What do you think?
Rate this book
Full Circle
Not yet published
Expected 29 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 man accustomed to danger – but nothing can prepare him the 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 man accustomed to danger – but nothing can prepare him the 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.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 29, 2026
About the author
Chris Hammer
14 books1,515 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
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
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.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews