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A Bill Murdoch Mystery #2
Class Act
Can a man who’s lived a life of crime ever escape his past? The world’s most reluctant private investigator is about to find out.
Former bad boy turned local hero, Bill Murdoch, should be happy with his little piece of paradise. After all, he’s got the fancy car and the big house by the beach. The only trouble is he’s slowly suffocating in small town life.
So when Murdoch is hired to investigate who framed wealthy businessman, James Harte, for murder, he jumps at the chance. Going undercover amongst the jet set, Murdoch is quickly drawn into an exciting world of yachts, horse racing and glitzy parties. But soon Murdoch’s shady past looks set to catch up with him and when he falls for Harte’s beautiful wife, Amanda, things take a deadly turn.
CLASS ACT is the gripping new murder mystery from bestselling author, Ged Gillmore. A perfect piece of modern Australian noir, it will grab you and keep you guessing until the very last line.
** THIS IS NOT THE AUSTRALIA YOU’VE SEEN ADVERTISED **
CLASS ACT is the second book in the Bill Murdoch Mystery series. It is perfect for fans of Peter Temple, Jane Harper, Scott Pratt, Garry Disher, and Peter Corris.
Bad-boy-turned-local-hero, Bill Murdoch, returns for more Aussie noir adventures in BASE NATURE.
For news on upcoming books, visit: www.gedgillmore.com
Former bad boy turned local hero, Bill Murdoch, should be happy with his little piece of paradise. After all, he’s got the fancy car and the big house by the beach. The only trouble is he’s slowly suffocating in small town life.
So when Murdoch is hired to investigate who framed wealthy businessman, James Harte, for murder, he jumps at the chance. Going undercover amongst the jet set, Murdoch is quickly drawn into an exciting world of yachts, horse racing and glitzy parties. But soon Murdoch’s shady past looks set to catch up with him and when he falls for Harte’s beautiful wife, Amanda, things take a deadly turn.
CLASS ACT is the gripping new murder mystery from bestselling author, Ged Gillmore. A perfect piece of modern Australian noir, it will grab you and keep you guessing until the very last line.
** THIS IS NOT THE AUSTRALIA YOU’VE SEEN ADVERTISED **
CLASS ACT is the second book in the Bill Murdoch Mystery series. It is perfect for fans of Peter Temple, Jane Harper, Scott Pratt, Garry Disher, and Peter Corris.
Bad-boy-turned-local-hero, Bill Murdoch, returns for more Aussie noir adventures in BASE NATURE.
For news on upcoming books, visit: www.gedgillmore.com
322 pages, Paperback
Published January 10, 2018
68 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Ged Gillmore
9 books37 followersGed Gillmore completed degrees in languages and literature at the University of London. Fancying a change to sunnier climes, Ged made the leap to Sydney in early 2004.
When he's not falling off his surfboard at Bondi or dabbling with a day job which pays the bills he sits at his laptop and bashes out fiction.
In October 2017, Ged launched his 'Bill Murdoch Mystery' series, beginning with HEADLAND, and followed by sequels, CLASS ACT (Jan 2018), and BASE NATURE (Mar 2018). The series is set in Sydney and a small town on the NSW Central Coast. in 2018 CLASS ACT was nominated for a Ned Kelly Award (Australia's oldest and most prestigious crime fiction prize).
In 2022 Ged releases his first standalone international thriller, THE LIGHTNING ROD.
For more details on Ged and his books visit www.gedgillmore.com
When he's not falling off his surfboard at Bondi or dabbling with a day job which pays the bills he sits at his laptop and bashes out fiction.
In October 2017, Ged launched his 'Bill Murdoch Mystery' series, beginning with HEADLAND, and followed by sequels, CLASS ACT (Jan 2018), and BASE NATURE (Mar 2018). The series is set in Sydney and a small town on the NSW Central Coast. in 2018 CLASS ACT was nominated for a Ned Kelly Award (Australia's oldest and most prestigious crime fiction prize).
