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Detective Dana Russo #1
Hermit
HE DISAPPEARED FOR 15 YEARS...SHE HAS 12 HOURS TO FIND OUT WHY.
After the puzzling death of a shopkeeper in rural Australia, troubled detective Dana Russo has just 12 hours to interrogate the prime suspect - a silent, inscrutable man found at the scene of the crime, who simply vanished 15 years earlier.
Where has he been? And just how dangerous is he? Without conclusive evidence linking him to the killing, Dana must race against time to persuade him to speak. But over a series of increasingly intense interviews, Dana is forced to confront her own past if she wants him to reveal the shocking truth.
Compulsive, atmospheric and stunningly accomplished, HERMIT introduces a thrilling new voice in Australian crime fiction, perfect for fans of Jane Harper and Chris Hammer.
S.R. White worked for a UK police force for twelve years, before returning to academic life and taking an MA in Creative Writing at Nottingham Trent University. He now lives in Queensland, Australia.
After the puzzling death of a shopkeeper in rural Australia, troubled detective Dana Russo has just 12 hours to interrogate the prime suspect - a silent, inscrutable man found at the scene of the crime, who simply vanished 15 years earlier.
Where has he been? And just how dangerous is he? Without conclusive evidence linking him to the killing, Dana must race against time to persuade him to speak. But over a series of increasingly intense interviews, Dana is forced to confront her own past if she wants him to reveal the shocking truth.
Compulsive, atmospheric and stunningly accomplished, HERMIT introduces a thrilling new voice in Australian crime fiction, perfect for fans of Jane Harper and Chris Hammer.
S.R. White worked for a UK police force for twelve years, before returning to academic life and taking an MA in Creative Writing at Nottingham Trent University. He now lives in Queensland, Australia.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
236 people are currently reading
1550 people want to read
About the author
S.R. White
10 books69 followersS.R. White worked for a UK police force for twelve years, before returning to academic life and taking an MA in Creative Writing at Nottingham Trent University. He now lives in Queensland, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
August 25, 2020
This is an unusual, dark, intense and claustrophobic Aussie outback crime story from SR White, that explores the developing psychological relationship of two emotionally damaged individuals, Detective Dana Russo and a murder suspect, Nathan Whittler. It begins with the murder of Jensen's Grocery Store owner, Lou Cassevette, stabbed to death in the early hours of the morning, after he had stayed on overnight in his business to catch a burglar stealing some of his stock. When the police arrive on the scene, they find Nathan's hands covered in blood next to the victim. They are not sure if he killed Cassavette or just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Dana is off duty, she has taken the day off and is at Pulpit Falls reflecting on the traumas that have been instrumental in shaping her life, as she teeters on the edge, she gets a call from her boss, Bill Weeks, requesting her presence at the crime scene.
Dana is going to have forego her annual day off, dedicated to thinking of events that have blighted her life, but working fails to suppress the trauma within her, simply adding to the pressures she faces. She prefers to work solo, is an introvert, and has talked to hardly anyone about her traumas, it is just beyond her abilities to do so. Weeks appoints her the lead detective, rather than her colleague, Mike Francis, believing she would be the better person to interview Whittler, a fragile and vulnerable man who is refusing to talk. It turns out Whittler left his family home of his parents and his brother, Jeb, 15 years ago in 2004, and went completely off the grid, to never be sighted again. He claims to have never spoken to anyone since, which seems to be corroborated by his apparent comfort with silence, for him silence is not nothing, not an absence but an all encompassing experience in itself. Dana is in a race against time, she only has 24 hours before he must have a lawyer who will tell him not to talk.
The highlight of this crime story is the relationship that develops between Dana and Nathan, she puts a lot of thought and strategy behind her interviews with him to ensure he does not close down. She becomes a person he begins to trust, making it clear he will speak only to her, but it extracts an enormous price from her, encroaching on her shaky sense of self and her non-negotiable need for personal privacy. White skilfully draws out the disturbing ways that the two have so much in common, the quid pro quo that operates, and Dana's increasing emotional investment in her murder suspect, irrespective of the toll the interviews take on her. This is a brilliant character driven crime book that drew me in completely, it is intense, but compulsive and riveting reading that will appeal to many crime and mystery readers. Many thanks to Headline for an ARC.
Dana is going to have forego her annual day off, dedicated to thinking of events that have blighted her life, but working fails to suppress the trauma within her, simply adding to the pressures she faces. She prefers to work solo, is an introvert, and has talked to hardly anyone about her traumas, it is just beyond her abilities to do so. Weeks appoints her the lead detective, rather than her colleague, Mike Francis, believing she would be the better person to interview Whittler, a fragile and vulnerable man who is refusing to talk. It turns out Whittler left his family home of his parents and his brother, Jeb, 15 years ago in 2004, and went completely off the grid, to never be sighted again. He claims to have never spoken to anyone since, which seems to be corroborated by his apparent comfort with silence, for him silence is not nothing, not an absence but an all encompassing experience in itself. Dana is in a race against time, she only has 24 hours before he must have a lawyer who will tell him not to talk.
The highlight of this crime story is the relationship that develops between Dana and Nathan, she puts a lot of thought and strategy behind her interviews with him to ensure he does not close down. She becomes a person he begins to trust, making it clear he will speak only to her, but it extracts an enormous price from her, encroaching on her shaky sense of self and her non-negotiable need for personal privacy. White skilfully draws out the disturbing ways that the two have so much in common, the quid pro quo that operates, and Dana's increasing emotional investment in her murder suspect, irrespective of the toll the interviews take on her. This is a brilliant character driven crime book that drew me in completely, it is intense, but compulsive and riveting reading that will appeal to many crime and mystery readers. Many thanks to Headline for an ARC.
September 8, 2020
4.5 Stars.
This was a superior psychological drama, police, procedural, and character-driven mystery. While it starts out slowly, the suspense and tension intensify. S.R. White has written a riveting story set in small-town Australia. It is claustrophobic as most of the scenes take place in an interrogation room at police headquarters or at the scene of the crime. It lacks a strong sense of place. This debut should place the author in the league of recent new and popular Australian writers of dark and compulsive crime novels.
Unlike most police procedurals, its members do not display the usual characteristics of jealousy, rivalry, conflict or undermining their colleagues' investigations. Instead, they offer encouragement, support, and share ideas. Their interactions were a pleasure to read.
Detective Dana Russo is an emotionally damaged woman, an introvert and a loner who suffered severe childhood trauma. This is the anniversary of her worst day, which has shaped her personality and is a day of great significance for her. She has always taken this day off work yearly as it brings back dark memories that have caused recurring panic attacks throughout her life. In the early hours, she is at a waterfall contemplating whether she wants to survive. A call from her boss interrupts her panic and despair telling her she is needed at a crime scene.
A store owner, Lou Cassevette, was stabbed to death overnight. He was guarding the store on watch for someone stealing supplies. He was a large man of unattractive appearance. He had not known that his beautiful younger wife had plans to divorce him and leave with another man. There had been unproven suspicions that he was laundering money for a local crime boss. Both his wife, her lawyer lover, and the crime boss would have been prime suspects in the murder, but Nathan Whittler was arrested when found standing over Lou's dead body with blood n his hands.
Dana has been given the day to interview the enigmatic Nathan and to either get a confession or to discover he was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time. Nathan disappeared from his work and from the home of his parents and older brother, Jeb, 15 years earlier. He has been completely out of sight and living off the grid ever since. Where he has been hiding and how he survived is a mystery. He resembles a pale office worker, clean and neat, with smooth hands which makes it unlikely that he has been living roughly in the wilderness. He has refused to talk to any other police officer or doctor. Records show he has been living without money or credit cards all those years. He seems to lack any motive for the murder.
Dana is under pressure to get the mysterious man to talk while she is still agitated and in an emotional state. She manages to gain his trust through empathy, politeness and respect and some rapport is developed. The psychological toll of the interviews is a highlight of the story, as they recognize each other as damaged kindred spirits. She finds herself becoming emotionally invested in Nathan but never forgets her role as an interrogator. She learns that Nathan has not spoken to anyone for the entire 15 years he was missing. Now she must get him to disclose where he has been hiding and the reason, and what happened the night Lou was killed. This must be achieved before a lawyer advises him not to answer any questions. When he begins to talk to her, what he reveals is a shocking, horrific story, almost beyond belief.
During the time Nathan was missing, his parents both died, and his brother has become a successful businessman who has been travelling out of state. Dana's fellow officers have been busy exploring other aspects of the investigation. They have been interviewing witnesses to Nathan's past life, other suspects, and locations where Nathan could possibly been living. Nathans hideous, appalling backstory is confirmed by team members through their interviews and research. There is a tragic, unexpected twist in the sad reason for Lou's death.
We learn a bit about Dana's early suffering, but much is yet to be disclosed. I hope there will be more books featuring Dana and her co-workers in the future.
.
This was a superior psychological drama, police, procedural, and character-driven mystery. While it starts out slowly, the suspense and tension intensify. S.R. White has written a riveting story set in small-town Australia. It is claustrophobic as most of the scenes take place in an interrogation room at police headquarters or at the scene of the crime. It lacks a strong sense of place. This debut should place the author in the league of recent new and popular Australian writers of dark and compulsive crime novels.
Unlike most police procedurals, its members do not display the usual characteristics of jealousy, rivalry, conflict or undermining their colleagues' investigations. Instead, they offer encouragement, support, and share ideas. Their interactions were a pleasure to read.
Detective Dana Russo is an emotionally damaged woman, an introvert and a loner who suffered severe childhood trauma. This is the anniversary of her worst day, which has shaped her personality and is a day of great significance for her. She has always taken this day off work yearly as it brings back dark memories that have caused recurring panic attacks throughout her life. In the early hours, she is at a waterfall contemplating whether she wants to survive. A call from her boss interrupts her panic and despair telling her she is needed at a crime scene.
