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The Hidden Assassinsby: Robert Wilson |
Bad Debtsby Peter TemplePeter Temple is evidently well-known in Australia where he lives, and has received a number of prestigious awards for his work Here in the United States, however, his novels must compete with the famous authors of our own country - but I have to say that his latest (Bad Debts) murder mystery is assuredly the equal of anything typed here. Bad Debts demonstrates that the power of politics and greed are as prevalent in Australia as they unfortunately have become in the U.S.John Irish, an Australian barrister and solicitor, is the primary character in the book. Daniel Patrick McKillop has just been released from prison, where he served eight years for killing a woman while driving under the influence of alcohol. Irish had represented him when he was convicted. Irish' only defense at that time was the fact that even though McKillop admitted to the crime, he was too drunk to know what he was doing. Since Danny's release, Irish first ignores McKillop's repeated attempts to contact him, and by the time he does return the phone calls, Danny McKillop is dead – shot in a car park by a policeman. Ronald Bishop was the star witness in the trial that put McKillop away. Mr. Bishop became suddenly wealthier after that, and the more Jack Irish digs into the matter, the more he realizes that Danny McKillop was probably framed – and innocent. When Jack gets too close to the truth, he's threatened – and every one involved with the original crime is murdered. Before he's through, Irish uncovers huge greed in the form of political maneuverings, cop payoffs, hidden financial assets, and a pornographic ring with underage children as the targets. The story has a sub-plot involving Irish' betting on horses, usually at great risk – but one of the methods by which Jack keeps his head above financial waters… Irish naturally suffers for every lead he gets in the investigation. When evidence is found at last to uncover the scheming, the plots and the manipulations for power, it's placed directly in front of the public in such a way that exoneration of the innocent is ensured and the culpability of the guilty is manifest. Peter Temple has achieved favorable notoriety in this country with Bad Debts. Readers might find some of the Australian terms confusing at first, but they only add to the entire flavor of the book, and their meaning soon becomes an agreeable part of the overall ambience. Mr. Temple's protagonist remains a familiar figure – striving to correct evil power much stronger than himself while protecting those he loves from harm. Not an easy task! Bad Debts may inspire a whole new clan of fans for Peter Temple and Jack Irish in the United States. Alan Paul Curtis |
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