Slaughter Park

Harry Belltree disappeared to Far North Queensland after his wife, Jenny, said she no longer wanted to see him again. But when Jenny disappears leaving her baby with her sister, Kelly Pool travels to Queensland to find Harry and bring him back to Sydney. Harry knows that his wife is in danger and that the only solution is to solve the mystery of his parent's death which seems to be behind events threatening his family. 

Harry is unable to return to the police force but he still has a few contacts who unofficially assist him as does Kelly Pool. Kelly needs information for an article that she is writing for a Sydney newspaper but she is also grateful to Harry for saving her life. Harry knows that Jenny has gone into hiding and sets out to find her. He also realises that she must remain hidden until the case is solved.

Meanwhile the police are investing a series of murders discovered in Slater Park which becomes known as Slaughter Park. How are these murders connected to Harry's family investigation.

Slaughter Park is the final volume in the Belltree Trilogy by Barry Maitland. The over-riding story in the series flows from one volume to  the next with an additional crime as the focus of each book.There are lots of murders, however the author has ensured that the books are easy to easy to read with constant action and insight into the lives of the main characters. I was able to borrow copies of the three books in the series from my local library. It is advisable to read the books in order to fully follow the story.

Ash Island

After police detective Harry Belltree recovers from being shot he is transferred to Newcastle. Not long after arriving in the town Harry investigates the finding of a body at Ash Island. The investigation  intensifies as more bodies are discovered and police attempt to discover the connection between them.

It soon becomes obvious that events from the past continue to follow Harry. When he investigates a case of domestic violence, Harry is recognised by the accused though Harry is not sure why. Then his home is bombed and Harry and his wife return to Sydney. Both Harry and Jenny realise that they need answers as to why Harry's parents were murdered three years previously if they are to live a 'normal' life again. As the danger to Harry's family increases, he does not know who to trust.

Ash Island by Barry Mortimer is the second volume in the Belltree Trilogy.

A history of Ash Island - Australian Museum

Crucifixion Creek

Harry Belltree is a detective in the NSW police force. Previously he served as a member of the Australian armed forces in Afghanistan where he saw many deadly events so to some extent becomes immune to the violence that he encounters working in homicide. But Harry is still troubled by the death of his parents in a car crash three years earlier. His wife, who was also in the car, is now blind. Harry knows that this was no accident and is determined to find out who is responsible.

Meanwhile a number of events have occurred in / near Crucifixion Creek and when Harry meets a journalist, Kelly Pool, who is looking for leads for stories he occasionally provides her with leads for stories. Harry is officially restricted in the investigation as his brother-in-law is one of the victims. However he sets out to carry out his own unofficial investigation into what turns out to be a minefield of corruption.

Crucifixion Creek by Barry Maitland is the first book in the Belltree Trilogy. It is a fast paced, often violent, crime thriller that is easy to read and difficult to put down.