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Cato Kwong #5
Crocodile Tears
Detective Philip ‘Cato’ Kwong is investigating the death of a retiree found hacked to pieces in his suburban home. The trail leads to Timor-Leste, with its recent blood-soaked history. There, he reunites with an old frenemy, the spook Rory Driscoll who, in Cato’s experience, has always occupied a hazy moral terrain. Resourceful, multilingual, and hard as nails, Rory has been the government's go-to guy when things get sticky in the Asia-Pacific. Now Rory wants out. But first he’s needed to chaperone a motley group of whistleblowers with a price on their heads. And there’s one on his, too.
336 pages, Paperback
Published February 2, 2022
About the author
Alan Carter
10 books96 followersAlan Carter is an award-winning crime author and sometimes television documentary director. His Cato Kwong series – Prime Cut, Getting Warmer and Bad Seed – has been published in the UK, France, Germany and Spain. His latest novel, Marlborough Man, is set in New Zealand. Alan was born in Sunderland, UK and immigrated to Australia in 1991. These days he divides his time between his house near the beach in Fremantle and a hobby farm up a remote valley in New Zealand. In his spare time he follows a black line up and down the local swimming pool. Alan Carter has won the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Crime Novel (2018) and the Ned Kelly Award for Best First Fiction (2011).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 15, 2022
Two different flashbacks begin this story: the first in 1999 with a Timor-Leste church massacre and the other leaps to 2013 and the aussie spy fixer Rory Driscoll. Crocodile Tears by Aussie author Alan Carter is the fifth Detective Senior Sergeant Phillip ‘Cato’ Kwong mystery and it is not a series previously encountered. Interestingly, two separate parallel narratives unfold with Kwong’s murder investigation and spy Rory Driscoll transporting witnesses to a United Nations enquiry. The brutal murder of an elderly man in Fremantle, Western Australian starts off a series of events and adventures that finally reunite the two protagonists and makes for an engrossing read of a police procedural, spy thriller and international machinations. If you like sophisticated and intriguing stories, with character depth and captivating action, then this four-and-a-half-star rating is a must not miss. The Australian context of the tale may not be fully appreciated, albeit its currency and astuteness.
March 10, 2023
The drive into the city took the best part of an hour. Driscoll suspected some meandering and doubling back along the way, and by the time they hit the CBD it was dark. Darwin had grown since Driscoll was last here, more high-rises and generally a fattening and spreading out like a complacent middle manager…
In the fifth in the Philip (Cato) Kwong series, the WA detective of Chinese descent is working on major crimes in Perth, when the death of a retired WA police sergeant hits his desk. The MO is similar to another death a day later, of a retired science teacher at Bunbury – both bodies hacked and mutilated. Where was the connection? Then, his wife Sharon Wang, working for the Australian Federal Police at Perth airport, has to handle a disruptive and paranoid passenger inbound from Darwin, later found hanged with Cato’s phone number in his wallet.
Meanwhile in coastal Victoria, a welcome return of ASIS spook Rory Driscoll – a “fighting mob Gunditjmara” man, noted for his cavalier attitude to one and all. Cato and Rory first met in Shanghai (Bad Seed), where Cato also met wife-to-be, Sharon, and the two men have mixed views of each other.
Rory’s name and that of another spook, a journalist blogger and suburban lawyer are on a death list - the others set to testify to a committee from The Hague sitting in Darwin, on East Timor. Rory’s job: to get them to the meeting and keep them alive in the meantime. Not easy. Someone high in the food chain needing their silence.
Hats off to Alan Carter for lifting the lid on a less than auspicious chapter in Australia’s history. Operation Sovereign Borders. People smugglers. Boat people. Detention centres. Treaties on oil/gas exploration. This reader had to search the atlas for Timor Leste (as it now is), and knew knew nothing of its history or culture, other than Aussie troops being sent there (to protect the people, or Australia’s interests?)
An enjoyable read, which kept me guessing until towards the end. Good so see Sharon playing a stronger role. Not a woman to tangle with, nor are the other female characters, especially ‘Aunty’. Advise would-be readers to go for the earlier ones first.
In the fifth in the Philip (Cato) Kwong series, the WA detective of Chinese descent is working on major crimes in Perth, when the death of a retired WA police sergeant hits his desk. The MO is similar to another death a day later, of a retired science teacher at Bunbury – both bodies hacked and mutilated. Where was the connection? Then, his wife Sharon Wang, working for the Australian Federal Police at Perth airport, has to handle a disruptive and paranoid passenger inbound from Darwin, later found hanged with Cato’s phone number in his wallet.
Meanwhile in coastal Victoria, a welcome return of ASIS spook Rory Driscoll – a “fighting mob Gunditjmara” man, noted for his cavalier attitude to one and all. Cato and Rory first met in Shanghai (Bad Seed), where Cato also met wife-to-be, Sharon, and the two men have mixed views of each other.
Rory’s name and that of another spook, a journalist blogger and suburban lawyer are on a death list - the others set to testify to a committee from The Hague sitting in Darwin, on East Timor. Rory’s job: to get them to the meeting and keep them alive in the meantime. Not easy. Someone high in the food chain needing their silence.
Hats off to Alan Carter for lifting the lid on a less than auspicious chapter in Australia’s history. Operation Sovereign Borders. People smugglers. Boat people. Detention centres. Treaties on oil/gas exploration. This reader had to search the atlas for Timor Leste (as it now is), and knew knew nothing of its history or culture, other than Aussie troops being sent there (to protect the people, or Australia’s interests?)
An enjoyable read, which kept me guessing until towards the end. Good so see Sharon playing a stronger role. Not a woman to tangle with, nor are the other female characters, especially ‘Aunty’. Advise would-be readers to go for the earlier ones first.
October 17, 2025
As in previous reads of this series, I found myself getting lost in places but I really like the characters so keep coming back for more. 4.5 stars.
December 31, 2021
My first introduction to Cato Kwong was with Getting Warmer which is book #2. I thoroughly enjoyed it and didn’t feel it imperative to read book #1. However with Crocodile Tears book #5 I did feel like I had missed something. I do have books #3 & #4 on my shelf. I just haven’t found that every elusive time to read them.
I loved the Australianisms in Crocodile Tears, shown through the language, scenery and general laid back attitude of the characters.
Alan Carter has given his readers a twisty political thriller that has multiple plot lines running through it. I was intrigued to see how the different plots would come together and Carter managed to tie them all in nicely, pulling out surprise after surprise.
Returning nightmares and a reliance on anxiety medication see Cato in a bad way. However he still gives the case his all. He likes to get to the real answers and won’t let go of a case until he is totally satisfied, often putting his own life in danger. I didn’t see the humour of his previous book with the jams that Cato found himself in. He was more broken in this book and I assume this was Carter’s way of ending the series although I did find it a sad ending to Cato’s illustrious career.
The plot moves from Perth to Tasmania, Darwin and Timor-Leste. A fast paced police procedural that involves murder, greed, ambition, hatred and spies. No one can be trusted and strings are being pulled by Government authorities to suit their own agenda.
Crocodile Tears was my first introduction to Rory Driscoll; a likeable anti-hero who came across as a good bloke. He professes that he is retired, happy to spend his days fishing, but I would love to see him have his own series.
Although I am sad to see him go, I found Crocodile Tears an acceptable end to the Cato Kwong series.
*I received a copy through Beauty & Lace Book Club
I loved the Australianisms in Crocodile Tears, shown through the language, scenery and general laid back attitude of the characters.
Alan Carter has given his readers a twisty political thriller that has multiple plot lines running through it. I was intrigued to see how the different plots would come together and Carter managed to tie them all in nicely, pulling out surprise after surprise.
Returning nightmares and a reliance on anxiety medication see Cato in a bad way. However he still gives the case his all. He likes to get to the real answers and won’t let go of a case until he is totally satisfied, often putting his own life in danger. I didn’t see the humour of his previous book with the jams that Cato found himself in. He was more broken in this book and I assume this was Carter’s way of ending the series although I did find it a sad ending to Cato’s illustrious career.
The plot moves from Perth to Tasmania, Darwin and Timor-Leste. A fast paced police procedural that involves murder, greed, ambition, hatred and spies. No one can be trusted and strings are being pulled by Government authorities to suit their own agenda.
Crocodile Tears was my first introduction to Rory Driscoll; a likeable anti-hero who came across as a good bloke. He professes that he is retired, happy to spend his days fishing, but I would love to see him have his own series.
Although I am sad to see him go, I found Crocodile Tears an acceptable end to the Cato Kwong series.
*I received a copy through Beauty & Lace Book Club
November 12, 2021
Disappointing finish to an otherwise excellent series. I liked the concept of two inter-woven stories that are brought together, but found the execution weak - each section was too short, so that jumping back & forth between them was difficult to follow. This was compounded by an overly complex plot involving several murders & terrorist crimes over several years, with a multitude of witnesses, police investigators & suspects. I read this book over a couple of days & suspect that a slower reading would make keeping track of everyone even more confusing. I've read & enjoyed all of Alan Carters books & rate him amongst my favourite Australian crime writers (Disher, Corris, Tony Cavanaugh, Temple, Robotham, Serong - and the newer writers like Lisa Ellery, Catherine Firkin & Benjamin Stevenson) but this one was a dud. Sorry!