A store owner, Lou Cassevette, was stabbed to death overnight. He was guarding the store on watch for someone stealing supplies. He was a large man of unattractive appearance. He had not known that his beautiful younger wife had plans to divorce him and leave with another man. There had been unproven suspicions that he was laundering money for a local crime boss. Both his wife, her lawyer lover, and the crime boss would have been prime suspects in the murder, but Nathan Whittler was arrested when found standing over Lou's dead body with blood n his hands.
Dana has been given the day to interview the enigmatic Nathan and to either get a confession or to discover he was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time. Nathan disappeared from his work and from the home of his parents and older brother, Jeb, 15 years earlier. He has been completely out of sight and living off the grid ever since. Where he has been hiding and how he survived is a mystery. He resembles a pale office worker, clean and neat, with smooth hands which makes it unlikely that he has been living roughly in the wilderness. He has refused to talk to any other police officer or doctor. Records show he has been living without money or credit cards all those years. He seems to lack any motive for the murder.
Dana is under pressure to get the mysterious man to talk while she is still agitated and in an emotional state. She manages to gain his trust through empathy, politeness and respect and some rapport is developed. The psychological toll of the interviews is a highlight of the story, as they recognize each other as damaged kindred spirits. She finds herself becoming emotionally invested in Nathan but never forgets her role as an interrogator. She learns that Nathan has not spoken to anyone for the entire 15 years he was missing. Now she must get him to disclose where he has been hiding and the reason, and what happened the night Lou was killed. This must be achieved before a lawyer advises him not to answer any questions. When he begins to talk to her, what he reveals is a shocking, horrific story, almost beyond belief.
During the time Nathan was missing, his parents both died, and his brother has become a successful businessman who has been travelling out of state. Dana's fellow officers have been busy exploring other aspects of the investigation. They have been interviewing witnesses to Nathan's past life, other suspects, and locations where Nathan could possibly been living. Nathans hideous, appalling backstory is confirmed by team members through their interviews and research. There is a tragic, unexpected twist in the sad reason for Lou's death.
We learn a bit about Dana's early suffering, but much is yet to be disclosed. I hope there will be more books featuring Dana and her co-workers in the future.
.
September 23, 2020
4.5★s
Detective Dana Russo was on a day off when she was contacted to be primary on a murder case which would prove to be the biggest challenge of her career. The owner of a local supermarket had been killed in the early hours, with their suspect discovered leaning over the body with blood on his hands. Dana had until the following morning to get all the answers – perhaps even a confession – from the person they were sure was the perpetrator. But the suspect was so off the grid it was as if he didn’t exist from the time he’d vanished fifteen years previously.
Dana could see he was in a fragile state; she needed to go gently, form an alliance with him. Initially he wouldn’t speak, but then he declared he’d answer Dana’s questions but would speak to no one else. Gradually he opened up, but the issue at hand was skirted completely. Would they find the answers before their time was up? Would Dana be able to stay on top of her own memories, her own past, to bring the case to the conclusion they all wanted?
Hermit is set in rural Australia and is the debut crime novel by Aussie author S.R. White. The interaction between Dana and her fellow detectives, Mike, Lucy, Stu, Rainer and the boss, Bill, was great. They all got on well, had each other’s backs, and quietly kept an eye on Dana. The frustration at the lack of answers felt by them all, was also felt by me! I was sure I had the right person, but I sure didn’t! The twist at the end was a big one! I really enjoyed Hermit and having learned this is the beginning of a new series, I’m keen to read the next. Recommended.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Dana Russo was on a day off when she was contacted to be primary on a murder case which would prove to be the biggest challenge of her career. The owner of a local supermarket had been killed in the early hours, with their suspect discovered leaning over the body with blood on his hands. Dana had until the following morning to get all the answers – perhaps even a confession – from the person they were sure was the perpetrator. But the suspect was so off the grid it was as if he didn’t exist from the time he’d vanished fifteen years previously.
Dana could see he was in a fragile state; she needed to go gently, form an alliance with him. Initially he wouldn’t speak, but then he declared he’d answer Dana’s questions but would speak to no one else. Gradually he opened up, but the issue at hand was skirted completely. Would they find the answers before their time was up? Would Dana be able to stay on top of her own memories, her own past, to bring the case to the conclusion they all wanted?
Hermit is set in rural Australia and is the debut crime novel by Aussie author S.R. White. The interaction between Dana and her fellow detectives, Mike, Lucy, Stu, Rainer and the boss, Bill, was great. They all got on well, had each other’s backs, and quietly kept an eye on Dana. The frustration at the lack of answers felt by them all, was also felt by me! I was sure I had the right person, but I sure didn’t! The twist at the end was a big one! I really enjoyed Hermit and having learned this is the beginning of a new series, I’m keen to read the next. Recommended.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2020
I love a good Aussie crime story and Hermit definitely fit the bill. It was a slower paced book than I am used to, and it did take a while for me to become engrossed in the plot. It was very character driven, and the 2 main characters where fascinating in different ways. I hope that there will be another book with Detective Dana Russo where we can delve into he past more.
A local shop owner has been murdered in his store, and the suspect is found standing over him when police arrive. Open and shut case no? Not when the suspect has not been seen or spoken to for 15 years. It turns out that Nathan Whittler has been living off grid all that rime. But where? And how did he survive all that time? Dana builds up a trust with him as she extracts the story him. It is a tough day for her as well as it is the anniversary of a past traumatic event for her. Will she get through the day?
Told over a 12 hour period, a The Hermit is a book that you need to take your time with. It makes you think about how we live, what we really need and who is important in our lives.
Thanks to Hachette Australia for my advanced copy of this book to read.
A local shop owner has been murdered in his store, and the suspect is found standing over him when police arrive. Open and shut case no? Not when the suspect has not been seen or spoken to for 15 years. It turns out that Nathan Whittler has been living off grid all that rime. But where? And how did he survive all that time? Dana builds up a trust with him as she extracts the story him. It is a tough day for her as well as it is the anniversary of a past traumatic event for her. Will she get through the day?
Told over a 12 hour period, a The Hermit is a book that you need to take your time with. It makes you think about how we live, what we really need and who is important in our lives.
Thanks to Hachette Australia for my advanced copy of this book to read.
September 17, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
In an outback town in Australia, shop owner Lou Cassavette has been stabbed to death. The officers first on the scene believe the man that was found leaning over the body on their arrival is the killer, Nathan Whittler.
Detective Dana Russo has been called in on her day off to handle the case and interview Nathan. They need him to confess to the murder before he asks for a lawyer and their short time to keep him is up. Trouble is Nathan is a hermit who went off the grid 15 years ago. He hasn’t touched his bank account in the last 15 years and according to him, he hasn’t spoken to anyone in all that time too.
Dana needs to break down the walls Nathan has built around himself and to do that she needs to tread carefully and with calculated questions. But can she get him to open up to her before the time runs out? Is he really the killer or an innocent bystander and why has he been living in solitary for the last 15 years?
Hermit opens with a harrowing scene, not of the killing of Lou Cassavette but with Dana Russo sat at the top of a cliff talking about how easy it would be to ‘fall’ from the top and not make it look like a suicide, her suicide. Her thoughts are interrupted by a phone call and being called into work on the one day a year she always has off.
The book is quite a slow burn of a novel and whilst there are other characters in the story the main focus of the book is on Dana and Nathan. The two are quite similar in some ways. Both come across socially awkward and neither think they are good enough. Dana has impostor syndrome and feels like she isn’t as good at her job as she could be or as good others think she is. There was a trauma in her past that controls her life now. This slowly unravels as the book progresses.
Nathan Whittler is at first a man of few words. He’s not used to being around people. He lives somewhere out in the surrounding area where no-one goes. He likes being alone and has had to adapt over the 15 years. His words when they come are thought out first to give as little away as possible whilst still answering Dana’s questions.
The plot is certainly different as there is no forensics to work with, no witnesses, no CCTV, not even a murder weapon, or a valid reason for the killing. All they have is one man found at the scene. The book is very interview focused and intense. For Dana to get Nathan to open up slightly to her she has to do so by opening up slightly to him, making for an intriguing drip-fed novel which includes both of their pasts and presents.
Overall, if you like slow-burn thrillers that are not about the murder but more about the person the police believe is the murderer – It is very character-driven. I certainly was held captivated by Dana and Nathan’s stories and couldn’t wait to find out what had happened in both their pasts to make them behave the way they did today – and of course to see if Nathan was guilty or not.
In an outback town in Australia, shop owner Lou Cassavette has been stabbed to death. The officers first on the scene believe the man that was found leaning over the body on their arrival is the killer, Nathan Whittler.
Detective Dana Russo has been called in on her day off to handle the case and interview Nathan. They need him to confess to the murder before he asks for a lawyer and their short time to keep him is up. Trouble is Nathan is a hermit who went off the grid 15 years ago. He hasn’t touched his bank account in the last 15 years and according to him, he hasn’t spoken to anyone in all that time too.
Dana needs to break down the walls Nathan has built around himself and to do that she needs to tread carefully and with calculated questions. But can she get him to open up to her before the time runs out? Is he really the killer or an innocent bystander and why has he been living in solitary for the last 15 years?
Hermit opens with a harrowing scene, not of the killing of Lou Cassavette but with Dana Russo sat at the top of a cliff talking about how easy it would be to ‘fall’ from the top and not make it look like a suicide, her suicide. Her thoughts are interrupted by a phone call and being called into work on the one day a year she always has off.
The book is quite a slow burn of a novel and whilst there are other characters in the story the main focus of the book is on Dana and Nathan. The two are quite similar in some ways. Both come across socially awkward and neither think they are good enough. Dana has impostor syndrome and feels like she isn’t as good at her job as she could be or as good others think she is. There was a trauma in her past that controls her life now. This slowly unravels as the book progresses.
Nathan Whittler is at first a man of few words. He’s not used to being around people. He lives somewhere out in the surrounding area where no-one goes. He likes being alone and has had to adapt over the 15 years. His words when they come are thought out first to give as little away as possible whilst still answering Dana’s questions.
The plot is certainly different as there is no forensics to work with, no witnesses, no CCTV, not even a murder weapon, or a valid reason for the killing. All they have is one man found at the scene. The book is very interview focused and intense. For Dana to get Nathan to open up slightly to her she has to do so by opening up slightly to him, making for an intriguing drip-fed novel which includes both of their pasts and presents.
Overall, if you like slow-burn thrillers that are not about the murder but more about the person the police believe is the murderer – It is very character-driven. I certainly was held captivated by Dana and Nathan’s stories and couldn’t wait to find out what had happened in both their pasts to make them behave the way they did today – and of course to see if Nathan was guilty or not.
October 22, 2020
“Hermit” drew me in from the first chapter, in one huge literary swirl of intrigue, curiosity and atmospheric detail.
Detective Dana Russo has just twelve hours to question a prime suspect in the bewildering death of a shopkeeper. However, the silent and introvert Nathan Whittler, who was found leaning over the body at the scene of the crime, vanished fifteen years ago and has lived his later life as a reclusive hermit. Why did he disappear? Just how dangerous is he and can Dana, during some intense and emotional interviews get Nathan to confess and open up as to where he’s been? Dana is already struggling with the ‘Day’, an anniversary of an event that causes her to confront the past. Will she make it through the day herself or will she succumb to the contemplations of suicide she has every year?
Although this story runs at quiet a slow pace, almost feeling like you’re reading it in real-time, it was packed with precise atmospheric detail, character development and intense emotions. I liked Dana and her sensitivity towards Nathan, recognising his unique and subtle nuances so that she could communicate with him and gently coax him into opening up. Nathan himself was a constant enigma, who I was rooting for from his first introduction into the story. I found his actions and emotions to be a realistic example of someone escaping his demons and living a life in seclusion for fifteen years.
The other supporting characters, who all were well defined and portrayed, made up an excellent cast, with Dana’s colleague Mike who was equally sympathetic, Lucy a hardworking and valuable administrative assistant and Bill, Dana’s senior officer who understands Dana and her current status of emotions.
Although this is probably a much slower paced read than most crime readers like, I loved how it developed with the intense reactions from Nathan, being heart wrenching and emotive. The practicality’s of the crime were discussed sensibly between the detectives and made a lot of sense to the reader, trying to work out why Nathan came to be at the store and how the crime possibly happened. The story behind Dana wasn’t revealed until quite late on and I personally would have liked a little more insight into her issues throughout the book but it kept the intrigue and interest in her flowing and by the time most of her past was revealed, my empathy for her increased.
As a new and potentially exciting voice in Australian crime fiction -if you’re a fan of Jane Harper or just enjoy reading crime novels set outside of the UK - this is a definite recommendation from me. It is unhurried but packed with detail and I hope to read more by S.R.White in the future.
4 stars
Detective Dana Russo has just twelve hours to question a prime suspect in the bewildering death of a shopkeeper. However, the silent and introvert Nathan Whittler, who was found leaning over the body at the scene of the crime, vanished fifteen years ago and has lived his later life as a reclusive hermit. Why did he disappear? Just how dangerous is he and can Dana, during some intense and emotional interviews get Nathan to confess and open up as to where he’s been? Dana is already struggling with the ‘Day’, an anniversary of an event that causes her to confront the past. Will she make it through the day herself or will she succumb to the contemplations of suicide she has every year?
Although this story runs at quiet a slow pace, almost feeling like you’re reading it in real-time, it was packed with precise atmospheric detail, character development and intense emotions. I liked Dana and her sensitivity towards Nathan, recognising his unique and subtle nuances so that she could communicate with him and gently coax him into opening up. Nathan himself was a constant enigma, who I was rooting for from his first introduction into the story. I found his actions and emotions to be a realistic example of someone escaping his demons and living a life in seclusion for fifteen years.
The other supporting characters, who all were well defined and portrayed, made up an excellent cast, with Dana’s colleague Mike who was equally sympathetic, Lucy a hardworking and valuable administrative assistant and Bill, Dana’s senior officer who understands Dana and her current status of emotions.
Although this is probably a much slower paced read than most crime readers like, I loved how it developed with the intense reactions from Nathan, being heart wrenching and emotive. The practicality’s of the crime were discussed sensibly between the detectives and made a lot of sense to the reader, trying to work out why Nathan came to be at the store and how the crime possibly happened. The story behind Dana wasn’t revealed until quite late on and I personally would have liked a little more insight into her issues throughout the book but it kept the intrigue and interest in her flowing and by the time most of her past was revealed, my empathy for her increased.
As a new and potentially exciting voice in Australian crime fiction -if you’re a fan of Jane Harper or just enjoy reading crime novels set outside of the UK - this is a definite recommendation from me. It is unhurried but packed with detail and I hope to read more by S.R.White in the future.
4 stars
September 20, 2021
I had read over 120 books before joining Goodreads this year, and so I am catching up on some of the written reviews (I had provided the ratings on the books as I loaded all of them onto Goodreads from my trusty spreadsheet). In recent weeks, I have been focusing on the reviews for the books I loved this year and rated highly, but now for one or two of my least favourite books this year.
The suspect in a suspicious death is a man, known as the Hermit, who disappeared 15 years earlier. He doesn't talk and the story is about unravelling why he disappeared and where he has been living and determining what if any role he had to play in the murder of a man in a grocery store.
I did not enjoy this book. Yes, it was something different but that's all I can say I enjoyed about it. The book lacked pace, substance, and interest. I found the central character really really boring and struggled to finish this book.
Over 70% of the reviewers on Amazon gave this 4+ stars so I don't feel so bad having to give this such a negative review, because some people obviously liked it. It was just not for me at all.
The suspect in a suspicious death is a man, known as the Hermit, who disappeared 15 years earlier. He doesn't talk and the story is about unravelling why he disappeared and where he has been living and determining what if any role he had to play in the murder of a man in a grocery store.
I did not enjoy this book. Yes, it was something different but that's all I can say I enjoyed about it. The book lacked pace, substance, and interest. I found the central character really really boring and struggled to finish this book.
Over 70% of the reviewers on Amazon gave this 4+ stars so I don't feel so bad having to give this such a negative review, because some people obviously liked it. It was just not for me at all.
May 8, 2020
Hermit was exactly the kind of novel I love to unexpectedly come across- there have been some amazing reads coming out of Australia, it seems to be a trend and long may it continue.
S R White's "Hermit" is a claustrophobic piece of noir, set as it is for the most part in small, intense settings. One murder. One suspect. One trauma fuelled detective and a literary game of cat and mouse ensues...
This is a slow burn of a delight to read- it plays on our perceptions of what we need to be human whilst offering a kind of twist on the classic locked room mystery in its crime elements. The author crafts the narrative carefully and focuses in on it's two main protagonists- the probable killer and the detective after a confession- allowing the supporting cast to compliment them while they face off.
This is a different take however - it isn't about the intelligent charismatic type killer playing with the head of the reader and the police but more a meeting of two damaged souls which eventually leads to an emotionally resonant resolution.
I loved it. One of my reads of the year so far. Out later in 2020 don't miss it.
S R White's "Hermit" is a claustrophobic piece of noir, set as it is for the most part in small, intense settings. One murder. One suspect. One trauma fuelled detective and a literary game of cat and mouse ensues...
This is a slow burn of a delight to read- it plays on our perceptions of what we need to be human whilst offering a kind of twist on the classic locked room mystery in its crime elements. The author crafts the narrative carefully and focuses in on it's two main protagonists- the probable killer and the detective after a confession- allowing the supporting cast to compliment them while they face off.
This is a different take however - it isn't about the intelligent charismatic type killer playing with the head of the reader and the police but more a meeting of two damaged souls which eventually leads to an emotionally resonant resolution.
I loved it. One of my reads of the year so far. Out later in 2020 don't miss it.
November 22, 2022
The debut novel by S.R. White, Hermit is a rather harrowing police procedural crime story that features Detective Dana Russo. As well as proving herself to be an expert in interrogation, Dana is also carrying some serious psychological baggage taking us straight into heavy territory from the opening scene.
Dead in his own convenience store is owner Leo Cassavette who has been stabbed in the heart. Found with him in the store with blood on his hands is Nathan Whittler. On the surface of it, it looks very much as though Whittler has murdered the man. But Whittler comes across as a skittish man almost afraid of his own shadow. It’s Dana’s job to get to the bottom of what happened and she has the length of time they can legally hold Whittler - 12 hours - to get it done.
The majority of the book plays out through a series of interviews between Dana and Whittler. It is, in fact, a long, drawn out process that ever-so-slowly reveals that the man has been living alone off the grid for the past 15 years.
While the concept of dropping out and fending for oneself for an extended period of time was interesting, I found the telling of the tale to be slow and tedious. Much of the interaction between Dana and Whittler amounted to an extended dance around every raised subject as a game of building and maintaining trust was being played.
An added dimension to the fragile psychology surrounding Dana is hinted at in the opening pages as she sits and closely contemplates suicide. It happens to be the anniversary of a critical day in her life (repeatedly referred to as The Day) and she sits on the precipice as she attempts to cope. This internal battle proves to play a critical role in the way she interacts with Whittler. Unfortunately, there is a consistent lack of any real explanation about what happened to cause such emotional stress even though it is constantly referred to. Rather than be intrigued I found it to be an annoying distraction. (I think the thought “Will you please piss or get off the pot” passed through my head more than once).
The more meaningful investigative work was performed by the extended homicide team. Detective Mike Francis with his thorough efficiency was impressive as was the brilliantly adroit Lucy, the office administrator, whose wit was matched by her sharp tongue as she ensured no nonsense was tolerated. Another invaluable member of the team was Rainer, a young detective constable whose enthusiastic legwork in the field was invaluable. It was the teamwork carried out while the interviews were ongoing that provided some much-needed energy (and progress) to the case.