In 2022 Ged releases his first standalone international thriller, THE LIGHTNING ROD.
For more details on Ged and his books visit www.gedgillmore.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 2, 2017
This is good mystery continuing the series of Bill Murdoch,ex-criminal,new PI. There is a good plot that needs introduction to many new characters. This is done in the first 50% of the book, but it reads too slowly for me. I liked what I read and some great characters and mysteries kept my interest up, so that about 65% into the story I had to stay up late to finish! Very enjoyable from then , as Bill and his bumbling side-kick, Davie,do figure out what happened to the now dead Charlie, and as they get close to answers,exciting new problems appear.
A good story, just wish it went into the action and adventure a little too late.
I received a copy of this story from author Ged Gillmore, and decided to write a review .
A good story, just wish it went into the action and adventure a little too late.
I received a copy of this story from author Ged Gillmore, and decided to write a review .
April 3, 2019
Book two in the Bill Murdoch series, CLASS ACT follows up almost immediately from the action in the first outing, HEADLAND. This series, now up to three novels with the release of BASE NATURE in 2018, is well worth getting into.
Set in small-town, seaside New South Wales, based around reluctant Private Investigator, ex-bad boy, Bill Murdoch, the first book introduces him, his background and the events that bring him to small town life, the big house by the beach and the fancy car. It may be best if you start this series with the first book if possible, as the lead up to CLASS ACT is part fun, part information and will go a long way to explaining some of the friendship's that Bill has, and some of the behaviour he exhibits.
CLASS ACT sees Murdoch strengthen his resolve to put his past behind him, even as it gets closer and more disruptive. He didn't, however, expect that he'd fall quite as hard as he does for the wife of his current client, wealthy businessman James Harte, who claims he has been framed for murder. And there's the problem of Murdoch, undercover, in the jet setting world. He might end up drawn into the world of horse racing, yachts, glitzy parties, and the glamorous set because of this case, but he's not comfortable being there, although he's a bit out of sorts with the world in general really.
Murdoch is a character straight out of lone wolf, silent strong man casting central, and he's good at it. He might be a bit stereotypical, but he's not pretending to be anything else. He's the silent type, he's a walker of mean streets, even if the streets are mostly mean because he's walking them. He's a round peg in a square hole in small-town NSW and he's a dedicated investigator, everything that could be expected of him, and a bit more. There's a bit of nuance around Bill. There's a dodgy background, and the push to get away from the past, the action is appropriately age-restrained, there's friendship, and there is his ability to fall hook, line and sinker for the glamorous Amanda.
There's a lot of entertaining elements to the Bill Murdoch series. As with the first book, character development and plot are nicely balanced, and there's a small ensemble cast to be going on with. A series that appealed considerably with the opening novel, that opinion was cemented firmly by this second outing. There's now a third novel out and about, which I'm ashamed to admit remains unread. At least that means there is BASE NATURE to look forward to.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Set in small-town, seaside New South Wales, based around reluctant Private Investigator, ex-bad boy, Bill Murdoch, the first book introduces him, his background and the events that bring him to small town life, the big house by the beach and the fancy car. It may be best if you start this series with the first book if possible, as the lead up to CLASS ACT is part fun, part information and will go a long way to explaining some of the friendship's that Bill has, and some of the behaviour he exhibits.
CLASS ACT sees Murdoch strengthen his resolve to put his past behind him, even as it gets closer and more disruptive. He didn't, however, expect that he'd fall quite as hard as he does for the wife of his current client, wealthy businessman James Harte, who claims he has been framed for murder. And there's the problem of Murdoch, undercover, in the jet setting world. He might end up drawn into the world of horse racing, yachts, glitzy parties, and the glamorous set because of this case, but he's not comfortable being there, although he's a bit out of sorts with the world in general really.
