Gritty and compelling

Treasure & Dirt by Chris Hammer, Allen & Unwin, $36.99 ..

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The dry outback of rural Australia has proven a fertile location for gritty and compelling novels by a number of Aussie writers. Chris Hammer has again proven that he’s a master of this unique and increasingly popular genre. Treasure and Dirt ticks all the boxes for readers seeking a whodunit with a difference.

In the desolate town of Finnigan’s Gap local police struggle to maintain law as opportunistic thieves known as ratters pillage established opal mines.

When a miner is found murdered and crucified underground the big guns from the Sydney homicide squad are called in. Their investigations don’t exactly get off to a flying start and they begin to wonder if they’ve been set up. If Jane Harper’s The Dry impressed you so will Treasure and Dirt. Well written, well paced, just a good read. Thank you Chris Hammer. — Tony Nielsen