January 16, 2023
Three and a half
November 30, 2021
CROCODILE TEARS takes Philip 'Cato' Kwong a long way away from his origins in the Stock Squad in the middle of nowhere. Instead, in this final novel in the series, we start out with Kwong investigating the death of a retiree found hacked to pieces in suburban Perth, ending up in Timor-Leste and deep in the world of spies, dodgy business dealings, more death, torture, attacks and extreme violence. Plus he's a father to a "terrible two" now, and his wife, Sharon, has career aspirations of her own.
Flawed, fallible and endearingly human, Kwong has always been an engaging central protagonist. A cop with a seemingly limitless capacity to endure physical attacks (and there are plenty of those in this novel), he's doubtful, hesitant, willing to take risks without being a superhero type, and very real. His relationship with his work colleagues, and with Sharon is really well executed, with plenty of dry, Australian humour built in. There are also sufficient hat-tips to his ethnicity to make the reader aware that being Chinese-Australian isn't always the easiest thing.
CROCODILE TEARS combines police procedural and spy thriller elements, told in a series of short-sharp viewpoints, switching between Cato and spook Rory Driscoll, who, as the blurb puts it "has always occupied a hazy moral terrain". Driscoll starts out in this novel babysitting three witnesses due to give evidence to a Hague trial into issues around Timor-Leste's independence, and the subsequent arguments over oil rights etc, and that has him ferrying three very different individuals around Australia, eventually getting them to Darwin, in one piece, just in time for the trial. There are rival spooks, sinister threats, and always Driscoll's boss - the ever present Aunty - who, at points in this novel, might make you wonder which side she's on. Meanwhile there are more murders happening locally, Sharon ends up involved, there are local cops courtesy of multiple crime scenes, odd connections to Christmas Island and then to Timor-Leste, and Kwong and Driscoll find themselves in that country, trying to navigate a world occupied by some seriously dangerous people.
As the saying goes "it's complicated". Boy oh boy is it complicated here - especially for followers of this series who are used to Kwong in a lot of scrapes, but never up to his elbows in international terrorism, dodgy business dealings, millionaire's, shady characters and threats to home and family. You will need to be paying very very close attention as the viewpoints switch around, the pace remains pretty high throughout this novel, and there is a. lot. going. on.
It's definitely an unusual way to end a series, with family circumstances playing a role, cases that veer away from the norm such a lot, all of which might leave the reader feeling a bit puffed out (nice way to get some empathy with Kwong going) but definitely ending up feeling like he deserved some time out.
Different from the rest of the series, but highly entertaining, rip-roaring fun nonetheless, it was interesting to see such a mash up of styles (procedural spy thriller's could be a thing?). It was hard to come away from it, after finishing way too late last night, without the feeling Philip 'Cato' Kwong will be sorely missed.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Flawed, fallible and endearingly human, Kwong has always been an engaging central protagonist. A cop with a seemingly limitless capacity to endure physical attacks (and there are plenty of those in this novel), he's doubtful, hesitant, willing to take risks without being a superhero type, and very real. His relationship with his work colleagues, and with Sharon is really well executed, with plenty of dry, Australian humour built in. There are also sufficient hat-tips to his ethnicity to make the reader aware that being Chinese-Australian isn't always the easiest thing.
CROCODILE TEARS combines police procedural and spy thriller elements, told in a series of short-sharp viewpoints, switching between Cato and spook Rory Driscoll, who, as the blurb puts it "has always occupied a hazy moral terrain". Driscoll starts out in this novel babysitting three witnesses due to give evidence to a Hague trial into issues around Timor-Leste's independence, and the subsequent arguments over oil rights etc, and that has him ferrying three very different individuals around Australia, eventually getting them to Darwin, in one piece, just in time for the trial. There are rival spooks, sinister threats, and always Driscoll's boss - the ever present Aunty - who, at points in this novel, might make you wonder which side she's on. Meanwhile there are more murders happening locally, Sharon ends up involved, there are local cops courtesy of multiple crime scenes, odd connections to Christmas Island and then to Timor-Leste, and Kwong and Driscoll find themselves in that country, trying to navigate a world occupied by some seriously dangerous people.
As the saying goes "it's complicated". Boy oh boy is it complicated here - especially for followers of this series who are used to Kwong in a lot of scrapes, but never up to his elbows in international terrorism, dodgy business dealings, millionaire's, shady characters and threats to home and family. You will need to be paying very very close attention as the viewpoints switch around, the pace remains pretty high throughout this novel, and there is a. lot. going. on.
