MOLE CREEK – James Dunbar

Mole Creek Origins

The inspiration for Mole Creek came from a number of sources. First was my passion – some would say obsession – with the American War, as it’s called in Vietnam, based on having written two books about Australian Sappers who fought there (Tunnel Rats and A Sappers War), and having hosted a few guided tours there related to those books.

From that, I have garnered a great deal of admiration for sappers – Army engineers – which led directly to the creation of the Lorenzo character. Then there’s my favourite novel of all time being Graham Greene’s The Quiet American, with Phil Noyce’s 2001 movie adaptation – a superior version to the 1959 movie that Greene hated – being one of my favourite films.

Add into the mix my deep interest in American politics which goes back to seeing a documentary in the early 70s called Millhouse, A White Comedy which charted the rise of Richard Millhouse Nixon, then president of the USA. About six months after that I heard the news that the Democratic Party’s HQ in the Watergate Hotel had been broken into.

“It’s Nixon,” I told any of my friends who could be bothered to listen. Their responses varied from “don’t be ridiculous” to “who cares?” Predictably, when the Watergate scandal broke a year later – adding the suffix ‘gate’ to every scandal thereafter – the same friends could not recall my having made such claims. In any case, my fascination with US politics was up and running. I read every book I could find including All The Presidents Men by Woodward and Bernstein and Blind Ambition by whistleblower John Dean and his wife Maureen, and her own effort, Mo: A woman’s view of Watergate.

The movie of All The Presidents Men, the 1979 TV adaptation of Blind Ambition were essential viewing, as is the much more recent Gaslit. I was hooked and still am and I read whatever Bob Woodward (co-author of “All The Presidents’ Men”) writes about the Trump administrations.

Having written one true crime book – I was tempted to say “novel” since the sources were, by nature, notoriously unreliable – I was also interested in the way essentially good people could be corrupted. It often starts with a small, illegal favour done on behalf of someone with more serious criminal intent. Then the threat of revealing that initial act is used as leverage to persuade them to perform ever more serious infractions until they are fully hooked and expected to break the law on command.

SPOILER ALERT: the next couple of paragraphs are going to reveal a significant plot motivator in Mole Creek. If you haven’t read the book are planning to do so, skip to the part headed “Soul Alley and Russian Spies” below.

I wanted to explore the idea that a young American officer, Lt Carrick, could be corrupted or “turned” by Russian spies in Vietnam and then nurtured but kept under wraps as he rose through the ranks. By the time we meet him in the present day, Carrick is on the brink of being nominated as the Secretary of Defence at the Pentagon. The Russian investment in time and influence spans generations but is about to reap the ultimate reward – and that is motivation for killing the one man who can uncover the truth and unravel the whole scheme

To be clear, Mike – Carrick’s former friend from their Vietnam service together – is simply investigating a cold case. As an ex-cop he feels guilty that he never properly investigated the murder of his Vietnamese girlfriend 50 years previously. Whe he belatedly starts to look into it, he discovers that the facts don’t fit the story as he’s always known it.

His inquiries alerts the Russians and they despatch a killer to stop him; killing him and making it look like suicide. Had Xander accepted that his grandfather killed himself, then it would have been “mission accomplished” for Sergei, the Russian assassin. As a result, the American spy would have been the most powerful player in the American military, after the president. The stakes could not be higher and anyone who thinks this is far-fetched just need to look at the recent history of political appointments in the USA. Secretary of War – the job to which Carrick aspired – is currently held by a former TV talking head who was in the US Army at a much lower level.

Soul Alley and Russian Spies

This is where I started to mix little-known fact with informed speculation. There was an area of Saigon during the American War called Soul Alley, where African-American soldiers could go to escape their racist brothers in arms. That the cafes sold soul food and played soul music is beyond dispute. Also unquestionable is that it was a no-go area for white soldiers, including the military police, and was a hotbed for drug dealing, prostitution and illegal arms sales. It was also a safe haven for deserters.

As for the presence of Russian spies, the USSR financed the Vietnam War to the tune of billions of roubles and my very good friend Clare Birgin, a former diplomat in Eastern Europe who writes authoritatively about the realities of espionage, says there’s no way there weren’t Soviet agents in Vietnam at that time. When I asked her why we never hear about them, she replied: “Because they were very good at what they did”.

So there we have the essential ingredients for Mole Creek. As Xander is told later in the book, if only he’d accepted that his grandfather committed suicide, and gone back to Sydney, none of the many deceptions would have been revealed and no one would have been hurt. However, as the Russian assassin Sergei tries to destroy any evidence from Mike’s research and find his missing laptop, each death leads to another in a trail that leads inexorably to a showdown in Mole Creek.

