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The Echo of Others
A vigilante with a message. The outsider detective. A cold case they both want solved.
Rachael Schlank is a straight-talking detective who’s always felt like a fish out of water, bouncing between departments over the years. Now she’s finally found a home in Victoria Police's Cold Case Unit.
When a vigilante starts targeting hunters, leaving clues about a long-ago cold case, Rachael is asked to join a task force investigating the crimes … along with a former colleague, whose dangerous temper has already made an impact on her life.
In order to crack the case, Rachael finds herself challenging her own ideas about justice and morality. And before it’s over, she must also face down her own history, risking it all to solve the case...
The past is never over. She will make sure of it.
Longlisted for the Ned Kelly Awards 2018.
Rachael Schlank is a straight-talking detective who’s always felt like a fish out of water, bouncing between departments over the years. Now she’s finally found a home in Victoria Police's Cold Case Unit.
When a vigilante starts targeting hunters, leaving clues about a long-ago cold case, Rachael is asked to join a task force investigating the crimes … along with a former colleague, whose dangerous temper has already made an impact on her life.
In order to crack the case, Rachael finds herself challenging her own ideas about justice and morality. And before it’s over, she must also face down her own history, risking it all to solve the case...
The past is never over. She will make sure of it.
Longlisted for the Ned Kelly Awards 2018.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2017
59 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
S.D. Rowell
2 books16 followersAlso published under Simon Rowell
Simon Rowell is a bestselling Australian crime mystery author, who was born in Adelaide, South Australia.
A graduate of both the University of South Australia and Flinders University, Simon’s work centres on the interplay between culture, morality and truth, which is explored within the bestselling novel, "The Echo of Others". The book was long-listed for the Ned Kelly Award, Australia's pre-eminent crime literature award, for Best First Crime novel.
His second work, "The Long Game", was published by Text Publishing in 2021.
As a teenager, Simon has worked in outback South Australia in the Cooper Basin oil & gas fields and later at Olympic Dam. In his early twenties, he managed hotels and was a tour guide. Later, for over twenty years, he owned and managed two branding and marketing businesses in Melbourne. He now lives on the Fleurieu Peninsula with a farm full of rescued animals and a large collection of books. Simon is a lover of baseball, jalapeños and sculpture.
Simon Rowell is a bestselling Australian crime mystery author, who was born in Adelaide, South Australia.
A graduate of both the University of South Australia and Flinders University, Simon’s work centres on the interplay between culture, morality and truth, which is explored within the bestselling novel, "The Echo of Others". The book was long-listed for the Ned Kelly Award, Australia's pre-eminent crime literature award, for Best First Crime novel.
His second work, "The Long Game", was published by Text Publishing in 2021.
As a teenager, Simon has worked in outback South Australia in the Cooper Basin oil & gas fields and later at Olympic Dam. In his early twenties, he managed hotels and was a tour guide. Later, for over twenty years, he owned and managed two branding and marketing businesses in Melbourne. He now lives on the Fleurieu Peninsula with a farm full of rescued animals and a large collection of books. Simon is a lover of baseball, jalapeños and sculpture.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 30, 2024
If you have run out of Zoe Mayer books to read, but haven't yet met Detective Rachael Schlank, you are in for a treat! This one was Simon Rowell's debut, and I'm not sure why he found a different detective to write about (not that I'm complaining about Zoe) because this is on the same level as his subsequent popular series.
Rachael Schlank has been working for Victoria Police for a decent amount of time now. After her days in uniform at Bendigo she became a detective and has been attached to several different units. Most recently she's commenced in the Cold Case Unit. She likes it; she likes her colleagues and she likes the freedom to work on her own a lot until the case heats back up and more resources are needed to bring it to a successful conclusion. Currently she's working on a 10 year old case where 2 young women - both animal activists - were apparently forced off a narrow country road at high speed, meeting their deaths when they hit a tree. The case was originally investigated out of Bendigo, but after a while it wasn't going anywhere and the detectives moved on.
Meanwhile in the present day, a duck hunter (coincidentally very topical this week) is fatally shot on the first day of the season. While it is initially thought to have been an accident, the forensics say otherwise. Mere days later, a horse trainer is felled by an arrow as he loads his horses onto a truck headed for the knackery.
Two cases, both involving animals in some way. Could they be connected?
Rachael is pulled from her cold case onto a task force quickly put together to investigate the present day murders, partly for her investigation skills, but also because of her background and familiarity with the greater Bendigo area. Unfortunately her nemesis from those bad old days is also on the task force...
This was a really clever plot and I changed my mind a number of times as to who the villain was. It also included some very grey-area ethics, which I found to be a good intellectual challenge. Rachael is a cool-headed, loner style of detective, but as we learn more of her story it becomes clear why she operates in this way. Some of the animal cruelty details were hard to hear, although in reality there was nothing I hadn't known about before. I mention this because it might be a little too much for some readers.
Narration by Elle Mickel was superb (she has also done the first 2 Zoe Mayer books).
I really hope Simon Rowell resurrects Rachael Schlank one day.
Rachael Schlank has been working for Victoria Police for a decent amount of time now. After her days in uniform at Bendigo she became a detective and has been attached to several different units. Most recently she's commenced in the Cold Case Unit. She likes it; she likes her colleagues and she likes the freedom to work on her own a lot until the case heats back up and more resources are needed to bring it to a successful conclusion. Currently she's working on a 10 year old case where 2 young women - both animal activists - were apparently forced off a narrow country road at high speed, meeting their deaths when they hit a tree. The case was originally investigated out of Bendigo, but after a while it wasn't going anywhere and the detectives moved on.
Meanwhile in the present day, a duck hunter (coincidentally very topical this week) is fatally shot on the first day of the season. While it is initially thought to have been an accident, the forensics say otherwise. Mere days later, a horse trainer is felled by an arrow as he loads his horses onto a truck headed for the knackery.
Two cases, both involving animals in some way. Could they be connected?
Rachael is pulled from her cold case onto a task force quickly put together to investigate the present day murders, partly for her investigation skills, but also because of her background and familiarity with the greater Bendigo area. Unfortunately her nemesis from those bad old days is also on the task force...
This was a really clever plot and I changed my mind a number of times as to who the villain was. It also included some very grey-area ethics, which I found to be a good intellectual challenge. Rachael is a cool-headed, loner style of detective, but as we learn more of her story it becomes clear why she operates in this way. Some of the animal cruelty details were hard to hear, although in reality there was nothing I hadn't known about before. I mention this because it might be a little too much for some readers.
Narration by Elle Mickel was superb (she has also done the first 2 Zoe Mayer books).
I really hope Simon Rowell resurrects Rachael Schlank one day.
September 2, 2022
Published in 2017, The Echo of Others by S D Rowell was his debut novel. The tale opens at the start of duck hunting season and the shooting death of a duck hunter. Meanwhile, Rachael Schlank is a police detective recently transferred to the Victoria Police's Cold Case Unit. Her straight-talking style has resulted in many moves between departments over the years. She is assigned a 2007 car accident cold case where two environmental activists were killed. As she reinvestigates, she discovers several anomalies but is then assigned to the spree killer case. Suffering nightmares and having to deal with an old adversary, she starts to believe the two cases are connected. A totally engrossing police procedural that draws you with its two separate investigations that result in a dramatic conclusion. It’s a four and a half star read rating and as always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
December 4, 2018
Opening up with a duck hunting scene that will stay with readers for a while, THE ECHO OF OTHERS is a debut novel set in my part of the world - Central and parts of Western Victoria. There's a heap of potential here - from a good solid, cleverly structured plot; some excellent characters - including Detective Rachael Schlank who finds herself working on old cases, leading her back to her early days in Vic Police and a particular fellow officer who she worked with out of the main Bendigo police station.
The plot revolves around a series of what appears to be vigilante killings - the victims perpetrators of various forms of animal cruelty and exploitation. That aspect is handled well so there's nothing in here that will be too much for readers opposed to graphic descriptions or details. Schlank quickly suspects there's more connections than just geographical in the cold case death of two animal activists and the current spate of killings, as it leads her into some pretty dark places.
