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Outback Creed
A city lawyer, on assignment in the outback, intervenes in an abduction and becomes ensnared in a world of corruption, billion dollar stakes and murder.
Tom McLaren is the go-to negotiator for a corporate law firm, and is accustomed to success and all its trappings. His skills are put to the test when he and his colleagues head to the outback, hoping to persuade Aboriginal Elders to give up their land to a powerful mining company. The land is worth billions, but the Elders won’t budge, and Tom faces the rare prospect of failure. Yet there are hidden forces at play that will stop at nothing to make sure a deal is done, even if that means taking the life of an Aboriginal boy. When Tom and his colleagues discover the shocking plot, they also become targets, and the result is murder. In his frantic hunt for answers, Tom realizes his most dangerous enemy may be closer than he feared. With relentless killers closing in fast, Tom must uncover the truth…before it’s too late!
Award-winning narrator Steve Shanahan (Jane Harper's Bestsellers The Dry, Force of Nature, The Lost Man and more) delivers a riveting performance, bringing the Australian outback and its characters to life in a heart-stopping thriller loaded with action and shocking twists.
Tom McLaren is the go-to negotiator for a corporate law firm, and is accustomed to success and all its trappings. His skills are put to the test when he and his colleagues head to the outback, hoping to persuade Aboriginal Elders to give up their land to a powerful mining company. The land is worth billions, but the Elders won’t budge, and Tom faces the rare prospect of failure. Yet there are hidden forces at play that will stop at nothing to make sure a deal is done, even if that means taking the life of an Aboriginal boy. When Tom and his colleagues discover the shocking plot, they also become targets, and the result is murder. In his frantic hunt for answers, Tom realizes his most dangerous enemy may be closer than he feared. With relentless killers closing in fast, Tom must uncover the truth…before it’s too late!
Award-winning narrator Steve Shanahan (Jane Harper's Bestsellers The Dry, Force of Nature, The Lost Man and more) delivers a riveting performance, bringing the Australian outback and its characters to life in a heart-stopping thriller loaded with action and shocking twists.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 15, 2021
EXCERPT: Inside the outback school hall, Tom, Ed and Konnigan sat at a fold-out table, watching as Anthony gave his digital slide presentation to the three Aboriginal Elders. Tracker Jackson, still in his forties, was considerably younger than Abe and William. They listened as Anthony did his very best to convince them that their community would be better off taking QPEC's money and relocating to the proposed QPEC Community Centre, only a couple of hours away. They watched the computer generated images of the fully-equipped facility and Olympic-sized swimming pool, where they were promised they could live comfortably with financial security for generations to come.
As Anthony wrapped up, Tom noticed Ed looking at Konnigan, trying to reassure her. Tom didn't feel so optimistic. He activated the video camera on his phone and set it on his desk, aimed at the Elders, who conversed in their own language.
Abe, the most senior of the group, nodded to his companions and turned to the lawyers. 'It's all very nice, but no thanks,' Abe said.
'But thank you for the picture show,' William said.
'Excuse me,' Anthony interrupted, 'but the benefits of relocating far outweigh -'
'Are you deaf, mate?' William interrupted. 'We're not moving.'
ABOUT 'OUTBACK CREED': Tom McLaren is the go-to negotiator for a corporate law firm, and is accustomed to success and all its trappings. His skills are put to the test when he and his colleagues head to the outback, hoping to persuade Aboriginal Elders to give up their land to a powerful mining company. The land is worth billions, but the Elders won’t budge, and Tom faces the rare prospect of failure. Yet there are hidden forces at play that will stop at nothing to make sure a deal is done, even if that means taking the life of an Aboriginal boy. When Tom and his colleagues discover the shocking plot, they also become targets, and the result is murder. In his frantic hunt for answers, Tom realizes his most dangerous enemy may be closer than he feared. With relentless killers closing in fast, Tom must uncover the truth…before it’s too late!
MY THOUGHTS: The pace of Outback Creed is relentless. If you like action thrillers, where people tend to shoot first and ask questions later, you will love this. Personally I was expecting a little more mystery and suspense, and a lot less action. The body count is quite high.
Outback Creed is a story of power, greed and corruption and the lengths that powerful people and corporations are prepared to go to in order to achieve their goals. Not quite what I was expecting and I have the feeling that it would make a far better movie than book.
Outback Creed takes place in the rugged Kimberley region of Australia, where the harsh climate and crocodiles are not the only dangers.
I had the occasional issue with the writing, mainly because the author tends to repeat words, an example of which is contained in the extract above. 'Abe said; William said; Anthony interrupted; William interrupted.....'
