From the bestselling breakout author of The Bluffs comes a heart-stopping new thriller set on the rugged coast of Tasmania about modern-day pirates, family bonds and betrayals, and the hidden dangers that lurk in the deep…
On the Tasman Peninsula, nestled amidst the largest sea-cliffs in the southern hemisphere, is Shacktown. Here the Dempsey family have run a drug ring for generations, using the fishing industry and the deadly Black Wind as cover. But when thirteen-year-old Forest Dempsey walks out of the ocean, bruised and branded, everything is at risk – because Forest has been presumed dead for the last seven years.
Mackerel Dempsey, out of jail on strict bail conditions, is trying to change his fate, doing his best to keep out of trouble before his next court date. His cousin Ahab has renounced the family altogether, in favour of working to keep the town and its fragile tourism economy safe. But in their search for answers about Forest, both Mackerel and Ahab can’t help but be drawn back into the underworld. What happened to the boy all those years ago? And does it have anything to do with the infamous drug kingpin Blackbeard, who is rumoured to be moving in on Shacktown?
When secrets long thought buried at sea wash up on shore, generations of the Dempsey family must stand up for what they believe in, even if it means sacrificing everything. But in the gritty fight between right and wrong, blood isn’t always thicker than water, and everyone is at risk of being pulled under…
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Believe the hype, The Deep is a heart stopping, riveting thriller. If you read The Bluffs and enjoy crime/thrillers, you’ll devour The Deep. Forest, Mackerel, Ahab in small town Tasmania will have you tearing through chapter after chapter into the night to get to the end. The writing and experiences of the characters are authentic. It feels like a mix of Mark Brandi, Jane Harper and a bit of Matthew Reilly. This one is just begging to be made in to a mini series. Penny, NSW, 5 Stars
Loved this story by Kyle Perry. I had read his debut novel The Bluffs, and enjoyed the suspense and complex characters of that novel. I thought, The Deep, was even better. It was a gripping read, with numerous twists and turns and revelations. I couldn’t put it down! Even though the characters were believable and flawed in their individual ways, Kyle made some of them very likeable. The setting was very atmospheric, and he captured small town culture really well. Overall the plot was original and really well written. My husband is reading this novel now, and he’s loving it. I look forward to more of Kyle’s novels in the future. My favourite book I’ve read in quite a while, and I loved the ending as it leaves the story open for another book, and more answers to questions posed in this great novel. Michelle, QLD, 5 Stars
Another wonderful story by this Author. Packed full of twists and turns throughout which had you trying to guess the outcomes. Love that it was a story set again in Tasmania as was this Author’s first book. However this time the reader was taken on an adventure with a family run drug ring, encountering many twists and turns and secrets throughout. A great plot had the reader enthralled. A real page turner. Brilliant book that I would highly recommend. Christine, QLD, 5 Stars
I had the opportunity to preview Kyle Perry’s debut novel, The Bluffs, and it was amazing. His follow up book, The Deep, surpassed my expectations and had me hooked until the last page. Twists, turns, mystery, intrigue – Kyle Perry had me holding my breath right till the end! This story is not only about good versus evil, but about family, trust, and is blood thicker than water. Each character draws you deeper into the Dempsey clan and the gritty underbelly of Shacktown. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a mystery. Ammie, NSW, 5 Stars
Wow! What a read! Perry has created a whirlwind of a story that keeps you guessing right up until the very last sentence! Set on the beautiful Tasman Peninsula amongst the rugged cliffs and swirling ocean dwells a corrupt family business that hides many dark and dangerous secrets. Each member of the family takes the reader on a wild ride. Perry carefully manipulates the plot to ensure the reader is never fully comfortable with any character. They each hide many secrets and are haunted by their own terrifying demons. As the reader, I found myself holding my breath many times! Leanne, NSW, 5 Stars
What a wild ride! It starts off pulling you in with all the mystery surrounding this story and finishes with one hell of a bang. The Deep has twists and turns which you will never see coming. Daneka, QLD, 5 Stars
