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55
There were 54 victims before this. Who is number 55?
Wilbrook in Western Australia is a sleepy, remote town that sits on the edge of miles and miles of unexplored wilderness. It is home to Police Sergeant Chandler Jenkins, who is proud to run the town's small police station, a place used to dealing with domestic disputes and noise complaints.
All that changes on a scorching day when an injured man stumbles into Chandler's station. He's covered in dried blood. His name is Gabriel. He tells Chandler what he remembers.
He was drugged and driven to a cabin in the mountains and tied up in iron chains. The man who took him was called Heath. Heath told Gabriel he was going to be number 55. His 55th victim.
Heath is a serial killer.
As a manhunt is launched, a man who says he is Heath walks into the same station. He tells Chandler he was taken by a man named Gabriel. Gabriel told Heath he was going to be victim 55.
Gabriel is the serial killer.
Two suspects. Two identical stories. Which one is the truth?
Wilbrook in Western Australia is a sleepy, remote town that sits on the edge of miles and miles of unexplored wilderness. It is home to Police Sergeant Chandler Jenkins, who is proud to run the town's small police station, a place used to dealing with domestic disputes and noise complaints.
All that changes on a scorching day when an injured man stumbles into Chandler's station. He's covered in dried blood. His name is Gabriel. He tells Chandler what he remembers.
He was drugged and driven to a cabin in the mountains and tied up in iron chains. The man who took him was called Heath. Heath told Gabriel he was going to be number 55. His 55th victim.
Heath is a serial killer.
As a manhunt is launched, a man who says he is Heath walks into the same station. He tells Chandler he was taken by a man named Gabriel. Gabriel told Heath he was going to be victim 55.
Gabriel is the serial killer.
Two suspects. Two identical stories. Which one is the truth?
423 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2019
182 people are currently reading
2725 people want to read
About the author
James Delargy
8 books61 followersJames Delargy was born and raised in Ireland but lived in South Africa, Australia and Scotland, before ending up in semi-rural England where he now lives.
He incorporates this diverse knowledge of towns, cities, landscape and culture picked up on his travels into his writing. He would like to complete a round-the-world series of novels (if only for the chance to indulge in more on-the-ground research).
James is currently working on another novel set in Western Australia.
He incorporates this diverse knowledge of towns, cities, landscape and culture picked up on his travels into his writing. He would like to complete a round-the-world series of novels (if only for the chance to indulge in more on-the-ground research).
James is currently working on another novel set in Western Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 651 reviews
March 1, 2019
Another Aussie crime writer establishes himself as the latest to pen an intense and intriguing novel with a fabulous premise. Set in Western Australia, Wilbrook is a small empty shell of a town, with the remnants of a history that included gold mining, blue asbestos and iron ore. Sergeant Chandler Jenkins leads his small police team where domestics are the usual fare. Everything is about to change when a terrified injured man, Gabriel, enters the police station with a scary tale of being held by a serial killer, Heath, intent on killing him, telling he will be number 55. He manages to escape and is unsettled and jittery, convinced Heath will find him. Chandler sees him to the local hotel, with one of his team, Jim, on guard outside the building. Another injured man, Heath, is bought to the station for attempting to steal a car. Heath claims he only wanted the car to escape a serial killer named Gabriel, who was planning to kill him as number 55, until he escaped. With well nigh identical stories, who is Chandler to believe? Or perhaps they are equally guilty, with the pair being in cahoots, working together until they fell out?
The story has two timelines, the present and one from 2002 when Chandler and Mitchell Andrews were rookie cops involved in search for a young missing hiker, Martin, lost in the unforgiving heat of the outback, accompanied by a distraught father with his younger son, Davie. Something clearly causes a deep schism between Chandler and Mitchell in the past that resulted in Mitchell moving to the city whilst climbing the promotional ladder. Mitchell is now a Inspector, and Chandler's boss, he arrives in Wilbrook to takeover police operations to get to the bottom of what is clearly going to be a huge case. He brings his own team, with every intention of sidelining Chandler. A fraught and tense relationship highlights the differences between the two men. Mitchell is a highly ambitious and political animal, constantly denigrating Chandler, not averse to manipulation, engaging in brutality and not interested in developing team relationships. Jenkins takes it upon himself to ensure the well being of his team and takes a keen interest in their development. The past has strong links and uncomfortable echoes in the present as Chandler is to find to his cost.
Whilst I really enjoyed this wonderful debut with its strong sense of location and the depiction of never ending heat, I am not so keen on the ending. Delargy does a terrific job in building suspense and tension as the reader wonders, doubts, debates, and looks for clues as to whether the serial killer is Gabriel or Heath. It is Chandler who is interested in getting to the bottom of who the two men are, digging into their past history and trying to discern the motive behind the killings. The characterisation is done well, with Chandler the good guy and Mitchell is a self centred and unpleasant individual, his interest primarily in the glory he thinks he will accrue, anytime things do not go his way, he has a scapegoat lined up. This novel is another great addition to the rising genre of Aussie Noir. I found it entertaining and engaging, and such gripping reading fare despite the unsatisfying ending. Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for an ARC.
The story has two timelines, the present and one from 2002 when Chandler and Mitchell Andrews were rookie cops involved in search for a young missing hiker, Martin, lost in the unforgiving heat of the outback, accompanied by a distraught father with his younger son, Davie. Something clearly causes a deep schism between Chandler and Mitchell in the past that resulted in Mitchell moving to the city whilst climbing the promotional ladder. Mitchell is now a Inspector, and Chandler's boss, he arrives in Wilbrook to takeover police operations to get to the bottom of what is clearly going to be a huge case. He brings his own team, with every intention of sidelining Chandler. A fraught and tense relationship highlights the differences between the two men. Mitchell is a highly ambitious and political animal, constantly denigrating Chandler, not averse to manipulation, engaging in brutality and not interested in developing team relationships. Jenkins takes it upon himself to ensure the well being of his team and takes a keen interest in their development. The past has strong links and uncomfortable echoes in the present as Chandler is to find to his cost.
Whilst I really enjoyed this wonderful debut with its strong sense of location and the depiction of never ending heat, I am not so keen on the ending. Delargy does a terrific job in building suspense and tension as the reader wonders, doubts, debates, and looks for clues as to whether the serial killer is Gabriel or Heath. It is Chandler who is interested in getting to the bottom of who the two men are, digging into their past history and trying to discern the motive behind the killings. The characterisation is done well, with Chandler the good guy and Mitchell is a self centred and unpleasant individual, his interest primarily in the glory he thinks he will accrue, anytime things do not go his way, he has a scapegoat lined up. This novel is another great addition to the rising genre of Aussie Noir. I found it entertaining and engaging, and such gripping reading fare despite the unsatisfying ending. Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for an ARC.
April 30, 2019
Wow, this is one book that will get a grip on you and wont let go! Two suspects, each with the same story, blaming the other. A possible 54 bodies somewhere. Small town cop Chandler has no choice but to call in the bigwigs, including his estranged former best friend Mitch.
Mitch and his crew come in and take over, but Mitch is an arrogant moron, I have no idea how he got to such a high ranking, and the whole thing goes belly up. With a police force divided, and a serial killer on the loose, this makes for an action-packed explosive story. As we race towards the stunning conclusion we have to ask ourselves, could this really happen?
This is a wonderful debut, James Delargy tells a tale so astonishing it comes alive on the page. The harsh outback setting adds to the atmosphere, the flawed, and the irritating, characters all giving voice to a marvellous story. I dare you to put this book down! Recommended for crime lovers everywhere.
4.5 stars rounded up.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mitch and his crew come in and take over, but Mitch is an arrogant moron, I have no idea how he got to such a high ranking, and the whole thing goes belly up. With a police force divided, and a serial killer on the loose, this makes for an action-packed explosive story. As we race towards the stunning conclusion we have to ask ourselves, could this really happen?
This is a wonderful debut, James Delargy tells a tale so astonishing it comes alive on the page. The harsh outback setting adds to the atmosphere, the flawed, and the irritating, characters all giving voice to a marvellous story. I dare you to put this book down! Recommended for crime lovers everywhere.
4.5 stars rounded up.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2019
This book started so well with two men in police custody, each one claiming to be the victim of the other. Who to believe and how to discover the truth?
What a great premise which led to an interesting and intriguing story. The Australian setting was well done but I thought the characters needed more work. Most of them had a name but no background and the two main players who did have a lot of background, Chandler and Mitch, became rather tedious with their overdramatised feud.
Still a good, readable story until the last page. That was one of the worst endings ever. I am afraid my disappointment in that has affected both my rating and my review.
What a great premise which led to an interesting and intriguing story. The Australian setting was well done but I thought the characters needed more work. Most of them had a name but no background and the two main players who did have a lot of background, Chandler and Mitch, became rather tedious with their overdramatised feud.
Still a good, readable story until the last page. That was one of the worst endings ever. I am afraid my disappointment in that has affected both my rating and my review.
April 30, 2019
Whoa! This was one high tension read. I don't think my heartbeat returned to normal the whole way through. And that ending - Mr Delargy - How Could You?!!
This is a very clever debut novel with two young men, beaten and bloodied, first one and then the other walking in to a police station claiming to be backpackers with an alarming story of abduction by a man who told them they were going to be killed as his victim number 55. Both tell identical stories of being locked and shackled in a small hut followed by a terrifying escape through the harsh and rugged bush surrounding the small outback town in northern Western Australia. The local Sergent, Chandler Jenkins doesn't know who to believe. Either one of them is guilty or they're both working together to abduct and kill lone backpackers. Chandler has no choice but to call the regional commander, specifically Inspector Mitchell Andrews, with whom he has past history. Once colleagues starting out together in the force, Mitch felt he was made for higher command and forced his way to the top, growing in arrogance and self-importance as he went.
Delargy keeps us guessing most of the way through this novel as to how this will all end. As well as the conflict between the two suspects both claiming their innocence, there is tension between Chandler and Mitch as Mitch walks in and takes over his station and sneeringly orders his staff around. Flashbacks to their early days in the local force when they were both on an extended search for a missing man, highlights their different natures and approaches to policing. It is Chandler who will eventually through good police work discover the identity and motives of the killer, but not before the tension builds to a pressure that is about to explode. A well written debut novel, with well depicted characters and a well paced intense plot. Definitely a new writer to look out for in the future! 4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for a digital ARC to read
This is a very clever debut novel with two young men, beaten and bloodied, first one and then the other walking in to a police station claiming to be backpackers with an alarming story of abduction by a man who told them they were going to be killed as his victim number 55. Both tell identical stories of being locked and shackled in a small hut followed by a terrifying escape through the harsh and rugged bush surrounding the small outback town in northern Western Australia. The local Sergent, Chandler Jenkins doesn't know who to believe. Either one of them is guilty or they're both working together to abduct and kill lone backpackers. Chandler has no choice but to call the regional commander, specifically Inspector Mitchell Andrews, with whom he has past history. Once colleagues starting out together in the force, Mitch felt he was made for higher command and forced his way to the top, growing in arrogance and self-importance as he went.
Delargy keeps us guessing most of the way through this novel as to how this will all end. As well as the conflict between the two suspects both claiming their innocence, there is tension between Chandler and Mitch as Mitch walks in and takes over his station and sneeringly orders his staff around. Flashbacks to their early days in the local force when they were both on an extended search for a missing man, highlights their different natures and approaches to policing. It is Chandler who will eventually through good police work discover the identity and motives of the killer, but not before the tension builds to a pressure that is about to explode. A well written debut novel, with well depicted characters and a well paced intense plot. Definitely a new writer to look out for in the future! 4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for a digital ARC to read
September 13, 2019
EXCERPT: Chandler could almost see Gabriel's heart pound under his tee-shirt. The memories were flooding back, intense and uncontrolled. After a long breath that seemed to suck the last of the oxygen from the stifling room, he continued.
'I aimed for the ridge. I glanced back and he was about ten metres behind me. I kept running and running until I stumbled on some loose soil and fell into a small clearing. The ground was all, dug up.' Gabriel stared at him. 'They were graves.'
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Wilbrook in Western Australia is a sleepy, remote town that sits on the edge of miles and miles of unexplored wilderness. It is home to Police Sergeant Chandler Jenkins, who is proud to run the town's small police station, a place used to dealing with domestic disputes and noise complaints.
All that changes on a scorching day when an injured man stumbles into Chandler's station. He's covered in dried blood. His name is Gabriel. He tells Chandler what he remembers.
He was drugged and driven to a cabin in the mountains and tied up in iron chains. The man who took him was called Heath. Heath told Gabriel he was going to be number 55. His 55th victim.
Heath is a serial killer.
As a manhunt is launched, a man who says he is Heath walks into the same station. He tells Chandler he was taken by a man named Gabriel. Gabriel told Heath he was going to be victim 55.
Gabriel is the serial killer.
Two suspects. Two identical stories. Which one is the truth?
MY THOUGHTS: Gabriel? Heath? Gabriel? Heath? Gabriel and Heath? My mind was rather like a tumble dryer while I read this intense debut novel set in the outback of Western Australia.
Then there is the back story of Chandler and Mitchell cleverly interwoven, childhood friends, adult rivals - in more ways than one. Their rivalry puts more than the investigation in danger.
There is a lot going on in this book. But it is clearly written. And cleverly written. The tension is indescribable. The ending debatable.
'What?!' I yelled. 'That can't be the end. There's got to be more pages.' But there wasn't. I kept thumbing the page turner on my Kindle, glaring at the 100% at the bottom of the page. I threw my arms in the air and stomped around the house. It changed nothing. There was no more.
But I hope there will be.
😍🤔🤨🤯.5
THE AUTHOR: James Delargy was born and raised in Ireland but lived in South Africa, Australia and Scotland, before ending up in semi-rural England where he now lives.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Simon and Schuster (Australia) via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of 55 by James Delargy 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 and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'I aimed for the ridge. I glanced back and he was about ten metres behind me. I kept running and running until I stumbled on some loose soil and fell into a small clearing. The ground was all, dug up.' Gabriel stared at him. 'They were graves.'
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Wilbrook in Western Australia is a sleepy, remote town that sits on the edge of miles and miles of unexplored wilderness. It is home to Police Sergeant Chandler Jenkins, who is proud to run the town's small police station, a place used to dealing with domestic disputes and noise complaints.
All that changes on a scorching day when an injured man stumbles into Chandler's station. He's covered in dried blood. His name is Gabriel. He tells Chandler what he remembers.
He was drugged and driven to a cabin in the mountains and tied up in iron chains. The man who took him was called Heath. Heath told Gabriel he was going to be number 55. His 55th victim.
Heath is a serial killer.
As a manhunt is launched, a man who says he is Heath walks into the same station. He tells Chandler he was taken by a man named Gabriel. Gabriel told Heath he was going to be victim 55.
Gabriel is the serial killer.
Two suspects. Two identical stories. Which one is the truth?
MY THOUGHTS: Gabriel? Heath? Gabriel? Heath? Gabriel and Heath? My mind was rather like a tumble dryer while I read this intense debut novel set in the outback of Western Australia.
Then there is the back story of Chandler and Mitchell cleverly interwoven, childhood friends, adult rivals - in more ways than one. Their rivalry puts more than the investigation in danger.
There is a lot going on in this book. But it is clearly written. And cleverly written. The tension is indescribable. The ending debatable.
'What?!' I yelled. 'That can't be the end. There's got to be more pages.' But there wasn't. I kept thumbing the page turner on my Kindle, glaring at the 100% at the bottom of the page. I threw my arms in the air and stomped around the house. It changed nothing. There was no more.
But I hope there will be.
😍🤔🤨🤯.5
THE AUTHOR: James Delargy was born and raised in Ireland but lived in South Africa, Australia and Scotland, before ending up in semi-rural England where he now lives.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Simon and Schuster (Australia) via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of 55 by James Delargy 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 and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
April 30, 2019
Sergeant Chandler Jenkins was in charge of the small police station in Wilbrook, Western Australia. One morning, a bedraggled and bloodied individual who said his name was Gabriel, entered the station, telling of the horror of being abducted, beaten and threatened with murder; that he would be victim number 55. He said the person who did this, way out in the bush, called himself Heath. But it wasn’t much later that another individual, in the same shattered state, entered the station, gave his name as Heath and said Gabriel had abducted him, telling him he would be number 55.
Much against Chandler’s wishes, the big guns from Port Hedland were brought in, and his nemesis, the now Inspector Mitchell Andrews put himself in charge. Determined to find the answers to who the serial killer was; who the two men were; and receive accolades for his cleverness, Andrews quickly turned people against him. Chandler, relegated to lower duties, put his time in trying to work out who was who and why the events were happening. What would be the outcome in this baffling case?
With a terrible ending – shocking, horrible, completely unexpected – and a lot of macho posturing from Mitch amid his ongoing feud with Chandler, this debut novel was less than perfect in my opinion. The tension is gripping; breathtaking, but rather spoiled by Mitch and his determination to better Chandler. Author James Delargy’s novel, 55, has divided people into two different groups, going on the ratings so far, and I’m afraid I’m in the lower rating category. The formatting left a lot to be desired as well.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Much against Chandler’s wishes, the big guns from Port Hedland were brought in, and his nemesis, the now Inspector Mitchell Andrews put himself in charge. Determined to find the answers to who the serial killer was; who the two men were; and receive accolades for his cleverness, Andrews quickly turned people against him. Chandler, relegated to lower duties, put his time in trying to work out who was who and why the events were happening. What would be the outcome in this baffling case?
With a terrible ending – shocking, horrible, completely unexpected – and a lot of macho posturing from Mitch amid his ongoing feud with Chandler, this debut novel was less than perfect in my opinion. The tension is gripping; breathtaking, but rather spoiled by Mitch and his determination to better Chandler. Author James Delargy’s novel, 55, has divided people into two different groups, going on the ratings so far, and I’m afraid I’m in the lower rating category. The formatting left a lot to be desired as well.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2019
3.5 rounded up to 4!
In the small, isolated Outback town of Gardner's Hill, Western Australia, a distraught man named Gabriel stumbles into the police station. He claims to have been held prisoner by a serial killer called Heath, who intended him to be victim no 55. Later that day, another man turns up with the exact same story, stating his name as Heath, but is adamant Gabriel is the killer, not him. Which man is lying? It's up to Senior Sergeant Chandler Jenkins to figure out which of the two is a threat to the people in his town.
A steady-paced, engrossing thriller, with a gripping unique premise. It was well written, twisty, with creepy, religious undertones. The remote, lonely location served as a scary reminder that so much of the Australian Outback is unpopulated, and unliveable – the perfect, private hunting ground for a serial killer to hide.
Aside from the prologue, events unfold entirely from Chandlers POV in the third person. Mostly takes place in the present with occasional flashbacks to 10 years previously. It is very much a male dominated book, with few female characters, and the ones that there are aren't well developed. Chandler is a likeable character, but not the brightest tool in the shed, and also somewhat spineless at sticking up for himself. The rivalry between Chandler and visiting Inspector, Mitch Adams, did become tiresome, but for the plot to go in the direction it did became hugely important, so keep that in mind if you find their arguments getting on your nerves.
The ending saw me screaming in frustration, and I'm equally divided between it being clever versus just plain annoying. I'm hopeful it's foreshadowing for a sequel but could just as easily be deliberately open ended and left to your own interpretation. Put it this way, I think readers are going to either love it or hate it – nothing in between.
A movie is in the works, and I think it has a lot of potential if done right, and I'm curious to see whether they keep or change the ending? Recommend to my fellow thriller readers who enjoy small town Australian noir. Would I read another book by James Delargy – definitely! – particularly if it's a sequel to this one.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Simon & Schuster (Australia), and James Delargy for the e-ARC. 55 is available now!