Alongside a strong plot, there's some excellent characterisations in THE ECHO OF OTHERS. Schlank is a good example of the dogged investigator type, surrounded by sexists, idiots and nasty types which isn't overplayed. The trope of the cold case unit's a good one to give both cases, potential suspects, and Schlank some background without having to laboriously hammer it into place, so pace is unaffected by background and build up, and everything moves forward constantly, pulling the reader further and further into the cases as the number of victims grow.
The author's bio mentions that S.D. Rowell is interested in the interplay between culture, morality and truth, explored in THE ECHO OF OTHERS. Can't disagree with any of that, THE ECHO OF OTHERS is an outstanding debut novel.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
The plot revolves around a series of what appears to be vigilante killings - the victims perpetrators of various forms of animal cruelty and exploitation. That aspect is handled well so there's nothing in here that will be too much for readers opposed to graphic descriptions or details. Schlank quickly suspects there's more connections than just geographical in the cold case death of two animal activists and the current spate of killings, as it leads her into some pretty dark places.
Alongside a strong plot, there's some excellent characterisations in THE ECHO OF OTHERS. Schlank is a good example of the dogged investigator type, surrounded by sexists, idiots and nasty types which isn't overplayed. The trope of the cold case unit's a good one to give both cases, potential suspects, and Schlank some background without having to laboriously hammer it into place, so pace is unaffected by background and build up, and everything moves forward constantly, pulling the reader further and further into the cases as the number of victims grow.
The author's bio mentions that S.D. Rowell is interested in the interplay between culture, morality and truth, explored in THE ECHO OF OTHERS. Can't disagree with any of that, THE ECHO OF OTHERS is an outstanding debut novel.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
November 28, 2021
A few years ago I discovered Goodreads Giveaways and got a little carried away. I entered to win them ALL... And then by some turn of date I actually won a lot of them. Like... Too many. Almost 400. I've been slowly working thru them since, and mostly they've been just okay. THIS was one of the books that I regret waiting so long to read. While I guessed whodunit pretty quickly, I wasn't SURE until it was revealed. The action was steady, there was plenty going on to hold my interest, and the characters were appropriately likable. This is definitely a book worth checking out.
November 14, 2022
Aagh - I don't know how to review this book. I am so torn. On the one hand, I did enjoy the detective/police procedural side to the book. Yes, we all guessed the identity of the 'bad guys', but that didn't really matter. The storyline was good, it's an Australian book (rural Victoria- even better!).On the other hand, you have the propaganda that feels like it's taken straight from the PETA website. Don't get me wrong, I'm vegetarian and working hard at becoming vegan, but I hate being preached at by vegans. The fact that this leads to the main character being a total hypocrite at the book's end didn't help my rating either.
I am very glad that I didn't read this before I read The Long Game, as I probably wouldn't have continued and it is a much better read.
I am very glad that I didn't read this before I read The Long Game, as I probably wouldn't have continued and it is a much better read.
April 26, 2022
1.5 stars rounded down.
Again I find myself among a minority of readers but this just did not do it for me. Set in Victoria and centered around murders related to animal welfare I felt the writing a little mundane and the plot thin. There was a lot of time driving from one place to another, a multitude of towns mentioned. The two investigations come rapidly and predictably together, there was the standard long term conflict between investigating officers, a romance thrown in, and the ending made the lead investigator quite a hypocrite. This novel felt like a vehicle for animal rights and animal activism, worthy causes but not a reason to write a crime novel. Not for me.
Again I find myself among a minority of readers but this just did not do it for me. Set in Victoria and centered around murders related to animal welfare I felt the writing a little mundane and the plot thin. There was a lot of time driving from one place to another, a multitude of towns mentioned. The two investigations come rapidly and predictably together, there was the standard long term conflict between investigating officers, a romance thrown in, and the ending made the lead investigator quite a hypocrite. This novel felt like a vehicle for animal rights and animal activism, worthy causes but not a reason to write a crime novel. Not for me.
