River of Salt

1963, Philadelphia. After having to give up his brother to save his own life, hitman Blake Saunders flees the Mob and seeks refuge on the other side of the world. Two years later he has been reborn in a tiny coastal Australian town. The ghosts of the past still haunt him but otherwise Coral Shoals is paradise. Blake surfs, and plays guitar in his own bar, the Surf Shack. But then the body of a young woman is found at a local motel, and evidence links her to the Surf Shack. When Blake’s friend is arrested, and the local sergeant doesn’t want to know, it becomes clear to Blake – who knows a thing or two about murder – that the only way to protect his paradise is to find the killer.

A pitch-perfect crime novel, River of Salt captures the spirit of the surf music scene with a thrilling twist.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

‘This is Australian crime writing at its apex – a seemingly simple case that becomes ever more convoluted as the narrative progresses, widening to encompass protection rackets, early pornographic films, racism, and country-club politics. That it takes place against the backdrop of a burgeoning 1960s counterculture is refreshing as a sea breeze. Let’s hope River of Salt signals the beginning of a new Warner series.’ Australian Book Review

‘Dave Warner captures the heyday and spirit of the surf music scene perfectly. This is a pitch-perfect crime thriller of epic twists and turns.’ Jim Skiathitis, composer, guitarist, The Atlantics

‘Part Goodfellas and part love letter to Australian coastal towns, this wonderfully imagined crime novel is like riding the perfect wave.’ Michael Robotham

‘Warner’s is a densely written book, redolent with sun, sand and surf, informed about music and full of engaging, well-drawn characters and local activities that form a disarming background to a classically convoluted murder investigation.’ Adelaide Advertiser

‘Warner builds the suspense with an even hand, his stock in trade a deft turn of phrase that would do Chandler or Hammett proud … His ear for dialogue and the period is also faultless, his characters well-drawn and entirely believable.’ Courier Mail

‘The strength of River of Salt is definitely in the idea of a stranger in a strange land, back in the days when communications weren’t instant, and people could reinvent themselves to some extent. It’s exploring just how far you can go with that idea, and how much of the old you will never go away.’ AustCrime

‘… a complex yet accessible tale that takes its time with characters and details … Beyond the book’s convincing action and romance beats, [Warner] explores well beneath the surface of a varied cast of characters.’ Books+Publishing

‘Warner produces a real page turner here. Suspects more plausible than Agatha Christie ever offered. And real dramatic tension to go with it … A really good read. Go get it!’ Fremantle Shipping News

‘Warner keeps things moving at a lickety-split, while allowing the likeable female characters … room to negotiate their own trajectory through the reprehensible gender politics of the era. This always engaging period piece ends in just the right place for a sequel.’ Sydney Morning Herald