It's definitely an unusual way to end a series, with family circumstances playing a role, cases that veer away from the norm such a lot, all of which might leave the reader feeling a bit puffed out (nice way to get some empathy with Kwong going) but definitely ending up feeling like he deserved some time out.
Different from the rest of the series, but highly entertaining, rip-roaring fun nonetheless, it was interesting to see such a mash up of styles (procedural spy thriller's could be a thing?). It was hard to come away from it, after finishing way too late last night, without the feeling Philip 'Cato' Kwong will be sorely missed.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
February 20, 2022
Cato Kwong is has moved to of Perth's Major Crimes Unit ( I have to admit that I haven't read the last two novels in the series), he is married, and has a small child. He is recently wounded while on duty, and close to burn-out. His wife Sharon works with the airport police, and they lead busy and demanding lives. Something's got to give.
This is a novel that keeps you on your toes, with two narrative streams: one for Cato, and one for Rory Driscoll, ex-spook, who is introduced in a prologue with an incident 14 years earlier.
In Perth a retiree is found dead, multiple slash wounds, missing an ear. He is an ex-cop and Cato is convinced the missing ear is a clue. This murder is followed with that of an ex-teacher, eyes gouged out. What connects these two?
Meanwhile a passenger, apparently Timorese by birth, has a meltdown on a plane landing at Perth airport, and comes to Cato's wife's attention.
So, a complex plot, made more complex by the introduction of Rory Driscoll, former spook, aboriginal. His ex-employer, nick named Aunty, Canberra intelligence mandarin, wants Driscoll to make sure three whistle blowers are able to report to a meeting of a committee from the Hague in Darwin in three weeks time. Their names are on a hit list and so is Rory's. Timor-Leste appears to connect the other three, but Driscoll can't think what has put his name on the list.
I think I suffered a little from the fact that I had not read books #3 and #4 in the series, although CROCODILE TEARS works pretty well as a stand-alone. Plenty to think about. Quality Australian writing.
This is a novel that keeps you on your toes, with two narrative streams: one for Cato, and one for Rory Driscoll, ex-spook, who is introduced in a prologue with an incident 14 years earlier.
In Perth a retiree is found dead, multiple slash wounds, missing an ear. He is an ex-cop and Cato is convinced the missing ear is a clue. This murder is followed with that of an ex-teacher, eyes gouged out. What connects these two?
Meanwhile a passenger, apparently Timorese by birth, has a meltdown on a plane landing at Perth airport, and comes to Cato's wife's attention.
So, a complex plot, made more complex by the introduction of Rory Driscoll, former spook, aboriginal. His ex-employer, nick named Aunty, Canberra intelligence mandarin, wants Driscoll to make sure three whistle blowers are able to report to a meeting of a committee from the Hague in Darwin in three weeks time. Their names are on a hit list and so is Rory's. Timor-Leste appears to connect the other three, but Driscoll can't think what has put his name on the list.
I think I suffered a little from the fact that I had not read books #3 and #4 in the series, although CROCODILE TEARS works pretty well as a stand-alone. Plenty to think about. Quality Australian writing.
November 4, 2021
Loved this - firstly I loved the fact that it was set in Perth and having spent a lot of time there, I could picture the places that were mentioned. Secondly I loved the strong and diverse characters and the subtle racial politics that were intertwined with the story. Lots of human rights references sandwiched into a fast paced thriller with loads of twists. I'm putting his others on my TBR list now
October 18, 2021
I had read a few of Alan Carter’s other books, so was fairly familiar with Cato Kwong and looking forward to finding out what he’d get up to in Crocodile Tears, particularly given the traumatic ending to his previous outing.
For a city-based Australian police detective, Kwong certainly seems to be in the wars a lot, forever being attacked, abducted, threatened, he must have to fill out a lot of WHS paperwork! But it makes for exciting reading with lots of unexpected twists. And there’s never a sense of ‘I know he’ll be all right cos he’s the star’ – anything could happen to anybody in these books!
Carter’s characters are believably flawed and fallible and thus very relatable. His Australian settings are familiar, and the overseas jaunts add variety and interest.
Crocodile Tears is a complex thriller, with lots going on and no shortage of bad guys, Kwong just needs to work out which bad guy did the baddest stuff, without becoming a victim to any of them!
I’d suggest reading Kwong’s previous adventures first, to help set the scene, but would then definitely recommend jumping aboard this latest thrill ride.
For a city-based Australian police detective, Kwong certainly seems to be in the wars a lot, forever being attacked, abducted, threatened, he must have to fill out a lot of WHS paperwork! But it makes for exciting reading with lots of unexpected twists. And there’s never a sense of ‘I know he’ll be all right cos he’s the star’ – anything could happen to anybody in these books!