Finally, a word about Lorenzo, the survivalist ex-sapper found living in a cave. It was only after I had killed off Mike in the first chapter that I realised I had created then disposed of a strong and likable character. To a great extent Lorenzo occupies that space but also brings along “sappernuity” – the ability to make things work that really shouldn’t, fix things that can’t be repaired and invent devices that defy logic and science but work nonetheless, usually using everyday objects. And he’s an ex-soldier, so he knows what it’s like to have to fight for your life.

I hope you enjoy or have enjoyed reading Mole Creek and that you can now see that what might seem like a fantastic (in every sense) adventure is grounded in reality and isn’t such an unlikely a series of events as it might at first have seemed.

Australia Retailers

Reviews

I first visited the Tasmanian town of Mole Creek as a kid. Spent the time wondering if I would get lost in the caves, never to be seen again. Only fitting that Mole Creek would read like a similar rabbit warren of twists and turns, that kept me guessing until the very end.

“This is Tassie tiger country, all right, even down to the labels on the local Cascade lager.”

Journalist, Xander McAuslan, receives bad news. His Vietnam veteran (and retired policeman) grandfather, Pete, has taken his own life while writing memoirs in his Mole Creek cabin. Xander leaves Sydney for Tasmania, and begins to suspect there’s more to it – perhaps his grandfather was murdered. Long-held secrets and shadowy figures reveal themselves. Betrayal, murder, and espionage fill the pages.

“He’s aware that paranoia is starting to win its battle with logic and common sense, arriving in his thoughts disguised as both.”

Mole Creek is told in dual narratives. One set in present-day Tasmania, as Xander seeks answers in an increasingly dangerous environment. The other set in Vietnam during his grandfather’s time there – inevitably linking up with the present. This latter timeline was slower-paced, and I found it hard to connect with. I was gripped by the present-day story, only to find it briefly disappear as it shifted to Vietnam. It broke what was otherwise great pacing.

James Dunbar delivers strong dialogue. I enjoyed the back and forth between characters, and the injection of humour, which contrast darker elements. It was fascinating to see deadly espionage set in Tasmania. James made good use of the atmospheric landscape. I couldn’t put the book down from Derwent Bridge onwards. My favourite character was Lorenzo, a Vietnam vet survivalist who lived off-grid with his dogs, Crosby and Stills. It was also fun to see action in my hometown of Launceston– who thought those streets could be filled with such intrigue?

“As soon as Xander crosses the road he becomes aware of someone walking in the same direction at the same pace on the other side of the street.”

At one point, a character asks Xander to give him bullet points on everything. “Way too complicated for that,” he responds. It made me laugh, as I couldn’t agree more. Like many espionage novels, it was highly complex, and serious brain exercise. James did a great job to juggle these moving parts, however, and provide a satisfactory conclusion. The finale alluded to a sequel, which has me intrigued as to what happens next.

Mole Creek is a wild ride that blends espionage and action well, and utilises its Tasmanian setting for maximum effect. Sign me up for the next instalment!

Shout-out to my uncle for this unexpected buddy read! I see what you mean about the foxes.

Many thanks to Echo Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rowan MacDonald
Verified User

Mole Creek is a tension-filled debut crime thriller by James Dunbar (note: he has also written a couple of crime caper novels under the name Jimmy Thomson) and it charges off with a murder mystery that introduces elements of international espionage and political intrigue while never really going all out and fully immersing you in either of those sub-genres. Instead, the main focus starts on the death of old Pete MacAuslan in Mole Creek.

Xander MacAuslan is a journalist who also writes true crime stories and manages to get up the nose of dangerous underworld figures. Death threats are not uncommon thanks to his willingness to call out organised crime. He’s based in Sydney when he gets news that his grandfather, a retired police officer and Vietnam veteran living in Mole Creek, Tasmania has committed suicide.

By the time he reaches his grandfather’s home he has had numerous indications that Pete’s death is anything but suicide but convincing the local police is proving impossible. A dodgy suicide note, and getting attacked a couple of times by men with eastern European accents are merely the start of the anomalies that shout out at him. Additionally, his grandfather’s computer is missing as are all his backups. Before long, so are Xander’s.

With the help of police family liaison officer Althea Burgess, Xander starts to run his own investigation into his grandfather’s death. The problem is, he’s hampered by roadblocks at every turn. His motel room is ransacked, people who provide promising information suddenly die and he abruptly loses his job.

Mile Creek is an action thriller that builds in intensity as it unfolds. Early moments of violent confrontation promise a Sword of Damocles-style danger hanging over Xander’s head. It’s the classic suspense scenario that’s exacerbated by some unforgivable acts of betrayal which, when they were thrown in, they ensured I was completely thrown off-balance.

The story moves along briskly, which was fine for the most part. I had trouble keeping up at times, particularly when it felt as though a few leaps in reasoning were made that were slightly tenuous. I found myself forced to do some back-tracking to try to figure out how things held together. In the end, Dunbar managed to hold the plot together, narrowly avoiding it from ripping to shreds.

Damo
Verified User

For more reviews: https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp…
Mole Creek is an edgy murder mystery. The story alternates between present day Tasmania and Vietnam 50 years ago, during the Vietnam war.

Journalist and crime writer Xander McAuslan hears that his grandfather, a retired cop and Vietnam Veteran, has taken his own life in the small town of Mole Creek in Tasmania. A place he and his grandfather had spent many holidays together.
Feeling as though he failed his grandfather, Xander travels to Tasmania to ease his own mind and to find out what happened.

Mole Creek is a fast paced read. Xander has a few enemies of his own and they seem to have followed him across the Strait. It’s only his cunning and skill that get him out of a few deadly situations and his dry humour and wisecracks that get him into those situations.

I couldn’t connect with the scenes in Vietnam, feeling they were unnecessarily taking me away from the present-day action.
Mole Creek is a complex mystery with a few red herrings thrown in. I was shocked at the unexpected ending and I certainly didn’t see it coming.
The richly described Tasmanian landscape is a treat within itself; evocative, dangerous and remote.

James Dunbar has written a compelling crime novel with Mole Creek, which has me looking forward to his next offering.

Veronica
Verified User

I was drawn to this book by the title and the fact I know Mole Creek and Tasmania. So I can right off the bat say I love the setting and locations of this book and think it fits really well in this story. This is really a story in two parts and about two people, their connection and the secrets from the past. That is what makes it an interesting and very readable book.

The story centres around Pete McAuslan and his Vietnam war story (from the past) and Xander McAuslan (Pete’s Grandson) in the present. When Pete suddenly dies (or is he murdered) Xander becomes embroiled in a game of cat and mouse and digs up stories from the past, from the war and secrets as yet untold. This story built somewhat slowly (but not too slow) and quickly became a thrilling and intriguing read. There was action and suspense, secrets and lies and it was so well written it kept me reading from start to finish.

I found it to be a great book of suspense and thrills book and one that kept me on the edge of my seat. And the ending… Well it sounds like a ‘To be continued’ type of ending to me. Can’t wait to see what comes next. This is certainly 4 1/2 stars from me.

Mole Creek
James Dunbar
Echo Publishing

Donna
Verified User

Mole Creek is a split time period thriller, in which Sydney-based journalist Xander McAuslan travels to Tasmania to inquire into the circumstances of his grandfather Pete’s sudden death at his isolated cottage in Mole Creek. It becomes evident that Pete’s apparent suicide may in fact be more complicated than local police are willing to admit, with links to Pete’s shadowy service as a Provost (Military Police Officer) during the Vietnam War.

The narrative switches back and forth between Xander’s quest in the present and Pete’s experiences in 1970 while responsible for policing Australian military personnel in the town of Vung Tau, used by the Australian Defence Force as a R&C (Rest and Convalescence) station. Pete develops a relationship with bar proprietor Trang Minh, known as Lucy, and forms close alliances with his American opposite number, Donnie Carrick, and an Australian sapper (combat engineer) nicknamed Lorenzo.

Xander is assigned a family liaison officer, Althea Burgess, who accompanies and assists him in the aftermath of Pete’s death, despite being under significant pressure from the police hierarchy to tie the matter up as a suicide as quickly as possible. Xander is attacked by a ruthless Russian, realises he’s being tailed by a mysterious Vietnamese woman, and struggles to work out who he can trust as he closes in on the 50-year-old wartime secret that his grandfather wanted to pass to him prior to his death. The threads of information left behind by Pete lead him into the central Tasmanian wilderness, southwest of the the village of Derwent Bridge, and later to Canberra in search of archived war records.

I found Mole Creek to be an engaging read, more espionage thriller than murder mystery, featuring well-developed settings predominantly within central-northern Tasmania. At times I felt that there was just a bit too much going on and the large cast of supporting characters were occasionally hard to keep track of, especially in the dual-timeline format. I found the historical sections of the book, in which the author explores complex intrigues going on behind the frontline of the Vietnam war, particularly fascinating.