Hermit tries to balance a careful, empathetic bonding between interviewing officer and suspect with an evolving murder case. While it wasn’t always successful in being consistently compelling or even, at times, interesting, it was effective in taking us inside the minds of two troubled characters.
A little more willingness to reveal information to me, the reader, in a clear and concise way would have been greatly appreciated.
Dead in his own convenience store is owner Leo Cassavette who has been stabbed in the heart. Found with him in the store with blood on his hands is Nathan Whittler. On the surface of it, it looks very much as though Whittler has murdered the man. But Whittler comes across as a skittish man almost afraid of his own shadow. It’s Dana’s job to get to the bottom of what happened and she has the length of time they can legally hold Whittler - 12 hours - to get it done.
The majority of the book plays out through a series of interviews between Dana and Whittler. It is, in fact, a long, drawn out process that ever-so-slowly reveals that the man has been living alone off the grid for the past 15 years.
While the concept of dropping out and fending for oneself for an extended period of time was interesting, I found the telling of the tale to be slow and tedious. Much of the interaction between Dana and Whittler amounted to an extended dance around every raised subject as a game of building and maintaining trust was being played.
An added dimension to the fragile psychology surrounding Dana is hinted at in the opening pages as she sits and closely contemplates suicide. It happens to be the anniversary of a critical day in her life (repeatedly referred to as The Day) and she sits on the precipice as she attempts to cope. This internal battle proves to play a critical role in the way she interacts with Whittler. Unfortunately, there is a consistent lack of any real explanation about what happened to cause such emotional stress even though it is constantly referred to. Rather than be intrigued I found it to be an annoying distraction. (I think the thought “Will you please piss or get off the pot” passed through my head more than once).
The more meaningful investigative work was performed by the extended homicide team. Detective Mike Francis with his thorough efficiency was impressive as was the brilliantly adroit Lucy, the office administrator, whose wit was matched by her sharp tongue as she ensured no nonsense was tolerated. Another invaluable member of the team was Rainer, a young detective constable whose enthusiastic legwork in the field was invaluable. It was the teamwork carried out while the interviews were ongoing that provided some much-needed energy (and progress) to the case.
Hermit tries to balance a careful, empathetic bonding between interviewing officer and suspect with an evolving murder case. While it wasn’t always successful in being consistently compelling or even, at times, interesting, it was effective in taking us inside the minds of two troubled characters.
A little more willingness to reveal information to me, the reader, in a clear and concise way would have been greatly appreciated.
September 19, 2020
Taking place over the course of a mere 12 hours, Hermit introduces Detective Dana Russo who must unravel the mystery surrounding the stabbing murder of local Jenson’s shopkeeper Lou Cassevette in rural Australia. Nathan Whittler, the prime suspect, must be interrogated at Carlton police station but Dana is finding this an almost impossible task given the man has been living off the grid for quite a while and appears to have become extremely socially awkward due to this. Fifteen years without human contact will do that to you. This is probably her most difficult interview ever but she must maintain composure as without conclusive forensic evidence linking him directly to the killing she must extract a confession and quickly. She carries out a series of seven intense and tedious interviews with him and gains nothing that would support their theory of him being the murderer so a change of strategy is required. In the name of justice, Dana decides to open herself up to Nathan so that he may feel inclined to trust her and do the same. Even if it makes her seem vulnerable as that may be the only way to get him to talk.
This extraordinary debut is unlike anything I've ever read in the crime genre before and is both compulsive and captivating. It's very much a character-driven thriller and feels authentic and close to life and I am sure that is because White used his twelve years working for a UK police force to inform the novel. The writing is scalpel-sharp, perceptive and pulls you in from the opening pages and the cast of characters all have individual personalities. Protagonist Dana Russo is described so wonderfully that she comes alive and jumps off the page and into your heart and I hope we are going to get to see more of her. Like Russian Matryoshka dolls you peel back the layers of the story only to reveal another underneath. The atmosphere is intense and you can sense the desperation of the police to work out either way whether Whittler actually did commit the crime and the suspense of it all is palpable. I also enjoyed how White addressed profound philosophical questions too. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Headline for an ARC.
This extraordinary debut is unlike anything I've ever read in the crime genre before and is both compulsive and captivating. It's very much a character-driven thriller and feels authentic and close to life and I am sure that is because White used his twelve years working for a UK police force to inform the novel. The writing is scalpel-sharp, perceptive and pulls you in from the opening pages and the cast of characters all have individual personalities. Protagonist Dana Russo is described so wonderfully that she comes alive and jumps off the page and into your heart and I hope we are going to get to see more of her. Like Russian Matryoshka dolls you peel back the layers of the story only to reveal another underneath. The atmosphere is intense and you can sense the desperation of the police to work out either way whether Whittler actually did commit the crime and the suspense of it all is palpable. I also enjoyed how White addressed profound philosophical questions too. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Headline for an ARC.
January 27, 2023
I had a few problems with this book. There is lots of extraneous detail which means nothing, and it is slow, slow, slow and the ending isn't worth the time it takes to get there. The other problem I have is the setting. It's supposed to be a small Australian town but I couldn't get a sense of place at all. The brother is a psychopathic drug dealer but the cops don't know of him? In a small town? And all the talk of icy roads, yet the town borders a couple of states which means it must be in the outback, where towns are tiny and hot and dry. I suppose it's aimed at fans of Jane Harper and Chris Hammer but it is not of the same calibre as those authors at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2023
Setting: Queensland, Australia; modern day.
This is the first in an Aussie crime series featuring damaged but talented detective Dana Russo.
As the story opens, Dana is contemplating suicide as it is the anniversary of 'The Day' - an episode from her past when her life totally changed. She always has this day off work in order to try to cope with her memories without the stress of her police work - but then her boss calls her in to investigate a fatal stabbing at a local store.
The man found at the scene has been arrested but refuses to talk to anyone - only Dana manages to make a connection with Nathan Whittler.....
The entire book is set on the day of the murder - the interviews Dana has with Nathan and the investigations taking place in the background - to try to prove whether or not Nathan killed the store owner. What is revealed is the tale of a man who has been off-grid for 15 years until that day and the reasons behind that, which are totally shocking and unexpected. A great first book in a series and I am really looking forward to reading more which, surprisingly, are in fact available through my local library here in the UK! - 9/10.
This is the first in an Aussie crime series featuring damaged but talented detective Dana Russo.
As the story opens, Dana is contemplating suicide as it is the anniversary of 'The Day' - an episode from her past when her life totally changed. She always has this day off work in order to try to cope with her memories without the stress of her police work - but then her boss calls her in to investigate a fatal stabbing at a local store.
The man found at the scene has been arrested but refuses to talk to anyone - only Dana manages to make a connection with Nathan Whittler.....
The entire book is set on the day of the murder - the interviews Dana has with Nathan and the investigations taking place in the background - to try to prove whether or not Nathan killed the store owner. What is revealed is the tale of a man who has been off-grid for 15 years until that day and the reasons behind that, which are totally shocking and unexpected. A great first book in a series and I am really looking forward to reading more which, surprisingly, are in fact available through my local library here in the UK! - 9/10.
November 3, 2020
Disappointing. A promising beginning but downhill from there. I kept reading to see if it would improve- but it didn’t. It is obvious that the author has experience in policing but this was not enough to create a page turning procedural novel.
June 13, 2021
Did the marketing people just add the back cover blurb to say "wild bushlands of Australia" to match the endorsement from Australian author Chris Hammer on the cover to appeal to Aussie readers and/or jump on the Aussie bush noir bandwagon?
As an Australian and crime novel reader, I can confidently say the author writes as though he has no idea about life in regional Australia. Root vegetables in cellars? Medical examiners office? the woods? the place names? the scale of facilities? The basic plot is interesting (did the hermit do it or not and why?), but I could not get past the incongruities on almost every page. It became a case of spot the non-Australianisms. The revelations at the ending were just too over the top for a small town.
As an Australian and crime novel reader, I can confidently say the author writes as though he has no idea about life in regional Australia. Root vegetables in cellars? Medical examiners office? the woods? the place names? the scale of facilities? The basic plot is interesting (did the hermit do it or not and why?), but I could not get past the incongruities on almost every page. It became a case of spot the non-Australianisms. The revelations at the ending were just too over the top for a small town.
January 7, 2021
1.5 stars rounded up
I almost DNF'd this book so many times, but I though if I stick with it, if I just persevere, it would have to get better! How wrong I was.
This book was essentially one longggg interview with one suspect in a homicide investigation. The catch? The suspect has been missing for 15 years and noone knows where he has been- a cool premise. Except that is it, nothing else happens. No twists. No turns. Just a long interview...
The author uses so much foreshadowing, and starts to build but it leads to nowhere. From the very first page there is this mystery around the lead detective's past, but it goes nowhere !!
I was so frustrated with this one.
I almost DNF'd this book so many times, but I though if I stick with it, if I just persevere, it would have to get better! How wrong I was.
This book was essentially one longggg interview with one suspect in a homicide investigation. The catch? The suspect has been missing for 15 years and noone knows where he has been- a cool premise. Except that is it, nothing else happens. No twists. No turns. Just a long interview...
The author uses so much foreshadowing, and starts to build but it leads to nowhere. From the very first page there is this mystery around the lead detective's past, but it goes nowhere !!
I was so frustrated with this one.
May 2, 2023
Although it’s been seven weeks since I read HERMIT, and I never reflected upon the story after finishing it, the details of its plot have remained clear in my memory. This is a two-character drama revolving around the integration of a man who was found beside Lou Cassevette, a murdered grocery store owner. Nathan Whittler, a hermit, had broken into Lou’s store and will not describe what occurred. His presence, plus the blood on his hands, makes him the most likely suspect, but he could simply have been in the wrong place after the murder took place, and the police have just 24 hours to interrogate him before he will be appointed a lawyer who will tell him not to talk.