I listened to the audiobook and have enjoyed this narrator in the past, but with Outback Creed he just didn't pause. There was no pause at the ends of chapters, or when the narrative changed to a different character's point of view. It was relentless (the repeated word is intentional). No, he didn't speak fast, but he just didn't pause and it got quite confusing. I lost count of the number of times I had to rewind to catch where the narrative changed.
⭐⭐.9
#OutbackCreed #NetGalley
I: @jonathanmacphersonofficial
T: @JonnyMacpherson
#audiobook #australiancrimefiction #contemporaryfiction #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Jonathan MacPherson Jonathan Macpherson is the author of several crime fiction novels. He also writes children's fiction under the name of J.Macpherson.
Aside from writing novels, Jonathan has produced and directed short films that have played at major festivals. He lives by the beach in Perth, Australia with his family.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to City Beach Books (IBPA) via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of Outback Creed written by Jonathan MacPherson and narrated by Steve Shanahan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
As Anthony wrapped up, Tom noticed Ed looking at Konnigan, trying to reassure her. Tom didn't feel so optimistic. He activated the video camera on his phone and set it on his desk, aimed at the Elders, who conversed in their own language.
Abe, the most senior of the group, nodded to his companions and turned to the lawyers. 'It's all very nice, but no thanks,' Abe said.
'But thank you for the picture show,' William said.
'Excuse me,' Anthony interrupted, 'but the benefits of relocating far outweigh -'
'Are you deaf, mate?' William interrupted. 'We're not moving.'
ABOUT 'OUTBACK CREED': Tom McLaren is the go-to negotiator for a corporate law firm, and is accustomed to success and all its trappings. His skills are put to the test when he and his colleagues head to the outback, hoping to persuade Aboriginal Elders to give up their land to a powerful mining company. The land is worth billions, but the Elders won’t budge, and Tom faces the rare prospect of failure. Yet there are hidden forces at play that will stop at nothing to make sure a deal is done, even if that means taking the life of an Aboriginal boy. When Tom and his colleagues discover the shocking plot, they also become targets, and the result is murder. In his frantic hunt for answers, Tom realizes his most dangerous enemy may be closer than he feared. With relentless killers closing in fast, Tom must uncover the truth…before it’s too late!
MY THOUGHTS: The pace of Outback Creed is relentless. If you like action thrillers, where people tend to shoot first and ask questions later, you will love this. Personally I was expecting a little more mystery and suspense, and a lot less action. The body count is quite high.
Outback Creed is a story of power, greed and corruption and the lengths that powerful people and corporations are prepared to go to in order to achieve their goals. Not quite what I was expecting and I have the feeling that it would make a far better movie than book.
Outback Creed takes place in the rugged Kimberley region of Australia, where the harsh climate and crocodiles are not the only dangers.
I had the occasional issue with the writing, mainly because the author tends to repeat words, an example of which is contained in the extract above. 'Abe said; William said; Anthony interrupted; William interrupted.....'
I listened to the audiobook and have enjoyed this narrator in the past, but with Outback Creed he just didn't pause. There was no pause at the ends of chapters, or when the narrative changed to a different character's point of view. It was relentless (the repeated word is intentional). No, he didn't speak fast, but he just didn't pause and it got quite confusing. I lost count of the number of times I had to rewind to catch where the narrative changed.
⭐⭐.9
#OutbackCreed #NetGalley
I: @jonathanmacphersonofficial
T: @JonnyMacpherson
#audiobook #australiancrimefiction #contemporaryfiction #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Jonathan MacPherson Jonathan Macpherson is the author of several crime fiction novels. He also writes children's fiction under the name of J.Macpherson.
Aside from writing novels, Jonathan has produced and directed short films that have played at major festivals. He lives by the beach in Perth, Australia with his family.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to City Beach Books (IBPA) via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of Outback Creed written by Jonathan MacPherson and narrated by Steve Shanahan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 15, 2022
This action thriller is set in the Kimberley region of Western Australia where a large mining corporation is trying to convince the local indigenous people to sell them the rights to mine some of their uranium rich land worth billions of dollars. After watching a presentation by the company’s lawyers, the three elders who are needed to sign the agreement have all refused. However, the mining company has a few dirty tricks up their sleeves and with the help of some local corrupt police believe they have plan that will soon have the signed agreement in their greedy hands.
If you enjoy Australian noir filled with fast paced action, a high body count and plenty of chases through the outback then this will fit the bill. I could almost see it playing out as a TV drama with tough looking characters, crooked police, a plucky local child and three hapless city lawyers against shots of stunning red background, massive rocks and magnificent waterfalls. For me the characters needed a bit more development, especially to explain the motives of the police after the initial plan went totally off the rails. I would also have liked to know the main characters lawyer Tom, young David and his lovely grandfather Abe a bit better. The novel could also have done with a more subtle plot development, but the over the top action was fun.
If you enjoy Australian noir filled with fast paced action, a high body count and plenty of chases through the outback then this will fit the bill. I could almost see it playing out as a TV drama with tough looking characters, crooked police, a plucky local child and three hapless city lawyers against shots of stunning red background, massive rocks and magnificent waterfalls. For me the characters needed a bit more development, especially to explain the motives of the police after the initial plan went totally off the rails. I would also have liked to know the main characters lawyer Tom, young David and his lovely grandfather Abe a bit better. The novel could also have done with a more subtle plot development, but the over the top action was fun.
March 5, 2018
Lawyers Tom, Ed and Anthony had had their meetings in the small outback town of Creed and decided to head out to the Kimberleys for a little down time. Their camp site was quiet, peaceful and just what they needed. A few beers, a good steak - but the unexpected discovery of an abducted aboriginal boy named David, and his violent abductor who looked like he wouldn't hesitate to kill, meant a definite change in plans.
But it was what Tom learned as he fought to return to civilization that made him realise his life was also in danger. The corruption was on a huge scale and there was no way of knowing who could be trusted.
Outback Creed by Aussie author Jonathan Macpherson is a fast paced murder mystery set in the outback of Australia, and centres on the local Indigenous residents who were desperate to keep their land from the greed of the corporations. A short read, the plot is intriguing and easily kept me interested. It does need some editing, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
But it was what Tom learned as he fought to return to civilization that made him realise his life was also in danger. The corruption was on a huge scale and there was no way of knowing who could be trusted.
Outback Creed by Aussie author Jonathan Macpherson is a fast paced murder mystery set in the outback of Australia, and centres on the local Indigenous residents who were desperate to keep their land from the greed of the corporations. A short read, the plot is intriguing and easily kept me interested. It does need some editing, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
June 30, 2019
I have never read a book like this before and if I hadn't received an ARC copy from Hidden Gems; would never have known about it. This is not a book about people, it is about corrupt groups of rich powerful people trying to take possession of Aboriginal land from Australia's indigenous people. Every action taken in this book is for money - except the actions of the Aborigines mob. Any sense of loyalty to each other and community found in this story is within those people and even they have self-serving individuals. One of my greatest pet peeves in books is "filler" and this one has none. Again, never read a book that is so lacking in "filler." The story is very short and from start to finish packed with action. You learn practically nothing about the main characters' pasts, only that in the present they are excellent at escaping death.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
January 6, 2022
When I spotted that Steve Shanahan was the narrator of this ‘listen now’ audiobook on NetGalley I didn’t hesitate to add it to my shelf. He’s narration of Jane Harper’s books was superb and I had no doubt that he do the same again with this shorter audiobook. I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced mystery featuring lawyer Tom McClaren who gets embroiled in a child abduction, and more. He thought he was going to negotiate a land deal with Aboriginal Elders, but things went wrong very quickly and he was thrown into a nightmarish situation, not knowing who to trust or whether he’d survive or not. Highly recommended if you enjoy pacey thrillers on audio!
Thanks to City Beach Books and NetGalley for the my digital copy via the NetGalley app.
Thanks to City Beach Books and NetGalley for the my digital copy via the NetGalley app.
March 3, 2022
Fast-paced, quick and compelling read. I enjoyed this one as an audiobook, with a wonderful narrator. The beginning really starts with a bang - a young boy running from a dangerous dog. It's a high stakes, full adventure read. It has a little local politics mixed in with an interesting mystery. I really liked this one!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
December 18, 2021
Audiobook ARC from NetGalley
"A city lawyer, on assignment in the outback, intervenes in an abduction and becomes ensnared in a world of corruption, billion dollar stakes and murder."
Three lawyers are camping in the outback when one of them comes across a kidnapped boy, and their lives are turned upside down. They are working for a company who is trying to buy up a large parcel of land from the aboriginal elders that is worth billions of dollars to a company that wants to mine the land. What follows is an action packed story that really doesn't let up until its surprising ending.
First off, the narrator was excellent. I felt like he was sitting next to me reading the book aloud. His voice conveyed the frantic pace of this suspenseful story and carried me right along with him.