Carter’s characters are believably flawed and fallible and thus very relatable. His Australian settings are familiar, and the overseas jaunts add variety and interest.
Crocodile Tears is a complex thriller, with lots going on and no shortage of bad guys, Kwong just needs to work out which bad guy did the baddest stuff, without becoming a victim to any of them!
I’d suggest reading Kwong’s previous adventures first, to help set the scene, but would then definitely recommend jumping aboard this latest thrill ride.
January 12, 2022
I thought this would be an entertaining suburban crime story based on previous books in the series. I was wrong. It's full of spies, lies, twists and turns. It's more spy than crime. I'm not a big fan of spy novels and that's why I didn't really enjoy this. I don't enjoy books driven by "I've got a secret but I'm not going to tell you" themes especially when there is no reason for it.
This starts out with Detective Philip 'Cato' Kwong investigating the death of an ex-police office. It's soon leads him on a trip to East Timor where he is joined by an old acquaintance who has been having his own adventures.
As for the ending, extremely disappointing.
There was one other thing I found annoying. The events take place in April/May. But when April 25 comes around there is no mention of ANZAC Day. It was just another working day. I don't get that.
This starts out with Detective Philip 'Cato' Kwong investigating the death of an ex-police office. It's soon leads him on a trip to East Timor where he is joined by an old acquaintance who has been having his own adventures.
As for the ending, extremely disappointing.
There was one other thing I found annoying. The events take place in April/May. But when April 25 comes around there is no mention of ANZAC Day. It was just another working day. I don't get that.
May 2, 2022
mmmm, just finished this and not sure what to think! A strange feeling but it's like I've just read a really interesting story from one of my favourite authors, but didn't really understand what just happened.....
Maybe I was a little tired / preoccupied during this reading but there was a lot going on here, and I'm not sure each of the little twists and tails was really explained or presented as best as they could've been. The prior stories simply felt a little better constructed.
I still enjoyed the writing but feeling a little lost...
Onward and Upward
Maybe I was a little tired / preoccupied during this reading but there was a lot going on here, and I'm not sure each of the little twists and tails was really explained or presented as best as they could've been. The prior stories simply felt a little better constructed.
I still enjoyed the writing but feeling a little lost...
Onward and Upward
February 16, 2022
Perhaps 4.5. Still a great read, murder, ASIO, Australia spying on East Timor.
The brutal Indonesian regime in E Timor, while Australia turned a blind eye.
Big business with so much to hide, dirty deals on oil.
The victims of E Timor.
The brutal Indonesian regime in E Timor, while Australia turned a blind eye.
Big business with so much to hide, dirty deals on oil.
The victims of E Timor.
Read
March 2, 2022This review was first published on the Underground Writers website: http://underground-writers.org/review...
Unknown to me when I asked to review this novel was that it was the final in a series. All I saw was crime fiction and jumped straight onto it! Although it is the final novel in a series of five books, I was surprised to find I could follow the plot easily. Carter’s writing was exciting to read, and I was entranced by Cato Kwong’s story.
Crocodile Tears was written as part of Carter’s PhD thesis, with the academic papers focused on projections of Australian identity onto Asian pacific neighbours in works of crime fiction. The author also travelled to Timor-Leste, which was clear by the authentic and well-researched setting, events, and other information.
After a retiree is found dead in the suburbs of Perth, Phillip ‘Cato’ Kwong’s investigation leads him to Timor-Leste where he meets up with his ‘frenemy’ Rory Driscoll, who is doing his best to keep a group of whistle-blowers alive. With elements of espionage and procedural policing, Cato and Rory must work together to find out why the death of this man is wrapped up in a completely different country.
The interactions that Cato has with his colleagues, partner, and his frenemy Rory are interesting and give a little comedic relief to what can sometimes be a heavy or distressing situation. While the frenemy relationship is clear, it is also apparent that these men can work together and work together well.
As the novel attempts to end, there is a sense of finality brought on making you think that Cato has figured it all out. But then there is another surprise visit from someone, or a new piece of evidence shows up shifting the situation again. Another review given to the novel by The Australian mentioned “aha moments” and I could not agree more: it is what kept the novel exciting and left you almost in a trance until the very last page. One mystery would be solved just for you to be presented with another. No matter how hard you try to guess what might happen with the evidence and clues given to the characters, you are always surprised with the outcome.
