Based on the hugely successful Channel 9 drama series starring Rebecca Gibney as forensic psychiatrist Dr Jane Halifax, whose criminal profiling, twenty years later, might be the only way to track down Australia’s most dangerous serial killer yet.
The first murder is brazen, violent and ritualistic. Committed in the victim’s home, the killer leaves few clues as to their motive or their identity. All the police know is that the perpetrator entered the house, impaled the art collector on one of his own priceless sculptures, before melting away into the night.
Inspector Eric Ringer is desperate for Dr Jane Halifax to profile the killer, but Jane is cautious. She and Eric have a past … plus, she hates these kinds of cases; a psychopath is a psychopath, any way you slice it.
But there’s something about this killer that intrigues Jane. And as the bodies pile up, Jane must use all her knowledge and intuition to enter the mind of the murderer before they strike again.
Join Jane Halifax as she embarks on the most challenging – and chilling – case of her career.
Read some great 5-star reviews from our Preview readers here:
Halifax the book is as good, if not better, as Halifax f.x. the series. I even had to re-watch the latest seasons before I started on the book. Jane Halifax is at her best, aged, wiser, may be more fractured than before but oh, she is good, she is very good. Halifax Transgression is all about the ‘transgressive mind’: mindless crimes and mind games, beautiful Melbourne and shady alleyways. I absolutely loved this book. I loved Roger Simpson’s dedication to Jane, Melbourne and all things Halifax. This book is a very good transition of TV movies onto print. Can’t wait for the next one. Svetlana, VIC, 5 Stars
I was hooked from the first chapter, hard to stop reading, with unsuspected twists and turns, Halifax is a very intriguing character. Maryanne, NSW, 5 Stars
I was really looking forward to reading this book (being a Halifax FP fan from way back) and it didn’t disappoint! Gruesome crimes and a look into the criminal’s mind is all in a day’s work for Jane. I loved the way the book brought in the personal lives of the characters, rather than just their professions as well. Definitely recommend to crime fans as well as anyone who loved the TV series! Can’t wait to read more from this author! Melissa, QLD, 5 Stars
Five thrilling (and occasionally grisly) stars for the completely propulsive crime thriller Halifax: Transgression by Roger Simpson. Dr Jane Halifax, forensic psychiatrist and criminal profiler, receives a call from blast-from-the-past police detective Ringer (who also happens to be a Hugh Jackman lookalike), seeking her assistance in tracking down the perpetrator of a particularly gruesome murder. The victim is a local billionaire and the elements of medieval torture employed in the murder lead police to fear that the killer is likely to strike again. What follows is a thrilling and addictive race to identify and locate the murderer before any more potential victims are harmed. I enjoyed this book very much and particularly loved that the hero of the story is a strong, smart, courageous woman in her 50s. Although I have never watched the TV series on which this book is based, I had no trouble at all sinking into the story and connecting with the characters. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys fast-paced crime thrillers with strong lead characters. There are, however, some pretty significant trigger warnings for this book that may be important to investigate for some readers. Amanda, QLD, 5 Stars
Halifax Transgression starts at a high note. A man is found murdered in a gruesome manner. Dr Jane Halifax who is a forensic psychologist is called on the scene to use her expertise to profile the murderer. Soon more people are killed and the hunt for the killer intensifies. I haven’t watched the Halifax series yet so was worried that I might miss some context but that did not happen. The book is action packed and keeps you engaged all the way to the end. But a warning, read this book only if you are into dark and twisty stuff. Halifax Transgression was 5 star read for me and I am already waiting for the next installment. Divya, NSW, 5 Stars
Utterly spine chilling, a deep dive into some gruesome crime scenes filled with unspeakable torture. It left me googling medieval techniques because they were simply unimaginable. But other than that, a fun read of whodunnit, with some good little twists. Kylie, NSW, 5 Stars
If you’re thinking about reading this…just do it! I found the main character Dr Jane Halifax relatable and engaging without any fluff. Also an impressive wine knowledge! I’m not one to be put off by gore so found this an intelligent romp that I would certainly recommend. Eric Ringers character was intriguing also. Very well written by Roger Simpson and I’ll definitely be looking for more of his work. Faye, QLD, 5 Stars
