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The Fallback
Deep down, there’s something we’d all kill for.
I know I would. I know I have. I know I will.
Recovering addict Eric Johnstone is turning his life around until one small moment sends him down a dark path. Just months after he takes a job at the retirement village in Point Imlay, the ebbing tide reveals Eric’s body, trussed to the town’s oyster beds.
When Senior Detective John Darken’s business card is discovered in the dead man’s pocket, J.D. transfers to Point Imlay to help with the investigation. But J.D.’s life is in shambles: his job is precarious, his marriage is on the rocks, and his past haunts him constantly.
Two men whose lives are entwined – but how does one end up dead?
Together, J.D. and homicide detective Emma Capsteen – another unwelcome new face in the sleepy seaside town – work to unravel the final days of Eric’s life. But instead of answers, all they uncover are more questions. Why does a local bikie have free reign? What are the residents at Seascape Gardens retirement village hiding? And, in a town whose beating heart is community, why isn’t anyone prepared to tell the truth?
I know I would. I know I have. I know I will.
Recovering addict Eric Johnstone is turning his life around until one small moment sends him down a dark path. Just months after he takes a job at the retirement village in Point Imlay, the ebbing tide reveals Eric’s body, trussed to the town’s oyster beds.
When Senior Detective John Darken’s business card is discovered in the dead man’s pocket, J.D. transfers to Point Imlay to help with the investigation. But J.D.’s life is in shambles: his job is precarious, his marriage is on the rocks, and his past haunts him constantly.
Two men whose lives are entwined – but how does one end up dead?
Together, J.D. and homicide detective Emma Capsteen – another unwelcome new face in the sleepy seaside town – work to unravel the final days of Eric’s life. But instead of answers, all they uncover are more questions. Why does a local bikie have free reign? What are the residents at Seascape Gardens retirement village hiding? And, in a town whose beating heart is community, why isn’t anyone prepared to tell the truth?
- GenresCrime
Audiobook
Published June 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 20, 2022
The Fallback is the second novel by Australian police officer and author, DL Hicks. When the mutilated body of retirement home bus driver, Eric Johnstone is found tied to the oyster beds in the lake at Point Imlay, two detectives from out of town are called in.
Detective Senior Constable John Darken (JD) offers to help the local police for two reasons: he has known Eric for many years, and travelling away from Gull Bay may help to distract him from the trauma that required him to take mental health leave. Detective Senior Constable Emma Capsteen is sent from the city because she is the one available on the Homicide team. Her attitude does rub many of the locals up the wrong way.
The cause of death isn’t clear: drowning or drugs or that blow to his skull? And while the local chapter of the Sixers and Niners, bikers involved in drug dealing and gun-running, seem the most likely suspects, they are not the only ones with motives. Some of Eric’s activities, both outside work and at Seascape Gardens, are quite shocking and put this supposedly-reformed petty criminal at odds with several others.
JD reveals to the Senior Sergeant at Pint Imlay, Eric’s true identity and the reason for his departure from Gull Bay, which constitutes yet another potential motive for his killing. The mutilations also strike a chord with JD: he’s certain he has seen this before.
But despite witness interviews, CCTV, research and legwork, the team makes little headway and the case stalls. Then another body is found with the same mutilations: do they have a serial killer on their hands? A telephone threat against yet another local seems to support this.
When they finally have a breakthrough, survive a dramatic showdown without too much bloodshed, and make some very satisfactory arrests, it all feels a little too easy to JD, but he’s pleased to be heading back to Gull Bay and his loyal St Bernard.
Readers familiar with Hicks’s earlier novel, The Devil Inside, will recognise some characters, but this one easily stands alone and there are no real spoilers for the debut novel, so first-timers can delve into that one confident of another excellent murder mystery.
Even the most astute reader is unlikely to guess the true killer and motive before the jaw-dropping reveal and, with a certain issue from JD’s past still unresolved, Hicks has plenty of scope for continuing with this interesting and well-drawn protagonist. Excellent Aussie crime drama.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Pantera Press.