As mentioned, I missed out on reading the first in the series, and while there were some situations and references to these novels, I was not left completely in the dark, which I think Carter should be praised for. While I am sure it was not his intention for the series to be read out of order, I do think it is a valuable skill to allow your readers to follow along without knowing the past stories or circumstance. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel despite one or two little holes in the plot I could not quite figure out. For the most part though, Carter briefly summarised events of the past just enough for readers to be prompted, reminded, or in my case, shown for the first time what some of these characters got up to in past novels of the series.
This was in all senses a page turner. Once I started it, I didn’t want to stop and, as I finished the novel, I regretted not being immersed in Cato’s story sooner. While I am yet to continue his story backwards, if you are a fan of crime stories like those by Chris Hammer or Jane Harper, I suggest you take on Crocodile Tears and be entertained as well as informed on the issues of Australian border control policies when it comes to smugglers versus gas and oil interests. If you are ready for a new crime story to begin the funky year of 2022, I suggest picking up Crocodile Tears!
Unknown to me when I asked to review this novel was that it was the final in a series. All I saw was crime fiction and jumped straight onto it! Although it is the final novel in a series of five books, I was surprised to find I could follow the plot easily. Carter’s writing was exciting to read, and I was entranced by Cato Kwong’s story.
Crocodile Tears was written as part of Carter’s PhD thesis, with the academic papers focused on projections of Australian identity onto Asian pacific neighbours in works of crime fiction. The author also travelled to Timor-Leste, which was clear by the authentic and well-researched setting, events, and other information.
After a retiree is found dead in the suburbs of Perth, Phillip ‘Cato’ Kwong’s investigation leads him to Timor-Leste where he meets up with his ‘frenemy’ Rory Driscoll, who is doing his best to keep a group of whistle-blowers alive. With elements of espionage and procedural policing, Cato and Rory must work together to find out why the death of this man is wrapped up in a completely different country.
The interactions that Cato has with his colleagues, partner, and his frenemy Rory are interesting and give a little comedic relief to what can sometimes be a heavy or distressing situation. While the frenemy relationship is clear, it is also apparent that these men can work together and work together well.
As the novel attempts to end, there is a sense of finality brought on making you think that Cato has figured it all out. But then there is another surprise visit from someone, or a new piece of evidence shows up shifting the situation again. Another review given to the novel by The Australian mentioned “aha moments” and I could not agree more: it is what kept the novel exciting and left you almost in a trance until the very last page. One mystery would be solved just for you to be presented with another. No matter how hard you try to guess what might happen with the evidence and clues given to the characters, you are always surprised with the outcome.
As mentioned, I missed out on reading the first in the series, and while there were some situations and references to these novels, I was not left completely in the dark, which I think Carter should be praised for. While I am sure it was not his intention for the series to be read out of order, I do think it is a valuable skill to allow your readers to follow along without knowing the past stories or circumstance. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel despite one or two little holes in the plot I could not quite figure out. For the most part though, Carter briefly summarised events of the past just enough for readers to be prompted, reminded, or in my case, shown for the first time what some of these characters got up to in past novels of the series.
This was in all senses a page turner. Once I started it, I didn’t want to stop and, as I finished the novel, I regretted not being immersed in Cato’s story sooner. While I am yet to continue his story backwards, if you are a fan of crime stories like those by Chris Hammer or Jane Harper, I suggest you take on Crocodile Tears and be entertained as well as informed on the issues of Australian border control policies when it comes to smugglers versus gas and oil interests. If you are ready for a new crime story to begin the funky year of 2022, I suggest picking up Crocodile Tears!
January 6, 2022
This is my first Alan Carter book and what a pleasant discovery. Part police procedural, part spy thriller, Crocodile Tears is smartly written, fast paced and rich with political, historical and cultural details that leave you with much to think about.
Two storylines run simultaneously. Rory Driscoll, a freelance spy, is protecting three witnesses who are required to give evidence at an important hearing regarding Timor-Leste’s independence. Powerful people are determined to keep the whistle blowers silent and Driscoll moves them to various locations, trying to keep them safe, constantly unsure who he can trust. Meanwhile, his old frenemy, Detective Cato Kwong, is investigating a series of violent murders. The multiple plot lines are twisty and complex and I enjoyed seeing how they came together.
This intelligent crime novel is expertly plotted and offers an incisive commentary on Australia’s complex relationship with our Asia-Pacific neighbour. The truth is, we are not as benign or well-intentioned as we like to think. Another part of what makes this novel shine is the cast of strong, believable, and diverse characters. I enjoyed Kwong’s Chinese-Australian perspective and glimpsing his homelife with his wife Sharon and their toddler, and how they juggle work and family. I also loved seeing a spy thriller set in familiar Tasmanian locations, as well as the arresting Timor-Leste landscape, which provides a refreshingly unique and fascinating backdrop for a novel that focuses on political intrigue.