Addictive and gripping, I was hooked from the first word! I do love me a good murder and I most certainly was not disappointed. I have written myself a reminder to find some more Halifax mysteries. Donna, VIC, 5 Stars
Roger Simpson is an award winning television writer and producer. He was the writer of the telemovie series Halifax fp from 1994 to 2001 and Halifax Retribution in 2020. This is the first time we meet the character of Jane Halifax in a novel – Halifax Transgression. Lovers of the series will have the face of Rebecca Gibney firmly in mind as Jane, a forensic pathologist, investigates a series of gruesome murders. There is an immediacy to the story, published in 2022, with numerous sometimes tongue in cheek references to contemporary Australian life. I enjoyed the detail added by the author who previously had to show everything to his audience – we know the exact model of car driven by the lead detective on the case as well as the brands of his favourite coffee and wine and even the make of his coffee machine. There were numerous references to the last time we saw Jane on television when her husband Ben was murdered and how she is processing his loss. With another book in the pipeline, it seems like Jane Halifax will be with us for some time. Dianne, QLD, 5 Stars
Halifax transgression was a great book; true to the Jane Halifax character. A thrilling storyline, meant I didn’t want to put it down, can’t wait for the next one! Veronica, QLD, 5 Stars
A gripping read that will have you hooked from the start, right to the last page. Roger Simpson has taken a much loved tv character and brought her to life within the pages of this book; giving greater insight into who Jane Halifax is and why so many people adore her. Loved it! Sarah, TAS, 5 Stars
Having been a fan of the television series, I was interested in reading this, the first novel about Halifax, written by the screen writer, Roger Simpson. Would it have the same intensity and depth of the series… It’s certainly not disappointing .. though with incredibly cruel murders. Were they all from the same perpetrator? Why impale the art collector on one of his collections? Also how could one of the main suspects still have the love of a gentle woman? Have they got the wrong man? A pattern seems to be forming, but Jane Halifax can’t quite determine a link nor a reason. Is this psychopath trying to impress her or even Inspector Eric Ringer, with whom she has a history. It’s so hard to accept that such evil exists. Is it payback? If so, why and to whom? Clues seem to evaporate as soon as discovered. It’s one heck of a story, with so many twists and turns. I look forward to the next novel. Thanks to Better Reading and the publisher for an advance copy to review. Chris, QLD, 5 Stars
Wow, what a great book! This book grabbed me from the very first page to the last. A murder mystery with lots of twists and turns. Just when I thought I had worked out who was the murder and why no I was wrong. I did not want this book to finish, a great read. Rebecca, QLD, 5 Stars
Halifax: Transgression is a novel not just for fans of the TV series but also for readers who love a good thriller that keeps you guessing to the end. Jane Halifax is called upon as a psychopathic killer starts a killing spree across Melbourne. The crimes are gruesome and will defintely impact on the reader. I think because of that, I really found myself involved in the story and wanting the culprit found. As we follow Jane’s progress with the case, we see how recent past events are impacting on her. Jane Halifax is a character that readers can relate to and will care about. All the characters are written realistically and in such a way, that you feel their emotions as they deal with situations. I found I couldn’t put this down. Each little bit that was reavealed made me want to turn another page. It is the kind of book that keeps you reading late into the night. An added bonus was the sneak peek of the next Halifax book. After reading this one, buying the next one is a must. Theresa, NSW, 5 Stars
One of the things I love about getting advanced copies of books is that I often receive one I normally wouldn’t choose to read, which was the case here, I don’t often read murder mysteries, but I am so glad I got to read this one. Although the murders were quite gruesome as there was unimaginable torture involved, I couldn’t wait to pick up where I left off each time to see where the story would go. I thought the characters were solid and easy to like, I have watched some Halifax on TV but it was never high on my list, I will definitely watch next time though as I really liked how Jane Halifax worked with the police, a different perspective to view things the clues and observations of the crimes. I found in this book some similarities to The DaVinci Code which I also loved. I thought the interaction between the characters was solid and believable, most were easy to like and kept my interest to see where the different relationships would go. I recommend this book, even it if may not be your usual genre, but be warned the subject matter can be a bit hard to read at times, so maybe not for the faint hearted. Linda, VIC, 5 Stars
