A violent death by crucifixion near a remote north-west station has Detective Inspector Dan Clement and his Broome police officers disturbed and baffled. Other local incidents – the theft of explosives from a Halls Creek mine site, social justice protests at an abattoir, a break-in at a childhealth care clinic – seem mundane by comparison. But as Clement starts to make troubling connections between each crime, he finds himself caught in a terrifying race. In a landmass larger than Western Europe, he must identify and protect an unknown target before it is blown to bits by an invisible enemy.
After the Flood is the thrilling new novel in the award-winning Dan Clement series.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
I always enjoy a new-to-me author’s book. This was the first I have read by Dave Warner and what a cracker to start with. From Brazil to WA Australia this novel had me sitting on the lounge until I finished it. From a dam bursting, seeming crucifixion, social protests, a break-in and the theft of explosives from a mine, the drama that hits you like a rock from the time the book commences till the time you close it 261 pages later will entrance you. One sentence struck me as important to remember after I had finished the book. “She would have said no ideology is worth hurting innocent people”. Denise, NSW, 5 Stars
Detective Dan Clement and his team from Broome are busy dealing with animal rights protesters, anti-vaxxers and theft of explosives from a local mine when a body is found on a remote cattle station in north-west WA having been crucified and run over by a heavy vehicle. The investigation into who he was, who killed him and why leads to a race against time to prevent an even more catastrophic event from happening but when, where and how are the big questions they need to answer. Clement is a flawed but very likable man dealing with both personal and professional challenges. The story is fast-paced and intriguing. The cast of characters are well drawn and very Australian with international components adding to the complexity of the story. I read this novel as a standalone book but am keen to read more of this writer’s works, especially the two previous books in the Clement series. Aussie noir at its best. Sarah, NSW, 5 Stars
Dave Warner is a new author for me. After reading “After the Flood” I wish I’d found him sooner. When I started this book I was hooked from the first paragraph. His attention to macabre detail is second to none. As this story, set in the North West, unfolds Detective Inspector Dan Cole slowly but surely unravels the details of the horrific crime which is described in the first chapter. The final denouement is exciting and perplexing. I didn’t guess”whodunnit” until I was nearly at the end of the book. Loved it and can’t wait to explore this author’s previous works. Lynda, SA, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. It was quite refreshing to read a crime novel where the main character was not a ‘has-been’ suffering from too much alcohol and lack of fitness! Dan Clement was a likeable, dedicated and honest police officer who worked hard to solve an interesting crime. I really enjoyed the references to modern Australia and world events. I also enjoyed particular community insights made in the novel, such as “ The young Karl Marx might have thought our alienation had peaked in his day, but a hundred and fifty years on the process was far more advanced. Perhaps the physical labour was reduced but the leeching of our humanity was almost complete. “ I also loved Dan Warners’ comment that “ Modern etiquette was a broken bottle for middle aged men in bare feet.” The book is well written and the gradual exposure of details to solve the crime is well done without confusing the reader or leaving too many angles that are not related. I would highly recommend this novel to any readers who enjoy crime stories. I think its reference to modern events and philosophical comments make it a step above normal crime thrillers. Maree, ACT, 5 Stars
I enjoyed the book and would like to read more from Dave Warner. It was well written, good storyline and characters. I would recommend this book to anyone. Sandra, NSW, 5 Stars
‘It was funny how your life could turn so quickly.’ Broome, Western Australia. Detective Inspector Dan Clement finds his days filled with relatively minor crimes: a break-in at a child-health care clinic, the theft of explosives from a Hall Creek mine sight and social justice protests at an abattoir. But then a violent death by crucifixion near a remote station has him and his team baffled. The identity of the man is a mystery at first, but gradually DI Clement and his team find links with the other crimes. I really enjoyed this novel, trying to work out who was responsible for the murder and why. The police must work hard for their information, with each new piece providing additional possibilities to explore. The characters are well-developed and had me caring about what might happen to most of them. The tension increases as the story moves towards its climax: can DI Clement and his team prevent an attack on an unknown target? By this stage, I could not put the book down. A terrific read. This is the third book to feature DI Clement, and I am keen to read the first two. Jennifer, ACT, 5 Stars
Clever build up of suspense, set in outback Western Australia and based in Broome the police are chasing an invisible threat. Using the West Australian coastline and its small community this crime story delves into people’s extremes in their emotions. What makes a person go from an activist to an extreme and dangerous activist how can love and hate be so close? These themes are entwined in a mysterious crime. The author keeps you guessing until he is ready to divulge the identity of the terrorist. Even once the identity is revealed he allows the why’s and wherefores to enfold at his own pace. Well written and I might have to look for more from this author. Ainsley, QLD, 5 Stars