Detective Senior Constable John Darken (JD) offers to help the local police for two reasons: he has known Eric for many years, and travelling away from Gull Bay may help to distract him from the trauma that required him to take mental health leave. Detective Senior Constable Emma Capsteen is sent from the city because she is the one available on the Homicide team. Her attitude does rub many of the locals up the wrong way.
The cause of death isn’t clear: drowning or drugs or that blow to his skull? And while the local chapter of the Sixers and Niners, bikers involved in drug dealing and gun-running, seem the most likely suspects, they are not the only ones with motives. Some of Eric’s activities, both outside work and at Seascape Gardens, are quite shocking and put this supposedly-reformed petty criminal at odds with several others.
JD reveals to the Senior Sergeant at Pint Imlay, Eric’s true identity and the reason for his departure from Gull Bay, which constitutes yet another potential motive for his killing. The mutilations also strike a chord with JD: he’s certain he has seen this before.
But despite witness interviews, CCTV, research and legwork, the team makes little headway and the case stalls. Then another body is found with the same mutilations: do they have a serial killer on their hands? A telephone threat against yet another local seems to support this.
When they finally have a breakthrough, survive a dramatic showdown without too much bloodshed, and make some very satisfactory arrests, it all feels a little too easy to JD, but he’s pleased to be heading back to Gull Bay and his loyal St Bernard.
Readers familiar with Hicks’s earlier novel, The Devil Inside, will recognise some characters, but this one easily stands alone and there are no real spoilers for the debut novel, so first-timers can delve into that one confident of another excellent murder mystery.
Even the most astute reader is unlikely to guess the true killer and motive before the jaw-dropping reveal and, with a certain issue from JD’s past still unresolved, Hicks has plenty of scope for continuing with this interesting and well-drawn protagonist. Excellent Aussie crime drama.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Pantera Press.
June 23, 2022
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
I loved the author’s debut novel The Devil Inside and I couldn’t wait for D.L. Hicks next book and here it is The Fallback!
Author and police officer D. L Hicks has written his second novel and it’s an excellent Australian crime fiction story.
Set in the NSW coastal town of Point Imlay we are taken through an investigation into the murder of recovering drug addict and retirement home bus driver, Eric Johnstone. Johnstone’s body is revealed, caught up in the towns oyster beds once the tide goes out.
There seems to be confusion over the cause of Eric’s death. DSC John Darken (JD) who has just returned from personal leave with a troubled past is sent into the town to investigate along with Emma Capsteen a straight shooter from the city.
Shortly after another body is found and the police are left to wonder if they have a serial killer on the loose. There is a local bikie making trouble and the seaside townsfolk appear to be holding something back.
The author’s experience and knowledge as a police officer shows in his story telling and detailed police procedures, the writing feels very authentic.
I really warmed to JD’s character and I hope to see him again in a future story.
Publication date 31 May 2022
Publisher Panera Press
Thank you so much Pantera Press for sending an ARC copy of the book my way! 🙏
I loved the author’s debut novel The Devil Inside and I couldn’t wait for D.L. Hicks next book and here it is The Fallback!
Author and police officer D. L Hicks has written his second novel and it’s an excellent Australian crime fiction story.
Set in the NSW coastal town of Point Imlay we are taken through an investigation into the murder of recovering drug addict and retirement home bus driver, Eric Johnstone. Johnstone’s body is revealed, caught up in the towns oyster beds once the tide goes out.
There seems to be confusion over the cause of Eric’s death. DSC John Darken (JD) who has just returned from personal leave with a troubled past is sent into the town to investigate along with Emma Capsteen a straight shooter from the city.
Shortly after another body is found and the police are left to wonder if they have a serial killer on the loose. There is a local bikie making trouble and the seaside townsfolk appear to be holding something back.
The author’s experience and knowledge as a police officer shows in his story telling and detailed police procedures, the writing feels very authentic.
I really warmed to JD’s character and I hope to see him again in a future story.
