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Tallowwood #1
Tallowwood
Cold cases, murder, lies, and an unimaginable truth.
Sydney Detective August Shaw has spent the last decade of work solving cold cases. His work is his entire life, and he's convinced a string of unsolved cold-case suicides are linked to what could be Australia's worst ever serial killer. Problem is, no one believes him.
Senior Constable Jacob Porter loves his life in the small town of Tallowwood in northern New South Wales. He runs summer camps for the local Indigenous kids, plays rugby with his mates, has a close family, and he's the local LGBTQIA+ Liaison and the Indigenous Liaison Officer.
When human remains are found in the camping grounds at Tallowwood Reserve, Jake's new case turns out to be linked to August's cold cases, and Jake agrees they're not suicides at all. With Jacob now firmly in August's corner, they face one hurdle after another. Even when more remains are found, they can't seem to gain ground. But when the body of a fellow police officer turns up under the same MO, it can't be ignored anymore.
August and Jake must trace the untraceable before the killer takes his next victim or before he stops one of them, permanently.
Sydney Detective August Shaw has spent the last decade of work solving cold cases. His work is his entire life, and he's convinced a string of unsolved cold-case suicides are linked to what could be Australia's worst ever serial killer. Problem is, no one believes him.
Senior Constable Jacob Porter loves his life in the small town of Tallowwood in northern New South Wales. He runs summer camps for the local Indigenous kids, plays rugby with his mates, has a close family, and he's the local LGBTQIA+ Liaison and the Indigenous Liaison Officer.
When human remains are found in the camping grounds at Tallowwood Reserve, Jake's new case turns out to be linked to August's cold cases, and Jake agrees they're not suicides at all. With Jacob now firmly in August's corner, they face one hurdle after another. Even when more remains are found, they can't seem to gain ground. But when the body of a fellow police officer turns up under the same MO, it can't be ignored anymore.
August and Jake must trace the untraceable before the killer takes his next victim or before he stops one of them, permanently.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 23, 2019
578 people are currently reading
2556 people want to read
About the author
N.R. Walker
133 books5,291 followersAuthor also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 888 reviews
December 30, 2019
Because I adore N.R. Walker's work, I gave Tallowwood a go, even though murder mysteries have never been my thing and I'm not in a great place emotionally right now to read about death. My husband died recently. He wasn't murdered; he was sick for a long time, so his death wasn't entirely unexpected. But grief doesn't discriminate.
And this book is about grief, grief so deep and profound, it will break you if you let it. But it’s also about healing and loving again and listening to kookaburras because they won’t lead you astray.
Someone has been preying on young gay men for over a decade and staging the murder scenes to look like suicides. No one believes August Shaw, cold case detective, when he says the men didn't kill themselves ... no one except Jacob Porter, senior constable in Tallowwood, a small Aussie town where nothing exciting happens.
Until a body is found. And then another.
August is a recluse who works on cases long forgotten and buried, but the cases aren't just words on paper to August. They are people: sons, friends, boyfriends. They're personal. August has lost someone too, and he understands the pain and sorrow.
Jake is a good cop and a good man. He runs summer camps for Indigenous kids, is close to his family, and knows how to laugh at himself. Jake doesn’t do awkward, and he slowly, ever so slowly, pulls August out of his self-imposed exile.
I’m not going to get into the plot of the story because I don't want to spoil anything. Suffice it to say, the mystery is very well done. There are enough clues that the “who done it” isn’t shocking, but the killer’s not immediately obvious either. I hate murder mysteries where so many red herrings are thrown in, the ending leaves you scratching your head, like WTF just happened? That is not the case here. The book is skillfully plotted and suspenseful.
While the focus is clearly on solving the mystery and bringing justice to the men who were killed, the romance is not put on the side burner. Throughout the story, August and Jake grow closer. The affection between them is palpable. There is little steam (appropriately so, considering the backdrop and August’s slow reawakening), but the romance is tender and very believable.
August and Jake are opposites who complement each other in every way. August, who's adorably obsessed with Jake's freckles, may be more than a decade Jake’s senior, but it’s Jake who makes August feel safe; it’s Jake who pushes and doesn't let August hide. Jake is bossy and caring, and with Jake by his side, August can breathe again.
The epilogue made me cry (happy tears). I hope to find love like that again someday.
And this book is about grief, grief so deep and profound, it will break you if you let it. But it’s also about healing and loving again and listening to kookaburras because they won’t lead you astray.
Someone has been preying on young gay men for over a decade and staging the murder scenes to look like suicides. No one believes August Shaw, cold case detective, when he says the men didn't kill themselves ... no one except Jacob Porter, senior constable in Tallowwood, a small Aussie town where nothing exciting happens.
Until a body is found. And then another.
August is a recluse who works on cases long forgotten and buried, but the cases aren't just words on paper to August. They are people: sons, friends, boyfriends. They're personal. August has lost someone too, and he understands the pain and sorrow.
Jake is a good cop and a good man. He runs summer camps for Indigenous kids, is close to his family, and knows how to laugh at himself. Jake doesn’t do awkward, and he slowly, ever so slowly, pulls August out of his self-imposed exile.
I’m not going to get into the plot of the story because I don't want to spoil anything. Suffice it to say, the mystery is very well done. There are enough clues that the “who done it” isn’t shocking, but the killer’s not immediately obvious either. I hate murder mysteries where so many red herrings are thrown in, the ending leaves you scratching your head, like WTF just happened? That is not the case here. The book is skillfully plotted and suspenseful.
While the focus is clearly on solving the mystery and bringing justice to the men who were killed, the romance is not put on the side burner. Throughout the story, August and Jake grow closer. The affection between them is palpable. There is little steam (appropriately so, considering the backdrop and August’s slow reawakening), but the romance is tender and very believable.
August and Jake are opposites who complement each other in every way. August, who's adorably obsessed with Jake's freckles, may be more than a decade Jake’s senior, but it’s Jake who makes August feel safe; it’s Jake who pushes and doesn't let August hide. Jake is bossy and caring, and with Jake by his side, August can breathe again.
The epilogue made me cry (happy tears). I hope to find love like that again someday.
November 7, 2019
It all started with the cover. I mean how incredibly gorgeous is it?
I simply had to get that book based on that cover alone!
BUT I am also so blown away by the story, it's almost unreal.
As a romance, this book does everything right. Absolutely everything.
As a crime novel, it kept me on the edge of my seat, although I sincerely hope that such a plot is far away from reality, because the implications totally scared me.
In the course of 18 years, several gay men commit suicide by slitting their wrists and leaving a farewell note.
The eerie similarities of the deaths and a personal connection to one of the victims have Sydney cold case detective August Shaw doubt that the deaths are actual suicides. He believes that the men were murdered, but he doesn't have a way to prove it. Pouring over the case files for years hasn't helped him at all, so when he gets a phone call from a young Constable in some backwater town who wants to consult him on a case that resembles Shaw's cold cases, he is all over it, flying to the sleepy town of Tallowwood immediately.
Constable Jacob Porter is totally star struck when Shaw appears in Tallowwood. Brooding, dark and handsome, Jacob still sees him as a role model for an out and proud gay cop, whose early and publicly noted efforts on the force made it possible for younger guys like Jacob to be themselves too.
Something is off with Shaw though, but Jacob's friendly and giving nature lures the older man out of his shell pretty quickly.
As the two men get to know and like each other while investigating the case, another man dies and it becomes clear that someone is orchestrating these suicides - and August might have to face the same tragedy that destroyed his life once before.
This was simply out if this world. Jake and August are such a wonderful match. I absolutely melted seeing Jake coax the older sad guy into allowing himself to be happy again. Jake is such a friendly and good-natured guy, loved by everyone in his small home town. His Aboriginal roots give him a deeper understanding of the land they're walking on and even though men like August are not his usual type, he quickly finds himself wanting to see August smile.
I adored the slow transition from professional distance to a personal friendship to a physical affair that slowly grew into love. So rewarding and heart-melting.
August's past is extremely sad and depressing, but Jacob made August work through it instead of burying it even deeper in his soul. He made him talk about it and revisit the good times that should be remembered.
God, Jacob is such a natural talent at psychology.
I also liked the clear power balance between them. It seemed super natural without turning into an actual dom/sub theme. And yet it was clearly there, as it is in many relationships.
I can't really say anything else about this spectacular story, other than it's one of the few books where I felt that every single word was right. Reading this was a super rewarding experience and I'll definitely regard this stand alone novel as one of my all time favorites.
I even ordered the - dare I say it - paper version of it, so I can display it in my library like a trophy. Which - as an ebook reader - I have only ever done for a handful of m/m books, LOL.
100% recommended, definitely don't miss out on this one.
5 stars and a favorite!!
I simply had to get that book based on that cover alone!
BUT I am also so blown away by the story, it's almost unreal.
As a romance, this book does everything right. Absolutely everything.
As a crime novel, it kept me on the edge of my seat, although I sincerely hope that such a plot is far away from reality, because the implications totally scared me.
In the course of 18 years, several gay men commit suicide by slitting their wrists and leaving a farewell note.
The eerie similarities of the deaths and a personal connection to one of the victims have Sydney cold case detective August Shaw doubt that the deaths are actual suicides. He believes that the men were murdered, but he doesn't have a way to prove it. Pouring over the case files for years hasn't helped him at all, so when he gets a phone call from a young Constable in some backwater town who wants to consult him on a case that resembles Shaw's cold cases, he is all over it, flying to the sleepy town of Tallowwood immediately.
Constable Jacob Porter is totally star struck when Shaw appears in Tallowwood. Brooding, dark and handsome, Jacob still sees him as a role model for an out and proud gay cop, whose early and publicly noted efforts on the force made it possible for younger guys like Jacob to be themselves too.
Something is off with Shaw though, but Jacob's friendly and giving nature lures the older man out of his shell pretty quickly.
As the two men get to know and like each other while investigating the case, another man dies and it becomes clear that someone is orchestrating these suicides - and August might have to face the same tragedy that destroyed his life once before.
This was simply out if this world. Jake and August are such a wonderful match. I absolutely melted seeing Jake coax the older sad guy into allowing himself to be happy again. Jake is such a friendly and good-natured guy, loved by everyone in his small home town. His Aboriginal roots give him a deeper understanding of the land they're walking on and even though men like August are not his usual type, he quickly finds himself wanting to see August smile.
I adored the slow transition from professional distance to a personal friendship to a physical affair that slowly grew into love. So rewarding and heart-melting.
August's past is extremely sad and depressing, but Jacob made August work through it instead of burying it even deeper in his soul. He made him talk about it and revisit the good times that should be remembered.
God, Jacob is such a natural talent at psychology.
I also liked the clear power balance between them. It seemed super natural without turning into an actual dom/sub theme. And yet it was clearly there, as it is in many relationships.
I can't really say anything else about this spectacular story, other than it's one of the few books where I felt that every single word was right. Reading this was a super rewarding experience and I'll definitely regard this stand alone novel as one of my all time favorites.
I even ordered the - dare I say it - paper version of it, so I can display it in my library like a trophy. Which - as an ebook reader - I have only ever done for a handful of m/m books, LOL.
100% recommended, definitely don't miss out on this one.
5 stars and a favorite!!
December 31, 2019
Damn, damn, damn.
I wanted to love this.....
....I didn't.
This was 85% mystery suspense and 15% romance.
Although I enjoyed the romance...I couldn't get into the police investigation. So, that was a problem.
I wanted to shut off my brain and go with it.
Because I really DID want to love it.
But there are times when knowing too much isn't in your favor (hello detectives wife) and this was one of them. And well, there was a whole lot of LEO (law enforcement officer) hating going on here. I face enough of that in the news, I don't especially enjoy it during my 'escape' time. I would imagine this won't be an issue for many other readers. *tags it me-not-you*
Ugh. I seem to be hit or miss with Walker and sadly, I've been on a miss streak lately.
Maybe I'll tackle Red Dirt next? It's been on my tbr for ages.....
I wanted to love this.....
....I didn't.
This was 85% mystery suspense and 15% romance.
Although I enjoyed the romance...I couldn't get into the police investigation. So, that was a problem.
I wanted to shut off my brain and go with it.
Because I really DID want to love it.
But there are times when knowing too much isn't in your favor (hello detectives wife) and this was one of them. And well, there was a whole lot of LEO (law enforcement officer) hating going on here. I face enough of that in the news, I don't especially enjoy it during my 'escape' time. I would imagine this won't be an issue for many other readers. *tags it me-not-you*
Ugh. I seem to be hit or miss with Walker and sadly, I've been on a miss streak lately.
Maybe I'll tackle Red Dirt next? It's been on my tbr for ages.....
September 27, 2019
**** 4 stars ****
It's no secret I am not a fan of mystery. Therefore, I never thought I would say this, but I loved the mystery element in this story. It was intense, romance taking a back seat and I didn't mind one bit. I have to say, it bothered me in the beginning, I was thinking in 3 stars, but there was a crucial point in the story that made me get over it.
For the first time, in a plot where there is a serial killer involved, I felt emotionally connected with the victims' family. I don't usually experience that in this kind of story. The author took me inside their houses, with August and Jake, to hear the victims parents. Heartbreaking, watching them having closure.
I believe this is the main reason I didn't mind that the mystery took over the romance and decided to cut August some slack considering all baggage he was carrying from his past, emotional issues he could never let go. Because August, in a way, was also a victim looking for closure. It made more sense and more real a slow start for him and Jacob.
I also loved the epilogue.
It's no secret I am not a fan of mystery. Therefore, I never thought I would say this, but I loved the mystery element in this story. It was intense, romance taking a back seat and I didn't mind one bit. I have to say, it bothered me in the beginning, I was thinking in 3 stars, but there was a crucial point in the story that made me get over it.
For the first time, in a plot where there is a serial killer involved, I felt emotionally connected with the victims' family. I don't usually experience that in this kind of story. The author took me inside their houses, with August and Jake, to hear the victims parents. Heartbreaking, watching them having closure.
I believe this is the main reason I didn't mind that the mystery took over the romance and decided to cut August some slack considering all baggage he was carrying from his past, emotional issues he could never let go. Because August, in a way, was also a victim looking for closure. It made more sense and more real a slow start for him and Jacob.
I also loved the epilogue.
April 8, 2024
Audiobook - 4 stars
Story - 4.35 stars
Story - 4.35 stars
September 24, 2019
Wow!
Tallowwood absolutely sucked me in from the beginning, but about midway through I became riveted and couldn't put it down.
The suspense is expertly woven into the story, heightening the tension perfectly. It's a great plot, great characters, and a great ending.
Dual, third person, POV with a captivating plot, suspense, some action, and a very happy ending.
Recommended!
Advanced Review Galley copy of Tallowwood provided by NR Walker in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Tallowwood absolutely sucked me in from the beginning, but about midway through I became riveted and couldn't put it down.
The suspense is expertly woven into the story, heightening the tension perfectly. It's a great plot, great characters, and a great ending.
Dual, third person, POV with a captivating plot, suspense, some action, and a very happy ending.
Recommended!
Advanced Review Galley copy of Tallowwood provided by NR Walker in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
January 25, 2025
Reread January 2025
After the recent flop (for me) of NRW’s latest book, I needed to reread one of my favourite books by her. Still loved August and Jake fiercely. Still shook my head at that plot development towards the end which doesn’t fit. But the romance is simply sigh worthy.
Original rating remains the same.
*4,25 stars*
I went into this unsure of what to expect. Some readers loved it, others weren’t overly awed. All I can say is …I ended up in the first camp. Easily.
August and Jake really grabbed my heart.
They are total opposites in many respects:
August – a recluse with no friends and no mentionable human contact living in a “self-imposed exclusion zone”, emotionally dead and disinterested, sad and withdrawn from the world.
Jake - a ray of warmth and sunshine, outgoing and hugely likeable, a touchy-feely guy surrounded by family and friends who love him.
“It wasn’t the first time August had noted that every single thing about Jacob was the polar opposite to August. If August was winter dreary, Jacob was summer sunshine. If August was night, Jacob was day.
I loved the dynamics between them with 12 years younger Jake totally in the driving seat. He is the ‘bossy’ one, but …
“He was the perfect mix of demanding and tender, commanding yet receptive. He was in charge, there was no doubt.
And that’s exactly what August needs to coax him out of his shell and make him want to live again. I really enjoyed the whole gentle procedure, Jake’s patience, his loyalty, enthusiasm and all the positive vibes he spreads around him and August’s gradual opening up to Jake and rediscovering life.
However, this book isn’t a romance in the first instant. The mystery plot is the predominant feature here, which, strangely, didn’t bother me too much. But it was a shame that there isn’t a lot of on page steam.
Apart from one really lovely and hot scene, all we get is a promise of Jake’s ‘bossiness’ in the bedroom and some nice making out. In some ways this goes with the gentleness of Jake and August's budding bond, but I would have loved to see how August and Jake’s relationship progresses in the bedroom, too, because there is so much meaning in it.
Saying that, the mystery is really well done and kept me glued to my seat. The killer’s MO is something I haven’t come across before and pretty horrifying. The tension in the last quarter of the book is sky high, and although I had some inkling who the killer might be, I was surprised in the end.
But .. there is one major hick-up that, imo, is totally illogical and unbelievable.
I think NR Walker has done a pretty good job here, but, all in all, I would have liked a little bit more of August and Jake.
After the recent flop (for me) of NRW’s latest book, I needed to reread one of my favourite books by her. Still loved August and Jake fiercely. Still shook my head at that plot development towards the end which doesn’t fit. But the romance is simply sigh worthy.
Original rating remains the same.
*4,25 stars*
I went into this unsure of what to expect. Some readers loved it, others weren’t overly awed. All I can say is …I ended up in the first camp. Easily.
August and Jake really grabbed my heart.
They are total opposites in many respects:
August – a recluse with no friends and no mentionable human contact living in a “self-imposed exclusion zone”, emotionally dead and disinterested, sad and withdrawn from the world.
Jake - a ray of warmth and sunshine, outgoing and hugely likeable, a touchy-feely guy surrounded by family and friends who love him.
“It wasn’t the first time August had noted that every single thing about Jacob was the polar opposite to August. If August was winter dreary, Jacob was summer sunshine. If August was night, Jacob was day.
I loved the dynamics between them with 12 years younger Jake totally in the driving seat. He is the ‘bossy’ one, but …
“He was the perfect mix of demanding and tender, commanding yet receptive. He was in charge, there was no doubt.
And that’s exactly what August needs to coax him out of his shell and make him want to live again. I really enjoyed the whole gentle procedure, Jake’s patience, his loyalty, enthusiasm and all the positive vibes he spreads around him and August’s gradual opening up to Jake and rediscovering life.
However, this book isn’t a romance in the first instant. The mystery plot is the predominant feature here, which, strangely, didn’t bother me too much. But it was a shame that there isn’t a lot of on page steam.
Apart from one really lovely and hot scene, all we get is a promise of Jake’s ‘bossiness’ in the bedroom and some nice making out. In some ways this goes with the gentleness of Jake and August's budding bond, but I would have loved to see how August and Jake’s relationship progresses in the bedroom, too, because there is so much meaning in it.
Saying that, the mystery is really well done and kept me glued to my seat. The killer’s MO is something I haven’t come across before and pretty horrifying. The tension in the last quarter of the book is sky high, and although I had some inkling who the killer might be, I was surprised in the end.
But .. there is one major hick-up that, imo, is totally illogical and unbelievable.
I think NR Walker has done a pretty good job here, but, all in all, I would have liked a little bit more of August and Jake.
October 11, 2019
This book is two things:
1. A sweet second chance romance.
2. A hard core crime mystery.
This story does one thing very well:
1. Puts the reader in touch with the protagonist.
Detective August Shaw has lived through sorrow in his life. First, his family couldn't accept who he was.
Then, when he'd found someone to share his love and life with, his partner was brutally taken from him. Years and years went by while he withdrew from the world and buried himself in work.
Senior Constable Jacob Porter has a bit of hero worship for Detective Shaw who was brave enough to come out as a gay policeman when it was still unaccepted in society. When Jake gets the chance to bring in Shaw to help on a local case he's nervous but ecstatic.
The men hit it off at once. They find themselves making a good team and complementing each other's talents. But a relatively simple case quickly escalates as it ties in with a dozen other cold cases and the men have to scramble to solve it before anyone else dies, including them.
The crime mystery was done very well. The plot slowly revealing more and more as it went along. It never stalled. It never got boring. The last third of the story gripped me in it's action and I couldn't put it down until I reached the end.
The writing is simple, straightforward but so evocative. A single line can paint a perfect picture to make you feel like you're there in the flesh.
I loved it. It's a great crime mystery with a side of sweet romance.
4.5 stars!!!
1. A sweet second chance romance.
2. A hard core crime mystery.
This story does one thing very well:
1. Puts the reader in touch with the protagonist.
Detective August Shaw has lived through sorrow in his life. First, his family couldn't accept who he was.
"I’m better off without them. I couldn’t spend my life justifying myself and my own happiness. Like paying a toll for being myself and something I couldn’t change even if I wanted to. They wanted me to pay a toll or a tax, or a tiny part of my soul, every time I saw them."
Then, when he'd found someone to share his love and life with, his partner was brutally taken from him. Years and years went by while he withdrew from the world and buried himself in work.
He wasn’t supposed to feel anything for anyone else ever again . The light in his life had been extinguished years ago, and he’d welcomed the darkness and the isolation. Until a little flickering beacon came into view, of hope and human contact, in the shape of Jacob.
Senior Constable Jacob Porter has a bit of hero worship for Detective Shaw who was brave enough to come out as a gay policeman when it was still unaccepted in society. When Jake gets the chance to bring in Shaw to help on a local case he's nervous but ecstatic.
The men hit it off at once. They find themselves making a good team and complementing each other's talents. But a relatively simple case quickly escalates as it ties in with a dozen other cold cases and the men have to scramble to solve it before anyone else dies, including them.
The crime mystery was done very well. The plot slowly revealing more and more as it went along. It never stalled. It never got boring. The last third of the story gripped me in it's action and I couldn't put it down until I reached the end.
The writing is simple, straightforward but so evocative. A single line can paint a perfect picture to make you feel like you're there in the flesh.
The weather had gotten worse. A cold, bitter wind howled; low dark clouds made it feel later than it was.The banter between the main characters came across as easy and natural. I liked both characters from the very beginning and as they fell for each other I also fell for them.
I loved it. It's a great crime mystery with a side of sweet romance.
4.5 stars!!!
September 28, 2019
***4 - 4.5 Stars***
Mystery/Suspense part:
Setting:
MC1 August:
MC2 Jake: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Romance: ❤❤❤
Heat wave: 🔥🔥
Mystery/Suspense part:
Setting:
MC1 August:
MC2 Jake: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Romance: ❤❤❤
Heat wave: 🔥🔥
April 26, 2024
Potential reread [i.e. a second attempt at possibly liking this book] in 2024:
I'm going to address two incredibly obnoxious trends that really piss me the fuck off that authors need to stop doing -
1) When an author writes an MM romance book and the MCs never say "I love you" to one another! I know that this author's writing has become absolutely shitty lately, but COME ON! To write a lengthy book [which is great and always encouraged] and never bother to have the MCs declare their love for one another is absurd! This is a ROMANCE ... I want them to tell and show each other that they deeply love each other, often!! I can't believe in the fucking marriage proposal if they never tell each other - EVER - that they love each other, I mean how fucking lazy, sloppy, and deluded can the author be?!! It's really fucking obnoxious, unprofessional, and aggravating ... not to mention unbelievable!!
I am going to say it again, IT'S FUCKING ABSURD FOR AN AUTHOR TO WRITE A ROMANCE AND NOT HAVE THE MCS SAY "I LOVE YOU" NUMEROUS TIMES TO ONE ANOTHER!!!! I SAY "NUMEROUS" BECAUSE I AM NOT REFERRING TO THE BULLSHIT OBLIGATORY ONE-TIME DECLARATION AUTHORS ALSO IRRITATINGLY AND UNFEELINGLY DO!!! The fact that this author had a bullshit marriage proposal written up and no "I love you", ESPECIALLY when this story has sprinklings of mourning and grief from one of the MCs having been widowed, is absurd!!! This author became SUCH a preachy, sloppy, lazy, shitty author lately!!!! UNACCEPTABLE!!! I've started hating how this author writes and what this author does and/or doesn't do here made it 10 times worse!!!!!!
P.S. The ONLY time I can overlook the lack of a declaration of love is if the series is ongoing and the romance develops over several books, which is absolutely NOT the case here, as there is a marriage proposal at the end!! By the way, authors should never prolong romantic development if they're only going to abandon the series, like this author clearly has thus far!!
2) When an author uses the Epilogue to shill their fucking next book!! This author hasn't done that but I figured I'd mention it because some authors DO do that and it should be an absolute NO-NO as well!! An Epilogue is meant to be a wrap-up of the current story, an added closure, a future peek into the current MCs' romance and lives together, and an additional HEA if you will [NOT to substitute the HEA an author should be giving at the end of a book, but to be an addition to that]!! What an Epilogue is NOT supposed to be used for is a first chapter for the next book featuring completely new MCs >:-o!!! If an author wants to include a bonus chapter or a peak preview, then great, but CALL IT THAT!! It is NOT a fucking Epilogue!! DO NOT USE AN EPILOGUE TO FUCKING MARKET YOUR NEXT BOOK, because I can tell you right now, doing that is lazy, sloppy, amateur, scummy, and that shit will piss most readers the fuck off (not to mention make them feel cheated out of something valuable to the current book), and for me personally, it's an absolute guarantee I'll blacklist/blackball the author for eternity!!! I'll have nothing but antagonism and disdain for an author that does this!! Knock that shit the fuck off!!!!
*********************************************
Initial read in 2020:
This book got ONLY 2 stars as a whole, but I gave it 1 whole star as an add-on, JUST for the epilogue!! The epilogue got a whole additional star (it was that deserving of it), which is essentially what saved this book from a bare-bones 2-star rating!! I REALLY appreciated the epilogue and it was the best part of the book; I especially appreciated Walker tying up all the lose ends, letting us know what the punishments are, and taking ZERO mercy ... THAT was the best part!! Also, it's great knowing these two MCs have each other forever now!!
*********************************************
I'm going to address two incredibly obnoxious trends that really piss me the fuck off that authors need to stop doing -
1) When an author writes an MM romance book and the MCs never say "I love you" to one another! I know that this author's writing has become absolutely shitty lately, but COME ON! To write a lengthy book [which is great and always encouraged] and never bother to have the MCs declare their love for one another is absurd! This is a ROMANCE ... I want them to tell and show each other that they deeply love each other, often!! I can't believe in the fucking marriage proposal if they never tell each other - EVER - that they love each other, I mean how fucking lazy, sloppy, and deluded can the author be?!! It's really fucking obnoxious, unprofessional, and aggravating ... not to mention unbelievable!!
I am going to say it again, IT'S FUCKING ABSURD FOR AN AUTHOR TO WRITE A ROMANCE AND NOT HAVE THE MCS SAY "I LOVE YOU" NUMEROUS TIMES TO ONE ANOTHER!!!! I SAY "NUMEROUS" BECAUSE I AM NOT REFERRING TO THE BULLSHIT OBLIGATORY ONE-TIME DECLARATION AUTHORS ALSO IRRITATINGLY AND UNFEELINGLY DO!!! The fact that this author had a bullshit marriage proposal written up and no "I love you", ESPECIALLY when this story has sprinklings of mourning and grief from one of the MCs having been widowed, is absurd!!! This author became SUCH a preachy, sloppy, lazy, shitty author lately!!!! UNACCEPTABLE!!! I've started hating how this author writes and what this author does and/or doesn't do here made it 10 times worse!!!!!!
P.S. The ONLY time I can overlook the lack of a declaration of love is if the series is ongoing and the romance develops over several books, which is absolutely NOT the case here, as there is a marriage proposal at the end!! By the way, authors should never prolong romantic development if they're only going to abandon the series, like this author clearly has thus far!!
2) When an author uses the Epilogue to shill their fucking next book!! This author hasn't done that but I figured I'd mention it because some authors DO do that and it should be an absolute NO-NO as well!! An Epilogue is meant to be a wrap-up of the current story, an added closure, a future peek into the current MCs' romance and lives together, and an additional HEA if you will [NOT to substitute the HEA an author should be giving at the end of a book, but to be an addition to that]!! What an Epilogue is NOT supposed to be used for is a first chapter for the next book featuring completely new MCs >:-o!!! If an author wants to include a bonus chapter or a peak preview, then great, but CALL IT THAT!! It is NOT a fucking Epilogue!! DO NOT USE AN EPILOGUE TO FUCKING MARKET YOUR NEXT BOOK, because I can tell you right now, doing that is lazy, sloppy, amateur, scummy, and that shit will piss most readers the fuck off (not to mention make them feel cheated out of something valuable to the current book), and for me personally, it's an absolute guarantee I'll blacklist/blackball the author for eternity!!! I'll have nothing but antagonism and disdain for an author that does this!! Knock that shit the fuck off!!!!
*********************************************
Initial read in 2020:
This book got ONLY 2 stars as a whole, but I gave it 1 whole star as an add-on, JUST for the epilogue!! The epilogue got a whole additional star (it was that deserving of it), which is essentially what saved this book from a bare-bones 2-star rating!! I REALLY appreciated the epilogue and it was the best part of the book; I especially appreciated Walker tying up all the lose ends, letting us know what the punishments are, and taking ZERO mercy ... THAT was the best part!! Also, it's great knowing these two MCs have each other forever now!!
*********************************************
September 28, 2019
Started good, got RIDICULOUS, then simply BAD ..and kinda preachy with it.
The Good -
- I really liked the characters; solitary August and the more social Indgienous Jacob. Their romance is low key and gradual with noticing and gentle teasing before anything deeper develops. Comforting and suiting the characters mental place.
- Enough of victims family shown to make the case feel important, although not much detail given we know the victims matter.
- I enjoyed the glimpse of Aborginal culture, slight but a little added colour to the story and how it played out was nice.
The Not-So Good -
- Bit heavy handed on the victims matter spiel, it gets repeated a few times.
- Goth girl - ta-da - seriously?! That was a bit like sitting down to watch Midsummer only to discover the village overrun with Cyborgs.
The Bad -
- The plot didn't make sense. At all. I'm no expert on the chain of evidence but the failure to acknowledge the connecting dots stretches credibility.
- Preachy; no one cares because their gay - while I don't wish to dismiss RL validity, here it's not shown. You can't shout down a homophobic, old boy network without showing it - the result is it can appear to be the MC's nuerosis at work, along with unexplained paranoia. For me his great speech towards the end read smug and self-gradiousing rather than righteous.
- There were no suprises in the great reveals but there was some head scratching. It doesn't add up, none of it is realistic. People seem to be given more authority and power than they'd be due. How different componets got where they were is stretching credibility.
- Part of how the case is broken. The whole scenario leading to it is also pointless.
- Part two of how the case is broken. Could have done the same years ago and saved some lives!
The Worst -
- TSTL - How a demonstratively intelligent person well aware of the danger he's in acts is beyond ridiculous! He'd warned someone else not to! He knew the danger! He knew exactly what to avoid!
The Niggle -
Walker's been watching CSI. The murder scenarios have enough of an echo of a main plot line to suggest inspiration was found, and when they're discusing the cases nearly every suggestion made sounded familiar.
The Good -
- I really liked the characters; solitary August and the more social Indgienous Jacob. Their romance is low key and gradual with noticing and gentle teasing before anything deeper develops. Comforting and suiting the characters mental place.
- Enough of victims family shown to make the case feel important, although not much detail given we know the victims matter.
- I enjoyed the glimpse of Aborginal culture, slight but a little added colour to the story and how it played out was nice.
The Not-So Good -
- Bit heavy handed on the victims matter spiel, it gets repeated a few times.
- Goth girl - ta-da - seriously?! That was a bit like sitting down to watch Midsummer only to discover the village overrun with Cyborgs.
The Bad -
- The plot didn't make sense. At all. I'm no expert on the chain of evidence but the failure to acknowledge the connecting dots stretches credibility.
- Preachy; no one cares because their gay - while I don't wish to dismiss RL validity, here it's not shown. You can't shout down a homophobic, old boy network without showing it - the result is it can appear to be the MC's nuerosis at work, along with unexplained paranoia. For me his great speech towards the end read smug and self-gradiousing rather than righteous.
- There were no suprises in the great reveals but there was some head scratching. It doesn't add up, none of it is realistic. People seem to be given more authority and power than they'd be due. How different componets got where they were is stretching credibility.
- Part of how the case is broken. The whole scenario leading to it is also pointless.
- Part two of how the case is broken. Could have done the same years ago and saved some lives!
The Worst -
- TSTL - How a demonstratively intelligent person well aware of the danger he's in acts is beyond ridiculous! He'd warned someone else not to! He knew the danger! He knew exactly what to avoid!
The Niggle -
Walker's been watching CSI. The murder scenarios have enough of an echo of a main plot line to suggest inspiration was found, and when they're discusing the cases nearly every suggestion made sounded familiar.
April 19, 2025
For eight years, August’s goal has been giving closure to the cases that land on his desk, making his job as a detective in cold cases the only priority. Especially, the cases of the gay men that looked like a suicide, all of the bodies found with the same cross and the same quote. But nobody believes they are related, they think it’s just August being paranoid.
Until he receives a call: a new body is found in the other half of the country. When August flies there to study the case, he isn’t expecting to find, finally, someone who believes him. Someone that makes him want to start living again.
A lot of my friends are complaining about N.R.Walker fluffy releases, comparing them with this book. Now I understand why; as much as I love her light books, Tallowwood felt alive in a way they don’t. There is balance between the scenes that make you want to cry and the ones that make you laugh and smile. It deals with difficult themes, like grieving, but also gives you hope.
Both August (41) and Jake (29) were really easy to love. While August is reserved and is grieving his past relationship, Jake is pure sunshine. It was cute seeing how Jake had always admired August, the cop that was out and brought his boyfriend to Sydney’s annual Police Gala when Jake was still training to enter the force. When he first sees August, he’s super nervous about meeting his hero, but he’s also ready to show him he’s worthy of being his partner.
The romance is quite slow burn, which was not only realistic, but very romantic. I felt more when they finally hugged than with the smut other books had given me. They knew exactly how to love and take care of each other. There was an age-gap, but it didn’t bother me because they were both adults. I’ll go as far as saying I enjoyed the age gap, it made the dynamics between them more interesting, and Jake (29) was definitely more bossy than August (41), which I loved.
I also really enjoyed the aboriginal representation (Jake is part of the indigenous people of Tallowwood). I don’t believe in religion, but the magical elements (call it faith, if you wish) regarding their culture made the story richer and more beautiful even.
The balance between the mystery and the romance, the action and the feelings, was also really well-done. That being said, I didn’t think it was very realistic that they didn’t believe August from the beginning. I want to think that, in the real world, those kinds of clues (the bodies literally had all the same notes!) are more than enough to convince people to investigate further.
Overall, it was a beautiful book. I read it very slowly because I wanted to taste every single feeling the characters were giving me. I adored their relationship and, even though I wasn’t quite convinced with the mystery part, it was still thrilling and enjoyable. Definitely my favorite standalone by the author.
Until he receives a call: a new body is found in the other half of the country. When August flies there to study the case, he isn’t expecting to find, finally, someone who believes him. Someone that makes him want to start living again.
A lot of my friends are complaining about N.R.Walker fluffy releases, comparing them with this book. Now I understand why; as much as I love her light books, Tallowwood felt alive in a way they don’t. There is balance between the scenes that make you want to cry and the ones that make you laugh and smile. It deals with difficult themes, like grieving, but also gives you hope.
Both August (41) and Jake (29) were really easy to love. While August is reserved and is grieving his past relationship, Jake is pure sunshine. It was cute seeing how Jake had always admired August, the cop that was out and brought his boyfriend to Sydney’s annual Police Gala when Jake was still training to enter the force. When he first sees August, he’s super nervous about meeting his hero, but he’s also ready to show him he’s worthy of being his partner.
The romance is quite slow burn, which was not only realistic, but very romantic. I felt more when they finally hugged than with the smut other books had given me. They knew exactly how to love and take care of each other. There was an age-gap, but it didn’t bother me because they were both adults. I’ll go as far as saying I enjoyed the age gap, it made the dynamics between them more interesting, and Jake (29) was definitely more bossy than August (41), which I loved.
This… thing, this complex yet simple thing, did he feel it too?
Jake leaned in and drew August closer to him, their bodies almost touching. He gave him time to adjust, to pull away, to say no…
But August closed his eyes and gave into it, and Jake pulled him in for a crushing hug. He fell into him, let himself be held, and Jake held him as tight as he could. “You’re not broken,” Jake whispered.
And August began to cry.
I also really enjoyed the aboriginal representation (Jake is part of the indigenous people of Tallowwood). I don’t believe in religion, but the magical elements (call it faith, if you wish) regarding their culture made the story richer and more beautiful even.
The balance between the mystery and the romance, the action and the feelings, was also really well-done. That being said, I didn’t think it was very realistic that they didn’t believe August from the beginning. I want to think that, in the real world, those kinds of clues (the bodies literally had all the same notes!) are more than enough to convince people to investigate further.
Overall, it was a beautiful book. I read it very slowly because I wanted to taste every single feeling the characters were giving me. I adored their relationship and, even though I wasn’t quite convinced with the mystery part, it was still thrilling and enjoyable. Definitely my favorite standalone by the author.
The unsolved cases bore a kind of weight that sometimes made August unsure if it was trying to pull him under the surface. Or if it was keeping afloat.
(...) In the beginning, he’d often wondered how long he could do it for, how much of his soul he could give to his job before he had none left to give.
Now he wondered how much of his soul he would lose if he stopped.
October 14, 2019
N.R. Walker has done it again. Right from the start, I was sucked into the story, and falling for the very likable MC.
August Shaw is a veteran Sydney detective forced to work the cold case files. When a murder takes place in a small town, Senior Constable Jacob Porter reaches out to August for help. Right from the start, there is a connection between the hardened detective and the fresh young Porter. It doesn’t take long for Jake to breathe some fresh air into the cold heart of August and now they are both determined to find out who is murdering gay men.
This is what I call romance light. So, if you are looking for a hot steamy read, this is not it. Yes, there was plenty of sweet moments, but not a lot of sex. The mystery was the main story, and it really had me guessing.
August Shaw is a veteran Sydney detective forced to work the cold case files. When a murder takes place in a small town, Senior Constable Jacob Porter reaches out to August for help. Right from the start, there is a connection between the hardened detective and the fresh young Porter. It doesn’t take long for Jake to breathe some fresh air into the cold heart of August and now they are both determined to find out who is murdering gay men.
This is what I call romance light. So, if you are looking for a hot steamy read, this is not it. Yes, there was plenty of sweet moments, but not a lot of sex. The mystery was the main story, and it really had me guessing.
November 27, 2024
Crazy unbelievable book has completely taken hold of me. All the feels and oh gosh what a finale.... someone hand me some towels, I'm all sweaty and maybe some valerian ...
I cried so much during this story.
In the beginning, he’d often wondered how long he could do it for, how much of his soul he could give to his job before he had none left to give. Now he wondered how much of his soul he would lose if he stopped. 🥺💔🥺
August and Jake are wonderful together. They have a very gentle dynamic that works quite well through the heavy murder story.
And there are some lovely funny moments that I'm very grateful for, it balanced the whole thing out quite well.
August had never thought a cat could actually looked pissed, but he was wrong.
“Hey, pretty girl,” Porter said, his voice up an octave. But the cat wasn’t having any of that. It barked. Well, it was supposed to be a meow, but it wasn’t. It was loud, clipped, and cranky. Could cats bark? It was definitely a bark. Then it did it again, its glare fixed on Porter. 😂🐕😂
But it really is a heavy thing and the tears still outweighed everything else. I also think it's great how the relationship that develops was kept quite short. There are just too many emotions here and it wouldn't have done the story justice otherwise.
Jake leaned in and drew August closer to him, their bodies almost touching. He gave him time to adjust, to pull away, to say no . . . But August closed his eyes and gave into it, and Jake pulled him in for a crushing hug. He fell into him, let himself be held, and Jake held him as tight as he could.
“You’re not broken,” Jake whispered. And August began to cry. 😭😩😪🤧
I'm a bit glad it's over, happy ending and all that really perfect, but I think I need the next superficial Christmas story to bring me back down.
I cried so much during this story.
In the beginning, he’d often wondered how long he could do it for, how much of his soul he could give to his job before he had none left to give. Now he wondered how much of his soul he would lose if he stopped. 🥺💔🥺
August and Jake are wonderful together. They have a very gentle dynamic that works quite well through the heavy murder story.
And there are some lovely funny moments that I'm very grateful for, it balanced the whole thing out quite well.
August had never thought a cat could actually looked pissed, but he was wrong.
“Hey, pretty girl,” Porter said, his voice up an octave. But the cat wasn’t having any of that. It barked. Well, it was supposed to be a meow, but it wasn’t. It was loud, clipped, and cranky. Could cats bark? It was definitely a bark. Then it did it again, its glare fixed on Porter. 😂🐕😂
But it really is a heavy thing and the tears still outweighed everything else. I also think it's great how the relationship that develops was kept quite short. There are just too many emotions here and it wouldn't have done the story justice otherwise.
Jake leaned in and drew August closer to him, their bodies almost touching. He gave him time to adjust, to pull away, to say no . . . But August closed his eyes and gave into it, and Jake pulled him in for a crushing hug. He fell into him, let himself be held, and Jake held him as tight as he could.
“You’re not broken,” Jake whispered. And August began to cry. 😭😩😪🤧
I'm a bit glad it's over, happy ending and all that really perfect, but I think I need the next superficial Christmas story to bring me back down.
lost-interested
October 19, 2019DNF @ 20%
It's too slow for my taste.
It's too slow for my taste.
June 8, 2020
Audio 4.25 Stars..Antony Ferguson did a great job.
Story 4.25 Stars
All I can say is that I'm glad for the #1 in the title because that means this will be a series. 😍
Story 4.25 Stars
All I can say is that I'm glad for the #1 in the title because that means this will be a series. 😍
July 2, 2025
This was 75% mystery, 25% romance - and I loved that about this book.
The setting here was really great, the case compelling, and the characters beautifully layered. There were a few timeline hiccups toward the end and one definite TSTL moment (you’ll know it when it happens - I rolled my eyes and bit my nails at the same time), but overall, the mystery held my attention the entire way through. I thought I had the ‘who’ figured out early on (turns out I wasn’t entirely wrong), but the ‘why’ is what really kept me hooked, even if it was all a bit… much in the end and I’m still not sure if the ‘who’ and ‘why’ make sense to me 😅
Anyway, now to the heart of it all: Jake and August.
Jake is pure sunshine. Social, confident, content, open, driven - the kind of person who lights up a room and has a fantastic family and even better freckles (my soft spot).
August, on the other hand, is his complete opposite: grieving, isolated, antisocial, so desperately lonely it hurts. He’s starved for touch, affection, and connection - a true recluse just trying to survive.
But then Jake comes along. And when Jake smiles, August smiles. When Jake jokes, he laughs. When Jake places a hand on his shoulder, he relaxes. And when Jake hugs him, he melts, he opens up, he begins to feel alive again. Watching August slowly come out of his shell was genuinely moving.
There’s an age gap between them (12 years), and what I especially loved was the reversal of expectations: Jake, the younger man, is actually the more assertive and dominant one in their dynamic - and it fits them so perfectly. Their flirting had such an easy, natural rhythm, and despite the heavy themes of the story, Jake brought a lightness and emotional warmth that balanced everything beautifully.
I also appreciated their communication. Jake gently pushes August to open up, to name his feelings (*shudder*) and it never felt forced or rushed. Just honest and kind and real.
And okay, I’ll admit: I’m usually not a fan of the dead ex trope. But it was handled with so much care here, and it added depth rather than drama and served more than one purpose. I even shed a few tears for August’s loss, it was that moving. And Jake’s response to it? Gentle, understanding, patient. Ugh. My heart.
So yes, more mystery than romance. But the romance? It counts. These two are absolutely perfect for each other.
The setting here was really great, the case compelling, and the characters beautifully layered. There were a few timeline hiccups toward the end and one definite TSTL moment (you’ll know it when it happens - I rolled my eyes and bit my nails at the same time), but overall, the mystery held my attention the entire way through. I thought I had the ‘who’ figured out early on (turns out I wasn’t entirely wrong), but the ‘why’ is what really kept me hooked, even if it was all a bit… much in the end and I’m still not sure if the ‘who’ and ‘why’ make sense to me 😅
Anyway, now to the heart of it all: Jake and August.
Jake is pure sunshine. Social, confident, content, open, driven - the kind of person who lights up a room and has a fantastic family and even better freckles (my soft spot).
August, on the other hand, is his complete opposite: grieving, isolated, antisocial, so desperately lonely it hurts. He’s starved for touch, affection, and connection - a true recluse just trying to survive.
But then Jake comes along. And when Jake smiles, August smiles. When Jake jokes, he laughs. When Jake places a hand on his shoulder, he relaxes. And when Jake hugs him, he melts, he opens up, he begins to feel alive again. Watching August slowly come out of his shell was genuinely moving.
There’s an age gap between them (12 years), and what I especially loved was the reversal of expectations: Jake, the younger man, is actually the more assertive and dominant one in their dynamic - and it fits them so perfectly. Their flirting had such an easy, natural rhythm, and despite the heavy themes of the story, Jake brought a lightness and emotional warmth that balanced everything beautifully.
I also appreciated their communication. Jake gently pushes August to open up, to name his feelings (*shudder*) and it never felt forced or rushed. Just honest and kind and real.
And okay, I’ll admit: I’m usually not a fan of the dead ex trope. But it was handled with so much care here, and it added depth rather than drama and served more than one purpose. I even shed a few tears for August’s loss, it was that moving. And Jake’s response to it? Gentle, understanding, patient. Ugh. My heart.
So yes, more mystery than romance. But the romance? It counts. These two are absolutely perfect for each other.
Jake leaned in and drew August closer to him, their bodies almost touching. He gave him time to adjust, to pull away, to say no . . .
But August closed his eyes and gave into it, and Jake pulled him in for a crushing hug. He fell into him, let himself be held, and Jake held him as tight as he could. “You’re not broken,” Jake whispered.
And August began to cry.
“I’m a . . . I’m a mess.”
“No you’re not. You’re still you. You’re just made up of different parts now. There are new pieces to who you are. Those pieces aren’t wrong or broken, they’re just different to how you used to be. And that’s okay. Actually, that’s a good thing. You should be different after everything you’ve been through. It means you’re human, August. You don’t need to be alone. You just need someone who knows how your puzzle goes back together.”🥹
November 13, 2019
4.5 Stars
I truly enjoyed Tallowwood. I love suspense and I love NR Walker's story telling and Tallowwood was damn near perfect. And while there are a couple things that would have increased my enjoyment of this story, it was so well done and I'm definitely recomending it.
August Shaw is a detective in Sydney who works cold cases. He has very personal motivation to do his job and he hates that so many people haven't gotten justice. He's a loner on the force, keeping to himself and working his cases alone, and he's good with that. His desire to be around people died with his boyfriend, Christopher, 8 years before. That Christopher is one of at least 8 murders that were set up to look like suicides isolates him even more, because no one will believe him.
Jacob Porter is a small town cop in Tallowwood, who has looked up to August for years. Being a gay cop in a small town is never easy, but Jake loves it and loves his work, and being Tallowwood's LGBTQIA+ Liason Officer as well as it's Aboriginal Liason Officer are things he is quite proud of. He loves playing footy and working with kids and being around his family and friends. Jake is very grounded and was such a calming influence in Tallowwood I could not help but be soothed by his presence almost as much as August was.
I enjoyed the mystery and the process of solving it and even though I had trouble reconciling the fact that even with the exact same MO, August's fellow officers wouldn't see the deaths as murders, I was able to suspend my disbelief there. Of course, since the victims were all gay men, maybe it shouldn't surprise me since law enforcement doesn't exactly have a good track record there.
From the start, I saw August and Jake's chemistry. I loved just how focused and confident Jake was, without ever coming off as arrogant. August hasn't had anyone on his side for so long, he doesn't know how to cope at first, but he and Jake make an amazing team, both on the job and off. I loved how the mystery unfolded and how I was right about some things, while wrong about others. And I love it when I'm inspired to Google things I'm reading about, and that happened here, too!
There was one fairly big plot hole, though, that made me round down. When a smart MC does something supremely dumb, all the while knowing it's going to blow up in their face, I have a hard time staying in the story. That happened here, during a crucial scene, and as much as I loved the story, overall, I really wanted to smack one of the MC's with his own book!
As is typical of this author, there isn't much steam, but I loved the romance and chemistry and the HEA was perfect.
Recommended.
-------------
ARC of Tallowwood was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
I truly enjoyed Tallowwood. I love suspense and I love NR Walker's story telling and Tallowwood was damn near perfect. And while there are a couple things that would have increased my enjoyment of this story, it was so well done and I'm definitely recomending it.
August Shaw is a detective in Sydney who works cold cases. He has very personal motivation to do his job and he hates that so many people haven't gotten justice. He's a loner on the force, keeping to himself and working his cases alone, and he's good with that. His desire to be around people died with his boyfriend, Christopher, 8 years before. That Christopher is one of at least 8 murders that were set up to look like suicides isolates him even more, because no one will believe him.
Jacob Porter is a small town cop in Tallowwood, who has looked up to August for years. Being a gay cop in a small town is never easy, but Jake loves it and loves his work, and being Tallowwood's LGBTQIA+ Liason Officer as well as it's Aboriginal Liason Officer are things he is quite proud of. He loves playing footy and working with kids and being around his family and friends. Jake is very grounded and was such a calming influence in Tallowwood I could not help but be soothed by his presence almost as much as August was.
I enjoyed the mystery and the process of solving it and even though I had trouble reconciling the fact that even with the exact same MO, August's fellow officers wouldn't see the deaths as murders, I was able to suspend my disbelief there. Of course, since the victims were all gay men, maybe it shouldn't surprise me since law enforcement doesn't exactly have a good track record there.
From the start, I saw August and Jake's chemistry. I loved just how focused and confident Jake was, without ever coming off as arrogant. August hasn't had anyone on his side for so long, he doesn't know how to cope at first, but he and Jake make an amazing team, both on the job and off. I loved how the mystery unfolded and how I was right about some things, while wrong about others. And I love it when I'm inspired to Google things I'm reading about, and that happened here, too!
There was one fairly big plot hole, though, that made me round down. When a smart MC does something supremely dumb, all the while knowing it's going to blow up in their face, I have a hard time staying in the story. That happened here, during a crucial scene, and as much as I loved the story, overall, I really wanted to smack one of the MC's with his own book!
As is typical of this author, there isn't much steam, but I loved the romance and chemistry and the HEA was perfect.
Recommended.
-------------
ARC of Tallowwood was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2021
This was so good.
A serial killer.
Multiple young gay men murdered.
Murders made to look like suicide.
A heartbroken 41yo cold case detective from Sidney.
A 29yo bossy sexy indigenous small town constable.
A small town, lots of wonderful characters.
I loved every minute of this. August and Jake were sweet and perfect. The investigation was intriguing and kept me reading. I rolled my eyes a couple of times and had to suspend disbelief but I had so much fun. One of my favourites by NR Walker.
A serial killer.
Multiple young gay men murdered.
Murders made to look like suicide.
A heartbroken 41yo cold case detective from Sidney.
A 29yo bossy sexy indigenous small town constable.
A small town, lots of wonderful characters.
I loved every minute of this. August and Jake were sweet and perfect. The investigation was intriguing and kept me reading. I rolled my eyes a couple of times and had to suspend disbelief but I had so much fun. One of my favourites by NR Walker.
September 25, 2019
This had the backbone to be an amazing book for me.
The mystery was top notch. I love a good serial killer story, and this one delivered.
However - two things really got under my skin, and I had to decrease my rating. I would've given this 4.5 stars otherwise.
1. One of the MCs, who was a brilliant detective, whip-smart, and had already been wary of a certain someone up to this moment had a huge TSTL moment near the end. It was the equivalent of running back into the house where the killer was, when you're already free and clear on the outside. It was completely out of character along with incredibly stupid.
2. Is it just me or is Walker getting more and more preachy with her books? She used so many moments in this book to "teach" the reader how to be a better person. It has gotten old, and I'm personally tired of it.
There is also very little steam in this one, for those who inquire about that sort of thing.
But if you're into a good mystery - that part definitely delivered.
The mystery was top notch. I love a good serial killer story, and this one delivered.
However - two things really got under my skin, and I had to decrease my rating. I would've given this 4.5 stars otherwise.
1. One of the MCs, who was a brilliant detective, whip-smart, and had already been wary of a certain someone up to this moment had a huge TSTL moment near the end. It was the equivalent of running back into the house where the killer was, when you're already free and clear on the outside. It was completely out of character along with incredibly stupid.
2. Is it just me or is Walker getting more and more preachy with her books? She used so many moments in this book to "teach" the reader how to be a better person. It has gotten old, and I'm personally tired of it.
There is also very little steam in this one, for those who inquire about that sort of thing.
But if you're into a good mystery - that part definitely delivered.
October 3, 2019
4.5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
The writing was fantastic, the mystery part was done well, but what really grabbed me the most were the characters.
I loved August and Jake. Jake is such a sweetheart and an overall wonderful person and I couldn't imagine anyone better for August. Reading about them working together and growing closer was such a joy, and I think it was done perfectly. There weren't many romantic moments, but I didn't feel I was missing anything.
Also, I have to mention Jake's family, because they were pretty amazing, too.
I absolutely loved the epilogue. Although it takes place a few years later, which I normally don't like, this one was done so well that it didn't feel detached from the rest of the story at all.
The only reason I'm not giving this book full 5 stars is because of some things related to the investigation that I didn't find believable. But that didn't divert me from truly enjoying this story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
The writing was fantastic, the mystery part was done well, but what really grabbed me the most were the characters.
I loved August and Jake. Jake is such a sweetheart and an overall wonderful person and I couldn't imagine anyone better for August. Reading about them working together and growing closer was such a joy, and I think it was done perfectly. There weren't many romantic moments, but I didn't feel I was missing anything.
Also, I have to mention Jake's family, because they were pretty amazing, too.
I absolutely loved the epilogue. Although it takes place a few years later, which I normally don't like, this one was done so well that it didn't feel detached from the rest of the story at all.
The only reason I'm not giving this book full 5 stars is because of some things related to the investigation that I didn't find believable. But that didn't divert me from truly enjoying this story.
May 8, 2023
This was amazing! I've been wanting to read a crime book with a m/m romance and this one was perfect.
Detective August Shaw has been investigating a string of cold cases of gay men committing suicide. However, each man is found in a similar position with a silver cross and a self-written Robert Frost quote "Nothing Gold Can Last". Shaw believes there is a serial killer targeting gay men and setting it up like a suicide, yet nobody in the Sydney police HQ believes him.
Jacob Porter is the Senior Constable of the small mountain town of Tallowwood. When he finds a body with the same MO, he contacts Shaw who agrees to help.
The way their relationship develops from strangers to friends to lovers, was done flawlessly. The mystery element was also very intense and well done.
Detective August Shaw has been investigating a string of cold cases of gay men committing suicide. However, each man is found in a similar position with a silver cross and a self-written Robert Frost quote "Nothing Gold Can Last". Shaw believes there is a serial killer targeting gay men and setting it up like a suicide, yet nobody in the Sydney police HQ believes him.
Jacob Porter is the Senior Constable of the small mountain town of Tallowwood. When he finds a body with the same MO, he contacts Shaw who agrees to help.
The way their relationship develops from strangers to friends to lovers, was done flawlessly. The mystery element was also very intense and well done.
March 21, 2022
UPDATE- No, I have not re-read it but maybe I would do it in few months. But, every time I read an NR Walker book, I can't help but compare them with Tallowwood. I think it's all because of the MCs, August and Jacob.😇😇 And, I feel I was being stingy when I gave it 4 stars. So, let's upgrade this book to the stars it deserve- 5 💫.
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This is my first NR Walker's book, so I don't know what is her usual style of writing. But reading this book was like watching a good serial killer detective show. You get so engrossed in the plot that your sole motto revolves around catching the killers. 😆😆More so when the mystery element is much more potent than the romance.
August Shaw is a cold case detective based in Sydney. He had lost his boyfriend 8 years ago. So now for him living means just existing. His only connection with the world is around his cold cases. He meets Jacob, an Aboriginal head Constable in Tallowood after a new link was discovered for a cold case. Jacob is a small-town guy. He is lively but shares the same sensitivity and passion as August feels for his work. Now, this was sure a slow burn with a super low level of steam. But the connection between August and Jacob was so perfect that I didn't felt anything amiss with the romance element. It felt as if Jacob was the only person who can bring life back into August. I also loved how the epilogue bought everything together.
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This is my first NR Walker's book, so I don't know what is her usual style of writing. But reading this book was like watching a good serial killer detective show. You get so engrossed in the plot that your sole motto revolves around catching the killers. 😆😆More so when the mystery element is much more potent than the romance.
August Shaw is a cold case detective based in Sydney. He had lost his boyfriend 8 years ago. So now for him living means just existing. His only connection with the world is around his cold cases. He meets Jacob, an Aboriginal head Constable in Tallowood after a new link was discovered for a cold case. Jacob is a small-town guy. He is lively but shares the same sensitivity and passion as August feels for his work. Now, this was sure a slow burn with a super low level of steam. But the connection between August and Jacob was so perfect that I didn't felt anything amiss with the romance element. It felt as if Jacob was the only person who can bring life back into August. I also loved how the epilogue bought everything together.
December 27, 2024
This book felt almost like a Tal Bauer novel at times—and honestly, I can’t think of a higher compliment.
Once again, N.R. Walker showcases her incredible talent and versatility. This novel stands out as completely different from any of her previous books I’ve read. The mystery of the case was gripping, I was clueless about how it would be solved until the very end. I also loved Jake, with his endless charisma, and felt for poor August as he slowly rediscovered life after so many years. A fantastic read!”
Once again, N.R. Walker showcases her incredible talent and versatility. This novel stands out as completely different from any of her previous books I’ve read. The mystery of the case was gripping, I was clueless about how it would be solved until the very end. I also loved Jake, with his endless charisma, and felt for poor August as he slowly rediscovered life after so many years. A fantastic read!”
January 9, 2022
5 Stars
I’m a year late to this book party but I’m of the mind that sometimes it’s worth saving certain reads for the exact right time and mood. Which is serendipitously what happened for me here.
I absolutely devoured Tallowwood. As a long-time fan of N.R. Walker, I knew the odds were in my favour that I’d like this story a fair bit—yet, I was unexpectedly blindsided by the high degree to which I found myself engrossed in this story, knowing full-well, within a matter of pages, that this was going to become favourite of mine.
There are so many insightful and enticing reviews out there for Tallowwood already, so I don’t think anyone would benefit from me getting too into the specifics regarding the intricate crime/mystery plot or my thoughts on the layered characters or their dynamics. I believe, in this particular instance, that not knowing too many details about the story in advance was a huge advantage to my overall enjoyment, and I’d urge all potential readers to follow my lead and not research too heavily before picking this one up. It’s one to simply be experienced.
From the first, I found myself completely caught up in the lives of the MCs—August Shaw, a cold case detective, and Jacob Porter, an up-and-coming small-town cop. I became totally immersed in the unfolding investigation, feeling every frustration and heartbreak August and Jacob experienced while working their arses off to catch an unthinkable killer. It was intense and compelling—and basically everything I could want from a well-plotted murder-mystery.
I also relished in Tallowwood’s authentic Australian setting and in its true-blue Aussie characters, and unlike some readers, I notably enjoyed that the story was more heavily entrenched in the workings of solving the murders, more so than it was about the developing romantic relationship between August and Jacob.
This is not to say that the relationship between August and Jacob was overshadowed or lacking in any way. For me, the pacing and the depth of their growing connection was absolutely pitch perfect. And although their romantic page time was less than expected (and the sex scenes were less explicit than I generally prefer in my romance reads), I was able to easily overlook this due to the fact that these characters and their feelings—towards the case AND each other—were so powerful and affecting that I didn’t feel I needed more. They were simply perfect and I adored them both.
Tallowwood is an instant favourite for me—not just of my 2020 reading but amongst my favourite M/M books ever. I loved everything about this one, including the emotional highs and lows and all the feelings I experienced in-between. I couldn’t recommend it more highly if I tried.
I’m a year late to this book party but I’m of the mind that sometimes it’s worth saving certain reads for the exact right time and mood. Which is serendipitously what happened for me here.
I absolutely devoured Tallowwood. As a long-time fan of N.R. Walker, I knew the odds were in my favour that I’d like this story a fair bit—yet, I was unexpectedly blindsided by the high degree to which I found myself engrossed in this story, knowing full-well, within a matter of pages, that this was going to become favourite of mine.
There are so many insightful and enticing reviews out there for Tallowwood already, so I don’t think anyone would benefit from me getting too into the specifics regarding the intricate crime/mystery plot or my thoughts on the layered characters or their dynamics. I believe, in this particular instance, that not knowing too many details about the story in advance was a huge advantage to my overall enjoyment, and I’d urge all potential readers to follow my lead and not research too heavily before picking this one up. It’s one to simply be experienced.
From the first, I found myself completely caught up in the lives of the MCs—August Shaw, a cold case detective, and Jacob Porter, an up-and-coming small-town cop. I became totally immersed in the unfolding investigation, feeling every frustration and heartbreak August and Jacob experienced while working their arses off to catch an unthinkable killer. It was intense and compelling—and basically everything I could want from a well-plotted murder-mystery.
I also relished in Tallowwood’s authentic Australian setting and in its true-blue Aussie characters, and unlike some readers, I notably enjoyed that the story was more heavily entrenched in the workings of solving the murders, more so than it was about the developing romantic relationship between August and Jacob.
This is not to say that the relationship between August and Jacob was overshadowed or lacking in any way. For me, the pacing and the depth of their growing connection was absolutely pitch perfect. And although their romantic page time was less than expected (and the sex scenes were less explicit than I generally prefer in my romance reads), I was able to easily overlook this due to the fact that these characters and their feelings—towards the case AND each other—were so powerful and affecting that I didn’t feel I needed more. They were simply perfect and I adored them both.
Tallowwood is an instant favourite for me—not just of my 2020 reading but amongst my favourite M/M books ever. I loved everything about this one, including the emotional highs and lows and all the feelings I experienced in-between. I couldn’t recommend it more highly if I tried.
October 20, 2019
NR Walker is among the authors I read the most. She’s very diverse in the subplot but the romance is always up front and center and there is a lot of sweetness, low to no angst, a lot of chemistry and some steam even hotness.
Well, it’s good to be surprised...in a good way :-).
Tallowwood is a tiny bit different in that this time, even though the romance is still there with top notch characters, but the hotness is low-key with more angst than usual and the subplot, a well-done murder mystery, is as much present as the romance. No complaint from me : I enjoyed this new book a lot because the mystery was gripping.
For a long time, some gays are being murdered, making it look like suicides. August, a Sydney detective working on cold cases, is the only one willing to see the work of a serial killer but is unable to gather sufficient proof. Until another dead body is discovered in a small town, with so many similarities that August drives down there, eventually pleased to have to work the cases with Jacob, a young local cop, very professional and opened to August’s theory.
Their association will be the decisive element to expose what’s going on, despite blockages on the way fuelling mistrust, the difficulties finding evidences and the cases getting too personal to feel comfortable. What made the plot so interesting for me is there is a lot of focus on the victims and their family. Throughout all the read, I was praying for justice and closure.
August and Jacob are very different, and not only because of the age gap and one living in a big city and the other in a small town. August is a loner and still deeply affected by the loss of his husband. Jacob is full of life, surrounded by a great family and friendship.
Instead of a clash, there is chemistry between them and their working relationship soon evolves on a much more personal level. Jacob’s bossiness behind close doors is delicious and what August needs to overcome his grief. I wouldn’t have minded more steam, but the emotions were there. And the epilogue is very satisfying.
Another win from one of my favorite author.
ARC of “Tallowwood” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Well, it’s good to be surprised...in a good way :-).
Tallowwood is a tiny bit different in that this time, even though the romance is still there with top notch characters, but the hotness is low-key with more angst than usual and the subplot, a well-done murder mystery, is as much present as the romance. No complaint from me : I enjoyed this new book a lot because the mystery was gripping.
For a long time, some gays are being murdered, making it look like suicides. August, a Sydney detective working on cold cases, is the only one willing to see the work of a serial killer but is unable to gather sufficient proof. Until another dead body is discovered in a small town, with so many similarities that August drives down there, eventually pleased to have to work the cases with Jacob, a young local cop, very professional and opened to August’s theory.
Their association will be the decisive element to expose what’s going on, despite blockages on the way fuelling mistrust, the difficulties finding evidences and the cases getting too personal to feel comfortable. What made the plot so interesting for me is there is a lot of focus on the victims and their family. Throughout all the read, I was praying for justice and closure.
August and Jacob are very different, and not only because of the age gap and one living in a big city and the other in a small town. August is a loner and still deeply affected by the loss of his husband. Jacob is full of life, surrounded by a great family and friendship.
Instead of a clash, there is chemistry between them and their working relationship soon evolves on a much more personal level. Jacob’s bossiness behind close doors is delicious and what August needs to overcome his grief. I wouldn’t have minded more steam, but the emotions were there. And the epilogue is very satisfying.
Another win from one of my favorite author.
ARC of “Tallowwood” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2021
3.5 stars ⭐️ I think I'm in the minority here. I enjoyed reading this one. It was an okay read to me. But as much as I love NRW’s writing and storytelling, I think the story moved a bit slowly for a mystery romance. I was getting bored in the middle of the book, and there was that stupid and dumbest mistake Jake did (drinking waters given by murders which he already knew they were the ones) that made me smack him.
But not a terrible story though. Given that this is a mystery-driven plot where the romance’s taken in the second place, I really like Jake and August together as a couple and partners!
But not a terrible story though. Given that this is a mystery-driven plot where the romance’s taken in the second place, I really like Jake and August together as a couple and partners!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2021
I LOVE CRIME STUFF! Love it!! And this book had all the reasons why I'm a fan of the genre. 😍😍🔥
The crime was well crafted, it had a history considering it was part of a cold case and it had a development that made me wonder and not trust anyone, those are the best ones *squeals*! I could follow the clues and the information without a problem and both main characters were good at their jobs, they complemented each other like a partnership should and each one gave pieces of the puzzle. Loved that! I did suspect who it was really quickly but I wasn't sure till the end, so that's good.
The love was lacking yeah, but I didn't mind because this was a slowburn involving a man who was in pain at having lost the love of his live to a killer, so the fact that the characters took their time to know each other before jumping to kissing was believable to me, even though at the end of the day they had this dance for 4 days before falling, it felt more so I could totally connect to them. Also, the flirting was on point before they got together and that got me giddy and giggling like a fool, then when they made it official they were there for each other without any unnecessary drama and I was thankful for that.
So yeah I really loved this, I hope Walker does a second one because this appears as Tallowwood #1, I really hope there's a two. Loved it! 🥰❤
The crime was well crafted, it had a history considering it was part of a cold case and it had a development that made me wonder and not trust anyone, those are the best ones *squeals*! I could follow the clues and the information without a problem and both main characters were good at their jobs, they complemented each other like a partnership should and each one gave pieces of the puzzle. Loved that! I did suspect who it was really quickly but I wasn't sure till the end, so that's good.
The love was lacking yeah, but I didn't mind because this was a slowburn involving a man who was in pain at having lost the love of his live to a killer, so the fact that the characters took their time to know each other before jumping to kissing was believable to me, even though at the end of the day they had this dance for 4 days before falling, it felt more so I could totally connect to them. Also, the flirting was on point before they got together and that got me giddy and giggling like a fool, then when they made it official they were there for each other without any unnecessary drama and I was thankful for that.
So yeah I really loved this, I hope Walker does a second one because this appears as Tallowwood #1, I really hope there's a two. Loved it! 🥰❤
October 2, 2019
So, I'm not much of a TV watcher but I will put it on for background, and when I do, it is always on the ID channel. But ,before, I used to be a huge TV watcher and always gravitated to Criminal Minds or CSI type shows.
To say I have a thing about death and crime would be correct. It's weird how much I love to read romance...but anyway...I do still love a good mystery book especially with a side of murder. Serial Killer? SIGN ME UP! Even seeing reviews that there was very little romance wasn't a deterrent to me, because MURDER.
So, I couldn't wait to read this one. Even with the reviews all over the place I was sure I knew where I would fall with it. I wouldn't care about the lack of romance if the Serial Killer case was excellent.
It wasn't.
It kind of let me down.
The Cold Case aspect of this story was so unbelievable I almost couldn't continue. This wasn't Small Town USA guys. God, it was so unreal. No way, no how. It was terrible.
The mystery aspect of the story didn't make any sense to me, at all, and I figured out the who early on if not the why. And even when we got the why, it didn't really make any sense.
So, weird, but I found the romance part of the story to be the best part.
I just didn't buy the rest.
Bummer.
To say I have a thing about death and crime would be correct. It's weird how much I love to read romance...but anyway...I do still love a good mystery book especially with a side of murder. Serial Killer? SIGN ME UP! Even seeing reviews that there was very little romance wasn't a deterrent to me, because MURDER.
So, I couldn't wait to read this one. Even with the reviews all over the place I was sure I knew where I would fall with it. I wouldn't care about the lack of romance if the Serial Killer case was excellent.
It wasn't.
It kind of let me down.
The Cold Case aspect of this story was so unbelievable I almost couldn't continue. This wasn't Small Town USA guys. God, it was so unreal. No way, no how. It was terrible.
The mystery aspect of the story didn't make any sense to me, at all, and I figured out the who early on if not the why. And even when we got the why, it didn't really make any sense.
So, weird, but I found the romance part of the story to be the best part.
I just didn't buy the rest.
Bummer.
January 25, 2020
4.5 stars! I really loved this. Cop stories are some of my favorites and this was so good! I'll admit that not enough time was spent on the romance but I can't be mad. There doesn't have to be a lot of romance for me if the story is great and the murder investigation was top-notch, I loved it. Just as incredible though was the developing relationship with Jake and August while they chased a killer through years of unsolved crimes.
I was very happy where this ended but if N.R. Walker decides to turn it into a series I will absolutely be there for it!
I was very happy where this ended but if N.R. Walker decides to turn it into a series I will absolutely be there for it!
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