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Full Circle
Master 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.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2026
About the author
Chris Hammer
17 books1,565 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 - 30 of 129 reviews
September 27, 2026
“If there is enough money involved, truth becomes a tradeable commodity.”
I’ve been a huge Chris Hammer fan since Scrublands, and I have my Mum to thank for introducing me to his books. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting Chris, and he’s such a lovely person, which makes cheering on his success even sweeter.
Full Circle takes us into a world of billionaires, coalmines, gas fields, power stations, media, politics and the kind of power most of us can barely imagine. The estates are enormous, the morals negotiable, and the wealthy are doing very little to improve their reputation. At Montechino, the secluded home of the Clapton family, Travis Somerland becomes entangled in a dangerous struggle involving powerful families, generations of rivalry and murder.
Travis was a particular highlight for me, giving me someone to really invest in amid all the competing interests. I also loved the questions Hammer raises about truth and morality. How do you find justice when the people with the money have enough influence to rewrite the rules? Those questions give the intrigue and family rivalries a disturbing relevance.
There were so many connections and moving parts that I briefly considered asking for a family tree and a tiny wall of red string. But honestly, I loved how aspiring it all was, wealth, privilege and revenge tangled together and very entertaining!
Clever, timely and another reminder of why Chris Hammer remains one of my favourite Australian authors. If wealthy people behaving appallingly is your preferred form of fictional entertainment, put this one on your radar.
I Highly Recommend.
Thank you Simon & Schuster, Summit Books and Chris Hammer for my early readers copy.
Available from tomorrow 29/9!
I’ve been a huge Chris Hammer fan since Scrublands, and I have my Mum to thank for introducing me to his books. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting Chris, and he’s such a lovely person, which makes cheering on his success even sweeter.
Full Circle takes us into a world of billionaires, coalmines, gas fields, power stations, media, politics and the kind of power most of us can barely imagine. The estates are enormous, the morals negotiable, and the wealthy are doing very little to improve their reputation. At Montechino, the secluded home of the Clapton family, Travis Somerland becomes entangled in a dangerous struggle involving powerful families, generations of rivalry and murder.
Travis was a particular highlight for me, giving me someone to really invest in amid all the competing interests. I also loved the questions Hammer raises about truth and morality. How do you find justice when the people with the money have enough influence to rewrite the rules? Those questions give the intrigue and family rivalries a disturbing relevance.
There were so many connections and moving parts that I briefly considered asking for a family tree and a tiny wall of red string. But honestly, I loved how aspiring it all was, wealth, privilege and revenge tangled together and very entertaining!
Clever, timely and another reminder of why Chris Hammer remains one of my favourite Australian authors. If wealthy people behaving appallingly is your preferred form of fictional entertainment, put this one on your radar.
I Highly Recommend.
Thank you Simon & Schuster, Summit Books and Chris Hammer for my early readers copy.
Available from tomorrow 29/9!
October 25, 2026
In his first stand-alone thriller ‘Full Circle’, Chris Hammer has thrown us into the world of high finance. The ups and downs of the stock market, the shady deals made by powerful families and spectacular takeovers long in the making. For those of us uninitiated in this world he makes it tangible as well as fascinating, explaining the financial wheeling and dealing involved clearly along the way.
Travis Somerland is the lead character in all of this, trying to survive and do what’s right in this dangerous but intoxicating world. A former cop, he finds himself working as a driver for the uber-rich Clapton dynasty at their secluded Montechino estate on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. The Claptons are always on the lookout for struggling businesses ripe for takeover, especially after they’ve had a helping hand in speeding up the company’s fall. Their credo is ‘business is arithmetic not morality’ and their ruthlessness knows no bounds, especially when the target, is another powerful family dynasty.
As with all of Hammer’s novels, there are many layers to this novel, all of them totally absorbing. There are characters who are not who they seem, those plotting long term against each other, family feuds, police corruption, murders aplenty and enough double crossing to make your eyes water. With terrific multi-faceted characters and an engrossing plot it’s a masterful and epic foray into the world of power, greed and financial crime.
With thanks to Simon & Schuster Australia via Netgalley for a copy to read
Travis Somerland is the lead character in all of this, trying to survive and do what’s right in this dangerous but intoxicating world. A former cop, he finds himself working as a driver for the uber-rich Clapton dynasty at their secluded Montechino estate on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. The Claptons are always on the lookout for struggling businesses ripe for takeover, especially after they’ve had a helping hand in speeding up the company’s fall. Their credo is ‘business is arithmetic not morality’ and their ruthlessness knows no bounds, especially when the target, is another powerful family dynasty.
As with all of Hammer’s novels, there are many layers to this novel, all of them totally absorbing. There are characters who are not who they seem, those plotting long term against each other, family feuds, police corruption, murders aplenty and enough double crossing to make your eyes water. With terrific multi-faceted characters and an engrossing plot it’s a masterful and epic foray into the world of power, greed and financial crime.
With thanks to Simon & Schuster Australia via Netgalley for a copy to read
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.
October 27, 2026
‘There is something happening here, he can sense it. He's back in the game. And what a game it is.’
Chris Hammer swaps dusty country towns for the affluent suburbs of Melbourne in Full Circle, proving that greed, corruption and buried secrets thrive just as easily in wealthy boardrooms as they do in the Australian outback.
Former cop Travis Somerland was once undercover infiltrating a powerful family-run financial empire. But after falling in love with one of its executives, his carefully constructed cover collapsed, costing him both his career and the woman he loved. Now working as a chauffeur for another powerful financier, Travis is unexpectedly drawn back into that world of wealth, influence and deception when two murders quickly become the catalyst for exposing a tangled web of corruption, dodgy politics and long-buried secrets.
Told through dual POVs, alternating timelines and excerpts from a biography that gradually reveal the past, Full Circle steadily pieces together its mystery. Rather than relying on shocking twists, Hammer allows the various threads to gradually converge, rewarding readers as the bigger picture emerge.
For me, however, not every storyline proved equally compelling. While some strands had me completely invested, others weren’t as compelling, making it something of a roller-coaster read. Even so, Hammer's confident storytelling and complex plotting kept me turning the pages until the end.
An exploration of power, privilege and the corrupting influence of money, Full Circle shows that in a world where fortunes can be made or destroyed with a single deal, trust is the only commodity that can't be traded. Another strong crime novel from Chris Hammer, it proves that white-collar crime can be every bit as deadly as any violent criminal underworld.
‘Bit late to be joining those dots, isn't it?’
Chris Hammer swaps dusty country towns for the affluent suburbs of Melbourne in Full Circle, proving that greed, corruption and buried secrets thrive just as easily in wealthy boardrooms as they do in the Australian outback.
Former cop Travis Somerland was once undercover infiltrating a powerful family-run financial empire. But after falling in love with one of its executives, his carefully constructed cover collapsed, costing him both his career and the woman he loved. Now working as a chauffeur for another powerful financier, Travis is unexpectedly drawn back into that world of wealth, influence and deception when two murders quickly become the catalyst for exposing a tangled web of corruption, dodgy politics and long-buried secrets.
Told through dual POVs, alternating timelines and excerpts from a biography that gradually reveal the past, Full Circle steadily pieces together its mystery. Rather than relying on shocking twists, Hammer allows the various threads to gradually converge, rewarding readers as the bigger picture emerge.
For me, however, not every storyline proved equally compelling. While some strands had me completely invested, others weren’t as compelling, making it something of a roller-coaster read. Even so, Hammer's confident storytelling and complex plotting kept me turning the pages until the end.
An exploration of power, privilege and the corrupting influence of money, Full Circle shows that in a world where fortunes can be made or destroyed with a single deal, trust is the only commodity that can't be traded. Another strong crime novel from Chris Hammer, it proves that white-collar crime can be every bit as deadly as any violent criminal underworld.
‘Bit late to be joining those dots, isn't it?’
October 20, 2026
Travis Somerland is an undercover cop who is working for Murtrie Corp he has gotten very close to the CEO’s executive assistant Judy, maybe to close when everything goes south very quickly, he finds himself out of a job and recovering when his former boss recommends him for another job as chauffeur for a very wealthy family, the Clapton’s but again after a big celebrity party there are deaths and Travis finds himself embedded in trying to find out what happened that night and again his life and many more end up in danger, will he survive this time?
This is an epic story of wealth, deceit, murder and so much more between two big families, there are twists and turns all throughout the story, with chapters going back years and getting the narrative from a few different characters, I do know that this one kept me turning the pages till the very end and is one that I highly recommend to any lover of a good Aussie crime, mystery thriller, it kept me on the edge of my seat.
This is an epic story of wealth, deceit, murder and so much more between two big families, there are twists and turns all throughout the story, with chapters going back years and getting the narrative from a few different characters, I do know that this one kept me turning the pages till the very end and is one that I highly recommend to any lover of a good Aussie crime, mystery thriller, it kept me on the edge of my seat.
October 19, 2026
A complex standalone mystery/thriller from an Aussie author I’ve followed for some time. The Murtrie’s are a Murdoch-like family who own a diverse collection of businesses, including some media assets. All are currently presided over by two brothers and their sister. We will learn something of the family history that led to this enviable position, but also of a threat posed (one initially unsuspected by the family) by a financial speculator who has them in his sights. Alongside all of this, the police also have an interest in the Murtrie’s set-up. To such an extent, in fact, that they inserted an undercover operative into their operation.
Set on the south coast of Australia, close to Melbourne, this complex tale is told from multiple points of view and with a timeline which jumps around from the present to various points in the past. If this all sounds like it’d be confusing, then don’t fear. Hammer deftly handles this labyrinthine tale in a way that ensures that the reader is able to understand what’s going on in each segment, even if they’re not (yet) able to knit them all together to figure out the whole picture. A key component relates to the actions of the speculator. There is a good deal of complex activity undertaken involving stock market trading strategies, but again the author takes the time to explain this in simple terms. It’s all very well done.
If there’s a downside to this lengthy tale (it’s circa 500 pages) it’s that there is perhaps just a little too much going on. And when it’s all finally unwound there are yet more surprises to digest. Maybe this is a little churlish, but it’s based my preference for a more straightforward, and ultimately a more tenable story. Yet, this intricate and epic tale of greed and inter-family feuding did, for the most part, hold my attention throughout. There were sections of high drama that had me riveted – particularly the build up to and execution of the trading deals - mixed in with what for me were some less interesting segments, largely connected to the history of the family.
My thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Set on the south coast of Australia, close to Melbourne, this complex tale is told from multiple points of view and with a timeline which jumps around from the present to various points in the past. If this all sounds like it’d be confusing, then don’t fear. Hammer deftly handles this labyrinthine tale in a way that ensures that the reader is able to understand what’s going on in each segment, even if they’re not (yet) able to knit them all together to figure out the whole picture. A key component relates to the actions of the speculator. There is a good deal of complex activity undertaken involving stock market trading strategies, but again the author takes the time to explain this in simple terms. It’s all very well done.
If there’s a downside to this lengthy tale (it’s circa 500 pages) it’s that there is perhaps just a little too much going on. And when it’s all finally unwound there are yet more surprises to digest. Maybe this is a little churlish, but it’s based my preference for a more straightforward, and ultimately a more tenable story. Yet, this intricate and epic tale of greed and inter-family feuding did, for the most part, hold my attention throughout. There were sections of high drama that had me riveted – particularly the build up to and execution of the trading deals - mixed in with what for me were some less interesting segments, largely connected to the history of the family.
My thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Chris Hammer is one of my favourite Australian authors and yet every time I go to review his books I struggle to find the right words. He has a way of transporting the reader into the world that his stories are set in and you become part of the story. I felt as if I was in Sorrento at the Montechino Estate, watching what was unfolding.
Now this is Chris’ first stand alone novel, yep no small rural town, no intrepid reporter, no rural crime. This time we are thrown into the murky world of the stock market, shares and opinions, power and greed. Think The Big Short on steroids. Financial crime is the centre of this story,a wild and dangerous world where money talks and almost nobody can be trusted. There is quite a bit of financial jargon and talk, especially in the beginning, but it is all relevant and will help to under what is about to happen. Stock with it, the pay off is worth it.
Travis Somerland is the main protagonist in this roller coaster ride. He is a former cop who doesn’t always play by the rules and finds himself smack bang in the middle of some crazy money and wealth with Titanic Research and the powerful Murtie Corporation. He begins as a driver and gets caught up in so much more.i loved this character, he was very intelligent, but not without his demons.
There is so much happening but at no time did I lose track of who was who and who the bad guys were. There are quite a lot of shady people, all out for themselves and what is in it for them. Even the ones you feel that you can rely on aren’t always good people. In true Chris Hammer style it is multi layered with plenty of twists and turns.
Loved it!
Thank you so much to Summit Books,Simon and Schuster for sending me an early copy to read. It went straight to the top of my TBR. Out in Australia on September 29th, this is Chris Hammer at his very best.
Now this is Chris’ first stand alone novel, yep no small rural town, no intrepid reporter, no rural crime. This time we are thrown into the murky world of the stock market, shares and opinions, power and greed. Think The Big Short on steroids. Financial crime is the centre of this story,a wild and dangerous world where money talks and almost nobody can be trusted. There is quite a bit of financial jargon and talk, especially in the beginning, but it is all relevant and will help to under what is about to happen. Stock with it, the pay off is worth it.
Travis Somerland is the main protagonist in this roller coaster ride. He is a former cop who doesn’t always play by the rules and finds himself smack bang in the middle of some crazy money and wealth with Titanic Research and the powerful Murtie Corporation. He begins as a driver and gets caught up in so much more.i loved this character, he was very intelligent, but not without his demons.
There is so much happening but at no time did I lose track of who was who and who the bad guys were. There are quite a lot of shady people, all out for themselves and what is in it for them. Even the ones you feel that you can rely on aren’t always good people. In true Chris Hammer style it is multi layered with plenty of twists and turns.
Loved it!
Thank you so much to Summit Books,Simon and Schuster for sending me an early copy to read. It went straight to the top of my TBR. Out in Australia on September 29th, this is Chris Hammer at his very best.
September 29, 2026
I tend to be very wary of novels where the plot revolves around financial matters, even in my beloved Crime genre, but I'm happy to report that this is the second time my reticence has proved to be completely unfounded (the other was The Glass Hotel). In regard to the schemes that form the backbone of the plot of Full Circle, Chris Hammer manages to walk a fine line between explaining enough for novices like me, and dumbing down too much for the financially savvy.
This first standalone from Hammer was thoroughly entertaining and so fast-paced that the almost 500 pages just flew by. And don't for a second think that because this is financial crime, there won't be a bodycount! Phew!! It was also a nice touch to have a fleeting appearance from Hammer-World's finest journalists towards the end. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for an eARC to read and review.
This first standalone from Hammer was thoroughly entertaining and so fast-paced that the almost 500 pages just flew by. And don't for a second think that because this is financial crime, there won't be a bodycount! Phew!! It was also a nice touch to have a fleeting appearance from Hammer-World's finest journalists towards the end. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for an eARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a signature book by Chris Hammer, in that it is set in Australia, the characters have unusual names and it is fast paced. There is a cameo by Martin Scarsden later in the book too! The one thing that I didn't enjoy in the story was the great detail around finance (and I don't even know the correct term for the type of finance it goes into).
Travis Somerland after leaving the police force under a dark cloud, gets a job as a driver for billionaire, hedge fund manager, Felix Clapton. Felix and his team are about to pull off a huge financial coup, and best of all the target of the coup is a wealthy family that Travis has an axe to grind with.
The story moves between the past and the present, following the Murtrie family dynasty and their sense of entitlement. It is no surprise that in the present day they have accumulated many enemies.
There are many twists in this book, almost too many to keep track of, and characters whose names change along the way which can also be confusing. As mentioned earlier it goes deep into financial territory which completely lost me. Otherwise, an intriguing plot well executed.
Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Australia Publishing for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
Travis Somerland after leaving the police force under a dark cloud, gets a job as a driver for billionaire, hedge fund manager, Felix Clapton. Felix and his team are about to pull off a huge financial coup, and best of all the target of the coup is a wealthy family that Travis has an axe to grind with.
The story moves between the past and the present, following the Murtrie family dynasty and their sense of entitlement. It is no surprise that in the present day they have accumulated many enemies.
There are many twists in this book, almost too many to keep track of, and characters whose names change along the way which can also be confusing. As mentioned earlier it goes deep into financial territory which completely lost me. Otherwise, an intriguing plot well executed.
Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Australia Publishing for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
August 21, 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.
October 10, 2026
EXCERPT: . . . Travis stands alone outside the house, concentrating on breathing in the cool air, breathing it out. Above him, the scuttling clouds allow intermittent glimpses of the heavens, the Mily Way and the spray of stars. And e questions what he's got himself into. Glocks and non-disclosure agreements, billionaires and stock market poachers, his past rushing back at him. He wanted this, to be back in the centre of things, to be involved. But he wonders just how much agency he has, whether that is just an illusion, whether ultimately the rich and powerful still control his fate.
