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Detective Emmett Corban #1
Sticks and Stones
'He didn't have to be normal, the boy realised. He just had to pretend.'
It's winter in Melbourne and Detective Emmett Corban is starting to regret his promotion to head of the Missing Persons Unit, as the routine reports pile up on his desk.
So when Natale Gibson goes missing, he's convinced this is the big case he's been waiting for - the woman's husband and parents insist the devoted mother would never abandon her children, and her personal accounts remain untouched.
But things aren't all they seem. The close-knit Italian family is keeping secrets - none bigger than the one Natale has been hiding.
Just as the net seems to be tightening, the investigation is turned on its head. The body of a woman is found . . . then another.
What had seemed like a standard missing person's case has turned into a frightening hunt for a serial killer, and time is running out.
But to really understand these shocking crimes, Emmett and his team will need to delve back through decades of neglect - back to a squalid inner-city flat, where a young boy is left huddling over his mother's body . . .
It's winter in Melbourne and Detective Emmett Corban is starting to regret his promotion to head of the Missing Persons Unit, as the routine reports pile up on his desk.
So when Natale Gibson goes missing, he's convinced this is the big case he's been waiting for - the woman's husband and parents insist the devoted mother would never abandon her children, and her personal accounts remain untouched.
But things aren't all they seem. The close-knit Italian family is keeping secrets - none bigger than the one Natale has been hiding.
Just as the net seems to be tightening, the investigation is turned on its head. The body of a woman is found . . . then another.
What had seemed like a standard missing person's case has turned into a frightening hunt for a serial killer, and time is running out.
But to really understand these shocking crimes, Emmett and his team will need to delve back through decades of neglect - back to a squalid inner-city flat, where a young boy is left huddling over his mother's body . . .
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2020
54 people are currently reading
730 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
June 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this new Aussie crime thriller from Katherine Firkin. I love a good crime book/police procedural and even better when it is set in Australia. I hope this is the first of a new series as I really liked the main police character of Emmett Corban. Get behind this book and great new voice in Australian crime writing.
Emmett is the overworked head of the Missing Persons Unit when Natale Gibson is reported missing. Her family insists that she would never leave her family intentionally and are worried for her safety. The case is complex with plenty of likely suspects. But it doesn’t end there, the bodies are piling up. As the victims are investigated the team start to find links between them and the answer maybe in the past.
It is a lot of fun to read these books with Pigeonhole and chat and discuss theories with other readers. I look forward to more. Thank you for the opportunity
Emmett is the overworked head of the Missing Persons Unit when Natale Gibson is reported missing. Her family insists that she would never leave her family intentionally and are worried for her safety. The case is complex with plenty of likely suspects. But it doesn’t end there, the bodies are piling up. As the victims are investigated the team start to find links between them and the answer maybe in the past.
It is a lot of fun to read these books with Pigeonhole and chat and discuss theories with other readers. I look forward to more. Thank you for the opportunity
May 11, 2020
I had a bit of trouble getting into this at first because there were so many point of view changes and I found it confusing. But I decided to give it a few chapters and I'm so glad I did.
Once I settled into the style I went from struggling to read it to struggling to want to stop!
It's a bit of a different style, it's more like a tv show in some ways with the choppy switches of scenes, but when you get used to it and understand who all the characters are it's well worth the effort.
It's set in Melbourne, which is not a city I know well but I loved the descriptions of the places, the dreary winter and the references to iconic venues that I've heard about and hope to one day visit.
The investigation is fast paced with really interesting characters that I found myself quickly becoming invested in.
It ended with a few unanswered questions which makes me think it's part of a series.
Overall it was good to read something a bit different. This is definitely not your 'typical' Australian crime book.
Once I settled into the style I went from struggling to read it to struggling to want to stop!
It's a bit of a different style, it's more like a tv show in some ways with the choppy switches of scenes, but when you get used to it and understand who all the characters are it's well worth the effort.
It's set in Melbourne, which is not a city I know well but I loved the descriptions of the places, the dreary winter and the references to iconic venues that I've heard about and hope to one day visit.
The investigation is fast paced with really interesting characters that I found myself quickly becoming invested in.
It ended with a few unanswered questions which makes me think it's part of a series.
Overall it was good to read something a bit different. This is definitely not your 'typical' Australian crime book.