Nathan is a mystery. Fifteen years earlier, in 2004, he disappeared from his job and his home, where he had been living with his parents and older brother; he hasn't been seen since. No records exist explaining where or how he has lived during that time. He appears to lack a motive for the murder.
His interrogator, Detective Dana Russo, also has a secret, a trauma that occurred on the anniversary of the day she conducts the interrogation, a day she normally takes off to brood about her mental pain.
There are some distractions from the interplay between the two psychologically wounded individuals as other members of the police team investigate clues that might lead to other motives for Lou’s murder, but there is relatively little action, and readers who prefer action thrillers would probably not enjoy this novel. On the other hand, it is likely to appeal to readers who like dark, psychologically intense mysteries. The uncovering of Nathan’s grim backstory is especially chilling.
I greatly enjoyed the story but I had two caveats that moved it down from a five-star rating to a four-star one. The first, and most important, is that the location of the action did not appear to describe the Australian outback that I have come to know through other novels. I am not knowledgeable about all the various geographical areas of Australia, but I have read enough stories about the country to have a fairly good concept of its terrain; if these events did occur in an Australian environment, I would have liked to have the locale specifically pinpointed. My second caveat is more personal. I would have liked to have seen more closure, especially with regards to the villain who was uncovered during the investigation.
Nathan is a mystery. Fifteen years earlier, in 2004, he disappeared from his job and his home, where he had been living with his parents and older brother; he hasn't been seen since. No records exist explaining where or how he has lived during that time. He appears to lack a motive for the murder.
His interrogator, Detective Dana Russo, also has a secret, a trauma that occurred on the anniversary of the day she conducts the interrogation, a day she normally takes off to brood about her mental pain.
There are some distractions from the interplay between the two psychologically wounded individuals as other members of the police team investigate clues that might lead to other motives for Lou’s murder, but there is relatively little action, and readers who prefer action thrillers would probably not enjoy this novel. On the other hand, it is likely to appeal to readers who like dark, psychologically intense mysteries. The uncovering of Nathan’s grim backstory is especially chilling.
I greatly enjoyed the story but I had two caveats that moved it down from a five-star rating to a four-star one. The first, and most important, is that the location of the action did not appear to describe the Australian outback that I have come to know through other novels. I am not knowledgeable about all the various geographical areas of Australia, but I have read enough stories about the country to have a fairly good concept of its terrain; if these events did occur in an Australian environment, I would have liked to have the locale specifically pinpointed. My second caveat is more personal. I would have liked to have seen more closure, especially with regards to the villain who was uncovered during the investigation.
September 28, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
3.5 stars
‘I mean, look here: no hesitation marks and just one stab. And the trajectory, straight between the ribs and into the heart.’ She looked up. ‘That sounds a little slick for an apparent hermit who didn’t take a weapon along, don’t you think?’
A murder, a disappearance and a baffling crime defines S.R. White’s novel, Hermit. A slow burn psychological thriller that takes you one way and then another, Hermit will challenge the mind of any astute crime thriller fan. Hermit is original, volatile and full of conjecture.
Set in the heart of the Australian bush, Hermit rips apart the circumstances surrounding an unusual death. Detective Dana Russo is charged with the difficult task of dissecting a possible confession from the chief suspect of a crime scene that he ran from some fifteen years earlier. This suspect has lived in isolation for over a decade and it is up to the formidable Detective Russo to gain a full understanding of what happened and why this recluse has lived a life in silence for so long. With a lack of police clues and evidence, the task Dana Russo is issued with seems impossible. Russo must summon all the strength and expertise she can to elicit a response from this troubled man. Questions arise over his motives, guilt, innocence, involvement and possible violent intent. But as Russo races against time to get to the bottom of the truth, old wounds from her own past arise, which threaten to take over her ability to crack this puzzling case.
Praised by well lauded fellow crime novelist Peter May, S.R. White has made quite a splash on the contemporary Australian crime fiction scene with Hermit. With echoes of great writers such as Jane Harper and Chris Hammer, readers with a vested interest in crime thrillers with an Australian bushland setting will definitely gravitate towards this new release.
The sense of place soon got to me when I read through the first few lines of Hermit. The reader is literally plonked smack bang in the wilds of the Australian bush. This heartlands region offers up plenty by way of atmosphere. We have an isolated and desolate central locale, which is simply ripe for the picking in terms of a crime scene. S.R. White really pulls out all the stops in this department, heightening the mood and the setting base of Hermit to play out successfully.
We have two significantly damaged leads who help to draw out proceedings in Hermit. Nathan, the central suspect, along with Dana, the lead detective assigned to the core mystery of this novel, bounce off each other very well. I enjoyed the interplay between these two prime characters. Each is fragile and damaged in their own way, but both have truths and secrets to reveal. There is a strong feeling throughout that Dana is trying to pull back and tear herself away from Nathan. Trying to attain an objective point of view in regards to this case proves to be difficult and emotionally fraught for Dana. The inner struggle Dana faces in regards to her own personal trauma, which threatens to come to blows with this case was handled well by the author. Likewise, I appreciated the genuine realism that was expressed between Dana and her team. With over a decade on the front line as a police officer in the UK, S.R. White has utilised this experience to produce an authentic police procedural. I also think that the reader will be receptive to all the interactions that take place in this book, they are reactive and understandable.
Hermit is defined by plenty of tension, which I think can be attributed to the location and the intense interrogation episodes featured in this novel. This one did rise and fall for me pace wise. I was definitely interested in where it would all go, but I wasn’t completely glued to Hermit. I think the book builds to a quite shocking conclusion, where not areas of the book were adequately tidied up. However, S.R. White has opened up the possibly for a continuation of this book into a possible sequel or series. We will see what the future holds!
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
3.5 stars
‘I mean, look here: no hesitation marks and just one stab. And the trajectory, straight between the ribs and into the heart.’ She looked up. ‘That sounds a little slick for an apparent hermit who didn’t take a weapon along, don’t you think?’
A murder, a disappearance and a baffling crime defines S.R. White’s novel, Hermit. A slow burn psychological thriller that takes you one way and then another, Hermit will challenge the mind of any astute crime thriller fan. Hermit is original, volatile and full of conjecture.
Set in the heart of the Australian bush, Hermit rips apart the circumstances surrounding an unusual death. Detective Dana Russo is charged with the difficult task of dissecting a possible confession from the chief suspect of a crime scene that he ran from some fifteen years earlier. This suspect has lived in isolation for over a decade and it is up to the formidable Detective Russo to gain a full understanding of what happened and why this recluse has lived a life in silence for so long. With a lack of police clues and evidence, the task Dana Russo is issued with seems impossible. Russo must summon all the strength and expertise she can to elicit a response from this troubled man. Questions arise over his motives, guilt, innocence, involvement and possible violent intent. But as Russo races against time to get to the bottom of the truth, old wounds from her own past arise, which threaten to take over her ability to crack this puzzling case.
Praised by well lauded fellow crime novelist Peter May, S.R. White has made quite a splash on the contemporary Australian crime fiction scene with Hermit. With echoes of great writers such as Jane Harper and Chris Hammer, readers with a vested interest in crime thrillers with an Australian bushland setting will definitely gravitate towards this new release.
The sense of place soon got to me when I read through the first few lines of Hermit. The reader is literally plonked smack bang in the wilds of the Australian bush. This heartlands region offers up plenty by way of atmosphere. We have an isolated and desolate central locale, which is simply ripe for the picking in terms of a crime scene. S.R. White really pulls out all the stops in this department, heightening the mood and the setting base of Hermit to play out successfully.
We have two significantly damaged leads who help to draw out proceedings in Hermit. Nathan, the central suspect, along with Dana, the lead detective assigned to the core mystery of this novel, bounce off each other very well. I enjoyed the interplay between these two prime characters. Each is fragile and damaged in their own way, but both have truths and secrets to reveal. There is a strong feeling throughout that Dana is trying to pull back and tear herself away from Nathan. Trying to attain an objective point of view in regards to this case proves to be difficult and emotionally fraught for Dana. The inner struggle Dana faces in regards to her own personal trauma, which threatens to come to blows with this case was handled well by the author. Likewise, I appreciated the genuine realism that was expressed between Dana and her team. With over a decade on the front line as a police officer in the UK, S.R. White has utilised this experience to produce an authentic police procedural. I also think that the reader will be receptive to all the interactions that take place in this book, they are reactive and understandable.
Hermit is defined by plenty of tension, which I think can be attributed to the location and the intense interrogation episodes featured in this novel. This one did rise and fall for me pace wise. I was definitely interested in where it would all go, but I wasn’t completely glued to Hermit. I think the book builds to a quite shocking conclusion, where not areas of the book were adequately tidied up. However, S.R. White has opened up the possibly for a continuation of this book into a possible sequel or series. We will see what the future holds!
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
October 17, 2024
I normally like my thriller to be fast-paced, but this was a slow burn and equally as enjoyable. An intriguing storyline that held my interest from start to finish.
Hermit by Aussie author S.R. White is the first book in the Detective Dana Russo series and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
Hermit by Aussie author S.R. White is the first book in the Detective Dana Russo series and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
September 9, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Headline for a review copy of Hermit, a stand-alone thriller set in rural Australia.
Detective Dana Russo is having a day off when she is called in for a murder case. Nathan Whittler has been found standing over the dead body of shop owner Lou Cassavette in his shop, but with no weapon and minimal traces of blood on him it is up to Dana to discover what happened.
I thoroughly enjoyed Hermit which is an intriguing read and strangely compulsive when the bulk of it comprises of conversation between Dana and Nathan, or the more formal Detective Russo and Mr Whittler as they refer to each other. I wondered what I’d got myself in to when the novel opens with Dana contemplating suicide but that is merely background to the main event. Both Dana and Nathan have trauma in their past so she understands his skittishness in the interview. He did, after all, go off grid in 2004 and has remained hidden ever since.
