clapton, one of the richest men in Australia. Travis will be based at Clapton's secluded estate, Montechino and will be involved in Clapton's latest financial venture - going after one of the most powerful business families in the country. Nothing, even his background as a policeman, could have prepared Travis for what unfolds and the secrets and corruption that have been going on around him.
Really enjoyed this first standalone book by the author. There's wealth, power, business espionage, murders, corruption, politics and love all in one. The story is revealed through several points of view and across decades and it kept me hooked from the beginning.
Thanks to Netgalley UK, Headline and Chris Hammer for the eARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Really enjoyed this first standalone book by the author. There's wealth, power, business espionage, murders, corruption, politics and love all in one. The story is revealed through several points of view and across decades and it kept me hooked from the beginning.
Thanks to Netgalley UK, Headline and Chris Hammer for the eARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Full Circle a standalone thriller by Chris Hammer is an absolute page-turner.
It’s set in an exclusive enclave of millionaires close to Melbourne. Travis is working for Felix Clapton who made his millions playing the stock market and short selling. Clapton is working on shorting the Murtrie Corp.
I found the world of finance interesting and incredibly cutthroat. Also, how the Mutrie and latterly the Clapton dynasty were created. These people really would do anything to make more money and at any cost.
In contrast is Travis with a sense of what is right and I really got behind Travis.
The book moves along at pace from the perspective of Travis, a former undercover police officer, and also Judy, who worked at Murtrie Corp, with a timeline moving back and forth.
Even though this book has been billed as a standalone book, it kind of felt like there could be more books that centre on Travis going forward. I do hope so.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Headline, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
It’s set in an exclusive enclave of millionaires close to Melbourne. Travis is working for Felix Clapton who made his millions playing the stock market and short selling. Clapton is working on shorting the Murtrie Corp.
I found the world of finance interesting and incredibly cutthroat. Also, how the Mutrie and latterly the Clapton dynasty were created. These people really would do anything to make more money and at any cost.
In contrast is Travis with a sense of what is right and I really got behind Travis.
The book moves along at pace from the perspective of Travis, a former undercover police officer, and also Judy, who worked at Murtrie Corp, with a timeline moving back and forth.
Even though this book has been billed as a standalone book, it kind of felt like there could be more books that centre on Travis going forward. I do hope so.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Headline, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 26, 2026
Chris Hammer moves into the world of high finance, family dynasties and undercover agents. New territory and he delivers the usual fabulous story complete with people you know and understand. Shades of the Murdoch activities or maybe Succession but so much better. It is a total page turner ( and there are many pages to turn) . It spans three generations of one family, each generation beautifully created to represent their time. Full circle is subtle and wonderfully written. Travis as the undercover cop is perfectly pitched for each of the several plots he finds himself in. The contemporary setting of hedge funds and their operations not to mention short selling is an education in share trading with the added benefit of edge of the seat suspense. I loved this stand alone new direction. The settings are real and the story is more than engaging its all consuming. Full Circle is a book you simply can’t put down Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this prior to publication
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a standalone crime thriller from an author I’ve read before. I enjoyed his writing and this book didn’t disappoint. It’s set in an elite world of high financial stakes and double dealing, but alongside that there’s moral and personal complexity that gives human interest and engagement with the central character. Not everyone is likeable, but they’re all plausible and their motivations and machinations are believable and satisfying. He’s taken a very relevant and up to date world of corporate finance to a different level and gives insight into the complexities of hedge funds and corporate rivalry for the sake of the money god. It’s a very interesting departure from his usual setting in rural and often isolated Australian outback and he’s captured this privileged and dark world very well. Well paced and with a number of twists that mean it’s difficult to predict the outcome. Enjoyed this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I will admit, I was a little nervous when I was seeing comments about ‘complexity’ and found out we were going to be in the world of high finance and business transactions. I thought I might struggle to read this, but I should have known better. I’ve never been disappointed in a Chris Hammer book, and this one was another great story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
As I should have expected, Chris Hammer did a masterful job of making the subject matter simple enough for me to comprehend. There are many self interested characters in this book, and there is revenge aplenty, with intrigue, double crosses, and ruthless power plays thrown in. So many twists and turns. It’s everything I’ve come to expect from a Chris Hammer book, and just a little more.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
As I should have expected, Chris Hammer did a masterful job of making the subject matter simple enough for me to comprehend. There are many self interested characters in this book, and there is revenge aplenty, with intrigue, double crosses, and ruthless power plays thrown in. So many twists and turns. It’s everything I’ve come to expect from a Chris Hammer book, and just a little more.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
August 20, 2026
I love Chris Hammer books and Full Circle, his latest, does not disappoint. This is a standalone book with a whole new set of characters set on the scenic Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne, Victoria.
