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Caleb Zelic #1
Resurrection Bay
Caleb Zelic, profoundly deaf since early childhood, has always lived on the outside - watching, picking up telltale signs people hide in a smile, a cough, a kiss. When a childhood friend is murdered, a sense of guilt and a determination to prove his own innocence sends Caleb on a hunt for the killer. But he can’t do it alone. Caleb and his troubled friend Frankie, an ex-cop, start with one clue: Scott, the last word the murder victim texted to Caleb. But Scott is always one step ahead.
This gripping, original and fast-paced crime thriller is set between a big city and a small coastal town, Resurrection Bay, where Caleb is forced to confront painful memories. Caleb is a memorable protagonist who refuses to let his deafness limit his opportunities, or his participation in the investigation. But does his persistence border on stubbornness? And at what cost? As he delves deeper into the investigation Caleb uncovers unwelcome truths about his murdered friend – and himself.
This gripping, original and fast-paced crime thriller is set between a big city and a small coastal town, Resurrection Bay, where Caleb is forced to confront painful memories. Caleb is a memorable protagonist who refuses to let his deafness limit his opportunities, or his participation in the investigation. But does his persistence border on stubbornness? And at what cost? As he delves deeper into the investigation Caleb uncovers unwelcome truths about his murdered friend – and himself.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
279 people are currently reading
3808 people want to read
About the author
Emma Viskic
10 books269 followersEmma Viskic is author of the internationally acclaimed Caleb Zelic series. Her novels have won numerous prizes, including a Ned Kelly Award and an unprecedented five Davitt Awards. Her debut novel, Resurrection Bay, was shortlisted for the UK’s prestigious Gold Dagger and New Blood Dagger Awards. It was recently voted one of the decade’s best crime novels by Crime Time UK.
Emma consulted extensively with people in the D/deaf and hard-of-hearing communities in order to create the character of Caleb, who is profoundly deaf. Her attempts to learn lipreading were a dismal failure, however she continues to enjoy learning Auslan (Australian sign language)
She lives in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia
Emma consulted extensively with people in the D/deaf and hard-of-hearing communities in order to create the character of Caleb, who is profoundly deaf. Her attempts to learn lipreading were a dismal failure, however she continues to enjoy learning Auslan (Australian sign language)
She lives in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 566 reviews
September 6, 2017
* Thank you to www.shotsmag.co.uk for a paper copy of Resurrection Bay for which I have given an honest review*
After reading this excellent debut novel, I assert that Australian author Emma Viskic is certainly a name to watch out for in the crime genre.
Caleb Zelic hasn't found life easy; profoundly deaf since he was a young boy he's had to work exceptionally hard just to fit in. Our protagonist uses lip reading, examination of facial expressions and small movements of body language (discernible by him alone) as just a few of the techniques he deploys to understand the world around him.
When Caleb's childhood friend, Senior Constable Gary Marsden is murdered, he's determined to discover the identity of the perpetrator especially as he is among the list of suspects. The only clue he has is the name 'Scott', which Gary texted immediately before he was murdered. Caleb enlists the help of his friend Frankie, but ex-cop Frankie has some major issues to deal with herself.
This is a really exciting, fast paced investigation and an extremely dangerous one too.
The bad guys appear to have no moral compass whatsoever while the plot is original and the narrative peppered with observational humor taken from Caleb’s surreal take upon life.
The author has created a wonderfully intriguing protagonist in Caleb, for besides his great sense of humor, she provides the reader insights into just how difficult the profoundly deaf struggle in society using the protagonist as the foil.
I would use superlatives such as exciting, funny, original and deftly plotted without reservation in describing this remarkable debut novel.
After reading this excellent debut novel, I assert that Australian author Emma Viskic is certainly a name to watch out for in the crime genre.
Caleb Zelic hasn't found life easy; profoundly deaf since he was a young boy he's had to work exceptionally hard just to fit in. Our protagonist uses lip reading, examination of facial expressions and small movements of body language (discernible by him alone) as just a few of the techniques he deploys to understand the world around him.
When Caleb's childhood friend, Senior Constable Gary Marsden is murdered, he's determined to discover the identity of the perpetrator especially as he is among the list of suspects. The only clue he has is the name 'Scott', which Gary texted immediately before he was murdered. Caleb enlists the help of his friend Frankie, but ex-cop Frankie has some major issues to deal with herself.
This is a really exciting, fast paced investigation and an extremely dangerous one too.
The bad guys appear to have no moral compass whatsoever while the plot is original and the narrative peppered with observational humor taken from Caleb’s surreal take upon life.
The author has created a wonderfully intriguing protagonist in Caleb, for besides his great sense of humor, she provides the reader insights into just how difficult the profoundly deaf struggle in society using the protagonist as the foil.
I would use superlatives such as exciting, funny, original and deftly plotted without reservation in describing this remarkable debut novel.
January 20, 2018
What an excellent debut novel. No wonder the author won prizes for this.
Caleb Zelic works as a kind of private investigator which is not unusual in a crime story. What is unusual is that he is deaf and has been so since he contracted meningitis as a child. A deaf main character - wow! Emma Viskic does an excellent job of showing the effect this handicap has on Caleb's day to day life, his responses to others and their attitudes towards him.
All of the characters are well written and there is plenty of humour along the way. Caleb and his partner Frankie get some of the best lines and they are frequently laugh aloud funny. The Australian settings both in Melbourne and in Resurrection Bay are nicely described. Of course it is a crime novel so there is a lot of blood and violence too but all very well written. And there is a great twist at the end which I guessed just fractionally before it happened.
This is a really excellent book and very definitely worth reading. I have her next book ready to read as well and I am very much looking forward to it:)
Caleb Zelic works as a kind of private investigator which is not unusual in a crime story. What is unusual is that he is deaf and has been so since he contracted meningitis as a child. A deaf main character - wow! Emma Viskic does an excellent job of showing the effect this handicap has on Caleb's day to day life, his responses to others and their attitudes towards him.
All of the characters are well written and there is plenty of humour along the way. Caleb and his partner Frankie get some of the best lines and they are frequently laugh aloud funny. The Australian settings both in Melbourne and in Resurrection Bay are nicely described. Of course it is a crime novel so there is a lot of blood and violence too but all very well written. And there is a great twist at the end which I guessed just fractionally before it happened.
This is a really excellent book and very definitely worth reading. I have her next book ready to read as well and I am very much looking forward to it:)
November 14, 2019
The best debut I’ve read this year! “Resurrection Bay” won numerous awards in Australia and it’s publication in the US is cause for celebration among crime fiction lovers.
Viskic has created a new breed of investigator with Caleb Zelic. Caleb is severely hearing impaired and relies on sign language with friends and lip reading with everyone else. His hearing impairment has trained him to be very visually focused - this allows him to read lips, but has also facilitated his abilities to closely observe people and their behavior. Caleb receives a desperate text from his best friend Senior Constable Gary Marsden and when he arrives at Gary’s home Caleb discovers that Gary has been brutally murdered. The police conduct their inquiry which seems to point to the fact that Gary was either a dirty cop or that he ran into some bad characters while assisting Caleb with an insurance investigation. Caleb doesn’t believe either theory and uses every resource available to track down the murderer and protect the people he loves. Caleb is a fully realized and brilliantly drawn character and the writing is powerful and propulsive. Viskic also provides remarkable insight into the world of the hearing impaired. A great read and highly recommended!
Viskic’s second book in this series “And Fire Came Down” will be available Oct. 2018 and I can hardly wait!
Thank you to Pushkin Press and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Viskic has created a new breed of investigator with Caleb Zelic. Caleb is severely hearing impaired and relies on sign language with friends and lip reading with everyone else. His hearing impairment has trained him to be very visually focused - this allows him to read lips, but has also facilitated his abilities to closely observe people and their behavior. Caleb receives a desperate text from his best friend Senior Constable Gary Marsden and when he arrives at Gary’s home Caleb discovers that Gary has been brutally murdered. The police conduct their inquiry which seems to point to the fact that Gary was either a dirty cop or that he ran into some bad characters while assisting Caleb with an insurance investigation. Caleb doesn’t believe either theory and uses every resource available to track down the murderer and protect the people he loves. Caleb is a fully realized and brilliantly drawn character and the writing is powerful and propulsive. Viskic also provides remarkable insight into the world of the hearing impaired. A great read and highly recommended!
Viskic’s second book in this series “And Fire Came Down” will be available Oct. 2018 and I can hardly wait!
Thank you to Pushkin Press and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 14, 2021
4★
“ ‘Constable Marsden wasn’t killed by some dodgy warehouse manager, Mr Zelic. He was executed.' Executed – that’s a word you don’t hear thrown around the outer suburbs too often.
A happy-looking word: a little smile for the first syllable, a soft pucker for the third.”
I had to try it. Perfect. Smile, pucker. Later there was this:
“Her mouth formed such perfect shapes: gently catching the Fs against her lower lip, kissing the Ws. He could watch her all day.”
We know that Caleb Zelic is profoundly deaf. What we don’t know is that he’s often too proud to wear his hearing aids, although they are hidden under his hair. And as their name says, they are only aids, not a substitute for good hearing.
Viskic has done a marvellous job of factoring his hearing into the story in such a way that we don’t have a sense of regret for his problems so much as we have a very real sense of alarm when he’s stuck in a dark alley or warehouse. THAT is absolutely terrifying!
I was reminded of the classic Audrey Hepburn film Wait Until Dark, where she’s blind, alone in her apartment, knowing there’s an assassin in with her.
But I digress.
The story opens with Zelic found holding the bloody, dead body of one of his best friends, who’s obviously been executed, as the officer said in the opening sentence. Slowly and painfully. Gary (“Gaz”) had sent text messages which were unclear except to say someone was after him and it was urgent. But Zelic hadn’t seen it in time to save him, and when he later tried to show the cops, he’d lost his phone. But he remembered it all and that it was all in CAPITAL LETTERS. URGENT.
Caleb is a complex character with an equally complex partner, Frankie. She’s 57 and was a reformed alcoholic before he began working with her, so she claims, but he finds the occasional bottle, so we’re never quite sure what shape she’s going to turn up in. Their dynamics are a bit touchy, since they’ve never discussed the drinking, and she doesn’t want to.
He’s been married and has been around a while, and the ex turns out to be another interesting character. Her mother was area’s first Aboriginal doctor, experienced in emergency medicine, which comes in handy when he shows up at their house with wounds. No spoilers here, though.
She’s used to him and has learned to sign as well as to face him in the light when she’s speaking to him. He’s obviously still attracted to his ex.
“. . . she was a study in tones: her skin a smooth wash of burnt umber, sienna touches to her hair, the unexpected flash of blue eyes. The genes from all her Koori ancestors distilled to a heady perfection.”
They’re having coffee and his order is all screwed up because he couldn’t understand the waitress. Kat is getting crankier and crankier with him for not saying something. She mentions a guy they know.
“‘But he reckoned I could pass for something less offensive than an Abo. Indian maybe, or Pakistani.’
She rested her chin on her hand. ‘Do you think I should? Might be less embarrassing.’
Acid bit his throat. ‘I’m not trying to pass.’
‘Every time you open your mouth, you’re trying to pass.’
‘I live in a hearing world, Kat, what do you want me to do?
Make everyone learn sign language? My own parents didn’t even do that.’
Now he knows why she’s cranky, but it’s the least of his worries.
There are hair-raising car chases around Melbourne, escaping bad guys and coming to grief.
There are a few police officers involved, but he doesn’t know which ones to trust. Nor do we.
It’s a good, exciting story, and I’m looking forward to #2 in the series.
“ ‘Constable Marsden wasn’t killed by some dodgy warehouse manager, Mr Zelic. He was executed.' Executed – that’s a word you don’t hear thrown around the outer suburbs too often.
A happy-looking word: a little smile for the first syllable, a soft pucker for the third.”
I had to try it. Perfect. Smile, pucker. Later there was this:
“Her mouth formed such perfect shapes: gently catching the Fs against her lower lip, kissing the Ws. He could watch her all day.”
We know that Caleb Zelic is profoundly deaf. What we don’t know is that he’s often too proud to wear his hearing aids, although they are hidden under his hair. And as their name says, they are only aids, not a substitute for good hearing.
Viskic has done a marvellous job of factoring his hearing into the story in such a way that we don’t have a sense of regret for his problems so much as we have a very real sense of alarm when he’s stuck in a dark alley or warehouse. THAT is absolutely terrifying!
I was reminded of the classic Audrey Hepburn film Wait Until Dark, where she’s blind, alone in her apartment, knowing there’s an assassin in with her.
But I digress.
The story opens with Zelic found holding the bloody, dead body of one of his best friends, who’s obviously been executed, as the officer said in the opening sentence. Slowly and painfully. Gary (“Gaz”) had sent text messages which were unclear except to say someone was after him and it was urgent. But Zelic hadn’t seen it in time to save him, and when he later tried to show the cops, he’d lost his phone. But he remembered it all and that it was all in CAPITAL LETTERS. URGENT.
Caleb is a complex character with an equally complex partner, Frankie. She’s 57 and was a reformed alcoholic before he began working with her, so she claims, but he finds the occasional bottle, so we’re never quite sure what shape she’s going to turn up in. Their dynamics are a bit touchy, since they’ve never discussed the drinking, and she doesn’t want to.
He’s been married and has been around a while, and the ex turns out to be another interesting character. Her mother was area’s first Aboriginal doctor, experienced in emergency medicine, which comes in handy when he shows up at their house with wounds. No spoilers here, though.
She’s used to him and has learned to sign as well as to face him in the light when she’s speaking to him. He’s obviously still attracted to his ex.
“. . . she was a study in tones: her skin a smooth wash of burnt umber, sienna touches to her hair, the unexpected flash of blue eyes. The genes from all her Koori ancestors distilled to a heady perfection.”
They’re having coffee and his order is all screwed up because he couldn’t understand the waitress. Kat is getting crankier and crankier with him for not saying something. She mentions a guy they know.
“‘But he reckoned I could pass for something less offensive than an Abo. Indian maybe, or Pakistani.’
She rested her chin on her hand. ‘Do you think I should? Might be less embarrassing.’
Acid bit his throat. ‘I’m not trying to pass.’
‘Every time you open your mouth, you’re trying to pass.’
‘I live in a hearing world, Kat, what do you want me to do?
Make everyone learn sign language? My own parents didn’t even do that.’
Now he knows why she’s cranky, but it’s the least of his worries.
There are hair-raising car chases around Melbourne, escaping bad guys and coming to grief.
There are a few police officers involved, but he doesn’t know which ones to trust. Nor do we.
It’s a good, exciting story, and I’m looking forward to #2 in the series.
November 5, 2020
Resurrection Bay is the first book in the Caleb Zelic series by Aussie author Emma Viskic. This is a fast paced debut novel packed with suspense, crime and mystery all of which keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
And of course I’d better not forget to mention the twist which really took me by surprise as I really didn’t see that coming at all. A fabulous read and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
And of course I’d better not forget to mention the twist which really took me by surprise as I really didn’t see that coming at all. A fabulous read and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
January 8, 2018
Caleb Zelic was not your typical detective. Profoundly deaf since age five, he navigated the world by lip reading, watching facial expressions and viewing body language. His hearing aids enabled him to discern distant sounds and the occasional warning horn. Caleb and partner Frankie Reynolds owned Trust Works, a company that did corporate security fraud investigation. Frankie was a crusty, potty-mouthed ex-cop in her 50's. She was a recovering alcoholic. Caleb hired childhood friend, Senior Constable Gary (Gaz) Marsden to help investigate a series of warehouse robberies.
A text message sent from Gary to Caleb was unnerving. The message: URGENT-SCOTT IS AFTER ME-COME TO MY HOUSE. Upon arrival, Caleb finds that Gary has been executed. Why would anyone enter Gary's house, break his fingers, upend file cabinets and slash his couch and chair cushions? Caleb is covered in blood from cradling Gary in his arms. This seems suspicious to Detective Tedesco as well as Detective Sergeant McFarlane from the Ethical Standards Division. Why does McFarlane insist upon attending Tedesco's interrogation of Caleb? Caleb has no idea where Gary's laptop is or who Scott might be. Caleb and Frankie embark upon their own investigation to find Gary's killer.
The list of suspects expands and those close to Caleb get caught up in the web. Caleb must depend on his instincts while battling communication difficulties. He must protect those he loves including ex-wife Kat, and question his brother Anton, a shady character. Any and all people are examined for complicity in Gary's death. No one is allowed to fall under Caleb's radar. His snooping places him, and those he cherishes, at risk.
"Resurrection Bay" by Emma Viskic is an excellent debut novel with lots of punch. The twists and turns in this crime thriller are fast paced and exciting. It is refreshing to read about an obstinate, hearing impaired detective as the protagonist. I look forward to reading Caleb Zelic's next investigation in this new series.
Thank you Pushkin Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Resurrection Bay".
A text message sent from Gary to Caleb was unnerving. The message: URGENT-SCOTT IS AFTER ME-COME TO MY HOUSE. Upon arrival, Caleb finds that Gary has been executed. Why would anyone enter Gary's house, break his fingers, upend file cabinets and slash his couch and chair cushions? Caleb is covered in blood from cradling Gary in his arms. This seems suspicious to Detective Tedesco as well as Detective Sergeant McFarlane from the Ethical Standards Division. Why does McFarlane insist upon attending Tedesco's interrogation of Caleb? Caleb has no idea where Gary's laptop is or who Scott might be. Caleb and Frankie embark upon their own investigation to find Gary's killer.
The list of suspects expands and those close to Caleb get caught up in the web. Caleb must depend on his instincts while battling communication difficulties. He must protect those he loves including ex-wife Kat, and question his brother Anton, a shady character. Any and all people are examined for complicity in Gary's death. No one is allowed to fall under Caleb's radar. His snooping places him, and those he cherishes, at risk.
"Resurrection Bay" by Emma Viskic is an excellent debut novel with lots of punch. The twists and turns in this crime thriller are fast paced and exciting. It is refreshing to read about an obstinate, hearing impaired detective as the protagonist. I look forward to reading Caleb Zelic's next investigation in this new series.
Thank you Pushkin Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Resurrection Bay".
June 18, 2018
I’m developing a definite liking for Australian lit. This book in particular has an edgy, noir-ish feel that worked well for me. Having a detective who is essentially deaf and uses powerful hearing aids and carefully learned skills of reading body language and situations as well as lips makes for a different type of mystery. Caleb Zelic has tried to surround himself with people who can help and complement him in life and work, but it doesn’t always work and he’s often his own worst enemy. We see everything through his eyes and senses...also an interesting and different experience.
As this story begins, Cal has hurried to a friend's house, summoned by a text message telling him of trouble. He arrives to find his friend slashed, bloody, dead. There is nothing he can do for this friend who was helping out on one of his burglary cases (and also was a policeman) except to find out what happened. Will that put him at odds with the police? Of course. Does he care? Not much. As long as they don't arrest him for it!
This is a good series opener. I plan to follow this author and Cal Zelic.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
As this story begins, Cal has hurried to a friend's house, summoned by a text message telling him of trouble. He arrives to find his friend slashed, bloody, dead. There is nothing he can do for this friend who was helping out on one of his burglary cases (and also was a policeman) except to find out what happened. Will that put him at odds with the police? Of course. Does he care? Not much. As long as they don't arrest him for it!
This is a good series opener. I plan to follow this author and Cal Zelic.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 16, 2016
Caleb Zelic’s race against time had been a waste of time from the start – he was too late. Gary was dead and nothing was going to bring him back. Senior Constable Gary Marsden had been Caleb’s best friend since childhood and a better man he couldn’t have found. But when Detective Tedesco showed signs of suspecting Caleb of Gary’s death, Caleb was shattered. Caleb was profoundly deaf and his senses picked up different and varying signs from people all the time – he knew he had to find Gary’s killer himself; it was the only way to prove he hadn’t been the one…
His friend Frankie, an ex-cop and recovering alcoholic was the only one who could help him now. They understood each other; helped each other – with their only clue being the final text message from Gary and the one word “Scott”, they knew they had to move fast.
Caleb found himself heading to his home town of Resurrection Bay – Gary and he had gone to school there; the people who may be able to help could still be around. Caleb’s brother Anton was still living in their old family home; but he hadn’t seen Anton in three years because of the trouble he’d been in. Was Caleb going to find answers in Resurrection Bay, or was there worse to come? The danger intensified – Caleb realised the people they were after would stop at nothing – murder didn’t bother them at all…
Resurrection Bay is Aussie author Emma Viskic’s debut crime novel, and #1 in the Caleb Zelic series. I thoroughly enjoyed the fast pace, the tension and the incredible twist at the end which I totally didn’t see coming! An interesting premise with the protagonist being a typically stubborn male, but because of his deafness, his determination to succeed in what he was doing overruled all else. An excellent start to a new series and one I’ll definitely continue with. Highly recommended.
His friend Frankie, an ex-cop and recovering alcoholic was the only one who could help him now. They understood each other; helped each other – with their only clue being the final text message from Gary and the one word “Scott”, they knew they had to move fast.
Caleb found himself heading to his home town of Resurrection Bay – Gary and he had gone to school there; the people who may be able to help could still be around. Caleb’s brother Anton was still living in their old family home; but he hadn’t seen Anton in three years because of the trouble he’d been in. Was Caleb going to find answers in Resurrection Bay, or was there worse to come? The danger intensified – Caleb realised the people they were after would stop at nothing – murder didn’t bother them at all…
Resurrection Bay is Aussie author Emma Viskic’s debut crime novel, and #1 in the Caleb Zelic series. I thoroughly enjoyed the fast pace, the tension and the incredible twist at the end which I totally didn’t see coming! An interesting premise with the protagonist being a typically stubborn male, but because of his deafness, his determination to succeed in what he was doing overruled all else. An excellent start to a new series and one I’ll definitely continue with. Highly recommended.
June 27, 2022
4.50 Stars (Rnd ⬆️) — An instant Aussie-noir classic!!! PI Casework at its absolute finest! Emma Viskic has crafted a modern-noire-detective & tale that isn’t merely enthralling or thrilling, it’s truly sublime. The setting — in my very own city of Melbourne — is painted only in spots and drabs, but the spirit is absolutely there. But that aside, what makes this mysterious thriller about a deaf PI so terrifically engaging is the skill in which its author crafts the narrative. Expertly, in a pace that couldn’t be more well-equipped to drive Caleb Zelic & his quirky persona all the way to top-shelf detective work.
Resurrection Bay, operates in a crowded space. Even in Aussie Fiction alone, detective thrillers are indeed a dollar a dozen! But, much like killer-dilla Aussie Crime novels Scrublands & The Dry, this Aussie-masterpiece manages to separate itself from the pack in a considerable way. Unlike Scrublands, it’s not the scenic landscape or the tragic history of The Dry, but it’s lead character Caleb, where EV escalates this novel into the brilliant and exclusive club of top-shelf Detective thriller. Caleb is deaf, but where the excellent choice is made is in his ability to read lips. A simple bit oh-so-well utilised narrative tool that never gets old & enables the reader to truly enter the psyche of the lead character in a way that is rarely allowed. Caleb is the reader, that’s how engrossing this narrative is and using her excellently fun and bold prose, Viskic manages to create a character that’s loved, respected and most of all, all-inclusive.
Not a page is wasted here and for once the conclusion isn’t a road-block, isn’t obvious or crazy, but flows and respects what has happened before it. A special treat for detective thriller readers, seldom seen in this day and age.
A debut novel for the ages, this is a must-read for anyone whom enjoys a thriller where the protagonist is loveable, likeable, flawed and human but also extremely gifted, perhaps more than he knows. Bravo, Emma 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Resurrection Bay, operates in a crowded space. Even in Aussie Fiction alone, detective thrillers are indeed a dollar a dozen! But, much like killer-dilla Aussie Crime novels Scrublands & The Dry, this Aussie-masterpiece manages to separate itself from the pack in a considerable way. Unlike Scrublands, it’s not the scenic landscape or the tragic history of The Dry, but it’s lead character Caleb, where EV escalates this novel into the brilliant and exclusive club of top-shelf Detective thriller. Caleb is deaf, but where the excellent choice is made is in his ability to read lips. A simple bit oh-so-well utilised narrative tool that never gets old & enables the reader to truly enter the psyche of the lead character in a way that is rarely allowed. Caleb is the reader, that’s how engrossing this narrative is and using her excellently fun and bold prose, Viskic manages to create a character that’s loved, respected and most of all, all-inclusive.
Not a page is wasted here and for once the conclusion isn’t a road-block, isn’t obvious or crazy, but flows and respects what has happened before it. A special treat for detective thriller readers, seldom seen in this day and age.
A debut novel for the ages, this is a must-read for anyone whom enjoys a thriller where the protagonist is loveable, likeable, flawed and human but also extremely gifted, perhaps more than he knows. Bravo, Emma 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
October 7, 2018
The main character, Caleb Zelic, is quite unique. He is deaf, and this creates not only communication difficulties for him, but also the author. The very different dialog and the difficulties Caleb faced made the book extra interesting. I think the author did a great job mixing signing, lip reading, and speech.
The story starts with the murder of Caleb's childhood friend, Gary. Frankie, an ex-cop, is Caleb's good friend who helps him try to find out what happened. Frankie is an alcoholic who has been dry for six years. Caleb also has an ex-wife, Kat, who he still loves, and a brother, Anton, who is a former drug user. The cop investigating the murder is Detective Tedesco, but Caleb doesn’t trust him. I liked all these characters very much.
This is an award-winning debut, and I’m eager to read more books featuring Caleb Zelic.
The story starts with the murder of Caleb's childhood friend, Gary. Frankie, an ex-cop, is Caleb's good friend who helps him try to find out what happened. Frankie is an alcoholic who has been dry for six years. Caleb also has an ex-wife, Kat, who he still loves, and a brother, Anton, who is a former drug user. The cop investigating the murder is Detective Tedesco, but Caleb doesn’t trust him. I liked all these characters very much.
This is an award-winning debut, and I’m eager to read more books featuring Caleb Zelic.
September 22, 2017
Wow. What a ride.
This is an amazing effort for a debut writer. I'm stunned. The story moved along at a great pace, the characters were believable, and I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next.
I didn't see the twist in the story, and had no inkling of how it would unfold. From my perspective, that's a bonus. It's always nice to be pleasantly (or unpleasantly) surprised by what happens in a book that you're engrossed with.
The laconic Aussie humour laced throughout added another layer to what is a taut, suspenseful story. Gems such as "Frankie squinted at him. 'You're a chatty bastard, aren't you?'. A glint in Tedesco's eye. 'That hasn't been ascertained.'" & "'Solid food, that's a step up,' she commented, watching him mop gravy with his chips...'At least you're a cheap date.' She got to her feet. 'Come on, Princess, off to bed with you.'" made me smile.
There's nothing I can say that other reviewers already haven't. Just read it!
I'm going to have to keep my eye on Echo Publishing, as they're obviously bringing out some amazing writing.
This is an amazing effort for a debut writer. I'm stunned. The story moved along at a great pace, the characters were believable, and I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next.
I didn't see the twist in the story, and had no inkling of how it would unfold. From my perspective, that's a bonus. It's always nice to be pleasantly (or unpleasantly) surprised by what happens in a book that you're engrossed with.
The laconic Aussie humour laced throughout added another layer to what is a taut, suspenseful story. Gems such as "Frankie squinted at him. 'You're a chatty bastard, aren't you?'. A glint in Tedesco's eye. 'That hasn't been ascertained.'" & "'Solid food, that's a step up,' she commented, watching him mop gravy with his chips...'At least you're a cheap date.' She got to her feet. 'Come on, Princess, off to bed with you.'" made me smile.
There's nothing I can say that other reviewers already haven't. Just read it!
I'm going to have to keep my eye on Echo Publishing, as they're obviously bringing out some amazing writing.
April 3, 2018
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Confident and razor-sharp in its authenticity, Resurrection Bay is an extremely impressive debut that has won numerous awards. Talented Australian author Emma Viskic has crafted a pacy procedural that demands for readers to take notice. What sets this contemporary private eye novel uniquely apart is the portrayal of its central character, who, at around the age of five, and while only in primary school, lost his hearing after a bout of meningitis. Caleb Zelic, the chief investigator of the book, is deaf. Imagine, if you will, only being able to guess if someone is coming up behind you in the dark by sensing a change in the air, or by feeling vibrations in the floor. Imagine not knowing whether or not your adrenaline-fueled breathing is loud enough to reveal your hiding place. These are just two of the scenarios that create pulse-pounding tension within the novel.
There is a wonderful ebb and flow of thrilling suspense, as well as quieter exploration of human emotions and motivations. The reader glimpses three cultures in Resurrection Bay: that of its Caucasian , (probably) second generation Australian protagonist, that of the hearing impaired and deaf of Australia, and that of artist Kathryn ("Kat"), from whom Caleb has been divorced for eighteen months, whose family heritage is Koori (the indigenous peoples of New South Wales and Victoria). While Resurrection Bay is "hard-boiled with heart", the relationship between Caleb and the ex-wife that he still cherishes is especially beautifully rendered.
Resurrection Bay is a book with characters so compelling and complex, one will surely linger over the final pages. The next Caleb Zelic installment, releasing in the US October 2, 2018, is already marked on my calendar, and cannot be published quickly enough!
Confident and razor-sharp in its authenticity, Resurrection Bay is an extremely impressive debut that has won numerous awards. Talented Australian author Emma Viskic has crafted a pacy procedural that demands for readers to take notice. What sets this contemporary private eye novel uniquely apart is the portrayal of its central character, who, at around the age of five, and while only in primary school, lost his hearing after a bout of meningitis. Caleb Zelic, the chief investigator of the book, is deaf. Imagine, if you will, only being able to guess if someone is coming up behind you in the dark by sensing a change in the air, or by feeling vibrations in the floor. Imagine not knowing whether or not your adrenaline-fueled breathing is loud enough to reveal your hiding place. These are just two of the scenarios that create pulse-pounding tension within the novel.
There is a wonderful ebb and flow of thrilling suspense, as well as quieter exploration of human emotions and motivations. The reader glimpses three cultures in Resurrection Bay: that of its Caucasian , (probably) second generation Australian protagonist, that of the hearing impaired and deaf of Australia, and that of artist Kathryn ("Kat"), from whom Caleb has been divorced for eighteen months, whose family heritage is Koori (the indigenous peoples of New South Wales and Victoria). While Resurrection Bay is "hard-boiled with heart", the relationship between Caleb and the ex-wife that he still cherishes is especially beautifully rendered.
Resurrection Bay is a book with characters so compelling and complex, one will surely linger over the final pages. The next Caleb Zelic installment, releasing in the US October 2, 2018, is already marked on my calendar, and cannot be published quickly enough!
December 9, 2015
A great new voice in crime fiction!
My View:
I finished reading this book about a week ago – and here I am still trying to find the words to adequately describe my reaction,
(positive, 5 stars) to this book. It was a great read, a fantastic debut, Emma Viskic is a great new voice in Australian crime fiction. It is an inclusive and diverse voice; the language deftly written laced with laconic dry humour (Caleb has a typical Australian self-deprecating sense of self and humour) and there are Indigenous characters, artists, cops, villains, drug users, strong men and women, a range of people and lifestyles that form a part of this rich cultural landscape. Emma Viskic’s characters reflect a diverse Australia.
Caleb is profoundly deaf. (Have I ever come across a protagonist in crime fiction who is deaf? I don’t think so.) Caleb’s disability is portrayed with credibility and intelligence – his disability informs his attitudes (he is quiet, some say uncommunicative, keeps mainly to himself, and stands back, observing rather than participating in life around him) but his disability doesn’t define him, perhaps it more accurately defines those around him by their responses to his deafness. Caleb is intelligent, he has mastered the art of reading body language and nuances in behaviours/responses, and speech (he lip reads and has hearing aids) and uses his skill to his advantage in both his public and private worlds …he is determined and thorough in his work, he suffers relationship issues like anyone else. He is not perfect. He is… himself. A complex human.
Enough of the protagonist – other characters in this narrative are interesting and humanly portrayed, diverse and real.
The plot – interesting, twisty and at times bloody – (it is a crime story after all) and there are a couple of reveals that I did not see coming. The back story about Caleb’s relationship with his ex-wife and their struggle to deal with loss (no spoilers here) is a universal story about relationships and adds depth, interest, layers…a richness to the storytelling.
The settings – Melbourne, Australia – city and regional; always great to have a landscape that speaks to fellow Australians.
What else can I tell you without giving you a rehash of the narrative? This is an intriguing and engaging read. At times the tension cuts like a razor – swift, sharp, painful. You will not forget this story, you will not forget this cast of characters. You will want to read the next in this series, I do. I think I am done.
My View:
I finished reading this book about a week ago – and here I am still trying to find the words to adequately describe my reaction,
(positive, 5 stars) to this book. It was a great read, a fantastic debut, Emma Viskic is a great new voice in Australian crime fiction. It is an inclusive and diverse voice; the language deftly written laced with laconic dry humour (Caleb has a typical Australian self-deprecating sense of self and humour) and there are Indigenous characters, artists, cops, villains, drug users, strong men and women, a range of people and lifestyles that form a part of this rich cultural landscape. Emma Viskic’s characters reflect a diverse Australia.
Caleb is profoundly deaf. (Have I ever come across a protagonist in crime fiction who is deaf? I don’t think so.) Caleb’s disability is portrayed with credibility and intelligence – his disability informs his attitudes (he is quiet, some say uncommunicative, keeps mainly to himself, and stands back, observing rather than participating in life around him) but his disability doesn’t define him, perhaps it more accurately defines those around him by their responses to his deafness. Caleb is intelligent, he has mastered the art of reading body language and nuances in behaviours/responses, and speech (he lip reads and has hearing aids) and uses his skill to his advantage in both his public and private worlds …he is determined and thorough in his work, he suffers relationship issues like anyone else. He is not perfect. He is… himself. A complex human.
Enough of the protagonist – other characters in this narrative are interesting and humanly portrayed, diverse and real.
The plot – interesting, twisty and at times bloody – (it is a crime story after all) and there are a couple of reveals that I did not see coming. The back story about Caleb’s relationship with his ex-wife and their struggle to deal with loss (no spoilers here) is a universal story about relationships and adds depth, interest, layers…a richness to the storytelling.
The settings – Melbourne, Australia – city and regional; always great to have a landscape that speaks to fellow Australians.
What else can I tell you without giving you a rehash of the narrative? This is an intriguing and engaging read. At times the tension cuts like a razor – swift, sharp, painful. You will not forget this story, you will not forget this cast of characters. You will want to read the next in this series, I do. I think I am done.
January 30, 2024
Ned Kelly Award for First Novel 2016 (Australia’s award for crime writing). Caleb Zelic and Frankie Reynolds (a former police officer) run the Trust Works Agency and have been hired to find out who has been burglarizing a warehouse. Next thing you know, Caleb is holding the body of his friend, Senior Constable Gary Marsden, whom he had requested some help from. Gary’s throat had been slit, most likely by a professional hitman. And thus begins an action-packed crime novel with twists and turns aplenty.
Viskic has chosen to have her main character be deaf (meningitis at age 5)—he has hearing aids that help a little, and he can read lips if the person is facing him; otherwise, he hears nothing. This allows Viskic to ramp up the tension when the reader knows that danger is waiting for him, but Caleb is left unaware. His inability to communicate by listening to voicemails or phone conversations can be challenging when people are desperately trying to pass on information. He needs to use Skype or Facetime, so he can read their lips. But his deafness has caused him to be a keen observer of body language.
Caleb is an endearing character—principled and not afraid to face danger. He is also madly in love with his ex-wife. Viskic has Kat come from aboriginal roots, with her mother being a healer of sorts. The aboriginal angle will likely be explored in future offerings in this series. Recommend.
Viskic has chosen to have her main character be deaf (meningitis at age 5)—he has hearing aids that help a little, and he can read lips if the person is facing him; otherwise, he hears nothing. This allows Viskic to ramp up the tension when the reader knows that danger is waiting for him, but Caleb is left unaware. His inability to communicate by listening to voicemails or phone conversations can be challenging when people are desperately trying to pass on information. He needs to use Skype or Facetime, so he can read their lips. But his deafness has caused him to be a keen observer of body language.
Caleb is an endearing character—principled and not afraid to face danger. He is also madly in love with his ex-wife. Viskic has Kat come from aboriginal roots, with her mother being a healer of sorts. The aboriginal angle will likely be explored in future offerings in this series. Recommend.
November 7, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Australian crime fiction is blessed to have talented authors, such as Emma Viskic, the author of Resurrection Bay. This Melbourne based crime writer has composed a debut piece of fiction that has a strong line of authenticity, is completely fresh and is marked by astute prose. At the helm of Resurrection Bay is Caleb Zelic, a profoundly deaf private investigator, who is faced with the task of solving his friend’s murder, alongside proving his innocence.
Resurrection Bay begins with an explosive bang. The opening scene had me completely absorbed. It sets a very good tone for the forthcoming action and events of the novel. The hunt for the killer responsible for the murder of Caleb’s friend is what essentially drives this novel forward. However, we are also given a deep insight into Caleb’s world and how he deals with his hearing impairment. We see how it impacts on his work as a PI with his partner Frankie, along with those who are ignorant to his extra needs, such as the homicide detective assigned to Caleb’s case. As Caleb continues with dogged determination to crack this case, he must face the ghosts of his past and some uncomfortable truths..
Resurrection Bay is a book that has been on my long list of books to read since the year it was published (2015). Following all the positive reviews and awards this book has received, I purchased the second book (And Fire Came Down), even though I had not read the first. I had faith that I would like the writing of Emma Viskic enough to indulge in both books. For the record, I did enjoy Resurrection Bay and I would very happily turn to the writing of Emma Viskic again. In fact, I’m relieved I have a copy of the second book featuring the lead, Caleb Zelic waiting in the wings, so I can read this book with no delay!
Caleb Zelic goes hand in hand with Resurrection Bay. One cannot exist without the other. It is so revitalizing to have a lead character that moves away from our typical crime novel characters. Caleb is different, but very likeable. Viskic’s treatment of Caleb is one that displays a depth of understanding, authenticity and insight. It is like a cold breath of fresh air, having a main protagonist placed in the lead who has a profound impairment. I applaud Viskic for her placement and treatment of Caleb. Viskic gives us a good sense of what it would be like to live in a world of silence, where you need to rely on gestures, behaviours, lip reading and sign language to navigate everyday life. Viskic has obviously researched this area thoroughly and this is very clearly channelled through the novel in every which way. Caleb is an indelible character and I’m confident readers will not forget him.
Caleb is a fully fleshed out character and he plays such a big role in the novel. He does not overtake the narrative itself, which is highly plot driven and never predictable. Alongside Caleb are a very functional set of secondary characters, from Caleb’s partner Frankie, to his ex and to the investigating detectives of the central case. Each has their own agenda and adds plenty to the ongoing narrative direction. Viskic is skilled at making the most of her characters and the interactions they have with one another. The dialogue in particular struck a chord with me; it was sharp, realistic, gritty and genuinely intriguing.
Viskic takes great care to outline her setting. She contrasts Resurrection Bay with the city landscape. This books represents a great fusion of big city, rural and coastal together. Some may say this is hard to capture, but I feel Viskic nails all aspects of her landscape to perfection.
Resurrection Bay works well as a crime and procedural novel. I am certain even esteemed crime readers will find this book wholly engaging, complex and a little different from the norm. The stretch to the finish line is fantastic and given half the chance, I’m convinced I would have been able to read Resurrection Bay in a sitting.
Crime aficionados will be sure to devour this piece of great Australian crime writing, from a talented new voice. I’ll be quickly turning to my copy of the second book from Emma Viskic, And Fire Came Down, based on my response to Resurrection Bay.
**** 4 stars
Resurrection Bay is book #134 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
*Book ‘V’ of the a-z author challenge 2018
Australian crime fiction is blessed to have talented authors, such as Emma Viskic, the author of Resurrection Bay. This Melbourne based crime writer has composed a debut piece of fiction that has a strong line of authenticity, is completely fresh and is marked by astute prose. At the helm of Resurrection Bay is Caleb Zelic, a profoundly deaf private investigator, who is faced with the task of solving his friend’s murder, alongside proving his innocence.
Resurrection Bay begins with an explosive bang. The opening scene had me completely absorbed. It sets a very good tone for the forthcoming action and events of the novel. The hunt for the killer responsible for the murder of Caleb’s friend is what essentially drives this novel forward. However, we are also given a deep insight into Caleb’s world and how he deals with his hearing impairment. We see how it impacts on his work as a PI with his partner Frankie, along with those who are ignorant to his extra needs, such as the homicide detective assigned to Caleb’s case. As Caleb continues with dogged determination to crack this case, he must face the ghosts of his past and some uncomfortable truths..
Resurrection Bay is a book that has been on my long list of books to read since the year it was published (2015). Following all the positive reviews and awards this book has received, I purchased the second book (And Fire Came Down), even though I had not read the first. I had faith that I would like the writing of Emma Viskic enough to indulge in both books. For the record, I did enjoy Resurrection Bay and I would very happily turn to the writing of Emma Viskic again. In fact, I’m relieved I have a copy of the second book featuring the lead, Caleb Zelic waiting in the wings, so I can read this book with no delay!
Caleb Zelic goes hand in hand with Resurrection Bay. One cannot exist without the other. It is so revitalizing to have a lead character that moves away from our typical crime novel characters. Caleb is different, but very likeable. Viskic’s treatment of Caleb is one that displays a depth of understanding, authenticity and insight. It is like a cold breath of fresh air, having a main protagonist placed in the lead who has a profound impairment. I applaud Viskic for her placement and treatment of Caleb. Viskic gives us a good sense of what it would be like to live in a world of silence, where you need to rely on gestures, behaviours, lip reading and sign language to navigate everyday life. Viskic has obviously researched this area thoroughly and this is very clearly channelled through the novel in every which way. Caleb is an indelible character and I’m confident readers will not forget him.
Caleb is a fully fleshed out character and he plays such a big role in the novel. He does not overtake the narrative itself, which is highly plot driven and never predictable. Alongside Caleb are a very functional set of secondary characters, from Caleb’s partner Frankie, to his ex and to the investigating detectives of the central case. Each has their own agenda and adds plenty to the ongoing narrative direction. Viskic is skilled at making the most of her characters and the interactions they have with one another. The dialogue in particular struck a chord with me; it was sharp, realistic, gritty and genuinely intriguing.
Viskic takes great care to outline her setting. She contrasts Resurrection Bay with the city landscape. This books represents a great fusion of big city, rural and coastal together. Some may say this is hard to capture, but I feel Viskic nails all aspects of her landscape to perfection.
Resurrection Bay works well as a crime and procedural novel. I am certain even esteemed crime readers will find this book wholly engaging, complex and a little different from the norm. The stretch to the finish line is fantastic and given half the chance, I’m convinced I would have been able to read Resurrection Bay in a sitting.
Crime aficionados will be sure to devour this piece of great Australian crime writing, from a talented new voice. I’ll be quickly turning to my copy of the second book from Emma Viskic, And Fire Came Down, based on my response to Resurrection Bay.
**** 4 stars
Resurrection Bay is book #134 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
*Book ‘V’ of the a-z author challenge 2018
August 19, 2017
Resurrection Bay is Emma Viskic's debut novel.
I'm glad I finally got around to reading it, as it was utterly gripping.
I loved Caleb Zelic's character, with his anxieties and struggles.
The writing appealed to me a great deal.
I never suspected who were the baddies, not that it's the main draw card for me to enjoy this genre, I'm more interested in character development and the writing.
This novel had the right pace, the right amount of pages, the plot was credible enough (well, one could argue there were too many killings, especially for Australia, but anyway ...).
So, yeah, I'm glad to discover another good Australian thriller. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into the follow-up novel (got the eARC).
Recommended
This novel goes towards the Aussie Author Challenge 2017 on the Booklover Book Reviews blog: http://bookloverbookreviews.com/readi...
I'm glad I finally got around to reading it, as it was utterly gripping.
I loved Caleb Zelic's character, with his anxieties and struggles.
The writing appealed to me a great deal.
I never suspected who were the baddies, not that it's the main draw card for me to enjoy this genre, I'm more interested in character development and the writing.
This novel had the right pace, the right amount of pages, the plot was credible enough (well, one could argue there were too many killings, especially for Australia, but anyway ...).
So, yeah, I'm glad to discover another good Australian thriller. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into the follow-up novel (got the eARC).
Recommended
This novel goes towards the Aussie Author Challenge 2017 on the Booklover Book Reviews blog: http://bookloverbookreviews.com/readi...
October 26, 2018
Ho hum. I did like the quirky, deaf detective but otherwise Resurrection Bay disappointed me. I admit I've been hard to please with thrillers/detective novels/mysteries lately. So it might just be me. There is a lot of action and a few surprises at the end but I wasn't invested enough to care.
October 21, 2015
Resurrection Bay is the first novel by Australian author, Emma Viskic. Caleb Zelic and his partner, ex-cop Frankie Reynolds run Trust Works, a security and investigation business. Their latest case concerns thefts from a warehouse and Caleb has asked his best friend, Senior Constable Gary Marsden, to help out. So when he belatedly gets an urgent text from Gary saying he is being pursued by a “Scott”, Caleb rushes to his aid. Too late. He is the one to find his friend savagely murdered, and while it is quickly apparent to police that Caleb is innocent, there are insinuations that Gary was involved in something illegal.
Convinced this is not so, Caleb and Frankie set about proving Gary’s innocence, but each is handicapped to a degree: Caleb is profoundly deaf, and his hearing aids produce only a distant, blurred sound; Frankie is an alcoholic, dry now, but for how long? Two phone calls Gary made to their hometown of Resurrection Bay, just before he was murdered, are puzzling. And their investigations not only have them wondering just what Gary was involved in, but also make them targets for the mysterious Scott. Soon, Caleb is concerned for the safety of those he cares about as he himself has to go into hiding.
Viskic gives the reader an exciting page-turner: the plot is original, with plenty of twists and surprises; both the city and small Australian town settings are well conveyed. Caleb is an intriguing character of whom readers will want to see more. His handicap gives him a different set of observation skills, with other senses heightened and occasionally altered perception. The ending leaves some issues unresolved, and there is plenty of scope for further books involving this setting, these characters and their relationships.
There is plenty of humour, some of it quite understated. The banter between Frankie and Caleb is often laugh-out-loud funny, as are Caleb’s unspoken observations: “The waitress reappeared with two loaded plates. A layer of charcoal coated everything: bacon, eggs, toast, sausages. Had to give the cook points for consistency…. He tried the sausage. It held none of the usual mystery associated with sausages; this was clearly a product composed of sinew, sawdust and offal”.
As well as producing an excellent piece of crime fiction, Viskic will have the reader thinking about disabilities: what we perceive them to be and how we react to them. Resurrection Bay is a brilliant debut novel, and readers will be eager for more by this talented crime writer.
With thanks to TheReadingRoom and Echo Publishing for this book to read and review.
4.5★s
Convinced this is not so, Caleb and Frankie set about proving Gary’s innocence, but each is handicapped to a degree: Caleb is profoundly deaf, and his hearing aids produce only a distant, blurred sound; Frankie is an alcoholic, dry now, but for how long? Two phone calls Gary made to their hometown of Resurrection Bay, just before he was murdered, are puzzling. And their investigations not only have them wondering just what Gary was involved in, but also make them targets for the mysterious Scott. Soon, Caleb is concerned for the safety of those he cares about as he himself has to go into hiding.
Viskic gives the reader an exciting page-turner: the plot is original, with plenty of twists and surprises; both the city and small Australian town settings are well conveyed. Caleb is an intriguing character of whom readers will want to see more. His handicap gives him a different set of observation skills, with other senses heightened and occasionally altered perception. The ending leaves some issues unresolved, and there is plenty of scope for further books involving this setting, these characters and their relationships.
There is plenty of humour, some of it quite understated. The banter between Frankie and Caleb is often laugh-out-loud funny, as are Caleb’s unspoken observations: “The waitress reappeared with two loaded plates. A layer of charcoal coated everything: bacon, eggs, toast, sausages. Had to give the cook points for consistency…. He tried the sausage. It held none of the usual mystery associated with sausages; this was clearly a product composed of sinew, sawdust and offal”.
As well as producing an excellent piece of crime fiction, Viskic will have the reader thinking about disabilities: what we perceive them to be and how we react to them. Resurrection Bay is a brilliant debut novel, and readers will be eager for more by this talented crime writer.
With thanks to TheReadingRoom and Echo Publishing for this book to read and review.
4.5★s
January 6, 2020
This was a great book for any writer, let alone a debut novel.
Great characters, brilliant plot, Aussie humour and a great twist that definitely caught me our.
It is books like this that highlight the lack of books like this set in Australia. Unless I am just not seeing them.
Loved the added dimension of a hearing impaired main character, that really brought home more of the issues involved, in his line of work.
Thank you to Nat K for the recommendation and I look forward to reading further books in the series.
Great characters, brilliant plot, Aussie humour and a great twist that definitely caught me our.
It is books like this that highlight the lack of books like this set in Australia. Unless I am just not seeing them.
Loved the added dimension of a hearing impaired main character, that really brought home more of the issues involved, in his line of work.
Thank you to Nat K for the recommendation and I look forward to reading further books in the series.
February 12, 2020
I had high hopes for this Australian crime/thriller and was not disappointed. This is another series I will continue to read.
The story begins in a pool of blood, with deaf PI Caleb Zelic discovering his childhood friend Gary has been brutally murdered in his own home. A policeman, Gary had been helping Caleb out with a warehouse robbery investigation to earn a bit of extra cash on the side. Before we know it, Caleb's business partner Frankie has gone missing and Caleb himself is on the run and also trying to keep his estranged wife Kat safe from the baddies. With suspicions of police involvement, Caleb doesn't know who he can trust, so he seeks refuge in Resurrection Bay, the town where he grew up.
Some aspects of the plot were a little predictable, but with a frenetic pace and an engaging (and rather unique) main character, I absolutely tore through this book, eager to see how it would end.
Looking forward to #2.
The story begins in a pool of blood, with deaf PI Caleb Zelic discovering his childhood friend Gary has been brutally murdered in his own home. A policeman, Gary had been helping Caleb out with a warehouse robbery investigation to earn a bit of extra cash on the side. Before we know it, Caleb's business partner Frankie has gone missing and Caleb himself is on the run and also trying to keep his estranged wife Kat safe from the baddies. With suspicions of police involvement, Caleb doesn't know who he can trust, so he seeks refuge in Resurrection Bay, the town where he grew up.
Some aspects of the plot were a little predictable, but with a frenetic pace and an engaging (and rather unique) main character, I absolutely tore through this book, eager to see how it would end.
Looking forward to #2.
August 2, 2017
In her debut novel, Emma Viskic has introduced us to a unique character in Caleb Zelic and placed in an an authentic Australian landscape. Caleb, profoundly deaf since childhood, manages well with lip reading and body language and doesn't like people to know he is deaf. He and his partner, ex cop Frankie run a small company investigating business security problems. When they are asked to look into a warehouse robbery he hires an old school friend and policeman, Gary to help out with interviews, thinking it was a safe job, but after a frenzied text message from Gary telling him someone called Scott is after him, Caleb races around to Gary's place to find him bleeding to death.