The novel is basically a game of cat and mouse with Dana trying to tease out the socially inept Nathan’s secrets. What makes it fascinating is that their interviews are interspersed with her colleagues verifying the information he gives, investigating other lines of enquiry and helping her with interview planning and strategy. I loved all that backroom stuff. Nathan has a compelling tale to tell and it is eked out over the course of the novel, with a final unexpected twist. It is sufficiently lurid to grab the attention, but, for me, not as interesting as the investigation.
Running through the novel is Dana’s preoccupation with the Day, i.e. the day she always has off to do some thinking. It’s an anniversary of some kind but it isn’t explained, and even then only in part, until the last few pages. I didn’t find all the references suspenseful, more annoying.
I think this novel is slightly too long as I found myself losing a bit of interest by the end. It weaves quite a web with all the possibilities but seems to fizzle out when the information finally starts flowing.
Hermit is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Detective Dana Russo is having a day off when she is called in for a murder case. Nathan Whittler has been found standing over the dead body of shop owner Lou Cassavette in his shop, but with no weapon and minimal traces of blood on him it is up to Dana to discover what happened.
I thoroughly enjoyed Hermit which is an intriguing read and strangely compulsive when the bulk of it comprises of conversation between Dana and Nathan, or the more formal Detective Russo and Mr Whittler as they refer to each other. I wondered what I’d got myself in to when the novel opens with Dana contemplating suicide but that is merely background to the main event. Both Dana and Nathan have trauma in their past so she understands his skittishness in the interview. He did, after all, go off grid in 2004 and has remained hidden ever since.
The novel is basically a game of cat and mouse with Dana trying to tease out the socially inept Nathan’s secrets. What makes it fascinating is that their interviews are interspersed with her colleagues verifying the information he gives, investigating other lines of enquiry and helping her with interview planning and strategy. I loved all that backroom stuff. Nathan has a compelling tale to tell and it is eked out over the course of the novel, with a final unexpected twist. It is sufficiently lurid to grab the attention, but, for me, not as interesting as the investigation.
Running through the novel is Dana’s preoccupation with the Day, i.e. the day she always has off to do some thinking. It’s an anniversary of some kind but it isn’t explained, and even then only in part, until the last few pages. I didn’t find all the references suspenseful, more annoying.
I think this novel is slightly too long as I found myself losing a bit of interest by the end. It weaves quite a web with all the possibilities but seems to fizzle out when the information finally starts flowing.
Hermit is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
September 21, 2020
Well, I was warned. The phrase “slow-burner” which is there, right at the top of the front cover of this book, is not wrong.
Lou Cassavette, a local store owner has been found stabbed to death in his store. The only suspect, one Nathan Whittler, has been living, not only alone, but completely off the grid for the past fifteen years. Where? Why? How? Who knows. Either way he is saying nothing, nada, zilch to anyone, so obviously needs to be interviewed with care and sensitivity. Enter Detective Dana Russo, young and keen, but with Issues. Exactly what these Issues are we can only guess but they include a gammy knee, unhappy childhood memories, a need for solitude and suicidal tendencies. She also likes to take one particular day off work on the anniversary of whatever It is that troubles her. This is always referred to as the Day, and presumably the reader will be let into this at some stage.
Set in small-town, rural Australia but lacking description and atmosphere, this could be just about anywhere. The flat characters who lack – well, character – don't help, and what passes for banter between the handful of police involved is just too silly and twee. It's hard to believe that all the to-ing and fro-ing, interviewing the suspect, going to see the priest, a local pot-holer, case conferences with the police team, all happen in one day.
This is depressing, confusing, bleak, and just plain irritating, and having reached almost the halfway point, I'm inclined to just put this down and go stick my head in a bucket of cold water, just to remind myself that I am alive.
My thanks to Amazon for a complimentary copy for review
Lou Cassavette, a local store owner has been found stabbed to death in his store. The only suspect, one Nathan Whittler, has been living, not only alone, but completely off the grid for the past fifteen years. Where? Why? How? Who knows. Either way he is saying nothing, nada, zilch to anyone, so obviously needs to be interviewed with care and sensitivity. Enter Detective Dana Russo, young and keen, but with Issues. Exactly what these Issues are we can only guess but they include a gammy knee, unhappy childhood memories, a need for solitude and suicidal tendencies. She also likes to take one particular day off work on the anniversary of whatever It is that troubles her. This is always referred to as the Day, and presumably the reader will be let into this at some stage.
Set in small-town, rural Australia but lacking description and atmosphere, this could be just about anywhere. The flat characters who lack – well, character – don't help, and what passes for banter between the handful of police involved is just too silly and twee. It's hard to believe that all the to-ing and fro-ing, interviewing the suspect, going to see the priest, a local pot-holer, case conferences with the police team, all happen in one day.
This is depressing, confusing, bleak, and just plain irritating, and having reached almost the halfway point, I'm inclined to just put this down and go stick my head in a bucket of cold water, just to remind myself that I am alive.
My thanks to Amazon for a complimentary copy for review
October 14, 2020
A man caught over a dead body at a shop break in. The police have limited time to question the suspect who disappeared fifteen years earlier without a trace. A police detective who has secrets of her own, as the two characters and their stories metamorphose and the tension builds. Another new voice in Australian crime fiction has arrived, with a intensity and reckoning to behold. Highly recommended and 4 stars.
September 20, 2020
The events in the book take place over a day giving it an almost real-time feel. But it’s not just any old day. For Dana Russo, it’s “the Day”, the anniversary of something the nature of which the reader can only guess at but immediately senses was traumatic.
Much of the book is given over to the interview sessions between Dana and chief suspect for the murder, Nathan Whittler. The reader really gets a sense of being in the interview room alongside them. It’s claustrophobic and filled with tension. I found myself holding my breath at some points while one of Dana’s questions is posed and considered by Nathan. The accuracy of the description of Nathan as “not their usual kind of suspect” becomes increasingly clear.
What I found particularly fascinating was Dana’s preparation for the interviews: the insight into her thought processes about the line of questioning she should adopt; how and when to disclose information; how to interpret Nathan’s responses and body language. It hadn’t fully occurred to me how much a police interview is akin to a psychological game of chess or poker in which picking up small signs in response to delicate probing is an essential part. In Hermit, the author conveys this element superbly.
Between the intense sessions, Dana has moments of doubt about her ability to interpret the meaning of Nathan’s “flicks, gestures, silences, and absences”. She fears the fact of it being “the Day” may have an impact on her ability to exercise her professional skills and that a mistake on her part might jeopardize what really matters to her – finding the truth. Sharing some of his introvert instincts gives Dana a degree of empathy for Nathan. “Being Nathan Whittler was clearly not easy and the sudden insight into what it involved jarred her.” But are they too alike and will she perhaps have to reveal too much of herself to get the answers she needs from him?
What the reader learns is that Dana likes – indeed, needs – order. She knows she functions best when she “was allowed to take her time – delve, think, plan.” I loved the relationship between Dana and her colleague, Mike. Their light-hearted banter is a sign of their close working partnership but also that they understand each other well. As Mike reflects at one point, “Between them they made one mighty detective. Individually, they were deeply flawed, but in different areas”. They have a tacit agreement to act as Devil’s advocate when either of them is leading a case: challenging assumptions, suggesting different lines of enquiry.
I also liked Dana’s fellow officers: Bill, her boss; Lucy, the team’s formidable secretary and administrator; Rainer, the eager young detective already displaying the instincts needed to be successful. Mike and Lucy in particular have a keen awareness of Dana’s strengths and vulnerabilities and I really loved how the author showed them supporting her in all sorts of little ways.
Hermit is a book for those who like their crime fiction to be character-driven, detailed and of the slow-burn variety. However, even a slow-burning fuse results in an explosion in the end. And, as much as you’ve been expecting it – preparing for it, even- it can still make you jump when it occurs.
I thought Hermit was terrific and I only hope the author is already working on a follow-up.
Much of the book is given over to the interview sessions between Dana and chief suspect for the murder, Nathan Whittler. The reader really gets a sense of being in the interview room alongside them. It’s claustrophobic and filled with tension. I found myself holding my breath at some points while one of Dana’s questions is posed and considered by Nathan. The accuracy of the description of Nathan as “not their usual kind of suspect” becomes increasingly clear.
What I found particularly fascinating was Dana’s preparation for the interviews: the insight into her thought processes about the line of questioning she should adopt; how and when to disclose information; how to interpret Nathan’s responses and body language. It hadn’t fully occurred to me how much a police interview is akin to a psychological game of chess or poker in which picking up small signs in response to delicate probing is an essential part. In Hermit, the author conveys this element superbly.
Between the intense sessions, Dana has moments of doubt about her ability to interpret the meaning of Nathan’s “flicks, gestures, silences, and absences”. She fears the fact of it being “the Day” may have an impact on her ability to exercise her professional skills and that a mistake on her part might jeopardize what really matters to her – finding the truth. Sharing some of his introvert instincts gives Dana a degree of empathy for Nathan. “Being Nathan Whittler was clearly not easy and the sudden insight into what it involved jarred her.” But are they too alike and will she perhaps have to reveal too much of herself to get the answers she needs from him?
What the reader learns is that Dana likes – indeed, needs – order. She knows she functions best when she “was allowed to take her time – delve, think, plan.” I loved the relationship between Dana and her colleague, Mike. Their light-hearted banter is a sign of their close working partnership but also that they understand each other well. As Mike reflects at one point, “Between them they made one mighty detective. Individually, they were deeply flawed, but in different areas”. They have a tacit agreement to act as Devil’s advocate when either of them is leading a case: challenging assumptions, suggesting different lines of enquiry.