A dark thriller that will keep you turning the pages. For those familiar with Dr Jane Halifax in the TV series you will be delighted to see her return. For those who are not you will soon become a fan. There is a psychopath on the loose and as the body count rises the police are relying on Jane to give them a profile. It’s not easy to get inside the mind of a psychopath but if anyone can it’s Jane. There is a host of intriguing characters in this book and plenty of clever twists and turns that will keep you guessing just like Jane to the very end. We are accustomed to seeing a film adapted from a book not the reverse, however I think Roger Simpson has managed this very successfully. An actual visual image is not necessary. His description of the first gruesome murder gave me a very vivid picture of the scene. Perhaps a little too vivid. I really enjoyed this book and found it very hard to put down. My only warning is it’s not a book for the faint-hearted. If you are looking for a gentle murder mystery this is not for you.I sincerely hope Roger is working very hard on his second book and appreciate the opportunity to read and review this one. Angela, QLD, 5 Stars
Thank you, Roger Simpson! Having been a long-time fan of the many Jane Halifax TV miniseries (being hooked from episode 1) I was delighted to discover that Mr Simpson has taken the next step and elevated Jane to the higher levels of literature. With Mr Simpson’s skillful writing, Jane’s character easily adapts to the pages of a book, and we follow her and empathise with her as she continues to deal with the loss of her husband, Ben, while at the same time being drawn in by her previous colleagues in the Victorian Police Force, to investigate initially one, then several more horrific murders. While rather ghoulish at times as we are confronted with the gruesome details of each crime scene, we can’t help but be in awe of the author’s ability to paint pictures with his prose, making you feel as though you are standing alongside Jane as she takes in each intricate detail of the horrific crime scene. A fantastic book debut – I can’t wait until next year for the second instalment. Sorry, no spoilers here, you’ll just have to read it yourself! I recommend that you do. Jane, NSW, 5 Stars
Halifax: Transgression is Roger Simpson’s first book involving characters from the Halifax f.p. series he created for television. Dr. Jane Halifax is a forensic psychiatrist working with the Victorian homicide squad to solve the mystery of four macabre murders. Were they done by a serial killer, were they working alone, what is the link to the victims? The methods of murder are unusually inventive and adds depth to the wonder of who could be the killer and what was their motivation. We are invited into the inner sanctum of the homicide squad and come to know the individuals who work together. There’s a real sense of affection for the main characters as we share their parts in the story. The story carries the reader along with the investigation. The significance of clues and discoveries are shared as they occur, allowing the reader to also be a part of the crime team and make their own speculations. A book you make time to return to and pick up the story from where you had to leave off. I’ll be seriously awaiting further additions to the series; thoroughly recommend this crime novel set in Australia. Merilyn, WA, 5 Stars
Wow wow wow!! Lived this book. Full of suspense and intrigue from the start to finish. A good old fashioned murder mystery. Read this book in just over a day, could not put it down. Highly recommend. Christine, QLD, 5 Stars
Loved this book, could not put it down. The storyline kept me guessing, Jane is such a strong character you want her to solve the killings, but not wanting the book to finish. Lynette, NSW, 5 Stars
For fans of the Halifax television series, this book follows on from the most recent installment Halifax:Retribution and revisits key factors throughout. If you enjoyed this series.. then you’ll LOVE this book. Roger Simpson has seamlessly transitioned the series from screen to page. A thriller from start to finish, along with great characters and page-turning narrative. Not one for the faint-hearted though with some pretty gruesome details.. so maybe skip for late night reading! Highly recommend and can’t wait to see the next book on the horizon. Jane, VIC, 5 Stars
I’m a huge fan of Jane Halifax. This book is written in the Current State of the world right now (Post Covid-19) Set in the wonderful State (Victoria) that I live in. Jane is being dragged into a case that an old Flame, is the Head of Homicde. Jane soon gets caught up in the search for the Killer. This book doesn’t disappoint. I look forward to reading more of Roger Simpson’s books. Bridget, VIC, 5 Stars
