The Drowning

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.