An addictive new thriller from multi-award-winning author Emma Viskic. A remote island. An isolated community. A killer picking them off one by one…
Deaf PI Caleb Zelic has always been an outsider, estranged from family and friends. But when he receives a message that his brother, Anton, is in danger, Caleb sees it as a chance at redemption.
He tracks Anton down to a small, wind-punished island, where secrets run deep and resentments deeper. When a sniper starts terrorising the isolated community, the brothers must rely on each other like never before. But trust comes at a deadly price…
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
It is debatable who the hero is here- our deaf but very able-bodied detective Caleb, or his charismatic and broken brother Ant. Both can draw people to them with their laconic personalities and wry senses of humour – they just don’t always seem to be able to do that for each other. However, blood is indeed thicker than water and as Caleb pieces together the reason for the spate of killings on the island where Ant has entered rehab -again- whilst trying to solve a seemingly unrelated local community issue, we see his struggle to maintain the balance with ‘hearies’, the deaf community, and to find his place with Kat and her family as he atones for past sins and commits new ones. Even with a remote and unforgiving backdrop like Muttonbird Island, it I found most of the characters- even bit players like Skye, Joyce and Lara and police friend John Ramsden, all engaging, adding to the thrilling climax where Caleb and indeed Ant both came into their own. Engaging from the first paragraph, this was my first introduction to Caleb Zelic and his family- I will definitely be reading the others in this series! Kathy, VIC, 5 Stars
Those Who Perish by Emma Viskic is the final novel in the Caleb Zelic series. This intriguing thriller, set in Australia and on an isolated island, felt like its own stand-alone story with a well written and likeable central character. I felt emotionally attached to Caleb, a deaf P.I, who, after receiving an anonymous text about his missing brother’s whereabouts, becomes involved in the island’s murderous secrets. I enjoyed every moment in this story which was fast-paced and filled with captivating mystery and crime. It was a such a thrilling read and I cannot wait to experience reading the other titles in the series! Sharon, VIC, 5 Stars
When his brother contacts him to say he needs help PI Caleb Zelic is quick to respond. It takes him to an isolated island off the Victorian coast where he finds his brother in a drug rehabilitation clinic. Is it what it seems though as people are dying. Who can they trust? The fact that Zelic is deaf can be a help or a hindrance! He also has his pregnant wife who is staying with her family on the mainland to consider. Liz, VIC, 5 Stars
What a well thought out story, especially with the hero being deaf which brought in elements not normally encountered in novels. I loved the sense of impending menace that permeated each page and kept me reading until late at night. The characters are entirely believable and interesting people, albeit flawed (as we all are!). It’s a terrific story set in an Australian landscape and I thoroughly recommend it. Dariel, WA, 5 Stars
Turning the Australian crime genre on its head. Those Who Perish, the fourth instalment in Viskic’s award-winning series, holds its own as a standalone. However, it’s worth starting with Resurrection Bay to appreciate Viskic’s brilliantly crafted origin story. Brokenness and resilience bind a cast of imperfect people trying to survive an imperfect world, each striving to make it better, whether through art, healing, sport or fighting evil. For those new to her novels, PI Caleb Zelic is no ordinary crime fighter. For a start, he is profoundly deaf. Viskic, who learned Auslan to create Caleb, forces us to experience action through his POV. While deafness heightens his other senses, this does not stop him from blindly rushing in to protecting those he loves and attracting some dangerous enemies. He surfaces the extent, to which people will go when threatened with exposure and highlights how seemingly ‘good’ people do truly evils things. The novel operates on meta-levels. On the surface, is a ferociously paced crime thriller. More deeply, it explores relationships, culture, morality, and sense of place and community. Caleb must choose between the lesser of evils and weigh up loyalties, however misplaced. Janet, SA, 5 Stars
First time reading Emma Viskic & this book has catapulted her to my favourite crime writer! I couldn’t put this book down it is the definition of page turner!! Highly recommend this book to all readers, not just fans of crime fiction. Emmah, VIC, 5 Stars
This is the first book I have read from Emma Viskic. It was definitely an interesting read and as a lover of crime fiction, it was certainly different from standard writings. This novel assess all suspects in detail and leaves you really wondering who done it. Even more interesting is the main characters flaws for detective work leaving me very aware that I need to read the first three novels to fully understand Caleb Zelic. Samantha, QLD, 5 Stars
Those Who Perish by Emma Viskic is the fourth and final book in the Caleb Zelic series. The book starts with a text message that has Caleb running to Resurrection Bay to meet up with his brother, and right into the sights of a sniper. Searching for his estranged brother leads Caleb across the water to the island community and deeper into danger. The book centres around Caleb and the dynamics he has with others – his brother, his partner, his partner’s family, the islanders, law enforcement. The constant threat of a sniper is throughout the whole book, and with Caleb’s character being hearing impaired, Caleb always scopes out the surrounds and calculates the risks of sniper attacks. The book has short chapters that build the pace. You want to keep reading to find out just what is going on over on the island. It is my first Emma Viskic book and I enjoyed this one so much, it definitely won’t be my last! A great read! Casanda, NSW, 5 Stars
As someone qualified in Sign Language (albeit BSL rather than Auslan), I was thrilled to receive this book from Better Reading which has as the main protagonist a Deaf Private Investigator, Caleb Zelic. The research the author has done into the Deaf and hearing impaired community and the challenges they face is clear throughout and I loved the witty dialogue and banter which gave light relief to this interesting thriller. Although this was the first book I have read in what is a series of four, it appears that Caleb comes from a somewhat troubled family and his brother, Anton, is struggling with drug dependency. When Caleb receives a strange text from Anton indicating he is in danger, Caleb rushes to his aid and headlong into danger as a sniper terrorises a small community filled with secrets. Meanwhile his heavily pregnant indigenous wife and her protective mob of family are causing Caleb concern over how he is going to be the new father he wants to be rather than the father his own was to him. Lots of twists and turns, caused not least by Caleb’s confused and chaotic approach to investigative work, left me guessing to the very end. Pamela, QLD, 5 Stars
This is the first book I’ve read in the series about PI Caleb Zelic and I am now officially hooked! I’ve really enjoyed reading Those Who Perish by Emma Viskic. I’m hanging out to see what other adventures or misadventures Caleb gets involved in. I love the characters in this book and also the locations like the local footy club. It reminded me of many real locations I’ve been to. The story was greatly suspenseful, and although I’ve never read any others from this series, it is so well written that you don’t need to (but I will be!). It’s a great thriller with great Aussie characters and locations! Superb! Raymond, WA, 5 Stars
Caleb Zelic, a deaf Private Investigator has to hone all his other abilities to manage in a modern world, let alone to function as an investigator. His relationships with other people are often fraught because of his impetuous actions but this also makes for a fast moving action packed story. Emma Viskic is a thrilling writer who always keeps her readers attention and the dialogue between the people in this tale is always interesting and sometimes laugh out loud funny. Her characters are well drawn, interesting and diverse and Caleb’s interactions with other people are often difficult as a result of his deafness but also because of his impetuous actions, which at times put him into dangerous situations. Another great read from Emma Viskic. Patricia, ACT, 5 Stars
I’ve read the other Caleb Zelic novels and this one is the best yet. It’s Australian noir at its finest. It’s expertly written and researched. It’s one of those books where you just want to read another chapter but end up reading for another hour. I love the art work of the cover, the seagulls weaving in and out of the word PERISH. Take a look. You’ll thank me later. Rod, NSW, 5 Stars
One in a series of Caleb Zelic stories by Emma Viskic. I shall certainly seek out the others in this series after reading this gripping tale of intrigue & deceit involving an island community. Sticking together, the residents do not make it easy for Caleb, to uncover the island’s secrets. Random sniper gunshots send warnings to anyone who tries to delve below the surface of daily island activities. Who is telling the truth? Who can be trusted? Are questions to be answered by Caleb & his brother Ant. Ant is a resident at the island’s clinic for addicts & others with mental stress related issues. Caleb is suspicious of the clinic and it’s role on the island & is determined to free Ant of his dependency. This story of two brothers, each battling their own personal issues but ultimately, although neither wanting to admit it, are both looking out for each other. This novel will keep you guessing to the final pages to unravel the mystery. Caleb’s character is a complex mix that shows its many facets through these pages. You’ll keep turning the pages for sure. Wendy, SA, 5 Stars
Those Who Perish is book 4 in the Caleb Zelic series by Emma Viskic. Emma is an Australian crime writer and her books are set in Melbourne and the fictional town of Resurrection Bay. Caleb is a deaf PI and Emma learnt the Auslan language before writing the series. I have read the previous books in the series and I was pleased to have the back stories. Caleb rushes back to Resurrection Bay when he finds out Ant (his brother) is in danger Caleb tracks Ant to Muttonbird Island where a Rehab Centre is located. There is something going on and the locals are afraid. The characters are a great mix. Caleb and Kat’s relationship is certainly complicated and not smooth-sailing and Kat’s family add another layer to the mix as they are a very close-knit family. Ant and Caleb’s relationship is much the same and has plenty of rocky moments. I loved this book and would recommend the whole series. Hopefully there will be another book. Thank you to Echo Publishing and Better Reading for the advance copy. Maureen, QLD, 5 Stars
