5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: Fast Paced, Gritty, Serial Killer

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I had the pleasure of reading the first book in this series just last month and rated Black River a solid five stars, so I didn’t expect the sequel to top it but Broke Road has absolutely delivered and honestly, was even better!

From the very first page, this book dived headfirst into the crime, no drawn out intros, character waffle or slow build up, just straight into the action, which I loved. It made it basically impossible to put down.

This one had everything - multiple suspects, multiple unsolved crimes, multiple clever red herrings and the looming possibility of a serial killer. I was guessing the whole way through.

The excellent cast of crime solving characters return including Detective Rose Riley and journalist Adam Bowman and their dynamic adds a lot of depth to the investigation. The procedural elements are sharp, the setting is authentically Aussie small town and the dry wit throughout gave it the perfect balance.

If you’re after clever, pacy, no nonsense crime fiction this is it. The writing was gripping, the atmosphere was gritty and the mystery brilliantly executed.

Do yourself a favour and start with Black River, then read this straight after. Back to back perfection.

I loved this book! I’ll also say I had no idea it was the second book in the series so I’ll. Be going back to read the first. Detective Rose Riley is investigating a dead body found in a country NSW town near where she grew up. There’s twists and turns while we try to work out who committed the murder, which I loved. Along with the rural setting. A great mystery for people who love books set in rural Australia.

If Black River established Matthew Spencer as a crime writer to watch, Broke Road proves beyond doubt he should be measured against the best in the genre. This is one of the finest police procedurals I’ve read in recent years, driven not by action and violence, but pure investigatory legwork.

In Broke Road, homicide detective sergeant Rose Riley and partner Priya Patel catch a fresh case that sends them to Red Creek in the Hunter Valley—not far from where Riley grew up—where a woman has been found dead in her home. Riley knows all about the dark underbelly that exists beyond the tourist traps; it’s not all luxurious wineries, lavish golf courses, and deluxe accommodations. That’s what attracts journalist turned true crime author Adam Bowman to the scene; the chance to expose the corruption beneath the glamour; to strip its façade to its gritty skeleton.

Spencer wrings suspense out of every aspect of the investigation, which explodes into something potentially far more wider-reaching than a single homicide. Riley and Patel use logical inference to identify and clear suspects, wading through false leads, and driving headlong into dead ends. Spencer detonates plenty of surprises along the way, zigzagging his detectives to a pulse-pounding finale. Strong characters, a great sense of place, underlying authenticity—crime writing doesn’t get much better.

What a fantastic story this is. I thoroughly enjoyed the way this book was written and the multilayered story within.

When a woman is murdered in her home in the Hunter Valley, homicide Detective Sergeant Rose Reilly and her partner Priya Patel head up from Sydney to work with local police to solve the crime.

What they don't expect to encounter is a cocky entrepreneur who thinks he is a cut above, a local journalist that won't give up, a leak from within the local police, corruption and deceit and a possible link to a similar murder interstate. But what or who ties it all together?

Investigative journalist Adam Bowman, who we know from Black River, inserts himself in the investigation hoping to gain exclusive access to information from the police. Fresh from the success of his book on the Blue Moon Killer, Adam smells another bestseller.

This was so well paced and had me intrigued and invested in the storyline from the get go. I really enjoy a good police procedural and this one had all the right ingredients for me. The investigation may have been thrown off the scent a few times, but Rose follows her instincts when she gets a hunch. I love her working relationship with Priya and their almost unspoken communication.

The conclusion was fraught with tension when they realise who the perpetrator is and worry he may be on the run.

Another great Australian crime fiction story from Matthew Spencer!

This is the second book in the DS Rose Riley series, this time set in winemaking country of the Hunter Valley.

Homicide Detective Sergeant Rose Riley grew up in the valley and is now investigating the suspected murder of a local woman, alongside her partner Priya Patel. Soon enough crime reporter Adam Bowman also becomes ingratiated in the high-stakes investigation. Forensic evidence links other unsolved murders, and it becomes apparent that women are being chosen and targeted. Will Rose and Priya identify the serial killer, before another woman is murdered?

I really enjoyed the police procedural elements, the atmospheric setting of Red Creek and the variety of possible suspects.

Give this one a read if you like crime fiction, or police procedurals.

With thanks to Allen & Unwin, Matthew Spencer and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy, in exchange for an honest review.