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Dead Letters
Counter terrorism expert Sid Allen knows nothing good ever comes from a phone call at 5 am. Politician Dan LeRoi, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, has been shot. Four bullets to the head. The crime scene is chaotic. Homicide. Counter Terrorism. Media. And for Sid, hunting the killer is going to get complicated.
Journalist Zephyr Wilde is complicated. She's tenacious and she's got Sid's number. Sid knows the gossip: how Zephyr's mother was murdered when Zephyr was a kid. He doesn't know that Zephyr is still getting letters from her long-dead mother. But when he learns that Dan LeRoi was helping Zephyr look into her mother's death, he realises that lines are going to be crossed. A cop should not be talking to a journalist.
As they both ask too many questions, Sid and Zephyr stir up a hornet's nest of corruption. Knowing who to trust is going to mean the difference between solving a crime and being a victim. The question is, which side will they end up on.
Journalist Zephyr Wilde is complicated. She's tenacious and she's got Sid's number. Sid knows the gossip: how Zephyr's mother was murdered when Zephyr was a kid. He doesn't know that Zephyr is still getting letters from her long-dead mother. But when he learns that Dan LeRoi was helping Zephyr look into her mother's death, he realises that lines are going to be crossed. A cop should not be talking to a journalist.
As they both ask too many questions, Sid and Zephyr stir up a hornet's nest of corruption. Knowing who to trust is going to mean the difference between solving a crime and being a victim. The question is, which side will they end up on.
368 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2021
30 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Michael Brissenden
7 books45 followersMichael Brissenden is an author and journalist. His first book of fiction – ‘The List’ was published in 2017 and ‘Dead Letters’ 2021 also features the Federal investigator Sidney Allen.
'Smoke' was published in June 2024 and his new book 'Dust' is published in September 2025.
Michael was a journalist with the ABC for 35 years. He was posted to Moscow, Brussels and Washington and worked in Canberra for many years in various roles – including as the Political Editor for the daily television current affairs program – the 7.30 Report, as the ABC’s defence and security correspondent and as the presenter of the ‘AM’ Current Affairs program on ABC radio. From 2017 to 2021 he was a reporter with the ABC’s investigative television documentary program – 4Corners.
Michael has also written non fiction. In 2012 ‘American Stories – tales of hope and anger’ was published by UQP. The book was a personal account of a country on edge that chronicled the undercurrents of division and anger that surfaced during the first term of the Obama presidency. Divisions that would later be exploited to such devastating effect by Donald Trump.
He has contributed to a number of essay collections over the years and written for ‘The Bulletin’, ‘The Canberra Times’ and ‘New Matilda.’
'Smoke' was published in June 2024 and his new book 'Dust' is published in September 2025.
Michael was a journalist with the ABC for 35 years. He was posted to Moscow, Brussels and Washington and worked in Canberra for many years in various roles – including as the Political Editor for the daily television current affairs program – the 7.30 Report, as the ABC’s defence and security correspondent and as the presenter of the ‘AM’ Current Affairs program on ABC radio. From 2017 to 2021 he was a reporter with the ABC’s investigative television documentary program – 4Corners.
Michael has also written non fiction. In 2012 ‘American Stories – tales of hope and anger’ was published by UQP. The book was a personal account of a country on edge that chronicled the undercurrents of division and anger that surfaced during the first term of the Obama presidency. Divisions that would later be exploited to such devastating effect by Donald Trump.
He has contributed to a number of essay collections over the years and written for ‘The Bulletin’, ‘The Canberra Times’ and ‘New Matilda.’
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 28, 2021
3.5★s
The call to counter terrorism expert Sid Allen at 5am wasn’t good. As he headed to the site, he thought about up and coming politician Dan LeRoi, whom he knew quite well, and the effect his murder would have on things. His body was beside his luxury car, while inside the boot an unknown man lay dead, also hit in the same manner as LeRoi – four bullets to the head. Sid joined his partner, Detective Senior Sergeant Kelvin Rice, as they assessed the crime scene, taking note of all the agencies attending.
Zephyr Wilde was a journalist who was tenacious, not letting things get past her. She also was looking into her mother’s murder which was now a cold case. Zephyr and Sid occasionally helped each other out, although he didn’t know a lot about her. But learning that she was in contact with LeRoi and his wife Cherie – friends, but there was more to it – Sid wondered whether he should cut contact. As the depth of the investigation into the politician’s death, and the upcoming federal election took over front page of the papers, the secrets which went back a long way began to rise to the surface. Was it terrorism? Corruption? And was Shirley Wilde’s murder connected?