I also liked Dana’s fellow officers: Bill, her boss; Lucy, the team’s formidable secretary and administrator; Rainer, the eager young detective already displaying the instincts needed to be successful. Mike and Lucy in particular have a keen awareness of Dana’s strengths and vulnerabilities and I really loved how the author showed them supporting her in all sorts of little ways.
Hermit is a book for those who like their crime fiction to be character-driven, detailed and of the slow-burn variety. However, even a slow-burning fuse results in an explosion in the end. And, as much as you’ve been expecting it – preparing for it, even- it can still make you jump when it occurs.
I thought Hermit was terrific and I only hope the author is already working on a follow-up.
April 22, 2020
I can't decide on a rating for this book. I'm not really a fan of star ratings anyway but this one has got me thinking. It's not out until Sept but I have lost all track of time and wanted to get a short review in now.
The opening is pretty great. Slammed right into the case, the crime scene of a shop owner knifed to death in his store. The suspect leaning over him. A clear cut case of guilt right? Turns out when this man is taken to the police station and then the questions begin. But before that, the police discover this man has been missing for years. YEARS. Living off grid but why? And why return now? To rob a store only for it to end in murder?
Tons of questions and mystery from the start. At this point we are thrown deep into the investigation. The questions come thick and fast, the suspect tries to withhold some information yet seems keen to reveal other facts and he's a dark horse. You just know something is going on in that head but what and who will prise it from him?
Then there's the policewoman in charge. We know at the start that this day is a particularly bad anniversary for her..but why? She's a tough cookie but is wary of allowing her softer side to come through. It's a tense cat and mouse game with her in the interrogation scenes....This was very well done and the tension was palpable. As we went back into the room after a break, I felt myself holding my breath...
However, these scenes did drag slightly in the middle before the full story came out. The back and forth and cat and mouse game was serious and at times a little intense. It was very claustrophobic too with barely anyone else involved in the scenes. The walls were closing in...
No spoilers but I was disappointed at the reason behind Hermit and why this man had been off grid. That part of the story wasn't as developed as it might have been. Having said that, I wasn't particularly keen to have those images in my head.
The setting is a rural Australian town. Desert all around and tumbleweed. Not huge on location or setting as the police interrogation room and a single store is where it all happens.
All in all, this kept me reading and I would definitely come back to this author for the writing and his scene setting.
The opening is pretty great. Slammed right into the case, the crime scene of a shop owner knifed to death in his store. The suspect leaning over him. A clear cut case of guilt right? Turns out when this man is taken to the police station and then the questions begin. But before that, the police discover this man has been missing for years. YEARS. Living off grid but why? And why return now? To rob a store only for it to end in murder?
Tons of questions and mystery from the start. At this point we are thrown deep into the investigation. The questions come thick and fast, the suspect tries to withhold some information yet seems keen to reveal other facts and he's a dark horse. You just know something is going on in that head but what and who will prise it from him?
Then there's the policewoman in charge. We know at the start that this day is a particularly bad anniversary for her..but why? She's a tough cookie but is wary of allowing her softer side to come through. It's a tense cat and mouse game with her in the interrogation scenes....This was very well done and the tension was palpable. As we went back into the room after a break, I felt myself holding my breath...
However, these scenes did drag slightly in the middle before the full story came out. The back and forth and cat and mouse game was serious and at times a little intense. It was very claustrophobic too with barely anyone else involved in the scenes. The walls were closing in...
No spoilers but I was disappointed at the reason behind Hermit and why this man had been off grid. That part of the story wasn't as developed as it might have been. Having said that, I wasn't particularly keen to have those images in my head.
The setting is a rural Australian town. Desert all around and tumbleweed. Not huge on location or setting as the police interrogation room and a single store is where it all happens.
All in all, this kept me reading and I would definitely come back to this author for the writing and his scene setting.
September 13, 2020
What a ghastly bookcover. Is this police procedural set in Australia? The vague sense of place indicates that it should be, although the landscape is generic. Scattered references to iconic brand names like Ford Falcon, Chiko Roll, Hills Hoist and the addition of a eucalypt or two, does not represent rural Australia. If you placed this story over an American setting it would bond nicely with its pre-set American names. Reference is made to ‘medical examiner’ not Coroner or forensic pathologist. There’s mention of haciendas and Detective Dana Russo incongruously speaks some Mexican, while her boss Bill Meeks thinks ‘pint’ of blood when metric is used in Australia.
Makeover aside, the plot is straight forward, the owner of a general store is murdered and fact-finding is followed by a manhunt. Assisted by Bill Meeks and colleague Mike Francis, Dana Russo must find and interview hermit Nathan Whittler. The psychological drama adds depth but slows the pace which is surprising because I found it a quick read. There are two clever twists and dark chapters where character bonding is needed to get anything meaningful from bitter emotions. I felt Dana Russo was held at arm’s length, technically good but missing that spark. Investigative window-dressing doesn’t hide the end result which precedes a cautious cliffhanger hinting at more.
Makeover aside, the plot is straight forward, the owner of a general store is murdered and fact-finding is followed by a manhunt. Assisted by Bill Meeks and colleague Mike Francis, Dana Russo must find and interview hermit Nathan Whittler. The psychological drama adds depth but slows the pace which is surprising because I found it a quick read. There are two clever twists and dark chapters where character bonding is needed to get anything meaningful from bitter emotions. I felt Dana Russo was held at arm’s length, technically good but missing that spark. Investigative window-dressing doesn’t hide the end result which precedes a cautious cliffhanger hinting at more.
September 30, 2020
3.5* —> 4*
Character-driven, claustrophobic slow-burner.
Character-driven, claustrophobic slow-burner.
October 2, 2020
Hermit is a superior debut and a psychological suspense novel that is less a crime novel and more a painstakingly crafted and emotive character study. Darkly claustrophobic and broodingly intense from the get-go, the entire story unfolds over the course of a twelve hour day in a small town in rural Australia. For introverted Detective Dana Russo the day begins with her contemplating whether to live or die and once again holding herself to account on the anniversary of the two traumatic events that have shaped her life. Her day of introspection is intruded upon by her boss, Bill Meeks, calling her to the scene of murder and as lead investigator she has to put her own problems aside.
The murder victim in thirty-five-year-old Jensen’s Store owner, Lou Cassavette, and the prime suspect is Nathan Whittler, found crouched over the body and with blood on his hands after what appears to be a break-in. But the murder makes no sense with a motive for the crime absent and Whittler jumpy, visibly anxious when people try to interact with him and reluctant to make eye contact or speak. Things become more bizarre when the police discover that at the age of twenty-three and a decade and a half ago he vanished from his home with no evidence of where he has been or any kind of digital footprint. Before Dana can even broach the crime and the events surrounding the murder she has just twelve hours of custody time with Nathan to persuade him to open up and with no conclusive evidence, CCTV or witnesses to the crime a conviction is no foregone conclusion. As Dana sensitively coaxes Nathan into sharing his whereabouts and the events surrounding his departure fifteen years it brings painful memories to the fore and as he makes his own disclosures a credible rapport between suspect and detective is struck. Initial in-roads are slow to come and interpreting Nathan’s mannerisms and behaviour crucial, but as solid facts about his past emerge Dana’s investigation strategy is moulded to adapt. Nathan himself is considered and articulate and as the trust builds between he and Dana getting to the truth starts to feel like a team effort.
I appreciated Dana’s empathy, compassion and willingness to listen without one iota of judgement and whilst the repetitive mention of the significance of the day to Dana (which is only partially revealed near to the close) did begin to grate, the novel was an immersive read, the interviews packed with tension, the narrative was intelligent and the plotting pitch perfect. Amongst the team Dana is adjudged the best fit to interview Nathan and lead on the case with her own reticence to spend too much time in the company of people and an aloof and reserved demeanour well-known to her colleagues. As number two on the case, Detective Mike Francis, investigates other angles (including Lou’s wife and his connection to a drugs gang) and he is brilliantly supported by dynamic administrator, Luce, and eager beaver and gifted officer Rainer. Despite Dana taking pole position with cracking Nathan and getting him to open up the case is a definite team effort and the camaraderie, support and input of the team has left me keen for a second encounter with the crew. S.R. White’s portrayal of an immensely burdened suspect and an equally troubled detective is at times heart-wrenching but never less than compelling. Although I suspect the pace of this novel might be the major drawback for readers who enjoy fast and furious thrillers Hermit brings its own rewards and this is the opportunity to understand Nathan Whittler’s demeanour, lifestyle and actions and gain an insight into troubled Dana Russo.
The murder victim in thirty-five-year-old Jensen’s Store owner, Lou Cassavette, and the prime suspect is Nathan Whittler, found crouched over the body and with blood on his hands after what appears to be a break-in. But the murder makes no sense with a motive for the crime absent and Whittler jumpy, visibly anxious when people try to interact with him and reluctant to make eye contact or speak. Things become more bizarre when the police discover that at the age of twenty-three and a decade and a half ago he vanished from his home with no evidence of where he has been or any kind of digital footprint. Before Dana can even broach the crime and the events surrounding the murder she has just twelve hours of custody time with Nathan to persuade him to open up and with no conclusive evidence, CCTV or witnesses to the crime a conviction is no foregone conclusion. As Dana sensitively coaxes Nathan into sharing his whereabouts and the events surrounding his departure fifteen years it brings painful memories to the fore and as he makes his own disclosures a credible rapport between suspect and detective is struck. Initial in-roads are slow to come and interpreting Nathan’s mannerisms and behaviour crucial, but as solid facts about his past emerge Dana’s investigation strategy is moulded to adapt. Nathan himself is considered and articulate and as the trust builds between he and Dana getting to the truth starts to feel like a team effort.
