Wild dogs by Michael Trant
Wow! Anyone who wants a gritty adventure in outback Australia is certain to be unable to put down this thriller from Michael Trant. Gabe Ahern is a dogger, making his living from trapping wild dogs in the outback. He leads a lonely life after the death of his wife but when he comes across Amin a young Afghan, being held at gun point he is unable to turn away. With guns blazing he rescues him and finds dangerous people smugglers and drug dealers on his trail, led by Chase Fowler, a kangaroo hunter expert with his rifle. Will his skills at hiding in the bush keep him and his companions safe? Will they be able to rescue Amin’s family?
What a fast paced, thrilling story this is. It is very difficult to put the book down as Gabe rushes from one desperate adventure to another. Trant brings the outback to life with a unique introductory chapter voiced by an old dingo and his descriptions of the dry red dirt, the Aboriginal people, the long distances, bush tracks and rural nursing are engrossing. Elderly and with a bad hip Gabe is a wily man, living with memories of his wife, and his cunning and bush skills are a highlight of the book. All the supporting characters are fully developed: It is easy to relate to Amin, desperate to rescue his wife and child, while Courtney the bush nurse and Darren the young Aboriginal man are both courageous and caring and Chase their pursuer is wily and dangerous.
Although the action filled chase is the highlight of the story, Trant doesn’t flinch away from topical subjects like the plight of refugees, people smuggling, police corruption and stereotyping of Aboriginal people.
Described by Lee Child as 'Tough, fast and hard – my kind of book' Wild dogs is sure to appeal to readers who like Jack Reacher type of thrillers, while those who like the outback noir novels by Jane Harper and Patricia Wolf are likely to enjoy it. I look forward to reading the next in the series, No Trace.
Themes: Thriller, Outback, Murder, People smuggling, Drug trafficking.
Pat Pledger