There’s a powerful family in the centre of things, a disgraced ex-policeman, a successful businesswoman with a sketchy past and a lot of big personalities. Throw in a couple of billionaires and the thrill of financial trading that seems more like a day at the races rather than a day at the bank, and you’ve got suspense, thrills and a few twists to keep you captivated right up the end.
A thoroughly satisfying roller coaster ride that moves from the 1970s to the present day and back again. Strap yourself in for one hell of a ride.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thanks to the publisher at NetGalley for the ARC.
There’s a powerful family in the centre of things, a disgraced ex-policeman, a successful businesswoman with a sketchy past and a lot of big personalities. Throw in a couple of billionaires and the thrill of financial trading that seems more like a day at the races rather than a day at the bank, and you’ve got suspense, thrills and a few twists to keep you captivated right up the end.
A thoroughly satisfying roller coaster ride that moves from the 1970s to the present day and back again. Strap yourself in for one hell of a ride.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thanks to the publisher at NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A stand alone from Chris Hammer here but its no less of a page turner from one of Australia's finest story tellers.
Think of TV shows like Succession and movies like The Big Short and that gives you a glimpse of what you can expect here. Some complex financial aspects here, but Hammer makes lays them out in a manner that makes them understandable and digestible to the layman.
We have a family dynasty, one of the richest and most powerful families in Australia. We have a battle for power, we have revenge, greed, corruption, murder and more in a fast paced and high stakes story of corporate dealings.
Thanks to NetGalley UK for an early read of this one.
Think of TV shows like Succession and movies like The Big Short and that gives you a glimpse of what you can expect here. Some complex financial aspects here, but Hammer makes lays them out in a manner that makes them understandable and digestible to the layman.
We have a family dynasty, one of the richest and most powerful families in Australia. We have a battle for power, we have revenge, greed, corruption, murder and more in a fast paced and high stakes story of corporate dealings.
Thanks to NetGalley UK for an early read of this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley.
I was a slightly apprehensive about reading a book centred around finance, business and hedge funds, as I thought I might struggle with all the terminology, but having loved this author’s previous books, I was keen to give it a go.
Chris Hammer makes a complicated world feel surprisingly easy to understand, even with all the financial jargon and the story kept me hooked. The family dynamics also gave me Succession vibes, which I loved. A really gripping read, especially considering I wasn't sure the world of finance would be my thing!
I was a slightly apprehensive about reading a book centred around finance, business and hedge funds, as I thought I might struggle with all the terminology, but having loved this author’s previous books, I was keen to give it a go.
Chris Hammer makes a complicated world feel surprisingly easy to understand, even with all the financial jargon and the story kept me hooked. The family dynamics also gave me Succession vibes, which I loved. A really gripping read, especially considering I wasn't sure the world of finance would be my thing!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am a CH fan both book and television adaptation and this did not disappoint. The present is supported with the back story and from years of planning and waiting, for a legacy to be lost and the knights in shining amour to correct the course for the wrongs of previous generations. The financial underworld of the super rich is mind blowing for the family investor who have no idea of what is really going on. This is a lesson about family, family values and doing the right thing. Greed is not good, karma will get you in the end!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Chris Hammer’s standalone Novel Full Circle is ostensibly a crime thriller, but equally a rumination on generational privilege, and the moral decay bought by wealth unconstrained by accountability.
At times the plotting seems overly intricate, but there is pleasure in following and pulling at the threads, the characters are well drawn, and as always with Hammer, plenty of excellent twists and turns.
I’ve read all of his novels and look forward to the next one.
At times the plotting seems overly intricate, but there is pleasure in following and pulling at the threads, the characters are well drawn, and as always with Hammer, plenty of excellent twists and turns.
I’ve read all of his novels and look forward to the next one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While I enjoyed this book I did find it all a little complicated when it came to the financial dealings. I'm sure a lot of research went into creating this world and the author really tried to take us with him but I was lost. The general plot was good and the characters interesting enough but the storyline was aided by some happy co-incidences and creative license. Thank you to Netgalley for the advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Chris Hammer is one of my favourite authors and I was delighted to receive a copy of his latest book Full Circle.
This story had everything to keep me entertained. Undercover police officers, double dealings, corruption, murders and twists galore.
A thoroughly entertaining read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story had everything to keep me entertained. Undercover police officers, double dealings, corruption, murders and twists galore.
A thoroughly entertaining read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Really enjoyed this…. Finance, crime, twists and turns. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Review to come
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