I started reading this book with no particular expectations, as I had not previously viewed the Halifax TV series. The beautiful thing is, you do not NEED to have Jane Halifax’s background – the author cleverly sets the stage and draws you in from page 1 – you just need to strap yourself in and hang on! I really enjoyed this book- a debauched, twisted thrill killer with a preference for medieval style torture of his all seemingly unconnected victims, was both macabre yet strangely voyeuristic and fascinating. Watching the murders evolve with the main players was an edge of your seat experience and I confess to chanting “Just one more chapter” over and over until the nail-biting climax. The byplay between Jane and Inspector Eric Ringer as they work to solve the murders kept alluding to a deeper relationship that never quite gets there- Jane’s professional aloofness between most of the people she interacts with provides a protective shield, attributing to her loneliness. Yes, she loves her work-although it is cold comfort for warmth and interaction at the end of her working day when she needs it most. I am now firmly Team Jane. Bring on the next one! Kathy, VIC, 5 Stars
Yay, Jane Halifax is back! From the moment Jane, a forensic psychiatrist, is asked for help by a police inspector in a grisly murder, you are drawn into this fast paced page turner. As more murders are discovered the police use methods to flush out the killer while Jane uses her profiling techniques to help. A great story full of so many diverse characters. Do yourself a favour and read this novel. Didn’t want this book to end. Marice, NSW, 5 Stars
Wow! What a page turner this one was! Gripping & gruesomely described murders! Such a job forensics have to do to try to work out the criminal(s) motive & next moves. Highly recommend & would love to now see this in movie form! 5
Jody Millar Queensland Halifax Transgression is a whirlwind crime thriller, that has you guessing from the first page. Robust characters and a story line with twists and turns, that keeps you engaged to the very end! A great read and I very much look forward to the next Halifax installment. Mel, VIC, 5 Stars
This is definitely one for fans of the TV series Halifax FP but everyone who reads good crime fiction should enjoy this too! The author, Roger Simpson, is the man who created the original character Jane Halifax and the 17 telemovie series and the more recent Halifax: Retribution. In fact this novel, Simpson’s first, neatly follows the incidents in that program and brings the character of Halifax back to life in a different format. The murders are gruesome but it’s still a fast-paced, easy read that keeps you enthralled right to the end. Jane Halifax continues to be the clever but flawed character she has always been. Still grieving the murder of her husband Ben, she’s able to be intrigued by the four murders carried out by a clever serial killer and gives the police the extra leads they need to investigate! Another excellent piece of writing by Simpson but this time able to be enjoyed at your leisure, although it’s hard to put down! Chris, QLD, 5 Stars
I’ve been a huge fan of the TV series since the first episode so was delighted to be able to review this book by author Roger Simpson. This book is very much the addictive thriller I expected with intriguing twists and turns after the first murder that is committed in the victims home. Not only is the murder brazen and violent it is also ritualistic. Enter Dr Jane Halifax who is approached by a desperate Inspector Eric Ringer who she has a past with. Like her other cases Jane is intrigued by the killer and the murders of his other victims. Using both her knowledge and intuition Jane races to understand the mind of the killer and prevent further murders before they happen. Catherine, NSW, 5 Stars
I was sent this book, Halifax Transgression, by Better Reading through Simon and Schuster, the publishers. I had only seen a couple of the Halifax series but was aware of the setup, I couldn’t put this book down. What an intriguing read and it took me back to my home town Melbourne, looking at it in a totally different light. The descriptions of the murders were compelling, I walked side by side with Jane Halifax and could feel her anguish. A very good read. Christina, QLD, 5 Stars
Lots of twists and turns in Roger Simpson’s new book Halifax Transgression. This book will keep you guessing why and who was involved to the end. Heather, NSW, 5 Stars
Couldn’t put it down once I had started. Gruesome murders; a sadistic killer. Kept me guessing till the end. My first experience of Jane Halifax, forensic psychologist (having never watched the TV series) and I hope there will be lots more books to come. Recommended for anyone who enjoys the Tony Hill novels written by Val McDermitt. Robyn, NSW, 5 Stars
I love, love, loved this book! After many years enjoying the ‘Halifax f.p.’ tv show it was amazing to immerse myself in the written format. I thoroughly enjoyed the deeper character development and intricate scene descriptions that you get with the written word, and this book grabbed me from the very first chapter. I cannot wait to read the next one – keep them coming Roger Simpson! Lee, ACT, 5 Stars
Gruesome murders, a hunt for a killer, this is not my genre for reading however I was totally engrossed from chapter one. The relationship and camaraderie portrayed between members of the law enforcement team gave a very believable insight into how they cope with seeing the very dark side of human nature. This book was an absolute page turner and I look forward to reading Roger Simpson releasing book 2. Diane, VIC, 5 Stars
Wow, what a story. Congratulations Roger Simpson on your first novel about Jane Halifax. Even though I have never watched Roger’s television series Halifax FP I really enjoyed this book. This story demonstrates to the reader, what the police do to find a serial killer. How invested they become and how the investigation takes over their lives. Enter Jane Halifax as a police consultant. The murders as particularly gruesome and Jane and the police are deeply affected. There is also a hint of romance to consider. I loved the Melbourne setting as it really made the story come alive. The search for the serial killer is intense and ends with an unexpected conclusion for all concerned. A great read that I finished in a couple of days. I will now go and watch Halifax FP to see what I have missed out on. Thank you Roger Simpson for a fabulous book. Maree, VIC, 5 Stars
Halifax Transgression by Roger Simpson was an enjoyable read. I had not watched any of the Halifax television series so I did not know what to expect. The characters were strong, plenty of twists in the story, and it kept my interest the whole way through. Fay, VIC, 5 Stars
Jane Halifax is back with a serial killer on the loose who is targeting certain people, the murders are brutal and sadistic, Jane is called in to profile the killer she suspects there is more than one killer ( no spoilers ) This is a great crime thriller from start to finish congratulations Roger Simpson. Gavin, NSW, 5 Stars
Written by the creator of the well known Halifax fp tv series, this book is enjoyable as a standalone but even more if you have watched the programs. Set in a very vividly described Melbourne, Jane Halifax has to investigate some particularly gruesome murders. The perpetrator seems to be drawing inspiration from torture methods of the inquisition but the link between the victims is elusive. Jane is grieving the violent death of her husband and her estrangement from her stepdaughter when she is asked to help Inspector Eric Ringer solve the first brutal murder. The fact that they have a history adds to her challenges. Simpson’s characters are engaging and his plot is engrossing with plenty of twists and turns. A very enjoyable read. Penny, VIC, 5 Stars
Sometimes you’re lucky enough to discover a book which grabs you from the very first page and that’s certainly the case with Halifax: Transgression. Author Roger Simpson has woven a gripping opening chapter in which an art collector is impaled on one of his own priceless sculptures and forensic psychiatrist Dr Jane Halifax is called in to join the hunt for the killer. Halifax was, of course, the star of the much-loved TV series Halifax f.p. which was watched by millions of viewers during its nine-year run. Simpson created the show and although he has won numerous awards for writing and producing 17 series for TV, this is his first novel. We knew he was a born storyteller, but here he shows he’s also unmatched in his skills as a writer. Halifax’s past dalliance with the head of the homicide squad returns to haunt her, as do memories of the murder of her husband by his ex-wife. But the killer has snared her as the bodies mount up. Yet even as the gruesome details emerge, Simpson deftly keeps a light touch. This is the first of three Halifax novels and I can’t wait to read the next one. Don, SA, 5 Stars
As an appreciative viewer of the television series I was looking forward to reading what I was surprised to learn is Roger Simson’s first novel, and it certainly did not disappoint. With Rebecca Gibney’s lovely face firmly in mind, Jane Halifax’s analytical and empathetic eyes led me through the investigation of first one grisly murder, then another, then more, perpetrated by an elusive figure whose self-gratification apparently knows no bounds. The grisly descriptions of this person’s (or perhaps persons’) handiwork are confronting and I found myself mentally denying their plausibility, but then I’ve lived a very sheltered, quiet life, and after all, I reminded myself, it’s a novel, not true crime (I would hope). But how were the victims selected? It’s a very satisfying, well put-together story which left no threads left un-sewn. There is some tantalising sexual tension, which in my view adds to the book’s readability and offers some relief from the nature of the crimes. I also appreciated the author’s dry sense of humour, so that although the crimes were horrific, here and there I found myself with a grin on my dial. On the whole, I recommend this book to lovers of Australian crime stories, and of the Halifax series, and Rebecca Gibney, and I look forward to Roger’s next novel, an extract of which appeared at the end of this book. Note: Perhaps this is not the appropriate forum to express a criticism of the proof-reading of this book, but I consider the editor should have picked up some errors in grammar that I found quite distracting at times. Marion, VIC, 5 Stars
A real page turner…..what was going to happen next? As a reader who was unaware of the TV show, I thought the background and past of the characters was woven well into the storyline. Great to read a book set in a city you know; it really helps set the scenes. For anyone who knows the Jane Halifax character this is a great continuation of her life. Mandy, VIC, 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Roger Simpson’s, Melbourne based, crime novel Halifax Transgression. Forensic Psychologist, Dr Jane Halifax, is called in as a consultant during the investigation of a billionaires particularly violent and macabre murder. Very quickly more equally violent, seemingly unconnected, ritualistic murders follow. The race is on to apprehend the killer. Investigations point to a recently released con who is a talented actor and master of disguise. Able to blend in the suspect repeatedly eludes the city’s state-of-the-art facial recognition technology allowing him to move around in plain sight. The problem police and Halifax have is there is no obvious motive or connection making it harder to predict where he will strike next. Characters were well developed and interesting and I found I couldn’t help becoming immersed in their lives and what made them tic. Engaging and suspenseful to the surprising sad ending, with many twists and turns along the way. I highly recommend reading this novel, although the faint-hearted should approach with caution. Sandra, NSW, 5 Stars
The first installment in the Halifax series did not disappoint. Page turning, crime solving at its best. Jane Halifax’s character as a psychological profiler is highly focused and is at the top of her game, even amidst the turmoil of her personal life. Having not seen the tv series that this book has continued on from did not make a difference, although it may be on the to watch list now. A highly addictive book that will have you turning pages well into the night. Can’t wait for the next book in the series! Erena, VIC, 5 Stars
I had not heard of Jane Halifax before, but after reading this I think I need to get with the program! Based on a popular drama series, it immediately drew me in and while there was obviously some back story to Jane that I didn’t understand, it didn’t spoil the reading of this book. It was gripping, tense and thought-provoking. It kept me guessing right up to the last minute, even once I knew who the killer was!! I enjoyed Jane’s tenacity and her honesty around not everything being clear cut – she leaves room for the grey areas and being human. There was a section when they had identified the killer but couldn’t find him where I felt the pace slowed down a bit and I became frustrated with the storyline., but overall it was a fast-paced read that kept me hooked, and which I read over just 2 days. I look forward to reading book 2!! Laura, NSW, 5 Stars
As a huge fan of the Halifax FP TV series and Rebecca Gibney’s character, Jane Halifax, I looked forward to reading this book. Until I started reading the book I hadn’t realised that there hadn’t been any actual books prior to this. Author, Roger Simpson who wrote the screenplays for all the series didn’t disappoint and very quickly I was taken back to Jane’s world, in Melbourne and caught up in the intrigue of the case before her and characters involved. Now 20 years later and Jane is being asked to use her skills to help track down a macabre serial killer. Nothing is quite as it seems, and there are some great twists, turns and alternate plot lines in this book. The story lines are set currently and linked well with what we know about Jane and her past. Reading it felt like you were in a present day Melbourne, the timelines and events surrounding the story positioned it well in this almost post Covid era. I found it a great read and didn’t want to put it down, devouring it all over a long weekend. Bring on the next installment. Pippa, WA, 5 Stars
Marie NSW Thank you better reading for my copy of Halifax Transgression by Roger Simpson. Wow! I could not put this down and read it in one day. This book was incredibly addictive, such a page turner. I loved that it kept me on my toes and I had no idea how it was going to end. From the first page I was completely engaged and the characters were brilliant. This book was written in so much detail and so well I felt like I was Jane’s partner! Such an amazing ending! I cannot wait for the second book now. Marie, NSW, 5 Stars
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