ABOUT 'FULL CIRCLE': '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, part fortress, and the secluded estate of the uber-wealthy Claptons, modern-day robber barons who believe 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?
MY THOUGHTS: To be honest, I missed the outback, usually the setting for Chris's books.
I am a huge Chris Hammer fan, but there was something missing from Full Circle. Was it just the setting, or was it also the people? I had trouble connecting to the characters and the high finance/stock market share trading left me overwhelmed and confused.
I did enjoy the questions Chris raises about truth and morality and the cameo appearance by Martin Scarsden.
A decent thriller, but I think this is the first time I haven't given one of Chris's books the full five stars.
⭐⭐⭐.75
#FullCircle #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: CHRIS HAMMER was a journalist for more than thirty years, dividing his career between covering Australian federal politics and international affairs. For many years he was a roving foreign correspondent for SBS TV's flagship current affairs program Dateline. He has reported from more than 30 countries on six continents. In Canberra, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin, current affairs correspondent for SBS TV and a senior political journalist for The Age.
Chris has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master's degree in international relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra with his wife, Dr Tomoko Akami. The couple have two children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Allen & Unwin via NetGalley for providing a Digital Review Copy of Full Circle by Chris Hammer for review. This review reflects my reading experience and all opinions expressed are my personal opinions.
ABOUT 'FULL CIRCLE': '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, part fortress, and the secluded estate of the uber-wealthy Claptons, modern-day robber barons who believe 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?
MY THOUGHTS: To be honest, I missed the outback, usually the setting for Chris's books.
I am a huge Chris Hammer fan, but there was something missing from Full Circle. Was it just the setting, or was it also the people? I had trouble connecting to the characters and the high finance/stock market share trading left me overwhelmed and confused.
I did enjoy the questions Chris raises about truth and morality and the cameo appearance by Martin Scarsden.
A decent thriller, but I think this is the first time I haven't given one of Chris's books the full five stars.
⭐⭐⭐.75
#FullCircle #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: CHRIS HAMMER was a journalist for more than thirty years, dividing his career between covering Australian federal politics and international affairs. For many years he was a roving foreign correspondent for SBS TV's flagship current affairs program Dateline. He has reported from more than 30 countries on six continents. In Canberra, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin, current affairs correspondent for SBS TV and a senior political journalist for The Age.
Chris has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master's degree in international relations from the Australian National University. He lives in Canberra with his wife, Dr Tomoko Akami. The couple have two children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Allen & Unwin via NetGalley for providing a Digital Review Copy of Full Circle by Chris Hammer for review. This review reflects my reading experience and all opinions expressed are my personal opinions.
October 18, 2026
An excellent page-turner, financial thriller by Aussie crime writer extraordinaire Chris Hammer. Set on the Mornington Peninsula and involving a long and complex web of characters we’re introduced to a new hero, Travis Somerland, a principled young man drawn into a world of high-flying traders and explosive family dynamics. It’s an entertaining read with lots of action and double-crossing and I also learnt a bit about short trading, explained in a way that someone with no knowledge of this tactic could understand. I hope we find Travis and some of the other characters in future novels, there’s plenty of scope for a series here.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🔪💰A tense thriller with a great setting 💰🔪
A complex story of the rich and powerful and a lot of shifting allegiances!
👩💻 Plot in a nutshell: Travis Somerland arrives at Montechino, the secluded estate of the wealthy Clapton family. He quickly finds himself caught up in a hostile, financial battle between powerful dynasties. The plot takes an early, nasty turn with multiple deaths at the estate. Financial schemes, changing allegiances, twisted agendas and old rivalries muddy the waters as Travis has to work out who he can trust and who is truly behind it all.
💬 My thoughts: There was a lot to love about this book! I really liked the setting, Chris Hammer is so good at creating a strong sense of place and I thought the finance-heavy storyline was worked into the plot really well. It added to the tension without feeling like I was reading a finance textbook.
The main thing is, there were so many characters and allegiances to keep track of which seemed to change at the drop of a hat. I didn't feel particularly attached to most of them. Judy had some grit and I found the contrast between her ambition and Travis's being a bit the opposite interesting, although Judy made some pretty strange choices. Also what’s with the name Judy?
The other thing I found hard was some confusing pov. Some things are presented as though Judy genuinely believes one version of events, only for the book to later tell us she knew something completely different all along. It reads less like an unreliable narrator and more like a POV/continuity error. I found that pretty confusing and wonder if it’s because it’s an early proof? 🤔
Overall, I enjoyed the tension and the setting, and there was plenty to keep me reading. It just didn't quite come together for me as well as I'd hoped.
📬 Is this for you? If you like atmospheric thrillers with complicated plots and financial intrigue with billionaires as central characters.
👩💻 Plot in a nutshell: Travis Somerland arrives at Montechino, the secluded estate of the wealthy Clapton family. He quickly finds himself caught up in a hostile, financial battle between powerful dynasties. The plot takes an early, nasty turn with multiple deaths at the estate. Financial schemes, changing allegiances, twisted agendas and old rivalries muddy the waters as Travis has to work out who he can trust and who is truly behind it all.
💬 My thoughts: There was a lot to love about this book! I really liked the setting, Chris Hammer is so good at creating a strong sense of place and I thought the finance-heavy storyline was worked into the plot really well. It added to the tension without feeling like I was reading a finance textbook.
The main thing is, there were so many characters and allegiances to keep track of which seemed to change at the drop of a hat. I didn't feel particularly attached to most of them. Judy had some grit and I found the contrast between her ambition and Travis's being a bit the opposite interesting, although Judy made some pretty strange choices. Also what’s with the name Judy?
The other thing I found hard was some confusing pov. Some things are presented as though Judy genuinely believes one version of events, only for the book to later tell us she knew something completely different all along. It reads less like an unreliable narrator and more like a POV/continuity error. I found that pretty confusing and wonder if it’s because it’s an early proof? 🤔
Overall, I enjoyed the tension and the setting, and there was plenty to keep me reading. It just didn't quite come together for me as well as I'd hoped.
📬 Is this for you? If you like atmospheric thrillers with complicated plots and financial intrigue with billionaires as central characters.
October 3, 2026
I love Chris Hammer books, and this one had the same incredible descriptions that Chris Hammer is known for. Chris shows his level of research through using real locations. He sets the scenes, so the reader almost feels like they are there in the suburbs with Travis etc.
Full Circle did however lose me with the huge amounts of financial jargon. This novel has a much narrower appeal than all of Hammer's others which does disappoint and lose the reader slightly.
I love the little inclusions of Martin Scarsden and Bethany Glass to tie in with the other 2 series. I would love to see more novels featuring Travis and Lexy but maybe in other settings away from the financial sector.
Full Circle did however lose me with the huge amounts of financial jargon. This novel has a much narrower appeal than all of Hammer's others which does disappoint and lose the reader slightly.
I love the little inclusions of Martin Scarsden and Bethany Glass to tie in with the other 2 series. I would love to see more novels featuring Travis and Lexy but maybe in other settings away from the financial sector.
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.
October 4, 2026
The Big Short meets Succession? Yep, that description is pretty bloody accurate!
There are a LOT of moving parts in Full Circle, but I was hooked from the start and absolutely flew through it. Insider trading, hedge funds, billionaires, a powerful family dynasty & enough deeply buried secrets to make Christmas lunch uncomfortable for generations. And with the Mutrie family feeling more than a little Murdoch-esque, that Succession comparison only becomes more fitting.
I really enjoyed the financial side too. Short selling, insider information & corporate manoeuvring aren’t exactly things I expected to find this bingeable, yet here we are. And thankfully, you don’t need to understand the stock market to keep up. I failed the maths subject in my degree three times before finally passing, so if I can follow it, we’re all good.
What I enjoyed most though was the constant question of who was actually playing who. Everyone seems to know something they shouldn’t, everyone’s trying to use that information to their advantage & just when you think you’ve worked out who has the upper hand, the game shifts again.
Add Travis’s complicated history with Mutrie Corporation, the CFMEU connections, generations of family rivalry & the ridiculously wealthy world of Montechino against the Sorrento backdrop, and there is plenty happening here. Somehow, despite all those threads, it never felt like hard work keeping up. I was far too busy watching a bunch of very powerful people attempt to outmanoeuvre each other.
Turns out billionaires, betrayal & insider trading make for some very bingeable reading. Who knew?😝
There are a LOT of moving parts in Full Circle, but I was hooked from the start and absolutely flew through it. Insider trading, hedge funds, billionaires, a powerful family dynasty & enough deeply buried secrets to make Christmas lunch uncomfortable for generations. And with the Mutrie family feeling more than a little Murdoch-esque, that Succession comparison only becomes more fitting.
I really enjoyed the financial side too. Short selling, insider information & corporate manoeuvring aren’t exactly things I expected to find this bingeable, yet here we are. And thankfully, you don’t need to understand the stock market to keep up. I failed the maths subject in my degree three times before finally passing, so if I can follow it, we’re all good.
What I enjoyed most though was the constant question of who was actually playing who. Everyone seems to know something they shouldn’t, everyone’s trying to use that information to their advantage & just when you think you’ve worked out who has the upper hand, the game shifts again.
Add Travis’s complicated history with Mutrie Corporation, the CFMEU connections, generations of family rivalry & the ridiculously wealthy world of Montechino against the Sorrento backdrop, and there is plenty happening here. Somehow, despite all those threads, it never felt like hard work keeping up. I was far too busy watching a bunch of very powerful people attempt to outmanoeuvre each other.
Turns out billionaires, betrayal & insider trading make for some very bingeable reading. Who knew?😝
October 5, 2026
Big thanks to Simon & Schuster for sending us a copy to read and review.
Australian dynasties might not have the glamour or reputation as the American counterparts but they have the drama, wealth and fractured family lives that ensure entertainment and conniving behaviour.
The twin points of Port Phillip Bay act as the epicentre for this dramatic read.
Montechino is the palatial homestead where financial tycoon and modern day bush ranger Felix Clapton lives and operates from.
Power, wealth and high risk activities germinate from its core.
Travis has a background in the Federal police and has no fear joining the formidable fold and work directly for Felix.
A celebration at the manor turns deadly and Travis is given an ultimatum. Money and answers might speak louder.
The foundations of two wealthy families start to crumble as generational greed and resentment erode.
Complex webs of deceit, murder and revenge all swirl below the surface before bubbling up.
Now I did wonder if renowned journalist Martin Scarsden might pop up in this intense and interesting read and I wasn’t disappointed, a cameo let us know he was watching the story unfold.
The lives of the rich and infamous were captured so well and some background knowledge on Hedge Funds welcomed.
Australian dynasties might not have the glamour or reputation as the American counterparts but they have the drama, wealth and fractured family lives that ensure entertainment and conniving behaviour.
The twin points of Port Phillip Bay act as the epicentre for this dramatic read.
Montechino is the palatial homestead where financial tycoon and modern day bush ranger Felix Clapton lives and operates from.
Power, wealth and high risk activities germinate from its core.
Travis has a background in the Federal police and has no fear joining the formidable fold and work directly for Felix.
A celebration at the manor turns deadly and Travis is given an ultimatum. Money and answers might speak louder.
The foundations of two wealthy families start to crumble as generational greed and resentment erode.
Complex webs of deceit, murder and revenge all swirl below the surface before bubbling up.
Now I did wonder if renowned journalist Martin Scarsden might pop up in this intense and interesting read and I wasn’t disappointed, a cameo let us know he was watching the story unfold.
The lives of the rich and infamous were captured so well and some background knowledge on Hedge Funds welcomed.
October 1, 2026
Full Circle by Chris Hammer
I requested this book because I enjoyed the Martin Scarsden series and the TV adaptation; Chris Hammer knows how to write Australian noir.
Full Circle is a departure from Hammer's typical detective series—a standalone novel featuring Travis Somerland, a former cop drawn into the world of Montechino, a fortress-like estate owned by an ultra-wealthy family that treats business as mere arithmetic, devoid of morality.
Like the Martin Scarsden series, this story has a lot going on—multiple plot lines and a large cast of characters, all entangled in money, power, and grudges. At times, I had to really focus to keep everyone straight. But that's part of the payoff: every thread, character, and grudge comes full circle by the end, and watching Hammer pull it all back together was genuinely satisfying. His unmistakably Australian voice shines through the corporate scheming and dynastic rivalry.
If you enjoy sprawling, multi-threaded thrillers that delve into the dark side of wealth and power, or if you're a fan of Hammer's Australian noir, then this book is for you. Full Circle by Chris Hammer is out this week!
Oh! And if you like a book with a map....
📖 @thehammernow
📚 @simonschusteraus
🎯 @netgalley
#booksdeevaareads #2026bookshelf #bookstagram #fullcircle #chrishammer #netgalley
I requested this book because I enjoyed the Martin Scarsden series and the TV adaptation; Chris Hammer knows how to write Australian noir.
Full Circle is a departure from Hammer's typical detective series—a standalone novel featuring Travis Somerland, a former cop drawn into the world of Montechino, a fortress-like estate owned by an ultra-wealthy family that treats business as mere arithmetic, devoid of morality.
Like the Martin Scarsden series, this story has a lot going on—multiple plot lines and a large cast of characters, all entangled in money, power, and grudges. At times, I had to really focus to keep everyone straight. But that's part of the payoff: every thread, character, and grudge comes full circle by the end, and watching Hammer pull it all back together was genuinely satisfying. His unmistakably Australian voice shines through the corporate scheming and dynastic rivalry.
If you enjoy sprawling, multi-threaded thrillers that delve into the dark side of wealth and power, or if you're a fan of Hammer's Australian noir, then this book is for you. Full Circle by Chris Hammer is out this week!
Oh! And if you like a book with a map....
📖 @thehammernow
📚 @simonschusteraus
🎯 @netgalley
#booksdeevaareads #2026bookshelf #bookstagram #fullcircle #chrishammer #netgalley
October 18, 2026
My least favourite book by this author so far. I found the constant explanation of the various aspects of the financial market - although understandably needed - detracted from the flow of the book.
The plot was very gripping at first, but then it just got bogged down in the minutiae. I didn't particularly like the very explicit explanation of the events at the end via Bethanie Glass' excerpts. It just didn't feel organic. Interesting read overall, but not as good as his other works.
The plot was very gripping at first, but then it just got bogged down in the minutiae. I didn't particularly like the very explicit explanation of the events at the end via Bethanie Glass' excerpts. It just didn't feel organic. Interesting read overall, but not as good as his other works.
October 14, 2026
Action-packed and tense Aussie crime fiction.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5/5
This is my first Chris Hammer book and it tracked very similar to a Michael Robotham, just excessively long with way too much filler. I really did try to enjoy this because there were multiple side plots that were clever and enjoyable, sadly though, all the financial jargon around trades and shares had me mostly lost and uninterested. There were a lot of characters and a lot of connective twists that made it difficult to keep track of. The last 10% of the book was jumble to me because I had truly checked out.
The writing is good and thankfully the MMC Travis was likeable and really the reason I held on.
Much thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this early release copy. Unfortunately it wasn't for me though if you're a big fan of financial crime fiction this will be for you.
This is my first Chris Hammer book and it tracked very similar to a Michael Robotham, just excessively long with way too much filler. I really did try to enjoy this because there were multiple side plots that were clever and enjoyable, sadly though, all the financial jargon around trades and shares had me mostly lost and uninterested. There were a lot of characters and a lot of connective twists that made it difficult to keep track of. The last 10% of the book was jumble to me because I had truly checked out.
The writing is good and thankfully the MMC Travis was likeable and really the reason I held on.
Much thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this early release copy. Unfortunately it wasn't for me though if you're a big fan of financial crime fiction this will be for you.
October 22, 2026
I am not a devoted fan of Chris Hammer, but I do enjoy his writing, and I have read eight of his crime fiction books. He is certainly a prolific writer, producing approximately one book per year. He makes himself available to his audience and is a supporter of other Australian authors.
Hammer opens Full Circle with a narrative hook where it appears a savage, calculated murder is committed on a windswept headland where the victim is pushed and plunges into a washpool of an ocean.
The next chapter the reader enters a story of Travis Somerland, an undercover cop, with past issues, who is being employed by Felix Clapton an extremely wealthy patriarch of the Clapton family. There are a couple of female characters and Somerland does have a love interest.
The book is a braided narrative where Hammer weaves a non-linear story from different perspectives given by different characters and at different times: years and even decades apart. The author applied this technique to my favourite Hammer book, “The Tilt”. I wonder how much pre-planning goes into the writing of such stories. One thing is certain; he is most accomplished at this process.
The story is broken into eleven parts, each dated and named with key characters explaining their part of the story. The main plot is the conflict between two wealthy families (Clapton and Murtrie). Hammer is skilful in his handling of the devious financial strategies that the families use. He manages to make some fairly complex high finance comprehensible. This is achieved by an exposition of market manipulation. There is also a serving of good old-fashioned violence and murder served up as the story progresses. There are pieces of intrigued, betrayals, love interests, complex motives and fragile trust.
The author also intelligently handles the issue of wealth without resorting to cliched stereotypical accounts and descriptions. I think one of the great failings of modern capitalism is the growth of a small group of people who have unmeasurable wealth. I thought of when the word billion and then billionaire first came into use. Now this word is sprinkled like pepper on a dinner plate, in the news daily.
The story is primarily set in Sorrento, a wealthy coastal town at the very bottom of the Mornington Peninsula. Hammer paints pictures of the large and expensive houses that dot the lush countryside. The book cover photograph is another impressive image, similar to the photo on the book The Seven.
As the story moves to its conclusion there are some vividly described shootings. There is a Jack Reacher moment with a shoot out on a pier. There are further gun fire exchanges. I found the last quarter of the book dragged. There was little tension or suspense. The essence of crime fiction is conflict, are the bad guys going to get caught? There was much conflict, but it all seemed diluted. The story lost its direction and urgency. I found myself asking so is the conclusion going to involve resolution between the two families?
Martin Scarsden (a journalist from previous Hammer books) makes a fleeting appearance, which, if you blink you will miss.
I was disappointed in the ending. Pages of complicated revenge stories, as I turned a page individuals made millions of dollars, who parented who, the art of the short selling, the murder on the first pages of the book is explained, I am still baffled as it seemed tenuous to the main plot. I would advise anyone about to read Full Circle to have a sheet of paper or open Notes on their phone to record all the characters that they meet during the story because they will all be mentioned in the concluding pages. At the end of the story the protagonist, Travis Somerland is a free agent able to be part of another Hammer adventure.
The ending made me reflect on the economic and social situation in Australia and other western countries. We have a wealthy powerful elite who obtain their money not by producing worthy products but by shifting money around. Corrupt politicians and police who are at the beck and call of the elites. Then the masses who believe they no longer have much of a say in how things are done. They are sharing less and less in the wealth being created. Hammer doesn’t mention it but many in this group are turning to charlatans and sophist who are just as ineffective as the established politicians.
Hammer has probably surpassed Jane Harper as Australia’s premier crime fiction writer. I left the book with a degree of satisfaction, but it did not engage me as much as other Hammer publications.
Hammer opens Full Circle with a narrative hook where it appears a savage, calculated murder is committed on a windswept headland where the victim is pushed and plunges into a washpool of an ocean.
The next chapter the reader enters a story of Travis Somerland, an undercover cop, with past issues, who is being employed by Felix Clapton an extremely wealthy patriarch of the Clapton family. There are a couple of female characters and Somerland does have a love interest.
The book is a braided narrative where Hammer weaves a non-linear story from different perspectives given by different characters and at different times: years and even decades apart. The author applied this technique to my favourite Hammer book, “The Tilt”. I wonder how much pre-planning goes into the writing of such stories. One thing is certain; he is most accomplished at this process.
The story is broken into eleven parts, each dated and named with key characters explaining their part of the story. The main plot is the conflict between two wealthy families (Clapton and Murtrie). Hammer is skilful in his handling of the devious financial strategies that the families use. He manages to make some fairly complex high finance comprehensible. This is achieved by an exposition of market manipulation. There is also a serving of good old-fashioned violence and murder served up as the story progresses. There are pieces of intrigued, betrayals, love interests, complex motives and fragile trust.
The author also intelligently handles the issue of wealth without resorting to cliched stereotypical accounts and descriptions. I think one of the great failings of modern capitalism is the growth of a small group of people who have unmeasurable wealth. I thought of when the word billion and then billionaire first came into use. Now this word is sprinkled like pepper on a dinner plate, in the news daily.
The story is primarily set in Sorrento, a wealthy coastal town at the very bottom of the Mornington Peninsula. Hammer paints pictures of the large and expensive houses that dot the lush countryside. The book cover photograph is another impressive image, similar to the photo on the book The Seven.
As the story moves to its conclusion there are some vividly described shootings. There is a Jack Reacher moment with a shoot out on a pier. There are further gun fire exchanges. I found the last quarter of the book dragged. There was little tension or suspense. The essence of crime fiction is conflict, are the bad guys going to get caught? There was much conflict, but it all seemed diluted. The story lost its direction and urgency. I found myself asking so is the conclusion going to involve resolution between the two families?
Martin Scarsden (a journalist from previous Hammer books) makes a fleeting appearance, which, if you blink you will miss.
I was disappointed in the ending. Pages of complicated revenge stories, as I turned a page individuals made millions of dollars, who parented who, the art of the short selling, the murder on the first pages of the book is explained, I am still baffled as it seemed tenuous to the main plot. I would advise anyone about to read Full Circle to have a sheet of paper or open Notes on their phone to record all the characters that they meet during the story because they will all be mentioned in the concluding pages. At the end of the story the protagonist, Travis Somerland is a free agent able to be part of another Hammer adventure.
The ending made me reflect on the economic and social situation in Australia and other western countries. We have a wealthy powerful elite who obtain their money not by producing worthy products but by shifting money around. Corrupt politicians and police who are at the beck and call of the elites. Then the masses who believe they no longer have much of a say in how things are done. They are sharing less and less in the wealth being created. Hammer doesn’t mention it but many in this group are turning to charlatans and sophist who are just as ineffective as the established politicians.
Hammer has probably surpassed Jane Harper as Australia’s premier crime fiction writer. I left the book with a degree of satisfaction, but it did not engage me as much as other Hammer publications.
October 15, 2026
Fantastic! This book was quite different to what I usually read, though I do love a good spy novel and although this doesn’t really fit that brief it was similar enough. I particularly loved the writing style; it reminded me of the feeling of finding a really good book when I was a child. Quite finance jargon heavy. I found some aspects of the plot… unsatisfying? as they were resolved, but it didn’t really bother me too much. I enjoyed the book so much and always wanted to be listening to it which I think is a great sign!
October 11, 2026
A modern day corporate takeover / family saga set in Melbourne.
October 13, 2026
I usually love a Chris Hammer book, but the financial jargon was too much of a slog.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Gone is the outback. Gone is the dust, the heat and the country roads. But it has been replaced with the thrill of the stock market, undercover operatives, and lots and lots of money.
At the big end of town fortunes are made and lost every day. Sometimes it's luck, sometimes it's knowledge, sometimes it's revenge.
In Full Circle we are given a front row seat and are witness to seeing how the extremely wealthy play the game. There are unscrupulous deals, double crosses, industrial espionage, undercover cops, greedy politicians and organised crime. This story has it all.
I was riveted by this story. It was thrilling and just so well written. I loved the then and now storyline and putting all the little clues in place. There's a bit of financial jargon but it doesn't detract from the story or the incredible characters.
I was already a huge fan of Chris Hammer's writing, but if I wasn't then this story would make me an instant fan. This book was insanely brilliant.
If you've read Chris's other books and love them because they are outback noir, don't be put off by this book being set in big business as it is his best work so far. As always there was a map and a link back to his previous books.
At the big end of town fortunes are made and lost every day. Sometimes it's luck, sometimes it's knowledge, sometimes it's revenge.
In Full Circle we are given a front row seat and are witness to seeing how the extremely wealthy play the game. There are unscrupulous deals, double crosses, industrial espionage, undercover cops, greedy politicians and organised crime. This story has it all.
I was riveted by this story. It was thrilling and just so well written. I loved the then and now storyline and putting all the little clues in place. There's a bit of financial jargon but it doesn't detract from the story or the incredible characters.
I was already a huge fan of Chris Hammer's writing, but if I wasn't then this story would make me an instant fan. This book was insanely brilliant.
If you've read Chris's other books and love them because they are outback noir, don't be put off by this book being set in big business as it is his best work so far. As always there was a map and a link back to his previous books.
October 13, 2026
Another fabulous 5 star read for the year. I really loved this one. It has a little bit of everything, mystery, drama, police procedurals, espionage, billionaires, trust funds, hedge funds, people who earn lots of money, and lots of people behaving badly which is always fun.
Travis Somerland is ex police after being forced out of the field, and now finds himself acting as a personal driver for a seriously wealthy hedge fund owner. It's not long before Travis is caught up in a situation he'd definitely rather not be part of and where his past is slowly starting to resurface.
There are a lot of characters in this one and a lot going on but somehow it all works expertly well and all ties in perfectly. Full disclosure, I'm not very cluey when it comes to the world of hedge funds and share prices and pretty much anything to do with financial markets, there were times where I had to google a few things, but it's written so brilliantly that you don't need to know this world, you can just immerse yourself in it and enjoy the ride.
I highly recommend this one, it's a truly smart and clever read with the most satisfying of endings which is always a huge plus for me. A huge thank you to Summit Books and Simon and Schuster AU for my copy - I am super grateful for the opportunity to have read this fantastic 5 star masterpiece.
Travis Somerland is ex police after being forced out of the field, and now finds himself acting as a personal driver for a seriously wealthy hedge fund owner. It's not long before Travis is caught up in a situation he'd definitely rather not be part of and where his past is slowly starting to resurface.
There are a lot of characters in this one and a lot going on but somehow it all works expertly well and all ties in perfectly. Full disclosure, I'm not very cluey when it comes to the world of hedge funds and share prices and pretty much anything to do with financial markets, there were times where I had to google a few things, but it's written so brilliantly that you don't need to know this world, you can just immerse yourself in it and enjoy the ride.
I highly recommend this one, it's a truly smart and clever read with the most satisfying of endings which is always a huge plus for me. A huge thank you to Summit Books and Simon and Schuster AU for my copy - I am super grateful for the opportunity to have read this fantastic 5 star masterpiece.
October 20, 2026
3.5 stars. Despite being fairly good, this one was somewhat of a mixed bag. There were moments I could not put it down, and others where I could not be bothered. The writing was generally top notch, as is to be expected from this author. The character of Travis was well developed; I was perplexed with Judy, don’t know whether I liked her or didn’t like her, or perhaps I didn’t care. She didn’t quite work for me, the same can be said about Lexy. The plot was complex and well constructed, as other reviewers have noted, being set in the world of finance, some of the intricacies were confusing, but generally speaking one was able to get a handle on the machinations at play.
I enjoyed this well enough overall in an underwhelming manner, if that makes sense, given the regard I hold this author in.
I enjoyed this well enough overall in an underwhelming manner, if that makes sense, given the regard I hold this author in.
October 20, 2026
Sadly I did not like this book.
It's not badly written I just didn't care in the slightest about the financial aspect of this crime.
Short trading, millionaires, billionaires, fatal drugs, revenge, meh. And an ex-cop (although still sort of in the cop picture, buying the drugs and intending to participate.
It's not badly written I just didn't care in the slightest about the financial aspect of this crime.
Short trading, millionaires, billionaires, fatal drugs, revenge, meh. And an ex-cop (although still sort of in the cop picture, buying the drugs and intending to participate.
October 4, 2026
Another Chris Hammer cracker. While it is stand-alone, I hope it becomes a series. I liked Travis, he’s got integrity.
The financial side of this was a bit beyond me but actually it didn’t matter. All you need to understand is that money - and making more money than you could ever need - is more important to some people than family, morality and forgiveness.
Very good read!
The financial side of this was a bit beyond me but actually it didn’t matter. All you need to understand is that money - and making more money than you could ever need - is more important to some people than family, morality and forgiveness.
Very good read!
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