What draws any reader to a book can vary from the cover to the storyline, or maybe the author is a particular favourite.
In my case, the latest novel by bestselling writer Chris Hammer was recommended to me.
Recommendations can sometimes be a hit and miss affair. In this case, with The Tilt, I struck gold.
All I knew was that it was a murder mystery with the backdrop of the Barmah-Millewa red gum forest, the Murray River and towns such as Echuca, Deniliquin and Mathoura — and yes, even Shepp gets a mention.
That setting and two strong central female characters proved to be a tantalising combination.
Newly appointed homicide detective Nell Buchanan returns to her home town of Tulong to investigate a cold case, much to the chagrin of her senior colleague who can’t believe he has to waste his time in such a backwater, over an unsolved death more than half a century ago.
Once ensconced in this tale, I guarantee the intrigue will suck you in.
Nell’s complex relationship with her mother, Tessa, comes to the fore, and a second body is discovered. The Tilt then switches from present day to the past, as you learn that Nell’s family is implicated in these mysterious deaths. Will their shady past destroy her fledgling career?
I’m not usually into murder mysteries, but the way Mr Hammer reveals the plot and the parade of characters involved is quite brilliant.
My mind was in a flurry working out who was who, but the good thing about a book is you can flick back to a paragraph or page to make sure you have got the facts straight. This is a boon with The Tilt, as it seesaws from the present to the past and back again. Although once I got the hang of the format, it wasn’t a problem.
Nell Buchanan is a revelation, as is Tessa, and you want so much for their situation to be resolved without it destroying everyone and everything.
One of the most wonderful features of The Tilt is a map detailing the setting, and there’s also an explanation from the author of how or why a plot or some detail ended up in the book. Fascinating stuff!
Mr Hammer’s scheduled visit to Goulburn Valley Regional Library was postponed because of the October floods. Keep an eye out for the new date.
The Tilt is published by Allen & Unwin.
Jan would love to hear from readers. Email her at: books.more@mmg.com.au
* A new date for Chris Hammer’s visit to the region is not yet confirmed.