As to the story itself, I can give you an example of how much I enjoyed it. I listen to my audiobooks when I'm on my morning walk, at 6:30 in the morning, and the mornings have been a bit nippy lately up here in Northeast Ohio. I usually try to convince myself to take a short cut to shave about 10 to 15 minutes off my time, but when I was listening to this particular audiobook, I found myself not only completing the entire walk, but adding on an additional 10 to 15 minutes because I didn't want to stop listening. I kept waiting for a break in the action, but there wasn't one. Every time I thought I had it figured out, it swung way off in another direction, and this kept me hooked. There were a couple of plot points that could have been tightened up, but not enough that it distracted me from the story.
I thought the characters were very well fleshed out and developed, and the world building was on point. I felt like I was in the woods with the guys, and could picture my surroundings without any problems.
In all, I really enjoyed this story and give both the narrator and the story line 5/5 stars.
"A city lawyer, on assignment in the outback, intervenes in an abduction and becomes ensnared in a world of corruption, billion dollar stakes and murder."
Three lawyers are camping in the outback when one of them comes across a kidnapped boy, and their lives are turned upside down. They are working for a company who is trying to buy up a large parcel of land from the aboriginal elders that is worth billions of dollars to a company that wants to mine the land. What follows is an action packed story that really doesn't let up until its surprising ending.
First off, the narrator was excellent. I felt like he was sitting next to me reading the book aloud. His voice conveyed the frantic pace of this suspenseful story and carried me right along with him.
As to the story itself, I can give you an example of how much I enjoyed it. I listen to my audiobooks when I'm on my morning walk, at 6:30 in the morning, and the mornings have been a bit nippy lately up here in Northeast Ohio. I usually try to convince myself to take a short cut to shave about 10 to 15 minutes off my time, but when I was listening to this particular audiobook, I found myself not only completing the entire walk, but adding on an additional 10 to 15 minutes because I didn't want to stop listening. I kept waiting for a break in the action, but there wasn't one. Every time I thought I had it figured out, it swung way off in another direction, and this kept me hooked. There were a couple of plot points that could have been tightened up, but not enough that it distracted me from the story.
I thought the characters were very well fleshed out and developed, and the world building was on point. I felt like I was in the woods with the guys, and could picture my surroundings without any problems.
In all, I really enjoyed this story and give both the narrator and the story line 5/5 stars.
February 20, 2025
2.5/5. *Spoilers* I'm a sucker for a good Outback thriller, but this one was a disappointment. The story-telling style was a lot of telling and no showing. The characters were one-dimensional and the second half of the plot especially bordered on ludicrous at times. The author wrote the book like a script for a C grade movie. The action was non-stop, the body-count piles up, the villain was exposed from the start. There were inexplicable behaviours by all involved, like why did the female cop inappropriately massage him after coming to his rescue? Or why choose to kill multiple people by snake bite instead of just shooting them, or throw them off a cliff, or stab them or stone them or, you get my drift? Especially, why the hell would you pick up a deadly snake with your hand in order to kill your intended victim with it, when you have a perfectly usable weapon or two? You can imagine it won't end well for the would be murderer. It definitely did not end well for this book. Rounded up because, well, it's Aussie.
Narration was solid.
Narration was solid.
November 29, 2021
Audiobook Review: Outback Creed by Jonathan Macpherson
Narrated by Steve Shanahan
Published by City Beach Books, November 11, 2021
★★★★☆ (4.25 Stars)
Audiobook narration: Outstanding performance by Steve Shanahan, the award-winning narrator of Jane Harper novels, whose involvement is what primarily attracted me to this excellent audio-novella.
-----
Creed, a fictional aboriginal town near Derby, West Kimberley shire, a port town 2,200 NNE of Perth; 3,000 WNW of Sydney.
In an action-packed gem of a short read, author Jonathan Macpherson takes the reader through a fight for survival in the harsh outback of coastal Northwestern Australia for land rights to U-235 deposits, also known as uranium, with cultural glimpses into Australian aboriginal traditions, pitting corporate interests allied with bent cops and corrupt politicians against unyielding aboriginal elders determined to protect their traditional country, themselves allied with an accidental hero - a corporate lawyer whose mettle is about to be tested to limits he hadn't known.
As with short novellas, the characters are a bit caricatured, but the plot is crafted and delivered in a way that one could feel for the protagonist(s) through the din of non-stop life /death encounters.
Delightful short read, slightly reminiscent of Paul Hogan's "Crocodile Dundee" - without the one-liners.
Review based on an ARC from City Beach Books / Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and NetGalley.
Narrated by Steve Shanahan
Published by City Beach Books, November 11, 2021
★★★★☆ (4.25 Stars)
Audiobook narration: Outstanding performance by Steve Shanahan, the award-winning narrator of Jane Harper novels, whose involvement is what primarily attracted me to this excellent audio-novella.
-----
Creed, a fictional aboriginal town near Derby, West Kimberley shire, a port town 2,200 NNE of Perth; 3,000 WNW of Sydney.
In an action-packed gem of a short read, author Jonathan Macpherson takes the reader through a fight for survival in the harsh outback of coastal Northwestern Australia for land rights to U-235 deposits, also known as uranium, with cultural glimpses into Australian aboriginal traditions, pitting corporate interests allied with bent cops and corrupt politicians against unyielding aboriginal elders determined to protect their traditional country, themselves allied with an accidental hero - a corporate lawyer whose mettle is about to be tested to limits he hadn't known.
As with short novellas, the characters are a bit caricatured, but the plot is crafted and delivered in a way that one could feel for the protagonist(s) through the din of non-stop life /death encounters.
Delightful short read, slightly reminiscent of Paul Hogan's "Crocodile Dundee" - without the one-liners.
Review based on an ARC from City Beach Books / Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and NetGalley.
December 27, 2021
***ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.co.uk in return for an honest review ***
Lawyers Tom, Ed and Anthony wrap up their meetings and off on a camping trip in the Kimberley's for some steaks and downtime. It doesn't take long before they are embroiled in kidnapping and murder, which points at the case that they are working on, the local Aboriginal community and the land that they live on, and the local law enforcement.
A brilliant read, exploring political corruption and the lengths that some will go to in order to take possession of valuable land.
A real "hidden gem" of a novel that I would not have encountered if it weren't for Netgalley. I will definitely be recommending it to others.
Lawyers Tom, Ed and Anthony wrap up their meetings and off on a camping trip in the Kimberley's for some steaks and downtime. It doesn't take long before they are embroiled in kidnapping and murder, which points at the case that they are working on, the local Aboriginal community and the land that they live on, and the local law enforcement.
A brilliant read, exploring political corruption and the lengths that some will go to in order to take possession of valuable land.
A real "hidden gem" of a novel that I would not have encountered if it weren't for Netgalley. I will definitely be recommending it to others.
December 13, 2021
I received a free audiobook of this book via Netgalley from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book is fast paced and action filled with a large number of character, whom we get minimal introduction to and background information, this leads to it being very confusing.
The premise is intriguing, but I feel the story and the characters needed to be fleshed out more.
This book is fast paced and action filled with a large number of character, whom we get minimal introduction to and background information, this leads to it being very confusing.
The premise is intriguing, but I feel the story and the characters needed to be fleshed out more.
March 4, 2026
The perfect Aussie thriller 🙌
December 10, 2021
An exciting thriller set in the Australian outback, fast paced well written. Steve Shanahan does a good narration had no trouble with the accent.
I received this audiobook from Jonathan MacPherson via Netgalley for a review.
I received this audiobook from Jonathan MacPherson via Netgalley for a review.
December 12, 2021
This was a fascinating listen, I could really imagine I was in the outback experiencing the colours and culture as well as the people. I could see this as a great made for streaming movie it was so well drawn.
As an expat Australian I am really wishing that when I was there we had access to such great authors.
I was given a free copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own
As an expat Australian I am really wishing that when I was there we had access to such great authors.
I was given a free copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own
May 30, 2019
When author Jonathan Macpherson sent me an ebook copy of OUTBACK CREED for review, it slipped a little down the queue as some pressing judging responsibilities got in the road. Having subsequently realised it was somewhere between a novella and novel in size, it snuck back in, as a palate cleanser / head clearing read was required.
Action packed, with a interesting idea at the core, OUTBACK CREED is well worth reading if you're a fan of action packed thrillers. The basic idea is that three lawyers, after a meeting in a small outback town, head out to a remote spot in the Kimberley region for a break before heading back to the big smoke. They certainly did not expect to be confronted by a young, local, Indigenous boy being held captive by a violent man who acts like he will kill anything and everything that tries to interfere.
Despite this, rescue young David these men do, and whilst Tom escapes with the boy, the others go in a different direction, trying to spread the trail to keep them safe and stay away from David's abductor and what turns out to be some unfortunate colleagues of his. It's during this mad scramble to get out of the bush and to safety that Tom discovers the original deal they were negotiating is just the tip of an enormous iceberg of corruption and nasty goings on.
OUTBACK CREED is about pace and action in the main. The threat is high, even in the early stages, as the reasons why all of this is occurring start out reasonably clearly, but become more involved, and more intertwined as it goes. To be fair, plot does get a little ropey in places, but the characters are strong, and the pace unrelenting, and often times, if plot is a little light on, the action will carry you through. Nothing a little editing and a little tweaking of transitions in particular couldn't sort out.
OUTBACK CREED does show a lot of promise though, and it's an excellent choice of subject matter. It's a good thriller tackling what should be a much bigger subject in Australia - local Indigenous peoples fighting to maintain their rights and land in the face of greed, corruption and a lot of breathtaking bastardry.
Action packed, with a interesting idea at the core, OUTBACK CREED is well worth reading if you're a fan of action packed thrillers. The basic idea is that three lawyers, after a meeting in a small outback town, head out to a remote spot in the Kimberley region for a break before heading back to the big smoke. They certainly did not expect to be confronted by a young, local, Indigenous boy being held captive by a violent man who acts like he will kill anything and everything that tries to interfere.
Despite this, rescue young David these men do, and whilst Tom escapes with the boy, the others go in a different direction, trying to spread the trail to keep them safe and stay away from David's abductor and what turns out to be some unfortunate colleagues of his. It's during this mad scramble to get out of the bush and to safety that Tom discovers the original deal they were negotiating is just the tip of an enormous iceberg of corruption and nasty goings on.
OUTBACK CREED is about pace and action in the main. The threat is high, even in the early stages, as the reasons why all of this is occurring start out reasonably clearly, but become more involved, and more intertwined as it goes. To be fair, plot does get a little ropey in places, but the characters are strong, and the pace unrelenting, and often times, if plot is a little light on, the action will carry you through. Nothing a little editing and a little tweaking of transitions in particular couldn't sort out.
OUTBACK CREED does show a lot of promise though, and it's an excellent choice of subject matter. It's a good thriller tackling what should be a much bigger subject in Australia - local Indigenous peoples fighting to maintain their rights and land in the face of greed, corruption and a lot of breathtaking bastardry.
March 29, 2022
I have to admit I was drawn to this one mainly because of Steve Shanahan's narration. He has an incredible way of bringing Aussie noir stories to life - notably Jane Harper's Aaron Falk books - and I couldn't help but hope for a similar experience. Unfortunately this one didn't quite live up to expectations for me despite containing all of the ingredients I would usually look for in an action-packed thriller.
I felt myself skimming through this one and completely blanking during a few of the action sequences. The writing was ok but it contained so much meaningless detail. I hate being told the twenty different steps the character took to get a gun out of a suitcase, just tell me they pulled out the weapon and pointed it for goodness sake and let me put together the sequence of events in my head!
Outback Creed read more like a made-for-tv movie than a gritty outback mystery and I just wasn't invested. It held echoes of Candice Fox but without the occasional dark humour and unabashed portrayal of over-the-top action hero shlock.
While there were moments of intrigue and some great character development I felt it was lacking. Overall I expected more.
Thank you to @netgalley for this ARC 🙏🏻
I felt myself skimming through this one and completely blanking during a few of the action sequences. The writing was ok but it contained so much meaningless detail. I hate being told the twenty different steps the character took to get a gun out of a suitcase, just tell me they pulled out the weapon and pointed it for goodness sake and let me put together the sequence of events in my head!
Outback Creed read more like a made-for-tv movie than a gritty outback mystery and I just wasn't invested. It held echoes of Candice Fox but without the occasional dark humour and unabashed portrayal of over-the-top action hero shlock.
While there were moments of intrigue and some great character development I felt it was lacking. Overall I expected more.
Thank you to @netgalley for this ARC 🙏🏻
October 15, 2023
Outback Creed is about greed, discrimination and corruption by Jonathan Macpherson. Tom McLaren and his friends were lawyers and representatives of a large mining company that wanted to purchase the land of a local Aboriginal group. The Aboriginal elders will not refrain from saying no. Jonathan Macpherson is not used to failure. However, when he realized why the company wanted the land, he decided to investigate to find the truth. The readers of Outback Creed will continue to follow Tom McLaren to discover what happens.
Outback Creed is the first book I read of Johnathan Macpherson. I enjoyed reading Outback Creed and had no problem engaging with the story and characters from the beginning. I want the way Johnathan Macpherson highlighted the Australian culture. I love Jonathan Macpherson's portrayal and the way they intertwine with each other. Outback Creed was well-written and researched by Johnathan Macpherson. I like Johnathan Macpherson's description of the settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of OutBack Creed will understand the consequences of greed for indigenous communities. Also, the readers of OutBack Creed will learn about Aboriginal culture in Australia.