April 28, 2020
This is one of the better new Australian crime fiction books I've read. I loved the fact the lead detective was 'normal' and not struggling with some deep dark secret like so many novels these days and I also liked how interesting the characters were. It's rare you find a book where you find yourself invested in so many characters at once.
I hope there's more to come.
I hope there's more to come.
June 2, 2020
The first characters we’re introduced to are Emmett and Cindy Corban, a married couple with one child living in Melbourne. Emmett is now a detective in the Missing Persons Unit whilst Cindy is returning to the workforce as a photographer after raising their son at home up to his school age. Then in the same chapter we’re introduced to Marcus, the typical high earning playboy that sees women as disposable.
With so many characters in this book I initially thought it would be difficult to tell everyone apart while keeping track of all their connections but the authors has done a terrific job of making each person stand out on their own. We then meet more people in the police force and the people tied to the current missing persons cases as well. You then realise as the book goes on that they all have a link to each other. We also get flashbacks of the killer’s childhood, as a small boy he witnessing his mother’s drug overdose to the multiple foster homes he bounced through and his trouble’s at school.
Read the rest of review here.
With so many characters in this book I initially thought it would be difficult to tell everyone apart while keeping track of all their connections but the authors has done a terrific job of making each person stand out on their own. We then meet more people in the police force and the people tied to the current missing persons cases as well. You then realise as the book goes on that they all have a link to each other. We also get flashbacks of the killer’s childhood, as a small boy he witnessing his mother’s drug overdose to the multiple foster homes he bounced through and his trouble’s at school.
Read the rest of review here.
May 29, 2020
I received an ARC of this book.
What a debut for local Melbourne author Katherine Firkin. I expect that this book will be the first in an ongoing series. She has put together a crack team of characters that will continue well in to more books, although changes are coming.
Emmett is the lead at the Missing Persons Unit. He is investigating a missing woman and something about it sticks with him but he just can't work it out. Then another woman goes missing and there is something off here as well. When the bodies start appearing, that's when connections begin to be made...
There are a raft of different people within this tale who could be responsible (I know my mind was focused on one direction for most of the book). We read it from the perspective of Emmett, his wife and the killer as a young boy. Can you put the missing pieces together and work it out before it's too late?
What a debut for local Melbourne author Katherine Firkin. I expect that this book will be the first in an ongoing series. She has put together a crack team of characters that will continue well in to more books, although changes are coming.
Emmett is the lead at the Missing Persons Unit. He is investigating a missing woman and something about it sticks with him but he just can't work it out. Then another woman goes missing and there is something off here as well. When the bodies start appearing, that's when connections begin to be made...
There are a raft of different people within this tale who could be responsible (I know my mind was focused on one direction for most of the book). We read it from the perspective of Emmett, his wife and the killer as a young boy. Can you put the missing pieces together and work it out before it's too late?
April 25, 2020
I really didn't know what to expect with this new author, but I was hooked from the first page.
The characters are complicated and flawed but also very likeable (or at least relatable) and I think that's what made the book so compelling.
It reads very much like a crime tv series, fast-paced and lots of scene changes. The actual police work that was described was fascinating and I wonder whether the author must have some kind of experience in this field because it seemed very realistic.
I loved all the different storylines that ran through it. I especially liked the relationship between the financier and younger woman and I wish there had been a bit more of that plot, but otherwise it was just spot on.
A great read that left me sad it was over.
The characters are complicated and flawed but also very likeable (or at least relatable) and I think that's what made the book so compelling.
It reads very much like a crime tv series, fast-paced and lots of scene changes. The actual police work that was described was fascinating and I wonder whether the author must have some kind of experience in this field because it seemed very realistic.
I loved all the different storylines that ran through it. I especially liked the relationship between the financier and younger woman and I wish there had been a bit more of that plot, but otherwise it was just spot on.
A great read that left me sad it was over.
April 25, 2020
A true page-turner of a book, I know it’s a cliche but I couldn’t put this down!
A real mix of different characters, with multiple plot threads running through the book. I was hooked and wanted to know how it all tied together.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book, and I tore through it.
A wonderful read that renewed my love of crime fiction!
A real mix of different characters, with multiple plot threads running through the book. I was hooked and wanted to know how it all tied together.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book, and I tore through it.
A wonderful read that renewed my love of crime fiction!
May 30, 2020
My wife actually read this book first and made me read it too because she loved it so much.
I'm not a big one for police procedurals but this was action packaged, fast paced, and felt very much like I was watching one of those great British crime shows on TV!
