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" I still can't be sure I hadn't read this back in 2007 when it came out. I remembered the cover but the plot on the dust jacket didn't sound familiar. As I started it "again" some parts sounded familiar, others completely alien, but I had the thought that I loved this book even before I picked it up "again." And I was right. This book is one of those mysteries that transcends the genre and can be called literature. Vivid imagery of the place and emotional introspection are all over this work. The main character is a familiar one, the used up police officer. He's left the big city to go home to the country when a big murder occurs. He just wants to be left alone but duty calls. And so he begins not just a homicide investigation but a journey of self discovery too. It soon becomes apparent that the murder victim, the suspects, and the investigator are all "broken" souls on the broken shore. An Australian glossary is provided for all the slang. You'll need it. Like real life not everything is wrapped up at the end. Would love to see more of Detective Cachin in another book from Temple. Should be a movie. "
- Chris, 2/13/2014
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" An okay read. Was actually expecting more after reading the reviews. Easy to read with short chapters, {great for busy people}. Heaps of "colourful" language but it just had to be there to give a true interpretation of the story. "
- Melissa, 2/4/2014
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" Possibly the best Australian book I have ever read! "
- Maria, 2/3/2014
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" Love a good crime thriller, even better when it's an Aussie author!! "
- Chrissie, 1/26/2014
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" Loved this. So noir. Temple's language is economical as hell, but still real evocative. Oozes Australia. Went in expecting a detective novel, only got it in the last half, but it's gripping all the way through. "
- Rich, 1/18/2014
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" This is not a book you should read too fast, "chasing the story", because it is beautifully written. The story progresses very slowly until you near the end, when the level of violence becomes quite distressing (and I am not very sensitive), so be warned! "
- Annalie, 1/13/2014
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" Yet another washed up ex-detective story? Yes but one that is so well written that I didn't want it to finish. A great plot and a raft of believable characters. A novel with a real sense of place and a great atmosphere. "
- Pete, 1/7/2014
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" A good mystery. Lots of lingo to learn. Parts of it I liked a lot. Good concise writing. "
- Lnelson, 11/18/2013
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" Another book I came across in an Oz airport bookstore (book shop, there). A complex takle of murder, mayhem, racial prejudice and corruption in the Victorian police force. Let's hope it's not accurate (but I fear it is). Beautiful writing, complex plot and characters make this a delicious read. "
- Marketingguy, 8/11/2013
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" Killer story, main character - want to read more australian crime. "
- Poppy, 2/2/2013
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" I loved this book. It isn't often I laugh out loud while reading. I thoroughly enjoyed the bone-dry humour of The Broken Shore. At the same time it is a good crime story. "
- Leanne, 1/11/2013
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" Wonderful crime fiction - probably one of the most nuanced and engaging one I've ever read. Language is tight and characterization sharp. Great! "
- Kim, 5/3/2012
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" A very well written crime novel. The plot and characters are formulaic, but the dialog is interesting and slightly obtuse, as if the reader is over hearing private conversations. "
- Shawn, 11/26/2011
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" Got as far as page 90. Plot driven crime thriller. Was not doing it for me but liked the Oz setting. "
- chris, 11/16/2011
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" Interesting protagonist. Some insight into Australian treatment of aboriginals.
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- Joan, 4/17/2011
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" I'm from the US and I've been living in Australia for several years now. What I love about this writer is how he really captures the language of Oz. Confusing? Yes. Hard to follow sometimes? Yes. Poetic, playful, authentic? Emphatically yes.
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- Leighana, 4/5/2011
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" Ok had to get use to the Austrian Slang. Long so solw parts the ending got exciting.
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- Gail, 3/2/2011
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" Um policial de alta qualidade, de 1 a 10 dou um 11! ( Abismo de Sangue )
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- Babete, 2/4/2011
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" Good mystery novel. Takes place in Australia and contains lots of good deception, detective work, violence and darkness.
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- Jae, 2/1/2011
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" This is not a book you should read too fast, "chasing the story", because it is beautifully written. The story progresses very slowly until you near the end, when the level of violence becomes quite distressing (and I am not very sensitive), so be warned!
"
- Annalie, 1/6/2011
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" An okay read. Was actually expecting more after reading the reviews. Easy to read with short chapters, {great for busy people}. Heaps of "colourful" language but it just had to be there to give a true interpretation of the story.
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- Melissa, 12/31/2010
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" The best Australian crime writer going around? Probably.
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- Nicko, 12/29/2010
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" I liked the smart detective with the sharp wit. Learned some Aussie words.Would like to read more from this author with the good sense of humor.
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- William, 12/10/2010
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" Great stuff - a huge cut above most murder mysteries. Set in rural Australia -- very atmospheric.
Made me want to take a vacation.
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- Frank, 11/27/2010
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