Murdoch is a character straight out of lone wolf, silent strong man casting central, and he's good at it. He might be a bit stereotypical, but he's not pretending to be anything else. He's the silent type, he's a walker of mean streets, even if the streets are mostly mean because he's walking them. He's a round peg in a square hole in small-town NSW and he's a dedicated investigator, everything that could be expected of him, and a bit more. There's a bit of nuance around Bill. There's a dodgy background, and the push to get away from the past, the action is appropriately age-restrained, there's friendship, and there is his ability to fall hook, line and sinker for the glamorous Amanda.
There's a lot of entertaining elements to the Bill Murdoch series. As with the first book, character development and plot are nicely balanced, and there's a small ensemble cast to be going on with. A series that appealed considerably with the opening novel, that opinion was cemented firmly by this second outing. There's now a third novel out and about, which I'm ashamed to admit remains unread. At least that means there is BASE NATURE to look forward to.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
January 5, 2018
It sure is a Class Act! While I loved the adventures Bill and Davie had up on the Central Coast in the first book, Headland, I loved the scene change in Class Act to include more of Sydney. Too many laugh out loud moments and oh so many “no ... no ... NO!!!” moments as things go from bad to worse, to, I can’t believe they just did that! Made it a very engaging and enjoyable read.
January 23, 2018
Bill is B - A - C - K !!!!
He's older, wiser and ready for another crack at solving a murder mystery in the salubrious company of the Eastern Suburbs elite. Another page turner by Gilmore and I cannot wait for the third instalment!!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review
He's older, wiser and ready for another crack at solving a murder mystery in the salubrious company of the Eastern Suburbs elite. Another page turner by Gilmore and I cannot wait for the third instalment!!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review
January 24, 2018
Welcome back Bill Murdoch! Thoroughly enjoyed this page turning second installment! Loved the witty humor and was so happy to be reacquainted with Davie and Nat. I love Gilmore’s underbelly Sydney and this sequel to Headland was an absolute class act! Looking forward to book number three!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 6, 2019
The second Bill Murdoch mystery continues Bill's journey from criminal to "good" citizen of Montauban a small coastal town in Australia. Bill is enjoying his beautiful house and car and taken up tennis. Then, his private investigator partner, Davie Simms, and he become involved in a murder related to the Hoxton Harte PR firm. Bill moves into more rarified social circles as he attempts to solve the crime while Davie discovers his strengths as a PI. The crime, characters and solving of the crime kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed the exploration of Bill and Davie's journeys. This time Ged Gillmore wraps his thriller in the conceit that Bill hires a writer to write up the story of Headland, first book in the series. While the character of Suzie Bourne and her interactions with Bill were enjoyable, adding in the lessons on how to write a mystery and explaining the structure took me out of the story. It became too distracting. The police aspects of the case also seemed unrealistic. Would a local police officer really be able to access files related to a Sydney police case? .
February 4, 2021
Refreshingly different
Following on from the most enjoyable debut of Bill Murdoch, this book continued to please. Nice to escape to somewhere different and the Australian setting fit that bill nicely.
Following on from the most enjoyable debut of Bill Murdoch, this book continued to please. Nice to escape to somewhere different and the Australian setting fit that bill nicely.
February 22, 2023
great book!
Really liked to read this book, kept my interest. This is second of authors I’ve read. Plan to read more. This author has way with words! Characters were interesting and funny at times.
Really liked to read this book, kept my interest. This is second of authors I’ve read. Plan to read more. This author has way with words! Characters were interesting and funny at times.
July 16, 2019
I don’t understand why this author hasn’t been “discovered” by more readers. He tells a helluva good story. Perfect for a long plane ride or a kick back and just read weekend.
September 21, 2021
Another good read, excellent character and certainly difficult to predict . Thoroughly enjoyed it!
March 2, 2022
Bill and Davie are growing on me. Glad I took a chance with Mr Gillmore's second book. Enjoyed it.
January 4, 2018
Class Act made me laugh and miss lots of sleep again: another beauty of a page turner from Ged Gillmore.