I got the sense at the end that there might be more to come... I hope so...
I'm not a big one for police procedurals but this was action packaged, fast paced, and felt very much like I was watching one of those great British crime shows on TV!
I got the sense at the end that there might be more to come... I hope so...
May 1, 2020
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of Sticks and Stones and frankly it blew me away!
The depth and complexity of the characters pulls you in from the start and the story builds to a pulsating, page-turning crescendo that rocked me to the core.
I can't recall a book that so masterfully intertwines the seemingly disparate lives and personalities of its characters, while painting a poignant picture of those who fall between the cracks in our society.
An extraordinary debut effort from Katherine Firkin which suggests she is set to join the titans of Australian crime fiction.
The depth and complexity of the characters pulls you in from the start and the story builds to a pulsating, page-turning crescendo that rocked me to the core.
I can't recall a book that so masterfully intertwines the seemingly disparate lives and personalities of its characters, while painting a poignant picture of those who fall between the cracks in our society.
An extraordinary debut effort from Katherine Firkin which suggests she is set to join the titans of Australian crime fiction.
June 29, 2020
Just started this and loving it! Really strong start with a number of interesting narratives established already. Excited to see where it leads and will update once complete. DT
December 10, 2020
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**4.5 stars**
Sticks and Stones by Katherine Firkin. (2020).
Detective Emmet is starting to regret his promotion to head of the Missing Persons Unit as the routine reports pile up. So when a woman named Natale goes missing, he's convinced this is the big case he's been waiting for as her husband and parents insist she would never abandon her children. But things aren't always as they seem and everyone in the family, including Natale, is hiding secrets. Then the investigation is turned on its head when a woman's body is found...then another. The case has turned into a hunt for a serial killer and time is running out. But to really understand these shocking crimes, Emmett and his team will need to go back decades, where a young boy is found with his mother's body...
Wow! What a fantastic debut for this author who has produced an excellent addition to the Australian crime fiction scene. I was totally enthralled in this one. I hope it ends up being a series actually because Emmett was a great lead and it did have the feel at the end for potentially becoming an ongoing series. There were a few clever red herrings in relation to the killer, I kept changing my mind as to who I thought it was. I thought the flashbacks to the killer's history was a great touch as it showed how and why the killer was the way they were. It did jump between quite a few different characters but it wasn't confusing at all, it was really well done.
Overall: a compelling and gripping debut from the author that will hopefully lead to more just like it, I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**4.5 stars**
Sticks and Stones by Katherine Firkin. (2020).
Detective Emmet is starting to regret his promotion to head of the Missing Persons Unit as the routine reports pile up. So when a woman named Natale goes missing, he's convinced this is the big case he's been waiting for as her husband and parents insist she would never abandon her children. But things aren't always as they seem and everyone in the family, including Natale, is hiding secrets. Then the investigation is turned on its head when a woman's body is found...then another. The case has turned into a hunt for a serial killer and time is running out. But to really understand these shocking crimes, Emmett and his team will need to go back decades, where a young boy is found with his mother's body...
Wow! What a fantastic debut for this author who has produced an excellent addition to the Australian crime fiction scene. I was totally enthralled in this one. I hope it ends up being a series actually because Emmett was a great lead and it did have the feel at the end for potentially becoming an ongoing series. There were a few clever red herrings in relation to the killer, I kept changing my mind as to who I thought it was. I thought the flashbacks to the killer's history was a great touch as it showed how and why the killer was the way they were. It did jump between quite a few different characters but it wasn't confusing at all, it was really well done.
Overall: a compelling and gripping debut from the author that will hopefully lead to more just like it, I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
June 11, 2020
Sticks and Stones by Katherine Firkin is an absolutely crippling debut crime thriller.
This one had me guessing at ever turn of event, it was stressful, and the descriptions of the familiar Melbourne suburbs had me completely drawn in.
It’s set in wintery Melbourne and Detective Emmett Corban heads the Missing Persons Unit, a position that has him wondering if this is the right job for him as the routine reports pile up on his desk, things are about to change when a woman is reported missing.
As Emmett looks into the missing woman’s life, it turns out to be more than just someone not wanting to be found, especially when she is found, and as another woman is reported missing, things begin to add up to something more sinister, something dark, but who was involved, and why? As the story unfolded I thought I knew who the villain was and then bam another twist and it left me guessing again!
