Jeff Popple reviews three new Australian books about bushfires, opal mining and grandparents. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
Firestorm by Greg Mullins
Penguin, $34.99
The horrific Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20, and the inadequate federal government response, has now been largely overshadowed by COVID. The threat from bushfires, however, remains very real and as Greg Mullins, the former head of Fire & Rescue NSW, points out in Firestorm, it is only going to get worse. In clear readable prose, Mullins takes us behind the scenes and onto the frontline as he details the horrors of Australia’s first giga-fire. The stories in the book are heartbreaking and infuriating, especially the refusal of governments to heed the warnings before the summer of 2019-20. An important and compelling book.
Treasure & Dirt by Chris Hammer
Allen & Unwin, $32.99
Canberra author Chis Hammer powered his way into the top echelons of Australian crime writing with his debut novel Scrublands, and consolidated his standing with two good follow-up books about journalist Martin Scarsden. Now he turns his attention to the outback opal mining community of Finnigan’s Gap, and a set of largely new characters. Sent to investigate the death of an opal miner, who is found crucified and left to rot down his mine, Sydney homicide detective Ivan Lucic, and his inexperienced offsider Nell Buchanan, have to battle powerful mining interests, religious fanatics, and corrupt cops as they try to find the killer. An enjoyable read.
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer by Ilsa Evans
HQ, $29.99
Two feuding grandmothers put aside their differences when they realise that their granddaughter, Avery, is being harmed. Joining forces, they kidnap Avery and head off on the run across country Victoria with a miniature schnauzer and Avery’s 89-year-old tech-savvy great grandmother in tow. Pursued by their families, the police, and an obnoxious media contingent, they are willing to do anything to protect Avery. The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is a heartfelt and very witty novel that explores in an entertaining, and occasionally amusing way, some very real and poignant issues in today’s society. Recommended.
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