The Torrent

Northern New South Wales is well known for periods of heavy rain resulting in flooding and unfortunately it is not unusual for people to lose their lives, especially when trying to cross flooded rivers. 

In The Torrent by Dinuka McKenzie, Detective Sergeant Kate Miles is asked to review a case where a man recently drowned in a fast flowing river. He and his wife had tried to cross a river ford in their car which was consequently swept downstream. The two passengers ended up in the water. The wife was able to escape but her husband did not survive the ordeal. The coroner's report was accidental death by drowning. Some months later a decision is made to reinvestigate the case to ensure that proper procedures were followed in the initial investigation.

Kate and her team are also investigating a robbery at a McDonald's store where a staff member was attacked. The three offenders wore masks making identification difficult but it is believed that they attend a local secondary school. The girl who was attacked is the daughter of a local councillor who places additional pressure on the investigating team by going to the press.

These two cases are passed on to Kate and her team in the week before she is due to go on maternity leave. As well as trying to solve the case she also needs to bring her replacement officer up to speed.

I really enjoyed reading this fast paced book. Fortunately this is a long weekend so I was able to spend the time reading without interruption.  The Torrent is Dinuka McKenzie's first novel. The second book in the Detective Kate Miles series is due to be published next year.