Your Preview Verdict: Prize Catch by Alan Carter

Buy a copy of Prize Catch here.

Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:

Alan Carter’s Prize Catch is a well paced crime novel which had kept me captivated to the very end. The story is set in Tasmania and focuses on the local salmon industry while also connecting Afghanistan war crimes in the style of a well meshed yet intricate thriller. This novel has a detailed plot filled with beautifully described scenery and well thought out characters that make this a wonderful piece of Australian fiction. Brittany, VIC, 5 stars

I absolutely love Alan Carter books and this one didn’t disappoint. This was a well written mystery/thriller. Complex characters and humour makes this an awesome read! Highly recommended Judy, NSW, 5 stars

Quite an enjoyable read. I did struggle to get into it at the start, as it’s not the typical genre I like to read but eventually I began to care what happened to Ros, Sam and Jill. I’ve recently been devouring books set in Australia, this one takes place in Tasmania. Carter is very descriptive and describes the scenery brilliantly, from the beautiful view of Kunanyi to the harsh blizzard through which our heroes and villains trek. War crimes and salmon farming aren’t things you’d typically see linked, but Carter makes it work. Likeable main characters (mostly) and a good host of supporting characters making some good, some bad and some deplorable choices. It does make my naïve mind wonder though, are people and corporations really this shady and corrupt? I hadn’t heard of Alan Carter before, but I’m now interested in delving into some of his other works. Melissa, SA, 5 stars

What a cracking great read showcasing Tasmania. I had never read this author before but was blown away by the twists & turns in this book. His tightly crafted and flawed characters leant realism and believability to this novel, that kept up a great pace from the first page. Set against a backdrop of protection for the big business of salmon fishing to how ex service personnel merge back into society. A large cast of interesting main and minor characters. How Sam moves from being just a hired ex SAS thug to being a troubled man haunted & wronged by his time in the ADF. Jill finally gets her time to shine after being shafted & sidelined. Ros comes to the forefront with the distressing death of her partner & all the subsequent events. Gripping read that kept me entranced from the start, ending with a fantastic conclusion. Miriam, WA, 5 stars

Prize Catch is a novel that focuses on environmental issues in Tasmania, as well as issues that deal with our soldiers who struggle with life after they are discharged…well rounded characters and beautiful descriptions of wilderness Tasmania. Denise, NSW, 5 stars

Alan Carter’s Prize Catch was a pleasant surprise. I must admit I’d never heard of this author before, but found Prize Catch very hard to put down once I started reading it! The story is set in Tasmania and revolves around the local salmon industry. It also has links to historical war crimes committed in Afghanistan during the early 2000s and delves into police and political corruption. There is a host of characters, some likeable and some not so likeable, including strong female characters, on the right and wrong sides of the law. Just a warning, there is a fair bit of animal cruelty throughout the story. Sharah, QLD, 5 stars

Wow! This book had me drawn in in the first couple of pages! I had never heard of Alan Carter before and now I need to read all the books! Even better that he is a fellow Tasmanian! Prize Catch is set practically in my backyard in the Channel region of Southern Tasmania. So it was so wonderful reading the very real-life descriptions of the locations so close to home. Alan has beautifully interwoven three strong main characters in Ros, the grieving widow, Sam the SAS veteran and Jill the out of favour detective in two stories that ordinarily wouldn’t work together – the politics and activism of the Salmon farming industry and alongside a ‘dirty’ military hero trying to make his way to the top of Australian politics. When these disparate worlds collide, it so perfectly created a gripping page turner that had me up reading until the wee hours of the morning! The story had everything – murder, suspense, violence, grief and unlikely alliances. This is my favourite book for 2024 (and I have read some great books). So I highly, highly recommend it. I now need to read all his other books! Michelle Aulich, TAS, 5 stars

If you’ve never read any of Alan Carter’s previous novels, I recommend you start now – you’re in for an absolute treat. Prize Catch is his latest novel, which showcases his amazing writing style. From the opening scene where a person meets the untimely and unexpected death, this novel does not let up. There are shady characters at every turn, and we are left wondering who we can trust, and who we should believe. Set in the wilds of Tasmania, this book evokes such a strong sense of place. The reader feels that they are almost inside the pristine, isolated bushland. But is it as pristine as it first appears, now the Big Salmon have moved into the bay? Prize Catch brings together a corrupt and toxic salmon company (fictional – or is it?) and the horrors of the Afghanistan war, and what soldiers need to do in the line of duty – following orders even if the orders violently conflict with their own moral standing. I loved this book, and I raced through it as I just couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended read! Kate, VIC, 5 stars

This is a must for anyone who loves Australian crime! A strong and entertaining storyline that’ll have your heart racing until the very end! Highly recommend! Sheree, NSW, 5 stars

Being a fan of Alan Carter this stand-alone book is yet another great book that kept the thrills coming throughout. We start with Roz Chen’s wife, Niamh, killed in a hit-and-run on a lonely Tasmanian road. Was it really an accident? Then SAS veteran Sam Willard is looking for a fresh start in Tasmania. How do these two situations and people come together? A book with so much going on, so many twists yet so well written I didn’t feel lost and could follow along with ease. There’s the salmon industry and the problems associated with it, war crimes from the past catching up with the present. There’s murder, blackmail and corrupt cops. This book covers so much of what we hear in the news today which brings the book to life. The story draws you in with its descriptions of Tasmania, the writing which jumps off the pages with its corruption and greed, it keeps you turning the pages as you never know what is going to happen next. I like that it is so unpredictable and found once I got started I just couldn’t put it down. An interesting, intriguing, high tension read with plenty of excitement throughout. Donna, TAS, 5 stars

I have read nearly all of the authors books and this one doesn’t disappoint. His unusual and timely subject matter and descriptive content of the wild surroundings of Tasmania kept me enthralled for the whole book. A thrilling and intelligent story that certainly made the reader think about important issues relevant to our times. Diana, VIC, 5 stars

What an absolutely fantastic book, a real page-turner. You become fully invested in each and every character, it has you guessing who are the good and who are the bad ‘guys’. The book is very well written and has opened my eyes to this genre of book. The only criticism I have of this book is the ending, I was truly hoping to find out exactly what happened to the major players, but it fell really short in that aspect. But overall, loved this book and I’ll be looking to read more of Alan Carter’s books in the future. Davina, SA, 5 stars

This was an engaging read through. I felt like part of the story line through Sam’s journey through the wilderness of Tasmania. Roz and Sam endure a twisting and intense journey of ups and down, memories and found I couldn’t stop page turning, chapter after chapter of great captivating writing Julie, NSW, 5 stars

Prize Catch by Alan Carter is a fast paced page turning thriller that keeps the reader inthralled to the very last page! Fabulous well developed characters you can empathise with, dislike or become truly invested in, for example the main protagonist Sam Willard. Beautiful settings through the magnificent Tasmanian hinterland and surrounds. The author has cleverly woven atrocities in Afghanistan with current anti-salmon farm activists with dire outcomes. Really enjoyed the book. Kept me invested until the very end . Ilona, VIC, 5 stars

I loved Alan Carter’s Cato Kwong series and so was really looking forward to Prize Catch. I was not disappointed. The story starts with a bang – literally- when Roz Chen’s wife, Niamh, is killed while out for her regular morning ride. When Roz is threatened herself, she emerges from her brain fog and teams up with Sam, an Afghanistan veteran recently employed in the Tasmanian salmon industry. The action takes place in Hobart, on Bruny Island and in the Tassie wilderness with the tension never letting up, drawing the reader further and further in.  I highly recommend Prize Catch for action and authenticity.  Marlies, VIC, 4 stars

One of the best things about being a previewer is the opportunity to read a book that I would probably not choose for myself. Yes, it is true that I bypass the crime fiction section of the bookshop I am happy to rate Prize Catch a fantastic read. Please don’t walk past this one! A quickly moving narrative combined with frequently changing scenes creates a clear sense of action and reality, the story seemed to unfold in real time. Interactions between the characters were made more relevant by the author penning a line or a few words about what each person was thinking before they speak or take action. I found empathy for , the two main characters, Sam Willard and Roz Chen both of whom at times came across as the cliched pawns in other people’s games. In particular I felt sorry for Sam who presents an aura of sadness that descends into sheer hopelessness. The story is underpinned by several strong sub-plots and themes. We are reminded of the futility of the war in Afghanistan. As the author has outlined a parallel between Afghanistan and salmon farming I did wonder if the movement against salmon farming may not achieve the outcome wanted by the activists Susan, QLD, 4 stars

Prize Catch is a gripping book set in Tasmania. It captures a controversial topic with robust characters who interlink. Knowing Hobart well the author has captured the vibe and describes places in detail. Freddy, TAS, 4 stars

It’s been a long time since I’ve read any of Alan Carter’s novels. Now he lives in Tasmania and the setting for this novel is mostly in southern Tasmania, a place I know, and love. What a story! It is complicated in many ways and just as I think I’ve untangled a thread, along comes another tangle. The real questions in this novel orbit around what is/are the real motive/s in what’s occurring and who to trust. Combining salmon farming, protests to salmon farming and alleged war crimes of Afghanistan does seem farfetched, and Carter has effectively managed to weave them together, mixing a bit of police incompetence, or maybe it is police corruption. Carter paints the Tasmanian landscape graphically and allows our senses to be there. It was lovely to see Ros move forward in action as the novel progresses, and for invisible Jill to come into her own. Indigo, NSW, 4 stars

