Don’t be so logical when you read this book, it’s a bit far fetched but you have to put that aside. The suspense makes this book, the writing style is easy to read and keeps you engrossed from start to end.

There’s some willing suspension of disbelief required here but the plot is original, the pace cracking and the character development genuinely impressive. Hard to believe this is the authors debut work! Perhaps he has a dozen other manuscripts in various stages of completion lurking about. A standout crime thriller!

As a fellow Australian who loves stories set in this country, Gunpowder Creek immediately drew me in with its rugged outback setting and high-stakes plot. Alex Dook perfectly captures the vast, unforgiving landscape of Western Australia, and it became almost a character in its own right — adding tension, isolation, and a real sense of danger to the story.

The story of Emily Barnes racing against time to save her son is gripping and emotionally charged. I appreciated how her desperation and determination were so vividly portrayed, making the stakes feel real and personal. The pacing is relentless, with twists and turns that kept me on edge from start to finish.

I also loved the distinctly Australian details sprinkled throughout — the highways, ghost towns, and the sense of space and distance all added authenticity and atmosphere. As someone who enjoys reading thrillers grounded in an Aussie context, this was a big highlight for me.

A few minor plot points felt a little predictable, but the combination of action, suspense, and the emotional depth of a mother’s love more than made up for it. Overall, this is a compelling, fast-paced thriller that will appeal to fans of Australian noir and high-stakes crime stories.

Thank you to NetGalley, Echo Publishing, and Alex Dook for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.