Many topics are exploded within this story, family, relationships, loss, grief, wanting and betrayal.
It is a brilliant suspense novel, it had me guessing at ever turn, it was stressful haha, and the descriptions of the familiar Melbourne suburbs had me completely drawn in.
This book was amazing and I found it hard to believe the author wasn’t a seasoned professional writing many a novel before this one. I am so excited for what else is to come from Katherine Firkin in the future.
This one had me guessing at ever turn of event, it was stressful, and the descriptions of the familiar Melbourne suburbs had me completely drawn in.
It’s set in wintery Melbourne and Detective Emmett Corban heads the Missing Persons Unit, a position that has him wondering if this is the right job for him as the routine reports pile up on his desk, things are about to change when a woman is reported missing.
As Emmett looks into the missing woman’s life, it turns out to be more than just someone not wanting to be found, especially when she is found, and as another woman is reported missing, things begin to add up to something more sinister, something dark, but who was involved, and why? As the story unfolded I thought I knew who the villain was and then bam another twist and it left me guessing again!
Many topics are exploded within this story, family, relationships, loss, grief, wanting and betrayal.
It is a brilliant suspense novel, it had me guessing at ever turn, it was stressful haha, and the descriptions of the familiar Melbourne suburbs had me completely drawn in.
This book was amazing and I found it hard to believe the author wasn’t a seasoned professional writing many a novel before this one. I am so excited for what else is to come from Katherine Firkin in the future.
June 9, 2020
This is one of those books that grips you right from the beginning to the very last page. Set in Melbourne this is a police procedural thriller in which two young women have been found murdered with obvious signs that they were killed by the same person. There are a couple of people who I had marked as suspects but, because of the clever writing, I was completely wrong. I believe this is a debut novel for the author and I'm sure it will be a great success. Thanks to the Pigeonhole for the opportunity of reading this book.
June 9, 2020
Love a book set in my home town of Melbourne and this debut novel by a Katherine Firkin did not disappoint! It is a twisty , turny whodunnit that will keep you guessing till the end . Told in multiple voices I never felt confused with the transition between characters . Another fantastic Australian author !Massive thanks to #pigeonhole , Katherine Firkin and PenguinAu for digital instalments of thus fantastic book to read and review .
June 8, 2020
Wow. What can I say? It's been a long time since I've read a book within 24 hours, but once I got into this I couldn't stop.
Fast and thrilling, this follows a detective who has just moved to the head of the Missing Persons' Unit in Melbourne, Australia. What at first seems like a standard case turns into a thrilling chase for a serial killer through the city streets.
What I loved was that the story is told from multiple perspectives, so there's lots of short changes of scene which for me kept the pace thrumming. I couldn't pick the killer either, but the ending was satisfying and well done.
Really interesting characters too. Two enthusiastic thumbs up from me!
Fast and thrilling, this follows a detective who has just moved to the head of the Missing Persons' Unit in Melbourne, Australia. What at first seems like a standard case turns into a thrilling chase for a serial killer through the city streets.
What I loved was that the story is told from multiple perspectives, so there's lots of short changes of scene which for me kept the pace thrumming. I couldn't pick the killer either, but the ending was satisfying and well done.
Really interesting characters too. Two enthusiastic thumbs up from me!
June 9, 2020
This book has been lingering in my mind since I read it a few days ago.
There's something special about it which I just for the life of me can't put my finger on.
On the face of it this is a crime thriller with plenty of good twists and turns and lots of red herrings to keep you guessing. But there's more to it.
Why did the emotion of the characters hit me so hard?
There's the young woman who is a nice enough person but keeps making foolish decisions, there's the teenage boy in the commission flats who gets in with the wrong crowd, there's the delightfully strong and ferocious homicide detective Bianca Tardio, the straight-laced lead Detective Emmett Corban, and then there's the killer himself, who we see grow up through a pitiful story of neglect.
I'm still battling to describe what I felt when I finished the book - nostalgic?
It might be the psychologist in me, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say I think the author has not lived the charmed life that the glossy photo on the back would suggest.
Any one have any insight?
I don't believe it's possible to write with the raw emotion that this author does if you haven't experienced grief, loss or severe trauma yourself.
Anyway, it's a hauntingly good read.
There's something special about it which I just for the life of me can't put my finger on.
On the face of it this is a crime thriller with plenty of good twists and turns and lots of red herrings to keep you guessing. But there's more to it.
