If you’re looking for a high-octane, thrilling traipse across Australia, you’ll enjoy this one!
About the Book
WHEN THE SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH TURNS DEADLY…
Ex- cop and true crime novelist Andie Yates has traded bitter Melbourne weather for the blue skies and swaying palm trees of Farr Island in North Queensland. When her ex-partner, Simon, is accused of stealing money from his law firm, she is forced to make a choice.
Will she abandon her tropical island haven, her new relationship, and her better judgement to prove his innocence?
After Simon vanishes, Andie teams up with friend and private investigator, Mac Turner, to track him down in Makerston on Queensland’s central coast. They soon discover they aren’t the only ones hunting him.
With the clock ticking and her past catching up with her, Andie risks her new life, her reputation, and her heart to uncover the truth.
Can she find the missing millions—and Simon—before it’s too late? Or will this case be her last?
My Thoughts
I feel like the theme of the past several months has been that Amorina’s ADHD meds aren’t working! Or something. Once again, we find ourselves not realizing that this book was part of a series. I am the worst at telling you whether or not a book is good as a standalone. Usually, I say no because I hate to read books out of order. I have mixed feelings about this one. I could generally keep up with the action, but there were a ton of references to things that happened in the first book. And, there was just this feeling. Sometimes it’s there, sometimes it isn’t, that I was missing something. It’s usually how I figure out that I’ve done the thing. I had the feeling big time. I felt like I was missing out on important character backstories and interactions that left me feeling wanting.
However, the writing was great! It was compelling, fast-paced, and absolutely thrilling! The one thing the author absolutely nailed was the ticking clock you need in a thriller. I could feel the race against time in my bones! There were a few different races we were running, and I could feel them all! I liked how this one was very action-packed but also had a lot of good character-driven, emotional drama as well. Frequently, authors have one or the other do the heavy lifting, but this was a good balance of both.
Despite feeling like I was missing a lot, I really did enjoy the characters in this. I enjoyed our FMC, Andie, a lot. Maybe I need to jump into more series later, and I’ll enjoy more MCs. Except, of course, I also did love our MMC, Mac, and our delightful, quirky, and rascally sidekick, JJ. What a fun lead trio.
Who’s It For?
If you enjoy a fast-paced, high-octane, atmospheric thriller, this is a good read for you. I suggest you start with the first in the series, but if you’re not bothered, you can get away with reading this one first. But I don’t know why you would want to! As with most thrillers, there are some disturbing portions, so check your content warnings.
Content Warnings: This book contains various topics that may concern some readers, including, but not limited to, Death/Murder, Violence, Corporate/Police Corruption, Adult Language, Stalking, Kidnapping/Hostage Situations, Fear/Danger, and Domestic Situations.
About the Author
Annette lives in Brisbane, Australia. A lover of travel, she draws inspiration from her experiences to create her Destination Mysteries and Romances. When not travelling or writing, Annette loves spending time at the beach with a good book, enjoying the company of friends and experimenting with recipes from her travels. Her latest release, The Curlew’s Scream, is the second novel in the Bayswater series—a riveting crime story set in central and north Queensland. Annette has also published two novellas: A Christmas Wish set on a South Pacific cruise, and more recently, A New Year’s Wish set in Paris. Her third novella, A Valentine’s Wish, set in Venice during Carnivale, and scheduled for release in 2025 will complete the Three Wishes Series. Sign up to receive Annette’s monthly newsletter at www.annetteleigh.com.
Links
Amazon US: https://a.co/d/f8KJINJ
Amazon UK: https://amzn.eu/d/8K0keEH
Bookshop US: https://bookshop.org/a/25511/9780645975567
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/225737000-the-curlew-s-scream
Author’s Website: https://annetteleigh.com/
As a Bookshop.org (US) Affiliate, I may earn on qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org purchases support local, independent bookshops. My chosen affiliate bookshop is Tubby & Coo’s Traveling Bookshop, a local, queer-owned bookshop in New Orleans.
Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram.