Deadman's Track

Jai Wharton struggles to cope with looking after his grandfather who needs to be cared for in a nursing home. However this involves money that Jai does not have. When the opportunity to make some 'easy money' arises he takes it not realising the effect it will have on his life.

Tess Atherton is reconsidering her relationship with  Aaron which she felt had become suffocating. With the support and encouragement of her friends she shows her independence much to Aaron's displeasure. When it becomes obvious that a relationship is developing between Tess and Jared, a local policeman, they realise that Tess may be in danger.

Tess works not only as a guide on wilderness hikes in the ranges near Hobart but is also part of the search and rescue team for the area. On one walk an accident occurs resulting in the death of one of the hikers and Tess has problems regaining her confidence, especially in regard to heights. Reluctantly she agrees to take a group, including Jai and his girlfriend Riley, on a walk during winter. The hikers accepted that the weather may cause problems but they did not anticipate the violence they would encounter.

The different threads of the novel become intertwined resulting in a gripping story of the characters struggle to survive in the Australian bush.

Deadman's Track by Sarah Barrie is just one of a number of recent crime novels set in Tasmania. These include The Others by Mark Brandi, The Survivors by Jane Harper, The Bluffs by Kyle Perry, The Great Divide by LJM Owen and Bruny by Heather Rose.