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Detective Zoe Mayer #2
Wild Card
One foggy morning on the banks of the Murray River, a body is found in a burnt-out area of grassland. The heavily tattooed victim, who has suffered two bullet wounds to the head, is identified as Freddie Jones, a bikie from Moama.
Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer is on the case, alongside her trusty service dog, Harry. Although Zoe is determined to track down the murderer, she finds herself stonewalled at every turn—by Freddie’s family, his associates and even the local police. But then a second body is discovered, and soon all bets are off…
Wild Card is a gripping mystery about gang warfare and small-town corruption, featuring a crime-fighting duo like no other.
Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer is on the case, alongside her trusty service dog, Harry. Although Zoe is determined to track down the murderer, she finds herself stonewalled at every turn—by Freddie’s family, his associates and even the local police. But then a second body is discovered, and soon all bets are off…
Wild Card is a gripping mystery about gang warfare and small-town corruption, featuring a crime-fighting duo like no other.
307 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2023
71 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Simon Rowell
4 books71 followersAlso published under S.D. Rowell
Simon Rowell is a bestselling Australian crime mystery author, who was born in Adelaide, South Australia.
A graduate of both the University of South Australia and Flinders University, Simon’s work centres on the interplay between culture, morality and truth, which is explored within the bestselling novel, "The Echo of Others". The book was long-listed for the Ned Kelly Award, Australia's pre-eminent crime literature award, for Best First Crime novel.
Simon has published a trilogy of novels focused on a detective with PTSD, who works with a service dog. These novels are The Long Game, Wild Card and The Good Dog.
As a teenager, Simon worked in outback South Australia in the Cooper Basin oil & gas fields and later at Olympic Dam. In his early twenties, he managed hotels and was a tour guide. Later, for over twenty years, he owned and managed two branding and marketing businesses in Melbourne. He now lives on the Fleurieu Peninsula with a farm full of rescued animals and a large collection of books. Simon is a lover of baseball, jalapeños and sculpture.
Simon Rowell is a bestselling Australian crime mystery author, who was born in Adelaide, South Australia.
A graduate of both the University of South Australia and Flinders University, Simon’s work centres on the interplay between culture, morality and truth, which is explored within the bestselling novel, "The Echo of Others". The book was long-listed for the Ned Kelly Award, Australia's pre-eminent crime literature award, for Best First Crime novel.
Simon has published a trilogy of novels focused on a detective with PTSD, who works with a service dog. These novels are The Long Game, Wild Card and The Good Dog.
As a teenager, Simon worked in outback South Australia in the Cooper Basin oil & gas fields and later at Olympic Dam. In his early twenties, he managed hotels and was a tour guide. Later, for over twenty years, he owned and managed two branding and marketing businesses in Melbourne. He now lives on the Fleurieu Peninsula with a farm full of rescued animals and a large collection of books. Simon is a lover of baseball, jalapeños and sculpture.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
February 20, 2023
Wild Card is the second book in this Australian crime series and quite the page-turner.
Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer, along with service dog, Harry, are tasked with solving the murder of bikie gang member, Freddie Jones. His body has been found on the banks of the Murray River in country Victoria. Accompanied by her team sent up from Melbourne, they set out to solve the case, as bodies pile up and gang warfare and corruption take hold. Twists and turns ensue.
Wild Card stands apart in the saturated Aussie crime genre for its unique coupling of Zoe and service dog, Harry (a golden retriever). They make quite the crime-fighting duo. Moments with Harry provide wholesome relief alongside the crime scenes and interviews with residents. I loved their relationship. You can tell this was written by someone who understands the special bond between dogs and humans.
“Harry’s a service dog. I was involved in an incident a while back and it knocked me sideways with PTSD. Harry helped me get back on my feet.”
My head was spinning with the number of names introduced early, but I came to know them, and felt like a fly-on-the-wall to the investigation. They’re well-developed characters - particularly Zoe Mayer. Strong and determined, she possesses an endearing toughness, while also displaying vulnerabilities and a tenderness towards Harry.
“Zoe felt tears begin to well. Harry stood up on his back legs, resting his front paws on her knees and looking into her eyes. She dropped her head, nuzzling his neck.”
Wild Card is dialogue-heavy, which helped me feel immersed in the story. Small town vibes were strong and the language authentically Australian. The police procedural aspects felt well-researched too. I can easily imagine it adapted for screen - think an Aussie Sons of Anarchy meets Underbelly in a country setting, with a heroic female detective and service dog.
“He’s there to make sure I don’t whip out my baton and start whacking people who piss me off.”
New developments and evolving threads kept me engaged. The chapters flew by and are divided up by time and date, adding urgency to events. The action scenes are well-timed and complement pieces of the puzzle nicely. The ending was quite touching. Simon Rowell’s writing is tight, to the point and serves the story well. I found myself coming up with my own theories, and felt satisfaction when they lined up with a particular twist or development.
While The Long Game isn’t a prerequisite, it’s certainly a book I now want to read. This is a series to look out for. If you’re after a solid Aussie crime novel that’s hard to put down, then Wild Card is for you.
“You need to look at things in different ways, from different angles. There’s always a sweet spot towards the end when everything falls into place.”
Many thanks to Text Publishing and Australian Dog Lover for a copy of this book. Thank you also to my dog, Rosie – for everything.
Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer, along with service dog, Harry, are tasked with solving the murder of bikie gang member, Freddie Jones. His body has been found on the banks of the Murray River in country Victoria. Accompanied by her team sent up from Melbourne, they set out to solve the case, as bodies pile up and gang warfare and corruption take hold. Twists and turns ensue.
Wild Card stands apart in the saturated Aussie crime genre for its unique coupling of Zoe and service dog, Harry (a golden retriever). They make quite the crime-fighting duo. Moments with Harry provide wholesome relief alongside the crime scenes and interviews with residents. I loved their relationship. You can tell this was written by someone who understands the special bond between dogs and humans.
“Harry’s a service dog. I was involved in an incident a while back and it knocked me sideways with PTSD. Harry helped me get back on my feet.”
My head was spinning with the number of names introduced early, but I came to know them, and felt like a fly-on-the-wall to the investigation. They’re well-developed characters - particularly Zoe Mayer. Strong and determined, she possesses an endearing toughness, while also displaying vulnerabilities and a tenderness towards Harry.
“Zoe felt tears begin to well. Harry stood up on his back legs, resting his front paws on her knees and looking into her eyes. She dropped her head, nuzzling his neck.”
Wild Card is dialogue-heavy, which helped me feel immersed in the story. Small town vibes were strong and the language authentically Australian. The police procedural aspects felt well-researched too. I can easily imagine it adapted for screen - think an Aussie Sons of Anarchy meets Underbelly in a country setting, with a heroic female detective and service dog.
“He’s there to make sure I don’t whip out my baton and start whacking people who piss me off.”
New developments and evolving threads kept me engaged. The chapters flew by and are divided up by time and date, adding urgency to events. The action scenes are well-timed and complement pieces of the puzzle nicely. The ending was quite touching. Simon Rowell’s writing is tight, to the point and serves the story well. I found myself coming up with my own theories, and felt satisfaction when they lined up with a particular twist or development.
While The Long Game isn’t a prerequisite, it’s certainly a book I now want to read. This is a series to look out for. If you’re after a solid Aussie crime novel that’s hard to put down, then Wild Card is for you.
“You need to look at things in different ways, from different angles. There’s always a sweet spot towards the end when everything falls into place.”
Many thanks to Text Publishing and Australian Dog Lover for a copy of this book. Thank you also to my dog, Rosie – for everything.
December 22, 2023
When Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer was called from Melbourne to Echuca on the Victorian/New South Wales border, she and her service dog Harry, were accompanied by her partner, Detective Charlie Shaw. The three hour journey saw them arrive at the river's edge where the body of a heavily tattooed man with gunshots wounds to the head, was found. His body had also been burned. Once the victim was identified as bikie Freddie Jones from Moama, their investigation began in earnest.
Stopped from every direction, with bikies supporting one another, and family members not saying anything of consequence, Zoe began to feel frustrated. But when the second body was found at the same spot the first victim was killed, it was obvious the two were connected. Was it drugs and bikie warfare? The answers were elusive - but they would find them...
Wild Card is the 2nd in the Detective Zoe Mayer series by Aussie author Simon Rowell and it was brilliant! Fast paced, filled with energy, it had everything. Corruption, lies, secrets, drugs - you name it, it was there. I'm looking forward to #3, The Good Dog, when it comes out in the new year. Highly recommended.