In the small, isolated Outback town of Gardner's Hill, Western Australia, a distraught man named Gabriel stumbles into the police station. He claims to have been held prisoner by a serial killer called Heath, who intended him to be victim no 55. Later that day, another man turns up with the exact same story, stating his name as Heath, but is adamant Gabriel is the killer, not him. Which man is lying? It's up to Senior Sergeant Chandler Jenkins to figure out which of the two is a threat to the people in his town.
A steady-paced, engrossing thriller, with a gripping unique premise. It was well written, twisty, with creepy, religious undertones. The remote, lonely location served as a scary reminder that so much of the Australian Outback is unpopulated, and unliveable – the perfect, private hunting ground for a serial killer to hide.
Aside from the prologue, events unfold entirely from Chandlers POV in the third person. Mostly takes place in the present with occasional flashbacks to 10 years previously. It is very much a male dominated book, with few female characters, and the ones that there are aren't well developed. Chandler is a likeable character, but not the brightest tool in the shed, and also somewhat spineless at sticking up for himself. The rivalry between Chandler and visiting Inspector, Mitch Adams, did become tiresome, but for the plot to go in the direction it did became hugely important, so keep that in mind if you find their arguments getting on your nerves.
The ending saw me screaming in frustration, and I'm equally divided between it being clever versus just plain annoying. I'm hopeful it's foreshadowing for a sequel but could just as easily be deliberately open ended and left to your own interpretation. Put it this way, I think readers are going to either love it or hate it – nothing in between.
A movie is in the works, and I think it has a lot of potential if done right, and I'm curious to see whether they keep or change the ending? Recommend to my fellow thriller readers who enjoy small town Australian noir. Would I read another book by James Delargy – definitely! – particularly if it's a sequel to this one.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Simon & Schuster (Australia), and James Delargy for the e-ARC. 55 is available now!
April 18, 2021
I cannot believe that you ended it there James Delargy!! What the!!!! I was not expecting that at all. This book, a debut from this author was fantastic. This year I am reading more and new Australian writers and I am so glad that I picked this one up.. if you are. a fan of thrillers and police procedurals then you need to get your hands on it too. The story was clever and different and so well written. Set in outback Western Australia the writer makes you feel like you are there. I heard that this has been picked up for a movie, and I am looking forward to watching it.
Wilbrook is a quiet, remote little town in outback Western Australia. Nothing much happens there. That is until the day that Gabriel stumbles into Chandlers little police station. He is injured and bleeding. He claims that he was drugged and kidnapped by a man called Heath. Everything is thrown at finding Heath.. And then he walks into the very same police station claiming that Gabriel drugged and kidnapped him. Both men claim that the other tried to kill them and that they were to be victim Number 55. Does that have your attention? It certainly got mine!! The story jumps between now and back 10 years with a another case that Chandler was involved with his partner Mitchell. His old partner is no longer a fan of his and is called in to help in this serial killer case... making for a lot of tension.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster Australia and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are no way.
Wilbrook is a quiet, remote little town in outback Western Australia. Nothing much happens there. That is until the day that Gabriel stumbles into Chandlers little police station. He is injured and bleeding. He claims that he was drugged and kidnapped by a man called Heath. Everything is thrown at finding Heath.. And then he walks into the very same police station claiming that Gabriel drugged and kidnapped him. Both men claim that the other tried to kill them and that they were to be victim Number 55. Does that have your attention? It certainly got mine!! The story jumps between now and back 10 years with a another case that Chandler was involved with his partner Mitchell. His old partner is no longer a fan of his and is called in to help in this serial killer case... making for a lot of tension.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster Australia and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are no way.
April 26, 2021
55 is a compelling mystery set in the harsh, remote outback of Western Australia. The searing heat and isolation of the small town of Wilbrook, which has been in decline since its mining industry collapsed, is vividly described. Its tiny police station has a claustrophobic feel, but there is little for the staff to do except settling domestic disputes and bar fights. The author, James Delargy, is not Australian, but lived and worked there, as I had, and the setting and characters were believable. The premise was intriguing and original, and I was fascinated by his innovative approach. I can’t wait to see what he writes next.
I was conflicted about my rating while reading this. It started out very strong, establishing the mystery and characters. At times I found it slow. I was not fully engaged at times in feeling the suspenseful events, especially when the two suspects were repeatedly interviewed and questioned, always giving identical answers. The conflict and dialogue between the local head of the police department and the outside Inspector was well done.
But OMG, the ending! Mr. Delargy was very brave and twisted to go there. The jolting open-ending may alienate some readers and elevate it for others. It was so completely unexpected and shocking, it made the story even more memorable and left me shattered, even going back and rereading it several times.
Chandler Jenkins heads the small police department. He dotes on his two children who are cared for by his parents while he balances his life between being a single father and his role as a police sergeant. He married a long gone younger woman who could not endure life in the Outback.
One day a terrified man named Gabriel stumbles into the police station. His clothing is in tatters and covered with dried blood, and he has bruises, abrasions and other injuries. He says he was hitchhiking inland in the wilderness looking for work at a ranch or cattle station. He was abducted and chained in a remote shed by a man called Heath. He was told by Heath that he had killed 54 and Gabriel would be number 55. He managed to escape and fled to Wilbrook. Shortly afterwards, a man is arrested while trying to steal a car. His name is Heath, and the attempted theft was his need to flee from a man called Gabriel. Heath is frightened that Gabriel is following him and going to murder him after Heath escaped from a shed where he was imprisoned and shackled. He was told he would be number 55.
Since the two men have exactly the same stories, which one is the serial killer, or is any of it true? Were they partners in crime who had a falling out? Some are wondering if they are collaborating on some far fetched scheme to write a book or to sue the police for misconduct. But they each seem terrified of the other. Why do both describe finding a site during their flight which contains approximately six graves?
With very little clues to pursue, Chandler knows that he needs help from the regional police force. Unfortunately, this means bringing in Mitchell Andrews, a nasty, pompous man of driving ambition. He arrives with his team and takes over the station and investigation, placing Chandler in an insignificant and subordinate position. He constantly demeans Chandler and threatens to have him fired. We learn they were once childhood friends and rookie policemen who worked together on a search and rescue mission. Having different ambitions and personality, they had a falling out during the search. Mitch moved away to regional headquarters, where he progressed in rank and power.
Mitch now degrades Chandler, who stayed behind. We get flashbacks to the relentless search years before. This is very much connected and relevant to the present mystery. Under Mitch’s direction, they look for the shack both men described. Chandler is desperate to keep himself involved in the investigation. On finding the shed in a burned out condition, only a few flimsy clues remain. From these fragile clues, Chandler is able to figure out in his head the perpetrator of the crime, and the very strange motive.
Chandler becomes more assertive and Mitch less aggressive towards the end. But oh! The shattering conclusion which will remain in my mind for a long time.
I was conflicted about my rating while reading this. It started out very strong, establishing the mystery and characters. At times I found it slow. I was not fully engaged at times in feeling the suspenseful events, especially when the two suspects were repeatedly interviewed and questioned, always giving identical answers. The conflict and dialogue between the local head of the police department and the outside Inspector was well done.
But OMG, the ending! Mr. Delargy was very brave and twisted to go there. The jolting open-ending may alienate some readers and elevate it for others. It was so completely unexpected and shocking, it made the story even more memorable and left me shattered, even going back and rereading it several times.
Chandler Jenkins heads the small police department. He dotes on his two children who are cared for by his parents while he balances his life between being a single father and his role as a police sergeant. He married a long gone younger woman who could not endure life in the Outback.
One day a terrified man named Gabriel stumbles into the police station. His clothing is in tatters and covered with dried blood, and he has bruises, abrasions and other injuries. He says he was hitchhiking inland in the wilderness looking for work at a ranch or cattle station. He was abducted and chained in a remote shed by a man called Heath. He was told by Heath that he had killed 54 and Gabriel would be number 55. He managed to escape and fled to Wilbrook. Shortly afterwards, a man is arrested while trying to steal a car. His name is Heath, and the attempted theft was his need to flee from a man called Gabriel. Heath is frightened that Gabriel is following him and going to murder him after Heath escaped from a shed where he was imprisoned and shackled. He was told he would be number 55.
Since the two men have exactly the same stories, which one is the serial killer, or is any of it true? Were they partners in crime who had a falling out? Some are wondering if they are collaborating on some far fetched scheme to write a book or to sue the police for misconduct. But they each seem terrified of the other. Why do both describe finding a site during their flight which contains approximately six graves?
With very little clues to pursue, Chandler knows that he needs help from the regional police force. Unfortunately, this means bringing in Mitchell Andrews, a nasty, pompous man of driving ambition. He arrives with his team and takes over the station and investigation, placing Chandler in an insignificant and subordinate position. He constantly demeans Chandler and threatens to have him fired. We learn they were once childhood friends and rookie policemen who worked together on a search and rescue mission. Having different ambitions and personality, they had a falling out during the search. Mitch moved away to regional headquarters, where he progressed in rank and power.
Mitch now degrades Chandler, who stayed behind. We get flashbacks to the relentless search years before. This is very much connected and relevant to the present mystery. Under Mitch’s direction, they look for the shack both men described. Chandler is desperate to keep himself involved in the investigation. On finding the shed in a burned out condition, only a few flimsy clues remain. From these fragile clues, Chandler is able to figure out in his head the perpetrator of the crime, and the very strange motive.
Chandler becomes more assertive and Mitch less aggressive towards the end. But oh! The shattering conclusion which will remain in my mind for a long time.
June 10, 2025
Більше дописів та інфи в моєму авторському блозі - "Ласкаво просимо в Касл-Рок, штат Мен"
Австралійський трилер «55» Джеймса Деларґі випадково потрапив в поле мого зору, але я не жалкую, що взявся за його читання. Книга тримає увагу читача, переплітає минуле та теперішнє головних персонажів та містить всьо то, що я люблю в цьому жанрі – провінція, серійний вбивця, протагоніст зі скелетами у шафі, який готовий на все заради справедливості.
Загалом у нас мало на ринку жанрової літератури австралійських авторів, а в особливості детективів-трилерів. Я точно пам’ятаю, що читав «Посуху» Джейн Гарпер та дивився екранізацію роману. Сподобалось.
Я не буду довго зациклюватися на подіях, бо тут треба читати. Те, що можу сказати точно – автору вдалося по-справжньому заплутати і лише в кінці мені вдалося скласти головоломку докупи. І ще – Деларгі вдалося майстерно поєднати класичну концепцію американського детективного трилеру з реаліями австралійського провінційного життя. І вийшла така собі гримуча оригінальна суміш, яка не те що має право на існування – нею варто надихатися.
Ну й з головними персонажами теж все вдалось. Протагоніст - фігура не дуже однозначна, бо я сумнівався в його професійних якостях. І антагоніст вийшов фактурний - з дивною, але переконливою мотивацією сіяти зло серед людей.
Але головна родзинка трилеру – кінцівка. Лише через неї цю книгу обов’язково треба прочитати, бо апогей напруги зберігається до останнього речення, крайнього слова. І навіть після емоції не відпускають, бо лише секунд через 10-20 приходить розуміння того, що сталося і як з цим бути. Емоційно – вишка. Але я так сподівався, що все складеться інакше і тримав пальці схрещенними.
Відгук вийшов короткий, але кажу впевнено - «55» Джеймса Деларгі точно рекомендую до прочитання, вона того варта.
Австралійський трилер «55» Джеймса Деларґі випадково потрапив в поле мого зору, але я не жалкую, що взявся за його читання. Книга тримає увагу читача, переплітає минуле та теперішнє головних персонажів та містить всьо то, що я люблю в цьому жанрі – провінція, серійний вбивця, протагоніст зі скелетами у шафі, який готовий на все заради справедливості.
Загалом у нас мало на ринку жанрової літератури австралійських авторів, а в особливості детективів-трилерів. Я точно пам’ятаю, що читав «Посуху» Джейн Гарпер та дивився екранізацію роману. Сподобалось.
Я не буду довго зациклюватися на подіях, бо тут треба читати. Те, що можу сказати точно – автору вдалося по-справжньому заплутати і лише в кінці мені вдалося скласти головоломку докупи. І ще – Деларгі вдалося майстерно поєднати класичну концепцію американського детективного трилеру з реаліями австралійського провінційного життя. І вийшла така собі гримуча оригінальна суміш, яка не те що має право на існування – нею варто надихатися.
Ну й з головними персонажами теж все вдалось. Протагоніст - фігура не дуже однозначна, бо я сумнівався в його професійних якостях. І антагоніст вийшов фактурний - з дивною, але переконливою мотивацією сіяти зло серед людей.
Але головна родзинка трилеру – кінцівка. Лише через неї цю книгу обов’язково треба прочитати, бо апогей напруги зберігається до останнього речення, крайнього слова. І навіть після емоції не відпускають, бо лише секунд через 10-20 приходить розуміння того, що сталося і як з цим бути. Емоційно – вишка. Але я так сподівався, що все складеться інакше і тримав пальці схрещенними.
Відгук вийшов короткий, але кажу впевнено - «55» Джеймса Деларгі точно рекомендую до прочитання, вона того варта.
January 4, 2019
A small police station in a quiet remote town in Australia is sent into chaos when a man arrives stating that he has been held prisoner by a serial killer and he was to be victim number 55.
Later that day another man arrives with the same story and these two men are blaming each other. Unfortunately the first man can no longer be found.
A slow burning story with some good characters.
Thank you to NetGalley Simon and Schuster UK Fiction for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Later that day another man arrives with the same story and these two men are blaming each other. Unfortunately the first man can no longer be found.
A slow burning story with some good characters.
Thank you to NetGalley Simon and Schuster UK Fiction for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2018
One sitting, totally absorbing and utterly addictive read with a KILLER ending- that is “55”, the novel coming next year from James DeLargey, definitely a writer to watch although I’m not sure I’d like to live in his head.
One victim. One killer. But which is which? This is the conundrum facing our beleagured main protagonist Chandler, manning a small police station in the back end of nowhere, suddenly thrust into a case beyond imagination. Invaded by an old nemesis whose belief in his own investigative skills is second to none, Chandler leaps from one disaster to another, as the press descend and suddenly the spotlight is everywhere.
The plotting is taut and very very clever, the characters are all intriguing and fascinating- not least our two prospective killers, who you’ll waver between with every passing chapter. The setting is wide open and beautifully described adding an atmospheric sense of place to proceedings, the wilderness being a character in it’s own right.
Overall this was a hugely fun read in its mystery element and packs quite the emotional punch on occasion too. The ending really is killer, I let out a little yelp, fairly sure that one isn’t leaving my head anytime soon.
Brilliant. Loved it.
Highly Recommended.
One victim. One killer. But which is which? This is the conundrum facing our beleagured main protagonist Chandler, manning a small police station in the back end of nowhere, suddenly thrust into a case beyond imagination. Invaded by an old nemesis whose belief in his own investigative skills is second to none, Chandler leaps from one disaster to another, as the press descend and suddenly the spotlight is everywhere.
The plotting is taut and very very clever, the characters are all intriguing and fascinating- not least our two prospective killers, who you’ll waver between with every passing chapter. The setting is wide open and beautifully described adding an atmospheric sense of place to proceedings, the wilderness being a character in it’s own right.
Overall this was a hugely fun read in its mystery element and packs quite the emotional punch on occasion too. The ending really is killer, I let out a little yelp, fairly sure that one isn’t leaving my head anytime soon.
Brilliant. Loved it.
Highly Recommended.
May 29, 2019
Nothing takes you out of a book like someone describing the Australian outback as having ‘woods’.
April 29, 2019
From the opening pages of his first novel, 55, Irish-born author, James Delargy creates instant intrigue when two men, clearly in fear of their lives, enter a remote Western Australian town in short succession claiming to have barely escaped a serial killer. The details of their ordeals are virtually identical, except that each names the other as the killer, and themselves as number 55.
With his staff of four, Wilbrook’s Sergeant Chandler Jenkins is ill-equipped to mount a search when one of the men disappears, and finds his town overrun by the expensively-besuited Inspector Mitchell Andrews and his slick-looking team of ten. Mitch and Chandler started out in the force together, but ten years earlier, their paths diverged.
Delargy’s protagonist is a young cop with integrity whose focus on the case is blurred by the uncomfortable history he has with Mitch. Chandler chose family life while ambitious Mitch chose a career; now, though, Chandler finds that what he does have is under threat. While Chandler is a believable character (although his self-pity and resentment wears a little thin), Mitch seems exaggerated to almost a stereotype. The minor characters show a little depth but don’t really get a chance to shine.
A secondary narrative details the search, ten years earlier, for a missing bush walker that highlighted how very different Chandler and Mitch were, both as policemen and as people, a difference that seems, if anything, to have amplified over the intervening years.
Delargy’s descriptive prose easily conveys the Pilbara: the dry, searing heat, the desiccated landscape, the vastness, the challenge of distance, and the isolation. Well-articulated, too, are the small-town attitudes, with some sense of, community but also gossip, nosiness, and the disconnection from the city. The resultant boredom evidenced by the younger police officers’ hunger for some excitement.
Delargy certainly keeps his reader guessing about what really happened and whether either of the two are telling the truth as he sprinkles clues and red herrings throughout the story, inserting twists and turns right up to a dramatic climax and the shocking conclusion. A crime thriller that starts with great promise but doesn’t quite deliver.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Australia.
With his staff of four, Wilbrook’s Sergeant Chandler Jenkins is ill-equipped to mount a search when one of the men disappears, and finds his town overrun by the expensively-besuited Inspector Mitchell Andrews and his slick-looking team of ten. Mitch and Chandler started out in the force together, but ten years earlier, their paths diverged.
Delargy’s protagonist is a young cop with integrity whose focus on the case is blurred by the uncomfortable history he has with Mitch. Chandler chose family life while ambitious Mitch chose a career; now, though, Chandler finds that what he does have is under threat. While Chandler is a believable character (although his self-pity and resentment wears a little thin), Mitch seems exaggerated to almost a stereotype. The minor characters show a little depth but don’t really get a chance to shine.
A secondary narrative details the search, ten years earlier, for a missing bush walker that highlighted how very different Chandler and Mitch were, both as policemen and as people, a difference that seems, if anything, to have amplified over the intervening years.
Delargy’s descriptive prose easily conveys the Pilbara: the dry, searing heat, the desiccated landscape, the vastness, the challenge of distance, and the isolation. Well-articulated, too, are the small-town attitudes, with some sense of, community but also gossip, nosiness, and the disconnection from the city. The resultant boredom evidenced by the younger police officers’ hunger for some excitement.
Delargy certainly keeps his reader guessing about what really happened and whether either of the two are telling the truth as he sprinkles clues and red herrings throughout the story, inserting twists and turns right up to a dramatic climax and the shocking conclusion. A crime thriller that starts with great promise but doesn’t quite deliver.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Australia.
June 7, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Thanks to The Dry by Jane Harper and one of my personal favourite crime fiction books of last year, Scrublands by Chris Hammer, Australian rural based crime fiction is really getting the star treatment. Emerging author James Delargy brings us 55, a crime based serial killer novel set in the heart of the outback. It is a book where the lines of truth, lies and reality are completely blurred and it certainly made for a gripping read.
Billed as an outback thriller and a cross between The Dry and Wolf Creek, 55 opens in the tiny township of Wilbrook, in remote Western Australia. Surrounded by vast landscape as far as the eye can see, this quiet little town has seen very little by the way of the crime, only the occasional domestic dispute or speeding fine. Chandler Jenkins is the chief police sergeant, in charge of maintaining peace and order in Wilbrook. On yet another relentlessly hot day, a stranger arrives on the doorstep of the Wilbrook police station. The man is hurt and clearly distressed. The stranger says his name is Gabriel and he reels off a story about being abducted, drugged and held against his will by a man named Heath. The final nail in the coffin is that Gabriel was told by his captor that he is victim number 55. Just as Chandler begins to co-ordinate a search to find Gabriel’s captor and a possible serial killer, the very man himself walks into the station. Again, the same story as Gabriel’s is relayed, only this time Heath names Gabriel as his captor. It is up to Chandler and his team to figure out which one of these two men are telling that truth and where are the 54 other victims?
This debut novel has a fantastic and thrilling hook, the pace was exhilarating, the characterisation full bodied, the atmosphere tension filled and the setting was incredibly vivid. Splitting the novel between two time frames provided the reader with a two for one style deal crime wise. Charged with solving a crime in the past (2002) and the present day, 55 will keep you in its sights. Plenty of dead ends, red herrings and plot diversions are served, ensuring the reader must stay on track throughout the whole novel.
I was ready to award 55 a big whopping five star rating. I love my Australian crime books and 55 really did take the cake for one of the best crime novels I have read this year (Candice Fox and Jane Harper’s books aside). I was completely impressed by 55, especially the highly original narrative concept and I was keen to explore the possibility of an outback killer who may have murdered 54 victims. It is a gruesome thought but definitely a hooking premise. However, and I do emphasise the however, there is a big shock in store for the reader during the final moments of this book. It was a huge letdown after all I had invested in this book and how much I almost loved it! I even went back to check to see that in my speed read state of mind I may have missed the big reveal. Sadly I didn’t and it did lead me to wonder if perhaps the author is toying with the idea of a sequel, or even a series spin off. I do know screen rights have been acquired, but I was disappointed!
Astute, original, addictive and mesmerising, reach for 55 by James Delargy if you have a weakness for outback crime fiction, which is a gaining so much momentum here and across the globe.
Thanks to The Dry by Jane Harper and one of my personal favourite crime fiction books of last year, Scrublands by Chris Hammer, Australian rural based crime fiction is really getting the star treatment. Emerging author James Delargy brings us 55, a crime based serial killer novel set in the heart of the outback. It is a book where the lines of truth, lies and reality are completely blurred and it certainly made for a gripping read.
Billed as an outback thriller and a cross between The Dry and Wolf Creek, 55 opens in the tiny township of Wilbrook, in remote Western Australia. Surrounded by vast landscape as far as the eye can see, this quiet little town has seen very little by the way of the crime, only the occasional domestic dispute or speeding fine. Chandler Jenkins is the chief police sergeant, in charge of maintaining peace and order in Wilbrook. On yet another relentlessly hot day, a stranger arrives on the doorstep of the Wilbrook police station. The man is hurt and clearly distressed. The stranger says his name is Gabriel and he reels off a story about being abducted, drugged and held against his will by a man named Heath. The final nail in the coffin is that Gabriel was told by his captor that he is victim number 55. Just as Chandler begins to co-ordinate a search to find Gabriel’s captor and a possible serial killer, the very man himself walks into the station. Again, the same story as Gabriel’s is relayed, only this time Heath names Gabriel as his captor. It is up to Chandler and his team to figure out which one of these two men are telling that truth and where are the 54 other victims?
This debut novel has a fantastic and thrilling hook, the pace was exhilarating, the characterisation full bodied, the atmosphere tension filled and the setting was incredibly vivid. Splitting the novel between two time frames provided the reader with a two for one style deal crime wise. Charged with solving a crime in the past (2002) and the present day, 55 will keep you in its sights. Plenty of dead ends, red herrings and plot diversions are served, ensuring the reader must stay on track throughout the whole novel.
I was ready to award 55 a big whopping five star rating. I love my Australian crime books and 55 really did take the cake for one of the best crime novels I have read this year (Candice Fox and Jane Harper’s books aside). I was completely impressed by 55, especially the highly original narrative concept and I was keen to explore the possibility of an outback killer who may have murdered 54 victims. It is a gruesome thought but definitely a hooking premise. However, and I do emphasise the however, there is a big shock in store for the reader during the final moments of this book. It was a huge letdown after all I had invested in this book and how much I almost loved it! I even went back to check to see that in my speed read state of mind I may have missed the big reveal. Sadly I didn’t and it did lead me to wonder if perhaps the author is toying with the idea of a sequel, or even a series spin off. I do know screen rights have been acquired, but I was disappointed!
Astute, original, addictive and mesmerising, reach for 55 by James Delargy if you have a weakness for outback crime fiction, which is a gaining so much momentum here and across the globe.
January 11, 2024
I didn't mind reading 55 by James Delargy. I got caught up in the rolling thriller which was well crafted. Contrary to what other reviewers though I didn't mind the ending which perhaps leaves you thinking about the book long after you have finished more than a traditional ending would.
There were a few references throughout the book that annoyed me, like calling the Australian bush the 'woods', and parents referred to as 'folks'. I also wondered if random people were ever hired to search for missing people in the outback when I thought this was usually volunteers or SES (State Emergency Services). Also the novel is situated in the remote north of Western Australia and there was not once reference to help from national park rangers or Aboriginal trackers?
So apart from these little niggling points, 55 by James Delargy was quite a well woven story with enough dust, interesting Aussie characters and realistic, colourful language to keep you entertained.
(PS, a fun fact is that the book ends on chapter 55!)
There were a few references throughout the book that annoyed me, like calling the Australian bush the 'woods', and parents referred to as 'folks'. I also wondered if random people were ever hired to search for missing people in the outback when I thought this was usually volunteers or SES (State Emergency Services). Also the novel is situated in the remote north of Western Australia and there was not once reference to help from national park rangers or Aboriginal trackers?
So apart from these little niggling points, 55 by James Delargy was quite a well woven story with enough dust, interesting Aussie characters and realistic, colourful language to keep you entertained.
(PS, a fun fact is that the book ends on chapter 55!)
April 23, 2019
3.5★ for this thrilling debut novel by Irish-born author James Delargy.
A terrified young man named Gabriel arrives at the police station in a small, remote Pilbara town, with a tale of escaping a serial-killer, Heath, who had told him he was going to be number 55. Barely had the police managed to plan their approach to locating Heath, when the man himself is brought into the station, blustering at gun-point, explaining his attempt to take the gun-wielder's vehicle was to escape from Gabriel, a serial-killer who had told him he was going to be victim number 55.
The details of both men's stories are virtually identical, but which one is telling the truth?
This is a book of thirds. With this killer opening, and a completely mind-blowing, stunning end, the first and last thirds of the book are deserving of all the hype this book is getting. However, I felt it dragged somewhat in the middle. If that had been a bit tighter - perhaps without so much of the chest-beating between cardboard cutout Inspector Mitch Andrews and his former childhood friend (and hero of this story) Sergeant Chandler Jenkins - I would have rated it higher. At around 400 pages, it could afford to have lost a few.
For the story alone, this is probably 4 or even 4.5★, but I had some other problems with it too. My digital ARC had a number of irritating editing issues (chiefly apostrophe mis-use and word order mistakes), but I tried to overlook those as much as possible, expecting they would be corrected prior to publication. What kept tripping me up though, was some glaring language errors. Apparently the author has spent some time living in Australia, and full credit to him for setting his novel in remote WA, but the myriad references to 'State' as a separate policing entity (i.e. distinct from the local police unit) really grated. As did constant references to the 'woods' of the Pilbara (come on, if anything they are forests or just the bush), not to mention the 'farms' in the area (stations!!...cattle stations or sheep stations). For me it marked the author as an outsider - more than just an author trying to write for an international audience - and caused me to rate it a little lower on authenticity.
Still it was a good read, and I thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a copy to read and review.
A terrified young man named Gabriel arrives at the police station in a small, remote Pilbara town, with a tale of escaping a serial-killer, Heath, who had told him he was going to be number 55. Barely had the police managed to plan their approach to locating Heath, when the man himself is brought into the station, blustering at gun-point, explaining his attempt to take the gun-wielder's vehicle was to escape from Gabriel, a serial-killer who had told him he was going to be victim number 55.
The details of both men's stories are virtually identical, but which one is telling the truth?
This is a book of thirds. With this killer opening, and a completely mind-blowing, stunning end, the first and last thirds of the book are deserving of all the hype this book is getting. However, I felt it dragged somewhat in the middle. If that had been a bit tighter - perhaps without so much of the chest-beating between cardboard cutout Inspector Mitch Andrews and his former childhood friend (and hero of this story) Sergeant Chandler Jenkins - I would have rated it higher. At around 400 pages, it could afford to have lost a few.
For the story alone, this is probably 4 or even 4.5★, but I had some other problems with it too. My digital ARC had a number of irritating editing issues (chiefly apostrophe mis-use and word order mistakes), but I tried to overlook those as much as possible, expecting they would be corrected prior to publication. What kept tripping me up though, was some glaring language errors. Apparently the author has spent some time living in Australia, and full credit to him for setting his novel in remote WA, but the myriad references to 'State' as a separate policing entity (i.e. distinct from the local police unit) really grated. As did constant references to the 'woods' of the Pilbara (come on, if anything they are forests or just the bush), not to mention the 'farms' in the area (stations!!...cattle stations or sheep stations). For me it marked the author as an outsider - more than just an author trying to write for an international audience - and caused me to rate it a little lower on authenticity.
Still it was a good read, and I thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a copy to read and review.
March 3, 2019
2.5 stars.
Great idea, but sadly I don't think the actual story lived up to it. And the ending was especially terrible.
Started well, but went down hill, boring, didn't like ending. Hugely disappointed coz the idea was just great! After being given such a build up by the publisher, I was really looking forward to it, so I guess that's why it was so sad to dislike the last half.
Great idea, but sadly I don't think the actual story lived up to it. And the ending was especially terrible.
Started well, but went down hill, boring, didn't like ending. Hugely disappointed coz the idea was just great! After being given such a build up by the publisher, I was really looking forward to it, so I guess that's why it was so sad to dislike the last half.
April 6, 2019
When I first spotted this book on Twitter, I just knew it was one I had to read. The fascinating and intriguing premise caught my eye instantly. Who is fifty-five indeed?! My expectations were high but as soon as I started reading the first page, I was already convinced James Delargy was going to live up to them. And then some.
Welcome to the sleepy town of Wilbrook, Western Australia. A town so remote, it’s almost falling off the map. A town surrounded by stunning landscapes and beautiful Mother Nature and yet, it feels oddly claustrophobic. Nothing much ever happens in Wilbrook. It’s the kind of town you leave behind in a trail of dust on your way to the bright lights of the big cities.
The small police department mostly deals with domestic disputes, noise complaints, maybe a drunken fight here and there. But all that changes when a blood-soaked Gabriel enters the station. He says he was kidnapped by a serial killer called Heath, who told him he was going to be his fifty-fifth victim. Police Sergeant Chandler Jenkins quickly launches a manhunt for this Heath but to his surprise, Heath walks into the police station himself, telling the exact same story. Two suspects or two victims?
Yes, good luck trying to figure that one out. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something would happen to make me doubt myself and my opinion shifted. These characters are so immensely intriguing and one or two are also awfully unlikeable. Somehow whatever is going on draws parallels with events from the past, which at some point led me to having one of those exciting eureka moments. But for the most part, my theories kept changing throughout the story as the author kept me guessing until the end, unable to predict the outcome.
Speaking of outcomes, I normally make it a point not to mention endings but I can’t wrap this review up without it this time. It is just extremely shocking and it left me so immensely flabbergasted, I had to read it three times. Only to spend the next ten minutes gazing into the distance wondering what the hell I just read. Fa-bu-lous!
This isn’t an easy one to review. Obviously I don’t want to give anything away and all you really need to know is right there in the book description. I will say “55” is brilliantly plotted, extremely clever, delightfully atmospheric and an incredibly addictive page-turner. I found it so intensely gripping that I just couldn’t put it down and devoured it in one glorious reading session. I’m pretty sure you’ll be seeing this book again in my end-of-year wrap up. Loved it!
“55” is an incredible debut and I can’t wait to see what James Delargy comes up with next. In the meantime, I’ll be recommending “55” until I’m blue in the face.
Welcome to the sleepy town of Wilbrook, Western Australia. A town so remote, it’s almost falling off the map. A town surrounded by stunning landscapes and beautiful Mother Nature and yet, it feels oddly claustrophobic. Nothing much ever happens in Wilbrook. It’s the kind of town you leave behind in a trail of dust on your way to the bright lights of the big cities.
The small police department mostly deals with domestic disputes, noise complaints, maybe a drunken fight here and there. But all that changes when a blood-soaked Gabriel enters the station. He says he was kidnapped by a serial killer called Heath, who told him he was going to be his fifty-fifth victim. Police Sergeant Chandler Jenkins quickly launches a manhunt for this Heath but to his surprise, Heath walks into the police station himself, telling the exact same story. Two suspects or two victims?
Yes, good luck trying to figure that one out. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something would happen to make me doubt myself and my opinion shifted. These characters are so immensely intriguing and one or two are also awfully unlikeable. Somehow whatever is going on draws parallels with events from the past, which at some point led me to having one of those exciting eureka moments. But for the most part, my theories kept changing throughout the story as the author kept me guessing until the end, unable to predict the outcome.
Speaking of outcomes, I normally make it a point not to mention endings but I can’t wrap this review up without it this time. It is just extremely shocking and it left me so immensely flabbergasted, I had to read it three times. Only to spend the next ten minutes gazing into the distance wondering what the hell I just read. Fa-bu-lous!
This isn’t an easy one to review. Obviously I don’t want to give anything away and all you really need to know is right there in the book description. I will say “55” is brilliantly plotted, extremely clever, delightfully atmospheric and an incredibly addictive page-turner. I found it so intensely gripping that I just couldn’t put it down and devoured it in one glorious reading session. I’m pretty sure you’ll be seeing this book again in my end-of-year wrap up. Loved it!
“55” is an incredible debut and I can’t wait to see what James Delargy comes up with next. In the meantime, I’ll be recommending “55” until I’m blue in the face.
July 27, 2019
This fascinating new book grabbed me from the first time I read the description, but a bit of back history: I used to be thoroughly addicted to crime fiction, especially all things serial killer related, then I kind of moved on from this addiction. I suspect that they all became a bit similar, and the only way many authors could find to up the ante was to up the violence and that never really made it more interesting.
In 55, the second I read the description on the publishers pages there was an exciting, innovative hook the theme of which was;
My name is Gabriel. A man called Heath tried to kill me, he said he wanted me to be number 55.
My name is Heath. A man called Gabriel tried to kill me, he said he wanted me to be number 55.
In Wilbrook, a small arid nowhere town in Western Australia our leading character is Chandler who has lived there his whole life and is now the police sergeant. It is hardly a high crime job and so his station is thrown into turmoil when a man, tattered and beaten walks in calling himself Gabriel claiming to have been abducted, held captive and to have escaped his abductor just as he was about to be murdered, number 55...
As the station copes with the notion that there is a serial killer out in the great nothingness of the desert who has killed that many people undetected, a second man is brought into the station. His name is Heath, his story is so close to identical to Gabriel's that there is no chance of coincidence.
Before long the the regional inspector, a man who has a history with Chandler, descends on the station in an attempt to solve the issue which just keeps getting more and more complicated.
This was a really interesting and innovative thriller, it was refreshingly unlike anything similar I had read before. The slow unraveling of who the actual killer is occurs mostly in Chandlers head with the setting being crucial to the story. There is a lot I would like to discuss about this book, but I would hate to spoiler it for anyone - read it, come back and lets talk about it!
I will say that I loved the setting. It is a brave author who sets their debut novel in a country that is not their own and that is exactly what Delargy has done. I can only assume that having visited Australia, he was impressed enough by it to set his first novel here. As I, too, love Australia I am obscurely flattered by that and I have to say he has done a fantastic job at getting the feel. There are a couple of little slips, of course, that an Australian will read and say to themselves 'hang on...' but I doubt if anyone but an Australian will notice. One is the use of the American colloquialism 'Sheriff' that is a bit odd, also the occasion where one potential serial killer blusters about suing the police, well, maybe, but this is not really a suing culture the way America is. Magistrates tend to be a bit leary of that sort of thing. Still, I will give Delargy the benefit of the doubt and say that the person had just watched a lot of American TV.
Now a bit about the characters, our main character of course is Chandler, but if he is our hero then the main villain is not the serial killer (whichever one of the two men it is) but actually the inspector Mitch, whom Chandler was friends with as a kid but who has walked into Wilbrook with attitude, a team of his own and some serious animosity toward Chandler. The story is entirely from Chandlers point of view and the tension between the two makes for interesting character building options. The other character that is given a lot of time is Gabriel, again, no spoilers but I loved what the author did with this one.
The ending. Well, it left me speechless and not many do that. At first I kept turning pages, thinking it was a printing error, that that could not possibly be the ending!
Then I went away and thought that I hated it. Then I thought about it a bit more, decided I did not hate it but still didn't know what to think about it and I am in fact still thinking about it two books later. It was my intention to wait to write this review until after I had come to a conclusion about the ending. However, since that does not seem to be on the horizon I would like to thank Simon & Schuster for this free copy in return for an honest review. Also I would like to thank the author for the signed copy and for writing a smashing thriller which is making me think more than any crime fiction has for ages.
In 55, the second I read the description on the publishers pages there was an exciting, innovative hook the theme of which was;
My name is Gabriel. A man called Heath tried to kill me, he said he wanted me to be number 55.
My name is Heath. A man called Gabriel tried to kill me, he said he wanted me to be number 55.
In Wilbrook, a small arid nowhere town in Western Australia our leading character is Chandler who has lived there his whole life and is now the police sergeant. It is hardly a high crime job and so his station is thrown into turmoil when a man, tattered and beaten walks in calling himself Gabriel claiming to have been abducted, held captive and to have escaped his abductor just as he was about to be murdered, number 55...
As the station copes with the notion that there is a serial killer out in the great nothingness of the desert who has killed that many people undetected, a second man is brought into the station. His name is Heath, his story is so close to identical to Gabriel's that there is no chance of coincidence.
Before long the the regional inspector, a man who has a history with Chandler, descends on the station in an attempt to solve the issue which just keeps getting more and more complicated.
This was a really interesting and innovative thriller, it was refreshingly unlike anything similar I had read before. The slow unraveling of who the actual killer is occurs mostly in Chandlers head with the setting being crucial to the story. There is a lot I would like to discuss about this book, but I would hate to spoiler it for anyone - read it, come back and lets talk about it!
I will say that I loved the setting. It is a brave author who sets their debut novel in a country that is not their own and that is exactly what Delargy has done. I can only assume that having visited Australia, he was impressed enough by it to set his first novel here. As I, too, love Australia I am obscurely flattered by that and I have to say he has done a fantastic job at getting the feel. There are a couple of little slips, of course, that an Australian will read and say to themselves 'hang on...' but I doubt if anyone but an Australian will notice. One is the use of the American colloquialism 'Sheriff' that is a bit odd, also the occasion where one potential serial killer blusters about suing the police, well, maybe, but this is not really a suing culture the way America is. Magistrates tend to be a bit leary of that sort of thing. Still, I will give Delargy the benefit of the doubt and say that the person had just watched a lot of American TV.
Now a bit about the characters, our main character of course is Chandler, but if he is our hero then the main villain is not the serial killer (whichever one of the two men it is) but actually the inspector Mitch, whom Chandler was friends with as a kid but who has walked into Wilbrook with attitude, a team of his own and some serious animosity toward Chandler. The story is entirely from Chandlers point of view and the tension between the two makes for interesting character building options. The other character that is given a lot of time is Gabriel, again, no spoilers but I loved what the author did with this one.
The ending. Well, it left me speechless and not many do that. At first I kept turning pages, thinking it was a printing error, that that could not possibly be the ending!
