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Millen
In the isolated outback town of Millengarra, a young man is found bashed to death.
When his house-mate – an out-of-work drover – is charged with murder, the investigation goes to hardened Brisbane detective Dave Hocking, a career cop facing corruption charges that threaten his job, his liberty, and his very identity.
In Millen, he finds a damaged community, held together by a fragile web of deceit. Struggling for redemption, the veteran detective uncovers a town's shame, and his own, as lies are exposed, and dark secrets unearthed.
When his house-mate – an out-of-work drover – is charged with murder, the investigation goes to hardened Brisbane detective Dave Hocking, a career cop facing corruption charges that threaten his job, his liberty, and his very identity.
In Millen, he finds a damaged community, held together by a fragile web of deceit. Struggling for redemption, the veteran detective uncovers a town's shame, and his own, as lies are exposed, and dark secrets unearthed.
- GenresMystery
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2022
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57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 18, 2022
Millen by Chris Nyst
Synopsis /
In the isolated outback town of Millengarra, a young man is found bashed to death.
When his house-mate – an out-of-work drover – is charged with murder, the investigation goes to hardened Brisbane detective Dave Hocking, a career cop facing corruption charges that threaten his job, his liberty, and his very identity.
In Millen, he finds a damaged community, held together by a fragile web of deceit. Struggling for redemption, the veteran detective uncovers a town's shame, and his own, as lies are exposed, and dark secrets unearthed.
My Thoughts /
** Outlier Alert**
An interesting synopsis but failed to deliver.
Millen is the latest offering from crime fiction writer, Christopher Nyst. It’s been 17 years between novels for this author, with his last novel, Crook As Rookwood published back in 2006.
This has been a hard one for me to review. So let me start at the beginning.
1988. An isolated outback town. Millengarra. Its nearest neighbour is the town of Cunnamulla, which is itself, 750 kilometres west of the state capital, Brisbane. In other words, Millengarra was no thriving hub. It wasn’t much more than a ‘fly-spot’ on the map of outback Queensland. You get the picture.
Another significant event to mention from the outset is the author references the Fitzgerald Inquiry. For readers not familiar with Australian history, the Fitzgerald Inquiry was indeed a ‘real’ thing. In May 1987 then Acting Queensland Premier Bill Gunn ordered a commission of inquiry after the media reported possible police corruption involving illegal gambling and prostitution. Tony Fitzgerald QC was appointed to lead the "Commission of Inquiry into Possible Illegal Activities and Associated Police Misconduct", known as the Fitzgerald Inquiry. During the Inquiry, the terms of reference were extended to look into "any other matter or thing appertaining to the aforesaid matters", which enabled Fitzgerald QC to further investigate evidence of political corruption. Initially expected to last about six weeks, the inquiry spent almost two years conducting a comprehensive investigation of long-term systemic political corruption and abuse of [police] power in Queensland.
So, to catch-up – a small country town (ie. a fly-spot on the map) during the time of corruption existing within its police force.
The story opens with Rowdy McQuillan relaxing on the veranda of his friend’s (Tom Wilson) cottage on the outskirts of town drinking beer. It had been a tough year for Rowdy but being back home in Millengarra felt good. For Rowdy, life couldn’t be sweeter. Until.
For the next several weeks, the not-entirely-mysterious disappearance of Larnie Elizabeth Mitchell was all people talked of in the small country town of Millengarra. But then, out of the blue, they suddenly had something more serious to gossip about. Something unthinkably awful, infinitely more shocking and sinister. Something none of them would ever have thought could possibly happen in a nice little town like Millen.
Rowdy McQuillan has been accused of the crime of murdering his housemate (Tom Wilson) in a drunken frenzy.
Now the actual story itself and the various sub plots weaving their way through were interesting (on the face of it) and had merit; but by gawd, the build-up was excruciatingly boring. Added to that I thought the language was primitively vulgar and metaphors were course and improper.
‘G’day Larn. How’re you going mate? Alright?’; or this
‘Yeah, not bad,’ Rowdy nodded. ‘Alright coin, ay. Nothing much to spend it on but.’ or this
‘If Winchester walks, we’re back to square one with the Chow.’ and this
‘You ever hear of post-traumatic stress disorder?’ Sure he had. PTSD had been a kind of buzz-phrase for the past few years, mostly trotted out as an excuse for strung-out, returned Vietnam War veterans struggling to re-adjust to life on Civvy Street.