Stopped from every direction, with bikies supporting one another, and family members not saying anything of consequence, Zoe began to feel frustrated. But when the second body was found at the same spot the first victim was killed, it was obvious the two were connected. Was it drugs and bikie warfare? The answers were elusive - but they would find them...
Wild Card is the 2nd in the Detective Zoe Mayer series by Aussie author Simon Rowell and it was brilliant! Fast paced, filled with energy, it had everything. Corruption, lies, secrets, drugs - you name it, it was there. I'm looking forward to #3, The Good Dog, when it comes out in the new year. Highly recommended.
December 12, 2023
4.5★
“Suddenly, Harry circled around in front of her and sat down. He stared up at her and gave an urgent, muffled bark. Zoe stopped. In the distance she heard the familiar thumping sound, getting closer by the second. Her heart raced. She locked eyes with Harry and focused on him, willing herself to stay upright. She did not look up. Harry would get her to the other side. Above her, the chopper was absurdly loud.”
Harry is the Victoria Police service dog who was given to Detective Zoe Mayer after a horrific major incident that involved helicopters on Grand Final Day. She was responsible for many rescues and suffers from PTSD as a result. Harry is her partner as much as Charlie Shaw is, the young homicide officer who is still learning the ropes.
Harry did prevent her from blacking out this time, which is a big improvement for Zoe. She’s going to be a liability if she’s part of a manhunt where helicopters might be used. Collapsing unconscious would be a real problem. In fact, there is a hair-raising scene on a train bridge later one, but I digress.
Victoria Police have been called to a murder scene at a popular spot on the Victorian side of the Murray River, but the victim’s wallet shows his address as Moama, across the border in New South Wales. The fact he was found in Victoria mean the police from both states will cooperate in the investigations.
Zoe and Charlie drive through the prosperous-looking Victorian town of Echuca, with its Murray River houseboats, tourists, and two-storey police station, and cross the river to head into Moama, on the NSW side of the border. They find themselves in a residential area.
“ ‘This doesn’t look like the right spot for a police station,’ said Charlie, glancing around. A hundred metres further on they saw the blue and white sign.
The Moama police station was a converted yellow weatherboard house with a faded red galvanised-iron roof. Like every other property in the street, the patchy grass was neatly mowed. A rust-stained water tank stood beside the station, its tap dripping slowly. ‘Looks like these are the poor cousins to the Echuca cops,’ said Zoe. ”
She got that right. Australian small town cop shops and GP clinics are often in converted houses, and people are likely to know where you live, the car you drive, and the names of your kids, making it hard to hide your business.
Mick Kovacks is the sergeant in charge. When they tell him the victim is believed to be a local, Freddie Jones, Mick looks startled. Says they went to school together. Says yes, he was a bikie, local boss of the River Thunder. No, he doesn’t have “form”.
Why not?
“ ‘He and I have …had…an arrangement. No P*ssing in our collective pool. No drugs, prostitution, standover sh*t around Moama – or in Echuca, for that matter. Nothing. That went for his people too.’
‘So, was this just based on trust? Is that the deal?’ Zoe asked, dumbfounded.
Mick’s eyes narrowed. ‘No, that wasn’t the f*ckin’ deal. My officers would pull him and his crew over every week or so and search their cars. No weapons. No drugs. Nothing. I told him, like I just told you. All right?’ ”
Maybe not all right, but Zoe knows they need to work with him, so she asks for liaison help, and all is well. Mick’s parting shot.
“ ‘Just don’t shoot anyone on this side of the border if you can help it. The paperwork would be a pain.’ ”
And so it goes – one curious relationship after another. As in many small towns where some of the kids have grown up and stayed, people can’t escape the old connections, which leads to leads to unusual loyalties.
Zoe befriends some of the locals in coffeeshops and pubs and notices that Charlie is still keeping a close eye on her. She suspects he’s been asked by her boss to report back on her ability to cope. She relies on Harry more than she cares to admit, and I have to say I admire Harry as much as all of the people whom Zoe meets.
Our dog is the first to his feet when he hears a certain kind of motor, and he also watches for helicopters. He’s often the only reason I realise someone has left a parcel at the door. They never ring the bell, just drop it and leave.
But I digress. This is a great second book in the series. Complicated relationships between crims, cops, and “our” people. Start with the first book.
I’ve heard only the audios, and my comment is the same. The narrator is clear and easy to understand, but there are times her voice doesn’t change enough for me to distinguish between characters. Her light Irish accent for Mary is nice!
“Suddenly, Harry circled around in front of her and sat down. He stared up at her and gave an urgent, muffled bark. Zoe stopped. In the distance she heard the familiar thumping sound, getting closer by the second. Her heart raced. She locked eyes with Harry and focused on him, willing herself to stay upright. She did not look up. Harry would get her to the other side. Above her, the chopper was absurdly loud.”
Harry is the Victoria Police service dog who was given to Detective Zoe Mayer after a horrific major incident that involved helicopters on Grand Final Day. She was responsible for many rescues and suffers from PTSD as a result. Harry is her partner as much as Charlie Shaw is, the young homicide officer who is still learning the ropes.
Harry did prevent her from blacking out this time, which is a big improvement for Zoe. She’s going to be a liability if she’s part of a manhunt where helicopters might be used. Collapsing unconscious would be a real problem. In fact, there is a hair-raising scene on a train bridge later one, but I digress.
Victoria Police have been called to a murder scene at a popular spot on the Victorian side of the Murray River, but the victim’s wallet shows his address as Moama, across the border in New South Wales. The fact he was found in Victoria mean the police from both states will cooperate in the investigations.
Zoe and Charlie drive through the prosperous-looking Victorian town of Echuca, with its Murray River houseboats, tourists, and two-storey police station, and cross the river to head into Moama, on the NSW side of the border. They find themselves in a residential area.
“ ‘This doesn’t look like the right spot for a police station,’ said Charlie, glancing around. A hundred metres further on they saw the blue and white sign.
The Moama police station was a converted yellow weatherboard house with a faded red galvanised-iron roof. Like every other property in the street, the patchy grass was neatly mowed. A rust-stained water tank stood beside the station, its tap dripping slowly. ‘Looks like these are the poor cousins to the Echuca cops,’ said Zoe. ”
She got that right. Australian small town cop shops and GP clinics are often in converted houses, and people are likely to know where you live, the car you drive, and the names of your kids, making it hard to hide your business.
Mick Kovacks is the sergeant in charge. When they tell him the victim is believed to be a local, Freddie Jones, Mick looks startled. Says they went to school together. Says yes, he was a bikie, local boss of the River Thunder. No, he doesn’t have “form”.
Why not?
“ ‘He and I have …had…an arrangement. No P*ssing in our collective pool. No drugs, prostitution, standover sh*t around Moama – or in Echuca, for that matter. Nothing. That went for his people too.’
‘So, was this just based on trust? Is that the deal?’ Zoe asked, dumbfounded.
Mick’s eyes narrowed. ‘No, that wasn’t the f*ckin’ deal. My officers would pull him and his crew over every week or so and search their cars. No weapons. No drugs. Nothing. I told him, like I just told you. All right?’ ”
Maybe not all right, but Zoe knows they need to work with him, so she asks for liaison help, and all is well. Mick’s parting shot.
“ ‘Just don’t shoot anyone on this side of the border if you can help it. The paperwork would be a pain.’ ”
And so it goes – one curious relationship after another. As in many small towns where some of the kids have grown up and stayed, people can’t escape the old connections, which leads to leads to unusual loyalties.
Zoe befriends some of the locals in coffeeshops and pubs and notices that Charlie is still keeping a close eye on her. She suspects he’s been asked by her boss to report back on her ability to cope. She relies on Harry more than she cares to admit, and I have to say I admire Harry as much as all of the people whom Zoe meets.
Our dog is the first to his feet when he hears a certain kind of motor, and he also watches for helicopters. He’s often the only reason I realise someone has left a parcel at the door. They never ring the bell, just drop it and leave.
But I digress. This is a great second book in the series. Complicated relationships between crims, cops, and “our” people. Start with the first book.
I’ve heard only the audios, and my comment is the same. The narrator is clear and easy to understand, but there are times her voice doesn’t change enough for me to distinguish between characters. Her light Irish accent for Mary is nice!
September 13, 2024
Wild Card (Detective Zoe Mayer, #2) by Simon Rowell
Synopsis /
One foggy morning on the banks of the Murray River, a body is found in a burnt-out area of grassland. The heavily tattooed victim, who has suffered two bullet wounds to the head, is identified as Freddie Jones, a bikie from Moama.
Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer is on the case, alongside her trusty service dog, Harry. Although Zoe is determined to track down the murderer, she finds herself stonewalled at every turn—by Freddie’s family, his associates and even the local police. But then a second body is discovered, and soon all bets are off…
My Thoughts /
I knew that it had been some time between books in this series. So checking back to see when I finished book #1 The Long Game - I was a little surprised to find that it was one year ago - September 8, 2023 - how time flies!!
And, similar to last year, this time around I needed to 'read a book with a dog in the story', so Wild Card filled that slot nicely.
For this reader, there is nothing more satisfying than sitting down and reading an efficient police procedural. Wild Card is the second ‘outing’ for Victoria Police Homicide Squad’s Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer, whose defining characteristic is that she suffers from severe PTSD as a result of a work related incident. Triggered by the sound of helicopters and drones, Mayer still experiences intermittent blackouts, but these are now reduced in number as a consequence of her diligent approach to improving her mental health and, by the presence of a most loved companion - her service dog, Harry, who is now a constant figure in her life. Tuned in to his owner’s emotional state, Harry runs interference whenever he senses airborne danger approaching. A whine, a bark and unrelenting eye contact, Harry steers his master back into the present. And while it appears that, for the most part, members of the public and work colleagues connect their memories of Zoe and Harry with ‘the incident’; Zoe is first and foremost a highly functioning investigator and detective.
The setting for Wild Card is rural New South Wales/Victoria. More precisely, the towns of Moama (NSW) and Echuca (VIC). To put it in context, Moama is a town in the Murray region of southern New South Wales; and, is directly across the Murray River from the larger town of Echuca in the neighbouring state of Victoria, to which both are connected via a bridge. This is kind of important in terms of how the story evolves.
A body has been found just outside of Echuca on the banks of the Murray River in country Victoria, and Mayer and her team are sent up to investigate. Reason being, that the body found was identified as one Freddie Jones. Jones, a former bikie gang member was found shot in the head execution style and the ground surrounding the body had been scorched in an attempt to destroy trace evidence. Even though Jones was found in Echuca, he lived across the river in nearby Moama.
Arriving in Echuca, Mayer and her team land themselves in the middle of a squabble with the local police contingents over who has jurisdiction. Regardless, it becomes obvious rather quickly that Mayer and her team are not welcomed by the local police. Liaising with the local police sergeant, Sgt Mick Kovacks, is difficult and raises more questions than answers and leaves Zoe wondering how clean this cop is. When details of the investigation begin to surface around town Zoe can’t pinpoint who is leaking this information to the public or why.
When a second body is discovered, one that has ties to organised crime questions are asked - is this a revenge killing - or the beginning of a gang war?
The author has Mayer’s whole team returning in Wild Card - partner, Charlie Shaw, Jarrah Walters, Mary McDonald and Tactical Intelligence Officer Anjali Arya, who has solidified her place within the team after her excellent work in their last case. Together, they are a formidable team - officers that can separate the wheat from the chaff and cut straight to the important aspects of the investigation.
The story moves at a clipping pace and each chapter heading denotes a new time/day into the investigation. Rowell has not made it easy for Zoe - she needs to work through jurisdictional issues, small town secrets and policing, possible gang ties, drug trafficking, and relationship difficulties. Not to mention the fact that almost everyone is hiding something.
Don’t be like me, and leave it another year to read the next book in the series The Good Dog. 😊
Synopsis /
One foggy morning on the banks of the Murray River, a body is found in a burnt-out area of grassland. The heavily tattooed victim, who has suffered two bullet wounds to the head, is identified as Freddie Jones, a bikie from Moama.
Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer is on the case, alongside her trusty service dog, Harry. Although Zoe is determined to track down the murderer, she finds herself stonewalled at every turn—by Freddie’s family, his associates and even the local police. But then a second body is discovered, and soon all bets are off…
My Thoughts /
I knew that it had been some time between books in this series. So checking back to see when I finished book #1 The Long Game - I was a little surprised to find that it was one year ago - September 8, 2023 - how time flies!!
And, similar to last year, this time around I needed to 'read a book with a dog in the story', so Wild Card filled that slot nicely.
For this reader, there is nothing more satisfying than sitting down and reading an efficient police procedural. Wild Card is the second ‘outing’ for Victoria Police Homicide Squad’s Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer, whose defining characteristic is that she suffers from severe PTSD as a result of a work related incident. Triggered by the sound of helicopters and drones, Mayer still experiences intermittent blackouts, but these are now reduced in number as a consequence of her diligent approach to improving her mental health and, by the presence of a most loved companion - her service dog, Harry, who is now a constant figure in her life. Tuned in to his owner’s emotional state, Harry runs interference whenever he senses airborne danger approaching. A whine, a bark and unrelenting eye contact, Harry steers his master back into the present. And while it appears that, for the most part, members of the public and work colleagues connect their memories of Zoe and Harry with ‘the incident’; Zoe is first and foremost a highly functioning investigator and detective.
The setting for Wild Card is rural New South Wales/Victoria. More precisely, the towns of Moama (NSW) and Echuca (VIC). To put it in context, Moama is a town in the Murray region of southern New South Wales; and, is directly across the Murray River from the larger town of Echuca in the neighbouring state of Victoria, to which both are connected via a bridge. This is kind of important in terms of how the story evolves.
A body has been found just outside of Echuca on the banks of the Murray River in country Victoria, and Mayer and her team are sent up to investigate. Reason being, that the body found was identified as one Freddie Jones. Jones, a former bikie gang member was found shot in the head execution style and the ground surrounding the body had been scorched in an attempt to destroy trace evidence. Even though Jones was found in Echuca, he lived across the river in nearby Moama.
Arriving in Echuca, Mayer and her team land themselves in the middle of a squabble with the local police contingents over who has jurisdiction. Regardless, it becomes obvious rather quickly that Mayer and her team are not welcomed by the local police. Liaising with the local police sergeant, Sgt Mick Kovacks, is difficult and raises more questions than answers and leaves Zoe wondering how clean this cop is. When details of the investigation begin to surface around town Zoe can’t pinpoint who is leaking this information to the public or why.
When a second body is discovered, one that has ties to organised crime questions are asked - is this a revenge killing - or the beginning of a gang war?
The author has Mayer’s whole team returning in Wild Card - partner, Charlie Shaw, Jarrah Walters, Mary McDonald and Tactical Intelligence Officer Anjali Arya, who has solidified her place within the team after her excellent work in their last case. Together, they are a formidable team - officers that can separate the wheat from the chaff and cut straight to the important aspects of the investigation.
The story moves at a clipping pace and each chapter heading denotes a new time/day into the investigation. Rowell has not made it easy for Zoe - she needs to work through jurisdictional issues, small town secrets and policing, possible gang ties, drug trafficking, and relationship difficulties. Not to mention the fact that almost everyone is hiding something.
Don’t be like me, and leave it another year to read the next book in the series The Good Dog. 😊
December 31, 2023
Wild Card is the second book in the Detective Zoe Mayer series by Aussie author Simon Rowell. I love this series and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This book had me hooked and very intrigued from the start. It was fast-paced which had me turning the pages quickly wanting to know what would happen next. Harry the service dog is a golden retriever whom of course I loved and had a soft spot for. Thoroughly enjoyed it and have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who enjoys a great read.
This book had me hooked and very intrigued from the start. It was fast-paced which had me turning the pages quickly wanting to know what would happen next. Harry the service dog is a golden retriever whom of course I loved and had a soft spot for. Thoroughly enjoyed it and have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who enjoys a great read.
March 3, 2023
Wild Card is an Australian police procedural set in Echuca on the Victoria-New South Wales border. Features Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her service dog Harry. We first met this pair in The Long Game and learned that she was still in the process of recovering from PTSD after a traumatic incident on grand final day the year before - hence the service dog.
The case involves the shooting death of a local bikie. The man was found dead next to the Murray River just outside of Echuca. Not only had he been shot in the head but the surrounding area had been set on fire. Both the fire and the location of the body suggested he was meant to be found reasonably quickly.
The victim is a local bikie gang member named Freddie Jones and the way he was killed, the positioning of the body and items left with the body suggests it was personal and designed to send a message. The fear is that a gang war may be soon to follow.
Because the case lies smack on the border and the dead man lived in Moama, NSW there are cross-jurisdiction problems to overcome. This means liaising with the local NSW police sergeant Mick Kovacks and he appears to have come to an agreement with the bikie gang claiming it has resulted in zero illegal activity from them. Zoe and her team aren’t exactly convinced. When details only known to the investigating team start leaking around town she has to lay down the law to the local cops.
A second murder, this time a guy with known ties to organised crime and the place is a tinderbox. The body was found on the same spot as Freddie’s. Question is, is this the start of a series of revenge killings? The pressure is on to solve these murders before things rocket out of control.