What a cracker of a yarn. Set in the Kimberleys, northern WA, the local police have their job cut out for them as a series of crimes begin to connect. Suddenly the mundane is anything but mundane and stopping the perpetrators could be deadly. An absolute page turner! Jacqui, QLD, 5 Stars
I have not read any of Dave Warner’s books previously but after reading After the Flood, I will be reading more of his books. Great plot, the more I read the more I couldn’t put it down. I liked the characters (the good guys) and liked the way they developed as the book went on. Definitely going to read more of Dave Warner’s books, especially Dan Clement. Noelle, WA, 5 Stars
Fast-moving, interesting characters and a fascinating scenario. Loved the way the story unfolded. From the first page I had to keep reading until I finished the book. Tonie, NSW, 5 Stars
An easy to read, edge of the seat crime thriller set in a remote cattle station in outback Australia. Dave Warner captures his charterers in a realistic and relatable manner, thoroughly enjoyed this page turner. Rebecca, QLD, 4 Stars
A really enjoyable mystery from a great Australian writer. The beautiful setting in Western Australia adds to the intrigue of the book. Dealing with current social issues, as well as family relationships, emotion and extremism, this is a very enjoyable book. Ros, ACT, 4 Stars
My first book in the Dan Clements series but the first few chapters in and he felt like an old friend. Thrilling mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Deanne, VIC, 4 Stars
After the Flood by Dave Warner is a terrific Australian crime fiction novel that features D.I. Dan Clements who has a particularly horrific and violent murder to solve when a body is found on a road of a remote cattle station near Broome, W.A. With also other more mundane local crimes to deal with D.I. Clements starts to realise that these could be connected to the murder. This is a fast paced thriller that you just want to keep reading. The author gives you a great insight into the emotions and backgrounds of the characters which made this such an appealing story for me. Karin, VIC, 4 Stars
Set in the Kimberley in Western Australia, has set the scene of what I could only imagine this secluded part of Australia looks like. The descriptions of the scenes took me directly to the crime and surrounding areas within my imagination. This book has a number of different stories occurring that are relevant to current themes and also touches on current events, the character’s personal lives and the complexity of crime within remote Australia. This book was difficult to put down at times, I needed to know what would happen next both in the investigation and characters’ stories. After the flood was well written, piqued my interest throughout and had me questioning until I finished the book and found the answers. My interest was maintained, I was surprised until the end and I felt I was a ‘fly on the wall’ throughout. I would recommend this book if you enjoy Australian themed crime and thrillers. This book is the latest in the Dan Clement series and despite not having read the others, I don’t feel I have missed out and thoroughly enjoyed this read. I am keen to read more of Dave Warner’s books and the Dan Clement series. Brooke, VIC, 4 Stars
A thrilling fast paced crime fiction book that leaves you gasping and guessing until the last page. Set in the Kimberley region, Detective Inspector Dan Clement investigates a violent death by crucifixion, theft of explosives from a mining site, a break in at a child health care clinic, and protesters. Individually, they may have little meaning, but Clement starts to find connections between each crime. Clement must race the clock to stop an unknown assailant and protect an unknown target before it’s too late. This is the 4th in the Dan Clement series, but reads spectacularly as a stand-alone. This book was provided by Better Reading and Fremantle Press in exchange for an honest review. Amanda, VIC, 4 Stars
This was a good read. I did find it quite short though, it’s about 260 pages. I like reading books with Australian places because you know or remember them if you went there. The story line is great and the characters too. The characters are diverse and it is interesting to see everyone’s different points of view depending on their situation! I recommend this book I enjoyed it! Ray, WA, 4 Stars
I must admit that I have never read a Dave Warner book before or the Dan Clement series, but I feel like this one can be read as a stand-alone novel. I found After the Flood initially hard to get into. I think it was trying to piece together the characters and the storyline. However, once the storyline all came together, I could not put this book down. Even though the reader was aware of who the suspects were, the suspense in finding out if the police would find them in time, made me not able to stop reading. I will definitely be looking for more books from this author and reading more of the Dan Clement series. Thanks for the opportunity to read this book. Rebecca, ACT, 4 Stars
‘After the Flood’ by Dave Warner is a page turning detective novel. Set in the Kimberley, Western Australia, with in depth characters and a great story, it covers how criminals can be tracked from one mistake and how due to certain life circumstances our ideas can be manipulated. I really enjoyed this book as I am sure you will too! Julie, VIC, 4 Stars
The 3rd novel in the Dan Clement series, After the Flood can be read as a standalone story. Set in Western Australia’s rugged and remote Kimberley region, it follows Detective Inspector Dan Clement’s hunt for a brutal murderer. When a man’s body is found on a remote road Clement must work out if the murder is connected to recent environmental protests or if it’s connected to drugs and bikies, or something more sinister. This was an enjoyable read that kept me hooked until the end. Elizabeth, WA, 4 Stars
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