Scott and Frankie have quite a challenge to find out who 'Scott' is and why investigating a warehouse robbery should have led to Gary's death. The action weaves back and forth between Melbourne and the coastal town of Resurrection Bay where Caleb grew up and met his currently estranged wife Kat, a Koori artist. As well as a cast of authentic Aussie characters, Viskic gives us a tense thriller with a few surprises and touches of dry Aussie humour. While being fiercely independent and not allowing himself to be disabled by his deafness, Caleb often doesn't admit that he needs help from others and doesn't always make the best decisions. It will be interesting to watch his character develops over the series.
Scott and Frankie have quite a challenge to find out who 'Scott' is and why investigating a warehouse robbery should have led to Gary's death. The action weaves back and forth between Melbourne and the coastal town of Resurrection Bay where Caleb grew up and met his currently estranged wife Kat, a Koori artist. As well as a cast of authentic Aussie characters, Viskic gives us a tense thriller with a few surprises and touches of dry Aussie humour. While being fiercely independent and not allowing himself to be disabled by his deafness, Caleb often doesn't admit that he needs help from others and doesn't always make the best decisions. It will be interesting to watch his character develops over the series.
September 1, 2021
This book and I did not resonate with each other.
It was very difficult for me to get into this story. I don't know if it's this style of writing or if I was too inattentive reading this book, but I couldn't understand what the story was really about. What are Caleb and Frankie trying to prove other than who killed Gary. It all seemed vague to me. Because of that, I couldn't get into the story in the beginning, and then I was frustrated because I didn't fully understand what was going on.
The idea of a deaf person as the main character of a crime story is brilliant to me. Not only is it something new, it was a very interesting aspect of this story. The author was able to use this idea in a very skillful way. It also perfectly captured Caleb's frustration at his limitations and the problems he encounters in his daily life. Unfortunately, I ran into the same problem as with the plot, I couldn't understand Caleb - his behavior, his motivations. As a character, he seemed too indistinct and indefinite to me.
The entire book is quite dark and full of violence. It includes murder, torture, violence against women, as well as alcohol and drug addiction.
The ending was very dramatic and violent. I did not fully expect exactly such answers to the questions, although that is probably a good thing.
I don't know if I will read another book in this series. I think I liked Caleb in the end. And even more, I'm curious how his relationship with his brother will turn out. And whether Tedesco will appear in the next books. But I'm not sure if I'm interested enough to read the next book in this series.
It was very difficult for me to get into this story. I don't know if it's this style of writing or if I was too inattentive reading this book, but I couldn't understand what the story was really about. What are Caleb and Frankie trying to prove other than who killed Gary. It all seemed vague to me. Because of that, I couldn't get into the story in the beginning, and then I was frustrated because I didn't fully understand what was going on.
The idea of a deaf person as the main character of a crime story is brilliant to me. Not only is it something new, it was a very interesting aspect of this story. The author was able to use this idea in a very skillful way. It also perfectly captured Caleb's frustration at his limitations and the problems he encounters in his daily life. Unfortunately, I ran into the same problem as with the plot, I couldn't understand Caleb - his behavior, his motivations. As a character, he seemed too indistinct and indefinite to me.
The entire book is quite dark and full of violence. It includes murder, torture, violence against women, as well as alcohol and drug addiction.
The ending was very dramatic and violent. I did not fully expect exactly such answers to the questions, although that is probably a good thing.
I don't know if I will read another book in this series. I think I liked Caleb in the end. And even more, I'm curious how his relationship with his brother will turn out. And whether Tedesco will appear in the next books. But I'm not sure if I'm interested enough to read the next book in this series.
June 16, 2018
Resurrection Bay is Aussie author Emma Viskic's debut crime novel and the 1st book in her Caleb Zelic series.
A clever page turner enhanced by a deaf protagonist. Caleb is a fascinating character who investigates the death of a close friend. However, difficulties present themselves when his hearing aids are not working properly and he is quickly surrounded by danger.
An enthralling, intense read and I look forward to the next book in this series.
The audiobook was narrated by Lewis Fitzgerald and I had to listen at a slower pace in order to understand and enjoy his wonderful Australian accent.
A clever page turner enhanced by a deaf protagonist. Caleb is a fascinating character who investigates the death of a close friend. However, difficulties present themselves when his hearing aids are not working properly and he is quickly surrounded by danger.
An enthralling, intense read and I look forward to the next book in this series.
The audiobook was narrated by Lewis Fitzgerald and I had to listen at a slower pace in order to understand and enjoy his wonderful Australian accent.
September 25, 2015
A deftly handled plot, strong characters and a sly, dry humour make this an outstanding debut crime novel. - Review at Newtown Review of Books
July 16, 2019
I loved this book. It's the first in a new series featuring Caleb Zelic who's deaf and is a private investigator. I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone who likes crime/mystery/thriller books.
April 23, 2019
Knowing that this debut mystery won a number of literary prizes, praise from many readers, and was a success with critics, I was anxious to purchase it and excited to start reading. Unfortunately, I had difficulty connecting with the plot, its characters and pacing. I tried hard to immerse myself in the story but it was just not working for me. I am glad I stuck with the book until its end. I was thinking of a 2-star rating, but a major twist near its ending and a dangerous action-packed finale raised it into at least a 3-star category for me.
The story had a strong beginning, where Caleb discovers the brutally slain body of his best friend, Gary (Gaz). Gary was a police officer of good reputation who worked in and around Melbourne. I thought Caleb showed promise as an interesting character. Being deaf from a childhood bout of meningitis, he both signs and lipreads. He is intent on reading peoples’ facial expressions and gestures and attempts to hide his handicap. This leads to some misunderstandings about what was said to him. Although he got my sympathy, I did not find him particularly likeable. We were told he was astute in reading people, but I found him careless, bumbling along from one danger to another. He failed to trust people he should. He also trusted the wrong people.
In an emergency, Caleb could make a phone call but could not hear responses. He used texting on his cell phone to communicate but often did not look at received messages, failed to keep it charged, and even lost it. He also did not keep his hearing aids in good working order or change the batteries.
Caleb feels compelled to investigate the murder of his friend, Gary, to discover the perpetrator of the horrible crime and the motive. The only clue is a text indicating that Gary was afraid of an unknown man named Scott. Assisting him in his investigation is an older ex-policewoman, Frankie. Her past heavy drinking lead to the loss of her job and husband. During their investigation, she has a relapse. I failed to be absorbed in their interactions and was not feeling the buildup of suspense or emotional involvement in the plot, despite more murders and increasing danger.
Except for some Australian expressions and his fragile relationship with his ex-wife, Kat, a talented and beautiful Aboriginal woman, I was not feeling a sense of place. I felt the story could have been set anywhere.
I will be reading the next book in the series as I am interested in Caleb’s personal growth. He was beginning to come to terms with his hearing loss and starting to admit his deafness during interviews and conversations. This ensured he was not misinterpreting what was said to him. He also needs to repair problems with his ex-wife and with his estranged brother.
The story had a strong beginning, where Caleb discovers the brutally slain body of his best friend, Gary (Gaz). Gary was a police officer of good reputation who worked in and around Melbourne. I thought Caleb showed promise as an interesting character. Being deaf from a childhood bout of meningitis, he both signs and lipreads. He is intent on reading peoples’ facial expressions and gestures and attempts to hide his handicap. This leads to some misunderstandings about what was said to him. Although he got my sympathy, I did not find him particularly likeable. We were told he was astute in reading people, but I found him careless, bumbling along from one danger to another. He failed to trust people he should. He also trusted the wrong people.
In an emergency, Caleb could make a phone call but could not hear responses. He used texting on his cell phone to communicate but often did not look at received messages, failed to keep it charged, and even lost it. He also did not keep his hearing aids in good working order or change the batteries.
Caleb feels compelled to investigate the murder of his friend, Gary, to discover the perpetrator of the horrible crime and the motive. The only clue is a text indicating that Gary was afraid of an unknown man named Scott. Assisting him in his investigation is an older ex-policewoman, Frankie. Her past heavy drinking lead to the loss of her job and husband. During their investigation, she has a relapse. I failed to be absorbed in their interactions and was not feeling the buildup of suspense or emotional involvement in the plot, despite more murders and increasing danger.
Except for some Australian expressions and his fragile relationship with his ex-wife, Kat, a talented and beautiful Aboriginal woman, I was not feeling a sense of place. I felt the story could have been set anywhere.
I will be reading the next book in the series as I am interested in Caleb’s personal growth. He was beginning to come to terms with his hearing loss and starting to admit his deafness during interviews and conversations. This ensured he was not misinterpreting what was said to him. He also needs to repair problems with his ex-wife and with his estranged brother.
September 19, 2016
Caleb Zelic has been deaf since he was a kid, he had an infection that left him deaf, this adds some interesting complexity to his chosen field of work, he is an investigator who is in business with a friend, and former police officer Frankie. His life has gone through massive change in the past year or so with the break down of his marriage to the beautiful and talented Kat and now he is more alone than he ever has been, and he would like us to believe he is happy about that.
The book opens with Caleb rushing back from a job to help his child hook friend, Gary. They have been friends since they were kids and Gary has been helping him out with a case he is working on. Caleb rushes back to Melbourne but sadly Gary is dead when he gets to his house. So begins his search for Gary's killer and its connection to a case they were working on of a series of break ins at a warehouse.
The book is incredibly fast paced as we see Caleb hurtle from one roadblock after another as he tries to get to the bottom of what happened to Gary and who did this to him. We meet some interesting characters along the way, Detective Tedesco, Caleb's brother Anton, his ex mother in-law Maria and other characters along the way.
I enjoyed this book so much, it is very fast paced and keeps you hurtling along and you are not quite sure where you are going to end up. It has a great twist along the way and for a first novel it is incredible. I can't wait to see what happens to Caleb in the series, whilst I want there to be another book right now, I also don't want her to rush and not give us a book that is just as good if not better than this.
The book opens with Caleb rushing back from a job to help his child hook friend, Gary. They have been friends since they were kids and Gary has been helping him out with a case he is working on. Caleb rushes back to Melbourne but sadly Gary is dead when he gets to his house. So begins his search for Gary's killer and its connection to a case they were working on of a series of break ins at a warehouse.
The book is incredibly fast paced as we see Caleb hurtle from one roadblock after another as he tries to get to the bottom of what happened to Gary and who did this to him. We meet some interesting characters along the way, Detective Tedesco, Caleb's brother Anton, his ex mother in-law Maria and other characters along the way.
I enjoyed this book so much, it is very fast paced and keeps you hurtling along and you are not quite sure where you are going to end up. It has a great twist along the way and for a first novel it is incredible. I can't wait to see what happens to Caleb in the series, whilst I want there to be another book right now, I also don't want her to rush and not give us a book that is just as good if not better than this.
August 17, 2017
Resurrection Bay was a banging read from the first chapter to the last chapter - featuring a main protagonist in Caleb that I fell immediately in love with, full of plenty of edge of the seat moments and a realistically edged mystery plot that was thoroughly engaging.
Caleb has a hearing problem that makes him view the world differently, as an anchor to the occasionally heart stopping plot he was brilliant - as were his relationships with those around him, especially his long suffering ex wife Kat, his alcoholic business partner Frankie and his addicted, often in trouble brother Anton. When a close friend of his is killed and it appears to be linked to a case they had both been involved in, things soon kick off big time and a hugely riveting, often brutal, always fascinating adventure begins.
Resurrection Bay is one of those novels that just drags you along in it's wake - every time you think you could put it down something happens so you don't - that way lies the madness of reading into the early hours in your utter need to know what happens. Emma Viskic has a truly rock and roll writing style with a keenly descriptive eye that just keeps you on your toes and drives the narrative in a truly addictive fashion. Beautifully placed unexpected diversions, memorably drawn characters who are multi layered (and we still have lots to learn about so bring on the next novel quick smart I say) together with what was for me a genuinely unexpected resolution and you have a perfect storm of a read.
Caleb may not be able to hear you but he knows you are coming - and I hope he is too, in a lot more future novels from this author.
Banging brilliant. As I said. Highly Recommended.
Caleb has a hearing problem that makes him view the world differently, as an anchor to the occasionally heart stopping plot he was brilliant - as were his relationships with those around him, especially his long suffering ex wife Kat, his alcoholic business partner Frankie and his addicted, often in trouble brother Anton. When a close friend of his is killed and it appears to be linked to a case they had both been involved in, things soon kick off big time and a hugely riveting, often brutal, always fascinating adventure begins.
Resurrection Bay is one of those novels that just drags you along in it's wake - every time you think you could put it down something happens so you don't - that way lies the madness of reading into the early hours in your utter need to know what happens. Emma Viskic has a truly rock and roll writing style with a keenly descriptive eye that just keeps you on your toes and drives the narrative in a truly addictive fashion. Beautifully placed unexpected diversions, memorably drawn characters who are multi layered (and we still have lots to learn about so bring on the next novel quick smart I say) together with what was for me a genuinely unexpected resolution and you have a perfect storm of a read.
Caleb may not be able to hear you but he knows you are coming - and I hope he is too, in a lot more future novels from this author.
Banging brilliant. As I said. Highly Recommended.
January 20, 2019
Dreadful.How this book won awards is beyond me.
June 14, 2021
4.5★s
Resurrection Bay is the first novel in the Caleb Zelic series by Australian author, Emma Viskic. The audio version is narrated by Lewis Fitzgerald. Caleb Zelic and his partner, ex-cop Frankie Reynolds run Trust Works, a security and investigation business. Their latest case concerns thefts from a warehouse and Caleb has asked his best friend, Senior Constable Gary Marsden, to help out. So when he belatedly gets an urgent text from Gary saying he is being pursued by a “Scott”, Caleb rushes to his aid. Too late. He is the one to find his friend savagely murdered, and while it is quickly apparent to police that Caleb is innocent, there are insinuations that Gary was involved in something illegal.
Convinced this is not so, Caleb and Frankie set about proving Gary’s innocence, but each is handicapped to a degree: Caleb is profoundly deaf, and his hearing aids produce only a distant, blurred sound; Frankie is an alcoholic, dry now, but for how long? Two phone calls Gary made to their hometown of Resurrection Bay, just before he was murdered, are puzzling. And their investigations not only have them wondering just what Gary was involved in, but also make them targets for the mysterious Scott. Soon, Caleb is concerned for the safety of those he cares about as he himself has to go into hiding.
Viskic gives the reader an exciting page-turner: the plot is original, with plenty of twists and surprises; both the city and small Australian town settings are well conveyed. Caleb is an intriguing character of whom readers will want to see more. His handicap gives him a different set of observation skills, with other senses heightened and occasionally altered perception. The ending leaves some issues unresolved, and there is plenty of scope for further books involving this setting, these characters and their relationships.
There is plenty of humour, some of it quite understated. The banter between Frankie and Caleb is often laugh-out-loud funny, as are Caleb’s unspoken observations: “The waitress reappeared with two loaded plates. A layer of charcoal coated everything: bacon, eggs, toast, sausages. Had to give the cook points for consistency…. He tried the sausage. It held none of the usual mystery associated with sausages; this was clearly a product composed of sinew, sawdust and offal”.
As well as producing an excellent piece of crime fiction, Viskic will have the reader thinking about disabilities: what we perceive them to be and how we react to them. Resurrection Bay is a brilliant debut novel, and readers will be eager for more by this talented crime writer.
Resurrection Bay is the first novel in the Caleb Zelic series by Australian author, Emma Viskic. The audio version is narrated by Lewis Fitzgerald. Caleb Zelic and his partner, ex-cop Frankie Reynolds run Trust Works, a security and investigation business. Their latest case concerns thefts from a warehouse and Caleb has asked his best friend, Senior Constable Gary Marsden, to help out. So when he belatedly gets an urgent text from Gary saying he is being pursued by a “Scott”, Caleb rushes to his aid. Too late. He is the one to find his friend savagely murdered, and while it is quickly apparent to police that Caleb is innocent, there are insinuations that Gary was involved in something illegal.
Convinced this is not so, Caleb and Frankie set about proving Gary’s innocence, but each is handicapped to a degree: Caleb is profoundly deaf, and his hearing aids produce only a distant, blurred sound; Frankie is an alcoholic, dry now, but for how long? Two phone calls Gary made to their hometown of Resurrection Bay, just before he was murdered, are puzzling. And their investigations not only have them wondering just what Gary was involved in, but also make them targets for the mysterious Scott. Soon, Caleb is concerned for the safety of those he cares about as he himself has to go into hiding.
Viskic gives the reader an exciting page-turner: the plot is original, with plenty of twists and surprises; both the city and small Australian town settings are well conveyed. Caleb is an intriguing character of whom readers will want to see more. His handicap gives him a different set of observation skills, with other senses heightened and occasionally altered perception. The ending leaves some issues unresolved, and there is plenty of scope for further books involving this setting, these characters and their relationships.
There is plenty of humour, some of it quite understated. The banter between Frankie and Caleb is often laugh-out-loud funny, as are Caleb’s unspoken observations: “The waitress reappeared with two loaded plates. A layer of charcoal coated everything: bacon, eggs, toast, sausages. Had to give the cook points for consistency…. He tried the sausage. It held none of the usual mystery associated with sausages; this was clearly a product composed of sinew, sawdust and offal”.
As well as producing an excellent piece of crime fiction, Viskic will have the reader thinking about disabilities: what we perceive them to be and how we react to them. Resurrection Bay is a brilliant debut novel, and readers will be eager for more by this talented crime writer.
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