Dead Letters by Aussie author Michael Brissenden is an intriguing, political crime read, filled with corrupt politicians, murder, dirty cops and terrorism. Set in Sydney and Canberra, I quite enjoyed it but found myself skimming in places (the political push for elections!) I liked Sid and Zephyr’s characters, AJ some of the time – but Rice was weird! Recommended.
The call to counter terrorism expert Sid Allen at 5am wasn’t good. As he headed to the site, he thought about up and coming politician Dan LeRoi, whom he knew quite well, and the effect his murder would have on things. His body was beside his luxury car, while inside the boot an unknown man lay dead, also hit in the same manner as LeRoi – four bullets to the head. Sid joined his partner, Detective Senior Sergeant Kelvin Rice, as they assessed the crime scene, taking note of all the agencies attending.
Zephyr Wilde was a journalist who was tenacious, not letting things get past her. She also was looking into her mother’s murder which was now a cold case. Zephyr and Sid occasionally helped each other out, although he didn’t know a lot about her. But learning that she was in contact with LeRoi and his wife Cherie – friends, but there was more to it – Sid wondered whether he should cut contact. As the depth of the investigation into the politician’s death, and the upcoming federal election took over front page of the papers, the secrets which went back a long way began to rise to the surface. Was it terrorism? Corruption? And was Shirley Wilde’s murder connected?
Dead Letters by Aussie author Michael Brissenden is an intriguing, political crime read, filled with corrupt politicians, murder, dirty cops and terrorism. Set in Sydney and Canberra, I quite enjoyed it but found myself skimming in places (the political push for elections!) I liked Sid and Zephyr’s characters, AJ some of the time – but Rice was weird! Recommended.
December 17, 2021
This is a riveting, fast paced thriller set in the world of politics and the various gangs of white supremicists, terrorists and drug cartels that all have their own agendas.
Sid Allen is a fair minded honest detective with a background in counter terrorism, recently transferred from the Federal police to a new NSW police joint counter terrorism strikeforce. He had spent most of his career with the Feds seconded to the military as an investigator, serving in Afghanistan, where he met and lost his fiancé Rosie seven years before. When politician Daniel LeRoi is gunned down in the street, it looks as if a terrorist group is involved and Sid and his new partner Kelvin Rice are called in to investigate.
As Sid's team delves deeper into those involved, he discovers an entrenched trail of lies and corruption that becomes dangerous for those investigating and makes it hard for Sid to know who to trust. Investigative journalist Zephyr Wilde is also in danger of getting too close to the truth and finds herself being warned off.
Political reporter Michael Brissenden's years of experience in the world of politics shows in this high tension tale of corruption and murder set in the well known streets of Sydney as well as the federal parliament in Canberra. 4.5★
Sid Allen is a fair minded honest detective with a background in counter terrorism, recently transferred from the Federal police to a new NSW police joint counter terrorism strikeforce. He had spent most of his career with the Feds seconded to the military as an investigator, serving in Afghanistan, where he met and lost his fiancé Rosie seven years before. When politician Daniel LeRoi is gunned down in the street, it looks as if a terrorist group is involved and Sid and his new partner Kelvin Rice are called in to investigate.
As Sid's team delves deeper into those involved, he discovers an entrenched trail of lies and corruption that becomes dangerous for those investigating and makes it hard for Sid to know who to trust. Investigative journalist Zephyr Wilde is also in danger of getting too close to the truth and finds herself being warned off.
Political reporter Michael Brissenden's years of experience in the world of politics shows in this high tension tale of corruption and murder set in the well known streets of Sydney as well as the federal parliament in Canberra. 4.5★
April 22, 2022
Book 2 in the Sid Allen series published 2021
A compelling 4 star read.
This might be book number two but it’s my first time reading Michael Brisseden’s work.
And what a ripping yarn it turned out to be.
It might be no surprise to know, from the content of the book, that Michael Brissenden’s daytime job is a political journalist because there is more than bit of political skulduggery going on here.
The story starts 30 years ago when the madam of a well known brothel is murdered. The police can’t, or wont, find any incriminating evidence and close the case down as unsolved.
Now 30 years on Zephyr Wilde, the daughter of the murdered madam, now a front line crime reporter wants answers.
Sid Allen, a detective with the NSW police, and Zephyr are well acquainted, both professionally and personally. So when a case that Sid is working on appears to have connections to the question that Zephyr wants answers to they decide to share their information.
This, to them, makes perfect sense but what is about to happen makes no sense at all. Least of all to them.
