Scrublands

Scrublands by Chris Hammer is a gripping and atmospheric thriller set in the parched and unforgiving landscape of rural Australia. The story unravels in the drought-stricken town of Riversend, a once-thriving community now on the brink of collapse. A shocking event shatters the town's tranquillity: a young, charismatic priest, Byron Swift, opens fire on his congregation, killing five parishioners before being shot dead himself.

One year after the horrific incident, journalist Martin Scarsden arrives in Riversend to cover the anniversary of the tragedy. Tasked with writing a feature story, Martin soon discovers that the locals' accounts of the events leading up to the priest's deadly rampage don't align with the official version reported by his own newspaper. Intrigued and driven by journalistic curiosity, Martin begins to dig deeper, unearthing long-buried secrets and uncovering a tangled web of deceit and corruption.

As Martin's investigation progresses, he finds himself entangled in a complex and dangerous situation, where every answer leads to more questions. Just when he thinks he's making progress, a new development sends shockwaves through the town, turning Riversend into the epicentre of a national media frenzy. The spotlight turns on Martin himself, complicating his quest for the truth and making his investigation intensely personal.

Martin’s determination to uncover the real motive behind the priest's actions puts him at odds with powerful figures intent on keeping the town's secrets hidden. As he battles his inner demons and wrestles with moral dilemmas, Martin risks everything to expose a truth that becomes increasingly darker and more sinister with each revelation. The stakes are high, and the forces against him are formidable, prepared to go to any lengths to ensure the secrets of Riversend remain buried.

Winner of the 2019 CWA Dagger New Blood Award for Best First Crime Novel, Scrublands is a masterfully crafted narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This compulsive thriller, rich with twists and turns, will haunt you long after you have turned the final page.