I tried multiple times to get into this one but it just wasn't for me. At least not right now. I think this is a me thing and there probably isn't anything wrong with the actual book - it might be a little long-winded though. It's very dark and I felt bogged down just trying to get through the pages. I might try again in the future.

Set in 1960's Australia, this is a multi-layered crime novel filled with unspeakable violence and truly flawed, unlikable (yet unforgettable) characters.  While the dark underbelly of humanity is exposed, there are also strong loyalties and glimmers of hope and redemption.  I'll admit it took me a bit to really get into the story, but once there, I couldn't stop reading.  One of my top five favorites of the year, highly recommend.

Major flawed characters.
Dark and sharp bitting narrative with dose of humour and wit.
It is indeed very dark and harrowing to read and is complex commentary on addiction.
The setting of the story is based on the background of australia.
It really messed up my emotions but it was worth it.

This was a DNF early on as I wasn't a fan of the writing or writing style of The Devil in the Red Dirt, it just wasn't doing anything for me or drawing me in.

My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
This is a seven hundred page debut, an epic story of depravity in all its forms. Set in Australia in the early sixties beautifully written full of quality characterisation, a story with a basic overall theme of addiction in all it's possible aspects, brutal dark harrowing and ugly but also witty and with the occasional laugh out loud moments. In well over fifty years of book reading I cannot recall a more descriptive book, which is at times gut wrenching in its detail. Clever imaginative with plenty of surprising twists along the way. I doubt very much the Australian tourist board would recommend this book, but I certainly do.
Completely and utterly recommended. (

I think my expectations were raised on this book by all the glowing reviews,and my humble opinion can't quite match them.
It's an interesting book,dark at times,and humorous at others,striking a good balance.
Flawed characters,which are always the best.
At times it felt a little long,but mostly it was a book I was keen to get back to.