The Deep by Kyle Perry was a wonderful surprise. It incorporated a lot of contemporary issues into a fast paced story. It centres around the Dempsey family and all the secrets they have both past and present. I liked the way some of the characters although having some major issues are still seen to be trying to become better human beings. I also loved the setting in Tasmania. I have also read Perry’s first novel which was absolutely wonderful as well. So I am really looking forward to his next book. Louise, NSW, 5 Stars
Wow! I could not put this book down! The complex characters, the black winds and harsh unforgiving seas, the entangled stories, the twists and turns and secrets were relentless. A fabulous thriller that kept me guessing throughout. I also loved that it was set in the wilds of Tasmania. KJ, QLD, 5 Stars
What a great read! A real stay up late, what’s going to happen next book. The descriptions of the ocean and the coastline are wonderful, the characters are believable, the dialogue convincing and the plot is delightfully wild and complicated. Like a lot of thrillers, you may need to leave your rational everyday self behind, and just enjoy! Victoria, NSW, 5 Stars
Un-put-downable! Kyle Perry has come up with another winner. This gripping tale moves fast and has you wondering right from the start who you can trust and who you can’t. The author has managed to create a vivid land and seascape that draws you into dangerous places, and his descriptions of the diving scenes were a mixture of tension and wonder at the strength and pull of the sea. The characters were realistically described and it was easy to like some and be suspicious of others. The theme running through the book questions how far we should go when it comes to family loyalty and where should we draw the line when it comes to right and wrong? Do we turn our back? Do we have the courage to face off against evil? A lot of guessing and wondering went on as I read this book; some of it was good, most was way off. But I couldn’t stop reading until it was finished and I felt able to breathe easy. Kirsten, WA, 5 Stars
This book kept me guessing the whole way through, once i was hooked there was no putting it down, I loved how intertwined the characters were and that the story was told from different perspectives. Cassie, TAS, 5 Stars
The Deep caught me by surprise, it was extremely enjoyable and was filled with unexpected turns. It had me hooked from the introduction. I would definitely recommend it. Gai, NSW, 5 Stars
Another great book from Kyle Perry. Set in Tasmania this story is about the Dempsey family who are major drug dealers in the area, they have been getting away with the supply and distribution cause they own an abalone business. Great read, had me hooked from the first chapter, a crime thriller that I really enjoyed. Gavin, NSW, 5 Stars
Loved it! Just had to keep reading, so many twists, I wanted it to just keep going. Nina, NSW, 5 Stars
I was thoroughly captured by The Deep from first page to last. The mystery and intrigue never let up and the constant twists and turns had me turning pages faster and faster each chapter. This was a fantastic, fast-paced read. Michelle, NSW, 4 Stars
Following the success of The Bluffs, The Deep is bound to be a highly anticipated release! Comparisons with The Bluffs are probably inevitable but The Deep is a different book. Its pacing isn’t as rapid, the urgency not as great but it’s a more intricately woven puzzle. Kyle Perry is adept at using nature to help build tension within his stories. For this, coastal Tasmania & the moody ocean waters are an ideal backdrop. Kyle Perry draws out the creepy and foreboding in this landscape. The Deep had me guessing the whole way through. The absence of a visible threat for much of the book had some pros & cons. At times, the characters’ imagining of the incoming danger was dark & menacing and at other times, felt like the characters were being sent on a wild goose chase. It all came together in the end though and both feelings contribute to the overall riddle and psychological deceptions at play in this mystery. The Deep is gritty, raw and dark, dotted with violence and tragedy and presented with characters who will have you wondering who can be trusted. It’s a must-read for thriller lovers! Jessica, NSW, 4 Stars
Kyle Perry can really set some atmosphere and tension. This is best done with his use of nature and its amazing forces and predictable and unpredictable behaviour. Tasmania is a perfect backdrop again for creating this. In The Deep we are engulfed in the drug trade and just like nature, can be predictable and unpredictable. A procession of intertwined characters keeps the reader guessing, assuming, wishing and hoping for the right outcome. For honest and good people to survive there will be extreme justice, as evil, greed and corruption thrive. It’s been said before, it’s a bumpy ride so buckle up! Caroline, NSW, 4 Stars
Set in coastal Shacktown Tasmania, The Deep tells the complex story of the Dempsey family and their drug running operations – all hidden behind the face of their legitimate business, Dempsey Abalone. When a ghost from the past washes up ashore, things start getting interesting and complicated very quickly. This book was a good fun, wild adventure to read. There was lots going on, lots of characters, names and family politics to keep track of, secrets everywhere, and twists and turns galore. The Deep really delves into themes of loyalty, greed, guilt and family. The setting in this book was fantastic, a mix of run down shacks, extravagant mansions, rocky beaches, tree-lined tracks, and desolate sea caves. The underwater/diving scenes were great and very well written, I particularly loved the image of leafy sea dragons hiding amongst the kelp. The eerie, howling Black Wind felt very real and added to the rich atmosphere of this modern day pirate saga. I really enjoyed The Deep, I think it’s a step up from Perry’s debut novel and I look forward to seeing what he does next. Thank you so much to Better Reading for providing me this copy to review! Lauren, WA, 4 Stars
Kyle Perry’s second book, The Deep, is a twisty atmospheric thriller. It’s set in a small Tasmanian town that is far from sleepy, with an undercurrent of crime and deception. Just when you think you have it all figured out, along comes a twist that changes everything. This book had strong Chris Hammer vibes for me, which is certainly a compliment. Best read snuggled inside on a cold winters day, with the wind howling outside. Nina, VIC, 4 Stars
I always love a good book that involves Tasmania (a bit biased) and this one didn’t disappoint. But having said that it was a bit over-the-top and unbelievable yet I still wanted to read it and find out what was going to happen. It draws you in with its tales of drugs, the secrets of the ocean and the craziness of a family that is in deep! A story of family, secrets and drugs. Tasmania’s rugged and wild backdrop was perfect for this dark, wild and crazy dysfunctional family. The Dempsey family have a fishing business but hiding behind that is a drug ring and all the ugliness that goes along with it. Then there is the disappearance and re-appearance of young Forest which brings about all form of questions. Long lost secrets resurface, the family comes together yet pulls apart and in this family is there really good versus evil or is it just all evil? This book will take you on a rollercoaster ride and you won’t be able to get off! Donna, TAS, 4 Stars
A twisty fast paced thriller with a vast array of characters. Set in lovely Tasmania, a family run drug ring is falling apart at the seams when one of their own returns after 7 years, and their secrets set to destroy not just the business, but their family and livelihoods. Great read. Hanadi, NSW, 4 Stars
Everyone loves a good mystery. Throw in some dark family secrets, drug dealers and rivalry, and you weave a real thriller. Perry sets his tale of lies and deceit in the idyllic area of Tasmania. Who would imagine it would be so dangerous, especially if you’re a Dempsey! Debra, VIC, 4 Stars
The hostile coast is the lifeblood of Shacktown, where dangerous conditions breed dangerous characters. Legend has it that the sea sirens sent the Black wind to curse the local sailors. Here, the Dempsey family have always buried their secrets at sea. Then after seven years missing, the heir to the family fortune is found. Forrest will inherit half of Dempsey Abalone, a thriving business with links to dark places. His uncle Mackerel is a recovering ice addict determine to stay out of goal. Matriach Ivy is desperate to keep control of her family legacy at any cost. All the members of this cursed family have something to hide. Author Kyle Perry writes well about Tasmania’s landscape and dysfunctional families. For fans of Daphne Du Maurier, the writing is almost gothic, with thrilling tales of piracy, smuggling and cold blooded characters. Debbie, NSW, 4 Stars
I love a good Thriller. The fact that The Deep was set in Australia made it even more interesting. The small town secrets could have seen the setting in any small town in Australia. And the family turmoil and secrets in any family. It depicted the best and worst of human nature. Gail, WA, 3 Stars
The Deep was a fast paced thriller set in a small Tasmanian coastal town. The Dempseys are a tough family who do some despicable things and treat each other appallingly. There are lots of twists and turns and the ending kept me reading to find out how the story would end. I felt like I’d been out through the wringer but I’m glad I read The Deep. Julie, NSW, 3 Stars
This book is an insight into a dark underworld the average person would know nothing about. It is about power that too much money brings, ruining lives in the process. When you think it is the end of the ruining of innocent people and people trying to outlive their past, the twist at the end shows how hard it will be. Gloria, SA, 3 Stars
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