Great Reads for Great Readers

 

Black River, by Matthew Spencer.

         

 

         Matthew Spencer’s debut novel  is bolstered by the fact that he knows irrefutably Whereof he Speaks:  as a journalist for twenty years of a prominent Australian newspaper, he is well-versed in the way news is reported, and how influential (or not) certain people can be in its presentation.

            One of his main protagonists is a sad-sack, mid-forties journo, usually consigned to the very minor news stories, suddenly promoted to a huge murder investigation, solely for the fact that he used to go to the posh high-anglican school that is the scene of the crime – and the police are not letting anyone onto the grounds.  Does he know, from his schooldays, any secret ways in to have a snoop around?  Well, of course he does, as would any other Prince Albert schoolboy.  Adam Bowman can’t believe his luck:  is he finally catching a break?

            The police are investigating the murder of the 17 year-old daughter of the school chaplain, and they are hoping it’s not linked to two other vicious rapes and murders of teenage girls who lived near each other in river suburbs.  The investigating detectives don’t have a lot to go on, except that the killer leaves strange ‘t’ signs close by and really likes his ‘work’, according to the police behavioural psychiatrist;  in fact he likes it so much it won’t be long before he strikes again.  He has been baptised BMK (Blue Moon Killer) by one newspaper, because both his killings so far have been on a Blue Moon.  The police have certain extra evidence which they arrange to release gradually – to keep the killer on the back foot –exclusively through Adam Bowman’s newspaper:  Bowman’s Editor is ecstatic, and Bowman should be feeling the same, but his feelings are the opposite, for returning to Prince Albert has stirred up many traumatic memories:  this was the place where his parents’ marriage crashed and burnt after the terrible accidental death of his little brother, leaving Adam with scars that will stay forever.  This is why he’s an alcoholic.

            But he can still get the job done, and matching him drink for drink is Detective Sergeant Rose Riley, who relies on her gut instinct as much as hard evidence – and there’s something off about Adam Bowman.  Nobody is above suspicion.

            Mr Spencer is a no-frills writer – there’s nothing fancy or romantic here, just the hard facts of living – and dying, as his characters play their roles capably in his fast-paced plot.  But Sydney and its rivers is the star, wild and crowded and beautiful, as always.  FOUR STARS.