Dead letters by Michael Brissenden

A page turner of a political thriller by journalist Brissenden oozes with background knowledge of gangs and corruption at a high level as Sid Allen a veteran of Afghanistan now working with Australian Federal Police, but seconded to a specialist terror unit, trawls through the multi layered slush that lies on Sydney's streets.

After the murder of highly respected politician Dan LeRoi along with an unknown drug dealer, the reports are all of terrorism and  fear which feeds into the Prime Minister's calls for greater surveillance. Attending the man's funeral, a shot rings out and the Prime Minister is whisked away: another reason to call for more power to the anti terror squads.

We've heard it all for real, so this book crystallises some of the misgivings many have about political knee jerk reactions. But journalist Zephyr Wilde is there, investigating LeRoi's murder, linking it to her investigation into the death of her mother, brothel owner Shirley Wilde, twenty years before.

Sid's relationship with Zephyr becomes more personal as she returns home to find her cat killed, the body left with a warning note. Her leads have seen her interviewing the two cops still alive from amongst those stationed at Newtown when her mother was killed, and when both are murdered Zephyr is in the spotlight. But Sid’s delving has caused ripples in higher places and his team is disbanded and he is put on semi permanent leave with their investigations whisked off to Canberra and the AFP.

Something is on the nose, and Sid keeps delving, Brissenden taking the reader along for a most enjoyable ride. The last two chapters wrap it all together with a high octane eye popping intensity, leaving the reader wanting to read more.

Themes: Corruption, Police procedure, Political crime, Murder.

Fran Knight