March 10, 2018
Two Great Interrelated Plot Lines
I enjoyed reading this police procedural set in Australia. A duck hunter is thought to have been shot accidentally until the coroner inspects the body and declares it murder. This killing is followed by others, and detectives tie the current cases to a cold case from 2007—an “auto accident” which was sloppily investigated with scant documentation and is missing crucial evidence. It was fascinating to follow the methodical police investigation to its denouement.
I enjoyed reading this police procedural set in Australia. A duck hunter is thought to have been shot accidentally until the coroner inspects the body and declares it murder. This killing is followed by others, and detectives tie the current cases to a cold case from 2007—an “auto accident” which was sloppily investigated with scant documentation and is missing crucial evidence. It was fascinating to follow the methodical police investigation to its denouement.
March 10, 2018
I really loved this book. It was very difficult to put it down! For the first time in a while I finally found an ending that made me happy! Depending on your view of everything, you can kind of imagine what happens after the book for yourself. Perfect! I did figure out who both of the killers were pretty early on. I don't know if this was intended or not. I was hoping for a twist or two but it didn't happen. Still loved the story!
March 1, 2019
I couldn’t put this book down! The fast pace and developing plot line twists kept me hooked from chapter to chapter, and I really loved the strong main character, Rachael. The book opens up your eyes to what really goes on behind the scenes in different industries here on our doorstep in Australia, and it got me really questioning the fine line between what’s right and wrong. I wish everyone could read this book!
March 2, 2018
I would like to thank Goodreads, Skuda Enterprises, Kindle and S. D. Rowell for a great read. This book had some interesting twists and turns. I likes the main character , she was smart and resourceful and as an animal lover I liked the that they brought animal cruelty issues to light. Thank for a great winter read
January 31, 2020
I've just finished reading "The Echo of Others" by S.D. Rowell, it's a cracking good crime mystery read. One that you don't want to put down. Do yourself a favour and grab a copy. It is intelligent, intriguing and the book's finale comes with a sharp twist that left me thinking for quite a while. Can't wait to read Rowell's next book.
November 29, 2017
Stunning novel. Builds and builds with twists i didn’t see coming. This is a book that will really make you think differently about a lot of things. I am still thinking about it days later. Highly recommended.
December 30, 2017
This was a very good read....a fast paced detective story covering modern day issues. The story covered many aspects of animal cruelty and it’s consequences.....hopefully this new author will provide a sequel to this well researched story. Highly recommended.
October 5, 2022
An interesting story although I did not like the animal lib slant and exaggerations
February 8, 2018
Goodreads Kindle Win
Detective Rachael Schlank finds herself working on old cases which leads her back to her eafly das as an officer. She must face her past as well as lies and secrets along the way.
While investigating a cold case of two animal activists being murdered, a duck hunter is found shot to death near the same crime scene. Is it coincidental or is it tied in? As Rachael dives deeper into the truth starts to unravel in front of her. Will she be able to fie motive before she becomes the net victim?
A gripping read that keeps you engrossed.
Detective Rachael Schlank finds herself working on old cases which leads her back to her eafly das as an officer. She must face her past as well as lies and secrets along the way.
While investigating a cold case of two animal activists being murdered, a duck hunter is found shot to death near the same crime scene. Is it coincidental or is it tied in? As Rachael dives deeper into the truth starts to unravel in front of her. Will she be able to fie motive before she becomes the net victim?
A gripping read that keeps you engrossed.
April 12, 2018
Interesting story
Easy read with good story line and content. Kept me interested. Sixpence and intrigue kept my interest thorough the story.
Easy read with good story line and content. Kept me interested. Sixpence and intrigue kept my interest thorough the story.
April 12, 2018
Great mystery
This is a must read if you love who done it's. Just when your sure you have the mystery solved, a new twist will be revealed. This is guaranteed to be a very good read.
This is a must read if you love who done it's. Just when your sure you have the mystery solved, a new twist will be revealed. This is guaranteed to be a very good read.
May 29, 2022
A good plot, but I guessed who it was early on.
