Crucifixion Creek: The Belltree Trilogy, Book One
The Belltree Trilogy, Book One
Barry Maitland
Homicide detective Harry Belltree wouldn’t usually be looking too hard at an elderly couple’s suicide pact. Especially now, when his brother-in-law Greg has just been stabbed to death. But it seems Greg and the old couple had ties to the same man, a bent moneylender with friends in high places—and low.
Harry can’t get officially involved in Greg’s murder, but he suspects a link with two other mysterious deaths: his parents’. And when he goes off-grid to investigate, that’s when things start to get dangerous.
Set in Sydney, this dark, morally ambiguous and adrenaline-charged new series is a triumphant change of direction for Barry Maitland.
andCrucifixion Creek
‘Arguably one of the top five crime writers in the world.’
‘Maitland shows his stuff as a writer, belting to a truly gripping conclusion…this is classy stuff and a pleasure to read.’
‘Maitland has always been a notable spinner of mysteries…continues to extend his range, depth and mastery into Ruth Rendell territory.’
‘An unqualified triumph and Aussie hardboiled crime fiction at its very best.’
‘Pacy and punchy.’
‘Top-quality mystery.’
‘A terrifically exciting novel.’
‘Maitland just gets better, and he’s long been, if quietly, one of the very best…the writing is lean and top-knotch as always.’
‘Crucifixion Creek…takes off at a frantic gallop towards a heart-thumping finale that promises only a brief respite. Be prepared to stay up late.’
‘An adrenalin filled ride through Sydney’s seedy underbelly.’
‘A hard-boiled plummet into damaged lives.’
‘Well written with an elaborate plot, this fast-paced novel explores some aspects of the racial divide in Australia. Recommend for Claire McNab readers or anyone who likes police procedurals.’
‘Unlike the 12 cases Maitland set Kolla and Brock, this one expresses its moral complications through nonstop action. First of a series. Though you’ll wonder early and often how Harry can possibly survive for any sequels, you’ll hope again and again to be proved wrong.’
