Black River

Rose Riley, Book 1

By: Matthew Spencer

Narrated by: Kellie Jones

The elite neighborhoods of Sydney are becoming a serial killer’s hunting ground. But for a city—and a detective—on the edge, not everything is as it seems in a twisting novel of suspense.

During a stifling summer in Sydney, the body of a chaplain’s daughter is found wrapped in black plastic on the deserted grounds of an elite boarding school. Is it the work of the killer who’s been stalking the privileged neighborhoods along the Parramatta River? Gut instinct tells Detective Sergeant Rose Riley something even more devious might be at play.

Eager to find the so-called Blue Moon Killer before he strikes again, Riley forms an uneasy alliance with Adam Bowman, a journalist with a valuable, and unsettling, link to the school’s history. As Riley’s investigation takes her deep into the secret lives of Sydney’s prominent citizens, Bowman delves into the darkest places of his own childhood for answers. When their paths converge, Riley must use every bit of her cunning to stop another murder.

Excavating Bowman’s past might just be the key to unlocking the case. Or it could prove to be Riley’s undoing. Because clue by clue she’s being pulled into the sights of a killer.

©2022, 2023 Matthew Spencer (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved

Critic reviews

“Spencer’s fiction debut…features a straightforward detective plot that’s enriched and deepened by touching on issues of class, race, and gender. An engaging police procedural with a little something extra.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Dark, gritty, tense, atmospheric. I loved Black River.”—Candice Fox, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Sharply plotted and relentlessly paced, it kept me guessing until the last page.”—Michael Robotham, New York Times bestselling author of When You Are Mine

Great performance by Kellie Jones

This is a very good investigative police drama. Set in Sydney, Australia, there are some expressions or phases that may not be familiar to some. I believe anyone who has enjoyed books by Agatha Christie will have no problem being captivated by this well-written story by author Matthew Spencer and its main character Rose Riley, a no nonsense investigator. The crimes being ivestigated appear to be that of a serial killer, but could these be the crimes of a copycat? Since this is the first book of the Rose Riley series, I am curious to see how the character develops. If you are a fan of AudioBooks, Kellie Jones' performance really gets you into the action and emotions of this book.

Where is the next book?

I enjoyed this so much! My only disappointment was when I went looking for the next one, it hasn't been written yet. I definitely want more!

Pretty good book!

When the truth is right under your nose the entire time, you'll always miss the key pieces. Fortunately, Rose never lets up, and things start clicking into place. Still, things just aren't quite what they seem.

Good police procedural.

Enjoyed being in Sydney for this one . Also liked the characters. Would have given a higher rating if there had been more given to character development. Maybe this will happen in the next book. I may or may not listen. Good narrator.

Too Many F-bombs

The story is well written & researched but relies heavily unnecessary foul language. There are also graphic crime details...if you are squeamish, this book is not for you.