Jesse's a fabulous, strong, believable character who arrives in Victoria determined to find the truth no matter what. Supported in her determination by her father, they end up staying in the small artistic community that Daisy and Adam had lived in, digging into some dodgy logging practices, unearthing some suspect connections to Melbourne mobsters along the way. There's plenty of threat, personal and community based, and there's a good supporting cast, as well as fabulous sense of a place. Not specifically named, I'd be prepared to take a relatively informed guess is influenced by the area around the Kinglake Ranges. Hyland has mastered the architecture of noir – his sinister tale seethes with small-town atmosphere and satisfying twists, set against the dangers and harsh beauty of the Australian landscape.’ ― Sydney Morning Herald When Jesse sees an invitation to a National Gallery exhibition in Melbourne, she notices that two of the featured landscapes are one of her father’s and one by the late Kenji Takada. The title of Takada’s is ‘Canticle Creek’, the place Adam’s body was found. Full of questions, Jesse travels to the area of the crash, just to make sure what local police say happened is what really went down – and that she didn’t just let a murderer run free to Victoria. What she finds in Canticle Creek are a whole lot more questions, along with breathtaking surrounds, talented artists, nosy teenagers on horses, drug dealers, roadside assaults, blazing fires – well, you get it. It’s everything you need for a rural police thriller, and a hell of a lot more, too. I did enjoy this story very much, though I think at times the author got a bit carried away with technical jargon and “big word dropping” which I had no trouble understanding, but felt it was a bit unnecessary and over the top at times.

Nash Baker was once a celebrated cop, but his career was ended when he chose to take justice into his own hands. Now he’s living a quiet life in a small town caring for the local wildlife and trying to stay away from trouble. If you're a regular visitor to the blog then you may be aware that I adore Australian crime fiction and I'm always on the lookout for talented Australian authors to add to my 'must read' list. So when Canticle Creek landed on my radar I, of course, jumped on it. And after experiencing Hyland's writing and storytelling for the first time, I think it's very safe to say that I will be reading this author's work again in the future. The sooner, the better! Jesse Redpath is a cop from the Territory. She helps a young Adam when he does something illegal by offering him a second chance; helping her dad and working in the local roadhouse. A week later, Adam runs away and Jesse doesn’t think about him again except to send a warrant.

When young repeat offender Adam Lawson is brought before the magistrate yet again, Jesse steps up to convince the judge to release him into the care of her father, whose influence Jesse hopes can guide the lad. When Northern Territory cop, Constable Jesse Redpath, hears the news of Adam Lawson's death she's devastated. Despite Lawson being a well-known local criminal, police officer Jesse had always believed there was more to Adam Lawson than petty crime. So much so, she found work for him and when the chips were down, Jesse stood up to the magistrate on Lawson's behalf. However, Jesse, despite everything she did, can't help but feel responsible for Adam's death. Even more so when she discovers Lawson is accused of murdering his girlfriend, Daisy, before accidentally running off the road and brutally ending his own life. Jesse feels her only course of action is to visit Canticle Creek herself and try to put things right. But when Jesse arrives and starts asking probing questions, the small town clams up. Jesse's arrival and subsequent off-the-books investigation certainly ruffles a few feathers! Because the people of Canticle Creek have secrets of their own. Secrets they will do anything to keep... an entertaining and engrossing novel. Hyland has written the ideal story for a long, hot summer, where fire always seems a possibility.’ ― The Canberra Times The rural crime fiction wave continues with this brilliant new arid drama.’ ― Australian Women's Weekly

Hyland, a seasoned firefighter, ensures the climactic inferno takes your breath away. More please.’ - The TimesIn a way I felt the mystery itself, whilst certainly intriguing, played a secondary role in this thriller. I revelled in the vivid way Adrian Hyland presents the cast of various characters amongst the local residents, with the tensions and hidden conflicts between them. Jesse herself is a very cool character – strong and feisty, flawed in some ways, but with a profound sense of justice (I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side!) The readers of Canticle Creek will learn about how small communities can interact with each other. Also, the readers will understand that they can not save everyone if they do not want to help themselves. Seems like Nash has enemies. And what looks like a close knit community might just be cover for dark secrets. The plot is Jesse investigating the murder of Daisy and the resistance she comes up against. Criticism is difficult to take, doubly so when it comes from an outsider, but this outsider brings an objectiveness to play. Along with a stubborn persistence and a casual approach to danger this makes Jesse a loose canon to some, but eventually a grudging acceptance from others as they realise what a great cop she is. Its a fantastic read, bringing to life modern Australia in vivid colours. I thoroughly enjoyed it and really hope the author has more in store for Jesse!