The detective by Matthew Reilly

Set within the USA southern states of Louisiana and Texas and the alligator-infested swamplands of the Deep South, brilliant but socially awkward local detective Sam Speedman is resolutely on the path of justice. His autism-spectrum personality gifts him the most intense and thorough investigation style and although the FBI may have rejected his application as an agent, he can still uncover even the smallest piece of evidence. But the case to uncover the details of a missing-person case from many years before is unexpectedly thrust back into his spotlight. It leaves him in the thick of historical investigations involving missing women, prostitutes, plantation owners with wealth and excessive influence, and contemporary evil that lies underneath an esteemed Confederate ideology that is alive despite the passing of time. One small dead infant sets off a dangerous pursuit of truth in perilous circumstances. Sam’s own life is at great risk, can he solve the mystery without becoming another victim? 

This is a Matthew Reilly action story masquerading as a detective tale. It combines a critique of the awfulness of slavery, and the politics and wealth that enabled it to continue well past the Civil War period, and a fast-paced investigation of crime in a dangerous environment. Everything from alligators to gun fights, car chases, jail visits and risky swamp-boat trips to ‘the end of the world’ are included in this action adventure for a central character who is not your standard hero-type. His attention to detail sets him apart as a detective and his attempts to improve his social skills adds a quirkiness and humour to the seriousness of his work. This is a book for mature readers aged 16 - Adult. There are some confronting scenes, attitudes, language and violence, but the central character is honest and profoundly on the path of justice. Matthew Reilly has created another compelling story that grips you from the first page.

Themes: Murder, detectives, slavery, USA - Civil War - consequences, discrimination, corruption, racism.

Carolyn Hull