Your Preview Verdict: Broke Road by Matthew Spencer

Your Preview Verdict: Broke Road by Matthew Spencer

A late-night phone call is never good news for Homicide Detective Sergeant Rose Riley. This time she’s being sent up to the Hunter Valley, where a woman has been found dead in her home.

Rose grew up further along the valley. She knows that for every vineyard and golf course resort visited by tourists to the ‘wine country’, there are as many dilapidated fibro houses and drug dens, in the shadow of one of the state’s largest prisons.

A media hound points the finger at the husband, angering Rose, but capturing the attention of journalist turned true crime author Adam Bowman. His book on the ‘Blue Moon Killer’ made him famous but the case nearly cost Rose her life, and she’s not sure how she feels about seeing him again.

Suspects abound, from the grieving husband to sinister business interests and suspicious locals. But when new evidence connects the crime to an old case, Rose realises they have no time to lose. The murderer is ready to strike again.

Buy a copy of Broke Road here.

Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:

This was my first time giving a review and I loved it! I took the book away for my holiday in the wine country (extremely fitting). I’m sure the location added to my suspense because I found that once I got started, I simply couldn’t put the book down. Without giving too much away, I’d highly recommend if you like a good suspense filled novel from start to finish! Throughly enjoyed the way Matthew writes. Susan, WA, 5 stars

An engrossing page-turning Australian police procedural novel that doesn’t disappoint! I have not read the first book in the series, but based on the thrilling enjoyable ride of this one I definitely will. Matthew Spencer has created an atmospheric, intricate and sophisticated character-driven story set in Hunter Valley wine country that draws you in and slowly unveils the characters’ back stories and motivations whilst simultaneously interweaving with a slowly revealing mystery. I very much enjoyed this fast paced crime drama and cannot wait to read more DS Riley stories. Yvette, NSW, 5 stars

I loved this book! This was my first Matthew Spencer read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book is both crime and police procedural genre and towards the end a thriller as well! Spencer builds the characters nicely along the way – you are slowly learning more and more about the main characters and understanding their psyche. I really liked most of the characters The scene is beautifully set in this novel. I felt like I could see the country town and the old buildings and vineyards. Living in the country myself, I can understand the division between the coal and vineyard “sides of town”. The book nicely builds pace as it goes along and it was bordering on a thriller in the last few chapters as we worked towards the climax of discovering the killer. I didn’t know until I finished the book that it was the second book in a series. I haven’t read the first book but this had no impact whatsoever. I will however definitely go and grab a copy of the first novel now! If you love crime fiction, particularly Australian crime, then I would recommend this book. Tracey, TAS, 5 stars

Having not read the first book by Matthew Spencer I came to Broke Road with no expectations and open mindset. Growing up in the Hunter Valley and knowing the areas depicted by the fictional locations overseen by Homicide Detective Sergeant Rose Riley, I wondered how she would deal with the heinous crime committed in this picturesque vineyard filled environment, especially considering the constant flow of people through the area. The story follows Rose as she investigates the murder of a young woman in the rural town of Red Creek. The victim’s husband presents an alibi raising more questions than answers which prompts Riley to delve deeper into the community’s secrets. Depth is added to the investigation of the murder by Rose’s partner Priya Patel and local crime reporter Adam Bowman showing the various complexities of uncovering truths in a close-knit community. I did enjoy reading this novel, particularly the exploration of the class divide/tension between wine people (Sydney Yuppies) and the Cessnock locals (the blue collar mine workers and other trades), which you can feel when you visit the area in question. The twist reflecting past to a past crime, one which is personally close for Rose, and the array of suspects continually arising to throw doubt into the investigation, keeps the reader wanting to turn another page to see the next development. Broke Road is a must read for enthusiasts of Aussie crime thrillers, and Matthew Spencer does not disappoint. Helen, NSW, 5 stars

A fantastic Aussie crime fiction book set in Red Creek, a small town famed for its wine within the Hunter Valley and illustrates a juxtaposition between city dwellers creating new roots and old farming families who set roots firmly in town generations earlier. DS Riley, DC Patel and freelance journo Adam Bowman make a great trio on uncovering the truth of a local murder featuring an interesting array of possible suspects and a captivating plot that unfolded in a way I wasn’t expecting, making for a page turning read. Broke Road is the second book in the DS Riley series but can definitely be read as a stand alone. Author Matthew Spencer does a fantastic job of summarising character experiences from his first book Black River succinctly, yet providing further character depth. I for one will be picking up Black River to learn more about this trio. Christine, VIC, 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I noted that it is the second book by this author. Now, I want to read the first. What I enjoyed most was the relationship between the two women police officers. They seemed so well suited to their roles and worked together brilliantly. I love this book genre and this one doesn’t let me down. It had me up at night trying to work out who was the perpetrator of the crimes. It kept me guessing until the end. Now I’m off to buy that first book! Lyn, SA, 5 stars

Broke Road by Mattew Spencer is a brilliant murder mystery set in the Hunter Valley NSW. A young women is found murdered in her home and Detective Sergeant Rose Riley is called upon to solve the crime. It is a gripping story with many suspects and lots of twists and turns. Gai, NSW, 5 stars

Gripping story of police investigating a young woman’s murder in a small grape growing town. Links are discovered to two earlier deaths and piece by piece the murderer is uncovered. The characters are well drawn and the stresses and pressures of the job are written well. I really enjoyed this book. Denise, QLD, 5 stars

I loved reading Broke Road by Matthew Spencer and having not read the first book in this series really must go and find the first one! The relationship between Detective Rose Riley, her colleague Priya Patel and journalist Adam Bowman is beautifully developed and it felt like a club I needed to belong to. They know and respect each others strength and weakness – like family! Set in Red Creek in the Hunter Valley, Rose and Priya are sent to investigate the murder of a woman in her home. Adam joins them and together they navigate the complexities and polarities of rural living combined with big development. I loved the character development and the flaws so easily found in individuals. While the story had a nice pace so it was easily digested, the interaction between the key players had me staying out late to find out more. Another fantastic Australian author and I will definitely add him to my must reads list. Michelle Aulich, TAS, 5 stars

I read the first Rose Riley book “Black River” a while ago and really enjoyed it. It was great to reacquaint with the same characters in a new setting. Time has passed and Bowman, Riley and Patel have all grown and changed as people and investigators since the first book which adds to the dynamic of “Broke Road”. Having said that, I don’t think you need to have read the first book to appreciate this, it’s a stand-alone story. Riley is called to the Hunter Valley to investigate the murder of a woman in her home. There is no sign of forced entry, and the husband is the popular suspect in the media. The further the investigating team dig the more suspects they find, and we are drawn into the complex interconnections within the small community. The sense of place is wonderful- I love that the characters and landscapes are authentically Australian, and the Hunter Valley is very much a character in the book. Matthew Spencer’s writing is evocative, and the pace is spot on – slowly building to the conclusion, it kept me enthralled until the very end. Debbie, NSW, 5 stars

This is the first book that I have read by Matthew Spencer. It is the second book in the Rose Riley series, but I didn’t feel that I missed anything by not having read the first book. In saying that, I have already reserved a copy of Black River, the first Rose Riley book, with my library, as I really want to find out what happened in that one. What a fantastic ride this book was. I loved the pace, not too fast and not too slow. The suspense builds nicely, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. The main characters, Rose, Priya, Bowman and Rodrigues all work together so well. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses that complement each other. I love Australian authors with stories set in Australian cities and towns. It makes it so much easier for me to imagine where they are and hear their voices in my head, like I’m there with them, sitting on the sidelines, helping them solve the mystery. Maree, QLD, 5 stars

Rose Riley from Sydney homicide is called out to a death in the Hunter Valley – but it isn’t a simple job. Riley is familiar with the Hunter Valley – she grew up there. Broke Road kept me interested from start to finish. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the murder investigation. I also enjoyed the conflict, interesting characters and side issues such as corruption and unrestrained development. The book had the right amount of intrigue to keep me engaged. The Hunter Valley was a great setting for much of the action with the contrast between mining and wine interests and distinction between those that have and those that do not. I highly recommend ‘Broke Road’. Sandra, NSW, 5 stars

Broke Road is the sequel to Black River, the first in the Rose Riley Series. I have not read Black River and although Broke Road makes reference to the book, it reads perfectly well as a stand-alone novel. Rose is a detective from Sydney called on to investigate a rural homicide and Adam is a journalist looking for a story. Can they combine their skills to catch the killer before he strikes again? This is a great addition to the Australian Rural Crime trope with great characters and lots of plot twists. I’ll definitely be searching out the first in the series to read and will look out for further instalments! Anne, VIC, 5 stars

The twists and turns keep you guessing right up to the last page! The location and attention to investigative details really brings the story to life. Jacqui, NSW, 5 stars

A brilliant and enthralling read! I love the way Matthew writes the descriptions of the characters and landmarks, they hit the mark perfectly if you’ve ever travelled around this area and with a bit of humour thrown in. The twists and turns keeps you guessing until the very end. Matthew keeps you engaged as clues unfold but never really let’s you figure out ‘whodunnit’. A really entertaining book. Sarah, QLD, 5 stars

Broke Road (Matthew Spence) tells the story about how a woman apparently murder by her husbands, turns out to be connected with other unsolved cases in different parts of Australia. Finding how the victims were chose is crucial to find the serial killer. The police has a journalist friend that is helping them in the case, as well finding some dirty bussiness happening in the small town. Cintia, VIC, 5 stars

I really LOVED this book. Partly because it was set in my own backyard of the Hunter Valley, lending an added sense of realism for me, but also because the female leads were well developed and the ‘whodunnit’ factor kept me guessing to the end. Thoroughly recommended for all cop mystery lovers who are keen for something refreshingly Australian. Ruth, NSW, 5 stars

Congratulations Matthew Spencer on this second book absolutely brilliant from start to finish, Detective Rose Riley is teamed up with Priya Patel both great characters and also Adam Bowman, great murder mystery set in NSW wine country, a community with winneries small towns and secrets another brillAustralian book Deborah, NSW, 5 stars

Set in wine country, this mystery will make you want to sit down with a bottle and binge read it all at once. Twists and turns abound, with surprises around each turn – just like a great bottle of Shiraz. The characters are emminently likeable and you can’t help but cheer them on, hanging on to the edge of your seat as you gallop toward the finish. Definitely recommend this great Aussie mystery. Lee, ACT, 5 stars

Broke Road by Matthew Spencer is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that delves deep into the struggles of a man caught between the past and the future. The protagonist, struggling with his identity and personal demons, embarks on a journey of self-discovery that is both heart-wrenching and redemptive. Spencer’s writing is raw and evocative, capturing the complexities of human emotions with precision and nuance. The narrative weaves themes of loss, addiction, and the pursuit of redemption, making the reader reflect on their own life choices. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the emotional weight of each moment to resonate, yet it never lingers too long, keeping the story moving forward. Spencer’s characters are well-developed, and his attention to detail makes the setting feel alive and immersive. Overall, Broke Road is a poignant exploration of the human condition, filled with hope and despair in equal measure. Melissa, VIC, 5 stars

Det Sergeant Rose Riley returns with another twisty murder to solve. Set in the rural wine regions of Australia its grabs you straight from the beginning with its quirky locals and their seemingly peaceful town. I enjoyed reading Riley’s thought process and how she processes the clues, so very different to her counterparts. The who in whodunit is clever but the why and how is far more interesting and satisfying. A great read for those who like Aussie outback crime and don’t worry if you haven’t read his first amazing book Black River, everything you need to know is explained in Broke Road as it goes along. A cracking read Glenn, VIC, 5 stars

I thought Broke Road by Matthew Spencer was a very enjoyable read. Broke Road revolves around a female Homicide Detective Sergeant who is sent to the Hunter valley to investigate a murder. This murder isn’t isolated. Matthew has used a variety of characters, locals and creepy suspects,to build a great story which kept me guessing to the end. He used locations that I’m familiar with. He blended everything together and presented an old fashioned ‘who dun it’. Loved it! I could see Broke Road made into a television movie. Thank you Matthew for writing Broke Road. More of the same, please. I purchased your Black River. Liking it a lot too. Sharon, ACT, 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading Broke Road by Matthew Spencer particularly since it was set in and around Cessnock which is a small town in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. Detective Sergeant Rose Riley and her colleague Priya are asked to investigate the murder of a female in her home where it is suspected that its a DV case and that the husband is the perpetrator. Rose and Priya are accommodated in a strange Motel called the Quirk. Author and journalist Adam Bowman joins the investigation but he stays at the local pub.There are several suspects including locals who are investigated one by one for their possible links to the case. This book has so many twists and turns which takes the investigation to Canberra and South Australia as the death is linked to other similar cases. It keeps you guessing until the end and you will not want to put it down until the case is solved. I thoroughly recommend this book and congratulate the author. Katrina, QLD, 5 stars

Wow.. didn’t like to put this book down. Gave great insight to solving murders and crime in general. Kept you guessing and summarising down to the last few pages. Good characters and background information on them and on life in smaller towns. Glenys, NSW, 5 stars

“Broke Road” is an absorbing and distinctive crime novel. One of the things I really enjoyed was Rose’s quiet professionalism. She’s good at her job, she’s been doing it a long time, and many of her colleagues know and respect her. She doesn’t have to prove herself. I enjoy seeing competent people doing their job well without a lot of grandstanding. This is a procedural, enlivened by Rose’s personal connection to the area. She grew up in the region. Rose’s understanding of the local insularity contrasts with her broader awareness of the world. The depiction of police procedure is solid and interesting, covering enough detail to feel convincing, but not so much that the story bogs down. How the police both use and stonewall the media is also well shown. These characters are distinctively Australian, shaped by where they live, and easy to recognise. Spencer has empathy for most of his characters, and will lead you to understand them and feel sympathy too. This is a really enjoyable read for crime fans. I enjoyed the distinctiveness of the Australian setting. The central puzzle respects the tropes of the genre, but keeps it realistic and grounded. Highly recommended. Lorraine, ACT, 5 stars

Matthew is an amazing author! It is the first time I have read one of his books – he is truly an amazing writer, as it was like no other story I have read, and cannot wait till I read more of his books Kathy, NSW, 5 stars

Once I started this book I could not put it down, I found it did drag on a bit but I was invested and needed to know who did it! Fiona, VIC, 4 stars

Broke Road thoroughly impressed me. Set in the Hunter Valley, the novel offers a compelling blend of atmospheric storytelling and intricate crime-solving. The description of rural Australia is vivid and authentic, and really enjoyable. The plot was wonderful, with just the right balance of suspense, twists, and character development. I found myself completely immersed, racing through chapters to uncover what would happen next. Georgia, TAS, 4 stars

Another great Australian crime writer! I had not read Black River the first in the Rose Riley series, that didn’t impact my enjoyment or understanding. Great characters, setting, and pace. Intrigued until the end. Four stars. Kelly, QLD, 4 stars

Another thoroughly captivating and enthralling crime drama. I love, love, love these characters so much, and the case had me engaged until the very end. Laura, VIC, 4 stars

I was very excited to read this book, I live in the area it is set in and love knowing where the author is talking about. I was a bit concerned that I hadn’t read the first book, and I think it would have helped, but it can be read without it. The storyline is great. Lots of twists and turns, suspects, persons of interest. I wasn’t sure about Riley. Sometimes I liked her, others not so much. But I think that’s what I liked about the whole book, the fact that the main characters were real. They had faults. Not one dimensional cut outs. The mystery was not so simple that it was obvious who did it from the beginning, but also not too hard that it was confusing. I enjoyed the book, enough that I have found the first one to read now. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good crime story Leanne, NSW, 4 stars

Honestly I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Words aren’t enough to describe how great this book was. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. I would definitely recommend it to people who love crime/thriller Zhyesha, WA, 4 stars

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It was a bit slow moving to begin with but the characters eventually grew on me and the story line held my interest. In the end I couldn’t put it down.  Gina, SA, 4 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Broke Road, the first book by author Matthew Spencer. Was a well plotted ‘who done it’, and the guessing continued till the last pages. Thoroughly recommend to anyone that loves a true detective suspense drama filled book keeping the pages turning. Look forward to reading a second book by this author. Readers who enjoy reading author Chris Hammer will enjoy reading this Australian author also. Well done Matthew. Paula, SA, 4 stars

Very descriptive and catches your attention from the first few pages. Intertwining lives bring the story together and keeps you guessing right up to the end…a small town becomes news after the death of a beautiful local…was is the husband? Lets see what Patel uncovers. Sharnee, QLD, 4 stars

Second in the series featuring homicide Detective Rose Riley. Broke Road reads well as a stand-alone novel, but I’d have preferred to read Black River first. However, it’s obvious Detectives Riley and Priya Patel have a shared history along with ex-journalist Adam Bowman. I love their interactions, Aussie humour and the spark and banter of close colleagues and friends. I was hooked from the beginning and the many twists and turns kept me guessing. I thought I’d got it all worked out – except I hadn’t. Set mainly in Hunter Valley wine country, there’s a rich sense of place – the vines, mists, quirky villages and close knit communities with lovable and not-so-lovable characters. It was great to delve into theirs lives at the same time as learning more about Riley, Patel and Bowman and their continued development. Love the spark between Rose and Adam with a hint of ‘Will they?’ ‘Won’t they?’ An enjoyable read and look forward to the next in the series – and reading the first. Pamela, QLD, 4 stars

Even without reading the first book, I enjoyed Broke Road, it’s a great crime novel and depicts Australia’s wine country realistically, like the wine growers divide with the local people. I’d definitely read another of Matthew Spencer’s novels. Tracy, WA, 4 stars

Having read Matthew Spencer’s previous novel with Bowman, Patel and Riley, I was very keen for more! The crime in this one felt slightly less personal to the protagonists and the whodunnit was probably not as gripping but the pace was outstanding. The story really takes its time slowly introducing the people, the places and the relationships, making sure the reader gets totally invested before the suspicions start to sink in. I enjoyed the unpleasantness a lot of the cast exuded, a number of them being obviously unpleasant people but possibly not bad enough to become murderers. Or are they? The gentle pace through the middle of the book really picks up towards the ending to the point where I found it near impossible to put down. A great follow-up and well worth the time. Richard, VIC, 4 stars

‘Broke Road’ by Matthew Spencer is the second book featuring homicide detective Rose Riley, partnering with Priya Patel to investigate a woman’s murder. Spencer also reintroduces Adam Bowman who’s riding the wave of success after publishing a true crime book based on Riley’s previous investigation. I like the way Spencer unpicks the crime here, pulling readers into the investigation. Naturally the victim’s husband is the key suspect despite an alibi—until Riley finds links to a similar murder and starts piecing the connections together. Spencer again throws in local flavour, giving us a sense of ‘place’. We’re in wine country so the community of Red Creek (near Cessnock) grows on weekends but is also rife with new development and old farming families. When Bowman knows Riley and Patel are on the case, he requests the story and easily ingratiates himself with the locals. Spencer brings those characters to life through Bowman’s interactions, putting us there in the thick of things, as he gathers intel and gossip he shares with Riley and Patel. This is another great read from Spencer and I appreciated that he balances the unfolding investigations with the characters’ own personal evolutions. Deborah, QLD, 4 stars

This suspenseful cop drama will keep you guessing! It all starts with what appears to be the perfect crime. A woman is dead, but there is no forced entry and it appears she hasn’t fought off her assailant. Everything points to her attacker being someone she knows, perhaps her husband? But he has an alibi. How is the perpetrator getting into the house? These are all questions that Rose Riley is struggling to unravel. Rose Riley is a very no-nonsense cop who has had her own demons to face. She’s abrupt and says what she thinks, has a heart of gold and when it comes to detective work, she is thorough. Readers will love the local element as I did, growing up in Newcastle/Lake Macquarie and having picked grapes myself in the past it was wonderful seeing little known areas mentioned in this book and made it so easy to picture the scenes. Very well written and gripping to the end. Sarah, TAS, 4 stars

When I first saw the synopsis of this book, I was intrigued. A crime novel set in the picturesque tourist haven of the Hunter Valley. When a young woman is found dead by her husband under dubious circumstances with no signs of a struggle or forced entry, Detective Rose Riley and her partner Patel set out from Sydney to solve this case only to find that the deeper they delve, the more questions that they have … This book had me completely hooked from the beginning and I literally could not put this book down. The detail that is crafted into this book is incredible with the investigative procedures woven throughout the story. Detective Rose Riley is a formidable character, who is quick, smart, determined and will not stop until the killer is found. From the descriptions of the landscape to the process of the detective work all combines for a gripping read that will keep readers guessing until the end. Julia, SA, 4 stars

Although I have not read Black River I really enjoyed this gripping read about an area not far from my home. Set in the beautiful wine area of the Hunter this book had me glued to the pages. Loved the characters and the suspected suspects kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the story line and detail till I reached the ending and personally thought the ending section was a tad to rushed for me. Great crime writing by Matthew Spencer and a truly good read. Cherril, NSW, 4 stars

One of the many genres I like to read is Crime, and this book sure fit into that category. I found it to be an easy read, and there was lots going on and happening all the time to keep me engaged in the storyline. My first book by Matthew Spencer and I look forward to reading more of his work. This book sure didn’t disappoint. Annette, NSW, 4 stars

Broke Road by Matthew Spencer is a murder mystery set in the wine region of the Hunter Valley. Rose Riley is a Homocide Detective, and she has been sent to the Hunter Valley in relation to a woman found dead in her home. As the investigation progresses, various factors like vineyard/golf course businesses bringing tourists to the wine regions, competing with the poorer people and criminal factors, all compete with trying to solve the murder. There are several twists during the story, and the reader is kept wondering until the end. I enjoyed the story and the characters were believable. Fay, VIC, 4 stars

This was a very technical crime novel that unfortunately didn’t quite keep me in suspense. However, this would probably be perfect for those who enjoy in-depth representations of modern homicide cases. I could tell that this was very well-researched when it came to the locations and processes of detective work. The book certainly gets into great detail with forensics. Some of the country slang and police jargon went a bit over my head and left me confused. At points I considered making a list of the characters as it was overwhelming to keep up with who was who. I felt similarly while trying to mentally map the locations mentioned in the book. As a result, the pacing felt a bit slow for my liking. I think I prefer crime novels that write from a non-detective perspective. I thought it was interesting how working relationships between detectives and the press were explored. I liked the relationship dynamic of Riley and Patel in their detective partnership. Events culminated to a pretty satisfying ending. Although I hadn’t read the previous Rose Riley book, this one felt fairly accessible. I’d recommend this to enjoyers of crime novels that get deeply technical with detective work. Gabrielle, QLD, 3 stars

Having not read the first book in Matthew Spencer’s series I was a bit concerned there would be too many first book references to make this book enjoyable. There were quite a few references through the character Bowman but it was a true stand alone story. I enjoyed it but when I finished I realised the pace was a bit off for me. Most of the book bubbles along gently and then things are amped up to a frenetic pace in the last few pages. I missed the build up to the climax. It seemed to be missing. I did enjoy the Aussie setting and landscape descriptions. I could see it made into a movie. Overall a good read but it didn’t tempt me to seek out his first book. Steph, NSW, 3 stars

Broke Road is a skillfully crafted police procedural thriller, set in the picturesque Hunter Valley region. I was pulled into the investigation, right alongside Detective Rose Riley and enjoyed solving the case with a character with the potential to become a household name. Renae, QLD, 3 stars

Matthew Spencer’s Broke Road is a gritty, suspenseful crime novel set in the rugged, wine-soaked hills of the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. The novel opens with a shocking murder that sends ripples through a quiet community, setting the stage for a complex investigation that unravels dark secrets hidden beneath the surface of rural life. Detectives Riley and Patel are dispatched to investigate the murder. Riley, a seasoned investigator with a sharp mind and a no-nonsense attitude, is paired with the methodical and observant Patel, creating a nuanced approach to solving the crime. Spencer’s writing captures the stark beauty of the Hunter Valley-its sprawling vineyards, quiet roads, and the looming presence of nature-while never letting the picturesque setting overshadow the tension of the murder investigation. The pace of the novel is deliberate yet taut, drawing the reader deeper into the mystery. What truly sets Broke Road apart is its well-drawn characters. Riley and Patel are both relatable and fully realized, with personal lives that influence their professional actions.. Ultimately, Broke Road is more than just a standard whodunit. It’s a character-driven crime novel that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the of uncovering the truth. Spencer’s portrayal of rural life in Australia-its beauty, its isolation, and its darkness-is as much a character as the detectives themselves. The intricate plot, coupled with its nuanced characters, makes this a compelling read for fans of contemporary crime fiction. Di, NSW, 3 stars

Buy a copy of Broke Road here.

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Better Reading Preview: Broke Road by Matthew Spencer

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4 March 2025

Better Reading Preview: Broke Road by Matthew Spencer

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    1 July 2025

    Q&A: Matthew Spencer, Author of Broke Road

      Publisher details

      Broke Road
      Author
      Matthew Spencer
      Publisher
      Allen & Unwin
      Released
      01 July, 2025
      ISBN
      9781761069208

      Synopsis

      A late-night phone call is never good news for Homicide Detective Sergeant Rose Riley. This time she's being sent up to the Hunter Valley, where a woman has been found dead in her home.

      Rose grew up further along the valley. She knows that for every vineyard and golf course resort visited by tourists to the 'wine country', there are as many dilapidated fibro houses and drug dens, in the shadow of one of the state's largest prisons.

      A media hound points the finger at the husband, angering Rose, but capturing the attention of journalist turned true crime author Adam Bowman. His book on the 'Blue Moon Killer' made him famous but the case nearly cost Rose her life, and she's not sure how she feels about seeing him again.

      Suspects abound, from the grieving husband to sinister business interests and suspicious locals. But when new evidence connects the crime to an old case, Rose realises they have no time to lose. The murderer is ready to strike again.

      Matthew Spencer
      About the author

      Matthew Spencer

      Matthew Spencer was a journalist at The Australian for twenty years, with long stints running the Foreign News desk and as Opinion Editor. He has written for newspapers and magazines in Uganda and Kenya and been published in The Australian Financial Review and The Sydney Morning Herald. He was born in Parramatta. The son of teachers, he lived with his sister Kate on the 320-acre campus of a boys' boarding school. Long summers on the largely deserted property while exploring the remnant bush with its tributary of the Parramatta River inspired this book. Black River is to be published by Allen and Unwin in June 2022.

      Books by Matthew Spencer

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