Sarah
Verified User

The first book published under the name James Dunbar, the same author has published under the name of Jimmy Thomson.

I get the sense Dunbar wanted to write something similar to a Robert Goddard story, where an everyday person, in this case a journalist called Xander, find himself in the midst of a decades old mystery and conspiracy that is far-reaching and dangerous. But where this book differs is Dunbar hasn’t shaken off the inclination to inject some elements that feel more “caper” than serious. It’s most notable in some of the characters Xander meets along the way. It’s not new, and I don’t necessarily think it a bad thing, but I’m not convinced it was the intention with this book. It felt as if the book were fighting with itself in some way, wanting to be serious but also struggling to hold off that need to be outlandish. If you compare this to the Killers of a Certain Age, it doesn’t match that level of outlandish. So, I guess this book feels stuck in the middle of two styles, and I wonder which in the more intended.

But I did enjoy the story overall. I thought Xander to be a convincing enough protagonist. I thought the mystery was well-structured and had the twists and surprises needed to keep me wanting more. I very much enjoyed the setting of the Tasmanian wilderness. The pace is spot on for a book like this, more in the present day narrative. The past narrative I found distracting more than anything else. It didn’t flow well for me, and made me wonder if there could be a way to remove it altogether. But I guess it gives the reader more details on Xander’s grandfather, Pete, and some of the other historical players.

I get the impression there will be a sequel. If there is, it is something I would read.

The Honest Book Reviewer
Verified User

In the tiny Tasmanian town of Mole Creek, retired Australian cop and Vietnam veteran Pete McAuslan has retreated to his fishing cabin to write his memoirs. In Sydney, his grandson, journalist and trashy true crime author Xander, learns that Pete has taken his own life, with a suicide note. Xander suspects that something is wrong.

I had expected a serious crime fiction from the synopsis of this book, but this turned out to be a funny, action-packed crime fiction with twists and turns that I couldn’t guess, and I wasn’t disappointed at all.

There were so many hilarious moments that just made me chuckle. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a great job delivering the vibe of the book. The ‘poor’ narrator also had to do so many accents, as the characters were so diverse 😄 and unique.

I loved that the plot built up to an ending that felt like an epic action movie. I’d recommend anyone to jump in blind to this for maximum fun (as I did). I can’t wait to read the sequel!

See my bookstagram review.

Rina
Verified User

Vibes: Gritty, Time Split, Aussie Noir

– – –
The clever cookies at Echo Publishing seem to have a knack for always picking a winner when it comes to the books they kindly send me and Mole Creek was no exception!

In a nutshell this was true blue Aussie crime drama at its finest. It gave me James O’Loghlin / Gavin Strawhan / Iain Ryan and Garry Disher vibes – gritty storytelling, rural settings, corruption everywhere and a whole lot of dead bodies, like a LOT!

The story jumps between timelines of modern day crime investigation and flashbacks to the main character’s grandfather during the Vietnam War. I liked the mix which added depth to the mystery although some of the war era wording left me a bit lost.

While some lingo went over my head, I did appreciate the sharp dry sense of humour that James weaved in so well.

If you enjoy your debut novels with a side of investigative journalism, gritty crime and dead bodies galore, Mole Creek needs to be on your radar!

Ash
Verified User

Read it in a day, so that’s always a good sign. This follows an investigative journalist from Sydney looking into his retired police officer grandfather’s death dismissed as suicide. The story takes you back to the grandfather’s time as an MP in Vietnam.

I often find flashing back and forth from present and past can get hard to follow but in this case the author revealed enough each time to keep things moving forward.

To quibble, perhaps one might argue the female characters were a bit underdeveloped.

But I would certainly read crime fiction from Dunbar again.

Sandy Grant
Verified User

Told from dual timelines and points of view Mole Creek is a great action and espionage read. It twists and turns making it hard to know who to trust. Xander, however, is a character you can’t quite decide if you like or loathe. He is cocky and quite arrogant, but also has a softer side you see glimpses of. After that ending though, it would be good to see him feature again in a sequel to try and figure that out!

Thank you Echo publishing for a gifted copy to honestly review.

Emily
Verified User

I wanted to like it, but it was exhausting.

Nez
Verified User

Was great reading a book, set where we live. Great to see the pubs, cafes, caves, Walls, and even the bus get a mention. And yes, we do have our share of veterans – but we don’t shoot foxes. A bit OTT with the number of people ‘mysteriously dying’, even for Tassie standards. And leaving it open for the sequel – Xander must have 9 lives!

