Your Preview Verdict: Stillwater by Tanya Scott

Buy a copy of Stillwater here.

Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:

Stillwater is a gripping, character-driven thriller that pulls the reader into the tumultuous life of Luke Harris, a man desperately trying to escape his troubled past, only to find himself pulled back into the very world he sought to leave behind. Scott’s masterful storytelling effortlessly intertwines past and present, using flashbacks to Luke’s childhood to deepen our understanding of his struggles and motivations. The themes of trauma, poverty, dysfunctional parenting, and drug use are explored with remarkable empathy, adding layers of complexity to Luke’s character and his journey. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel. The characters are richly developed and reflect the author’s keen insight into the human psyche, making for a compelling and addictive read. The plot kept me guessing, and I found myself unable to put the book down, finishing it in one sitting. I’m already looking forward to seeing more from this talented author. Melanie, NSW, 5 stars

Stillwater- a riveting read from start to finish. Following the journey of Luke, who is constantly striving to be the best version of himself and improve his life, whilst being drawn back to his past and all the secrets that holds. I became invested in Luke’s life from the first page to the last. I can’t believe this is a debut novel by Tanya Scott, as it’s written so well with such attention to detail you would think it is written by a seasoned writer. Highly recommend, and looking forward to reading more from Tanya Scott. Pennie, QLD, 5 stars

Stillwater is a fast-paced crime story that will get you hooked by the enthralling plot. Luke is a likeable character who is full of surprises. The story navigates his past experiences growing up in a hard done by family to where that led him in the future. It’s about fractured families, poverty, homelessness and getting stuck in a pattern of crime. The imagery of Melbourne and the Victorian countryside makes this book easy to read and to immerse yourself into the storyline. The plot was smart – there is themes of disability support, finance, cooking, social media and self-improvement that will meet everyone’s needs. It captivated my attention, and I valued the deep and meaningful lessons throughout. I was absolutely hooked at the halfway point and very surprised by the ending. If you like Jane Harper & Michael Robotham you will love this new novel by Tanya Scott. It will not disappoint. Melanie, NSW, 5 stars

Stillwater is absolutely a great read. The story being based around the western suburbs of Melbourne has a great atmosphere to it. What Luke had to go through in his life and the absolute surprise towards the end , this is one novel that you can read on repeat and never get bored. Lorraine, VIC, 5 stars

Stillwater by Tanya Scott is an action-packed cliffhanger that keeps you enthralled with many twists and turns. Luke Harris is a likeable, independent and a very together young man who changed his name to try to escape his questionable earlier life. Luke’s previous life caught up with him and he finds he has to outsmart Gus, the crime boss he worked for as a teenager. A great read that keeps the surprises coming. Gai, NSW, 5 stars

If you’re into crime, suspense and intrigue then Stillwater by Tanya Scott should be your next read. Luke Harris is a man with a past that just wants to move on and have a normal life. Unfortunately the past and the people who he was involved with then have other ideas. In another life he was known as Jack Quinlan and to survive his childhood he got involved with the wrong people. When a major incident happened, he took that opportunity to leave his old life and create a new one in Queensland. Later he decided to return to Melbourne where things quickly escalate and as hard as he tries his old life forces its way back in. This debut novel is a page turner that will keep you up late at night eagerly turning the pages to see what will happen next. Jody, SA, 5 stars

Stillwater draws you in the minute you open the book! You are taken on an journey with main character Luke (aka Jackie) who is likeable, relatable + 100% Aussie. The story touches on foster care, growing up in a poor, unstable and on the wrong side of the tracks family, petty criminal behaviour and how one person can change the trajectory of your life. The cast of characters who surround Luke grow on you as you learn more about his life and are typically Aussie true blue people. I fell in love with Luke and his story and couldn’t put this book down. The chapters alternating between now and his childhood really pulled me in to understand how he’s now faced with a conundrum and the question of who he is is ultimately explained. 5 stars! I am genuinely sorry I’ve finished the book! Helen, NSW, 5 stars

You never know when your past will catch up with you. Luke Harris was living a quiet life working as a Disability Support Carer and was also studying. He accepted a job for wealthy Jonathon Wylie to care for his son Phil while his usual carer was sick. Things went well for a while till one night while he was out he was recognised by someone from his past., Gus Albereci., a crime boss who Luke worked for a a teenager. He was dragged back into his old life and memories of when he was younger and lived with his father Quin and his father’s best mate, Kevin neither of whom had been seen for years. Gus dragged Luke in to looking for the two friends and also money that Gus thought that they had stolen from him. Jonathon was not so clean either and was in debt to Gus. The police are also keeping a close eye on Luke who is trying to stay out of trouble but also wants to know what happened to Quin and Kevin. Liz, VIC, 5 stars

Luke finally got his life together, is studying and gets a job as Phil’s part time carer. That’s how everything starts falling apart and his past catches up with him. It is helpful that during his teenage years, his name was Jack(ie) so it is always clear when the story takes place. He really just wanted a family, safe home and good grades. But then Gus sucked him into the criminal world and Jack had to stay to survive. In the present, there are a few surprises that creates the perfect storm for Luke’s world to fall apart and he is desperate to get out of the situation in one piece. The flawed characters (pretty much everyone) are still likeable. Take Gus, all about family and doing the right thing but not having an issue with getting people hurt or killed. A wonderful debut and I am looking forward to Tanya’s next book Sandra, NSW, 5 stars

Addictive, action packed and absolutely brilliant, Stillwater is destined to be a bestseller. The complexity of characters can be attributed to the authors background in medicine but equally – or perhaps more so – her understanding of humanity, and what it means to be human. The narrative is well crafted; the setting familiar, gritty and contrarily comforting. Every word earns its place on the page and the scarcity of language packs a punch. I can not wait for Tanya Scott’s next novel to hit the shelves. Teena, WA, 5 stars

I’m in disbelief that Stillwater is a debut novel, and leaves me excited to see what’s to come from Tanya Scott in the future. The main character Luke (Jack) is raised to be a criminal thug by mob boss Gus, after his Mum passes away from a drug overdose. However this isn’t the life he yearns to lead and does his best to fight for a ‘normal’ existence. Filled with decades old secrets, heart pounding scenes and characters of varying likeable and detestable natures, Stillwater was a fantastic read that I had trouble putting down until I reached the last page. Highly recommended! Sally, SA, 5 stars

Readers are introduced to Luke Harris, previously Jack Quinlan, an ex-enforcer pursuing atonement in Tanya Scott’s debut novel Stillwater. The narrative, which is set in Melbourne, follows Luke as he tries to lead a “normal life”—university, solid employment, and a new love—until his former mentor, vicious mafia boss Gus Alberici, drives him back into the background. Scott’s experience as a physician and mental health educator enhances the story by giving Luke’s internal conflict more emotional nuance and genuineness. Syed, NSW, 5 stars

What a fantastic debut novel. One of the best Aussie crime thrillers I have read. The scenes are described so well, is such detail that I felt I was there seeing the action being played out. I couldn’t put this book down. Dianne, WA, 5 stars

What an incredible debut novel! From the first chapter, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. Tanya Scott’s storytelling is mesmerising, pulling you into Stillwater’s quiet but emotionally turbulent world. The characters felt deeply real, each navigating personal histories marked by love, loss, and change. I loved the way that she was able to weave all the stories of the characters together and keep you guessing about how this was going to end. No hesitation here: 5 out of 5 stars. If you’re after a book that’s fast paced with hidden twists and turns, I’d highly recommend diving into Stillwater. Michael, NSW, 5 stars

An edge of the seat thriller with a lead character who is so likeable you forget he is a totally rotten egg. Stillwater by Tanya Scott kept me glued to the page for the whole roller-coaster ride. Luke is trying to stay on the straight and narrow but his past keeps catching up with him. There are red herrings and lovable characters aplenty and villians you will love to hate. If you love a suspenseful crime thriller, this is the book for you. Karan, VIC, 5 stars

What a great first novel by Tanya Scott. There is so much depth to this story. The characters and environments are relatable, and cleverly described. Luke is such a strong main character, level-headed and protective to those who deserve it like Emma. But he can be ruthless when crossed. The twists and turns towards the end were a surprise. I love how bits and pieces mentioned early on in the story tied into and created a very clever and dramatic finale. I will be following Scott to see what she releases next. Maybe a sequel? I keep wondering what is next for both Luke and Emma. Sarah, NSW, 5 stars

What can I say an Australian Crime thriller that even had romance thrown into the mix, I found Stillwater to be an exciting read which I found powerful and gripping. Was fully immersed into the characters especially Luke whose past tugged at my heartstrings. This has been one of the best debut novels that I have read, really looking forward to her next one. Caroline, NSW, 5 stars

What a pleasure it was to read Luke’s story. This book covered the complete package of emotions with action, edge of seat suspense and complex relationships. The seamless connections between characters and segues between past and present were worthy of a much more experienced author. The descriptive passages were just enough to give me a sense of the settings and the characters without going over the top like a lot of books these days. Nothing felt like “filler,” just all substance (and I’ve already imagined who could play the characters on screen). You could tell the author was extremely knowledgeable in mental health fields, especially around the lasting effects of childhood trauma, and managed to blend information into the story without it becoming preachy. Marcia, QLD, 5 stars

Wow! Stillwater is hard hitting debut. Luke has already lived a tough life. His mother died when he was very young and his father, Quin has been in and out of jail and on the run for his entire life Born into a life of criminals hasn’t given Luke any stability but occasionally there are glimpses of a family home life Now in his 30s, he is trying to start his life, studying and working as a support worker. From the first chapter Luke is reserved, smart and caring, but when his old boss Gus realised he is back in Melbourne his freedom is on line as he is thrown back into the criminal world, trying to find Quin and his best friend Kevin, who has stolen from Gus Stillwater is gritty, raw, heartbreaking and suspenseful As the story weaves through Luke’s past and present, you will be wholeheartedly invested in his fight for freedom and independence from the life he was born into. A fantastic debut, I was all in and hooked from the get-go Can’t wait to see what is next for Tanya! Emilie, VIC, 5 stars

Stillwater by Tanya Scott is a compelling and easy-to-read novel that seamlessly blends crime and drama. Set against a backdrop of class divides and buried secrets, the story explores the age-old debate of nature versus nurture, while also highlighting the tension between wealth and poverty. Scott crafts a gripping narrative that pulls readers into a Melbourne suburb simmering with resentment and mystery. The pacing is tight, the characters are well-drawn, and the twists keep you guessing until the end. What really elevates the novel is how it balances emotional depth with suspense—giving equal weight to the psychological impacts of upbringing as it does to the whodunit elements. If you’re after a thought-provoking crime story with strong themes and smooth prose, Stillwater delivers. Sharon, QLD, 5 stars

Congratulations Tanya Scott on your debut novel. What a ride. Jack and Luke keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. The book makes you think seriously about our choices in life. Did Jack and Luke make choices of free will or were they forced into a life they did not choose. Then we have a third character Emma who also has life choices with regards to herself and her family. I wondered about the title but you eventually find out the reason. I found this book to be a great page turner read and at points when reading thought I was watching a tv drama. Descriptions very graphic especially coming from a female writer. If you have enjoyed books by Claire Douglas, PA Thomas Joan Sauers, Candice Fox or Harlan Coban I’m sure you will enjoy this easy to read but thought provoking book. Elaine, NSW, 5 stars

Loved, loved, loved Stillwater by Tanya Scott! What a fabulous debut novel, a fast paced action thriller with engaging characters, brilliant story line, plenty of twists and turns along the way and a great ending. Enjoyed the glimpses into Jack/Lukes past giving the reader a sense of who he is and why escaping the past is so necessary for his vision for the future but can you ever leave it all behind? Just a brilliant book that I highly recommend! Ilona, VIC, 5 stars

Was an amazing and fun read! Loved every minute of it, even shared the book with friends and they loved it too Kathy, NSW, 5 stars

Stillwater gripped me from the start thanks to the extremely likeable main character Luke, a complex rogue relating to circumstances in his formative years. Readers will look out for Luke’s wellbeing and success as he seeks to subdue his troubled past and allow the lessons he has learnt in life to triumph with the support of his charismatic counsellor and new friends. This novel has intrigue, romance and suspense in high amounts, yet the prevailing hope of readers is that the altruistic goodness in the transformed hero will win in the end. The story moves seamlessly between the present time and Luke’s formative past and is fast paced and full of surprises. Who doesn’t love a book where it is possible that justice may prevail ultimately? I read this book in a weekend and enjoyed every page! Christine, QLD, 5 stars

A great read that continues to build. Luke is a likeable and interesting character. He wants to leave his past behind, but it keeps on catching up with him. I highly recommend. Mary, QLD, 5 stars

Luke Harris has a very complicated past of criminal behaviour. Luke left Melbourne a long time ago and has return to start a new peaceful life with his dog. On arrival nothing seems peaceful as he wished it would be and things start to get complicated, as he meets his old crime boss Gus Alberici. He get involved again with criminal matters. Luke’s father has taken off with a large wad of cash belonging to Gus, so all hell breaks loose and Luke is in the middle of a gangster war…. A terrific story that will keep you guessing till the end. Noeleen, WA, 5 stars

Stillwater is an amazing debut novel. I was taken in from the very first page! Absolutely love a crime/thriller novel that has the ability to keep you hooked from the very first moment. I am also drawn in by a novel that has references to Melbourne; this is always an added bonus for me. We follow along with Luke who is trying to move on with his life. He is back studying, has a stable job and trying to pave a new path. However his past is determined to catch up with him. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend to any crime/thriller fans out there. Amanda, VIC, 4 stars

If you are looking for your next crime/thriller read then Stillwater, Australian author Tanya Scott’s debut novel, is for you. We meet Luke a hard working uni student. But Luke used to be Jack, and Jack’s life used to be owned by crime boss Gus until he changed his name, escaped and started to live a life far removed from Gus’s world. But a chance encounter brings Luke back to Gus. Can Luke escape again? This book is a page turner. A fabulously plotted read, full of tension that draws you in from the get go. Lots of wonderful (and not so wonderful) characters in this gritty read with a bit of romance and family drama and mystery thrown in for good measure. The twists, turns and suspense will have you rooting for Luke and staying up late to finish this one! Highly recommend. And just quietly I can imagine this as a fabulous movie or mini series! Suzanne, WA, 4 stars

Tanya Scott knows how to write a thrilling novel. It was a joy to read the twists and turns throughout this book and I loved the two main characters Emma and Luke as they were very interesting. A must read in 2025! Rhonda, QLD, 4 stars

Wow! What a debut novel from Tanya Scott! Had me glued from the get-go. In this captivating crime novel, Stillwater, you tend to fall in love with the main character Luke, who you keep rooting for and at times, wanting to scream through the pages, to get his life back on the straight and narrow. His past, however, keeps creeping back and has other ideas. Thoroughly enjoyed every page and can’t wait to read more from this inspiring author. Maria, NSW, 4 stars

~ “Sometimes we have to choose the harder path,” she said. “Every choice you make leads to other choices and, in combination, these define your path and your character. Ask yourself: which path brings you closer to your goals?”~ I really enjoyed this book. I really loved the dual timelines in this story. As for the third person, I don’t usually take to this and prefer first persons narrative, however, I really liked the way this was written and like how as I read, I got insight into the thinking of multiple characters. The character building was done very well. Very ‘mysterious’ at times but all with purpose. I really grew to love that main character and felt for him for his hardships in his past. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the timelines meet up. Especially the suspense and surprises throughout. Tara, VIC, 4 stars

Stillwater by Tanya Scott is a great debut novel that keeps you reading. The novel is centred around Luke, a character that has a crazy complex history. The novel focuses on a past and present timeline bringing depth of character to Luke, showing us how he has become the man he is today. Tanya Scott expertly interconnects dynamic character storylines throughout Luke’s timeline. Set in present day Melbourne, with flashbacks to the past. This novel has action, unexpected twists and turns and will leave you feeling connected to the characters. A recommended read and I look forward to seeing what Tanya Scott has to come. Karen, NSW, 4 stars

This is a crime novel that will appeal to people who like well developed characters, an interesting plot and great pacing. Scott is a fabulous addition to Australian literary crime writers. Tundra, ACT, 4 stars

Stillwater is a very intriguing thriller with relatable characters, a well-paced lot and suspense aplenty. Recommended for all crime lovers and I’m keen for more from this author Zephyr, WA, 4 stars

To be honest, this book started off slow for me. Nothing really grabbed me and made me want to keep reading, but once I persisted, I found the beautifully written characters starting to grip me. Once the narrative unfolds, it became a must read to see if it all ended well for the troubled protagonist Luke Harris. The story jumps expertly between his past and present and reveals how his past has guided his present decisions and unpacks the effects of childhood trauma has on adult life. It is a gritty crime thriller without being a ‘whodunnit’ and the author’s background in psychology shines through in the best ways. Bianca, VIC, 4 stars

A solid debut novel. A very interesting thriller set within the Australian landscape which jumps between present and future to demonstrate how our protagonist has found himself within the current situation. It provided enough character driven storyline to keep driving the story forward, but also unexpected twists and turns to keep it exciting even as a slower burn read. I feel that Tanya Scott’s ability to integrate mental health and trauma into this story in a very realistic way is one of the true highlights of this book and am interested to see what she will write next. David, TAS, 4 stars

A gripping thriller that I couldn’t put down. Fast paced and gritty with a lead character you want to succeed despite all the odds against him. Pamela, QLD, 4 stars

A very enjoyable read! Luke is a likeable character, and it’s a shock to realise his other persona. A great insight into all the nuances of our personalities and what drives us to be a certain way. Recommended Ros, ACT, 4 stars

Stillwater by Tanya Scott is an emotional, fast-paced thriller with heart. Luke Harris is a compelling but sympathetic protagonist who readers will root for, even when he makes questionable choices. As a teenager he was once entangled in a dangerous crime ring under the control of the merciless Gus Alberici, but now Luke now wants nothing more than to live quietly—working, studying, and caring for those he loves. His desire to do right, despite the constant pull of his violent past, keeps the reader on his side, hoping—often against the odds—that Luke can truly change and find peace. Full of twists, danger, and moments of unexpected tenderness, this is a story about what it takes to truly break free from the past. Scott’s prose is clean, sharp, and emotionally resonant. She brings a raw, lived-in authenticity to both the streets of Melbourne and the people who inhabit Luke’s world. The emotional and psychological stakes are just as compelling as the physical ones, adding depth to what could otherwise be a straightforward crime story. Tracy, WA, 4 stars

Tanya Scott’s debut novel is a slow burn read that keeps you reading till the early hours. While Stillwater lacks the fast pace you usually find in crime thrillers, Scott keeps you hooked through her well developed characters which have you rooting for the underdog, the action scenes which have you grimacing in pain and her brutally honest portrayal of the foster care and mental health systems. Stillwater is delivered through a dual timeline of Luke’s past and present lives, slowly revealing to the reader how he has become the man he is with his “diverse skill set” and why he views the world the way he does. It is not often you have a disability support worker and hired muscle/enforcer all in the one character. An incredibly well written debut novel and I cannot wait to see what comes next from Tanya Scott. Mel, NSW, 4 stars

Stillwater started off so well. Intriguing characters kept the story moving and I enjoyed following along with the main character (Jack/Jackie/Luke) as he tried to take on normality & stability. The author, Tanya Scott, didn’t rely on being over wordy and overuse figurative language to get her point across. Toward the end the story lacked steam and went off on a few tangents. Overall, an interesting crime story that was an easy read Sharnee, QLD, 4 stars

A well written novel steeped in tension. Kept me engaged and with twists and turns and trying to escape one’s murky past. Will certainly be looking out for further novels from this author. Helen, TAS, 4 stars

When I read the first few paragraphs of this book I was worried that it was going to be one of those overly descriptive books (something I don’t enjoy reading) but as I turned the pages, I was hooked. This is a very original story. The main character, Luke is complex but relatable. The story is about Luke trying to reconcile his childhood to who he is as an adult and leaving behind the trauma while acknowledging who it has made him. I really enjoyed this story and will look out for more by Tanya. Nicole, VIC, 4 stars

Stillwater by Tanya Scott is her debut novel. A story follows the main character, who has had a very bad upbringing and a violent past. I will admit, that while it’s not my usual read, it didn’t take long to empathise with the main character and want to find out how he manages his life I actually enjoyed this book, it’s well written and descriptive, (sometimes a little too much so) but it really helped paint the picture Good read Leonie, SA, 4 stars

As a debut novel this is well written with good pacing and is not confusing even when it jumps between the past and present storylines. The main character is well developed with many complexities that don’t all get resolved leading to more mystery about him. I picked this up on the description that it was a thriller however for my tastes it was too crime heavy and not thriller enough. If you are looking for a crime forward thriller then this book is great to read. I will be looking out for any future books from the author to see if they interest me as she is a good writer. Elyce, VIC, 3 stars

A slow-burn thriller that really fleshes out its main character Luke. The setting is really well fleshed out. Kept me interested enough throughout however gets a little bogged down by a few too many characters to really root for/invest in any particular one of them.  James, QLD, 3 stars

Stillwater – Tanya Scott Stillwater gives us a chance to understand why some people struggle to be the good person they want to be. The central character is Luke Harris, a name he didn’t have at birth, who is striving to leave his past behind. Unfortunately his past keeps catching up with him. Tanya Scott, who has a background in mental health and psychology studies, creates a complicated character you want to cheer for as he studies law, helps disabled people and shows what a fine cook he is! But without giving too much away, Luke quickly learns how hard it is to avoid being drawn back into a world he wants to forget. If you’re into something that isn’t the traditional whodunnit but with strong and not always likeable characters, Stillwater is the book for you! Chris, QLD, 2 stars

Buy a copy of Stillwater here.