Redbelly Crossing - a gritty crime thriller set in a small rural town in Australia.

In Redbelly Crossing, south of Sydney, Australia, Chloe Lutz, an aspiring journalist, has been found murdered in a small motel above the rural community's sole pub.  Evan Powder, the Senior Sergeant of the area, is eager to tackle a high-profile case that could potentially restore his tarnished reputation. However, he is not happy that his estranged brother Russell, a Sydney-based Detective Inspector, has been sent to help in the investigation. Russell is reluctant to travel near his hometown, where his abusive father Arthur still lives, and he had planned to spend time with his teenage daughter Bridie, hoping to repair their strained relationship. Bridie agrees to come along. Through the perspectives of Russell and Evan, both dealing with personal and professional issues, the investigation becomes complex as Russell meticulously analyzes every piece of evidence and Evan chooses to conceal a critical item. Flashbacks reveal the impact their sadistic father has had on them. As the murder mystery unfolds, long-buried secrets are revealed.

Redbelly Crossing, by Candice Fox, is a gritty and tense story centered around a dysfunctional family. I found the dynamics between Russell and Bridie particularly engaging, as they discuss Russell's reasons for leaving her mother. This is the first book I've read by this author, and I now understand her popularity, especially in her native country. The references to wallabies, wallaroos, and kangaroos served as a reminder that the story is set in Australia, a nice change of scenery. 

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.

Mystery Thriller | Police Procedural.

Publication Date: April 28, 2026.

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