Chris Wigg
Verified User

THERE ARE NO FOXES IN TASMANIA…if you’re going to write a book name checking an obscure Tasmanian town do your homework…also…Cascade is NOT the local brew in the north of our fine state it is Boags. This could have been a much better book with a bit of fine tuning…

Jo Stevens
Verified User

Mole Creek is not far from where I live, and as I enjoy Tasmanian crime fiction I thought I’d give this a try.

Assaph Mehr
Verified User

“Mole Creek” is a twisty Australian thriller, novelist James Dunbar’s first venture into the genre. He’s produced a novel that will please many readers.

The novel crosses two timelines, modern Australia and Vietnam in the 1960s during what we call the Vietnam War. Both are evoked differently and strongly, and readers will have no difficulty seeing them as different times and places.

I found the novel a little slow to get started. That’s in part because Dunbar has chosen a narrative style which I found a little distancing; I had some initial difficulty in feeling involved. That’s a personal reaction to the style, so not everyone will feel the same. And once the novel got up some momentum, it was well paced and kept me reading.

Xander was the only character I strongly engaged with, but to some extent I think that was Dunbar’s intent. In keeping other characters a little too shallow for the reader to empathise with, he makes it all the harder for us to determine who’s on which side.

Recent events in the US may cause some readers to feel that a central pillar of the unwound plot no longer has credibility – it certainly made me snort cynically! This is an unfortunate coincidence of timing. It still makes sense in the context of the novel.

The ending of the novel may divide readers. As is common in the genre, multiple twists are piled on, in both the final action scenes and the quieter final unwinding and closing. There are a lot, and some might feel that there’s one too many, pushing the plot a little too far from credibility.

I’m on the fence; not every twist was credible to me, and the sheer number of twists saved till close to the end made it harder to follow the explanations. On the other hand, you don’t want things to be too simple. A book that makes you think isn’t a bad thing.

So, read it and see whether you’re on board with the ending or whether it should have one twist less! Overall I enjoyed this and would recommend it to readers who like crime or spy thrillers.

If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.

An edited version of this review first appeared on www.beautyandlace.net as part of their bookclub.

Lorraine
Verified User

‘Coincidence is the last resort of the logic-impaired.’

Pete McAuslan, retired police officer and Vietnam veteran, had retreated to his cabin near the small Tasmanian town of Mole Creek to write his memoir. His grandson, journalist Xander McAuslan who is based in Sydney, receives news that Pete has taken his own life. He has left a suicide note, seeking forgiveness.

Xander travels to Launceston, where the local police collect him from the airport, express their condolences and take him to Mole Creek. When Xander cannot find his grandfather’s laptop in the cabin, he starts questioning the version of events he has been given. Althea Burgess is the police officer assigned to liaise with Xander and it becomes clear that the police are not interested in investigating what they believe to be a clearcut case of suicide, but Xander persists. Xander is challenged at every step: his motel room is searched; a stranger claims a connection while another threatens him.

The story shifts between Xander in the present and events involving Pete in Vietnam fifty years earlier. Xander starts digging and while uncovering some secrets from the past also places himself and others in danger. Someone is keen to keep a secret hidden and not afraid to murder anyone who gets in their way.

Espionage and political intrigue, accompanied by mysterious strangers, secrets and violence: there’s plenty of action. While the novel held my attentions from the beginning, a couple of twists towards the end seemed a little too incredible. Still, it’s good to have some really evil villains to detest.

‘Occasional truths are hooks on which to hang your fabrications.’

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Echo Publishing for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Jennifer (JC-S)
Verified User

✍️ In the Tasmanian town of Mole Creek, retired Police Officer Pete is slowing down and writing his memoir. In Sydney, his Nephew Xander, author and crime journalist has just found out that Pete has taken his life following a suicide note. Xander decides to investigate what really happened and suspects that something is very wrong and will get to the bottom of it. In the process he finds out things that he didn’t know about Pete from secrets during his time in the Vietnam War that could cause a lot of controversy and damage.

From the start of this book I was kept in a Curious State of Intrigue and Secrecy which held me CAPTIVATED till the end. What a Striking Story. I couldn’t put it down. Recommend picking up a copy! FIVE STAR reading!

The Storyline was Satisfyingly well written and plotted as I was transported to the past and present narratives from the Vietnam War of 1960 to current day Tasmania. A fantastic meshing between timelines that blended into the story to create a narrative that was both compelling and engaging to the reader.