I recommend this book.
Outback Creed is the first book I read of Johnathan Macpherson. I enjoyed reading Outback Creed and had no problem engaging with the story and characters from the beginning. I want the way Johnathan Macpherson highlighted the Australian culture. I love Jonathan Macpherson's portrayal and the way they intertwine with each other. Outback Creed was well-written and researched by Johnathan Macpherson. I like Johnathan Macpherson's description of the settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of OutBack Creed will understand the consequences of greed for indigenous communities. Also, the readers of OutBack Creed will learn about Aboriginal culture in Australia.
I recommend this book.
May 2, 2018
The story takes place in the outback, where a group of lawyers are working on a big contract deal. A company want to buy land from a group in the outback because of the valuable minerals there. The lawyers are taking some down time outside when one of them goes for a walk and hears a boy crying. The boy has been kidnapped and now the lawyers are caught in the crosshairs of the kidnapper.
Further corruption is involved as there is profits of over a billion dollars involved if this deal goes through. There is a wide group of others mixing it with the kidnapper(s) and making it difficult, in this case, to recognize who is dangerous and who isn’t.
I loved the mix of the outback scenery and the Aboriginal lore being brought to the front with some characters. The young boy is an integral character and has an important role to play, having to grow up in an instant.
The story was enjoyable, but somewhat short. An easy read with a tale of rich companies, corrupt politicians and police! I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Further corruption is involved as there is profits of over a billion dollars involved if this deal goes through. There is a wide group of others mixing it with the kidnapper(s) and making it difficult, in this case, to recognize who is dangerous and who isn’t.
I loved the mix of the outback scenery and the Aboriginal lore being brought to the front with some characters. The young boy is an integral character and has an important role to play, having to grow up in an instant.
The story was enjoyable, but somewhat short. An easy read with a tale of rich companies, corrupt politicians and police! I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
March 4, 2022
🌏Wow! Incredible action thriller head to tail🐍!
Really top-notch action adventure in the wilds of Outback Australia. I picked this book up largely for two reasons:
- I was familiar with the author, also writing as J. Macpherson, through his delightful children's books about quokkas, the smiling/ friendliest of Australia's unique wildlife; and
- I am a big fan of novels set in Australia and New Zealand.
I could not be more pleased that I picked this book. It's a taut, thrilling tale of violence, political intrigue and conspiracy, with big business threatening to wrest traditional lands away from Aboriginal control by hook, crook, and murder. The heroes are David, a young Aboriginal boy; Tom, a city lawyer; and Abe, David's grandfather and tribal elder. Although they find a few allies along the way, most of the story is a fast-paced chase that pits them against a wide array of individuals seeking their demise. There's a good deal of violence but it's really integral to the story.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to City Beach Books, IBPA and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Really top-notch action adventure in the wilds of Outback Australia. I picked this book up largely for two reasons:
- I was familiar with the author, also writing as J. Macpherson, through his delightful children's books about quokkas, the smiling/ friendliest of Australia's unique wildlife; and
- I am a big fan of novels set in Australia and New Zealand.
I could not be more pleased that I picked this book. It's a taut, thrilling tale of violence, political intrigue and conspiracy, with big business threatening to wrest traditional lands away from Aboriginal control by hook, crook, and murder. The heroes are David, a young Aboriginal boy; Tom, a city lawyer; and Abe, David's grandfather and tribal elder. Although they find a few allies along the way, most of the story is a fast-paced chase that pits them against a wide array of individuals seeking their demise. There's a good deal of violence but it's really integral to the story.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to City Beach Books, IBPA and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
September 15, 2020
I must admit, I love a really well written and researched Australian located story.
The Outback has it's own magnetism, with the local aboriginals and their appreciation for their land and their heritage something that is stronger than anything that most people could comprehend.
So, this story has taken a group of politicians, mining moguls and local police and pitted them against the willpower of the aboriginal elders, who are pressured to sign the rights of their land away. Caught in the middle, is the team of lawyers, that happened to represent the mining moguls, but were in the wrong place at the wrong time, and discovered the dastardly deeds, first hand, to what ruthless people would do, to get what they wanted.
It's hard hitting and dramatic, with a mounting body count as the chapters fly by.
A very good read!
The Outback has it's own magnetism, with the local aboriginals and their appreciation for their land and their heritage something that is stronger than anything that most people could comprehend.
So, this story has taken a group of politicians, mining moguls and local police and pitted them against the willpower of the aboriginal elders, who are pressured to sign the rights of their land away. Caught in the middle, is the team of lawyers, that happened to represent the mining moguls, but were in the wrong place at the wrong time, and discovered the dastardly deeds, first hand, to what ruthless people would do, to get what they wanted.
It's hard hitting and dramatic, with a mounting body count as the chapters fly by.
A very good read!
November 23, 2021
Outback Creed
by Jonathan Macpherson
Exploitation of native tribes is not a new concept. This book shows the nature of the business, and government contracts that affect native tribes in Australia. A mining contract needs to be signed, the mission of lawyers did not change the mind of one of the elders. The company tries a more persuasive nature of negations. This mystery story shows the corruption that is used in many historical negotiations that have left many native tribes at the shortened of these deals.
The accent of the reader only ads to the elements of the Southern Continent.
by Jonathan Macpherson
Exploitation of native tribes is not a new concept. This book shows the nature of the business, and government contracts that affect native tribes in Australia. A mining contract needs to be signed, the mission of lawyers did not change the mind of one of the elders. The company tries a more persuasive nature of negations. This mystery story shows the corruption that is used in many historical negotiations that have left many native tribes at the shortened of these deals.
The accent of the reader only ads to the elements of the Southern Continent.
November 29, 2021
I got this book as an ARC from netgalley. I am giving it 3.5 stars. One of my problems with it was how short it was. I felt like we didn't have enough time to get to know the characters or enough about them to really be worried about them during the tense parts of the novel. I loved the storyline and I think I would've loved the characters if I'd been given more of them, but they didn't feel like whole people to me. I will pick up more books by this author in the future.
September 24, 2021
I like the Australian Outback setting for this book and Steve Shanahan's excellent performance brings authenticity to this gripping suspense story. Not all characters are likable, but they're believable. At under 5 hours, you may want to listen straight through to the end of this audiobook.
Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 22, 2021
The audiobook was just over 4.5 hours so it is probably more of a novella than a full-length novel. I don't listen to too many books set in Australia, but I didn't have any problem with the accent. The cast is kind of large and I had some trouble remembering who was who and which side they were on. Full review soon.
November 22, 2021
Outback creed by Jonathan MaCpherson.
Narrated by Steve Shanahan.
A city lawyer and an Aboriginal boy become targets in a high-stakes conspiracy.
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. I really felt like I was there. I didn't have a favourite character although I was rooting for David. I loved the ending. 5*.
Narrated by Steve Shanahan.
A city lawyer and an Aboriginal boy become targets in a high-stakes conspiracy.
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. I really felt like I was there. I didn't have a favourite character although I was rooting for David. I loved the ending. 5*.
January 14, 2020
Outback Survival
Fast paced story of greed, aboriginal land, political and police corruption surrounding mining in the outback.
Great read. Especially if you have ever spent any time in the outback
Fast paced story of greed, aboriginal land, political and police corruption surrounding mining in the outback.
Great read. Especially if you have ever spent any time in the outback
August 16, 2020
Interesting
This is the first story I have read by this author, I found the writing to be great, fantastic story line, superb characters that held my interest through out the entire book.
This is the first story I have read by this author, I found the writing to be great, fantastic story line, superb characters that held my interest through out the entire book.
November 18, 2022
Outback creed is a thrilling read
Jonathan Macpherson has written a great thriller set within Australia . His characters are well defined and sympathetic . Indigenous people being bullied for their land by developers is the theme. I look forward to reading more by this author .
Jonathan Macpherson has written a great thriller set within Australia . His characters are well defined and sympathetic . Indigenous people being bullied for their land by developers is the theme. I look forward to reading more by this author .
August 30, 2024
Good read
Fast-paced action all the way. I couldn’t put it down.
The only downside: I found the quick chopping and changing to different characters and settings slightly annoying but not enough to turn me away from enjoying the story.
Fast-paced action all the way. I couldn’t put it down.
The only downside: I found the quick chopping and changing to different characters and settings slightly annoying but not enough to turn me away from enjoying the story.
January 22, 2026
Well written and fast paced.
However, this is Australia. Cars have boots, not trunks. We eat chips, not crisps. And we don’t measure vertical drops in feet. Small things but they were a bit of a distraction in an otherwise great story.
However, this is Australia. Cars have boots, not trunks. We eat chips, not crisps. And we don’t measure vertical drops in feet. Small things but they were a bit of a distraction in an otherwise great story.
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