It had started with Queensland’s worst-kept secret, the so-called ‘Joke’ the Licencing Branch boys had been running for as long as anyone could remember, a corrupt police protection racket that took filthy lucre from the SP bookies, pros and sly-grog merchants to keep the piss, punt and pussy on the streets.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Hocking has been sent from Brisbane to assist the Cunnamulla CIB with preparation of the ‘police brief’ for the committal proceedings in the Magistrates Court. Basically, the ‘brass’ have sent him out there because of his association with a couple of bent coppers who are under investigation. Burdened by a possible charge of corruption hanging over his head – guilt by association. Hocking’s main job is to confirm and document the evidence gathered about the murder case. But during his investigations, he finds out about a missing local girl (Larnie Mitchell) who vanished only a matter of weeks before the murder. Larnie Mitchell’s disappearance seems to overtake all other matters. DSS Dave Hocking is hurting – his own daughter has disappeared, he hasn’t seen or heard from her in three years. He has corruption charges hanging over his head. He drinks too much. His marriage is far from ideal. He has ‘anger’ issues. This guy is so flawed how can he possibly be walking around?? You get the picture.
I have to say that the BEST character is this book plays such a minor role. Defence solicitor, Eddie Moran.
‘If it pleases Your Worship, my name is Moran, initials EC, solicitor. I appear for the defendant.’
Once we get to the courtroom scenes, playing out the initial hearing in the Magistrates Court of the charges against Rowdy McQuillan things certainly got way more interesting – Moran is a definite scene stealer. I don’t know why the author didn’t utilise Moran more frequently throughout the book. It might have made the unbearable more bearable.
I believe Moran plays a more prominent role in Nyst’s previous books – Gone and Crook As Rookwood. Maybe I should have started there. Damn you, hindsight!!
Synopsis /
In the isolated outback town of Millengarra, a young man is found bashed to death.
When his house-mate – an out-of-work drover – is charged with murder, the investigation goes to hardened Brisbane detective Dave Hocking, a career cop facing corruption charges that threaten his job, his liberty, and his very identity.
In Millen, he finds a damaged community, held together by a fragile web of deceit. Struggling for redemption, the veteran detective uncovers a town's shame, and his own, as lies are exposed, and dark secrets unearthed.
My Thoughts /
** Outlier Alert**
An interesting synopsis but failed to deliver.
Millen is the latest offering from crime fiction writer, Christopher Nyst. It’s been 17 years between novels for this author, with his last novel, Crook As Rookwood published back in 2006.
This has been a hard one for me to review. So let me start at the beginning.
1988. An isolated outback town. Millengarra. Its nearest neighbour is the town of Cunnamulla, which is itself, 750 kilometres west of the state capital, Brisbane. In other words, Millengarra was no thriving hub. It wasn’t much more than a ‘fly-spot’ on the map of outback Queensland. You get the picture.
Another significant event to mention from the outset is the author references the Fitzgerald Inquiry. For readers not familiar with Australian history, the Fitzgerald Inquiry was indeed a ‘real’ thing. In May 1987 then Acting Queensland Premier Bill Gunn ordered a commission of inquiry after the media reported possible police corruption involving illegal gambling and prostitution. Tony Fitzgerald QC was appointed to lead the "Commission of Inquiry into Possible Illegal Activities and Associated Police Misconduct", known as the Fitzgerald Inquiry. During the Inquiry, the terms of reference were extended to look into "any other matter or thing appertaining to the aforesaid matters", which enabled Fitzgerald QC to further investigate evidence of political corruption. Initially expected to last about six weeks, the inquiry spent almost two years conducting a comprehensive investigation of long-term systemic political corruption and abuse of [police] power in Queensland.
So, to catch-up – a small country town (ie. a fly-spot on the map) during the time of corruption existing within its police force.
The story opens with Rowdy McQuillan relaxing on the veranda of his friend’s (Tom Wilson) cottage on the outskirts of town drinking beer. It had been a tough year for Rowdy but being back home in Millengarra felt good. For Rowdy, life couldn’t be sweeter. Until.
For the next several weeks, the not-entirely-mysterious disappearance of Larnie Elizabeth Mitchell was all people talked of in the small country town of Millengarra. But then, out of the blue, they suddenly had something more serious to gossip about. Something unthinkably awful, infinitely more shocking and sinister. Something none of them would ever have thought could possibly happen in a nice little town like Millen.
Rowdy McQuillan has been accused of the crime of murdering his housemate (Tom Wilson) in a drunken frenzy.
Now the actual story itself and the various sub plots weaving their way through were interesting (on the face of it) and had merit; but by gawd, the build-up was excruciatingly boring. Added to that I thought the language was primitively vulgar and metaphors were course and improper.
‘G’day Larn. How’re you going mate? Alright?’; or this
‘Yeah, not bad,’ Rowdy nodded. ‘Alright coin, ay. Nothing much to spend it on but.’ or this
‘If Winchester walks, we’re back to square one with the Chow.’ and this
‘You ever hear of post-traumatic stress disorder?’ Sure he had. PTSD had been a kind of buzz-phrase for the past few years, mostly trotted out as an excuse for strung-out, returned Vietnam War veterans struggling to re-adjust to life on Civvy Street.
It had started with Queensland’s worst-kept secret, the so-called ‘Joke’ the Licencing Branch boys had been running for as long as anyone could remember, a corrupt police protection racket that took filthy lucre from the SP bookies, pros and sly-grog merchants to keep the piss, punt and pussy on the streets.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Hocking has been sent from Brisbane to assist the Cunnamulla CIB with preparation of the ‘police brief’ for the committal proceedings in the Magistrates Court. Basically, the ‘brass’ have sent him out there because of his association with a couple of bent coppers who are under investigation. Burdened by a possible charge of corruption hanging over his head – guilt by association. Hocking’s main job is to confirm and document the evidence gathered about the murder case. But during his investigations, he finds out about a missing local girl (Larnie Mitchell) who vanished only a matter of weeks before the murder. Larnie Mitchell’s disappearance seems to overtake all other matters. DSS Dave Hocking is hurting – his own daughter has disappeared, he hasn’t seen or heard from her in three years. He has corruption charges hanging over his head. He drinks too much. His marriage is far from ideal. He has ‘anger’ issues. This guy is so flawed how can he possibly be walking around?? You get the picture.
I have to say that the BEST character is this book plays such a minor role. Defence solicitor, Eddie Moran.
‘If it pleases Your Worship, my name is Moran, initials EC, solicitor. I appear for the defendant.’
Once we get to the courtroom scenes, playing out the initial hearing in the Magistrates Court of the charges against Rowdy McQuillan things certainly got way more interesting – Moran is a definite scene stealer. I don’t know why the author didn’t utilise Moran more frequently throughout the book. It might have made the unbearable more bearable.
I believe Moran plays a more prominent role in Nyst’s previous books – Gone and Crook As Rookwood. Maybe I should have started there. Damn you, hindsight!!
September 2, 2022
“As far as Arthur was concerned, Edwin C Moran was a bumptious, self-opinionated upstart, and any time the young defence solicitor appeared before him in court, Arthur invariably found himself dragged into some bothersome and time-consuming sideshow. No court case was simple with Moran.”
I was very excited by the prospect of the return of defence solicitor Eddie Moran. His two previous appearances in Gone and Crook As Rookwood made for high paced crime thrillers involving wild courtroom scenes and the fact that he was gracing the Queensland courts in both the Gold Coast and far western Queensland had me eager to get started.
As it turns out, Moran plays a relatively minor role in Millen. However, as with the earlier books, he tended to steal each scene he was in.
The story is set in the wake of the Fitzgerald Inquiry into police corruption in Queensland, putting it around the 1990 timeframe.
The tiny far western town of Millengarra (nearby Cunnamulla, pop. 5000 is considered the big smoke) is rocked to its foundations by a brutal bashing murder. Even more disturbing for the residents is the fact that Rowdy McQuillan has been accused of the crime of murdering his housemate in a drunken frenzy.
The fact that Rowdy was wandering around the streets of Millengarra naked and covered in blood on the night of the murder was a big factor leading to his arrest. He was picked up dazed, confused and unable to remember a thing.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Hocking has been sent from Brisbane to assist Cunnamulla CIB with the preparation for the committal proceedings in the Magistrates Court. Already burdened by a possible charge of corruption hanging over his head, his trip doesn’t start out smoothly (booked for speeding, hit a roo to name a couple of the bumps!). From there it gets even rockier.
Although Hocking’s primary job is to confirm and document the evidence gathered about the murder case, he finds out about a missing local girl who vanished only a matter of weeks before the murder. This begins to take over the main focus of his attention.
The story is told in an authentic voice that manages to capture the essence of the Millen locals. I mean, you can almost hear the slow, broad Aussie accent with a slight nasal twang distinctive of rural Queensland in every dialogue exchange, ay!
What Millen turns out to be is a very thoughtfully crafted rural murder mystery. The appearance of a straightforward case proves to be anything but and the Millen locals are far from forthcoming with facts about the case. It’s unwrapped piece by piece with some solid police work from Hocking, ably assisted by local Police Constable Brian Ingles.
Moments of deep introspection on the part of Hocking provides greater depth of character and a deeper understanding of what makes him tick. His interaction with the manager of the local motel where he’s staying provides some of the warmer yet most sobering moments of the book.
This turns into a well-constructed multi-pronged mystery that combines solid police work with an entertaining courtroom drama. The nuances of small-town (tiny-town?) life are captured and dissected to bring every dusty street to life.
The 17 year interval between Nyst’s last novel, Crook As Rookwood, and Millen has been far too long. But I was very satisfied to be reacquainted with the belligerence, cynicism and in-your-face courtroom drama provided by Edwin C. Moran.
https://crimefictionhq.com/millen-by-...
December 4, 2022
"The setting is a small dusty town in remote Western Qld, Millengarra, known as Millen. When a local stockman, Rowdy, is arrested for the brutal murder of his mate, Det Dave Hocking is sent from Brisbane to lead the investigation. He finds anomalies in the case and also finds a local girl, an old friend of Rowdy, has been missing for weeks. There is also a lot of background about police corruption - it's set just after the Fitzgerald enquiry - as well as secrets held in a small community. Realistic and well told.
February 16, 2023
Not great.
For a book that has been published for some years now I'm surprised at how poorly edited it is. But that's not the reason I dislike it. Nyst spends too much time on narrative description of some characters who don't really play any further role in the book and not enough time describing key characters. His several descriptions of the lawyer Moran are contradictory for a start.
For a book that has been published for some years now I'm surprised at how poorly edited it is. But that's not the reason I dislike it. Nyst spends too much time on narrative description of some characters who don't really play any further role in the book and not enough time describing key characters. His several descriptions of the lawyer Moran are contradictory for a start.
August 16, 2022
Great read!
Action packed, emotionally packed. This craggy detective of the old era comes to a town where the roads aren't even all paved to dig into a murder and a missing girl case finding them linked in the interim.
Action packed, emotionally packed. This craggy detective of the old era comes to a town where the roads aren't even all paved to dig into a murder and a missing girl case finding them linked in the interim.
January 13, 2023
A cracking read, well paced and with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing right to the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and loved the descriptions of the rural QLD towns, and it’s people. Highly recommend.
September 11, 2023
There was a lot of detail which sometimes got in the way of the story. The version I read, was in small print so was not a thick book but seem to take a long time to read. I liked that the story did a full circle with an unexpected conclusion!
January 30, 2023
therapy anyone?
Everyone in this book is seriously sick. They all need therapy. Except the big mouth lawyer and his hard ass secretary. Loved them. Really liked the book.
Everyone in this book is seriously sick. They all need therapy. Except the big mouth lawyer and his hard ass secretary. Loved them. Really liked the book.
May 17, 2023
from Oz
Well written novel with very believable characters. Mystery to the last pages. Good setting for the action to be carried on.
Well written novel with very believable characters. Mystery to the last pages. Good setting for the action to be carried on.
October 22, 2023
What an excellent novel. Chris Nyst nailed this Aussie tale. Great characterisation combined with a clever plot. I was grabbed by the throat and taken along for the ride. Bravo, Mr Nyst.
September 12, 2022
First time reader of Chris Nyst’s work and I am now off to find his previous novels!
I found the characters at times a little “too” ocker for my personal taste (!) on occasions. However, once the various narrative elements are all in play the pace cracks along. Some deeply flawed humans in this story but we are also given a sense of hope in the key characters.
An excellent start to my holiday reading and if you love Australian Crime, this is well worth a read.
I found the characters at times a little “too” ocker for my personal taste (!) on occasions. However, once the various narrative elements are all in play the pace cracks along. Some deeply flawed humans in this story but we are also given a sense of hope in the key characters.
An excellent start to my holiday reading and if you love Australian Crime, this is well worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews