The Drowning

By: Bryan Brown

Write A Review

Paperback | 30 September 2025

At a Glance

Paperback
304 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
19.8 x 12.8

Paperback

RRP $22.99

$20.75

10%OFF

or 4 interest-free payments of $5.19 with

Ships in 3 to 5 business days

Bryan Brown's distinctive storytelling voice continues in this unflinching, gripping novel.

'A work of rattling and serpentine suspense ... gripping and sinuous and so, so good.' Trent Dalton

'The Drowning has all the hallmarks of great Aussie crime writing ... Brown's punchy prose makes this novel absolutely devourable, and all will be revealed in due time. The Drowning is highly recommended holiday reading.' Better Reading

The body of a local teenage boy is found on the beach of a sleepy northern New South Wales town. David went for an evening swim and got into trouble . . . at least, that's what it looks like.

Three weeks before, Leila, a young backpacker, didn't turn up for her shift at the local cafe. Benny, the owner, isn't worried. It happens - backpackers are always on the move. There'll be another one.

One of the locals, Adrian, has been a help to Benny. He's found him a nice little sideline. Not exactly legal. Is that all Adrian is arranging on the coast? He once was a cop but has he gone bad?

And in the backblocks outside town, a bikie gang is gearing up for a large consignment from South America.

Murder, drugs, liaisons and lies are stirring up this small coastal town.

With Bryan Brown's characteristic laconic storytelling - humorous, tough and suspenseful - the secrets of this seemingly idyllic town slowly come to the surface.

About the Author

Bryan Brown is an actor, and has appeared in over a hundred film and television productions. He has worked in some twenty countries, including his home country of Australia and the United States. Sweet Jimmy, seven short stories on crime, was released in 2021. The Drowning is his second book.

Industry Reviews

Praise for The Drowning:

'Actor Bryan Brown's impressive debut novel weaves an intriguing tapestry of sub-plots to create a roller-coaster and chilling Aussie thriller.' Australian Women's Weekly

'Dark and dirty but compulsive all at once.' The Daily Telegraph

'Unique, disruptive and yet recognisably Australian, The Drowning is a page-turning, multi-layered Australian crime thriller that will intrigue and satisfy fans of Chris Hammer, Dave Warner and Jock Serong.' Books + Publishing

'A thriller with cinematic sensibilities...come for the name; stay for the writing.' Good Reading

'Absolutely mesmerising...a cracking story.' The Weekend Australian

'Gripping, realistic, and made for compulsive reading.' Theresa Smith Writes

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.