Book Review: Treasure and Dirt by Chris Hammer
I loved all three of the Martin Scarsden novels by Hammer, so I didn’t wait around to grab his new release, Treasure and Dirt. Although Scarsden is referenced occasionally, this book hands over the leading man reins to police detective Ivan Lucic, who had a bit part in Trust.
Ivan is asked to investigate a death of an opal miner whose body has been found crucified at Finnigan’s Gap, a fictional outback town supposedly near the Qld/NSW border. Being the city boy from Sydney, Ivan is partnered up with Nell Buchanan, a young inexperienced detective who had, until recently, been stationed at the town. Although Nell proves to be of assistance when it comes to local knowledge, Ivan soon learns she has a chequered history with many townsfolk which leads to further complications with the case.
For the most the plot moved along nicely but I will admit to getting a bit bored (and, to be honest, confused now and then) with the stocks and shares talk. I also think it’s time Hammer ditched including cults and/or the church into his books. Do we really have this many religious nutters in Australia? (Er… Actually, that’s right… ScoMo…)
What I always love about Hammer’s books is his knack for writing the Australian setting and landscapes with such detail. He didn’t disappoint in this arena. I felt like I was flushing with the heat and swatting flies along with the characters as I read.
Both Ivan and Nell are really likeable with enough personal issues, flaws and interesting back stories to make readers cheer them on. There’s also a plethora of colourful supporting characters which, on more than one occasion, made me laugh out loud (especially when their Mad Max crossed with Priscilla craziness is highlighted comically during one of the tense climactic scenes).
Another thing Hammer is known for is his astonishing character names. This time, he hit new heights of craziness with the likes of Trevor Topsoil, Humphrey Tuppence, Delaney Bullwinkle and Petal Rimmington. At least Ivan and Nell have relatively normal monikers.
I hope Hammer continues and turns Ivan and Nell into the stars of a series. 4 out of 5
*This book will be titled Opal Country outside of Australia
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