Want to read
February 1, 2018Placeholder
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
February 20, 2024
Tell me you’re a vegan without telling me you’re a vegan 🙈 very preachy. The book in general. Hmm. Hard to review because it gripped me enough to finish in just one day. But the ending was fairly anticlimactic so I’m a bit disappointed I wasted all day listening to this book 😅 it was just very slow paced. Very back and forth. I think something with crime novels, they spend so much time going round in circles and trying to be mysterious, then all of a sudden the last 15% of the book is when they cram everything in quickly to do a big reveal and it just isn’t as satisfying as you thought it’d be 🤷🏻♀️
June 16, 2024
Good thriller and I really enjoyed a book written locally about places I've heard of. Whilst I also enjoyed the animal rights theme of the book I did feel that some of the information was directly from a PETA brochure, and that that part could have been worded better. I'll definitely try another of this author's books.
July 5, 2019
Just finished this book and was fully hooked by the end. Engaging characters, intriguing story line.... Went straight on to the internet to see if there was a sequel..... Hopefully we don't have to wait too long.
September 3, 2018
Enjoyable book, good detective story.
Read
December 26, 2022No rating. Tedious. DNF
November 2, 2024
"The Echo of Others" offers little substance beyond its thin premise. The characters are barely there, more like rough sketches than fully formed individuals, and fail to leave any lasting impression. They seem crafted only to fill a role rather than to resonate as people with depth or nuance.
The protagonist's relationship arc is particularly strained. It's so implausible that it borders on the absurd, weakening any investment in their journey and diminishing credibility overall. Their erratic behaviour comes across as poorly thought out, leaving the reader unconvinced of their motivations or growth.
Adding to the pain, the dialogue throughout is stilted and overly formal, creating an awkward disconnect. Characters speak as if reading from a script rather than engaging in genuine conversation, which only adds to the novel's lack of authenticity. This stiff dialogue makes it difficult to remain immersed in the story.
While the animal rights theme adds some moral weight, even this is handled in a way that feels more perfunctory than profound. The narrative skirts around any truly uncomfortable truths, favouring a mild portrayal that ultimately lacks impact. Despite the centrality of this theme, it feels under-explored and fails to elevate the story.
The plot itself barely holds together, stretched to cover the barest essentials of a mystery. The final reveal feels arbitrary, almost as if the culprit was chosen at random rather than through careful foreshadowing or logic. This lack of coherence further detracts from the book's credibility that, by the end, the protagonist's descent into hypocrisy leaves an unpleasant aftertaste, capping off an experience that is ultimately unsatisfying.
⭐ 1/2
The protagonist's relationship arc is particularly strained. It's so implausible that it borders on the absurd, weakening any investment in their journey and diminishing credibility overall. Their erratic behaviour comes across as poorly thought out, leaving the reader unconvinced of their motivations or growth.
Adding to the pain, the dialogue throughout is stilted and overly formal, creating an awkward disconnect. Characters speak as if reading from a script rather than engaging in genuine conversation, which only adds to the novel's lack of authenticity. This stiff dialogue makes it difficult to remain immersed in the story.
While the animal rights theme adds some moral weight, even this is handled in a way that feels more perfunctory than profound. The narrative skirts around any truly uncomfortable truths, favouring a mild portrayal that ultimately lacks impact. Despite the centrality of this theme, it feels under-explored and fails to elevate the story.
The plot itself barely holds together, stretched to cover the barest essentials of a mystery. The final reveal feels arbitrary, almost as if the culprit was chosen at random rather than through careful foreshadowing or logic. This lack of coherence further detracts from the book's credibility that, by the end, the protagonist's descent into hypocrisy leaves an unpleasant aftertaste, capping off an experience that is ultimately unsatisfying.
⭐ 1/2
May 25, 2018
Nice whodunit
Thank you to S. D. Rowell and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this book through the giveaway program.
I enjoyed the book. I started it sometime ago but could not get into it and set it aside for a while. I just did not like the Mark Cullen character. I recently picked it back up to give it another try. And I am glad I did. The storytelling was great, and I was guessing along the way as to who, how and why till the end.
The author must feel strongly about being vegan as many of the characters certainly do! And maybe I will think twice about veal and other animal products.
However, spoiler here at the end. I did not like the ending. All killers should pay for their crimes. Otherwise how is justice served. No one, especially police, should not be judge and jury. With all,the righteousness throughout the book, this end falls very short of expectations. Just my opinion.
Thank you to S. D. Rowell and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this book through the giveaway program.
I enjoyed the book. I started it sometime ago but could not get into it and set it aside for a while. I just did not like the Mark Cullen character. I recently picked it back up to give it another try. And I am glad I did. The storytelling was great, and I was guessing along the way as to who, how and why till the end.
The author must feel strongly about being vegan as many of the characters certainly do! And maybe I will think twice about veal and other animal products.
However, spoiler here at the end. I did not like the ending. All killers should pay for their crimes. Otherwise how is justice served. No one, especially police, should not be judge and jury. With all,the righteousness throughout the book, this end falls very short of expectations. Just my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2025
Simon Rowell is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. I've listened to all of his Zoe Mayer books, also very ably narrated by Elle Mickel, and enjoyed every one. I had no idea that this book had been written before the Mayer books and wonder why he didn't continue with this particular character.
A good mix of police procedural and mystery for anyone who likes the crime genre in general and the storyline can keep you guessing right to the end.
I did fall for the red herring at first but later figured out who the culprit was. However, I was never 100% sure so that is a good sign. (I actually thought for a while it might have been one of the other detectives!) I also liked the ending - did she or didn't she? We are left to wonder!
Keep it up Simon, you're doing a great job for Australian crime fiction... and a big plus - they are set in Victoria so I know all the places you're talking about!
A good mix of police procedural and mystery for anyone who likes the crime genre in general and the storyline can keep you guessing right to the end.
I did fall for the red herring at first but later figured out who the culprit was. However, I was never 100% sure so that is a good sign. (I actually thought for a while it might have been one of the other detectives!) I also liked the ending - did she or didn't she? We are left to wonder!
Keep it up Simon, you're doing a great job for Australian crime fiction... and a big plus - they are set in Victoria so I know all the places you're talking about!
April 12, 2022
3.5*, rounded up for a first novel.
An enjoyable debut novel by Simon Rowell. This shows some debut problems like stilted dialogue at times but was well-thought & -plotted. I recently read The Long Game by this author which has a tighter plot - the benefit of experience, no doubt.
I enjoyed the procedures & characters, although why Schlank as a surname I can't imagine. I didn't believe the ending - someone who went to all that trouble isn't going to give the game away like that & I don't believe "could see it in his eyes" is admissible evidence as yet.
An enjoyable debut novel by Simon Rowell. This shows some debut problems like stilted dialogue at times but was well-thought & -plotted. I recently read The Long Game by this author which has a tighter plot - the benefit of experience, no doubt.
I enjoyed the procedures & characters, although why Schlank as a surname I can't imagine. I didn't believe the ending - someone who went to all that trouble isn't going to give the game away like that & I don't believe "could see it in his eyes" is admissible evidence as yet.
April 7, 2022
Definitely recommend this to fans of crime fiction.
I listened to the audiobook of this and thought it was well-paced and did a good job of keeping the police work realistic, nothing outlandish. I was so sure I knew who the culprit was early on, and was confident until right at the end - an excellent twist.
I also liked the strong message of animal rights throughout the book, experienced through the main character. Really made me think hard about my food choices.
I listened to the audiobook of this and thought it was well-paced and did a good job of keeping the police work realistic, nothing outlandish. I was so sure I knew who the culprit was early on, and was confident until right at the end - an excellent twist.
I also liked the strong message of animal rights throughout the book, experienced through the main character. Really made me think hard about my food choices.
August 13, 2022
Nice read from australian writer
I liked to see a story like this. The People with severe control issues give a lot of women hell in their worklife or at home. Nice when someone writes about it. Thanks
I liked to see a story like this. The People with severe control issues give a lot of women hell in their worklife or at home. Nice when someone writes about it. Thanks
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews