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Just Like the Night
When is it time to stop protecting family, and time to start running …
Out on parole after serving over eight years in prison, Sera Olin can't shake her past. As a child travelling around America, her charismatic father introduced her to a life of crime, easy cons and fixed card games before they escaped to Australia to go straight -- but walking the line isn't that easy for Sera. As she tries to settle into an honest life in Sydney all she wants is to see her estranged daughter, Lena. But Lena is grown up now, and involved with people far worse than Sera understands.
When Sera is drawn further into the pit of Lena's choices, she is forced to confront the possibility that a mother's sacrifice might not be enough.
Set in the bleak underbelly of Sydney, Just Like the Night is a gripping exploration of loneliness, conscience, and the ties that bind.
Out on parole after serving over eight years in prison, Sera Olin can't shake her past. As a child travelling around America, her charismatic father introduced her to a life of crime, easy cons and fixed card games before they escaped to Australia to go straight -- but walking the line isn't that easy for Sera. As she tries to settle into an honest life in Sydney all she wants is to see her estranged daughter, Lena. But Lena is grown up now, and involved with people far worse than Sera understands.
When Sera is drawn further into the pit of Lena's choices, she is forced to confront the possibility that a mother's sacrifice might not be enough.
Set in the bleak underbelly of Sydney, Just Like the Night is a gripping exploration of loneliness, conscience, and the ties that bind.
325 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2026
About the author
Michael Caleb Tasker
7 books3 followersMichael Caleb Tasker was born in Montreal, Canada and has lived in New Orleans, Buenos Aires, Sydney and elsewhere. He started his university education at the University of New Orleans, studying music composition, and went on to earn a PhD from the University of Newcastle, focusing on the existential roots of noir. Tasker has worked as a journalist, ranch-hand, lecturer, and currently manages an art supplies store. He currently lives in Adelaide, with his daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 4, 2026
Sera Olin was only a child when she travelled from the US to Australia with her father. They were escaping everything they'd known - Ray was a con man, working the cards among other things, and taught Sera all she knew. Living in Sydney, and after Sera had Lena, she wondered if she had it in her to be a mother. But time passed; suddenly Lena was grown and Sera was in prison. After eight years, she was released on parole, and part of that was that she was unable to make contact with Lena, not see her at all. No alcohol or drugs - it would put her back in prison, fast.
Ray, Sera's father, lived at the Hawkesbury now, and Sera would visit now and then. Trying to remain straight and honest was hard with her past as it was, and when she finally saw Lena (she didn't let Lena see her though) she was saddened by it. But Lena was tangled up in Sydney's underworld, and was barely keeping her head above water. Lena also didn't know how to tell anything but lies. As Sera ran and worked out daily, she thought about what she could do; how she could help her daughter...
Just Like the Night is my first by Aussie author Michael Caleb Tasker and I enjoyed it very much. A different take on all things crime, pretty much looking from the inside, out. Sera was a strong woman - who wouldn't be after spending so much time in prison. Sink or swim there! Although Sera and Lena had been estranged for a long while, Lena was her kryptonite. I loved the setting of Sydney and the many places I know. I travel the same trains as Sera did when visiting her father. An excellent read which I recommend highly.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read and review.
Ray, Sera's father, lived at the Hawkesbury now, and Sera would visit now and then. Trying to remain straight and honest was hard with her past as it was, and when she finally saw Lena (she didn't let Lena see her though) she was saddened by it. But Lena was tangled up in Sydney's underworld, and was barely keeping her head above water. Lena also didn't know how to tell anything but lies. As Sera ran and worked out daily, she thought about what she could do; how she could help her daughter...
Just Like the Night is my first by Aussie author Michael Caleb Tasker and I enjoyed it very much. A different take on all things crime, pretty much looking from the inside, out. Sera was a strong woman - who wouldn't be after spending so much time in prison. Sink or swim there! Although Sera and Lena had been estranged for a long while, Lena was her kryptonite. I loved the setting of Sydney and the many places I know. I travel the same trains as Sera did when visiting her father. An excellent read which I recommend highly.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read and review.
July 15, 2026
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for sending me a physical Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Just Like the Night is a slow-burning crime novel that gradually tightens its grip until you realise you're completely invested in the lives of its characters. Rather than relying on constant twists or high-octane action, Michael Caleb Tasker builds tension through atmosphere, relationships, and the ever-present sense that danger is lurking just beneath the surface.
One of the aspects I found most fascinating was the glimpse into Sydney's criminal underworld. I also loved how naturally the story wove in the psychology of reading people, the strategy behind poker and card games, and the subtle calculations that can mean the difference between survival and disaster. It added an extra layer of intrigue that made the world feel authentic and lived in.
The emotional heart of the novel, however, lies in its characters. I was particularly moved by the relationship between Sera and Ray. Watching Sera grow up surrounded by crime while still being genuinely loved and cared for made for a compelling contrast. That relationship felt complex, believable, and deeply human. In comparison, Sera's relationship with her own daughter, Lena, was much more difficult to witness, and I found those moments especially powerful.
What stayed with me most was the novel's exploration of how circumstance and upbringing can shape a person's life. It asks thoughtful questions about whether we are products of our environment or capable of forging our own path, and it does so without offering easy answers.
Although there are moments of suspense and action, I found this to be a character-driven novel first and foremost. The tension comes from the people, their choices, and the consequences that ripple through generations. I also wasn't prepared for how the narrative came together in the final chapters, and the ending left me in a reflective mood.
An immersive, thoughtful crime novel with memorable characters and an emotional core that surprised me. I would recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
Just Like the Night is a slow-burning crime novel that gradually tightens its grip until you realise you're completely invested in the lives of its characters. Rather than relying on constant twists or high-octane action, Michael Caleb Tasker builds tension through atmosphere, relationships, and the ever-present sense that danger is lurking just beneath the surface.
One of the aspects I found most fascinating was the glimpse into Sydney's criminal underworld. I also loved how naturally the story wove in the psychology of reading people, the strategy behind poker and card games, and the subtle calculations that can mean the difference between survival and disaster. It added an extra layer of intrigue that made the world feel authentic and lived in.
The emotional heart of the novel, however, lies in its characters. I was particularly moved by the relationship between Sera and Ray. Watching Sera grow up surrounded by crime while still being genuinely loved and cared for made for a compelling contrast. That relationship felt complex, believable, and deeply human. In comparison, Sera's relationship with her own daughter, Lena, was much more difficult to witness, and I found those moments especially powerful.
What stayed with me most was the novel's exploration of how circumstance and upbringing can shape a person's life. It asks thoughtful questions about whether we are products of our environment or capable of forging our own path, and it does so without offering easy answers.
Although there are moments of suspense and action, I found this to be a character-driven novel first and foremost. The tension comes from the people, their choices, and the consequences that ripple through generations. I also wasn't prepared for how the narrative came together in the final chapters, and the ending left me in a reflective mood.
An immersive, thoughtful crime novel with memorable characters and an emotional core that surprised me. I would recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
August 5, 2026
Just Like the Night is a gripping crime thriller that follows Sera, a woman trying to outrun the life she was raised in while confronting the choices that continue to shape her future. As past and present collide, the story explores family, loyalty, trauma and just how far a parent will go for the people they love.
This one brought something refreshingly different to the table, and I was completely on board from the very beginning.
One thing I really appreciated was that Tasker didn’t overcomplicate the story with an overwhelming cast of characters. Instead, the focus remained on Sera and her journey, allowing her backstory to unfold naturally without losing momentum.
What stood out most for me was the exploration of generational trauma. I loved how the characters weren’t always aware that their past experiences were driving the decisions they made. It made every choice feel authentic and believable. The novel does a great job of showing how the environment we’re raised in can shape the paths we take in life.
The relationships were another highlight. I absolutely loved the bond between Sera and her father and the sense of safety she felt in his presence. In contrast, Sera’s fractured relationship with her daughter Lena was equally compelling, raising the question of just how far you would go to protect your own child.
Tasker’s writing also deserves a mention. His descriptions of the night, the surroundings and even the smallest details made it easy to picture every scene. I felt completely immersed, as though I could see, hear and feel everything alongside the characters.
By the final chapters I had three different theories about how everything would unfold and I was wrong every single time. The ending definitely caught me by surprise and gave me serious Dexter finale vibes… IYKYK
While the ending didn’t quite land as strongly as I’d hoped, and I was left wanting just a little more, it still made me stop and sit with everything I’d just read. Sometimes an ending that lingers is memorable in its own way.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
(4.5 stars)
"He had a special laugh that he used for work. It made people try hard to hear it again."
What an original and intriguing book! Just Like the Night follows the life of Sera Olin. She's in gaol when the book starts, but is soon out on parole. As you get to understand why recidivism is so prevalent, in alternate chapters you start to understand how she got there in the first place. Sera is the daughter of a charismatic gambler, and grew up needing a go-bag to leave the hotel on a moment's notice: "They were go bags. Money, IDs, a few clothes. Sometimes there was a gun. Ray was always rearranging, repacking, lightening the load, trying to get it right so they could be up and out the door in a single breath, on the road again. Gone."
Even half the world away from the American casinos in the Hawkesbury, Sera's father, Ray, never relaxes. This lifestyle imbues a series of values into Sera about how to make money, though Ray is surprisingly cautious, and very wary of folk who screw people over for fun or pick marks who aren't already playing the same: "People went into a card game knowing they might lose it all; they were already in on the game, even if they were a mark. It was bad business to work with outsiders." Unfortunately these traits, writ large in Sera, are not passed down to her daughter, Lena. Lena would play her own mother if it suited her.
Despite the violence, which is quite extreme, I found it a surprisingly tender novel about the things you do for love when your child is at stake. If gambling is a problem for you, you may want to skip this book. There are also drug references: "Sera could feel the cocaine radiating from the man's skin. Artificial energy that burned too fast."
With thanks to NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for sending me a copy to read.
"He had a special laugh that he used for work. It made people try hard to hear it again."
What an original and intriguing book! Just Like the Night follows the life of Sera Olin. She's in gaol when the book starts, but is soon out on parole. As you get to understand why recidivism is so prevalent, in alternate chapters you start to understand how she got there in the first place. Sera is the daughter of a charismatic gambler, and grew up needing a go-bag to leave the hotel on a moment's notice: "They were go bags. Money, IDs, a few clothes. Sometimes there was a gun. Ray was always rearranging, repacking, lightening the load, trying to get it right so they could be up and out the door in a single breath, on the road again. Gone."
Even half the world away from the American casinos in the Hawkesbury, Sera's father, Ray, never relaxes. This lifestyle imbues a series of values into Sera about how to make money, though Ray is surprisingly cautious, and very wary of folk who screw people over for fun or pick marks who aren't already playing the same: "People went into a card game knowing they might lose it all; they were already in on the game, even if they were a mark. It was bad business to work with outsiders." Unfortunately these traits, writ large in Sera, are not passed down to her daughter, Lena. Lena would play her own mother if it suited her.
Despite the violence, which is quite extreme, I found it a surprisingly tender novel about the things you do for love when your child is at stake. If gambling is a problem for you, you may want to skip this book. There are also drug references: "Sera could feel the cocaine radiating from the man's skin. Artificial energy that burned too fast."
With thanks to NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for sending me a copy to read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sera Olin’s story unfolds with a stark, unsettling clarity, offering a tense exploration of how far someone will go to protect the people they love and when self‑preservation finally takes over. Fresh out of prison and trying to rebuild a life that was never truly her own, Sera is pulled back into the shadows she’s been trying to outrun. Her past, shaped by a father who taught her the art of survival through crime, clashes painfully with her present as she attempts to reconnect with her daughter, Lena. What begins as a quiet attempt at redemption quickly spirals into something darker, revealing just how dangerous Lena’s world has become.
Set against the bleak, gritty edges of Sydney, Just Like the Night thrives on character rather than plot, and it’s this focus that gives the novel its emotional weight. Sera’s internal conflict is rendered with sharp precision, and Ray’s presence adds a compelling counterbalance that deepens the story’s tension. Supporting characters like Leon and Lena bring texture and urgency, making the narrative feel lived‑in and raw. The book examines loneliness, moral compromise, and the fragile threads that bind families together, ultimately asking how much a mother can sacrifice before she breaks. It’s a thoughtful, atmospheric thriller that lingers long after the final page.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced coped, all opinions are my own.
Set against the bleak, gritty edges of Sydney, Just Like the Night thrives on character rather than plot, and it’s this focus that gives the novel its emotional weight. Sera’s internal conflict is rendered with sharp precision, and Ray’s presence adds a compelling counterbalance that deepens the story’s tension. Supporting characters like Leon and Lena bring texture and urgency, making the narrative feel lived‑in and raw. The book examines loneliness, moral compromise, and the fragile threads that bind families together, ultimately asking how much a mother can sacrifice before she breaks. It’s a thoughtful, atmospheric thriller that lingers long after the final page.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced coped, all opinions are my own.
September 3, 2026
'Just Like The Night' is a character-driven crime novel featuring Ray Holland, his daughter Sera and, later, her daughter, Lena. Ray Holland is highly intelligent and addicted to the adrenaline rush brought about by criminal activities, thrills and confidence tricks.
Father and daughter are always on the move in order to escape those out for revenge. We follow them as they travel from one American state to another; then on to Australia.
Sera, 19 years old and in Australia with her dad, meets Matty: handsome with Paul Newman eyes. A daughter, Lena, is born.
The next we hear of this family of three, Lena is 19 years old and Sera is in prison, about to be released on parole after eight and half years behind bars. She has to report regularly to her parole officer and is not to contact any criminals. And that includes her daughter.
Lena is in big trouble with nasty people. Sera sets out to help and this is where we are introduced to the violence. It’s not ‘rushing to the bathroom to be sick’ violence. It’s more like ‘Ooh, with pursed lips’ violence.
'Just Like The Night' has short, sharp chapters. It builds up to be a thrilling page-turner with trickery, deception and deceit. I found it difficult to put down; meals, washing-up and sleep were postponed.
Father and daughter are always on the move in order to escape those out for revenge. We follow them as they travel from one American state to another; then on to Australia.
Sera, 19 years old and in Australia with her dad, meets Matty: handsome with Paul Newman eyes. A daughter, Lena, is born.
The next we hear of this family of three, Lena is 19 years old and Sera is in prison, about to be released on parole after eight and half years behind bars. She has to report regularly to her parole officer and is not to contact any criminals. And that includes her daughter.
Lena is in big trouble with nasty people. Sera sets out to help and this is where we are introduced to the violence. It’s not ‘rushing to the bathroom to be sick’ violence. It’s more like ‘Ooh, with pursed lips’ violence.
'Just Like The Night' has short, sharp chapters. It builds up to be a thrilling page-turner with trickery, deception and deceit. I found it difficult to put down; meals, washing-up and sleep were postponed.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Big thanks to Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
The plight of a woman who is a mother, daughter and an ex prisoner is captured as she navigates life after a stint in prison.
To rebuild, reaffirm loyalty and make hard choices.
The fine line between right and wrong is blurred as life on the outside is throwing every curb ball her way.
Sera is not a bad person, circumstance and life have death rough cards.
Sera was introduced into crime as a young child, a way of life that landed her into trouble.
Perhaps a combination of genetic and social imprints ensured even the next generation was inflicted with the criminal curse.
Reacquainting with her now adult daughter is a disappointment as wrong choices have landed her in trouble.
A dire situation for a mother who has no bounds when it comes to loyalty.
Sheer grit, determination and desperation unravel as life on the outside taints rehabilitation.
A slow burn that is an enticing read kept me wishing for Sera’s success.
A woman of few words that didn’t shy away from danger or adversity. Exposing readers to an underside of life in familiar cities and the abundant challenges.
The plight of a woman who is a mother, daughter and an ex prisoner is captured as she navigates life after a stint in prison.
To rebuild, reaffirm loyalty and make hard choices.
The fine line between right and wrong is blurred as life on the outside is throwing every curb ball her way.
Sera is not a bad person, circumstance and life have death rough cards.
Sera was introduced into crime as a young child, a way of life that landed her into trouble.
Perhaps a combination of genetic and social imprints ensured even the next generation was inflicted with the criminal curse.
Reacquainting with her now adult daughter is a disappointment as wrong choices have landed her in trouble.
A dire situation for a mother who has no bounds when it comes to loyalty.
Sheer grit, determination and desperation unravel as life on the outside taints rehabilitation.
A slow burn that is an enticing read kept me wishing for Sera’s success.
A woman of few words that didn’t shy away from danger or adversity. Exposing readers to an underside of life in familiar cities and the abundant challenges.
September 4, 2026
This definitely had a great sense of foreboding of violence, such that I almost didn't want to keep reading because I knew something bad was going to happen. Someone did die, but not quite in the way I was anticipating and it didn't have the impact I thought it would. It also had an interesting insight into the psychology of cons and card games, a very old-fashioned type of criminal behaviour in this modern age. I loved the characters of Sera and her dad Ray and their relationship, and the Sydney setting.
September 7, 2026
3.5 Stars
Dark and gritty, this tale resides in the underbelly of Sydney and surrounding suburbs.
Sera Olin is on parole after 8 years in prison. Unable to shake her past, this is a tale of crime, loneliness and the family ties that bind.
Only minor criticism is that in the earlier parts of the novel, I did find the differing time lines confusing, as the chapters didn't highlight which were past and which were current.
Dark and gritty, this tale resides in the underbelly of Sydney and surrounding suburbs.
Sera Olin is on parole after 8 years in prison. Unable to shake her past, this is a tale of crime, loneliness and the family ties that bind.
Only minor criticism is that in the earlier parts of the novel, I did find the differing time lines confusing, as the chapters didn't highlight which were past and which were current.
September 7, 2026
Beautifully and evocatively written, but slow-moving train wrecks are not my favourite. I found the characters a bit distant. Sera, the main character, seemed empty and numb. I guess eight years in prison will do that to you.
September 15, 2026
There is a degree of inevitability about this, but that isn't a criticism, it is more a reflection as to how clevely the author ratchets and builds the tension. By the time you reach the crescendo, you kind of know what's about to happen but you hope it doesn't.
Thankfully, it's a world I don't know, and I'm glad of that, but this author skillfully immerses the reader into this world and from there, you're in! Sad, but insightful, and wonderful stuff.
Thankfully, it's a world I don't know, and I'm glad of that, but this author skillfully immerses the reader into this world and from there, you're in! Sad, but insightful, and wonderful stuff.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews