In the middle of the night in a remote part of Western Australia’s goldfields, the thud of a mallet on a marker peg sets off a chain reaction that unearths secrets long buried.
Detective Jessy Parkin – sent to policing purgatory in the aftermath of a tainted investigation – is tasked with finding Max Cochrane, a veteran prospector who has vanished into thin air.
What begins with a concerned daughter’s plea for help soon burgeons into a mystery as shapeshifting as a desert mirage. Fortunes are being built on the back of Kalgoorlie’s coveted gold, but the truth might be the rarest find of all.
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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Crime is not my genre but I loved this! I might be biased because it’s based in Western Australia where I live and work in mining. Who knew something exciting could be set in Perth and Kalgoorlie. It’s intelligent with loads of fascinating detail where I felt, as the reader, I was learning and analysing as part of a real investigative team. I even enjoyed learning about prospecting and tenements. I filled 3 sheets of A5 notepaper on each character as they were introduced, and their relationship with each other – something that is absolutely necessary to remember them and keep up. The characters were memorable, particularly the villain – who you don’t meet until the second half of the book. I like how we know who the murderer is most likely to be, but the protagonist requires enough evidence to have them convicted by a jury. It was so very clever and a brilliant read from start to finish. I really hope this book gets the attention this deserves. Cindy, WA, 5 stars
Crime is not my usual choice of genre, but I think Lisa Ellery may have converted me! I found myself rushing ahead at times just to find out what was coming next! Hot Ground is a well-paced read with a great plot. I loved everything about this story and I definitely didn’t see the ending coming. Highly recommend. Chrissie, WA, 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Hot Ground’. I loved the setting in Western Australia and I could easily picture the landscape in my mind as I was reading. A real thriller that was tense, dramatic and kept me guessing, with interesting characters. Overall a fantastic book by a talented author! Bianca, NSW, 5 stars
Lisa Ellery writes about the Western Australia’s goldfields and takes you through the minefields of gold mining. An excellent crime story that will keep you coming back for more. An investigation into murder on the goldfields is not as clear as it would first appear and even when you think the crime is solved more evidence will come to light leading you down an unexpected trail. Tracey, VIC, 5 stars
This was my first Lisa Ellery book, but it won’t be the last. I have already placed a hold on her first book with the library and will be looking out for future works. This book has some of the same characters from Lisa’s first book, but I didn’t feel that I was missing anything by not having read that book. Relationships and circumstances were well described so I knew where everything was going. I was certainly kept guessing until the end. The story unfolds at a good pace, and I stayed up long into the night turning pages as I just couldn’t tear myself away from the action. I’ve never been to WA, but I could visualise the settings clearly from Lisa’s detailed descriptions. Her characters are so well developed and real. I could relate to them all and cared about them. Maree, QLD, 5 stars
When prospector Max Cochrane goes missing nobody notices till his daughter Mia Greaves reports it. Then the police are not really worried as they think that he has just gone prospecting. Detective Jessy Parkin has been sent to work in her home town Kalgoorlie-Boulder while she awaits the results of an appeal case against her in Perth. She is assigned to the case when Max fails to come home. When his body is found an unsolved 30 year old case is also reopened. The story has many twists and turns which finally reveal why Max was out in the desert on that particular night pegging a claim and why others there didn’t see him. . The story goes between the Goldfields and Perth. leading the reader through what people have do to lay their claims and what all the various steps in the process mean. At the same time Jessy is having to travel back and forth between Kalgoorlie and Perth for the results of her appeal case. a book that will keep you guessing till the very end. Liz, VIC, 5 stars
This is a topic I’ve not read a lot of in crime fiction and I was hooked! A gutsy female detective cast aside in the goldfields, the story is dusty and gritty and oh so appealing. The gold is searing as is the search for the truth and I loved every bit! The heroine is awesome as is the writing – smart, atmospheric and compelling. Brendan, NSW, 5 stars
Set in W.A and evolves from an era past to the present around mining of minerals. I love the main character Jessy Parkins, her approach very real and courageous. Absolutely fantastic! A first of this genre read for me. Maria, QLD, 5 stars
A brilliant whodunit, this book brings the Western Australian gold mining region to life. The location is so richly described that it becomes a central character of the story. The reader travels the twists and turns of the case with Jessy (the lead policewoman), with multiple flash points along the way. Just when you think it’s all wrapped up, there is another surprise in Jessy’s ending. A great read, this book will have you hooked from the first few pages. Lee, ACT, 5 stars
Detective Jessy Parkin has found herself in a hole after having issues with a previous investigation. The story begins with some improper police behaviour towards the daughter of a missing father Max Cochrane. As the unravelling of the sweeping story unfolds we are taken on a whirlwind of murder investigation/s and legal court drama and political processes in the township of Kalgoorlie WA. I am a huge fan of the collections of Jane Harper and Dierva McTiernan and found the writing style of Lisa Ellery to be exemplary. So insightful and thoughtful in her storytelling. I think the length of the novel was just right, and the ending was fair when revealing the killer. I will be looking out for Lisa Ellery books in future. Preeya, QLD, 5 stars
Hot Ground by Lisa Ellery is the hot new mystery I’ve read this year! Fantastic plot line, many twists and turns to keep the reader wanting more and more. Great novel and anyone who loves a good rural Australian mystery, you’ll love Hot Ground! Sheree, NSW, 5 stars
Max Cochrane a gifted old gold prospector has gone missing in the old Kalgoorlie outback in Western Australia. His daughter is in disarray and terror looking for him. Detective Jessy Parkin is tasked with looking for him, but the case turns into a wild slouth and very confusing about where he’s disappeared to. A riveting read….. Keeping you guessing until the end. I give this 5 stars Noeleen, WA, 5 stars
Hot Ground by Lisa Ellery is a gripping mystery set in the remote goldfields of Western Australia. Detective Jessy Parkin is sent to find a missing prospector, Max Cochrane, but the case quickly becomes more complicated than expected. As she digs deeper, secrets start to surface and the harsh landscape becomes part of the danger. Jessy is a strong, determined character trying to rebuild her career after a tough case. The story is full of suspense, interesting twists, and a vivid outback setting. Hot Ground is a solid Australian crime novel with a great lead and a haunting atmosphere. Alicia, QLD, 4 stars
I loved reading Hot Ground by Lisa Ellery. I couldn’t wait to get home from work so I could dive back into this mix of crime, the legal system, mining, and rural Australia. This novel is rich with descriptions of the often harsh world of the outback, and the complexities of true Aussie characters woven throughout the storyline. The colours of the landscapes were so vividly described I felt immersed in this interesting adventure, like I was a fly on the wall, watching these characters interact. It was enjoyable to follow a strong female lead, where you see that not all good people are squeaky clean. Throughout this novel you’ll get a little insight into the lives of those living in and near outback Australia, and what they do for fun and relaxation in sparsely populated areas. Put this author on your list and grab a copy of Hot Ground. This novel will appeal to a variety of readers and you won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to see what new adventure Lisa Ellery will be creating. Emma, VIC, 4 stars
Clever plot, vivid setting and twisty narrative. If you love a police and investigative procedural set in the harsh Australian outback where gold fever drives people to extremes…then this is the book for you! An enjoyable read with a fabulous female leading character. Emily, WA, 4 stars
This goldfields whodunnit was a great read. It provides a great detail into the complexities of policing, while maintaining an interesting narrative. Mellisa, QLD, 4 stars
The hot topic in crime writing at the moment is Goldfields in remote WA and Lisa Ellery’s new book Hot Ground definitely made an impact! Lisa had me hooked from the first chapter and I could not wait to see how this story ended. Hot Ground perfectly incorporates the harsh Australian Landscape as another main character in the novel, leaving the reader feeling as if they are walking along side Detective Jessy Parkin. Rochelle, NSW, 4 stars