The more I read the more Invested and Engrossed I was in the multiple POV’s, sharp dialogue, and the suspenseful nature of the characters. A very exceptional story.

I appreciated the Author’s knowledge of the subject of war and the history behind it.

There were so many moments throughout the story where I noticed discrepancies between certain characters and their roles and I couldn’t help but wonder and speculate on what was going to come next. Masterful storytelling which had a brilliant way of keeping me in utter shock and suspense right till the end.

Bianca
Verified User

Okay, I’ll go to 3.5/5. A clever novel in many ways, written by an author who obviously has a lot of life experience.
Pete McAuslan, a Vietnam vet is found dead in a cottage in Tasmania. Xander, his grandson and closest relative, investigates and finds Pete was likely murdered. Xander is an author, journalist and handy fighter, even though only 5 feet 6 inches in the old money. The story alternates between the current day and 1969/1970 in Vietnam. Before he is offed, Pete is writing his memoirs and this disturbs some nasty people – namely Russians who have a major secret to keep hidden. The resourceful Xander manages to finally put the conspiracy together, amid much bloodshed in poor old Tasmania.
Whew, a lot happens in this 343 page novel, most of it to our Xander. I like crime novels and also espionage books, but am less enamoured with fantasy. Alas, much of this book is just that. And in my second paragraph above, I have not told you even half of the shenanigans that take place. I did, however, like the little asides and smart comments from Pete and Xander. Well done. Easy reading all round, but you certainly needed to suspend your disbelief much of the time.

Don Miller
Verified User

A promising debut in Aussie crime fiction, Mole Creek by James Dunbar (2023) has an intriguing spy thriller element. The death of a former Vietnam veteran and police detective, Peter McAuslan leads to his journalist grandson Xander’s trip to Tasmania. Police have determined the death as non-suspicious but Xander doesn’t agree. He is determined to work out what was so important to Peter that he would only be told when they met in person. In order to discover the truth, Xander must uncover parts of his grandfather’s life, which he has never spoken about, as a series of life-threatening incidents occur. The narrative seamlessly alternates between events in Tasmania and Peter’s tour of Vietnam in 1969 as a military police liaison officer. With plenty of surprise twists, nicely rising tension and danger, Xander has increasing doubts about whom he can trust or even believe. A must-read Aussie noir spy thriller that has a four and a half stars rating and a curiously promising ending. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.

Mike
Verified User

A first class action/spy thriller

This book is quite a rollercoaster ride. It takes us across three generations from the Vietnam war to an UNESCO World Heritage site in Tasmania..

A young crime journalist is caught up in his grandfather’s fight to find the killer of his Vietnamese lover fifty years prior. Xander’s life is turned upside down as he attempts in turn to find his grandfather’s killer.

The opening is a bit slow but it is necessary to concentrate so you understand the future events. Everything eventually ties in.

The novel is well researched. The characters are well developed and convincing. The dialogue is excellent, often funny, and full of Australian idiom and quotable quotes.

I found the ending quite risible. Some of the situations and weaponry were really quite comical. It was a bit slapstick, but it worked. I don’t fancy our hero’s chances of living a quiet life.

On the whole this book will satisfy the most serious spy thriller aficiando. It will also hit the mark with Vietnam Vets. A great read.

Mrs.J.Richmond
Verified User

I bought this book on a whim at the airport on my way back from a long weekend trip down to Tassie. In many ways, this impulsive purchase aligned with the impulsivity of the main character. Xander is a rash, blunt character who could benefit from some lessons in regular social interactions however, as the reader, you somewhat forgive him as he is reeling from a loss.

Overall I enjoyed the plot and its developments (hence 3 stars) however I found Xander’s character to be quite annoying, particularly with Xander’s internal dialogue often functioning as jarring social commentary that is irrelevant to the plot. I felt as if James Dunbar was looking for opportunities to assure the reader that he is politically correct despite to the absence of development of female characters.

What carries the novel is the stunning scenery and perhaps that is not actually described in the book but rather lives in my head from visiting the location.

Melita Robinson
Verified User

This book tells the story of a crime that raises all the questions, set in a small Tasmanian town Mole Creek.
The storyline follows death, related questions and mysterious events. I felt that the story could have taken the reader more into any of these scenarios but instead leaves you wondering. I lost my way at times and felt that I’d missed something.
The main character Xander isn’t convinced that a murder hasn’t happened, he ruffles feathers as he tries to find the answers! The connections are hard to piece together, there’s a lot going on as Xavier’s investigation brings suspense, together with dire consequences.