Publication date 31 May 2022
Publisher Panera Press
Thank you so much Pantera Press for sending an ARC copy of the book my way! 🙏
August 11, 2022
The Fallback is the second novel by Australian police officer and author, DL Hicks. The audio version is narrated by John Robertson. When the mutilated body of retirement home bus driver, Eric Johnstone is found tied to the oyster beds in the lake at Point Imlay, two detectives from out of town are called in.
Detective Senior Constable John Darken (JD) offers to help the local police for two reasons: he has known Eric for many years, and travelling away from Gull Bay may help to distract him from the trauma that required him to take mental health leave. Detective Senior Constable Emma Capsteen is sent from the city because she is the one available on the Homicide team. Her attitude does rub many of the locals up the wrong way.
The cause of death isn’t clear: drowning or drugs or that blow to his skull? And while the local chapter of the Sixers and Niners, bikers involved in drug dealing and gun-running, seem the most likely suspects, they are not the only ones with motives. Some of Eric’s activities, both outside work and at Seascape Gardens, are quite shocking and put this supposedly-reformed petty criminal at odds with several others.
JD reveals to the Senior Sergeant at Pint Imlay, Eric’s true identity and the reason for his departure from Gull Bay, which constitutes yet another potential motive for his killing. The mutilations also strike a chord with JD: he’s certain he has seen this before.
But despite witness interviews, CCTV, research and legwork, the team makes little headway and the case stalls. Then another body is found with the same mutilations: do they have a serial killer on their hands? A telephone threat against yet another local seems to support this.
When they finally have a breakthrough, survive a dramatic showdown without too much bloodshed, and make some very satisfactory arrests, it all feels a little too easy to JD, but he’s pleased to be heading back to Gull Bay and his loyal St Bernard.
Readers familiar with Hicks’s earlier novel, The Devil Inside, will recognise some characters, but this one easily stands alone and there are no real spoilers for the debut novel, so first-timers can delve into that one confident of another excellent murder mystery.
Even the most astute reader is unlikely to guess the true killer and motive before the jaw-dropping reveal and, with a certain issue from JD’s past still unresolved, Hicks has plenty of scope for continuing with this interesting and well-drawn protagonist. Excellent Aussie crime drama.
Detective Senior Constable John Darken (JD) offers to help the local police for two reasons: he has known Eric for many years, and travelling away from Gull Bay may help to distract him from the trauma that required him to take mental health leave. Detective Senior Constable Emma Capsteen is sent from the city because she is the one available on the Homicide team. Her attitude does rub many of the locals up the wrong way.
The cause of death isn’t clear: drowning or drugs or that blow to his skull? And while the local chapter of the Sixers and Niners, bikers involved in drug dealing and gun-running, seem the most likely suspects, they are not the only ones with motives. Some of Eric’s activities, both outside work and at Seascape Gardens, are quite shocking and put this supposedly-reformed petty criminal at odds with several others.
JD reveals to the Senior Sergeant at Pint Imlay, Eric’s true identity and the reason for his departure from Gull Bay, which constitutes yet another potential motive for his killing. The mutilations also strike a chord with JD: he’s certain he has seen this before.
But despite witness interviews, CCTV, research and legwork, the team makes little headway and the case stalls. Then another body is found with the same mutilations: do they have a serial killer on their hands? A telephone threat against yet another local seems to support this.
When they finally have a breakthrough, survive a dramatic showdown without too much bloodshed, and make some very satisfactory arrests, it all feels a little too easy to JD, but he’s pleased to be heading back to Gull Bay and his loyal St Bernard.
Readers familiar with Hicks’s earlier novel, The Devil Inside, will recognise some characters, but this one easily stands alone and there are no real spoilers for the debut novel, so first-timers can delve into that one confident of another excellent murder mystery.
Even the most astute reader is unlikely to guess the true killer and motive before the jaw-dropping reveal and, with a certain issue from JD’s past still unresolved, Hicks has plenty of scope for continuing with this interesting and well-drawn protagonist. Excellent Aussie crime drama.
August 19, 2022
The Fallback is the second crime novel from Australian police officer and author, DL Hicks, and while there are loose links with his debut, The Devil Inside, it reads well as a stand alone.
When Detective Senior Constable John Darken learns that the body of Eric Johnstone, a former CI placed in the witness protection program, has been found tied to the oyster beds in the small town community of Point Imlay, he volunteers to help the locals investigate. Teamed with city homicide detective Emma Capsteen, early evidence suggests that Eric (aka Rufus O’Keefe) may have blown his second chance and gotten on the wrong side of a local bikie gang, but then a second body is discovered with similar injuries and the police struggle to see a connection.
This is a well paced police procedural, as Darken, Capsteen and their local colleagues try to discover why Eric was killed and who is responsible. The drug dealing members of the Sixers and Niners are an obvious suspect, given Eric is a junkie, but Hicks presents several plausible red herrings that muddy the officers investigation. There are some tense moments for the main characters and some interesting surprises as the story unfolds, but it’s just as it all seems resolved, that Hicks makes a stunning reveal I didn’t see coming.
Darken is a likeable lead character. He is a little fragile, dealing with the recent death of his partner in the line of duty and in the midst of a divorce, but a good investigator, and a good man. I liked Emma too, she’s smart and no nonsense, and I enjoyed the hint of romance that developed between them.
I thought Eric’s perspective was an interesting facet of the novel that provided insights the police investigation couldn’t. He is a surprisingly sympathetic character, more self destructive, than villainous.
Well crafted with a gripping mystery and interesting characters, The Fallback is a great read, and I hope to read more from Hicks.
When Detective Senior Constable John Darken learns that the body of Eric Johnstone, a former CI placed in the witness protection program, has been found tied to the oyster beds in the small town community of Point Imlay, he volunteers to help the locals investigate. Teamed with city homicide detective Emma Capsteen, early evidence suggests that Eric (aka Rufus O’Keefe) may have blown his second chance and gotten on the wrong side of a local bikie gang, but then a second body is discovered with similar injuries and the police struggle to see a connection.
This is a well paced police procedural, as Darken, Capsteen and their local colleagues try to discover why Eric was killed and who is responsible. The drug dealing members of the Sixers and Niners are an obvious suspect, given Eric is a junkie, but Hicks presents several plausible red herrings that muddy the officers investigation. There are some tense moments for the main characters and some interesting surprises as the story unfolds, but it’s just as it all seems resolved, that Hicks makes a stunning reveal I didn’t see coming.
Darken is a likeable lead character. He is a little fragile, dealing with the recent death of his partner in the line of duty and in the midst of a divorce, but a good investigator, and a good man. I liked Emma too, she’s smart and no nonsense, and I enjoyed the hint of romance that developed between them.
I thought Eric’s perspective was an interesting facet of the novel that provided insights the police investigation couldn’t. He is a surprisingly sympathetic character, more self destructive, than villainous.
Well crafted with a gripping mystery and interesting characters, The Fallback is a great read, and I hope to read more from Hicks.
May 30, 2022
The Fallback by D. L. Hicks is a police detective story set in a small, fictional, coastal town Point Imlay in Australia. The body of Eric Johnstone turns up in the oyster beds of the the local waters and in his pocket is the business card of Senior Detective John Darken. Consequently J.D is brought in to help with the investigation along with another homicide detective Emma Capsteen and the two outside detectives lead the local police force to solve the murder. The quiet town is disrupted and further trouble develops with the local bikie gang.
An intriguing plot with interesting characters which flows very quickly with tension as well as significant twists and turns. Totally unexpected ending!
Looking forward to reading more from this author and will go back and read his first novel, The Devil Inside, asI really enjoyed this the character J.D with all his flaws and foibles. Easy to read and one that was hard not to keep on reading.
An enjoyable read which I would highly recommend.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher Pantera Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
An intriguing plot with interesting characters which flows very quickly with tension as well as significant twists and turns. Totally unexpected ending!
Looking forward to reading more from this author and will go back and read his first novel, The Devil Inside, asI really enjoyed this the character J.D with all his flaws and foibles. Easy to read and one that was hard not to keep on reading.
An enjoyable read which I would highly recommend.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher Pantera Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 5, 2023
Some clever misdirection in this book. I really felt for Eric as his spiral into drugs went on. A lovely portrayal of a seaside town. It was a good use of the bikie links to muddy the waters. I hope we get some more of John Darken, as he is an interesting character. All in all, a very enjoyable read.
May 16, 2024
This book has been sitting on my shelf since its release two years ago and again I am kicking myself for not getting to it sooner.
As a police officer, Hicks’ displays his depth of knowledge and experience through this gripping police procedural. When recovering drug addict, Eric Johnstone is found dead just months into turning his life around, a search of his pockets reveals Senior Detective John Darken’s business card. J.D. is subsequently called to Port Imlay to assist with the murder investigation alongside homicide detective Emma Capsteen.
JD is slowly returning to work after trauma, the details of which are revealed throughout the book. This investigation is his chance to move forward, but this town has a seedy underbelly with the local bikie chapter seeming to have a lot of power and to go unchecked by law enforcement. There is also something off about the Seascape Gardens retirement village where Eric was working as a bus driver before his demise.
The book alternates POVs between Eric before his death and J.D. as he works the case. It was an intriguing way of telling the story as we watched Eric’s best intentions go by the wayside as he falls under the influence of drugs and becomes a target for the bikies.
It was an interesting read in that it explored addiction and the desperation involved, as well as the lengths people will go to when protecting loved ones.
If you enjoy Aussie crime fiction, then this book is one for you. I’m now eager to read David’s earlier book, The Devil Inside.
As a police officer, Hicks’ displays his depth of knowledge and experience through this gripping police procedural. When recovering drug addict, Eric Johnstone is found dead just months into turning his life around, a search of his pockets reveals Senior Detective John Darken’s business card. J.D. is subsequently called to Port Imlay to assist with the murder investigation alongside homicide detective Emma Capsteen.
JD is slowly returning to work after trauma, the details of which are revealed throughout the book. This investigation is his chance to move forward, but this town has a seedy underbelly with the local bikie chapter seeming to have a lot of power and to go unchecked by law enforcement. There is also something off about the Seascape Gardens retirement village where Eric was working as a bus driver before his demise.
The book alternates POVs between Eric before his death and J.D. as he works the case. It was an intriguing way of telling the story as we watched Eric’s best intentions go by the wayside as he falls under the influence of drugs and becomes a target for the bikies.
It was an interesting read in that it explored addiction and the desperation involved, as well as the lengths people will go to when protecting loved ones.
If you enjoy Aussie crime fiction, then this book is one for you. I’m now eager to read David’s earlier book, The Devil Inside.
May 17, 2022
I received an ARC of this book.
Another exciting thriller from D.L. This book is hard to put down.
You can tell that Fallback is written by a police officer just from the detailed descriptions of people and places. Fantastic and helps us move through the story and picture what is happening. I don't know about everyone else, but I could see this small town and the characters as they passed through.
Another exciting thriller from D.L. This book is hard to put down.
You can tell that Fallback is written by a police officer just from the detailed descriptions of people and places. Fantastic and helps us move through the story and picture what is happening. I don't know about everyone else, but I could see this small town and the characters as they passed through.
October 14, 2022
D. L. Hicks is a great crime writer. His knowledge as an ex policeman is really showing! Love it! I thoroughly enjoying reading the “villain” Eric as more than just as bad guy. My only critique would be the ending, murderer twist. In my own eyes it didn’t quite make sense, very random. It honestly could have ended with the Bikies being convicted before twisting it to be Butterfield.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2025
Small town crime mystery where you can guess the killer well but still get surprised by the good placed plot twists. I really liked it even if I don't read small town crime alot.
Though it did lack proper close and personal connections but then again it's a small book really and delivered its main genre well.
Though it did lack proper close and personal connections but then again it's a small book really and delivered its main genre well.
July 13, 2022
SD John Darkin or JD is recovering from past issues and goes to assist in unravelling the last days of murder victim Eric Johnson, who he knows from a past life of crime. Twists and turns, plots and subplots with a surprising end.
