Publishers Weekly
★ 02/05/2018
The arresting opening of Australian author Viskic’s terrific debut finds PI Caleb Zelic holding the bloody body of Senior Constable Gary Marsden, a close friend who has been brutally tortured and slaughtered in his Melbourne home. Caleb drove over a short time before after receiving a text message from Gary saying that someone named Scott was after him. Since there’s no sign of forced entry, Caleb wonders why Gary would have admitted his killer. The circumstances of the murder lead the police to suspect that Gary was involved in something dirty. They also suspect Caleb, because Gary was working on an insurance case for Caleb’s PI firm. After Caleb is attacked, he seeks refuge with his ex-wife, Kat, in their hometown of Resurrection Bay. The hearing-impaired Caleb must rely on his keen ability to read faces as he tries to figure out whom, if anyone, he can trust. The truth behind the violence is both stunning and fairly clued, and Caleb is a sufficiently complex lead to easily sustain a series. James Ellroy and Paul Cleave fans will relish this hard-edged crime novel. (Apr.)
From the Publisher
Finalist for the 2019 Barry Award — Best Paperback Original
A Financial Times Book of the Year
A CrimeTime UK Book of the Year via three reviewers
Shortlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger Award and the John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger Award
Shortlisted for the Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine Barry Award for Best Paperback Original
A "terrific debut . . . The hearing-impaired Caleb (Zelic) must rely on his keen ability to read faces as he tries to figure out whom, if anyone, he can trust. The truth behind the violence is both stunning and fairly clued, and Caleb is a sufficiently complex lead to easily sustain a series. James Ellroy and Paul Cleave fans will relish this hard-edged crime novel." — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
"Outstanding. . . a gripping and violent tale with a hero who is original and appealing." — The Guardian
"More than lives up to its hype ... Fierce, fast-moving, violent … it is as exciting a debut as fellow Australian Jane Harper’s The Dry, and I can think of no higher praise." — Daily Mail
"Trailing literary prizes in its wake… superbly characterized… well above most contemporary crime fiction." — Financial Times
"[A] stunning debut … original and splendidly plotted with a harshness that nevertheless allows humour to intrude. Above all, it has a superb cast of main characters." — The Times (Crime Book of the Month)
"All the staples of Australian crime fiction are here: unflinching violence, corrupt cops, brutish men and tougher women. Viskic, garlanded with five book awards down under, adds some enjoyable refinements: Caleb Zelic, a hero whose investigations are somewhat hampered by the fact that he's profoundly deaf, and a zinging wit to savour. First of a Zelic series." — Sunday Times Crime Club
"This outstanding debut from Australian author Viskic is fast-paced with gut-wrenching twists and an engaging protagonist." — Daily Express
"A very impactful thriller… distinctive… a hero you will want more of in future." — The Book Bag
"the dialogue is excellent. . . [the plot] zooms along." — Sunday Express
"Wow! What a debut novel! Captivating, quirky and absolutely riveting." — Crime Book Junkie
"Viskic’s novel is the reason I love reviewing. This is a truly gripping debut which feels as though written by a seasoned writer. Mesmerising." — Crimesquad
"Excellent debut novel … certainly a name to watch." — SHOTS crime fiction magazine
"Gutsy, original. . . [a] stunning crime debut... [with a] devilishly tricky plot." — Thriller Books Journal
"The drama added by Caleb’s deafness is what makes the book." — Action on Hearing Loss
“An Australian thriller at its finest. A captivating read from first page to last. In Caleb Zelic, Viskic has created a character with depth and heart who will linger long after the final page.” — Jane Harper, author of The Dry
"In her research for Resurrection Bay, the author studied Australian sign language to add to the authenticity of the novel and that work really pays off here." — Crime Fiction Lover
“Pacy, violent but with a big thundering heart… An outstanding debut.” — Eva Dolan, author of Long Way Home
“A terrific book … sharp, punchy, visceral and propulsive. The story grabs you by the throat from the opening pages and it never once slackens its hold.” — Christos Tsiolkas, author of The Slap
"On par with the heavyweights of crime." — Sydney Morning Herald
"A compelling, highly recommended read." — Books+Publishing
"An outstanding debut novel from an author you'd hope is busy on the next instalment right now." — The Newtown Review of Books
"Distinctive flavour. . . several twists." — Herald Scotland
"Fast-moving narrative. . . numerous yet coherent plot developments. . . [the character of Caleb is] convincingly portrayed." — Mystery People
"Viskic has created a genuinely unique and captivating character who deserves a place alongside Jack Irish and Cliff Hardy." — P. M. Newton
"I was totally immersed … sharp, snappy, hard-boiled … a refreshingly original main protagonist." — Raven Crime Reads
"A kick in the teeth when the sting in the tail comes." — Clover Hill
"I was hooked … There is so much to love about Resurrection Bay." — Northern Crime
"A truly rock and roll writing style… riveting … banging brilliant … A perfect storm of a read … Highly recommended." — Liz Loves Books
"A deadly game of cat and mouse … with double-crossing and questionable motives aplenty … a good twist." — Crime Thriller Hound
"Outstanding… gripping and violent… a hero who is original and appealing." — Laura Wilson, Guardian
"If this is anything to go by, we could do with more Aussie crime fiction over here. Viskic knows how to put together a gripping story." — Nudge Books
"It has a unique take… great twists and turns with excellent layering." — Nudge Books Second Opinion Column
"A terrific new voice. Great writing and credibly vulnerable characters." — The Irish Examiner
"After reading this book [book two] can’t come quickly enough… I really need to know what happens next." — Steph’s Book Blog
"Punchily written and snappily paced, with a vivid cast of characters." — David’s Book World (blog)
"A thriller that delivers a rush… a gritty and at times violent book with a great storyline at its very heart." — The Last Word (blog)
"An excellent twist… The writing flowed effortlessly… A recommended read for all crime thriller fans." — Never Imitate (blog)
"Viskic really ramps up the tension… Excellent pacing, I loved the plot… Fantastic conclusion which delivered." — Col's Criminal Library (blog)