Thanks to the publisher, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Vikki Bullock
Verified User

The story is told in dual timeframes: the present with Xander investigating his grandfather’s death; the past, during the Vietnam War 50 years earlier and the events that took place there that may have something to do with Pete’s death all these years later. Clearly, there are events that take place in Vietnam that are important and have ramifications, it’s a matter of paying attention and figuring out where the clues make themselves known to us.
At times I felt that there was just a bit too much going on and the large cast of supporting characters were occasionally hard to keep track of, especially in the dual-timeline format. I found the historical sections of the book, in which the author explores complex intrigues going on behind the frontline of the Vietnam war, particularly fascinating.

Shereen Lang
Verified User

An excellent thriller by an author who brings scenes and people to life. The protagonist Xander is a journalist and the grandson of a Vietnam veteran who came back from the war with experiences he remembers both fondly and also with considerable anger.

A planned meetup between Xander and his grandfather Peter turns to tragedy when Peter is found dead, apparently by his own hand. But all is not what it seems and Xander’s investigation turns up more suspects, dead ends and sudden deaths than an episode of Midsomer Murders.

With Russians, bent cops and a hermit living in a cave in remote Tasmania, this is a rollicking read which kept me interested. Makes me want to visit Mole Creek too !!

Megan
Verified User

Mole Creek by James Dunbar is the story of Xander McAuslan and how he gets to the bottom of his grandfathers, Peter, supposed suicide.

Deaths occur and many lies are told and Xander, the journalist, doesn’t believe that Peter committed suicide.

Xander uncovers many secrets from 50 years ago during the Vietnam War while trying to survive against the people who are trying to kill him to cover up the past.

James Dunbar did an exceptional job in writing this crime thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was very easy to read and follow who was who and what was happening in the present as well as in the past.

I look forward to more from this author.

Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Echo Publishing for my copy to read and review.

Renee Hermansen
Verified User

Set primarily in Tasmania, journalist and author Xander McAuslan comes to the small town of Mole Creek to deal with the death of his grandfather. The police deem the death a suicide, but Xander does not believe Pete would kill himself. Xander begins his own investigation and this leads him to events taking place in the Vietnam war.
A clever plot and the pace picks up considerably in the back quarter of this one.
My only minor criticism is that for a long time, Xander’s investigation seems to go nowhere and this made the pace of the early portions of this story feel a little slow.

Jay Dwight
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The plot is great and most of it kept me guessing for about 3/4 of the book.
However, the factual errors were frustrating. They are only small things but getting them right wouldn’t have been difficult. The Rolling Stones song, “Brown Sugar” was released in 1971. So it can’t have been playing in a Vietnam bar in 1969. The Australian War Memorial is not 1km down a straight road from Old Parliament House. It’s almost 3km in a straight line and there’s a lake in the middle. The Research Centre at the War Memorial isn’t staffed by grumpy Infantry private soldiers at small grey desks. Those kind of errors are annoying.
Still, I’d read another book by this author.

Rob Marshall
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This was such an interesting and captivating read. It was full of action, mystery, and suspense, a page turner that I had a hard time putting down. I never quite had it figured out, and I was kept guessing until the very end. Once all the pieces came together in the last few chapters, I flew to the end.

I occasionally had a hard time following some of the plot and the ending was a bit of a stretch for me, however, the bulk of the book was very good and I will be thinking about it for awhile! It makes me want to go watch an action movie now!

Nicole
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Admittedly, I bought this book purely based on the name and front cover, I mean what a gorgeous cover, and I went to Mole Creek on my honeymoon so was instantly intrgued.

This one started a little slow for me, but I couldn’t put it down once I got about halfway through. It turned into so much more than I thought it was going to be. I liked the dual narrative between modern day Xander (grandson) and the past during the Vietnam War from Pete (grandfather). The addition of light humor amongst the more darker themes was a good contrast.

Bridget Osborne
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Take a Vietnam veteran who is a retired cop and find him dead. His Grandson who is a true crime writer needs to uncover the truth behind his death. Time to unpack all of the mystery never spoken before and Xander learns just what his Grandfather Pete had kept hidden. Full of mystery and also how many never speak of the horrors they saw over there. This split story between Vietnam and now you will unpack lots of mystery and place the truth together. The new B format is a great travelling size to carry and read.
Thank you to Echo Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.