July 14, 2022
This police procedural will appeal to readers who love a fast paced whodunnit set in a small Aussie town. It’s rare I love the victim more than the hero, but this story pulled at my heart strings. A great read and solid twist.
June 10, 2022
Captivating read which kept you guessing to the end. Brilliant book David!
August 26, 2022
A familiar recipe - small town characters, flawed detectives etc BUT I enjoyed the read and look forward to more
September 18, 2022
A page turner.
Ending quite abrupt but still satisfying conclusion
Ending quite abrupt but still satisfying conclusion
January 30, 2023
An ex cop writing a crime thriller....who better to know how & what:
I enjoyed the first book by this author and his competency as an author is evident.
Await the next...
I enjoyed the first book by this author and his competency as an author is evident.
Await the next...
February 27, 2023
Quite good police procedural, set in coastal town. There are two threads, so two main characters. Police Detective JD is most engaging, his back story plus his working the case make satisfying reading. Eric, the other key plot line, has ups and downs , so much going on, there’s less depth to him. Plot has red herrings for sure. Entertaining.
March 16, 2023
5 Star Book.
October 5, 2023
A very well written book. Thank you
December 28, 2023
Easy read April. Similar to the other book he wrote
December 29, 2023
A very interesting and original mystery. I certainly didn't expect all the twists and turns in the final pages.
March 2, 2024
Enjoyable
March 12, 2024
This was tricky!
April 6, 2024
I love this authors debut novel and immediately went and purchased the second. Once again great story, suspenseful and all up another winner. Can’t wait for more from this author!
November 5, 2022
Two years on from his debut novel comes The Fallback by D L Hicks which is another homicide detective murder mystery. When a former drug addict, Eric Johnstone is discovered dead in the oyster beds in Point Imlay, he has Senior Detective John (JD) Darken’s business card in his pocket. Recovering from his last traumatic case and a marriage separation, JD volunteers to investigate and is joined by homicide detective Emma Capsteen. Together they must unravel the secrets of the small coastal community and the local bikies and drug scene. There are also unusual happenings at the local Seascape Gardens Retirement Village. The narrative moves back and forth in time and two voices of the events of JD’s investigation and Eric’s life at Point Imlay. With its dramatic final twist, this is a first-class police procedural with a five-star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
July 25, 2022
A great crime book. Nothing fancy, but a well paced & gripping story, with interesting characters & unpredictable twists. Hicks' real world experience of criminals shows through. Very highly recommended
July 17, 2022
this is a 3.5 upped to a 4, mainly because I felt a little lost at times. The mention of former police partner, estranged wife, missing child - all made me feel this was book 2 in a series and I needed to read the other book, but... the other book by this author appears to not be part 1. I liked the setting and the characters, especially the cops - all so different, just like in real life. the nursing home bits were a little confronting as I was right in the middle of organising care for an elderly relative.
Edited after reading Hicks's first novel; definitely best to read it first but this one is now a 4.5 for me with knowledge.
Edited after reading Hicks's first novel; definitely best to read it first but this one is now a 4.5 for me with knowledge.
May 29, 2022
Fresh from the loss of his partner and his divorce, Detective John "JD" Darken is sent to Imlay Point (a fictional Merimbula) as his first job back on the force.
A dead junkie is found in the water, and he has a past relationship with JD. Which aspect of his life is relevant is up for JD to determine - his past identity or his current one? His job at the nursing home as a bus driver? His relationship with a local girl? The bikies that deal drugs in the local township? Are all these things somehow interconnected?
A dead junkie is found in the water, and he has a past relationship with JD. Which aspect of his life is relevant is up for JD to determine - his past identity or his current one? His job at the nursing home as a bus driver? His relationship with a local girl? The bikies that deal drugs in the local township? Are all these things somehow interconnected?
September 21, 2023
Well written police procedural with complex plot and characters, set in coastal Victoria - an area I’m familiar with - which made it extra enjoyable for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews