One foggy morning on the banks of the Murray River, a body is found in a burnt-out area of grassland. The heavily tattooed victim, who has suffered two bullet wounds to the head, is identified as Freddie Jones, a bikie from Moama.
Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer is on the case, alongside her trusty service dog, Harry. Although Zoe is determined to track down the murderer, she finds herself stonewalled at every turn – by Freddie’s family, his associates and even the local police. But then a second body is discovered, and soon all bets are off…
Simon Rowell is fairly new to Australian the crime writing scene, but quickly made a name for himself when The Echo of Others was longlisted for the Ned Kelly Awards for Best First Crime. His second novel, The Long Game, introduced Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer, who was back at work after extended trauma leave, with new service dog Harry. It was an unputdownable read, with Zoe and her partner Charlie – and, of course, Harry – investigating the murder of a surfer in Victoria’s Portsea.
Rowell has said that his fiction ‘centres on the interplay between culture, morality and truth’ and he’s back, delivering just that in Wild Card, the second book in this series. It’s a gripping mystery about gang warfare and small-town corruption, featuring a crime-fighting duo like no other.
Another Victorian location sets the tone, this time around Echuca/Moama on the Murray River. Zoe and Charlie are sent in from Melbourne to investigate a murder. The chapter headings are day, date and time, and from start to end, the action takes place over two weeks. The pace is relentless.
Zoe is a compelling character: strong, resilient, and she needs to be here. She’s evolved since the last novel, and certainly an interesting enough character to hold a series. Harry, Zoe’s service dog is back, and the two of them make one of the more interesting crime-fighting duos I’ve read in a while. There’s also a cast of excellent secondary characters, including Zoe’s work partner Charlie.
Rowell has really hit his stride here. Wild Card is an engrossing read with one helluva plot twist that I did not see coming – I’m still thinking about it days later. It’s an indication that Rowell is willing to do whatever it takes to produce something special. Where will Rowell take Zoe (and Harry) next? I can’t wait to find out.
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