A deep dive into the murky waters of moral ambiguity, Crocodile Tears is chillingly realistic, original and compelling. This is the fifth in the Cato Kwong series and I look forward to reading the previous novels from this award-winning author.
Two storylines run simultaneously. Rory Driscoll, a freelance spy, is protecting three witnesses who are required to give evidence at an important hearing regarding Timor-Leste’s independence. Powerful people are determined to keep the whistle blowers silent and Driscoll moves them to various locations, trying to keep them safe, constantly unsure who he can trust. Meanwhile, his old frenemy, Detective Cato Kwong, is investigating a series of violent murders. The multiple plot lines are twisty and complex and I enjoyed seeing how they came together.
This intelligent crime novel is expertly plotted and offers an incisive commentary on Australia’s complex relationship with our Asia-Pacific neighbour. The truth is, we are not as benign or well-intentioned as we like to think. Another part of what makes this novel shine is the cast of strong, believable, and diverse characters. I enjoyed Kwong’s Chinese-Australian perspective and glimpsing his homelife with his wife Sharon and their toddler, and how they juggle work and family. I also loved seeing a spy thriller set in familiar Tasmanian locations, as well as the arresting Timor-Leste landscape, which provides a refreshingly unique and fascinating backdrop for a novel that focuses on political intrigue.
A deep dive into the murky waters of moral ambiguity, Crocodile Tears is chillingly realistic, original and compelling. This is the fifth in the Cato Kwong series and I look forward to reading the previous novels from this award-winning author.
October 2, 2021
Once again we are thrust into the thrilling life of Detective Philip “Cato” Kwong who is investigating the suspicious deaths of two elderly men in Western Australia. Running parallel to this story we have Rory Driscoll protecting three whistleblowers for ASIO. As the plot unwinds there are many twists and red herrings until the two protagonists meet. Carter has created a fast paced and addictive storyline. The main characters hold the reader’s attention and the link to historical events and references to government actions add authenticity and interest.
This is a well scripted tale that keeps you enthralled. The police versus the spooks, the truth versus the spin, provide a thrilling enjoyable read. Add the settings in Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, Timor Leste and Darwin for the reader to be taken on a frantic journey to the climax of the novel.
This novel will appeal to those who enjoy crime, mystery and spy tales and want an exciting read.
Definitely recommend it.
This is a well scripted tale that keeps you enthralled. The police versus the spooks, the truth versus the spin, provide a thrilling enjoyable read. Add the settings in Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, Timor Leste and Darwin for the reader to be taken on a frantic journey to the climax of the novel.
This novel will appeal to those who enjoy crime, mystery and spy tales and want an exciting read.
Definitely recommend it.
October 15, 2021
It is the first book I have read by this author and definitely will buy the previous ones in the series. This is a very Australian read, from lingo to characters and locations. It was especially fascinating to read a mystery/thriller that includes so many actual events Australians are aware of - not sure how many readers in the US or Europe have heard of the Tampa or Timor but I am sure they will still enjoy the twists and turns - at no stage can you be sure who is your friend or foe, especially when Government and "special agencies" change their loyalties, depending on what they need. It is also a bit scary when you think of the atrocities that happened during that time and knowing that it is reality. Cato and Rory are very likeable and it was nice to also see their personal sides. I was really impressed by the story line and enjoyed this book immensely as the conclusion was also satisfactory.
Thanks to Fremantle Press, I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this book
Thanks to Fremantle Press, I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this book
October 15, 2021
Crocodile Tears by Alan Carter.
This Australian novel is the fifth and final instalment of a series but I read this as a stand alone, I found this had a very complicated and detailed plot that I found at times hard to follow. There were two parts to the story, written paragraph by paragraph, which took time to process, I knew the two were going to come together at some time but it just added to the complex story.
The content was quite graphic and violent, this added to fairly recent political history with a bit of fiction thrown in.
For anyone who likes a thriller tension story, it is worth a read.
This Australian novel is the fifth and final instalment of a series but I read this as a stand alone, I found this had a very complicated and detailed plot that I found at times hard to follow. There were two parts to the story, written paragraph by paragraph, which took time to process, I knew the two were going to come together at some time but it just added to the complex story.
The content was quite graphic and violent, this added to fairly recent political history with a bit of fiction thrown in.
For anyone who likes a thriller tension story, it is worth a read.
October 17, 2021
Definitely a book for the spy lovers. A fast-paced book with plot twists and mysteries this book is interesting in its own terms. Two frenemies meet halfway through their “projects” which is filled with so much of authentic facts and occurrences, giving this book a different vibe. It is a well researched book that has many information and mysteries although I found it to be a bit too crowded. This is the last instalment in a series and is definitely a treat for those who love true crime thrillers, mysteries and spy-novels.
October 18, 2021
I am reviewing 'Crocodile Tears' by Alan Carter. With thanks to BetterReading and @FremantlePress for the advanced copy preview. This is the fifth book of the Cato Kwong series, but the first I have read. It was a terrific political thriller and I will certainly be looking to read the first books in this series. The story was understandable as a stand-alone story. Great to hear the Aussie 'voice' in this book. Enough information was given to flesh out the characters. I look forward to reading more from this author.
February 22, 2022
'Crocodile Tears' is a decent yarn about dirty deeds done in high places and cover-ups, murders, but you have to pay attention. There are characters galore all intertwining which can be confusing. The fact Alan Carter refers to his main protagonist by three different names doesn't help. In his endnote Carter says he wrote the novel as part of a PhD with the University of WA and it shows in places where he gets a bit preachy. But the story is a solid crime thriller set in WA, Tasmania and Timor that police procedural fans should enjoy.
October 30, 2021
What a ripper! I have read all the Cato Kwong novels with great enthusiasm, This one is not exception; it is great. Unfortunately this is the last one in the series unless Cato is turned into a private investigator. What I like about this series is that Alan Carter has the ability to combine historical events with a thrilling story. In this one, it is Timor Leste that features a massacre, devious Australian spooks and lots more. Definitely worth reading is you like a good thriller.
February 21, 2022
The fifth and final book in the Keto Kwong series....
I have enjoyed this series but candidly I found this book a little disappointing.
Police procédure and a spy novel (Australia's role in the deceiving of the Timers is just yet another blot on our relationship with our neighbours....bugging the offices to get an advantage during the negotiations was akin to stealing !)...in a way there was too much going on and the plausibility of the plot was for me weak.
I have enjoyed this series but candidly I found this book a little disappointing.
Police procédure and a spy novel (Australia's role in the deceiving of the Timers is just yet another blot on our relationship with our neighbours....bugging the offices to get an advantage during the negotiations was akin to stealing !)...in a way there was too much going on and the plausibility of the plot was for me weak.
November 6, 2021
I'd had this on pre-order for some time and looked forward to the continuing exploits of Cato Kwong, West Australian detective of Chinese heritage. I loved the earlier books, and this one continued the high standard with an underlying plot of government duplicity and malfeasance. If your new to the series, read them in order. (The author has revealed that this is Cato's swan song)
November 25, 2021
It took me ages to finish this book, not because I didn't enjoy it, but like a great meal, I wanted to make it last. Also, as the final in the Cato Kwong series, I was reluctant to farewell my favourite Freo copper and the cast of characters around him. This is a terrific read and you'll get through it much faster than me, just watch out for the crocs!
December 4, 2021
4 1/2 stars rounded up
Great to be back with Cato Kwong, Shaz and Ella. Love Carter's writing, consice, sharp and droll. At times became a bit lost with the plot but the standard of writing is so good I am happy to persist. Would really enjoy more personal detail as Cato and Shaz are great characters to hang out with. Looking forward to the next installment
Great to be back with Cato Kwong, Shaz and Ella. Love Carter's writing, consice, sharp and droll. At times became a bit lost with the plot but the standard of writing is so good I am happy to persist. Would really enjoy more personal detail as Cato and Shaz are great characters to hang out with. Looking forward to the next installment
January 24, 2022
This was my first Cato Kwong novel I had read.
Great insight into the corruption involved with the wheeling and dealing of commodities between Australia and Timor.
The P.T.S.D. description at the beginning of chapter 20 was vivid.
I liked how this story connected the characters via their secret and dangerous journeys.
Overall a gripping crime/thriller novel.
Great insight into the corruption involved with the wheeling and dealing of commodities between Australia and Timor.
The P.T.S.D. description at the beginning of chapter 20 was vivid.
I liked how this story connected the characters via their secret and dangerous journeys.
Overall a gripping crime/thriller novel.
December 21, 2022
I do like spy novels. This was very detailed and complex. Carter has done his research. The only thing holding it back was I felt there was not enough detail about the characters. There were a lot of character but you never could really relate to them I found as they often lacked a detailed visual description that one needs to conjure up an image of the character. Other than that I liked it.
March 24, 2022
I enjoy Alan Carter’s books as I live in Western Australia, where they are set. Crocodile Tears goes to Timor as well. The story has several things going on at once, which all tie together very well. Cato has a lifestyle change toward the end of this book. I wonder how it will go?
November 14, 2021
Not the Cato I expected
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