Lisa Ellery makes extensive use of the past and present history of the mining experience in Western Australia to create an intriguing and surprising mystery that was hard to put down. Her in-depth, descriptive text certainly made the reader feel they were viewing the entire scene through Jessicas eyes. The story is convoluted from beginning to end. A multitude of characters necessitated at times a reread of previous sections and/or chapters, to identify the who, what and why. The mysteries kept piling up. “I didn’t see that one coming,” frequently came to mind. Although at times the detail seems a little overdone or random, as the novel unfolds the detail and characterisations all fall into place. Hot Ground is an interesting and suspenseful mystery introducing Detective Parkin. Jessica is a down to earth, intelligent, dogged, likeable and believable cop. Hopefully there will be more of Detective Jessica Parkin investigations to come. Ann and Gayle, VIC, 4 stars
Hot Ground is the first book I have read by Lisa Ellery, and it won’t be the last. I liked the description of the setting in Western Australia. I could picture it in my mind, the story flowed and kept me guessing. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Keryn, SA, 4 stars
I found it hard to get into this book at first but after a few chapters it got very interesting and I wanted to find out who the killer of Max was. Wasn’t who I thought either. I then couldn’t put the book down. Well written and it made me feel like I was there too. I would love to visit Kalgoorlie after reading this. Highly recommend this book. Tori, QLD, 4 stars
A great read combining crime, the environment and legal drama. Set in the outback this novel combines real life scenarios with plenty of action. It is a completely believable story with plenty of action to keep you wanting to read. Helen, TAS, 4 stars
Hot Ground by Lisa Ellery is a fabulous outback police procedural leading the reader on an intriguing journey of missing person, historical bones, threats, murder and a chain of events that I didn’t see coming. With great characterisation, especially the very relatable Detective Jessy Parkin, I was kept on my toes until the very end! Lots of twists and turns which always makes a crime book a page turner! Great read! Ilona, VIC, 4 stars
Hot Ground is a gritty and atmospheric rural crime novel set in the harsh goldfields of Western Australia. Detective Jessy Parkin, bruised by past mistakes, is sent to Kalgoorlie-Boulder to track down a missing prospector, but what begins as a straightforward case quickly unearths secrets buried deeper than the desert mines. Lisa Ellery’s writing is sharp and evocative, bringing the outback to life with dusty realism and a keen sense of place. With strong pacing and a tough, complex heroine, this is a compelling mystery that explores the darker sides of ambition, loyalty, and survival. A great pick for fans of Jane Harper or Chris Hammer. I Highly Recommend. Rebecca, ACT, 4 stars
This is set in Western Australia amongst the Goldfields in Kalgoorlie. The detailed and descriptive writing throughout transports you into this vast and desolate bushland. The immense detail portrayed really had me feeling as though I was right there too and investigating alongside Detective Jessy Parkin which I enjoyed. We also get to learn a thing or two about prospecting which is not something I had ever learnt about before. No spoilers here but if you enjoy a good a crime fiction novel and especially one set in Australia; you may like to pick this up. Amanda, VIC, 3 stars
Can I first preface this review by saying that this book would make an amazing mini series. That being said, as a book, it was a bit lengthy and wordy for me. The storyline was cleverly crafted which draws you in, but there were too many characters to try and remember which I found frustrating. Again, I think it would translate well to the small screen. There were great descriptions of the landscapes of the goldfields and Jess as the main character was totally believable and relatable. I just found it as a whole quite disappointing and tedious. Kim, NSW, 3 stars
Hot Ground by Lisa Ellery, probably wouldn’t be my first pick for a novel. I like the idea of the detective in the outback, but there was something about this book that didn’t quite gel with my personal tastes. It was very descriptive and set the scene in depth, and I think this is what I find a little tiresome in a book. However, the book did keep me guessing up until the end. Kerrie, TAS, 2 stars
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