Opal Country: The Times Crime Book of the Month from the award-winning author of Scrublands

In the outback town of Finnigans Gap, police struggle to maintain law and order, with 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. However, Finnigans Gap has already ended one police career and damaged others, and both officers face damning allegations and internal investigations. As time runs out, their only chance at redemption is to find the killer, but the more they uncover, the more harrowing the mystery becomes, and a past long forgotten is thrown into scorching sunlight.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 06 January 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 complex, with no clear answers as to who discovered the body. Homicide detective Ivan Lucic is dispatched to investigate, accompanied by an inexperienced young investigator named Nell Buchanan.

Finnigans Gap has a history of destroying police careers and tarnishing reputations, and Ivan and Nell soon find themselves facing accusations and internal investigations. They must navigate a web of secrets and lies to uncover the truth behind the miner's death and find the killer before it's too late.

As they delve deeper into the mystery, they discover a long-buried past that threatens to unravel everything they thought they knew. The more they uncover, the more harrowing the mystery becomes, and they realize that in Finnigans Gap, nothing stays buried for ever.

Praise for Chris Hammer:

Hammer is hailed as a leader in Australian noir, and his novels have received critical acclaim for their intricate plots, compelling characters, and atmospheric settings. Michael Connelly, a renowned crime writer, describes him as a "great writer," praising his ability to create a tortured tale of blood and loss. Val McDermid, another prominent author, praises Hammer's "stunning" writing, stating that it is a page-turner that stays long after the last page is turned.

Opal Country is a testament to Chris Hammer's talent as a storyteller. 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 readers hooked until the very end. Chris Hammer's talent as a writer shines through, and his ability to create a complex and compelling story is truly impressive.

Weight: 758g
Dimension: 164 x 240 x 49 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472272966