The Tilt

Newly-minted homicide detective Nell Buchanan returns to her hometown, initially frustrated with being assigned a decades-old murder – a so-called 'file and forget'. Little does she know that this ordinary cold case is just the tip of a much larger iceberg. As Nell delves deeper, she uncovers more bodies, igniting a chain of escalating events that reverberate in the present day.

As the investigation progresses, Nell starts to piece together a puzzle that clouds her perception of her nearest and dearest. She begins to ask herself: how well does she truly know those close to her? Could her own family be implicated in these crimes?

The closer Nell gets to unmasking the dark secrets of the past, the more perilous her present becomes. She faces shadowy assailants and sinister forces intent on keeping these secrets buried. Can Nell survive this harrowing ordeal, and what will be the cost of uncovering the truth?

Gripping and atmospheric, The Tilt is a stunning multi-layered novel by Chris Hammer, an award-winning author renowned for his international bestsellers Scrublands, Silver, Trust, and Treasure & Dirt.

“Chris Hammer at the height of his powers ... absolutely not to be missed!” — Hayley Scrivenor, author of Dirt Town.

“A darkly simmering mystery, gorgeously told ... Utterly brilliant.” — Dervla McTiernan, author of The Ruin and The Murder Rule.

“Ominous, pacy and intricately plotted. The Tilt hits the ground running and never lets up. Hammer's best yet!” — Emma Viskic, author of Those Who Perish.

“It would be unfair to say Chris Hammer is at the top of the crime writing game. Chris Hammer IS the game. Full Tilt may be a better title, given the speed with which readers will devour Chris Hammer's exceptional novel.” — Benjamin Stevenson, author of Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone.

“Like everything Chris Hammer writes, The Tilt is a rich, complex thriller, packed with detail and intrigue. There's a reason why this guy is on my auto-read list!” — Christian White, author of The Nowhere Child.

“Chris has another absolute cracker on his hands here. Chris is without a doubt one of the best active Australian crime writers, and a new book from him is always an unmissable event. I'm glad I started reading it on my day off, because it's one of those stories you don't want to put down once you've started. The way he weaves three different timelines without ever losing focus and creates such a broad cast of compelling and emotionally complex characters is truly impressive.” — Shelley Burr, author of Wake.

“Chris Hammer is a great writer ... a leader in Australian noir.” — Michael Connelly.

“If you haven't read Hammer before, this is the perfect time to experience one of the best writers Australia has to offer. Rife with intrigue, murder, and small-town secrets, Treasure and Dirt is a spectacular thriller that delivers some unforgettable characters with twists and turns you won't see coming. Hammer has raised the bar for Australian crime, and this is a must-read.” — Better Reading.

“Chris Hammer has excelled himself with Trust...a thriller strong on character development, social insights, ethical issues, and dramatic action.” — The Weekend Australian.

“The best Australian crime novel since Peter Temple's The Broken Shore.” — The Times on Silver.

“Shimmers with heat from the sun and from the passions that drive a tortured tale of blood and loss.” — Val McDermid on Scrublands.