As with the first Zoe Mayer book, the point of difference that keeps things fresh is the presence of Harry and the role he plays in Zoe’s well-being. But this is admirably backed up by the strong team of returning characters that work together in well-drilled harmony - Charlie Shaw, Jarrah Walters, Mary McDonald and Anjali Arya. They prove to be a formidable unit that cuts straight to the important aspects of the investigation to keep it moving at a solid pace.
Given that there’s a group of city-slickers encroaching on the territory of the small town, we weren’t bombarded with an all out territorial dispute from the local cops. While unexpected, it was also appreciated and we were allowed to concentrate mainly on the rapidly unfolding investigation. To this end, it was the interactions between Zoe, her team and a few of the townsfolk that became pivotal in the way it played out.
A single murder quickly grows into a double homicide and then, all out gangland warfare in a quickly escalating drama. It’s all very tightly plotted and, rather than allowing things to run away out of control, Simon Rowell manages to keep a solid grip on his story and builds it expertly to a dramatic conclusion. This proves to be quite an emotional ride.
I found Wild Card to be an outstanding follow-up to The Long Game and confirms that Zoe and Harry are a pairing to follow through thick and thin.
The case involves the shooting death of a local bikie. The man was found dead next to the Murray River just outside of Echuca. Not only had he been shot in the head but the surrounding area had been set on fire. Both the fire and the location of the body suggested he was meant to be found reasonably quickly.
The victim is a local bikie gang member named Freddie Jones and the way he was killed, the positioning of the body and items left with the body suggests it was personal and designed to send a message. The fear is that a gang war may be soon to follow.
Because the case lies smack on the border and the dead man lived in Moama, NSW there are cross-jurisdiction problems to overcome. This means liaising with the local NSW police sergeant Mick Kovacks and he appears to have come to an agreement with the bikie gang claiming it has resulted in zero illegal activity from them. Zoe and her team aren’t exactly convinced. When details only known to the investigating team start leaking around town she has to lay down the law to the local cops.
A second murder, this time a guy with known ties to organised crime and the place is a tinderbox. The body was found on the same spot as Freddie’s. Question is, is this the start of a series of revenge killings? The pressure is on to solve these murders before things rocket out of control.
As with the first Zoe Mayer book, the point of difference that keeps things fresh is the presence of Harry and the role he plays in Zoe’s well-being. But this is admirably backed up by the strong team of returning characters that work together in well-drilled harmony - Charlie Shaw, Jarrah Walters, Mary McDonald and Anjali Arya. They prove to be a formidable unit that cuts straight to the important aspects of the investigation to keep it moving at a solid pace.
Given that there’s a group of city-slickers encroaching on the territory of the small town, we weren’t bombarded with an all out territorial dispute from the local cops. While unexpected, it was also appreciated and we were allowed to concentrate mainly on the rapidly unfolding investigation. To this end, it was the interactions between Zoe, her team and a few of the townsfolk that became pivotal in the way it played out.
A single murder quickly grows into a double homicide and then, all out gangland warfare in a quickly escalating drama. It’s all very tightly plotted and, rather than allowing things to run away out of control, Simon Rowell manages to keep a solid grip on his story and builds it expertly to a dramatic conclusion. This proves to be quite an emotional ride.
I found Wild Card to be an outstanding follow-up to The Long Game and confirms that Zoe and Harry are a pairing to follow through thick and thin.
June 23, 2023
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**4.5 stars**
Wild Card by Simon Rowell. (2023).
(Detective Zoe Mayer; #2)
One foggy morning on the banks of the Murray River, a body with two bullet wounds in the head is found in a burnt-out area of grassland. The victim is bikie Freddie. Detective Sergeant Zoe is on the case with her trusty service dog Harry. She's determined to track down the murderer despite being stonewalled at every turn by Freddie's family, his associates, even the local police. But then a second body turns up and soon all bets are off...
Whilst this is the second in a series, you could read it as a standalone with no real issues (although I'd personally recommend reading the first book, 'The Long Game', just because it's a great read!). I found this one an excellent book and was racing through the pages. Certain events that I won't reveal hurt my heart a bit which just proves how well-written the story is when readers become so invested in the characters and events. Zoe is a great lead to follow and her gorgeous clever service dog Harry is the icing on the cake.
Overall: highly recommend for any fans of Australian crime fiction, I look forward to any future novels in this series.
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**4.5 stars**
Wild Card by Simon Rowell. (2023).
(Detective Zoe Mayer; #2)
One foggy morning on the banks of the Murray River, a body with two bullet wounds in the head is found in a burnt-out area of grassland. The victim is bikie Freddie. Detective Sergeant Zoe is on the case with her trusty service dog Harry. She's determined to track down the murderer despite being stonewalled at every turn by Freddie's family, his associates, even the local police. But then a second body turns up and soon all bets are off...
Whilst this is the second in a series, you could read it as a standalone with no real issues (although I'd personally recommend reading the first book, 'The Long Game', just because it's a great read!). I found this one an excellent book and was racing through the pages. Certain events that I won't reveal hurt my heart a bit which just proves how well-written the story is when readers become so invested in the characters and events. Zoe is a great lead to follow and her gorgeous clever service dog Harry is the icing on the cake.
Overall: highly recommend for any fans of Australian crime fiction, I look forward to any future novels in this series.
May 5, 2023
Two weeks on the Murray in late Spring sounds like a nice holiday, but it's far from that for DS Zoe Mayer, who is in Echuca with her service dog Harry and her partner, DC Charlie Shaw, to investigate the murder of a local bikie. Anyone familiar with the geography of the area will immediately recognise the complexity of this set-up for a police procedural, as Echuca is the twin-town of Moama, literally on the other side of the bridge, sitting in a different police jurisdiction. There's co-operation, certainly, but there are also boundaries and protocols.
What Zoe and Charlie quickly discover is that nobody knows anything about the murder, or if they do, they are not saying anything. Townsfolk are friendly, but not particularly helpful. A couple of days pass, and then another person - allegedly part of the local mafia - turns up dead. What is this - coincidence? Turf war?? Getting nowhere fast, and with the local media stirring up ill-feeling towards the Victorian detectives, Zoe & Charlie need a breakthrough, and they need it fast.
This was a great follow up to The Long Game. Zoe is really back at the top of her game and working well with Harry by her side. Her PTSD is still there, but she's managing it a lot better now. But just when she thinks things are almost back to normal, Charlie throws a spanner in the works, and she has something different and unexpected to distract her thoughts when all she wants is to be focused on the case.
I'm really enjoying these characters and the complexity of Simon Rowell's plotting. I hope the series continues. Recommended.
What Zoe and Charlie quickly discover is that nobody knows anything about the murder, or if they do, they are not saying anything. Townsfolk are friendly, but not particularly helpful. A couple of days pass, and then another person - allegedly part of the local mafia - turns up dead. What is this - coincidence? Turf war?? Getting nowhere fast, and with the local media stirring up ill-feeling towards the Victorian detectives, Zoe & Charlie need a breakthrough, and they need it fast.
This was a great follow up to The Long Game. Zoe is really back at the top of her game and working well with Harry by her side. Her PTSD is still there, but she's managing it a lot better now. But just when she thinks things are almost back to normal, Charlie throws a spanner in the works, and she has something different and unexpected to distract her thoughts when all she wants is to be focused on the case.
I'm really enjoying these characters and the complexity of Simon Rowell's plotting. I hope the series continues. Recommended.
February 12, 2023
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
Wild Card by Simon Rowell
Yes!! Two of my favourite crime fighters are back, Zoe Mayer and her offsider, service dog Harry return in this page turning Australian crime drama!
Harry the service dog is an adorable golden retriever and he is trained to assist Zoe at work after a recent work trauma.
Meanwhile a dead bikie is found near the banks of the Murray River near Echuca in Victoria, he’s been shot in the head twice and Zoe and her team are called in from Melbourne to investigate.
There are plenty of tight lips and action in this small town and an engaging cast of characters. The story has great pacing and an intriguing plot.
I loved the first book The Long Game and this one just as much! This is the second book in the series and they can both be read as standalones but once you read one you’ll be hooked to read more.
Publication Date 10 January 2023
Publisher Text Publishing
With gratitude to the lovely team at Text Publishing for a copy of the book and such exciting news, there will be a third book which the author is writing right now!
Wild Card by Simon Rowell
Yes!! Two of my favourite crime fighters are back, Zoe Mayer and her offsider, service dog Harry return in this page turning Australian crime drama!
Harry the service dog is an adorable golden retriever and he is trained to assist Zoe at work after a recent work trauma.
