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The Unbelieved

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( 2,036 ratings, 306 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Unbelieved by Vikki Petraitis is a gripping crime and thriller novel that follows a detective moving to a small town to escape past trauma. She soon uncovers a disturbing pattern of violence against women, igniting a personal and professional quest to bring the truth to light, while struggling against disbelief and opposition within the community. This powerful narrative explores themes of justice and resilience.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this gripping crime thriller if you appreciate stories that delve into the complexities of seeking justice, particularly when facing scepticism and disbelief. The narrative weaves intense psychological tension with the quest for truth, making it an engaging read for those who enjoy suspense and well-crafted plot twists.

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Winner of the inaugural Allen & Unwin Crime Prize.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

‘So you believed the alleged rapists over the alleged victim?’ Jane’s voice took on an indignant pitch. ‘Girls lie sometimes.’ I nodded. ‘And rapists lie all the time.’

When Senior Detective Antigone Pollard moves to the coastal town of Deception Bay, she is still in shock and grief. Back in Melbourne, one of her cases had gone catastrophically wrong, and to escape the guilt and haunting memories, she requested a transfer to the quiet town she had grown up in.

But there are some things you can’t run from. A month into her new life, she is targeted by a would-be rapist at the pub and realises why there have been no convictions following a spate of similar sexual attacks in the surrounding district. The male witnesses in the pub back her attacker, and even her boss doesn’t believe her.

Hers is the first reported case in Deception Bay, but soon there are more. As Antigone searches for answers, she encounters a wall of silence in the town built of secrets, denial, and fear. The women of Deception Bay are scared, and the law is not on their side. The nightmare has followed her home.

Chilling, timely, and gripping, The Unbelieved takes us behind the headlines to a small-town world that is all too real and introduces us to a brilliant new voice in crime fiction.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Unbelieved by Vikki Petraitis is praised for its gripping narrative and the strong, resilient character of the protagonist. The novel's portrayal of small-town dynamics in Australia and the challenges faced by those trying to uncover uncomfortable truths have resonated with readers. It has been commended for its atmospheric tension and the way it addresses serious social issues with sensitivity and realism.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781761067396

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 August 2022

Country: Australia

Imprint: Allen & Unwin

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 472g

Pages: 384

About the Author

Vikki Petraitis is best known for her true crime books including the bestselling book The Frankston Murders about serial killer Paul Denyer, and her first book, The Phillip Island Murder, which has been featured in several TV shows and podcasts. In her true crime books, Vikki has covered everything from police dogs to Lawyer X, the Russell Street bombing and sex crimes. Her expertise lies in interviewing police and victims to create compelling narratives. In recent years, Vikki has made two hugely successful podcast series with Casefile Presents, which have topped charts around the world and been downloaded millions of times. She is now working with the Casefile team developing new true crime projects. Vikki began a PhD in Creative Writing at La Trobe University in 2017 in order to continue to expand her writing skills. She brought thirty years of true crime writing and investigating to create her first work of fiction, The Unbelieved. In a parallel career, Vikki is also a teacher with a Master's degree in IT Education. She runs creative writing workshops and short courses in schools and local libraries. She is also a popular presenter, well-known for her compelling true crime talks and keynote addresses.

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