From the author of the bestselling Cutters End and Stone Town, a captivating new crime novel featuring Detective Mark Ariti.
Old loyalties and decades-long feuds rise to the surface in this stunning crime novel, set in a spectacular Australian landscape known for its jagged cliffs and hidden caves.
Detective Sergeant Mark Ariti has taken a few days’ holiday in Broken Bay at precisely the wrong time. The small fishing town on South Australia’s Limestone Coast is now the scene of a terrible tragedy.
Renowned cave diver Mya Rennik has drowned while exploring a sinkhole on the land of wealthy farmer Frank Doyle. As the press descends, Mark’s boss orders him to stay put and assist the police operation.
But when they retrieve Mya’s body, a whole new mystery is opened up, around the disappearance of a young local woman twenty years before…
Suddenly Mark is diving deep into the town’s history – and in particular the simmering rivalry between its two most prominent families, the Doyles and Sinclairs.
Then a murder takes place at the Sinclairs’ old home – and Mark is left wondering which is more dangerous: Broken Bay’s hidden subterranean world or the secretive town above it…
Buy a copy of Broken Bay here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Margaret Hickey’s storytelling takes you to Broken Bay in all its rugged glory. The visual description of the area is amazing, and I enjoyed every bit of the story. I enjoyed the quintessential Australian elements in the story. But the story is one of sadness, jealousy, youth and secrets. When hiding the truth comes to the surface and the effect of the secret has on everyone. Carrie-Anne, NSW, 5 Stars
Broken Bay is an outstanding crime thriller that captivated me from start to finish. The gripping storyline kept me fully engaged and guessing at every turn. The author’s skillful writing and well-developed characters added depth and suspense to the narrative, making it a truly enjoyable read. I was kept on the edge of my seat, eagerly flipping through the pages to uncover the truth behind the mysteries presented in the book. The unexpected twists and turns kept me intrigued until the very last page, leaving me satisfied with the thrilling conclusion. Overall, Broken Bay is a must-read for fans of the crime genre, as it delivers an enthralling and suspenseful experience. Wendy, WA, 5 Stars
Broken Bay, the gripping rural crime thriller crafted by Australian author Margaret Hickey, is a book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Hickey’s skillful storytelling and intricate plotting make for an exhilarating reading experience that leaves you craving for more. Hickey’s writing is razor-sharp, and her ability to maintain a breakneck pace while delving into the psychology of her characters is truly commendable. With unexpected twists and turns that keep you turning the page, Broken Bay is a must-read for fans of the genre. Margaret Hickey has proven herself to be a formidable talent in the realm of crime fiction, and I eagerly await her next thrilling offering. Nicole, VIC, 5 Stars
I love when a story is set in Australia. I felt I was reading a series from The Dry, it is written very similar to Jane Harper’s books, so I did really enjoy it. I loved the twists and turns, I thought the characters complemented each other and I enjoyed learning about sinkholes… Very interesting concept. Highly recommended. Jen, NSW, 5 Stars
I haven’t read the two previous DS Mark Ariti books but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of this book. Never having been to South Australia, I found I was able to picture the setting easily with the gorgeous imagery on the front cover of the book and the great descriptions within. Cave diving, with all its associated perils and rewards, is explained in great detail. I loved the small town of Broken Bay. The people became like family, and I laughed and cried along with them. There are twists and turns aplenty in this crime novel, with not one, not two, but three deaths under investigation. Family dynamics and long-time friendships are all explored and just add to the intrigue. This book read perfectly fine as a stand-alone, but I will certainly be looking out for the previous two as I really enjoyed this one. Maree, QLD, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this Aussie murder mystery !! Mark, a policeman, is on holidays when a diver fails to come back. While recovering her body, they find another body and Mark is told to stay and help out. This little town holds lots of secrets and they are slowly unravelling. There is also another murder; is it connected somehow? With great characters and a well-written story with twists and turns, this is a must-read!! I am now going looking for other Margaret Hickey books!! Highly recommend. Judy, NSW, 5 Stars
This is a wonderfully written and plotted Australian mystery novel. Mark Ariti is a well-crafted character who is totally believable. The mystery is captivating and once I got started I could not stop reading. This is the third book in the series and I fully intend on reading the previous two. Joanne, NSW, 5 Stars
WOW! What a great read… just the right amount of intrigue and characters to keep you turning the pages and guessing ‘whodunnit?’ Mandy, VIC, 5 Stars
Excellent book. Good character development and the mysteries were very well done. I felt like I was there in both the past and present moments and just when you think you’ve got it all worked out, another curveball is thrown and will have you guessing til the very end. Fans of Jane Harper and The Dry will love this book! Justine, NSW, 5 Stars
Broken Bay by Margaret Hickey is the first book I have read from this author, and I’m hoping not the last. The book is set on the coast of South Australia, in a rural town that has plenty of secrets up its sleeve. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of the Australian landscape, and the development of the main characters. The book centres around two families who have lived in the town for several generations, it looks at their lives and the secrets they try to keep. There are several stories that intertwine with each other, missing persons, murder and the discovery of sinkholes. The man tasked with sorting all this out is Detective Mark Ariti, who happened to be spending a few days holidaying in Broken Bay when all this fell in his lap. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would not hesitate to recommend it to readers who enjoy the crime genre. Kelly, VIC, 5 Stars
As someone that is relatively new to the “Australian mystery thriller” scene, I thought I had a good grasp on which authors I felt gave me the feeling of actually what it feels like to live the typical regional Australian life. I’m happy to add Margaret Hickey to my favourites, alongside Jane Harper and Chris Hammer. If you have experience with either of these authors you will appreciate the thriller Broken Bay and Detective Mark. It’s not a stretch to find a large number of books where there’s a body and a detective and a rural Australian setting, but Margaret Hickey adds some exceptional observations that I really found relatable with added layering of social commentary. At around 400 pages, I found myself not wanting to finish reading about this unique location in South Australia. This is not a hard read at all with a relatively small cast of characters to track. I am yet to read the author’s other works but now they are next on my “to-read list”, based upon the great experience I had with Broken Bay. Dylan, QLD, 5 Stars
Set on the limestone coast of South Australia, this book had it all from the first chapter. From descriptions of scenery, quirky characters, I laughed, I cried, I shared the pain. If you like Jane Harper, this is for you. Lesley, VIC, 5 Stars
Very interesting read, one you can’t put down. Detective Mark Ariti is back again in this novel, together with Sergeant Rajdeep Kaur, from Hickey’s previous novels. We learn about the joys and dangers of cave diving. It is all really interesting. The rivalry between two families in the district – the Doyles and Sinclairs – is riveting. All the joys of being teenagers, their love interests, and subsequent falling outs, are revealed in the investigation into the deaths of two women over 20 years apart. Riveting read all up. The deeper you get into the book, you can’t put the book down. Glenice, VIC, 5 Stars
I absolutely adored Broken Bay and couldn’t wait to read every night. I was instantly drawn into the story, in particular imagining the picturesque settings. I found I felt the pain and anxiety of the characters throughout the story. I did find some aspects of the story were left unresolved; however, overall it was a wonderful story about the relationships that make (and break) us. Amy, WA, 5 Stars
Thrilling. Suspenseful. A real page-turner. This book had me hooked from page one and I couldn’t help but read “just one more chapter”. I love whodunnits and this one did not disappoint. Ammie, NSW, 5 Stars
The mystery, the scenery, all the family dynamics… I was hooked from chapter one. A beautifully written book set in rural South Australia with great descriptions of the town that makes you feel you are there. The plot is brilliant and keeps surprising you with many twists and turns. As the story unfolds, you are drawn in and can’t help but read on. You uncover one mystery that is solved but then another pops up… and more. I could not get enough of Broken Bay. Andreea, ACT, 5 Stars
Excellent read. Could not put this Australian mystery down. Absolutely loved all of the characters, especially Mark Ariti. Would love to see a television series of Margaret’s three-book series. Margaret writes in such a descriptive way and it’s very easy to get an image of how the town of Broken Bay would look like. Interesting topic of cave diving, which I enjoyed reading and learning about. Highly recommend this mystery novel. Yvette, NSW, 5 Stars
Broken Bay had me hooked from the first couple of pages. A thrilling whodunnit with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. I did not pick the ending which made it even better. So well-written and so descriptive of the small town that I could picture it. It was a quick and easy read and flowed really well. I haven’t read other books by Margaret Hickey but will definitely add her other two books to my list. Highly recommend! Jo, VIC, 5 Stars
There are so many amazing Aussie crime thriller writers out there and Margaret Hickey is certainly one of them. I was up at all hours of the night finishing this atmospheric, creepy book. Jessica, QLD, 5 Stars
Broken Bay by Margaret Hickey was a story set in smalltown Australia. When a body is recovered from a sinkhole, the underbelly of the town is exposed. This book really takes you into the smalltown Australian feel, with characters who all have their own stories and who you really get a feel for. I loved this book and would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys crime or Australiana. Melissa, QLD, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed Margaret Hickey’s first two books, and Broken Bay was no exception. It’s a well-crafted mystery with brilliant character development and vividly described scenery. Some of the plot was a bit of a stretch to believe, but it didn’t necessarily detract from the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for more outback noir from Margaret Hickey. Vanessa, QLD, 5 Stars
This novel, kindly sent to me by Better Reading for review, is the third one that the author has written featuring Detective Mark Ariti, but it can be read as a stand-alone (but one which will probably leave you hoping that she writes more featuring him as a lead character so we know how things progress with him!) Mark is not enjoying a few days’ break on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, being seasick on an ocean fishing trip experience purchased by his sister for him, when two bodies are recovered from one of the many sinkholes in the area, whereas only one was expected – that of a renowned cave-diver who had drowned. The other is thought to be a beautiful young girl who mysteriously disappeared 20 years prior. Thus begins Mark’s investigation into the longstanding secrets and feuds within this rural community. Why do some people leave and move on and yet others stay? Mark reflects on his own life and choices as he tries to unravel the Gordian knot which is before him. I enjoyed this atmospheric slow burn of a rural Aussie detective fiction novel. Pamela, VIC, 5 Stars
This is my first Margaret Hickey, and my first DS Mark Ariti book – but it won’t be my last. I already have plans to read the first two. I love Australian rural crime books. This one is clever. The setting, the inhabitants, the family and community dynamics, the mystery, the pacing, the twists, the turns, it was all working for me to enjoy this one and I felt compelled to keep reading. Aotea, QLD, 4 Stars
Broken Bay had me holding my breath more times than I care to count. A well-written thriller that transported me deep into the depths of a world I will never experience. With many plot twists and turns, I was guessing who the killers were right until the end of the book. A well-written whodunnit that also served as a great history lesson for a part of Australia that I know very little about. Nicole, NSW, 4 Stars
When a cave dive goes wrong in a sinkhole in the limestone coast of South Australia, the recovery crew finds another body that has been there 20 years. Detective Mark Ariti is in Broken Bay for a holiday but gets involved in the case. There’s lots of family rivalry, history and mystery. I really enjoyed reading this one. It’s a bit of a slow burn but the characters, interesting setting and storyline made it a satisfying read. Janelle, NSW, 4 Stars
This story was exciting from the first chapter. The setting is the beautiful and rugged Limestone Coast with those mysterious sinkholes that lure many divers to the area. A woman is missing and when the police are called in they find not one but two bodies. The detective in charge of the investigation had been on holiday for a few days in Broken Bay, the scene of the event, and had been asked to stay and head the investigation. The characters in this small town are a little secretive and don’t like a detective from another town asking questions. He has problems of his own but is soon drawn into the lives of the Broken Bay residents and their problems that in some cases have been festering for years. I loved some of the finely drawn characters and really enjoyed this book set in an area I know particularly well. Lynda, SA, 4 Stars
Broken Bay will draw you in and keep you enthralled until the end. For lovers of Jane Harper, this is a delight – highlighting the close-knit communities, secrets and struggles of smalltown life in Australia. The discovery of the body of a long-missing girl and the uncovering of layers of secrets by Detective Mark Ariti, all set against a beautiful backdrop, is engaging and page-turning. Highly recommend this book! Yasmin, NSW, 4 Stars
A famous cave diver explores a new sinkhole and drowns. The rescue divers uncover another body, a very popular girl who went missing some 20 years earlier. The descriptions of the local scenery and involved parties are well done and I enjoyed the characters very much. You can imagine the town, the bay and sinkhole vividly, as the writing is very detailed. I have not read the first two Mark Ariti novels but will certainly do that. Sandra, NSW, 4 Stars
