Crimson Lake: A Novel (Crimson Lake, 1)

Until a week ago, I had never heard of Candice Fox. I was introduced to her work on the recommendation of a friend. I dived straight into “Crimson Lake”.

The two main lead characters in “Crimson Lake” are wronged individuals. Ted Concaffey is a cop who has been accused of child abduction and rape. The evidence is quite compelling. The other is Amanda Pharrell who has done time for murder when a teenager. Together, they make an unlikely team of private investigators in the tropical far north of Queensland near Cairns.

Their first case involves the disappearance of a popular writer of young adult Christian themed novels. The case is complex enough but their own past lives continue to muddy the waters. Concaffey, in particular, is hounded by vigilantes wanting to take the law into their own hands when the law itself is unable to proceed with a case against him. Nothing new here. Vigilantism is as old as time.

Candice Fox presents the features of the tropical environment well. There is always the hint of danger lurking, especially in the form of crocodiles which are endemic to this part of the world. She also brings the climate to life; heat, humidity and the inevitable insects and other reptiles.

I enjoyed the book and will read more of Fox’s work. She has much to offer and, given that she is only young, will most likely develop further over time.

Good read

Read book 2, Redemption Point, before this one. Cannot put it down. Book 2 was also great even though I did not have the background. New author for me to watch.