AUSTRALIAN CRIME FICTION 2026: BLOOD MOON by JAMES DUNBAR
James Dunbar made a good entry into the Australian crime writing ranks in 2023 with his first novel, MOLE CREEK, and subsequently followed it up with the psychological thriller TWISTED RIVER.
We now have an entertaining sequel to MOLE CREEK, in the form of BLOOD MOON, (Echo, 1 September 2026).
BLOOD MOON is one of the books I have taken away with me on our trip to Europe and I recently finished it whilst in Nice (below). It is a good holiday read, with plenty of action and interesting locales.
BLOOD MOON opens with the two principal characters from the first novel, disgraced journalist Xander McAuslan and former Vietnam veteran Lorenzo, under threat from a Russian assassin seeking revenge for the events in MOLE CREEK. However, before the killer can strike Lorenzo is lured back to Vietnam, where another veteran thinks that his life is in danger because he has been investigating a war crime from 60 years ago. Meanwhile McAuslan is hired to write a true crime book about the disappearance of a very successful artist who may have been murdered. It seems like a straightforward assignment, but McAuslan soon uncovers a web of deception and greed behind the disappearance.
The plot unfurls at a good pace with the two storylines offering plenty of interest and action. While McAuslan and Lorenzo pursue their different investigations, the constant presence of the assassin offers some solid tension, and interesting detours.
As with the first book, Dunbar impresses with his ability to draw on events from the Vietnam War to provide the background to a topical contemporary thriller. Both storylines are interesting and come together in a surprising manner. The Vietnam plot is perhaps handled a little perfunctorily towards the end, but the historical background is fascinating, and Dunbar explores an interesting aspect of the horrors of the war.
The action seems faster and more frequent this time, with the two main characters displaying greater physical ability and fighting expertise than in the previous book. There also some neat twists towards the end, especially involving the assassin. In all, a very enjoyable story and ideal reading for the beach this summer.
BLOOD MOON is released in Australia on 1 September 2026. It is also released in the United Kingdom on Kindle at the same time.
Here is a link to my review of MOLE CREEK from 2023: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/new-australian-crime-fiction-2023-ripper-by-shelley-burr-and-mole-creek-by-james-dunbar/