Reading the book felt like a minibreak in Australia, such a great setting for my already beloved Bill Murdoch. He is such a great character and I love the British references throughout the book.
Gripping story line and I often felt like I was actually there living the high-end life as it was described in such detail. I was very happy to see a bit more of the fun characters from Headland (loving laid back Davie!) and meeting some quirky new ones (Suzie Bourne is adorable).
Very addictive reading: can’t wait for the next one!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Reading the book felt like a minibreak in Australia, such a great setting for my already beloved Bill Murdoch. He is such a great character and I love the British references throughout the book.
Gripping story line and I often felt like I was actually there living the high-end life as it was described in such detail. I was very happy to see a bit more of the fun characters from Headland (loving laid back Davie!) and meeting some quirky new ones (Suzie Bourne is adorable).
Very addictive reading: can’t wait for the next one!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
March 15, 2018
I liked how the author, Ged Gillmore, guided the reader through this book by outlining what it takes to write a book that holds readers' interest. It was a good detective/mystery story with two unlikely matched characters stumbling and bumbling their way through the case until its final conclusion is revealed. It is also a story that tears open the personal life of its characters, letting the reader feel their highs and very low lows as they turn the pages. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series. This is a rather late voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.
February 27, 2018
I was given this one for free to read with a promise that I would review it. I have never read anything by this author. I found that the plot was good, but found it overlong and it reads slow for me. I liked what a read and the characters and mysteries kept my interest. Although after reading this one, I found out that these characters were in other books that he had written. Over all I enjoyed reading this book and to know the characters. I will be looking for more of his books in the future to read.
January 16, 2018
I was given this one free to read with the promise of a review. I really enjoyed this story, there hero isn't the sort of person that does everything right all the time, he makes mistakes, some without really thinking things over, but you can't help but like him. I thought I worked out who did it, but I was wrong. An enjoyable story with mainly likeable characters & I'm encouraged now to read Headland.
December 28, 2020
Another good book in this three book series. Bill Murdoch is, like the author, from the UK. He has a history of crime and prison but is going straight now.
Like the first book, I found it a little slow to get on with, to begin with. At a certain point though, maybe 50/60 pages in, it sort of all began to slot together and became a gripping read with several strands to the story. Looking forward to reading the third and last of these now.
Like the first book, I found it a little slow to get on with, to begin with. At a certain point though, maybe 50/60 pages in, it sort of all began to slot together and became a gripping read with several strands to the story. Looking forward to reading the third and last of these now.
January 8, 2018
Ah Mr Murdoch, it was delightful to be reacquainted again.
After thoroughly enjoying the first instalment I had been eagerly anticipating part two and it didn’t disappoint. I again enjoyed Gillmore’s clever wit and laughed out loud a lot - when will it be made into a TV show!? I would love to see these characters come to life.
After thoroughly enjoying the first instalment I had been eagerly anticipating part two and it didn’t disappoint. I again enjoyed Gillmore’s clever wit and laughed out loud a lot - when will it be made into a TV show!? I would love to see these characters come to life.
January 20, 2018
Voluntary review of an ARC. Unusual book--sort of a book within a book. The plot was good but a little overlong. Probably the most inept detectives ever. How these two sleuths managed to solve the crime I'll never know. Some of the situations and dialogue is absolutely hilarious. Plus a bit of a surprise at the end. Overall I enjoyed it.
November 16, 2018
Crime investigation spoilt by poor editing and some peculiar anomalies, for example, after the main character found a car involved in a murder, why was it not reported to authorities before it could be disposed of, or, if the main character was in some kind of witness protection, why did he allow his true identity to be revealed to his neighbours and others?
June 1, 2018
This is the second book by Ged Gillmore that I have read. I read on my Kobo, and I was so sorry to get to the end of the first book that I immediately bought the second one. Headland was a great book. Class Act was even better. If you like noir you should enjoy these.
January 21, 2018
I really enjoyed this read. Complex characters with an intricate story. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews