Fire in the Head

by Daniel Oakman

'What weapons will you use? What else but words?'
In March 1999, James Harper, a shy 28-year-old public servant, receives an unexpected call. The police want to discuss his young sister's suicide, nine years earlier.
As the search for answers begins, James confesses that as a child he was abused by his stepfather. Could the two events be connected? James' quest for justice draws him into the murky depths of the legal system, forcing him to face disturbing truths about himself and the past he thought he had left behind.
Part crime drama, part coming-of-age tale, part modern psychological odyssey, Fire in the Head is a gripping, unsettling and powerful story about self-discovery, the importance of friendship and the transcendent power of words. Oakman addresses a deep taboo in Australian the legacy of child sexual abuse and what victims must endure to bring perpetrators to justice.

Paperback

Reviews

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful and raw, character-driven, justice-seeking mystery.

This story explores the trauma of childhood SA and the complexities of the legal system when attempting to seek justice.

[Ella Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a few chapters, I considered not continuing. I'm a visual thinker and very empathic — which can be great when reading, but also a curse when the topic is heavy. This one is heavy. But the story pulls you in.

It’s not something most people can relate to unless they’ve experienced or witnessed it. And it’s not really a story in the usual sense. You’re following James as he starts to open up — and the more he does, the more you see. By the end, he’s more in control than he realises, because he lets you in… but only as far as he chooses.

The thoughts of others reveal a more dangerous side of James, one he may not even be aware of himself. And if he were, it might terrify him. There are constant gaps, like pieces of a puzzle that just aren’t there — mirroring his fragmented memory. That missing sense of continuity makes the whole story feel unstable, like you're never standing on solid ground.

It’s a book that will linger in your mind for a while — and that’s exactly how it’s meant to be.

[Sandra Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Compelling Read. Mr Oakman has put together such a powerful story of raw emotion that it will keep you engrossed to the very last word on the very last page. If the Author wanted to write an impactful book than he did. He has the gift of storytelling. It has both triumphs and sorrows. He did such an exceptional job and the narrative flows beautifully. It's insightful, thoughtful and the reader cannot help but get involved with the character, James. This is the type of book that will stay with you long after reading. It is also one that you will recommend to others.

[Tomobx2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a really well written book about such a serious topic. Started well and finished well but lost me in part 2 and certain areas in parts 3 and 4.

[Magpie]

Lyn Bookclub 2025 ✅

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fervid literary tale, Fire in the Head (2025) by Daniel Oakman, is a powerful cautionary revelation of one man’s childhood’s traumatic consequences. Set in 1999, James Harper is a public servant in Canberra who is contacted by the Federal Police in relation to his sister's death nine years earlier. He makes a startling revelation that leads to a difficult experience of the court system and making peace with one’s past. This is a coming-of-age tale with heartfelt psychological insight into coming to grips with childhood damage as an adult. A difficult read at times, but a sensitive, intuitive story that is a puissant four and a half star read. As always, the opinions are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.