This crime novel is set in Broken Bay, a town on the Limestone Coast. An attempt to establish Broken Bay as a tourist site for cave divers goes wrong when a renowned diver drowns while exploring a sinkhole on the land of a local farmer. The police and the press descend on the town, but an initial operation to retrieve the body uncovers more than expected, when they find the remains of a young local woman who has been missing for twenty years. This is a great crime novel. The story builds up the mystery and the suspense. The depiction of Broken Bay and the local folk is convincing. Jonathan, NSW, 4 Stars
This is the third book to feature Detective Mark Ariti, the second I have read, but each of the books can be read as a stand-alone. Mark is holidaying in South Australia when a cave diver drowns in one of the numerous sinkholes. Mark then finds himself embroiled in a 20-year-old mystery in the small town. Margaret’s writing provides the reader with a clear vision of the countryside surrounding the town, the farms, cliffs and the ocean. The book provided a great insight into cave diving, which was well described, obviously through extensive research. I really enjoyed the suspense of the book and look forward to reading more Margaret Hickey novels. Julie, QLD, 4 Stars
This is the second book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it just as much. Lots of twists and turns to the story. Look forward to the next book as I’m sure there will be one. Michelle, VIC, 4 Stars
Margaret Hickey takes her readers deep into the subterranean caves of the coastal South Australian town of Broken Bay in her latest Detective Mark Ariti novel. I enjoyed this captivating story about the small town of Broken Bay and the Sinclair and Doyle families. The mystery of the disappearance of young Eloise Sinclair two decades earlier had me glued to the pages. The ethereal descriptions of the sinkholes and their pull on divers had me fascinated enough to google photos of sinkholes around Australia. Broken Bay is a compelling police procedural where close-knit communities are examined and dark secrets uncovered. This is the third book in the Det. Mark Ariti series, however I haven’t read the previous books and it reads well as a read-alone. Veronica, NSW, 4 Stars
Broken Bay by Margaret Hickey is her third novel featuring Detective Mark Ariti and certainly doesn’t disappoint. Mark is taking a holiday on the limestone coast of South Australia when an experienced diver drowns in a sinkhole. He is called up to oversee the investigation until reinforcements arrive. Hickey has painted a clear picture of the landscape from the ocean, the cliffs and the farmland on which the sinkholes appear. When describing the weather, the reader feels the breeze, sees the fog and longs for the crystal clear skies. The small coastal town is realistically portrayed and the characters are well developed. The plot is well constructed and consistently surprises. As the story unfolds you are drawn into it and compelled to continue reading. As one thread appears to be solved another pops up. A truly enthralling story. I can’t wait for book four. Michael, ACT, 4 Stars
I felt like I was underwater, swimming for my life. Easy reading with stories within stories to keep you guessing. Lynette, NSW, 3 Stars
I hadn’t read any of Margaret Hickey’s books before, so was interested to find out what her books were like. It took me a while to get into both the characters and the plot, and I admit, I had to stick at it! But once the story got moving, I changed my mind. The main character Det Mark Ariti had a likeable enough personality. He gets mixed up with the long-standing feud between two of the local families, the Doyles and the Sinclairs, and then tensions get notched up. There are some excellent descriptions of the sinkholes and the caves that lie beneath. I had no idea that these existed and were so beautiful. There’s a lot of the psychological thriller genre, particularly when the boys take Mark into the caves and leave him there! I was feeling that I was there too! So the tension continued. I mostly liked this story because it was so different. Chris, VIC, 3 Stars
I love a psychological thriller/drama. Had not heard of this author before but she’s pretty good. Believable characters and enough tension to keep me interested. Zeph, WA, 3 Stars
Margaret Hickey is back with her third novel in the Detective Sergeant Mark Ariti series. This time, Detective Ariti is in the small fishing town of Broken Bay for a holiday when it becomes the scene of a terrible tragedy. Hickey vividly describes the Limestone Coast, and when reading her story you can see the cliffs, oceans, farmlands and sinkholes. She captures the true Australian landscapes of this area. However, I found when reading Hickey’s novel that she likes to drip-feed clues, which often left me confused and bored. I had so much more hope for this story and wanted a little more substance from the characters. Unfortunately, Hickey did hit the mark for me. Ally, TAS, 2 Stars
Broken Bay had me dive into the novel with great anticipation. Being from South Australia, I wanted to love a ‘home mystery’. Although the novel was very true to the landscape of the region, I find it very slow-moving and often dry. I feel that it could have moved faster; however, with that said, I did enjoy the novel for a rainy day read. Dianne, SA, 2 Stars
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