Then I went away and thought that I hated it. Then I thought about it a bit more, decided I did not hate it but still didn't know what to think about it and I am in fact still thinking about it two books later. It was my intention to wait to write this review until after I had come to a conclusion about the ending. However, since that does not seem to be on the horizon I would like to thank Simon & Schuster for this free copy in return for an honest review. Also I would like to thank the author for the signed copy and for writing a smashing thriller which is making me think more than any crime fiction has for ages.
December 26, 2023
Labai labai faina ir intriguojanti knygos idėja - į komisariatą, kelių valandų bėgyje, vienas paskui kitą ateina du vyrai. Abu sumušti, iššsigandę, pikti ir sakosi, jog juos bandė nužudyti. Vieno vyro vardas Geibrelis, kito Hetas. Geibrelis žudiku vadina Hetą ir jį apibūdina, Hetas tą patį padaro su Geibrelio apibūdinimu. Abu sakosi, jog žudikas juos pavadino 55 savo auka. Seržantas Čandleris pasimetęs. Vadovaudamas mažo miestelio policijai jis nėra susidūręs su serijiniais žudikais ir dabar iškyla tikra dilema: kuo tikėti, kurį paleisti ir kaip išpešti tiesą?
Tai va tik tiek šioje knygoje gero ir radau. Šitą pagrindinę idėją. Jau tikraaaai galvojau, kad reikalas bus žiauriai gerai išsuktas ir lauks netikėtumas po netikėtumo. Nope. Daugiau nei pusę knygos tik tai ir vyksta: visi stebisi kaip čia taip nutiko su tais dviem vyrais ir galvoja ką daryti. Tik tiek. Na, dar kur ne kur įsimaišo asmeninės Čandlerio šeimos dramos, bet jos nė kiek neįdomios ir neužkabina tiek, kad rūpėtų. Skyrybos, dalybos, liūdnoka praeitis. Skaityta, matyta, girdėta. Ir pats pagrindinis veikėjas niekuo neišskirtinis ir visai neįsidėmėtinas personažas. Atomazga irgi suskubėta, suvaryta į patį galą ir neįtikinanti. Deja, bet nusivyliau...
Tai va tik tiek šioje knygoje gero ir radau. Šitą pagrindinę idėją. Jau tikraaaai galvojau, kad reikalas bus žiauriai gerai išsuktas ir lauks netikėtumas po netikėtumo. Nope. Daugiau nei pusę knygos tik tai ir vyksta: visi stebisi kaip čia taip nutiko su tais dviem vyrais ir galvoja ką daryti. Tik tiek. Na, dar kur ne kur įsimaišo asmeninės Čandlerio šeimos dramos, bet jos nė kiek neįdomios ir neužkabina tiek, kad rūpėtų. Skyrybos, dalybos, liūdnoka praeitis. Skaityta, matyta, girdėta. Ir pats pagrindinis veikėjas niekuo neišskirtinis ir visai neįsidėmėtinas personažas. Atomazga irgi suskubėta, suvaryta į patį galą ir neįtikinanti. Deja, bet nusivyliau...
August 6, 2024
The initial chapter and premise really drew me in.
A badly injured man named Gabriel stumbles into a police station having claimed to escaped from a guy called Heath who'd chained him in a cabin and threatened to make him his 55th victim.
Just as Police Sergeant Jenkins is about to launch a manhunt when another man walks in, his called Heath and claims to having avoided being Heath's 55th victim...
Which of the two men is telling the truth?!?
One of the noticeable strengths of this novel is the Australian setting, the remote Police station and the isolation of the area feels like a perfect hunting ground for a serial killer.
Wonderfully descriptive which twists and turns throughout.
A badly injured man named Gabriel stumbles into a police station having claimed to escaped from a guy called Heath who'd chained him in a cabin and threatened to make him his 55th victim.
Just as Police Sergeant Jenkins is about to launch a manhunt when another man walks in, his called Heath and claims to having avoided being Heath's 55th victim...
Which of the two men is telling the truth?!?
One of the noticeable strengths of this novel is the Australian setting, the remote Police station and the isolation of the area feels like a perfect hunting ground for a serial killer.
Wonderfully descriptive which twists and turns throughout.
May 1, 2019
55 by James Delargy is a crime thriller with an interesting premise - two men both reporting to be a victim of the other while claiming the other man is a self-professed serial killer.
The novel opens with one man dragging his battered and weakened body into the police station, in a town of five thousand and supervised by Sergeant Chandler Jenkins, while claiming he has just escaped from the hands of a killer that told him he would be number fifty-five.
Not long after that, a second man, similarly battered and worn, also appears and tells the same detailed story as the first man, while both men claim the other man is the serial killer.
To add to the drama, a past colleague of Chandler's is flown in to head up the investigation. Obvious friction exists between the two men, with the friction being revealed through intervening flashback chapters.
55 is a decent thriller, however, for this reader, plotting issues caused some minor displeasure. For example, routine procedural police methods were not utilized (such as fingerprinting the two suspects right from the start to determine identity) and too often "inside policing" mythical practices that rarely occur were used (such as the use of vapor rubs to mask odors and vomiting investigators used to emphasize gruesome crime scenes - vapor rubs are not used because not only do they open up nasal pores, but they also mask other possible evidentiary odors).
55 is a decent novel to read as time-killing escapism on a summer day.
The novel opens with one man dragging his battered and weakened body into the police station, in a town of five thousand and supervised by Sergeant Chandler Jenkins, while claiming he has just escaped from the hands of a killer that told him he would be number fifty-five.
Not long after that, a second man, similarly battered and worn, also appears and tells the same detailed story as the first man, while both men claim the other man is the serial killer.
To add to the drama, a past colleague of Chandler's is flown in to head up the investigation. Obvious friction exists between the two men, with the friction being revealed through intervening flashback chapters.
55 is a decent thriller, however, for this reader, plotting issues caused some minor displeasure. For example, routine procedural police methods were not utilized (such as fingerprinting the two suspects right from the start to determine identity) and too often "inside policing" mythical practices that rarely occur were used (such as the use of vapor rubs to mask odors and vomiting investigators used to emphasize gruesome crime scenes - vapor rubs are not used because not only do they open up nasal pores, but they also mask other possible evidentiary odors).
55 is a decent novel to read as time-killing escapism on a summer day.
April 29, 2019
Having raced through the compelling story told by James Delargy in 55, I almost threw it against the wall when I read the last sentence (after double checking there were no pages missing).
“‘He wanted me to be number fifty-five,’ the man spluttered, looking Chandler squarely in the eye for the first time. He shivered and squeezed his eyes shut.”
On an ordinary morning in the remote Western Australian town of Wilbrook, a bruised and bloodied man stumbles into the police station with a horrifying story to tell. Identifying himself as Gabriel, he claims to have have been drugged while hitchhiking, waking to find himself chained to a wall in a small woodshed. His abductors name, Gabriel tells Sergeant Chandler Jenkins, is Heath, a short, stocky man with a deep tan, brown hair, a beard, probably about thirty years old.
Just a few hours later a local man marches a bruised and bloodied stranger into the police station at the end of his gun after being caught attempting to steal a car. It’s obvious to the Sergeant that this stranger is the man Gabriel described as his captor, and he moves to arrest him, but is stopped cold when Heath claims to have been drugged while hitchhiking, waking to find himself chained to a wall in a small woodshed. His abductors name, Heath tells Jenkins, is Gabriel, a tall, slim man with a deep tan, stubble chin and a soft voice.
“One of them, and only one of them was the true victim and the killer was piggy-backing their story. There was no other explanation.”
It is an intriguing and original hook, with both men claiming to be the victim of the other, and the possibility that as many as 54 more victims could be buried somewhere on the outskirts of town.
Single father Jenkins, and his small staff- young rookie Nick, the ambitious Luka, second in command, Tanya, and reliable Jim- are perhaps a little out of their depth in this situation. They make a few errors at the outset, which adds to the excitement, but one innocuous mistake in particular will come back to haunt the Sergeant.
Given the potential for the case to become a sensation, the investigation is quickly appropriated by Jenkins’ immediate boss, and former friend, Inspector Mitch Andrews. The last case the pair worked on together as rookies, involving a missing person, is recounted In a series of flashbacks, going someway to explaining the animosity between the two men.
Delargy’s main characters are well crafted and nuanced. Chandler’s easygoing nature contrasts with Mitch’s self-aggrandising behaviour, much in the same way that Gabriel appears to be the antithesis of Heath, yet as the story progresses,the author subtly develops details that adds depth to their characters.
The author maintains an effectively unsettling atmosphere through the novel, where the uncertainty, anxiety, and animosity experienced by, and between, the characters is underscored by the heat and isolation of the environment.
“On he drove through the undergrowth, pursuing the echo of his cries but never catching up. He pushed on harder because he was panicked and he pushed on harder because of the tears streaking down his face. He didn’t want anyone to see his hurt, immersing himself in the trees, dirt and despair...”
Delargy does an outstanding job of pacing in this novel. Tension ebbs and flows unpredictability as the plot twists and turns. I raced through the pages, finishing it in under three hours, desperate to learn the truth.
Oh, but that ending! I still can’t say I’m happy about it, but neither, it’s important to note, can I say that it was disappointment.
With an arresting premise, a riveting story, and a provocative conclusion, 55 is an impressive crime thriller debut novel from James Delargy.
“‘He wanted me to be number fifty-five,’ the man spluttered, looking Chandler squarely in the eye for the first time. He shivered and squeezed his eyes shut.”
On an ordinary morning in the remote Western Australian town of Wilbrook, a bruised and bloodied man stumbles into the police station with a horrifying story to tell. Identifying himself as Gabriel, he claims to have have been drugged while hitchhiking, waking to find himself chained to a wall in a small woodshed. His abductors name, Gabriel tells Sergeant Chandler Jenkins, is Heath, a short, stocky man with a deep tan, brown hair, a beard, probably about thirty years old.
Just a few hours later a local man marches a bruised and bloodied stranger into the police station at the end of his gun after being caught attempting to steal a car. It’s obvious to the Sergeant that this stranger is the man Gabriel described as his captor, and he moves to arrest him, but is stopped cold when Heath claims to have been drugged while hitchhiking, waking to find himself chained to a wall in a small woodshed. His abductors name, Heath tells Jenkins, is Gabriel, a tall, slim man with a deep tan, stubble chin and a soft voice.
“One of them, and only one of them was the true victim and the killer was piggy-backing their story. There was no other explanation.”
It is an intriguing and original hook, with both men claiming to be the victim of the other, and the possibility that as many as 54 more victims could be buried somewhere on the outskirts of town.
Single father Jenkins, and his small staff- young rookie Nick, the ambitious Luka, second in command, Tanya, and reliable Jim- are perhaps a little out of their depth in this situation. They make a few errors at the outset, which adds to the excitement, but one innocuous mistake in particular will come back to haunt the Sergeant.
Given the potential for the case to become a sensation, the investigation is quickly appropriated by Jenkins’ immediate boss, and former friend, Inspector Mitch Andrews. The last case the pair worked on together as rookies, involving a missing person, is recounted In a series of flashbacks, going someway to explaining the animosity between the two men.
Delargy’s main characters are well crafted and nuanced. Chandler’s easygoing nature contrasts with Mitch’s self-aggrandising behaviour, much in the same way that Gabriel appears to be the antithesis of Heath, yet as the story progresses,the author subtly develops details that adds depth to their characters.
The author maintains an effectively unsettling atmosphere through the novel, where the uncertainty, anxiety, and animosity experienced by, and between, the characters is underscored by the heat and isolation of the environment.
“On he drove through the undergrowth, pursuing the echo of his cries but never catching up. He pushed on harder because he was panicked and he pushed on harder because of the tears streaking down his face. He didn’t want anyone to see his hurt, immersing himself in the trees, dirt and despair...”
Delargy does an outstanding job of pacing in this novel. Tension ebbs and flows unpredictability as the plot twists and turns. I raced through the pages, finishing it in under three hours, desperate to learn the truth.
Oh, but that ending! I still can’t say I’m happy about it, but neither, it’s important to note, can I say that it was disappointment.
With an arresting premise, a riveting story, and a provocative conclusion, 55 is an impressive crime thriller debut novel from James Delargy.
July 1, 2019
3.5 stars - What’s really interesting about this book is, thanks to the blurb, you have an idea of how the beginning is going to play out. You know two men are going to walk in to Chandler’s station and report the same crime, and you’d think this runs the risk of taking away the suspense because there’s no element of surprise to the opening. In this instance, knowing what was to come heightened the suspense, because, as the reader, you’re alert from the first page, ready to hear both stories, descriptions of both men’s demeanours to see if you can figure out who is telling the truth and who is lying.
As the plot progressed, there wasn’t as much action as I’d been anticipating, less of a crime thriller novel, it was very much a mystery-driven novel; a mystery of who the serial killer really is, and why. It was, of course, packed with enough unlikeable characters to create excitement, in contrast to Chandler, who was very likeable, a character to get behind. You get an insight into his personal life, but it doesn’t dominate the plot, and this helps portray him as someone you want to support both in the job and at home.
Set in Wilbrook in Western Australia, the blurb isn’t lying when it refers to the town as sleepy and remote. It didn’t give off the small-town feel I’m used to, because everything was so sparse, everyone living in isolation of each other. But I did enjoy the setting because the isolation created tension, the belief that a killer could move undetected through the town. There’s also the added battle of the elements in this novel, the wilderness surrounding the town, again this heightened tension, because can anyone really win in a battle against nature?
There were a few moments when this novel lost its momentum due to a change in timeline but overall, it was an original, interesting, cleverly plotted novel that I have no problem recommending.
*My thanks to the publisher (Simon & Schuster) for providing me with a copy of this book*
As the plot progressed, there wasn’t as much action as I’d been anticipating, less of a crime thriller novel, it was very much a mystery-driven novel; a mystery of who the serial killer really is, and why. It was, of course, packed with enough unlikeable characters to create excitement, in contrast to Chandler, who was very likeable, a character to get behind. You get an insight into his personal life, but it doesn’t dominate the plot, and this helps portray him as someone you want to support both in the job and at home.
Set in Wilbrook in Western Australia, the blurb isn’t lying when it refers to the town as sleepy and remote. It didn’t give off the small-town feel I’m used to, because everything was so sparse, everyone living in isolation of each other. But I did enjoy the setting because the isolation created tension, the belief that a killer could move undetected through the town. There’s also the added battle of the elements in this novel, the wilderness surrounding the town, again this heightened tension, because can anyone really win in a battle against nature?
There were a few moments when this novel lost its momentum due to a change in timeline but overall, it was an original, interesting, cleverly plotted novel that I have no problem recommending.
*My thanks to the publisher (Simon & Schuster) for providing me with a copy of this book*
April 16, 2023
Set in a small remote town in Western Australia.
One morning, Gabriel, staggered into the police station, saying he had been drugged, beaten and threatened with murder and that he would be victim number 55. He said the person who did this was called Heath.
Later, another person came into the station, said he was Heath and that Gabriel had abducted and tortured him, telling him he would be number 55.
A very intriguing plot for a book. I liked the build up and back story of the main characters. Held my interest but the ending …. not the best ! 3.5 ⭐️.
One morning, Gabriel, staggered into the police station, saying he had been drugged, beaten and threatened with murder and that he would be victim number 55. He said the person who did this was called Heath.
Later, another person came into the station, said he was Heath and that Gabriel had abducted and tortured him, telling him he would be number 55.
A very intriguing plot for a book. I liked the build up and back story of the main characters. Held my interest but the ending …. not the best ! 3.5 ⭐️.
July 19, 2019
Two men, with identical stories both claiming the other one is a serial killer wishing to make then the 55th victim. Who is telling the truth?
I really enjoyed the premise of this, trying to work out just which one is telling the truth. I wasn't overly keen on the two feuding lead characters. I would have liked more on the two potential killers; that's the bit that drew me into the book in the first place. I was left wanting a lot more from this story.
I really enjoyed the premise of this, trying to work out just which one is telling the truth. I wasn't overly keen on the two feuding lead characters. I would have liked more on the two potential killers; that's the bit that drew me into the book in the first place. I was left wanting a lot more from this story.
December 23, 2019
Quer a frase da capa "Antes desta havia 54 vítimas. Quem será a 55.ª?"; quer na sinopse "Dois homens fogem um do outro. Qual deles é a vítima? Qual é o assassino?"; deixaram-me muito curiosa.
Numa pequena cidade australiana, o xerife Chandler depara-se com um desconhecido chamado Gabriel que lhe conta que, após ter pedido boleia, foi drogado, preso num barracão e informado que iria ser a vítima 55, e que o homem que o prendeu se chama Heath. Pouco tempo depois, Chandler depara-se com o próprio Heath e que lhe conta a mesma história mas que o assassino é Gabriel.
Achei a história muito interessante, connosco a acompanhar a investigação criminal e a tentar descobrir quem é o assassino e quer é a vítima. Gostei também que irmos intercalando com a história do passado de Chandler e Mitch, o polícia que vem liderar a investigação; como também ficar a saber um pouco mais da vida pessoal do protagonista.
E estava mesmo muito empolgada no entanto ainda não consigo entender o final. Para mim foi insatisfatório e não esteve à altura da narrativa, pois queria um desfecho e o autor deixa-nos na expectativa como se houvesse mais um capítulo.
Vejam a minha opinião mais detalhada em vídeo, AQUI
Numa pequena cidade australiana, o xerife Chandler depara-se com um desconhecido chamado Gabriel que lhe conta que, após ter pedido boleia, foi drogado, preso num barracão e informado que iria ser a vítima 55, e que o homem que o prendeu se chama Heath. Pouco tempo depois, Chandler depara-se com o próprio Heath e que lhe conta a mesma história mas que o assassino é Gabriel.
Achei a história muito interessante, connosco a acompanhar a investigação criminal e a tentar descobrir quem é o assassino e quer é a vítima. Gostei também que irmos intercalando com a história do passado de Chandler e Mitch, o polícia que vem liderar a investigação; como também ficar a saber um pouco mais da vida pessoal do protagonista.
E estava mesmo muito empolgada no entanto ainda não consigo entender o final. Para mim foi insatisfatório e não esteve à altura da narrativa, pois queria um desfecho e o autor deixa-nos na expectativa como se houvesse mais um capítulo.
Vejam a minha opinião mais detalhada em vídeo, AQUI
June 11, 2019
Bookclub questions:
1. This sounded like such a twisty thriller! It fell short of my expectations, however, I DID like the plot idea of 2 "victims" having identical stories, each blaming the other. I've not read that before.
2. My fav chapter was probably the beginning, when the victims - and their stories - present themselves. So much potential!
3. Agree - it could have been set in any rural, remote area.
4. Lesson learnt - plots with so much potential can go so wrong!
5. Credible? No way! What happened to taking a victim to medical help? So much - the huntsman's web, the way-out-of-proportion "feud" between 2 characters. A remote country town would be lucky to get TWO coppers, let alone a station full of them! I could go on ...
3/10 for the plot idea. Negative 5 for the ending - i thought my book must have lost pages!!
1. This sounded like such a twisty thriller! It fell short of my expectations, however, I DID like the plot idea of 2 "victims" having identical stories, each blaming the other. I've not read that before.
2. My fav chapter was probably the beginning, when the victims - and their stories - present themselves. So much potential!
3. Agree - it could have been set in any rural, remote area.
4. Lesson learnt - plots with so much potential can go so wrong!
5. Credible? No way! What happened to taking a victim to medical help? So much - the huntsman's web, the way-out-of-proportion "feud" between 2 characters. A remote country town would be lucky to get TWO coppers, let alone a station full of them! I could go on ...
3/10 for the plot idea. Negative 5 for the ending - i thought my book must have lost pages!!
August 11, 2019
This book is absolute rubbish. A complete waste of my time and an insult to my intelligence.
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