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Tipping Point by Dinuka McKenzie
Tipping Point is the third book, and most recent, in a series about Detective Kate Miles. It is a blend of family life, police work and community, and the unenviable position Miles finds herself in when trying to navigate all three. Where do her loyalties lie? Having an unemployed husband and two young children doesn’t help her situation.
The novel is set in a fictional mid-sized town in New South Wales and, ultimately, unearths long hidden horrors and alliances. It is a story that is not for the faint-hearted as there is plenty of bad language, substance abuse, mental health issues and violence, but I suggest judge it on its memorable literary merits.
McKenzie’s strengths are in character development, moving the narrative along at pace and refreshingly engaging encounters – in essence, an all-round easy to follow read, and like many top notch crime fiction, ends with unexpected twists and turns.
While it appears more than possible to read as a standalone work, I’m sure reading in sequence would be advantageous, as they are written in chronological order. I, for one, will look out for the prequels.
Reviewed by Barbara Leslie
Rush by Saskia Roy
This debut novel unfolds with a dark romance set in the glamorous world of Formula 1. Lena gave herself an ultimatum when she left the UK to make her way in Los Angeles – she would be a successful writer within five years. With her approaching 30th birthday and the deadline for her ultimatum, she is at a crossroads and wondering whether it is time to give up on her dreams.
But then an unexpected passionate encounter at a party, with the reigning Formula 1 world champion Nico Laurent, opens her eyes to a whole different lifestyle. A world full of luxury, parties, obsession, sex and no rules. Nico is a badly damaged soul, but as the story unfolds, readers start to wonder if Lena will be able to hold onto herself in the quest to save him, or will the fire they create destroy them both.
This is a great book for those who like a gritty read with a high spice factor. A realistic portrayal of toxic, obsessive love and what we are willing to overlook for this. The author has a good knowledge of Formula 1 with believable race descriptions. I got swept up into the world where fast cars are only just the beginning.
Trigger warning: The story includes explicit scenes bordering on non-consensual.
Reviewed by Abby Soffe