Why did the emotion of the characters hit me so hard?
There's the young woman who is a nice enough person but keeps making foolish decisions, there's the teenage boy in the commission flats who gets in with the wrong crowd, there's the delightfully strong and ferocious homicide detective Bianca Tardio, the straight-laced lead Detective Emmett Corban, and then there's the killer himself, who we see grow up through a pitiful story of neglect.
I'm still battling to describe what I felt when I finished the book - nostalgic?
It might be the psychologist in me, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say I think the author has not lived the charmed life that the glossy photo on the back would suggest.
Any one have any insight?
I don't believe it's possible to write with the raw emotion that this author does if you haven't experienced grief, loss or severe trauma yourself.
Anyway, it's a hauntingly good read.
June 10, 2020
This is a book that keeps you guessing until the end. I changed my mind as to who the killer was so many times that I confused myself even more! Clever writing and a very enjoyable read.
June 9, 2020
Fantastic storyline, intriguing characters and brilliant twists. I found this hard to put down even though I’m not normally a murder mystery reader. Superbly written! Highly recommend!
June 2, 2020
Firstly, I am hoping that this is going to turn out to be a first in a series because it's got some good premises and am keen to follow Detective Emmett Corban's career and a more developed characters of his colleagues.
I am one of those who does not look / read the book description just before I read the book. The fact that I've, earlier, chosen to read it should suffice, so I sort of dived in without knowing / remembering much. The first chapter sort of confused me a little as there are so many characters introduced already and I didn't know if I could keep track of who's who. A couple of chapters on, I got used to the structure of chapters and just flew through the book. Retrospectively, I read the book description and behold, I could have saved my earlier confusion if I read it first lol
As we jump quite quickly from one scene to another with different characters, I thought the author has done quite well in keeping my attention and not getting me confused at all. It was quite good being able to get near 360-degree view of the 'case' and it got me to wonder how each character was going to be implicated in the case, the next victim or the murderer or just a red herring. I kept changing my opinion from one chapter to another on who the murderer was! The only think I'm missing is backgrounds on the detectives as we don't seem to hear very much of them & their past.
Sticks and Stones is a fast-paced thrilling crime novel that will get you to flick pages without noticing the time. A great riveting read to cuddle with this winter!
Thanks to Penguin Random House Australia for copy of book in exchange of honest review
I am one of those who does not look / read the book description just before I read the book. The fact that I've, earlier, chosen to read it should suffice, so I sort of dived in without knowing / remembering much. The first chapter sort of confused me a little as there are so many characters introduced already and I didn't know if I could keep track of who's who. A couple of chapters on, I got used to the structure of chapters and just flew through the book. Retrospectively, I read the book description and behold, I could have saved my earlier confusion if I read it first lol
As we jump quite quickly from one scene to another with different characters, I thought the author has done quite well in keeping my attention and not getting me confused at all. It was quite good being able to get near 360-degree view of the 'case' and it got me to wonder how each character was going to be implicated in the case, the next victim or the murderer or just a red herring. I kept changing my opinion from one chapter to another on who the murderer was! The only think I'm missing is backgrounds on the detectives as we don't seem to hear very much of them & their past.
Sticks and Stones is a fast-paced thrilling crime novel that will get you to flick pages without noticing the time. A great riveting read to cuddle with this winter!
Thanks to Penguin Random House Australia for copy of book in exchange of honest review
June 11, 2020
I loved this book!
It's such a fun, fast and dynamic read with so many twists and red herrings along the way.
I LOVED the fact that you were given enough information to know who the killer was, but because of the clever writing it was easy to miss it. This made the ending feel satisfying and believable and I really enjoyed the large cast of characters.
I also thought the complicated and strong female characters made this book relevant to me as a female reader (Sometimes detective books with a lead male can feel a little too 'blokey' for my liking).
This was the first book from this author that I've read and now I'm looking for more if anyone has any suggestions of good books this author has written?
It's such a fun, fast and dynamic read with so many twists and red herrings along the way.
I LOVED the fact that you were given enough information to know who the killer was, but because of the clever writing it was easy to miss it. This made the ending feel satisfying and believable and I really enjoyed the large cast of characters.
I also thought the complicated and strong female characters made this book relevant to me as a female reader (Sometimes detective books with a lead male can feel a little too 'blokey' for my liking).
This was the first book from this author that I've read and now I'm looking for more if anyone has any suggestions of good books this author has written?
June 9, 2020
3.5★s
Sticks and Stones is the first novel by Australian journalist and author, Katherine Firkin. After a year in the Missing Persons Unit (possibly slated for downsizing), Detective Senior Constable Emmet Corban is feeling a little jaded. “One thing he knew now with certainty was that when someone went missing, it was nearly always because they simply didn’t want to be found”.
But Natale Gibson’s disappearance is different: it is uncharacteristic for this mother, with her close family ties, to leave her two young children. As for his other case, Emmet is fairly certain that nomadically-inclined Rosemary Norman is just taking a break from her over-protective brother. Until a mutilated body turns up.
Emmet is surprised to be handed the lead in this case that he assumed would transfer to Homicide, and determined to use this chance to impress his superiors. He is expected to handle his MisPers cases simultaneously so is relieved to be assigned some experienced homicide detectives.
His most eager junior staff member is a little frustrated at his mundane assigned task and takes some initiative that could jeopardise their one solid lead. Then things really hot up when another body is found near the site of the first with a similar MO. Do they have a serial killer on their hands?
It’s quickly clear that Firkin’s protagonist is a competent detective, although his Homicide colleagues have him second-guessing his decisions. From the chilling prologue through to the exciting climax, Firkin keeps the reader guessing: even the most astute reader will have trouble separating the perpetrator from the many red herrings.
The story is given from multiple perspectives, and interspersed with account of the present-day events is a narrative that follows the fates of a young boy put into the welfare system when found at the side of his deceased, drug-addicted mother. Readers familiar with Melbourne will especially enjoy the many mentions of locales in which the story plays out.
Unfortunately, parts are a little clunky: where the reader should be wholly absorbed in characters and incidents, the author’s fingerprints are sometimes apparent. And among quite a few stereotypes, none of the characters really appeals or stands out.
There is also a lack of strong female characters: many of the women are portrayed as having a naivete and lack of judgement that would be unusual for 21st Century city dwellers, especially in this “me too” era. While there’s room for improvement, this is a good first effort.
This unbiased review is from an e-book copy provided by The Pigeonhole and Penguin Random House
Sticks and Stones is the first novel by Australian journalist and author, Katherine Firkin. After a year in the Missing Persons Unit (possibly slated for downsizing), Detective Senior Constable Emmet Corban is feeling a little jaded. “One thing he knew now with certainty was that when someone went missing, it was nearly always because they simply didn’t want to be found”.
But Natale Gibson’s disappearance is different: it is uncharacteristic for this mother, with her close family ties, to leave her two young children. As for his other case, Emmet is fairly certain that nomadically-inclined Rosemary Norman is just taking a break from her over-protective brother. Until a mutilated body turns up.
Emmet is surprised to be handed the lead in this case that he assumed would transfer to Homicide, and determined to use this chance to impress his superiors. He is expected to handle his MisPers cases simultaneously so is relieved to be assigned some experienced homicide detectives.
His most eager junior staff member is a little frustrated at his mundane assigned task and takes some initiative that could jeopardise their one solid lead. Then things really hot up when another body is found near the site of the first with a similar MO. Do they have a serial killer on their hands?
It’s quickly clear that Firkin’s protagonist is a competent detective, although his Homicide colleagues have him second-guessing his decisions. From the chilling prologue through to the exciting climax, Firkin keeps the reader guessing: even the most astute reader will have trouble separating the perpetrator from the many red herrings.
The story is given from multiple perspectives, and interspersed with account of the present-day events is a narrative that follows the fates of a young boy put into the welfare system when found at the side of his deceased, drug-addicted mother. Readers familiar with Melbourne will especially enjoy the many mentions of locales in which the story plays out.
Unfortunately, parts are a little clunky: where the reader should be wholly absorbed in characters and incidents, the author’s fingerprints are sometimes apparent. And among quite a few stereotypes, none of the characters really appeals or stands out.
There is also a lack of strong female characters: many of the women are portrayed as having a naivete and lack of judgement that would be unusual for 21st Century city dwellers, especially in this “me too” era. While there’s room for improvement, this is a good first effort.
This unbiased review is from an e-book copy provided by The Pigeonhole and Penguin Random House
June 14, 2020
This is a crime thriller set in Melbourne, Australia. It's a city I haven't visited but I really liked the descriptions of all the places and I enjoyed the feeling of being there.
