Bad Debts

Bad Debts is the first book by Peter Temple featuring Jack Irish, a former criminal lawyer who had taken a break from the law courts after the murder of his wife, Isabelle, some years previously. When he is contacted by Danny McKillop, a former client, who wants to talk with him, Jack's life becomes complicated as he tries to unravel what really happened all those years ago. That there has been a cover-up there can be no denial, but who is actually telling the truth and who can he trust. 

During the investigation he teams up with a journalist, Linda Hillier, and while they work on the case it becomes obvious that their lives are in danger, especially as possible witnesses are ending up dead. It soon becomes obvious that corruption has and is still occuring within the police and parts of government, 

Bad Debts is set in Melbourne and surrounding areas in the state. Fitzroy, Collingwood and Clifton Hill are some of the suburbs where action takes place. Jack also assists race horse enthusiast and friend, Harry Strang, with some of his racing ventures and in his spare time works with Charlie Taub who crafts fine furniture. He also frequents the Prince of Prussia Hotel, keeping in contact with three elderly gentlemen, great fans of the Fitzroy Football Club - a team in a bit of a slump.

 This book is a really good read.

'Hard boiled hero, Jack Irish, lives and drinks in a shadowy Melbourne' - NPR July 1, 2014