Prize Catch, Alan Carter’s latest release, is another example of the superb crime fiction coming out of Australia in recent years. Carter has an array of previous award-winning books but this was the first book I have read and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Prize Catch is set amongst the greed, corruption and intimidation within the Tasmanian salmon industry. Carter has depicted the scenery and landscape of Tasmania perfectly to set the background for this story. The two main characters, Sam and Roz, are believably flawed and form an alliance to uncover the truth behind the suspicious deaths of people around them. They investigate whilst also having to hide from their own past and accusations that could destroy their lives. A novel filled with action, twists and clever character development to make you want to keep reading. This book is thought-provoking and casts a light on the shocking practice of salmon farming in Tasmania. I also recommend the book mentioned in the author’s note ‘Toxic’ by Richard Flanagan for a further deep dive into the cover-ups and devastating reality of the salmon industry. Tara, NSW, 4 stars

Prize Catch is a new thriller by Australian author Alan Carter. Set in Tasmania, it is a fast paced story with a strong sense of place. Tackling the themes of war crimes in Afghanistan and the environmental impact of big salmon farms, its has a twisty plot that will keep you interested right to the end. Great for fans of plot driven narratives that focus on the seedy underbelly, with well drawn, if rather flawed characters. Lisa, QLD, 4 stars

I enjoyed how the author used different characters to tell the story. Going between the 3 main characters perspectives and narratives made it a very enjoyable read. When I saw the book was partly about war crimes, I didn’t think would like it but I was proven wrong and would read books by this author again. Jo-Anne, NSW, 4 stars

So many twists and turns – this novel had my attention from the beginning to end. There were so many intertwined layers at play that it demands your total focus. I will be sharing this amongst my fellow readers for sure. Kristy, NSW, 4 stars

This would not be a book I would normally pick up but I am so glad that I had the chance to read it. Loved it right from the start. Joel, VIC, 4 stars

Prize Catch by Alan Carter was an interesting read. I was a bit confused at the start trying to work out the characters and how they all tied in, but once I got into the story I really enjoyed it. Plenty of twists in the story, thinking you knew where it was going and then something unexpected. An interesting storyline. Fay, VIC, 4 stars

Prize Catch by Alan Carter is a gripping novel involving the investigation of crimes, both old and new. Previous war crimes committed in Afghanistan rear their heads as a number of crimes, including murders, are investigated in Tasmania. As the story develops, links appear, disappear and then reappear again chapters later. Whilst this kept my interest in the story, I did find that with the larger number of characters involved, I occasionally got confused as to who was involved where. One thing I found eye opening in the story was the environmentally detrimental effect of salmon farming. I had no idea of how extreme the practice is, not only on the salmon, but also the water it happens in. I praise the author for managing to balance the unsavoury practice and insane occurrences in the story against the wild beauty of Tasmania. Even at its worst, he managed to keep the beautiful Tasmanian wilderness a central character. Jodie, WA, 4 stars

I really enjoyed this novel, love a thriller that I’m totally engrossed in and can’t put down. The theme of war crimes and corporate corruption was very current and interesting to read. A great storyline with complex characters and a great setting in Tasmania. Will definitely be reading some more of Alan Carters novels. Karen, NSW, 4 stars

The beauty of Tasmania shines through in this gripping crime novel as does the controversy surrounding the unusual combination of war crimes and salmon farming. I could feel the cold on my skin reading the sections set in the Tasmanian mountains. The pace was good and the characters were interesting, although at times seemed a bit too plentiful as I was trying to remember how the various players were connected. Sam, Ros and Jill all have their problems and failings but they are also very tough and likeable. I thoroughly enjoyed Prize Catch. Jodi, QLD, 4 stars

I love a good thriller, especially one set in Australia, dealing with Australian themes. I’ve never been to Tasmania but after reading Prize Catch I feel like I have. Hobart, Bruny Island and the mountains seemed so vivid in the writing, I could feel the cold. Prize Catch covers quite a bit of ground. Fragile former Lawyer Roz loses her wife in a hit and run. Returned Veteran Sam takes on a new job at a salmon farm but is soon offered a more dubious job with better pay. Nothing is what it seems as they both find themselves on the run in the bitter cold mountains, hunted by Sam’s former colleagues. Guided by those corrupt, desperate to keep nasty secrets hidden. I thoroughly enjoyed Prize Catch, my first time to read Alan Carter but surely not my last. He has a dense writing style which was a pleasure to read. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller before bedtime. Daniella, QLD, 4 stars

It wasn’t my favourite book but it was well written. It was definitely aimed more at male readers. It was an interesting topical story that could very well happen in real life. Kay, QLD, 3 stars

Buy a copy of Prize Catch here.