Candice Fox is one of the finest creators of crime thrillers working today. I am happy to report that her latest effort, REDBELLY CROSSING, is no exception. Readers may know Fox best from her numerous collaborations with the great James Patterson. One takeaway from working with him is the power of the short chapter, which builds momentum and pacing while keeping the pages turning at a furious speed.

When the owner of a motel in the small Australian town of Redbelly Crossing, which sits atop a frequented dive bar, spots blood on the door handle to a room, he is shocked to learn that inside is the ravaged body of a deceased woman who turns out to be a young journalist named Chloe Lutz.

"REDBELLY CROSSING is classic noir storytelling masterfully realized by Candice Fox, featuring engaging characters and a backwater setting that keeps the plot believable."

Two detectives are separately called to investigate, each unaware of the other’s involvement. Sr. Sgt. Evan Powder could really use a big win in a high-profile case, which might put him back in the good graces of his superiors. DI Russell Powder also needs to save face with his captain after being accused of beating up a witness. Evan and Russell are brothers who have not spoken to each other in five years due to a violent confrontation that tore them and their family apart.

Russell has more personal baggage that he brings with him. He is accompanied by his daughter, Bridie, who he had promised to spend time with before duty called. He also is a proud gay man who often butts heads with those in the profession who do not look kindly upon his sexuality. This has caused a permanent rift with his father, Arthur, who is still close to Evan.

Arthur shows interest in the Chloe Lutz case, almost uncomfortably so, which causes an additional set of worries. Russell and an officer from Evan’s squad have a gunfight and physical confrontation with a man on his property. They believe he may have murdered Chloe and could be a serial killer with other recent slayings to his name. The problem is that Arthur has made a confession to Evan --- one that Evan must try to subtly cover up and keep from Russell, who is an extremely by-the-book detective.

As Evan is struggling to keep dark family secrets hidden, everything spirals out of control with further acts of violence that threaten not only to destroy the entire case but also to tear down their family for good. 

REDBELLY CROSSING is classic noir storytelling masterfully realized by Candice Fox, featuring engaging characters and a backwater setting that keeps the plot believable. To that point, Fox indicates in the Author’s Note that the novel is based on the real-life murders of two young women in Sydney in the early 1970s.