I found the switches of perspective a bit hard to get into but after the first chapter I was just hooked!
I lost so much sleep reading this book which I guess is a good sign ;)
I really had trouble stopping as I always wanted to find out what would happen next. I thought the characters were very believable and relatable and I wanted to know how things would end up.
An exciting book that had me guessing the whole way through.
I found the switches of perspective a bit hard to get into but after the first chapter I was just hooked!
I lost so much sleep reading this book which I guess is a good sign ;)
I really had trouble stopping as I always wanted to find out what would happen next. I thought the characters were very believable and relatable and I wanted to know how things would end up.
An exciting book that had me guessing the whole way through.
June 12, 2020
OMG what a debut from Katherine Firkin!
I am not normally a big crime reader but this one hooked me from the start and I read it within 24 hours. I did NOT figure out the killer until right at the end and it had me on the edge of my seat.
I haven't reviewed previously but was lucky enough to pick up a signed copy from Readings in Carlton (Melbourne, Australia) so was moved to log on and share my thoughts.
I hope there is more to come in this series, as an inner-city Melbourne resident I loved the local setting.
I am not normally a big crime reader but this one hooked me from the start and I read it within 24 hours. I did NOT figure out the killer until right at the end and it had me on the edge of my seat.
I haven't reviewed previously but was lucky enough to pick up a signed copy from Readings in Carlton (Melbourne, Australia) so was moved to log on and share my thoughts.
I hope there is more to come in this series, as an inner-city Melbourne resident I loved the local setting.
June 14, 2020
This was a really easy but fun read and I was surprised by how fast I got through it.
The cover really stood out and the bookseller recommended it so I gave it a shot even though I hadn't heard of this author before.
I really enjoyed the different viewpoints and the way you get to really be inside the mind of the killer.
Quite emotional and raw at times too. Five stars from me!
The cover really stood out and the bookseller recommended it so I gave it a shot even though I hadn't heard of this author before.
I really enjoyed the different viewpoints and the way you get to really be inside the mind of the killer.
Quite emotional and raw at times too. Five stars from me!
June 15, 2020
What a fun book!
I was surprised to discover that a crime novel could be so much joy to read. It had lots of different narrative threads running through it, which made it a complex and exciting challenge to try and work out the killer.
I couldn't pick it, but the ending was well wrapped up and made me hope there's more to come.
I also loved the feisty female detective in it... hopefully she returns!!
I was surprised to discover that a crime novel could be so much joy to read. It had lots of different narrative threads running through it, which made it a complex and exciting challenge to try and work out the killer.
I couldn't pick it, but the ending was well wrapped up and made me hope there's more to come.
I also loved the feisty female detective in it... hopefully she returns!!
June 13, 2020
What a fantastic book. Action packed and fast paced, so many great characters and so much going on.
Picked this up at the book shop because the seller recommended it and it was hugely enjoyable.
The only disappointing thing was that I read the whole thing over just 2 days so it was over too fast!!
Picked this up at the book shop because the seller recommended it and it was hugely enjoyable.
The only disappointing thing was that I read the whole thing over just 2 days so it was over too fast!!
June 21, 2020
Couldn’t put this book down. So many twists and turns. A must read
June 9, 2020
This was my first encounter with this author but this is a really good Detective novel set in Australia. Detective Emmett Corban is looking into the disappearance of a woman Natale Gibson. Then more women are going missing and bodies start to turn up. Corban is sure this case is a big one and families keep secrets. The back story is intriguing but who out of the characters you meet is the murderer? I read this on PH a book club and loved it. Four and a half stars of brilliance. Recommended Police procedural
June 9, 2020
Really enjoyed this book set in Melbourne. Anyone familiar with the city will enjoy the references to various locations. The character of Emmett made a nice change from the flawed unhappy police officers in many books. Liked the way the author kept me guessing about who the murderer was. Will look forward to more books, in what I hope will be a series. Thanks to the author and the Pigeon Hole for the chance to read this.
June 9, 2020
A murder mystery. Women keep dying. A young man in a wheelchair in a nursing home. A challenging childhood.
Enough elements for a murderer.
I did expect the photography tutor? But maybe just creepy?
Right to the end I did not predict the killer!!!!
Well done, especially good for a debut author!!
Enough elements for a murderer.
I did expect the photography tutor? But maybe just creepy?
Right to the end I did not predict the killer!!!!
Well done, especially good for a debut author!!
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