I appreciated Dana’s empathy, compassion and willingness to listen without one iota of judgement and whilst the repetitive mention of the significance of the day to Dana (which is only partially revealed near to the close) did begin to grate, the novel was an immersive read, the interviews packed with tension, the narrative was intelligent and the plotting pitch perfect. Amongst the team Dana is adjudged the best fit to interview Nathan and lead on the case with her own reticence to spend too much time in the company of people and an aloof and reserved demeanour well-known to her colleagues. As number two on the case, Detective Mike Francis, investigates other angles (including Lou’s wife and his connection to a drugs gang) and he is brilliantly supported by dynamic administrator, Luce, and eager beaver and gifted officer Rainer. Despite Dana taking pole position with cracking Nathan and getting him to open up the case is a definite team effort and the camaraderie, support and input of the team has left me keen for a second encounter with the crew. S.R. White’s portrayal of an immensely burdened suspect and an equally troubled detective is at times heart-wrenching but never less than compelling. Although I suspect the pace of this novel might be the major drawback for readers who enjoy fast and furious thrillers Hermit brings its own rewards and this is the opportunity to understand Nathan Whittler’s demeanour, lifestyle and actions and gain an insight into troubled Dana Russo.
August 27, 2020
Hermit is a gripping crime fiction debut from ex UK police officer, now Queensland resident, S.R. White.
In the early hours of the morning, Detective Dana Russo is called to the scene of a murder. A suspect is already in custody, having been found standing over the body, but other than offering his name and declining the services of a lawyer, the man, Nathan Whittler, is reluctant to talk. While her team does their due diligence investigating alternate possibilities, Dana has twelve hours to get a statement from Nathan that she hopes will close the case.
Set in rural Australia, most of the action in Hermit takes place within a police interrogation room as Dana carefully coaxes information from a reticent Nathan. It results in a series of tense and unusual exchanges between the two as a tentative rapport develops, despite their nominally adversarial relationship.
Nathan is nothing like Dana expects as he confesses he has not spoken to another person in fifteen years. He has, the police learn, lived alone and off the grid in the surrounding bushland since walking away from his family and job in 1994. Sensitive to the possibility of past trauma, and Nathan’s obvious emotional fragility, Dana must tread lightly as she probes for information that will explain his disappearance, and what role he may have in the murder.
The give and take of the interview is finely crafted by White, and we learn as much about Dana as we do Nathan. When the novel opens, Dana is contemplating suicide, privately reminiscing on the anniversary of a past trauma, and as the interrogation progresses some of the details of that experience are revealed. At times Dana struggles to maintain professional distance, grappling with the reminders of her own tragic childhood, torn between her empathy for Nathan, and her role as his interrogator.
Dana’s colleagues provide some relief from the intensity of the scenes between her and Nathan. I enjoyed the banter with her unit, particularly Administration assistant Lucy and fellow detective Mike, who both obviously like and respect Dana, as does her boss, Bill. As Dana moves in and out of the interview room, they are kept busy investigating both Nathan’s past, as well as the life of the dead man - running down the possibility of his wife’s involvement in the murder, and a suspected connection to organised crime.
With its riveting narrative, and intriguing characters, I found Hermit to be an engrossing read. There are a few minor threads of the story that White leaves unresolved, which is mildly irritating, though I assume, and hope, the author has plans for a sequel.
In the early hours of the morning, Detective Dana Russo is called to the scene of a murder. A suspect is already in custody, having been found standing over the body, but other than offering his name and declining the services of a lawyer, the man, Nathan Whittler, is reluctant to talk. While her team does their due diligence investigating alternate possibilities, Dana has twelve hours to get a statement from Nathan that she hopes will close the case.
Set in rural Australia, most of the action in Hermit takes place within a police interrogation room as Dana carefully coaxes information from a reticent Nathan. It results in a series of tense and unusual exchanges between the two as a tentative rapport develops, despite their nominally adversarial relationship.
Nathan is nothing like Dana expects as he confesses he has not spoken to another person in fifteen years. He has, the police learn, lived alone and off the grid in the surrounding bushland since walking away from his family and job in 1994. Sensitive to the possibility of past trauma, and Nathan’s obvious emotional fragility, Dana must tread lightly as she probes for information that will explain his disappearance, and what role he may have in the murder.
The give and take of the interview is finely crafted by White, and we learn as much about Dana as we do Nathan. When the novel opens, Dana is contemplating suicide, privately reminiscing on the anniversary of a past trauma, and as the interrogation progresses some of the details of that experience are revealed. At times Dana struggles to maintain professional distance, grappling with the reminders of her own tragic childhood, torn between her empathy for Nathan, and her role as his interrogator.
Dana’s colleagues provide some relief from the intensity of the scenes between her and Nathan. I enjoyed the banter with her unit, particularly Administration assistant Lucy and fellow detective Mike, who both obviously like and respect Dana, as does her boss, Bill. As Dana moves in and out of the interview room, they are kept busy investigating both Nathan’s past, as well as the life of the dead man - running down the possibility of his wife’s involvement in the murder, and a suspected connection to organised crime.
With its riveting narrative, and intriguing characters, I found Hermit to be an engrossing read. There are a few minor threads of the story that White leaves unresolved, which is mildly irritating, though I assume, and hope, the author has plans for a sequel.
July 17, 2020
Ohhh I don’t know how I feel about this book. If you’re more about the journey than the destination, then you might rate this book higher—the journey is some of the most compelling, tense crime fiction I’ve read in years. However if you weight the destination heavily, you may experience more of the frustration I felt at the end of S. R. White’s debut novel Hermit.
With a very limited cast of characters in Hermit, S. R. White has written two fascinating leads. In fact, if Hermit was ever adapted into a film I suspect it wouldn’t need a huge budget. Two actors would carry the bulk of the plot on their shoulders over the period of a single day, primarily in an interview room at a police station. It’s a tight, claustrophobic struggle between a jaded police officer with a difficult past and a man caught with blood on his hands at the scene of a murder. And, for the most part, it works.
Set in the Australian outback, a man who disappeared 15 years earlier becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a local shopkeeper when he is found with the body, his hands covered in blood. Where has he been for 15 years, and why did he come back today? These are two of the many questions Dana, the lead detective, seeks to answer while she keeps her own demons at bay. What follows over the course of the day are a series of increasingly tense interviews between Dana and the suspect, Nathan.
For me, the book lost its steam towards the very end but up to that point I struggled to put it down. I was compelled to keep reading to understand more of Nathan, the enigmatic suspect, and to find out exactly how his 15-year disappearance ended in murder. The journey was fun, but the destination fell flat. Also, I hope every character being referred to as 'chick' is removed in the final version (I was reading an uncorrected proof). By the end, the constant use of that nickname was almost unbearable.
With a very limited cast of characters in Hermit, S. R. White has written two fascinating leads. In fact, if Hermit was ever adapted into a film I suspect it wouldn’t need a huge budget. Two actors would carry the bulk of the plot on their shoulders over the period of a single day, primarily in an interview room at a police station. It’s a tight, claustrophobic struggle between a jaded police officer with a difficult past and a man caught with blood on his hands at the scene of a murder. And, for the most part, it works.
Set in the Australian outback, a man who disappeared 15 years earlier becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a local shopkeeper when he is found with the body, his hands covered in blood. Where has he been for 15 years, and why did he come back today? These are two of the many questions Dana, the lead detective, seeks to answer while she keeps her own demons at bay. What follows over the course of the day are a series of increasingly tense interviews between Dana and the suspect, Nathan.
For me, the book lost its steam towards the very end but up to that point I struggled to put it down. I was compelled to keep reading to understand more of Nathan, the enigmatic suspect, and to find out exactly how his 15-year disappearance ended in murder. The journey was fun, but the destination fell flat. Also, I hope every character being referred to as 'chick' is removed in the final version (I was reading an uncorrected proof). By the end, the constant use of that nickname was almost unbearable.
August 13, 2020
Outstanding read and a late contender for my favourite book of 2020.
Whilst ultimately a crime novel, this is more psychological drama. Although all the events happen within about 12 hours, it is not a fast paced novel. This one is about the journey, not the destination and outcome.
Two brilliant lead characters. Detective Dana Russo, who is battling her own demons on this day of all days, an anniversary of past traumatic events. And our "Hermit", Nathan Whittler, a man who has been off the grid for 15 years, spoken to nobody in that time, and not speaking now.
Nathan is found and arrested at a murder scene, thought to be the perpetrator and at the minute the only suspect, but he's saying nothing. Dana must periodically interrogate, not too much too often for fear of being held to be badgering and exhausting the suspect, and get him to speak and reveal what he knows within 24 hours, at which time he has to be found a lawyer. And the expectation that a lawyer will tell him not to speak.
Dana must gradually build a rapport with Nathan - whilst investigations continue in the background - and the tension builds though the day to the crescendo in the concluding stages.
The psychology at play between our two leads is riveting and that's what gives this novel its magic for me.
Whilst ultimately a crime novel, this is more psychological drama. Although all the events happen within about 12 hours, it is not a fast paced novel. This one is about the journey, not the destination and outcome.
Two brilliant lead characters. Detective Dana Russo, who is battling her own demons on this day of all days, an anniversary of past traumatic events. And our "Hermit", Nathan Whittler, a man who has been off the grid for 15 years, spoken to nobody in that time, and not speaking now.
Nathan is found and arrested at a murder scene, thought to be the perpetrator and at the minute the only suspect, but he's saying nothing. Dana must periodically interrogate, not too much too often for fear of being held to be badgering and exhausting the suspect, and get him to speak and reveal what he knows within 24 hours, at which time he has to be found a lawyer. And the expectation that a lawyer will tell him not to speak.
Dana must gradually build a rapport with Nathan - whilst investigations continue in the background - and the tension builds though the day to the crescendo in the concluding stages.
The psychology at play between our two leads is riveting and that's what gives this novel its magic for me.
April 13, 2021
Didn't enjoy this one. Found it plodding and overwrought with excess police procedural. I think that comes from the author having been a cop in the UK. He used his career experience to info dump, in my opinion.
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