Tianne Shaw
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Pete McAuslan is Vietnam Vet, and retired police officer, now holed up in the family’s remote cabin near the small Tasmanian town of Mole Creek, writing his memoir. His grandson Xander is a Sydney based journalist, and they are close. So close that the shock of the death of Pete, and the suicide note found with him, is profound, and worrying. Full Review: https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi…

Karen
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A fabulous debut. A gripping and suspenseful spy thriller which kept me engrossed all the way through. Set mainly in Tasmania with flashbacks to the Vietnam War in 1969 when Pete, Xander’s grandfather, was there. Xander doesn’t know who to trust as he tries to hunt down who killed Pete. It is being ruled as a suicide, but Xander knows his grandfather wouldn’t kill himself. There are Russians, Americans and of course, Australians, involved. I look forward to more books from this author.

Maureen
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Xander McAuslan’s grandfather has committed suicide but Xander does not accept the police version of the story and digs around. Theft of both his and his grandfather’s computers make him think something more is going on. We are taken back to his Grandfather’s time in Vietnam. There are an alarming number of deaths to people connected to Xander which make it seem unreasonable that things will go undetected. The final scene seems to be setting us up for a sequel.

Jane
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Spoiler alert!

This book was wonderful as a debut author/book.
The quality of writing was sublime!!
Extremely good!

But….the ending was pretty shit!
Yeah I get you need to sell more books but finish or at least give a feed into the next book….

The ending was one of unfulfillment…..

Disappointing……

Sam Groom
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A page-turning action/mystery that flies at a breakneck pace to its thrilling conclusion! With dual narratives in present-day Tasmania and mid-Vietnam War; murder, espionage, and political intrigue will have you on the edge of your seat. A very good read!

Dymocks Indooroopilly
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Brilliant, twisty thriller, action packed and set in Tassie. Fantastic Aussie characters.
I’ve drunk beer in the Mole Creek pub and walked in those caves – indelible memories both!
Loved the Vietnam war sections too – so vivid.
Read this if you like fast-paced crime with twists and surprises.

Maryanne
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An interesting crime thriller. Overall a good read. Set mostly in Tasmania and dealing with a mystery that spans 50 years back to the Vietnam war. Some parts felt a little forced but overall the pacing and the story flowed well.

Ross Mcneil
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It was a great historical crime murder investigation that lead me to conclusions! I got really into it and loved how each chapter would switch between characters and times. A little hard to get into in the middle but otherwise excellent!

Georgia McDonald
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A really fabulous read. Loved it.

Full Metal Rabbit
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Really enjoyed the twists and turns in this story. Also being born in TAS loved visualising towns and scenery.

Sue Templar
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A great mystery

Angela
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An excellent story flashing between Tasmania and the Vietnam war and realising there is always a bigger picture to be a part of.

Abby
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When Xander McAuslan refuses to believe that his grandfather Pete, a retired policeman and ex-Vietnam veteran has committed suicide, he unleashes a can of worms.

Pete has never told Xander very much about what he did in the Vietnam war. Xander know he was in the military police, and was sent home wounded, but little apart from that. Xander knows that his grandfather was supposedly writing his memoirs but hadn’t kept in touch very well. However things about his grandfather’s death don’t sit well, and there are a number of puzzles: like, where is his laptop? Once Xander begins to investigate, things begin to happen.

This story was written mainly in two times frames, 50 years apart, producing a many stranded plot, which was for the main part fairly easy to follow. In the long run though, at the end, I think the author had a problem in pulling it all together, and it felt a bit rushed.

Kerrie
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A gullible journalist! Didn’t he know he was in a spy thriller?

Julie
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Good murder mystery

Jeff Macpherson
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Just fancy all that happening – killings etc, in Mole Creek! Although much was OTT, I enjoyed the book

Mike Taverner
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Too many characters and too many confusing plots to keep up with.

Gay Harding
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It is a well written book. However, for me, it has a slow start to it. Lots of international / local twists.

Kristy Martin
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Took me a little bit to get into the two time zones but was a good book with lots of twists and turns. I’m guessing (hoping) by the ending that there will be a second book

Bec
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OCTOBER BC BOOK – good story, kept you intrigued.

Abby Nancarrow grimshaw
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I’m not a fan of parallel story lines so I started off hesitant. However I was instantly intrigued by the grandfathers “murder” and his involvement in the Vietnam War. For me, the story felt a bit lacklustre and the ending decidedly aimed at a sequel. I wasn’t overawed.

Ruth Hosford
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Being from Tasmania I was excited to read this. It’s a good story that kept me interested, a couple of twists that I wasn’t expecting!!!
The way it finished..I am hoping for a follow on book sooner rather than later.

Karen Gibson
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