Opal Country: The stunning page turner from the award-winning author of Scrublands

In the outback town of Finnigans Gap, police struggle to maintain law and order amidst thieves pillaging opal mines, religious fanatics recruiting vulnerable youngsters, and billionaires doing as they please. When an opal miner is found crucified and left to rot down his mine, homicide detective Ivan Lucic is sent to investigate, assisted by inexperienced young investigator Nell Buchanan. As they uncover more secrets, the mystery becomes harrowing, and a past long forgotten is thrown into scorching sunlight.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

In the remote and desolate outback town of Finnigans Gap, the police face a relentless battle to uphold law and order amidst a backdrop of crime and corruption. Thieves plunder opal mines, religious fanatics recruit vulnerable children, and billionaires operate with impunity.

A grisly discovery is made when an opal miner is found crucified and left to rot in his mine. The circumstances surrounding his death are anything but straightforward, and homicide detective Ivan Lucic is dispatched to investigate.

However, Finnigans Gap has a history of destroying police careers and tarnishing reputations, and Ivan and his young partner Nell Buchanan soon find themselves facing accusations and internal investigations. As the clock ticks down, they realize their only chance for redemption lies in uncovering the killer.

But as they delve deeper into the mystery, the truth becomes increasingly harrowing, and a long-forgotten past is brought to the forefront, casting a chilling light on the town's dark secrets. In Finnigans Gap, nothing remains buried forever, and the consequences of unearthing the truth are deadly.

Praise for Chris Hammer:

Hammer is widely regarded as a leading figure in Australian noir literature. His novels are known for their intricate plots, compelling characters, and atmospheric settings. Michael Connelly, a renowned crime writer, has praised Hammer's work, describing him as a great writer and a leader in the genre. Val McDermid, another prominent author, has also praised Hammer's stunning storytelling, calling him a master of the page-turner that stays with readers long after they finish the book.

Opal Country is a testament to Chris Hammer's talent and skill as a writer. It is a complex, twisting thriller that takes readers on a journey through the seedy underbelly of the outback. The characters are nuanced and well-developed, and the plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns. The oppressive Australian heat adds to the tension and atmosphere of the novel, creating a sense of foreboding and danger.

In conclusion, Opal Country is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and Australian noir. It is a gripping and atmospheric novel that will keep you hooked until the very end. Chris Hammer's talent as a writer shines through, and his portrayal of the outback and its dark secrets is nothing short of masterful.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472273017