Chris Hammer’s debut is set in a sleepy rural town in Western New South Wales. Riversend is a spot where nothing much ever happens until one day when the local priest opens fire outside his church, killing five men before being killed himself. Journalist Martin Scarsden arrives in town as the first anniversary of the tragedy is approaching, intent on writing a colour piece for his newspaper. What he uncovers is a different story altogether. This is a deftly plotted book, peopled by a cast of eccentrics and with a setting so realistic you may find yourself needing to open a tinny or two to cool off. Read the full review here.