Those Who Perish manages to be a crime thriller, an exploration of morality and culture and a look into the challenges of being hearing impaired. There’s an evocative sense of place and the characters are all multi faceted and feel ‘real’. Not a page turner for me, but a quality piece of crime fiction. Kate, NSW, 4 Stars
An exciting crime thriller that grabs you from the first few pages. The story follows Deaf police inspector Caleb Zelic who receives an unexpected text message that his brother is in danger. He manages to track down his brother on a remote island but quickly becomes involved in trying to stop the killer who threatened his brother when the rest of the island community starts to get threats too and residents start getting killed. This is a gut wrenching and graphic story following the killers every move and victim, exciting right to the last page. Stephanie, ACT, 4 Stars
Those Who Perish is the fourth book in the Caleb Zelic series by Emma Viskic. I haven’t read the previous books but I found this one easy to follow even though I was missing a lot of the backstory. I really liked Caleb and found him to be very intriguing. The other characters were interesting and I really liked the twists because they kept me guessing. Evelyn, VIC, 4 Stars
A very enjoyable thriller of a book. Well written with lots of interesting characters throughout. The book starts with Private Investigator Caleb Zelic receiving an anonymous text that his brother Anton is in trouble and from there, this book will captivate you. It was very hard to put down, as Caleb embarks on a lot of different paths to locate his brother while trying to stay safe, dodge bullets and trying to solve a lot of mysterious happenings along the way. It’s very hard though for Caleb because just as he thinks he can trust someone, another dead body turns up. He must find his brother and together they must find who is behind all the killings. A very good read indeed. Lucy, SA, 4 Stars
This is the fourth book in the series, my first. I really enjoyed this crime thriller and will definitely be seeking out the previous 3 books. I also haven’t read a book with such a high profile deaf character, it definitely opened my eyes. The story was so well written, it kept me guessing the whole way through. Keryn, SA, 4 Stars
Those Who Perish by Emma Viskic is part of a thrilling crime series centred around Caleb Zelic, a private investigator who happens to be deaf. Even if you haven’t read any other books in this series like me, it’s not an issue and this novel is fine to be read on its own. However, now I am keen to read the other books in the series! When Caleb receives a mysterious text regarding his brother, he dives into a hunt to solve the case with a shadowy sniper on the loose. Caleb is a very likeable character and I love how the author has made him real when he sometimes misreads people’s lips. With secrets and corruption at the fore-front, this crime thriller is a real page turner and will keep you guessing right till the end. Thank you very much Better Reading Preview for the opportunity to read and review this thrilling novel. Christine, QLD, 4 Stars
Those Who Perish is the fourth book featuring Emma Viskic’s private investigator Caleb Zelic. I haven’t read any of the other titles but, despite not knowing any of the backstory, found a lot to enjoy about this fast-paced Australian crime drama. Viskic cleverly provides enough information on the regular characters to make this work as a standalone novel and while she alludes to events in the earlier novels, doesn’t include any spoilers making this reader at least, happy to go back and read them too. Private Investigator, Zelic, who is profoundly deaf, finds himself embroiled in a mystery set in and around the fictional coastal town of Resurrection Bay, with most of the action taking place on nearby Muttonbird Island. The isolated setting, cast of suspicious locals and a mysterious clinic, make for an ideal backdrop as Zelic attempts to unravel complicated relationships, solve a murder and protect his brother, all while dodging a sniper’s bullets. A well-plotted, easy to read novel with a flawed, but extremely likeable, central character whose ability to lip-read isn’t the super power I thought it would be when it comes to solving a crime. Kendall, NSW, 4 Stars
The fourth and final book in the P.I Caleb Zelic series, “Those who Perish” by Emma Visic is also a stand alone thriller within it’s own right. Set in an Australian town and remote island, deaf P.I Caleb Zelic receives a urgent text from his estranged drug addict brother, Anton. Torn between staying with his heavily pregnant Aboriginal wife and helping his brother, Caleb becomes involved in a murderous secret the island is hiding. A thrilling whodunnit right to the very end, this book had me gripped from the first chapter. I have never read a book where the main character is deaf and it is interesting following his communication difficulties from his perspective. An interesting move making the main character not only emotionally flawed, but physically as well. I really enjoyed this thriller and wished there was a follow on from this, as it left a few things unresolved. I will now read the three before it. Margie, QLD, 4 Stars
An addictive new thriller. A remote island off Victoria , Australia (Muttonbird Island), an isolated community, a killer picking them off one by one . Deaf PI Caleb Zelic, has always been an outsider , estranged from family and friends . But when he receives a message that his brother Anton, is in danger, Caleb sees it as a chance at redemption. He tracks Anton down to a small , wind-punished island, where secrets run deep and resentments run deeper. When a sniper starts terrorising the isolated community, the brothers must rely on each other like never before. But trust comes at a deadly price. Caleb has been working the last 10 years as a Fraud Investigator — sporadic contact with Ant. Ant had been clean for many months, but was now using again. Phone uncontactable, emails unopened, bank account drained. Caleb had received a message saying „Ant in danger ….“. No clue as to who had sent it to him. But he knows he must help. Finally tracking his brother down to a wind-swept small island , approachable only by ferry, Caleb sets off to find him. An interesting thriller novel unfolds, Caleb determined to solve the crimes and killings, because it has become personal. Edith, SA, 4 Stars
A great read! I haven’t read any of the earlier books in this series but it didn’t matter; this was a great standalone read and the author made it easy to catch up on the important historical details. I loved the individuality of the characters and reading from the perspective of a deaf person was fascinating as well as the First Nations elements mixed in, it felt very authentic and real. 4 Julie Toby NSW Emma Vidic Those Who Perish is a gripping story from start to finish, full of intrigue and surprises. Although not my favourite genre l found this a captivating story , a realistic modern insight into life in current Australia. Alexandra, NSW, 4 Stars
Those Who Perish is the fourth in a series of thrillers. Caleb Zelic, a deaf private investigator, receives an anonymous text about his brother Anton being in danger. He sets off to help his brother and is caught in sniper fire. Anton escapes unharmed but another man dies. Before he can find his brother, he is asked by a family member of his wife to investigate the theft of the local footy team’s mascot. The mascot has been used on social media to troll various member of the football club just as they’re trying to raise funds. He is also is expecting the birth of his first child. So there’s a lot going on. The author does a good job in keeping the various threads interesting and intriguing. Having a deaf protagonist is fantastic. It’s obvious that the author has done her research and does an excellent job in describing the difficulties hearing impaired people face every day. I loved the use of Auslan. I also enjoyed the fact that Caleb’s wife is from an Aboriginal family and the author portrays this with sensitivity. This is a great read with some laugh out loud moments despite the escalating violence. Kecia, NSW, 4 Stars
A fast paced crime/mystery. The story will keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow Caleb’s attempts to figure out who a ‘sniper’ on a nearby island is. This is set against the story of his relationships with his wife, Kat, who fears for his safety and does not want him risking his life. Love that the protagonist is a deaf man and his partner is an Aboriginal woman, unique and inclusive characters. If you have read the first three novels, you definitely need to read the final instalment! Megan, VIC, 4 Stars
This is the 4th book in a series about PI Caleb Zelic. It is however, the first book by Emma Viskic that I have read. It is not your average thriller, but it is a good read and I will now seek out the other books in the series. It is not average because the protagonist is deaf, leading to some unusual scenarios, but that doesn’t detract from the story in any way. The author’s way of writing is also unusual, in that she writes in short clipped sentences which do take some getting used to. Once past that though, this book is well worth a read, and keeps the action coming. Karen, VIC, 4 Stars
This is the first book I have read from Emma Viskic. It was definitely an interesting read and as a lover of crime fiction, it was certainly different from standard writings. This novel assesses all suspects in detail and leaves you really wondering who ‘dunnit’. Even more interesting is the main characters flaws for detective work leaving me very aware that I need to read the first three novels to fully understand Caleb Zelic. Thank you to Echo Publishing for this advance reading copy and the surprise packaging it came in…..Loved it! Kerrie, VIC, 4 Stars
A uniquely composed work that leads the reader to become visually and emotionally immersed in the plot line. Maryanne, NSW, 3 Stars
This is book 4 and I had not read the previous 3 so could not get into it. I am going to start with book 1 as I did like the style of writing and a good story line. For those that had read previous I am sure a great read. Debbie, VIC, 3 Stars
It was quite a challenge to arrive at book four of a series I have not read. The style of writing did not appeal but the short, sharp sentences created the fast pace and urgency of the main characters and made sense for the flow of the story. Characters were different and unique and believable. Not quite a stand alone book but did raise curiosity to investigate the series of books. Michelle, NSW, 3 Stars
I found “Those Who Perish” to be an interesting, although somewhat disjointed read. I am unsure if this is due to the fact that I have not read any Caleb Zelic stories previously, or that I simply found the author’s style slightly erratic. Those Who Perish is not the kind of book I would usually choose but I went into it with an open mind. The description was intriguing, and I was curious to learn more. I think it is an interesting choice for the main character to be a deaf P.I as this would come with immense difficulties in any situation. However, I found him to be quite arrogant and careless, especially deeper into the book. I actually reached a point where I began to dislike Caleb, due in no small fact to his recklessness where other’s lives were concerned. To this end, I was glad to finish the book, although I found the ending to be less than expected. Karen, WA, 3 Stars
Caleb is a Private investigator who has taken on a personal case, to find his brother and ensure he’s safe. He also has a baby on the way and has learnt from past experience he has to prioritise his partner. How can he keep those he loves the most safe? To be offered a glimpse of the world through a deaf person’s perspective is a rare opportunity and one that the author has cleverly woven into this story. Caleb is a likeable character whose heart is in the right place, but his youth and naivety often leave you shaking your head at him, even though you are always on his side, hoping for the best outcome. This book has drama of all kinds, a brother with an addictive personality who is currently in rehab, a small island community- some of whom turn a blind eye to the wrongdoings of their citizens, a Koori mob united in the face of danger, a serial sniper and a young deaf man, Caleb, who is just trying to do the right thing by his family. Priscilla, ACT, 3 Stars
Caleb Zelic is a smart, edgy and profoundly deaf private detective. A mysterious text telling him that his estranged brother, Ant, is in great danger has Caleb speeding down the highway from Melbourne towards his old hometown on Victoria’s coast. When he arrives, he finds his brother being shot at and a body on the beach Kat, his very pregnant wife, is staying in the town with her protective Koori family. After he brought Kat into danger on previous, her mother and sisters are ready to shut him out of her life. The close knit community of the seaside town and the nearby island, where much of the action takes place, are suspicious of all newcomers, even Caleb, who grew up with them. This makes his job of investigating several, interlinked crimes rather difficult. The story comes at a cracking pace, with many twists and turns. Emma Viskic writes Those Who Perish with energy and dry wit, in the fourth of her novels about Caleb Zelic. Leonie, VIC, 3 Stars
A Deaf hero, an Aboriginal wife and even a gay police officer! Nice to see ‘minority groups’ being so well embraced in mainstream fiction – but I wonder if the inclusion of them all in the one book was a bit cliched? The murder mystery starts at a cracking pace and I loved that it was set in Australia. The middle of the book bogged down for me and I found it quite repetitive whilst the ending was wrapped up too quickly. The main characters -Caleb, Ant and Kat are really well developed but the many others all got a bit confusing for me with the exception of the ‘goat cardigan’ woman (great mental picture). Overall I’d say I enjoyed the book but I don’t think I’d rush out to buy the others in the series. Steph, NSW, 3 Stars
Emma Viskic’s fourth book in the Caleb Zelic series, Those Who Perish, continues following Caleb’s investigative career and his tumultuous relationship with his life partner, Kat. After receiving a text suggesting his brother, Ant, is in trouble Caleb quickly returns to Resurrection Bay. Immediately caught in the crossfire at the beach, Caleb begins investigating who and why someone is after Ant. He is also asked to look into a scandal around the local footie club, the Numbats. Are the two cases connected? If so, how? His relationship with Kat has been on shaky ground on and off for years but seems solid now with their baby due in six weeks. However, the threats to Kat’s and the baby’s safety mean that Caleb needs to keep his distance to protect them. Moving to Muttonbird Island in the hope of keeping Ant safe allows Caleb to follow up on his suspicion of various islanders. Along with Ant he investigates these islanders and unwittingly initiates all sorts of violence. There is a lot of action and several twists to the plot as Viskic has once again created an exciting and page turning novel. An enjoyable read! Michael, ACT, 3 Stars
I was glad to get the chance to preview this instalment in the Caleb Zelic series as these books had been on my radar for some time. The book opens with a bang and the pace never lets up. The prose is short, sharp and tense, and the dialog is spot on. I most enjoyed the relationship between Caleb and his brother Ant and the distinctive Australian tone of the book. The fact that Caleb is deaf and Ant is recovering from addiction made this story stand out from the usual crime fiction. Jacqui, VIC, 3 Stars
This was my first book by this author and I did feel I was missing a bit of back story about the main character, Caleb Zelic and his partner Kat. There were references to their history but I struggled to be immersed in the story, although Caleb being deaf was an interesting addition. All in all, an ok read but a little slow-paced for my liking. Karlie, SA, 2 Stars
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