Detective Philip ‘Cato’ Kwong is investigating the death of a retiree found hacked to pieces in his suburban Perth home. The trail leads to Timor-Leste, with its recent blood-soaked history. There, he reunites with an old frenemy, the spook Rory Driscoll who, in Cato’s experience, has always occupied a hazy moral terrain.
Resourceful, multilingual, and hard as nails, Rory has been Canberra’s go-to guy when things get sticky in the Asia-Pacific. Now Rory wants out. But first he’s needed to chaperone a motley group of whistleblowers with a price on their heads. And there’s one on his, too.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Cato Kwong is a detective investigating the suspicious death of a couple of elderly men. Rory Driscoll, who is someone Cato knows in a past life but isn’t greatly fond of, cross paths… Driscoll is on a hit list along with three whistle blowers. On the run and trying to hide, Driscoll and his gang of whistle blowers get surrounded by three white four wheel drives full of men. When Driscoll confronts them, they claim to be there to protect them. Before they can really find out, the police, fire brigade, news reporters and the like all show up. Are the guys in the white four wheel drives telling the truth or do they have another agenda? I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. From what I take it, it’s part of a series of other books which I have not yet read but will now go onto doing so! Thank you to Better Reading for providing me with a copy. Francis, NSW, 5 Stars
I read a lot of crime books and this one was like a cool breath of fresh air in that genre. Very intelligent but still accessible and very enjoyable. Lots of dark humour and sarcasm abounding regarding our political position both here and overseas. I found the historical unrest of Timor particularly interesting and was something I knew absolutely nothing about but do now (thanks Alan and google!) His style of writing kept me hooked until the end and, having only read one other of his books, will certainly be checking out the other Cato Kwong books too. Cato proved to be a classic tough “good cop” type character which I liked but loved Rory! I think they were a tie in the wit and hardness categories! Just like reaching into a bag of mixed lollies, sure you might find a snake but I think I found a big sweet toothy smile. I think Alan Carter would be a fabulous dinner guest that I’d like to invite often for his devilish humour and pick his brains on how he researches his subjects so well. Faye, QLD, 5 Stars
It is the first book I have read by this author and definitely will buy the previous ones in the series. This is a very Australian read, from lingo to characters and locations. It was especially fascinating to read a mystery/thriller that includes so many actual events Australians are aware of – not sure how many readers in the US or Europe have heard of the Tampa or Timor but I am sure they will still enjoy the twists and turns – at no stage can you be sure who is your friend or foe, especially when Government and “special agencies” change their loyalties, depending on what they need. It is also a bit scary when you think of the atrocities that happened during that time and knowing that it is reality. Cato and Rory are very likeable and it was nice to also see their personal sides. I was really impressed by the story line and enjoyed this book immensely as the conclusion was also satisfactory. Thanks to Fremantle Press, I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this book. Sandra, NSW, 5 Stars
This is the fifth book of the Cato Kwong series, but the first I have read. It was a terrific political thriller and I will certainly be looking to read the first books in this series. The story was understandable as a stand-alone story. Great to hear the Aussie ‘voice’ in this book. Enough information was given to flesh out the characters. I look forward to reading more from this author. Tracy, VIC, 5 Stars
A thrilling life of a captivating detective, the story takes you to many places as the plot unwinds, with many twists and turns until it comes together. The storyline is addictive and fast paced. A story that holds your attention as it it links history and government actions. A fantastic crime, mystery and spy story that is exciting until the end. It was fascinating to read especially as it includes many factual Australian events. The plot kept on alert and captivated as you never knew who was your enemy or your friend, who was loyal but then wasn’t as things changed fast about where loyalties were. A great read all the way until the end. Andreea, ACT, 5 Stars
Wow what a fantastic read. Just kept you guessing from start to finish. The storyteller is a great writer that makes reading easy to manage. The flow of the book is very good without giving away the whole plot. Loved the difference in Countries culture was very fascinating. I recommend you read this Alan Carter book. Loved all the characters and names chosen. Please keep writing Alan. Loraine, QLD, 5 Stars
From the first chapter, when the scene is set in Timor Leste, the tension and energy grip the reader. You are then propelled into a chase that spans Australia with ‘on the edge of your seat’ action for the first half of the book followed by an espionage plot peppered with fascinating history and political facts! Loved the characters, loved the book! Will have to read all the others now. Certainly up there with the thriller greats such as Patterson and Connolly. Bravo! Shelagh, SA, 5 Stars
The brutal death of 2 elderly men in Perth at first seemed unrelated but further investigation revealed how these 2 men were known to each other. Also the apparent suicide of a FIFO worker from Darwin is then woven into the mystery. Persistent investigation by Detective Kwong takes him into uncharted waters and eventually to Timor-Leste. A group of 3 are being taken into care by a protector to make sure that they arrive in Darwin for a hearing before the International Criminal Court into war atrocities. 2 people from this group also find their way to Timor-Leste. Here is where the intrigue starts and the story unravels. War crimes, corruption and bribery are all exposed. The trail then leads back to an unexpected source. Many twists and turns will keep the reader spellbound. Lisa, SA, 4 Stars
I had read a few of Alan Carter’s other books, so was fairly familiar with Cato Kwong and looking forward to finding out what he’d get up to in Crocodile Tears, particularly given the traumatic ending to his previous outing. For a city-based Australian police detective, Kwong certainly seems to be in the wars a lot, forever being attacked, abducted, threatened, he must have to fill out a lot of WHS paperwork! But it makes for exciting reading with lots of unexpected twists. And there’s never a sense of ‘I know he’ll be all right cos he’s the star’ – anything could happen to anybody in these books! Carter’s characters are believably flawed and fallible and thus very relatable. His Australian settings are familiar, and the overseas jaunts add variety and interest. Crocodile Tears is a complex thriller, with lots going on and no shortage of bad guys, Kwong just needs to work out which bad guy did the baddest stuff, without becoming a victim to any of them! I’d suggest reading Kwong’s previous adventures first, to help set the scene, but would then definitely recommend jumping aboard this latest thrill ride. Em, NSW, 4 Stars
Crocodile Tears is not the usual genre I enjoy reading but I did like this book. A good Aussie cracking tale that would appeal to everyone. Now I am going to go back and read the others by Alan Carter. Great for someone who enjoys solving a mystery before the end of the book. Jenny, VIC, 4 Stars
My first introduction into the exciting life of Detective Philip “Cato” Kwong was an exhilarating ride! Why have I just discovered this intriguing, likeable character? Crocodile Tears is a cleverly written novel by Alan Carter that takes us on a journey through Western Australia, Darwin, Victoria, Tasmania and Timor-Leste with lots of twists and turns along the way reaching the incredible climax. With two parallel storylines, Detective Kwong trying to solve the gruesome murders of two elderly gentlemen in Western Australia, the other with the dynamic Rory Driscoll protecting three whistleblowers for ASIO. When the two protagonists join forces the story steamrollers ahead into a griping tale of police versus the spooks, truth versus fiction and who to trust becomes a very grey area! This thriller, the fifth instalment in Detective Kwong series, is a must read and can be read as a stand alone. Crocodile Tears ticks all the boxes for lovers of crime, mystery, espionage and suspense. Ilona, VIC, 4 Stars
This thriller/detective novel, set mainly in Perth, Darwin and East Timor, deals with the lasting fallout of dreadful deeds committed in East Timor some twenty years ago when that country was fighting for independence. It’s a mix of politics, spies, petty thugs, hardened criminals and psychopaths – what’s not to like? Retired spook Rory Driscoll and Perth cop Philip Kwong join together (sort of) in an unlikely alliance to solve the murder of two elderly Perth pensioners and attempts on the lives of a motley crew of individuals. There’s plenty of action and it’s full of twists and surprises – a complex plot that takes us on a heart-stopping ride. I enjoyed it and was impressed that it was the only novel among the very large number that I’ve read that manages to include the word ‘exegesis’. A good read but you have to concentrate. Susan, VIC, 4 Stars
A good intense and sometimes graphic read, kept me page turning, Rory being deceitful and keeps the whistleblowers on their toes. Good characterisations and in depth informative descriptions of bodies and stories behind them. Julie, NSW, 4 Stars
This is a gritty, raw story about two murders in Perth, whistleblowers under protection and a series of events in Australia and Timor-Leste that are all somehow linked. Alan Carter has created a complex, riveting tale that keeps you guessing. Detective Kwong is a determined investigator, more so since an attack on his son, so he is a like a dog with a bone and will follow every lead to try and determine who is behind the gruesome murder of two retirees that seem unrelated until events start to unfold. Rory Driscoll, a spy, is not happy to be escorting a trio of whistleblowers about illegal dealings in Timor-Leste up to Darwin for a trial – all of them become targets for elimination and Rory needs to keep them alive but there are informants and potential hitmen everywhere. There are very powerful people keen to have them silenced, permanently. How the paths of Kwong and Driscoll clash is compelling and the relationship between Kwong and his drug squad wife Sharon adds a very interesting dimension. Keeping in mind that Australia has not played fair in Timor-Leste – this novel may be closer to home that we would like to think! Lee, NSW, 4 Stars
Thanks to Better Reading and Fremantle Press for my copy of Crocodile Tears by Alan Carter. Once again we are thrust into the thrilling life of Detective Philip “Cato” Kwong who is investigating the suspicious deaths of two elderly men in Western Australia. Running parallel to this story we have Rory Driscoll protecting three whistleblowers for ASIO. As the plot unwinds there are many twists and red herrings until the two protagonists meet. Carter has created a fast paced and addictive storyline. The main characters hold the reader’s attention and the link to historical events and references to government actions add authenticity and interest. This is a well scripted tale that keeps you enthralled. The police versus the spooks, the truth versus the spin, provide a thrilling enjoyable read. Add the settings in Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, Timor Leste and Darwin for the reader to be taken on a frantic journey to the climax of the novel. This novel will appeal to those who enjoy crime, mystery and spy tales and want an exciting read. I would definitely recommend it. Michael, ACT, 4 Stars
Being my first book from the Philip ‘Cato’ Kwong series, I wasn’t sure exactly what I was in for with Crocodile Tears. This was a gripping crime story that had my attention from the start although it did take a while to get used to the flipping between story lines. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am now keen to check out other books in the series. Natalie, NSW, 4 Stars
Definitely a book for the spy lovers. A fast-paced book with plot twists and mysteries this book is interesting in its own terms. Two frenemies meet halfway through their “projects” which is filled with so many authentic facts and occurrences, giving this book a different vibe. It is a well researched book that has many information and mysteries although I found it to be a bit too crowded. This is the last instalment in a series and is definitely a treat for those who love true crime thrillers, mysteries and spy-novels. Fasmina, NSW, 3 Stars
This story gave me pause for thought about the witness protection programme – does it work and is it worth the disruption to a life. The book involves a cross country road trip involving a mercenary, whistle blower, criminal, all characters have a suspect back story. It’s a book that is suspenseful and keeps one interested and engaged. Gloria, SA, 3 Stars
A classic crime thriller, which keeps you engaged throughout. The book is well written, fast paced and keeps you guessing ‘whodunnit’ right until the very end. The book is not in chronological order, it jumps back and forth in time. So you do need to concentrate, particularly at the start to ensure you get a handle on all the characters and how they fit into the story. I also like that the book was not anglicised, with many of the main characters being from Asian or Indigenous Australian background. When reading it, it really highlights how minorities are often left out of literature, especially Indigenous Australians. Its a small thing, but I think its important to start changing the narrative and recognising that Australia is a multicultural nation. In all, a good read and one that I’d recommend. Wendi, VIC, 3 Stars
Detective Philip Kwong is investigating a vicious death of a retiree in his own home. Another death with similar injuries is found. We find that these deaths are related. The book takes us from WA to Timor Leste where we learn of the atrocities which occurred during independence. Back on Australian soil the suspense continues. Many sections of law enforcement are involved. I enjoyed the book but thought there were too many acronyms and shortened words. Obviously written for Australian readers. Vivien, ACT, 3 Stars
This Australian novel is the fifth and final instalment of a series but I read this as a stand alone, I found this had a very complicated and detailed plot that I found at times hard to follow. There were two parts to the story, written paragraph by paragraph, which took time to process, I knew the two were going to come together at some time but it just added to the complex story. The content was quite graphic and violent, this added to fairly recent political history with a bit of fiction thrown in. For anyone who likes a thriller tension story, it is worth a read. Thank you Better Reading and Fremantle Press for the opportunity to read and review. Crystal, TAS, 3 Stars
Leave a Reply