Sid is stood down from duty and the police seem hell bent on charging Zephyr with something anything that will stop her in her tracks.
Sid, who is nobodies fool, can see in flashing red neon lights the words ‘cover up’ at every corner.
And this is no small departmental cover up. Political parties and its members and more police than you can poke a stick at seem to be involved.
So getting at the truth will be no easy matter for Sid and Zephyr and before this ends the bodies will start to pile up.
In the middle of all this a general election is taking place. Given that this book was published in 21 and that there is, in fact, an election taking place right now in 22 in real world Australia. I would swear that the major parties are using speeches and scripts from this book to run their campaigns on.
Such is the credibility of party politics. Nothing really changes.
So all in all a great read and is highly recommended.
A compelling 4 star read.
This might be book number two but it’s my first time reading Michael Brisseden’s work.
And what a ripping yarn it turned out to be.
It might be no surprise to know, from the content of the book, that Michael Brissenden’s daytime job is a political journalist because there is more than bit of political skulduggery going on here.
The story starts 30 years ago when the madam of a well known brothel is murdered. The police can’t, or wont, find any incriminating evidence and close the case down as unsolved.
Now 30 years on Zephyr Wilde, the daughter of the murdered madam, now a front line crime reporter wants answers.
Sid Allen, a detective with the NSW police, and Zephyr are well acquainted, both professionally and personally. So when a case that Sid is working on appears to have connections to the question that Zephyr wants answers to they decide to share their information.
This, to them, makes perfect sense but what is about to happen makes no sense at all. Least of all to them.
Sid is stood down from duty and the police seem hell bent on charging Zephyr with something anything that will stop her in her tracks.
Sid, who is nobodies fool, can see in flashing red neon lights the words ‘cover up’ at every corner.
And this is no small departmental cover up. Political parties and its members and more police than you can poke a stick at seem to be involved.
So getting at the truth will be no easy matter for Sid and Zephyr and before this ends the bodies will start to pile up.
In the middle of all this a general election is taking place. Given that this book was published in 21 and that there is, in fact, an election taking place right now in 22 in real world Australia. I would swear that the major parties are using speeches and scripts from this book to run their campaigns on.
Such is the credibility of party politics. Nothing really changes.
So all in all a great read and is highly recommended.
September 23, 2023
Dead Letters is the second book in the Sid Allen series. Sid is a police detective, an expert in counter-terrorism in Sydney. He’s called out early one morning to a murder scene, one that will make big headlines around the country because one of the two victims is Dan LeRoi who’s not only a federal politician but also the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. He’s been shot in his car along with another man who was found in the boot.
Reporting the case, one of many, is Zephyr Wilde who works for the Sydney Morning Herald. She’s of interest because she’s also friendly with Sid and they occasionally get together to go over cases of interest. This particular case is definitely of interest with an agreement forged to help each other on a you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours basis.
But Zephyr has an ulterior motive behind her friendship with Sid. Years before, her mother died, murdered by an unknown assailant. She was a madame in a brothel and was privy to information that many may have been uncomfortable about should any of it get out. In short, the suspect list is long and it’s powerful.
Every year on her birthday, Zephyr receives letters from her dead mother. They pour out all sorts of information and emotion, leaving out one important piece…the identity of her father. It’s a recurring nightmare that repeats itself every year and drives her need to find out more about her mother’s life and, ultimately, her death.
Secrets from the past and high profile murders in the present are two compelling aspects that combine to make this an intriguing political thriller. That being said, I found myself drifting a little through the early sections of the book which tended to go deep on the political intricacies at the expense of any pretense of story progression. This meant an extended section of the book that really crept along, trying my patience.
The fans of political thrillers will enjoy the ins and outs and diabolical dealing of the backroom boys responsible for the true machinations of the politicians. The dirty power plays and the grubby deals designed to cover up indiscretions and out and out criminal activity are captured very succinctly in some parts here. In some respects, too succinctly with brief hints at involvement from the Ndrangheta and local underworld figures merely serving to make suggestions of danger rather than ever realising it.
Ultimately, the plot develops very nicely and culminates in a solid finale that manages to draw the police detective and the investigative journalist together to face a long-hidden, powerful enemy. Dead Letters was a good follow up to The List, it allowed Sid Allen’s character to become more fully fleshed out, but never really managed to fully capture and hold my imagination.
Reporting the case, one of many, is Zephyr Wilde who works for the Sydney Morning Herald. She’s of interest because she’s also friendly with Sid and they occasionally get together to go over cases of interest. This particular case is definitely of interest with an agreement forged to help each other on a you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours basis.
But Zephyr has an ulterior motive behind her friendship with Sid. Years before, her mother died, murdered by an unknown assailant. She was a madame in a brothel and was privy to information that many may have been uncomfortable about should any of it get out. In short, the suspect list is long and it’s powerful.
Every year on her birthday, Zephyr receives letters from her dead mother. They pour out all sorts of information and emotion, leaving out one important piece…the identity of her father. It’s a recurring nightmare that repeats itself every year and drives her need to find out more about her mother’s life and, ultimately, her death.
Secrets from the past and high profile murders in the present are two compelling aspects that combine to make this an intriguing political thriller. That being said, I found myself drifting a little through the early sections of the book which tended to go deep on the political intricacies at the expense of any pretense of story progression. This meant an extended section of the book that really crept along, trying my patience.
The fans of political thrillers will enjoy the ins and outs and diabolical dealing of the backroom boys responsible for the true machinations of the politicians. The dirty power plays and the grubby deals designed to cover up indiscretions and out and out criminal activity are captured very succinctly in some parts here. In some respects, too succinctly with brief hints at involvement from the Ndrangheta and local underworld figures merely serving to make suggestions of danger rather than ever realising it.
Ultimately, the plot develops very nicely and culminates in a solid finale that manages to draw the police detective and the investigative journalist together to face a long-hidden, powerful enemy. Dead Letters was a good follow up to The List, it allowed Sid Allen’s character to become more fully fleshed out, but never really managed to fully capture and hold my imagination.
February 18, 2022
Dead Letters is an engrossing and fast-paced Australian thriller, drawing together themes of political and police corruption, the role of the media and the far-reaching effects of violent crime.
We follow Sydney based cop and counter-terrorism expert Sid Allen, from the time he's summoned early one morning to the scene of what appears to be a politically-motivated double murder, through the investigation to a thrilling and dangerous denouement. Along the way, Sid must manage his relationship (professional and romantic) with journalist Zephyr Wilde, who has links to dead politician Dan LeRoi. With his investigation uncovering possible connections to the murder of Zephyr's mother years earlier, Sid finds that he's attracting dangerous attention - but who is behind the murders - present and past - and who can he and Zephyr trust when the startling truth begins to emerge?
Journalist-author Michael Brissenden's plotting and character development are excellent and his inner-Sydney setting evocative (only small portions of the narrative take place within Canberra's Parliament House). Sid's efforts to balance his duties as a police officer with media interactions and his growing realisation that corrupt elements are close at hand, is palpable and maintains the tension throughout. The dramatic conclusion is both satisfying and shocking.
I'd recommend Dead Letters to any reader who enjoys gritty contemporary thrillers and quality Australian writing.
We follow Sydney based cop and counter-terrorism expert Sid Allen, from the time he's summoned early one morning to the scene of what appears to be a politically-motivated double murder, through the investigation to a thrilling and dangerous denouement. Along the way, Sid must manage his relationship (professional and romantic) with journalist Zephyr Wilde, who has links to dead politician Dan LeRoi. With his investigation uncovering possible connections to the murder of Zephyr's mother years earlier, Sid finds that he's attracting dangerous attention - but who is behind the murders - present and past - and who can he and Zephyr trust when the startling truth begins to emerge?
Journalist-author Michael Brissenden's plotting and character development are excellent and his inner-Sydney setting evocative (only small portions of the narrative take place within Canberra's Parliament House). Sid's efforts to balance his duties as a police officer with media interactions and his growing realisation that corrupt elements are close at hand, is palpable and maintains the tension throughout. The dramatic conclusion is both satisfying and shocking.
I'd recommend Dead Letters to any reader who enjoys gritty contemporary thrillers and quality Australian writing.
January 25, 2021
Dead Letters begins with a bang, quite literally, and the pace doesn't let up from there. It is a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller that would make a brilliant movie or TV series. It kept me up until the early hours, each chapters ending demanding that I keep reading. and it was worth the dark circles under my eyes the next day - absolutely brilliant.
Nothing good can ever come of a phone call at 5am, everybody knows this. This call has Sid Allen making his way to the scene of the murder of politician Dan Le Roi in Brighton Le Sands, Sydney. The well known politician has been shot 4 times, and there is another surprise waiting for detectives. This case is going to be big. Journalist Zephyr Wilde is also at the scene and hooks Sid into working with her on this one when she divulges that she was working with Le Roi as well. He was helping her to look into the murder of her mother when she was a child. Lines are crossed and information is shared. When you ask these sorts of questions people notice. This case is dangerous - politics, terrorism, drugs, gangs, corruption, it is all there.
I couldn't get enough of Dead Letters and the Sydney setting made it relatable in terms of location. Michael Brisseden has worked for the ABC for years and it shows in his writing. Lovers of Chris Hammer and Michael Connelly will devour this as I did. All the stars.
Thanks to Hachette Australia for sending this book my way. It is released in Australia January 27th.
Nothing good can ever come of a phone call at 5am, everybody knows this. This call has Sid Allen making his way to the scene of the murder of politician Dan Le Roi in Brighton Le Sands, Sydney. The well known politician has been shot 4 times, and there is another surprise waiting for detectives. This case is going to be big. Journalist Zephyr Wilde is also at the scene and hooks Sid into working with her on this one when she divulges that she was working with Le Roi as well. He was helping her to look into the murder of her mother when she was a child. Lines are crossed and information is shared. When you ask these sorts of questions people notice. This case is dangerous - politics, terrorism, drugs, gangs, corruption, it is all there.
I couldn't get enough of Dead Letters and the Sydney setting made it relatable in terms of location. Michael Brisseden has worked for the ABC for years and it shows in his writing. Lovers of Chris Hammer and Michael Connelly will devour this as I did. All the stars.
Thanks to Hachette Australia for sending this book my way. It is released in Australia January 27th.
January 30, 2021
A dead politician, a mother’s letters from the grave, a daughter’s quest for answers.
OMG I freaking loved this book!!!! Corrupt politicians, dirty cops, mafia links, gangs, counter terrorism………..seriously, what’s not to love.
I was a little nervous going into this one, it’s not the usual type of book I’m drawn to but honestly, once I started reading I couldn’t stop. It was so compelling and so intriguing it had me hooked from the very first page.
When a politician is shot in the early hours of the morning, veteran officer Sid Allen, with his own closet full of skeletons, is called to the scene to investigate. It’s not every day a politician is murdered. What does it mean? Is it terrorist related? Is it mafia related?
Also poking around the death is journalist Zephyr Wilde who was only ten when her mother Shirley was murdered twenty years earlier. Shirley was the owner of a local brothel and had contacts in high places, so why after all these years had the case of her mother’s death still not been solved? Did someone want it to stay buried, no matter what the cost?
It’s not long before Sid and Zephyr’s worlds come crashing into each other and as the body count rises so does the tension. The chapters were fact paced in this political thriller and the author has done a fantastic job of holding the reader’s attention right through to the nail biting ending.
As an added bonus, set across the fabulous city of Sydney, it was so good to read a book where I actually knew the name of the streets and the suburbs.
Thank you sooooo much Hachette Australia for the opportunity to read this 5 star book. I highly recommend running out to the bookshop now to grab a copy.
OMG I freaking loved this book!!!! Corrupt politicians, dirty cops, mafia links, gangs, counter terrorism………..seriously, what’s not to love.
I was a little nervous going into this one, it’s not the usual type of book I’m drawn to but honestly, once I started reading I couldn’t stop. It was so compelling and so intriguing it had me hooked from the very first page.
When a politician is shot in the early hours of the morning, veteran officer Sid Allen, with his own closet full of skeletons, is called to the scene to investigate. It’s not every day a politician is murdered. What does it mean? Is it terrorist related? Is it mafia related?
Also poking around the death is journalist Zephyr Wilde who was only ten when her mother Shirley was murdered twenty years earlier. Shirley was the owner of a local brothel and had contacts in high places, so why after all these years had the case of her mother’s death still not been solved? Did someone want it to stay buried, no matter what the cost?
It’s not long before Sid and Zephyr’s worlds come crashing into each other and as the body count rises so does the tension. The chapters were fact paced in this political thriller and the author has done a fantastic job of holding the reader’s attention right through to the nail biting ending.
As an added bonus, set across the fabulous city of Sydney, it was so good to read a book where I actually knew the name of the streets and the suburbs.
Thank you sooooo much Hachette Australia for the opportunity to read this 5 star book. I highly recommend running out to the bookshop now to grab a copy.
June 8, 2023
This book was ok. It is very strong on plot, but the characters were a bit two dimensional. But if plot is your jam, the light characterisation probably won’t be an issue for you. And Brissenden clearly is a good writer as he paces the story well.
It’s set in Sydney and Brissenden’s knowledge of Sydney accords with my memory. While he changes some of the names of the places, I could still picture them vividly.
My biggest gripe is I feel like Brissenden had a shopping list of elements that he was crossing off as he was writing - Middle Eastern Crime, tick - far right extremists, tick - East Coast Crime Milleu/Ndrangheta, tick - political corruption, tick - high profile female police superintendent, tick - ex-armed forces officer alleged to have committed war crimes, tick. But none of these were really explored in enough detail. Sometimes whodunnit is far less interesting than the why, and it’s often far more complex
I think simplifying the plot, hinting at more complex underlying factors and exploring the characters’ journey in getting there could have resulted in a really interesting exploration of corruption. And I’m sure Brissenden could do this with ease.
I found myself rolling my eyes whenever one of these elements appeared. It detracted from my reading experience. But like I said , it’s not bad, it’s just isn’t as great as it could have been.
It’s set in Sydney and Brissenden’s knowledge of Sydney accords with my memory. While he changes some of the names of the places, I could still picture them vividly.
My biggest gripe is I feel like Brissenden had a shopping list of elements that he was crossing off as he was writing - Middle Eastern Crime, tick - far right extremists, tick - East Coast Crime Milleu/Ndrangheta, tick - political corruption, tick - high profile female police superintendent, tick - ex-armed forces officer alleged to have committed war crimes, tick. But none of these were really explored in enough detail. Sometimes whodunnit is far less interesting than the why, and it’s often far more complex
I think simplifying the plot, hinting at more complex underlying factors and exploring the characters’ journey in getting there could have resulted in a really interesting exploration of corruption. And I’m sure Brissenden could do this with ease.
I found myself rolling my eyes whenever one of these elements appeared. It detracted from my reading experience. But like I said , it’s not bad, it’s just isn’t as great as it could have been.
November 11, 2024
More like 4.5 actually. An earthy and at times almost subterranean story of murder, deceit, money laundering and crooked cops in the whiles of modern day Sydney. Cracking lines, ascerbic wit and gritty dialogue (not for the prudish) give the work an excellent balance and realism. Brissenden takes many a swipe at numerous right wing types under the guise of his characters and accurately portrays them as the arseholes they inevitably are in real life. Touché
February 14, 2021
Great aussie crime. Part police procedural, part politcal thriller. Both leads are great. The pacing is amazing. My only issue is I felt like I could see the ending coming about halfway through. Still worth the read. Highly recommend this one
December 22, 2022
Did not finish. Dead Letters seems to have been written by a computer utilising artificial intelligence gleaned from multiple crime authors going back as far as Raymond Chandler and beyond, and up to the present. Consequently Dead Letters uses every stereotype on hand in anticipation such application makes for a "good read". It didn't for me.
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February 17, 2022Hi Michael, I have just started listening to your book and about 1/4 of the way. You might get where I'm coming from as being a fellow author. It's been a long time since if found a book that I can (audio) listen to that can take my mind away from my own writing and stories. I'm loving your narrator as he really is making the story exactly as I would picture an Aussie crime. I just wanted to thank you even though I haven't finished as yet, but I can tell you it's so refreshing to find a great Aussie book. Your book was recommended by a Twitter friend and I'm bloody loving it.
Regards
Stephen Irwin.
Regards
Stephen Irwin.
August 17, 2021
A fairly standard thriller. However, the sequel wasn't so much of a sequel. There was no progress in the theme of the first book. I'm guessing he will keep writing in this series, but I'm not too interested to keep reading. Side note: As this book was published in 2021, it is the first I've read that gives a nod to Covid.
July 18, 2023
Dead Letters, journalist Michael Brissenden’s second novel, is a hard-to-swallow thriller about politics, corruption and crime. It is one of the most difficult books this reviewer has ever read, perhaps because those who try so hard to suspend their disbelief often end up missing out on all the fun of reading a story.
There is no doubt that Dead Letters is a convincingly complex and captivating story, with the Chairman of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security murdered in cold blood by Page 5. The police are under intense pressure to hunt down the killer(s), but everyone involved turns out to have a long-concealed dark side.
Worse, a federal election is coming up and the incumbent prime minister is desperate. With unemployment rising and house prices plummeting, consumption growth is weaker than ever and all economic trends are rapidly slowing. Voters have simply stopped listening, and no amount of campaign on national security can help the government survive.
As the prime minister and his chief of staff conveniently blame the aforementioned murder on terrorism, Sidney Allen, a veteran of Afghanistan now working with Australian Federal Police, suspects something else. The details are intriguing, circling around Sydney’s underground gangs, right-wing “patriots”, brothels, police misconducts, and power struggles among local community leaders and politicians. Everybody wants a lion’s share. It is every man for himself.
