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Scrublands

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Scrublands

By: Chris Hammer
Narrated by: Rupert Degas
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About this listen

 * * *NOW A MAJOR BBC TV SERIES * * *

THE #1 BESTSELLING AUSTRALIAN CRIME NOVEL
WINNER OF THE CWA JOHN CREASEY DAGGER
SUNDAY TIMES CRIME BOOK OF THE YEAR 2019

'Shimmers ... a tortured tale of blood and loss' Val McDermid

'Stunning ... Scrublands is that rare combination, a page-turner that stays long in the memory' Sunday Times (Crime Book of the Month)

In an isolated country town ravaged by drought, a charismatic young priest opens fire on his congregation, killing five men before being shot dead himself.

A year later, journalist Martin Scarsden arrives in Riversend to write a feature on the anniversary of the tragedy. But the stories he hears from the locals don't fit with the accepted version of events.

Just as Martin believes he is making headway, a shocking discovery rocks the town. The bodies of two backpackers - missing since the time of the massacre - are found in the scrublands. The media descends on Riversend and Martin is the one in the spotlight.

Wrestling with his own demons, Martin finds himself risking everything to uncover a truth that becomes more complex with every twist. But there are powerful forces determined to stop him, and he has no idea how far they will go to make sure the town's secrets stay buried.©2018 Chris Hammer (P)2018 Headline Publishing Group Crime Thrillers International Mystery & Crime Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction Exciting Scary

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Critic reviews

"Stunning...Scrublands is that rare combination, a page-turner that stays long in the memory." (Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month)

"A heatwave of a novel, scorching and powerful...Extraordinary." (AJ Finn)
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Truly excellent - writing, story and narration - can’t wait to listen to Silver and will highly recommend to everyone

You feel like you’re there

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If you only listen to one Australian story this year make it this one. Atmospheric, tense, informative and entertaining.

Enthralling yarn brilliantly performed.

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This evocative book brought to life by THE most incredible narration. Quite memorable in every way. Thoroughly recommend.

Wonderful

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Good addition to the catalogue of Australian rural noir - plenty of heat and dust, excellently performed by Rupert Degas

Australian noir

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Within the first couple of minutes I knew I'd have trouble putting this book down simply because of the standard of the writing and the narration. And how right i was. A book written by a true writer, not just someone who has thought of a story and put it on paper. Yet still it could have been spoilt by an average narrator, as are so many audio books. But the narrator was perfect, he understood the character he portrayed and made me believe it was indeed he who was speaking. The story, with its myriad twists and turns, kept me guessing till the end and did not disappoint. I can't wait to read the next book by this author

Brilliant on every level

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Amazing story, quite complex but worth persevering. Narration was excellent. Will definitely look for more by this author.

Brilliant!

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Wow! This is a plot that keeps giving to the very end! The heatwave is the constant backdrop and influence on the character and events: you can really feel its power and dread. The storyline is very well crafted and the characters well drawn - unlike some novels, it wasn't hard to keep up with who was who, but the investigative journalist (main character) provides occasional, very useful synopses of the plot which was very helpful! The novel was brilliantly narrated and although I've never been to Aus, I felt utterly transported there. I'm looking forward to treating myself to the next novel in the series soon!

Hot Plot!

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I enjoyed this from start to finish. Chris Hammer is a brilliant story teller. His writing paints the locations so well - the town and surrounding scrublands, burning in the sun and swirling in dust. Characters are well drawn and convincing. The plot is satisfyingly complicated - with many twists and turns along the way. I completely engaged with the story and found it a great escape during long commutes (& not long enough runs).

Making a good story even better was Rupert Degas’ fantastic narration. So many voices - always clear who was who and a complete pleasure to listen too.

Wish it wasn’t over!

Excellent!

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As well as feeling the heat permeate the story I was gripped by the unfolding tale with its twists & turns.... every time I thought there was a conclusion coming

Gripping

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Very well written and engrossing book that was a pleasure to listen to. A well thought out plot-line and some great characters in there.

Engrossing thriller

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