Alex Dook's debut novel Gunpowder Creek is a fabulously entertaining read.
Gritty and action packed there is never a dull moment in this high octane crime thriller.
Zach has been mixed up with the wrong people but when his latest job goes terribly wrong he finds himself held captive and his mother must complete the job or Zach will die.
Emily can't believe what she is doing, driving a stolen car to make a delivery to the remote town of Gunpowder Creek. She has three days to deliver or Zach will be killed. She will do anything for her only son.
What ensues is a race across the Australian desert where Emily's every move, every word is being monitored, but there is someone else who wants that package and they will stop at nothing to find Emily.
Alex Dook takes an everyday person and puts them in dire life or death situations showing how a mother's love transcends fear and pain. Emily is like a mother bear fighting off anyone who endangers her child.
I was stunned at how far Emily was pushed however, glimpses of her backstory shows she had a harsh upbringing. She was no quitter. Even though you will need to suspend your disbelief a little I found the descriptions of the punishing outback and Emily's desperation all felt real.
I liked how Dook had Emily fighting against the worst of humankind however when it came down to it she never lost her empathy.
Lots of dark humour had me laughing at times and were a welcome relief from the blood and gore.
Gunpowder Creek is an impressive debut. I raced through it. I'm now very excited to see what Alex Dook comes up with next.
My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher: Echo Publishing
Publication date: 2nd September 2025
Genre: Crime / Thriller
Pages: 320
RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
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