Then arrives a seemingly irrelevant sideline, a journalist named Zephyr Wilde whose mother was murdered some 20 years ago. While a common technique to tackle crime writing is to delve into the love-hate relations between politicians, cops and reporters, this subplot in Dead Letters remains necessarily puzzling, with Zephyr’s mother sending her one letter each year from the grave. It is both frustrating and delightful that the puzzle is only solved at the very end of the book.
Brissenden’s background as a political reporter and foreign correspondent contributes a great deal to his capacity to create a compelling read. From the seedy streets of Sydney to the corridors of power in Canberra, the cynicism is obvious, that only money can buy status, influence and control.
Meanwhile, the story makes it clear that whether it is money laundering or collaborating with mobs, the rule is not to send everyone down. This “lesson” is well illustrated by a certain important character in the book: “You don’t f**k with the arrangement. You don’t threaten to throw everyone under a bus and not expect consequences. Politicians, lawyers, cops – it’s not f**king Sesame Street.”
This reviewer would recommend that readers enjoy the story without trying to explore how the author’s profession could have influenced his portrayal of politicians, the media and the police. The Australia described in Dead Letters is very similar to ours, but ultimately it is not. Instead, why not enjoy this page-tuner and go down the rabbit hole of crime solving? The thrill is in the chase.and there are plenty of twists and turns ahead. Perhaps you, too, can guess the villain(s) and save the day.
Note: This book review was originally published under the title “Hard to swallow” by Ferntree Gully Star Mail, October 19, 2021, P.8.
There is no doubt that Dead Letters is a convincingly complex and captivating story, with the Chairman of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security murdered in cold blood by Page 5. The police are under intense pressure to hunt down the killer(s), but everyone involved turns out to have a long-concealed dark side.
Worse, a federal election is coming up and the incumbent prime minister is desperate. With unemployment rising and house prices plummeting, consumption growth is weaker than ever and all economic trends are rapidly slowing. Voters have simply stopped listening, and no amount of campaign on national security can help the government survive.
As the prime minister and his chief of staff conveniently blame the aforementioned murder on terrorism, Sidney Allen, a veteran of Afghanistan now working with Australian Federal Police, suspects something else. The details are intriguing, circling around Sydney’s underground gangs, right-wing “patriots”, brothels, police misconducts, and power struggles among local community leaders and politicians. Everybody wants a lion’s share. It is every man for himself.
Then arrives a seemingly irrelevant sideline, a journalist named Zephyr Wilde whose mother was murdered some 20 years ago. While a common technique to tackle crime writing is to delve into the love-hate relations between politicians, cops and reporters, this subplot in Dead Letters remains necessarily puzzling, with Zephyr’s mother sending her one letter each year from the grave. It is both frustrating and delightful that the puzzle is only solved at the very end of the book.
Brissenden’s background as a political reporter and foreign correspondent contributes a great deal to his capacity to create a compelling read. From the seedy streets of Sydney to the corridors of power in Canberra, the cynicism is obvious, that only money can buy status, influence and control.
Meanwhile, the story makes it clear that whether it is money laundering or collaborating with mobs, the rule is not to send everyone down. This “lesson” is well illustrated by a certain important character in the book: “You don’t f**k with the arrangement. You don’t threaten to throw everyone under a bus and not expect consequences. Politicians, lawyers, cops – it’s not f**king Sesame Street.”
This reviewer would recommend that readers enjoy the story without trying to explore how the author’s profession could have influenced his portrayal of politicians, the media and the police. The Australia described in Dead Letters is very similar to ours, but ultimately it is not. Instead, why not enjoy this page-tuner and go down the rabbit hole of crime solving? The thrill is in the chase.and there are plenty of twists and turns ahead. Perhaps you, too, can guess the villain(s) and save the day.
Note: This book review was originally published under the title “Hard to swallow” by Ferntree Gully Star Mail, October 19, 2021, P.8.
July 22, 2024
The second of the Sid Allen series, Dead Letters (2021) by Michael Brissenden is a murder mystery Aussie noir. Sid is out exercising at 5 AM as usual, when he receives a telephone call tip off of a murdered politician. He is a Detective Sergeant working for the State Crime Command Criminal Organisation, a joint State and Federal Task Force in Sydney, investigating the murder. Sid is surprised to discover another dead body in the boot of the MP's car and identifies the man with links to organised crime gangs. Meantime, journalist Cherie Zephyr is investigating her own mother’s murder two decades earlier and asks Sid for help. As the body count rises, a federal election is called and the mirky underworld of criminal gangs, a historic murder and politicians’ behaviour becomes enmeshed. A first-rate police procedural with a sophisticated crime mystery that has a five stars read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.
April 10, 2023
Former political journalist Michael Brissenden has written another cracker of a thriller based in Sydney. The story is fast paced and riveting, telling of politics, crime gangs, white supremacists, terrorists and drug cartels.
Detective Sid Allen is the cental character. with his partner Kelvin Rice and journalist Zephyr Wilde. Allen has experience in counter terrorism for the Australian Federal Police and with Rice he finds himself in a dangerous and thrilling situation when he investigates the shooting death of a politician.
A terrific read from an author who really knows how to spin a great story.
Detective Sid Allen is the cental character. with his partner Kelvin Rice and journalist Zephyr Wilde. Allen has experience in counter terrorism for the Australian Federal Police and with Rice he finds himself in a dangerous and thrilling situation when he investigates the shooting death of a politician.
A terrific read from an author who really knows how to spin a great story.
August 2, 2021
Another good read from Michael Brissenden. Again, could do with some more careful editing, eg, there is a character wearing a very tight tank top, then our hero Sid Allen grabs him by the collar! Also, Brett Whitely is not spelled "Whitley". However, these are minor quibbles. Looking forward to more outings for Sid Allen following Michael's retirement from ABC TV (although we will miss him on Four Corners where his reports were always must-watch episodes).
January 20, 2021
Politics, cops, corruption and potential terrorist links.
An addictive novel with a killer plot that starts with an assassination of an MP who was moving up in the political ranks.
Being set in Sydney gave this a familiar feel for me. So many potential strands in this mix of investigative journalism and police investigation.
An addictive novel with a killer plot that starts with an assassination of an MP who was moving up in the political ranks.
Being set in Sydney gave this a familiar feel for me. So many potential strands in this mix of investigative journalism and police investigation.
February 16, 2021
Seems like all ABC journos are becoming authors such that they'll have something to fall back on when Scotty from Marketing's cuts to ABC funding costs them their job. I certainly enjoyed this offering from Michael Brissenden , but also hope he doesn't give up the day job of keeping the bastards honest.
February 22, 2021
One of the most exciting books I have ever read, a great thriller. Refreshing to read a political / crime thriller set in Australia rather than USA, and the characters were very genuine and believable. It being set in Sydney made it familiar and added to the level of enjoyment.
April 17, 2021
This one had me hooked. It is so good to read Australian authors who know their stuff. This was a complex plot with some good political realities interspersed. It all came together well in the end and it was very believable.
May 2, 2021
Great Aussie crime thriller with a perfect mix of the ugliness behind closed doors in politics, journalism and police. Fabulous insight from a seasoned and well-regarded journalist. Can’t wait to read more of Michael’s works.
June 4, 2021
I know MB as a journalist and enjoyed The List.
Sid is the Australian equivalent of Bosch...do hope he writes more with him as the protagonist.
This book had it all~ political thriller, corruption and of course murder !
Read in one sitting.
Sid is the Australian equivalent of Bosch...do hope he writes more with him as the protagonist.
This book had it all~ political thriller, corruption and of course murder !
Read in one sitting.
December 12, 2021
Excellent read. Political thriller at its best. Lies and corruptions in the highest corridors of politics and law enforcement. Gangs, drug cartels and of course murder.
Great story, believable characters. An addictive read, I found it hard to put down.
Great story, believable characters. An addictive read, I found it hard to put down.
February 4, 2023
Another brilliant written political crime novel by the author. The storytelling draw the reader in with a fantastic narrative which enables the reader to visualise the places in the plot. Well written, and kept me guessing.
February 12, 2025
It took me a while to relax into the style of writing. It irritated me at the start but soon I was engaged in the plot and didn’t notice it so much. So many twists and turns that at times I found it hard to keep up but I did enjoy it.
May 10, 2025
Just as grim as the first book, and just like James Bond, our 'hero' seems to get a different love interest every book. Frustratingly, book doesn't address the unresolved issues from book 1, especially what looked to be the bad guy getting away with it.
February 5, 2021
I'm loving this genre and this book of Aussie politico-crime
February 19, 2021
Slow burn great read. Top shelf example of this genre. Highly recommended.
Read
March 21, 2021A good follow up to The List. Possibly a more complex plot and again the book gains from the contemporary issues canvassed.
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