The Seven by Chris Hammer

Detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan (Treasure & dirt and The Tilt) are called to Yuwonderie, a country town that has been founded by The Seven, seven rich and powerful families that have been leaders in the community for decades. Now one of their own has been found in an irrigation canal. Who is responsible for the murder of Athol Hasluck, a financial advisor? Could it be linked to the story of a servant girl from the early 20th century, or the execution-style murder of another member of The Seven, thirty years ago? As Ivan and Nell probe into the background of the diseased they uncover secrets spanning the lifetime of the town.

The reader immediately becomes familiar with the layout of Yuwonderie; the illustrated map at the beginning of the book is beautifully drawn and is one that can be referred to often. The setting is reminiscent of NSW irrigation towns, and the availability of irrigation water is central to the plot. Ivan and Nell need to go back to the town’s roots in search of the money, uncovering some unsavoury secrets on the way.

One of the features of the narrative is the voice of Miss Bessie Walker, who comes to the Titchfield’s property to work as a domestic servant. She writes letters to her mother Mrs Elizabeth Walker at Worthington Point Mission telling of the family she is working for, the neighbours who visit and the young men who go off to the First World War. Other chapters are written from 1993, when Davis returns from university to his grandfather’s property. Later his body is found lying as if he had been executed. Still more chapters relate the ongoing investigation that Ivan and Nell are pursuing, their relentless attention to detail and desperate need to find the killer who is still at large. All three strands are managed brilliantly by Hammer, who always had many threads as well as twists and turns in his storytelling.

The authentic country vibes with details of squatter aristocracy and Bachelor and Spinster Balls keep the reader engrossed, and there is a nice touch towards end with the appearance of Martin Scarsdale (Scrublands) who rounds off one of the mysteries. Chris Hammer’s books are not to be missed by fans of Australian noir, and The Seven is outstanding.

Themes: Murder, Family secrets, Irrigation, Detectives, Country life - Australia, Crime.

Pat Pledger