Meanwhile a dead bikie is found near the banks of the Murray River near Echuca in Victoria, he’s been shot in the head twice and Zoe and her team are called in from Melbourne to investigate.
There are plenty of tight lips and action in this small town and an engaging cast of characters. The story has great pacing and an intriguing plot.
I loved the first book The Long Game and this one just as much! This is the second book in the series and they can both be read as standalones but once you read one you’ll be hooked to read more.
Publication Date 10 January 2023
Publisher Text Publishing
With gratitude to the lovely team at Text Publishing for a copy of the book and such exciting news, there will be a third book which the author is writing right now!
March 11, 2023
Detective Zoe Mayer and her trusty sidekick, service dog Harry are back in Wild Card. This dynamic duo are called to the boarder of NSW and Victoria where are well known bikie has been shot twice in the head. Along with her partner, they need to find his killer, but are blocked at every turn. Everybody is keeping secrets and not talking. But then a second body turns up, and things really heat up.
I love a good police procedural, and Zoe and Harry have gotten into my heart. How could you not love a book with a police dog as a main character? I hope we will hear more from this team in the future. Zoe is tough and determined and cares about her victims and their loved ones. She is still dealing with her own trauma but give it 100% every time. Be warned, this book made me cry (don't worry, Harry is fine!)
Thanks so much to Text Publishing for sending me a review copy to read. Another winner. Both books, The Long Game and Wild Card are out now so don't miss it.
I love a good police procedural, and Zoe and Harry have gotten into my heart. How could you not love a book with a police dog as a main character? I hope we will hear more from this team in the future. Zoe is tough and determined and cares about her victims and their loved ones. She is still dealing with her own trauma but give it 100% every time. Be warned, this book made me cry (don't worry, Harry is fine!)
Thanks so much to Text Publishing for sending me a review copy to read. Another winner. Both books, The Long Game and Wild Card are out now so don't miss it.
December 5, 2023
Wild Card is the second book in the Detective Zoe Mayer series by best-selling Australian author, Simon Rowell. A murdered bikie at a popular camping spot on the banks of the Murray River brings Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her partner, Detective Senior Constable Charlie Shaw, along with her service dog, Harry to Echuca. Turns out that Freddie Jones, a member of the River Thunder gang, is from over the border in Moama, so they need to liaise with NSW police Sergeant Mick Kovacks and his team.
Mick’s arrangement with his one-time friend is unconventional but effective: Freddie and his mates keep their nefarious activities out of Moama. But no one admits to have any idea who might have wanted to shoot him and set fire to his Maserati. Freddie’s mates and family are unforthcoming, making Zoe’s job that much harder.
Someone does give them a potential lead, but it doesn’t pan out: town gossip, and comments from a certain loose-lipped NSW constable almost lead to tragedy for a certain unfortunate. Then, another body is found, close to the site of the first, this one apparently a local Mafia figure. Alibis crumble, and Zoe and her team begin to wonder if they are in the middle of a turf war. And whether some of their NSW counterparts are either incredibly naïve, or corrupt, while in the background, an undercover drug op must be kept quiet.
This is another tightly-plotted instalment, and Rowell throws Zoe the added challenge of working within another jurisdiction as well as the distraction of a relationship complication. Causes of death include gunshots, snakebite, a car bomb, and a motor vehicle collision. And even when it becomes clear just who the guilty and the (relatively) innocent are, something still niggles at Zoe. The death of a certain character will be a gut-punch for the reader, and this instalment ends on a very sad note. The third book to feature this cast, The Good Dog is eagerly anticipated.
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by Text Publishing.
Mick’s arrangement with his one-time friend is unconventional but effective: Freddie and his mates keep their nefarious activities out of Moama. But no one admits to have any idea who might have wanted to shoot him and set fire to his Maserati. Freddie’s mates and family are unforthcoming, making Zoe’s job that much harder.
Someone does give them a potential lead, but it doesn’t pan out: town gossip, and comments from a certain loose-lipped NSW constable almost lead to tragedy for a certain unfortunate. Then, another body is found, close to the site of the first, this one apparently a local Mafia figure. Alibis crumble, and Zoe and her team begin to wonder if they are in the middle of a turf war. And whether some of their NSW counterparts are either incredibly naïve, or corrupt, while in the background, an undercover drug op must be kept quiet.
This is another tightly-plotted instalment, and Rowell throws Zoe the added challenge of working within another jurisdiction as well as the distraction of a relationship complication. Causes of death include gunshots, snakebite, a car bomb, and a motor vehicle collision. And even when it becomes clear just who the guilty and the (relatively) innocent are, something still niggles at Zoe. The death of a certain character will be a gut-punch for the reader, and this instalment ends on a very sad note. The third book to feature this cast, The Good Dog is eagerly anticipated.
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by Text Publishing.
Read
November 17, 2023The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of Wild Card
‘A suspenseful and gripping read…Fans of rural noir by Jane Harper and Garry Disher will have another author to enjoy.’
ReadPlus
‘Wild Card is an engrossing read with one helluva plot twist that I did not see coming—I’m still thinking about it days later. It’s an indication that Rowell is willing to do whatever it takes to produce something special. Where will Rowell take Zoe (and Harry) next? I can’t wait to find out.’
Better Reading
‘Very well written with great characters and a nice sense of place.’
Canberra Weekly
‘Wild Card is an unputdownable, engrossing mystery…with a plot twist you won’t see coming.’
Cheryl Akle, Australian
‘[Wild Card] demanded, and was read, in a day. Now I’m going to be twiddling my thumbs, waiting, with not a hint of pretend patience, for the next book in the series.’
AustCrime
‘I read this book over a day. It is full of suspense and keeps you guessing right to the end.’
Shepparton News
‘Intricate plot…[Wild Card is] a thoroughly readable book for lovers of the police procedural.’
Barry Reynolds, Herald Sun
‘Superbly written and vividly set, this sharply written, clever novel will keep you hooked until the end.’
R. M. Williams Outback Magazine
‘If you are not prepared to call in sick at work, then do not start this novel anytime during a working week. There is no way I’m getting out of my nightie until this is done.’
Hannie Rayson
‘A good thriller is as good as and as rare as good fish-n-chips. Author Simon Rowell serves up a tasty dish.’
Monaro Post
‘A darn good writer...You might want to go and get this book.’
PULSE 94.7 The Blurb
‘A suspenseful and gripping read…Fans of rural noir by Jane Harper and Garry Disher will have another author to enjoy.’
ReadPlus
‘Wild Card is an engrossing read with one helluva plot twist that I did not see coming—I’m still thinking about it days later. It’s an indication that Rowell is willing to do whatever it takes to produce something special. Where will Rowell take Zoe (and Harry) next? I can’t wait to find out.’
Better Reading
‘Very well written with great characters and a nice sense of place.’
Canberra Weekly
‘Wild Card is an unputdownable, engrossing mystery…with a plot twist you won’t see coming.’
Cheryl Akle, Australian
‘[Wild Card] demanded, and was read, in a day. Now I’m going to be twiddling my thumbs, waiting, with not a hint of pretend patience, for the next book in the series.’
AustCrime
‘I read this book over a day. It is full of suspense and keeps you guessing right to the end.’
Shepparton News
‘Intricate plot…[Wild Card is] a thoroughly readable book for lovers of the police procedural.’
Barry Reynolds, Herald Sun
‘Superbly written and vividly set, this sharply written, clever novel will keep you hooked until the end.’
R. M. Williams Outback Magazine
‘If you are not prepared to call in sick at work, then do not start this novel anytime during a working week. There is no way I’m getting out of my nightie until this is done.’
Hannie Rayson
‘A good thriller is as good as and as rare as good fish-n-chips. Author Simon Rowell serves up a tasty dish.’
Monaro Post
‘A darn good writer...You might want to go and get this book.’
PULSE 94.7 The Blurb
March 5, 2023
WILD CARD is the second in Simon Roswell’s series about Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her service dog, Harry and is sure to be a winner with anyone that loves a page-turning Aussie crime mystery.
Both books in this series have had me turning pages and racing towards the conclusion of the mysteries.
WILD CARD establishes a wilder ride than THE LONG GAME, with a bigger cast of characters, more murders and darker crimes.
The pacing was excellent & the story unfolds rapidly. There were turns I didn’t see coming & a few moments that were absolutely made for a TV crime drama. Readers are in few a few surprises with this book, which took a particularly shock turn I didn’t see coming. It’s left me extra keen to find out where Simon Rowell will take the series next!
I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher.
Both books in this series have had me turning pages and racing towards the conclusion of the mysteries.
WILD CARD establishes a wilder ride than THE LONG GAME, with a bigger cast of characters, more murders and darker crimes.
The pacing was excellent & the story unfolds rapidly. There were turns I didn’t see coming & a few moments that were absolutely made for a TV crime drama. Readers are in few a few surprises with this book, which took a particularly shock turn I didn’t see coming. It’s left me extra keen to find out where Simon Rowell will take the series next!
I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher.
February 27, 2023
4.5⭐️ Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer is back with her service dog Harry when they are sent to Echuca after a body was discovered on the banks of the Murray River.
When he is identified as a local bikie from Moama Zoe and her team know it's not going to be an easy case to solve.
What can I say I flew through this book. Another brilliant Australian crime story that has a believable plot and characters that you can't help but love. This one had me with tears rolling down my face! Thanks a lot, simon_rowell_author lol
If you love Australian crime stories then I can highly recommend picking up The Long Game where you are introduced to Zoe and Harry.
Thank you to @text_publishing and simon_rowell_author for my gifted copy.
When he is identified as a local bikie from Moama Zoe and her team know it's not going to be an easy case to solve.
What can I say I flew through this book. Another brilliant Australian crime story that has a believable plot and characters that you can't help but love. This one had me with tears rolling down my face! Thanks a lot, simon_rowell_author lol
If you love Australian crime stories then I can highly recommend picking up The Long Game where you are introduced to Zoe and Harry.
Thank you to @text_publishing and simon_rowell_author for my gifted copy.
October 27, 2023
Zoe and Harry are back in this action packed police thriller!
After reading and loving The Long Game, Rowell's first in the Detective Zoe Mayer series, I was keen to read more about Zoe and her service dog, Harry. The author did not disappoint, and I enjoyed Wild Card even more. All the stars from me!
After reading and loving The Long Game, Rowell's first in the Detective Zoe Mayer series, I was keen to read more about Zoe and her service dog, Harry. The author did not disappoint, and I enjoyed Wild Card even more. All the stars from me!
December 6, 2023
Wild Card is the second book in the Detective Zoe Mayer series by best-selling Australian author, Simon Rowell. The audio version is narrated by Elle Mickel. A murdered bikie at a popular camping spot on the banks of the Murray River brings Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her partner, Detective Senior Constable Charlie Shaw, along with her service dog, Harry to Echuca. Turns out that Freddie Jones, a member of the River Thunder gang, is from over the border in Moama, so they need to liaise with NSW police Sergeant Mick Kovacks and his team.
Mick’s arrangement with his one-time friend is unconventional but effective: Freddie and his mates keep their nefarious activities out of Moama. But no one admits to have any idea who might have wanted to shoot him and set fire to his Maserati. Freddie’s mates and family are unforthcoming, making Zoe’s job that much harder.
Someone does give them a potential lead, but it doesn’t pan out: town gossip, and comments from a certain loose-lipped NSW constable almost lead to tragedy for a certain unfortunate. Then, another body is found, close to the site of the first, this one apparently a local Mafia figure. Alibis crumble, and Zoe and her team begin to wonder if they are in the middle of a turf war. And whether some of their NSW counterparts are either incredibly naïve, or corrupt, while in the background, an undercover drug op must be kept quiet.
This is another tightly-plotted instalment, and Rowell throws Zoe the added challenge of working within another jurisdiction as well as the distraction of a relationship complication. Causes of death include gunshots, snakebite, a car bomb, and a motor vehicle collision. And even when it becomes clear just who the guilty and the (relatively) innocent are, something still niggles at Zoe. The death of a certain character will be a gut-punch for the reader, and this instalment ends on a very sad note. The third book to feature this cast, The Good Dog is eagerly anticipated.
Mick’s arrangement with his one-time friend is unconventional but effective: Freddie and his mates keep their nefarious activities out of Moama. But no one admits to have any idea who might have wanted to shoot him and set fire to his Maserati. Freddie’s mates and family are unforthcoming, making Zoe’s job that much harder.
Someone does give them a potential lead, but it doesn’t pan out: town gossip, and comments from a certain loose-lipped NSW constable almost lead to tragedy for a certain unfortunate. Then, another body is found, close to the site of the first, this one apparently a local Mafia figure. Alibis crumble, and Zoe and her team begin to wonder if they are in the middle of a turf war. And whether some of their NSW counterparts are either incredibly naïve, or corrupt, while in the background, an undercover drug op must be kept quiet.
This is another tightly-plotted instalment, and Rowell throws Zoe the added challenge of working within another jurisdiction as well as the distraction of a relationship complication. Causes of death include gunshots, snakebite, a car bomb, and a motor vehicle collision. And even when it becomes clear just who the guilty and the (relatively) innocent are, something still niggles at Zoe. The death of a certain character will be a gut-punch for the reader, and this instalment ends on a very sad note. The third book to feature this cast, The Good Dog is eagerly anticipated.
December 30, 2024
Wild Card is book two in the Detective Zoe Mayer series by Simon Rowell. Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer caught a new case of the murder of Freddie Jones found near the banks of the Murray River. However, the case became more difficult for Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer when Freddie's family kept blocking her every move to find the killer. The readers will continue to follow Detective Zoe Mayer to discover what happens.
Wild Card is a fantastic addition to Simon Rowell's Detective Zoe Mayer series. From the first page, I was engaged with the characters and the plot until the end. I enjoy how Simon Rowell incorporated issues law enforcement officers can face in performing their duties, which helps me understand. It also highlights small-town corruption that can affect everyone, especially the law enforcement community. Simon Rowell portrays his characters and how they interact throughout this book. I enjoy how Simon Rowell intertwines Harry Zoe Mayer's support dog in the plot and with the characters. Wild Card is well-written and researched by Simon Rowell. I like Simon Rowell's description of the settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
December 29, 2022
A body is found near the banks of the Murray River near Echuca. The victim, the leader of the local bikie gang from across the river in Moama.
Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer, her service dog, Harry, and her team are sent from Melbourne to investigate the murder. Progress on finding the murderer is slow, until a second body is found in the same spot - and then the heat is on to unravel the twisted series of events that have lead to murder coming to this peaceful country community.
This is Australian crime drama at its best.
This book was always going to be a must read for me for a couple of reasons....
One: I love Australian crime drama....
and two... this one is set in the part of Victoria that is "home" to me, along the Murray River. This is based in Echuca/Moama, but there are plenty of mentions of my home town - Swan Hill.
But then everything else about this book makes this a winner for me.
Great characters, plenty of action, plot twists - and a series of events that could be all too real.
Most of the character development centers around Zoe, but the cast of supporting characters were also good and I hope that we may learn more about them in future books in the series.
I haven't read 'The Long Game', which is the first book in this series, but I will certainly be seeking it out ASAP.
Highly recommended to lovers of gripping crime drama.
Thanks to Text Publishing for the review copy of this book
June 6, 2023
What an enjoyable read Wild Card is.
Australian crime fiction at it's best.
Set around the Murray River Wild Card is a story about a murdered bikie and the ensuing investigation into his murder. Is it gange related? Is there police corruption? Is there a romance brewing between Detective Sergeant Zoe and her Detective Senior Constable Charlie Shaw.
With pacing that was just right - with a mix of great character development, and great plot, I really enjoyed this. With Mayer and her support dog Harry, there's valuable insight into mental health and trauma, as well as community reactions and attitudes towards Mayer having the capacity to do her job. She's such a great character - stoic, reflective and analytical. She's very much a loner and seems to feel alone as well, which is more prevalent in this book with the character arc of Charlie (god damn you Charlie).
And not give a spoiler but hats of to Rowell for the drama around who he successfully kills off and when. The timing really hit the sweet spot!
Australian crime fiction at it's best.
Set around the Murray River Wild Card is a story about a murdered bikie and the ensuing investigation into his murder. Is it gange related? Is there police corruption? Is there a romance brewing between Detective Sergeant Zoe and her Detective Senior Constable Charlie Shaw.
With pacing that was just right - with a mix of great character development, and great plot, I really enjoyed this. With Mayer and her support dog Harry, there's valuable insight into mental health and trauma, as well as community reactions and attitudes towards Mayer having the capacity to do her job. She's such a great character - stoic, reflective and analytical. She's very much a loner and seems to feel alone as well, which is more prevalent in this book with the character arc of Charlie (god damn you Charlie).
And not give a spoiler but hats of to Rowell for the drama around who he successfully kills off and when. The timing really hit the sweet spot!
March 14, 2023
An excellent second novel in the Detective Zoe Mayer series.
As with the first book ('The Long Game'), 'Wild Card' has an intriguing plot that follows Zoe as she works her way through a multi-layered crime - one involving corrupt police, gang war and, of course, murder!
Whereas the secondary plot in 'The Long Game' slowly reveals why Zoe requires the assistance of Harry (her service dog), this time, it is her feelings for her partner that she must figure out alongside her investigation.
This element added another layer and depth to Zoe's character, as well as some heart to the story. Without giving away the ending, I am excited to read about how Zoe grapples with this additional emotional burden and how she goes about carrying it in the next book.
And as always, Harry proves he is the best sidekick a girl can have!
As with the first book ('The Long Game'), 'Wild Card' has an intriguing plot that follows Zoe as she works her way through a multi-layered crime - one involving corrupt police, gang war and, of course, murder!
Whereas the secondary plot in 'The Long Game' slowly reveals why Zoe requires the assistance of Harry (her service dog), this time, it is her feelings for her partner that she must figure out alongside her investigation.
This element added another layer and depth to Zoe's character, as well as some heart to the story. Without giving away the ending, I am excited to read about how Zoe grapples with this additional emotional burden and how she goes about carrying it in the next book.
And as always, Harry proves he is the best sidekick a girl can have!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2023
Another good book in the Detective Zoe Mayer series.
I’d definitely recommend reading them in order as this book doesn’t have the character building covered in book 1 ‘The Long Game’
Without reading that first this would’ve been a dull read.
I’d definitely recommend reading them in order as this book doesn’t have the character building covered in book 1 ‘The Long Game’
Without reading that first this would’ve been a dull read.
March 17, 2023
Good story and gripping until the end.
April 4, 2024
Enjoyed the fast paced action thriller, will read more from this author
September 20, 2025
Another generic, by-the-numbers, crime novel set in small town Australia but, much like book 1 in this series, it moves at such a great pace it's easy to ignore all the bad dialogue and impossible coincidences and just enjoy the ride.
December 30, 2022
Exciting narrative, great characters, lovely service dog and an unexpected twist at the end - engrossing holiday read.
January 31, 2023
Will confess to being more than a bit pleased when WILD CARD, the second DS Zoe Mayer (and her service dog Harry) novel arrived. The initial outing - THE LONG GAME - had all the hallmarks of a long, and good series in the making, and the follow-up does nothing to dispel that belief.
Starting out in a very atmospheric location (if you ignore the dead body lying in burnt-out grassland beside the banks of the Murray River), Mayer, Harry and Charlie Shaw have arrived from Melbourne in response to the shooting death of Freddie Jones, a bikie from the other side of the river in Moama, New South Wales.
"The kookaburras, lost in the spring fog, laughed at one another across the water, as if in some maniacal game of hide and seek. With red gums crowding against the banks, the Murray River arced around on itself at this spot just out of Echuca, nature having changed her mind. Zoe Mayer, standing on the outside of the bend, could look both upstream and downstream with a tilt of her head. Her boss, Rob Loretti, had woken her at some ungodly hour. It had taken Zoe and her partner, Charlie Shaw, the best part of three hours to make the drive north from Melbourne, speeding through towns whose streets were deserted at that early hour."
Mayer, Shaw, Jarrah Walters and Mary McDonald, and tactical intelligence officer Anjali Arya are a close-knit working unit, introduced, along with service dog Harry and the rest of the main characters in the first novel. It won't matter if you haven't read it, but you really should, not just because it fills in the details of what's happened to Mayer in the past, and why Harry is with her every step of the way (there are clues in this outing, so you won't be left at sea).
The complications in this investigation however, are more than just the cross-jurisdictions, or even the tight local communities. A dig around on the NSW side of the river raises disquiet about the relationship between the victim, his two closest fellow bikies Ben Cutlass and Wally Galvin, and local cop Mick Kovacks. Kovacks prides himself on his rules of operation for the bikie gang - no illegal activity in the town and no aggro as a result. Meanwhile Kovacks sister is looking to restart a stalled journalism career but there's tension between the siblings for some reason. Add to that a lot of complicated connections between the townsfolk, and people in nearby locations like Shepparton and it's a lot for the team to come to grips with in a hurry. To say nothing of a dark speedboat travelling at speed on the river at night, proceeded by a drone, Senior Constable Jen Owens and the photos she keeps showing up in, and the vegetable growers in the area outside Moama. A second body showing up in the same location as the first would seem to complicate the issue even more, but is actually the catalyst to allow Mayer and her team to blow some of that fog out of the way at last.
Anybody living around regional towns in Victoria will have heard of the problems with meth and the fallout that the drug has on communities, and for years now there's been talk of the drug cartels around the Riverina district and in and around the Murray. There's been plenty of bikie gangs, alleged Mafia connections and more than a few missing people over those years as well, so the background to WILD CARD fits, and its execution is perfect in terms of how a group of outsider "big city cops" would feel arriving in a town where the connections go back generations, and the stories are part of local legend. Mayer, Shaw and the rest of the team slowly work their way through those stories as a way of trying to understand who is who, and how the deaths of two men, in the same location, could be connected.
Along the way you discover even more about this group of work colleagues, and friends, and you'll find that this is an author unafraid to surprise and shock a reader. Not I hasten to add, anything to do with Harry. He knows not to harm a hair on the dog's body, right down to the understandable / accepted by all swing Mayer takes at somebody who looks like they might be about to launch a kick in Harry's direction.
There is really a lot to like about these two novels. The characterisations are strong, the flaws touching and very human. The relationships between this group of colleagues are realistic, and Mayer's reaction to the slower pace, and gentler lifestyle (not withstanding murders and drugs) of a small country town on the side of the wonderful Murray River believable.
In the end, WILD CARD only had one downside to it. It demanded, and was read, in a day. Now I'm going to be twiddling my thumbs, waiting, with not a hint of pretend patience, for the next book in the series.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Starting out in a very atmospheric location (if you ignore the dead body lying in burnt-out grassland beside the banks of the Murray River), Mayer, Harry and Charlie Shaw have arrived from Melbourne in response to the shooting death of Freddie Jones, a bikie from the other side of the river in Moama, New South Wales.
"The kookaburras, lost in the spring fog, laughed at one another across the water, as if in some maniacal game of hide and seek. With red gums crowding against the banks, the Murray River arced around on itself at this spot just out of Echuca, nature having changed her mind. Zoe Mayer, standing on the outside of the bend, could look both upstream and downstream with a tilt of her head. Her boss, Rob Loretti, had woken her at some ungodly hour. It had taken Zoe and her partner, Charlie Shaw, the best part of three hours to make the drive north from Melbourne, speeding through towns whose streets were deserted at that early hour."
Mayer, Shaw, Jarrah Walters and Mary McDonald, and tactical intelligence officer Anjali Arya are a close-knit working unit, introduced, along with service dog Harry and the rest of the main characters in the first novel. It won't matter if you haven't read it, but you really should, not just because it fills in the details of what's happened to Mayer in the past, and why Harry is with her every step of the way (there are clues in this outing, so you won't be left at sea).
The complications in this investigation however, are more than just the cross-jurisdictions, or even the tight local communities. A dig around on the NSW side of the river raises disquiet about the relationship between the victim, his two closest fellow bikies Ben Cutlass and Wally Galvin, and local cop Mick Kovacks. Kovacks prides himself on his rules of operation for the bikie gang - no illegal activity in the town and no aggro as a result. Meanwhile Kovacks sister is looking to restart a stalled journalism career but there's tension between the siblings for some reason. Add to that a lot of complicated connections between the townsfolk, and people in nearby locations like Shepparton and it's a lot for the team to come to grips with in a hurry. To say nothing of a dark speedboat travelling at speed on the river at night, proceeded by a drone, Senior Constable Jen Owens and the photos she keeps showing up in, and the vegetable growers in the area outside Moama. A second body showing up in the same location as the first would seem to complicate the issue even more, but is actually the catalyst to allow Mayer and her team to blow some of that fog out of the way at last.
Anybody living around regional towns in Victoria will have heard of the problems with meth and the fallout that the drug has on communities, and for years now there's been talk of the drug cartels around the Riverina district and in and around the Murray. There's been plenty of bikie gangs, alleged Mafia connections and more than a few missing people over those years as well, so the background to WILD CARD fits, and its execution is perfect in terms of how a group of outsider "big city cops" would feel arriving in a town where the connections go back generations, and the stories are part of local legend. Mayer, Shaw and the rest of the team slowly work their way through those stories as a way of trying to understand who is who, and how the deaths of two men, in the same location, could be connected.
Along the way you discover even more about this group of work colleagues, and friends, and you'll find that this is an author unafraid to surprise and shock a reader. Not I hasten to add, anything to do with Harry. He knows not to harm a hair on the dog's body, right down to the understandable / accepted by all swing Mayer takes at somebody who looks like they might be about to launch a kick in Harry's direction.
There is really a lot to like about these two novels. The characterisations are strong, the flaws touching and very human. The relationships between this group of colleagues are realistic, and Mayer's reaction to the slower pace, and gentler lifestyle (not withstanding murders and drugs) of a small country town on the side of the wonderful Murray River believable.
In the end, WILD CARD only had one downside to it. It demanded, and was read, in a day. Now I'm going to be twiddling my thumbs, waiting, with not a hint of pretend patience, for the next book in the series.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
January 30, 2023
I do love a good police procedural and this one was terrific! I read a lot of this genre and am liking more and more, the crime books written by Australian authors. The whole Aussie culture and personality comes across in this one and as a Victorian, I also liked that I knew the locations.
Authors are always searching for a different 'angle' for their protagonists and in this book, Rowell has given his leading lady, Zoe Mayer, a service dog, a golden retriever called Harry. Maybe because I have had a goldie and love the breed, I liked this aspect of the story. The reason he is in the book was never fully explained but I later discovered that there is a previous book in which the reason was given so I will have to look that one out and read it. Pity I didn't know that first, because I hate reading things out of sequence. No matter, I think this book serves well as a stand-alone.
The plot was well constructed, the characters believable and the intriguing story easily gained momentum building to an interesting final twist. The book finished on a sad note but perhaps this was a nod to the danger that our emergency service personnel put themselves into every day. As a move away from the usual romantic endings in books, this one was realistic and I thought it was appropriate.
I listened to the audio version of this book and although Elle Mickel did a satisfactory narration in general, there were parts where I thought it could have been improved by a little better acting. For example, when the cops were interviewing a drunk suspect, after a few sentences, he would sound amazingly sober. The characterization didn't follow through. However, the book was a different story (no pun intended).
Highly recommended, I'm looking forward to reading more of Zoe and Harry's exploits.
Authors are always searching for a different 'angle' for their protagonists and in this book, Rowell has given his leading lady, Zoe Mayer, a service dog, a golden retriever called Harry. Maybe because I have had a goldie and love the breed, I liked this aspect of the story. The reason he is in the book was never fully explained but I later discovered that there is a previous book in which the reason was given so I will have to look that one out and read it. Pity I didn't know that first, because I hate reading things out of sequence. No matter, I think this book serves well as a stand-alone.
The plot was well constructed, the characters believable and the intriguing story easily gained momentum building to an interesting final twist. The book finished on a sad note but perhaps this was a nod to the danger that our emergency service personnel put themselves into every day. As a move away from the usual romantic endings in books, this one was realistic and I thought it was appropriate.
I listened to the audio version of this book and although Elle Mickel did a satisfactory narration in general, there were parts where I thought it could have been improved by a little better acting. For example, when the cops were interviewing a drunk suspect, after a few sentences, he would sound amazingly sober. The characterization didn't follow through. However, the book was a different story (no pun intended).
Highly recommended, I'm looking forward to reading more of Zoe and Harry's exploits.
November 22, 2023
The murder of a bikie in the quiet Murray River town of Echuca, sees DS Zoe Mayer and her service dog, golden retriever Harry, along with her partner DC Charlie Shaw of the Victoria Police called in to investigate. As the victim, identified as Freddie Jones, lived across the state border on the other side of the river in Moama, they will also have to work with the local New South Wales police officer, Mick Kovacs. However, he proves to be less than helpful, claiming that Freddie has always been well behaved and not mixed up in any gang related crime. The second murder of a member of a mafia family, in what looks like a particularly gruesome revenge killing, has Zoe wondering otherwise.
This is an excellent sequel to The Long Game, the first book in this series and Harry once again steals the show. He is ever attentive to Zoe in helping her manage her PTSD and her relationship with him is touching, but he also loves meeting new people and making new friends. With threats of a turf war looming, the tension ramps up in this carefully plotted suspense. A particularly sad event almost derails Zoe, but with Harry by her side she comes back stronger and more determined than ever to stop the killings and prevent a gang war. The Riverland small town setting gave this an atmospherically authentic feeling and worked well for this novel and the final twist where everything fell into place for Zoe was superb. Now I’m really looking forward to Zoe and Harry's next case in The Good Dog, the next book in this very enjoyable Aussie series.
This is an excellent sequel to The Long Game, the first book in this series and Harry once again steals the show. He is ever attentive to Zoe in helping her manage her PTSD and her relationship with him is touching, but he also loves meeting new people and making new friends. With threats of a turf war looming, the tension ramps up in this carefully plotted suspense. A particularly sad event almost derails Zoe, but with Harry by her side she comes back stronger and more determined than ever to stop the killings and prevent a gang war. The Riverland small town setting gave this an atmospherically authentic feeling and worked well for this novel and the final twist where everything fell into place for Zoe was superb. Now I’m really looking forward to Zoe and Harry's next case in The Good Dog, the next book in this very enjoyable Aussie series.
February 18, 2024
Wild Card continues where The Long Game left off. Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her service dog, Harry, are investigating crime. This time it's crime with mafia and bikie links on the border between New South Wales and Victoria. Like the first book in the series, it's a solid Australian police procedural.
If I had some gripes, it would be, sometimes the author's 'research' is integrated in a clunky way: "Zoe knew that conspiracy theorists often wrote under multiple identities to make it seem as though their theories were widespread. She knew of a case where a single person had created twenty different anonymous websites, each one citing the others to back up its wild claims. A giant connected loop of a lone individual’s opinions." The other main fault is the use of police interviews to explain convoluted crimes and motivations rather than showing us why people did the things they chose to do through the action. These chapters of people singing in police interviews can be a bit boring, and in many cases, do not feel realistic. I mean, especially in crimes relating to mafia and organised crime, you'd expect the criminals to be silent and very aware of police tactics, a bit like Jacqui: "‘Do you think I came down in the last shower?’ asked Jacqui. ‘No.’ ‘Good, so you’ll understand why I can’t answer your question. You’re all smart detectives, so I’m sure you’ll work it out.’" Other than that, a solid read, set in a recognisable part of Australia.
If I had some gripes, it would be, sometimes the author's 'research' is integrated in a clunky way: "Zoe knew that conspiracy theorists often wrote under multiple identities to make it seem as though their theories were widespread. She knew of a case where a single person had created twenty different anonymous websites, each one citing the others to back up its wild claims. A giant connected loop of a lone individual’s opinions." The other main fault is the use of police interviews to explain convoluted crimes and motivations rather than showing us why people did the things they chose to do through the action. These chapters of people singing in police interviews can be a bit boring, and in many cases, do not feel realistic. I mean, especially in crimes relating to mafia and organised crime, you'd expect the criminals to be silent and very aware of police tactics, a bit like Jacqui: "‘Do you think I came down in the last shower?’ asked Jacqui. ‘No.’ ‘Good, so you’ll understand why I can’t answer your question. You’re all smart detectives, so I’m sure you’ll work it out.’" Other than that, a solid read, set in a recognisable part of Australia.
November 5, 2023
Crime fighters, Detective sergeant Zoe Mayer and her offsider, service dog Harry, but this team is backed up by the strong team of returning characters that work together in well-drilled harmony - Charlie Shaw, Jarrah Walters, Mary McDonald and Anjali Arya. They prove to be a formidable unit that cuts straight to the important aspects of the investigation to keep it moving at a solid pace.
Harry the service dog is an adorable golden retriever, and he is trained to assist Zoe at work after a recent work trauma.
Meanwhile a dead bikie is found near the banks of the Murray River near Echuca in Victoria, Zoe is determined to track down the murderer despite hitting a stone wall at every turn by Freddie's family, his associates, even the local police., items left with the body suggests it was personal and designed to send a message. The fear is that a gang war may be soon to follow. But then a second body turns up and soon all bets are off...
A second murder, this time a guy with known ties to organized crime and the place is a deep hole with a tiger snake another message. The body was found on the same spot as Freddie’s. Question is, is this the start of a series of revenge killings? The pressure is on to solve these murders before things rocket out of control.
Great Read
Harry the service dog is an adorable golden retriever, and he is trained to assist Zoe at work after a recent work trauma.
Meanwhile a dead bikie is found near the banks of the Murray River near Echuca in Victoria, Zoe is determined to track down the murderer despite hitting a stone wall at every turn by Freddie's family, his associates, even the local police., items left with the body suggests it was personal and designed to send a message. The fear is that a gang war may be soon to follow. But then a second body turns up and soon all bets are off...
A second murder, this time a guy with known ties to organized crime and the place is a deep hole with a tiger snake another message. The body was found on the same spot as Freddie’s. Question is, is this the start of a series of revenge killings? The pressure is on to solve these murders before things rocket out of control.
Great Read
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