Black River is the first book in the Rose Riley series by Australian journalist and author, Matthew Spencer. When the body of a young woman is found in the grounds of an exclusive private school in Parramatta, everyone thinks she’s the Blue Moon Killer’s third victim. He’s already taken two young women from their riverfront homes, done nasty things to them, wrapped them in plastic and put them in the river.

But soon enough, DS Rose Riley and her boss, DCI Steve O’Neil, part of Task Force Satyr, have their doubts. Marguerite Dunlop looks like part of the case, but only those aspects of the murders that have been released to the media fit here, and the police psychiatrist isn’t convinced: it this a copycat?

Late shift reporter for The National, Adam Bowman is sent to Prince Albert by his editor because he has a history with the school, having attended three decades earlier when his father taught there. And indeed, his inside knowledge gets him some photos and a story the rest of the media pack is missing out on.

With his background, Riley and O’Neil decide they can use Bowman’s reporting to their advantage even as his own movements are verified. They feed him information to try to taunt their murderer into making a rash choice that might reveal more about himself.

While O’Neil and Riley continue to debate about including this murder in the Satyr investigation, they thoroughly check out several potential perpetrators present at the mostly deserted (due to the long Christmas vacation) school. As alibis are verified and new evidence points to other suspects, the reader is kept guessing with virtually no suspension of disbelief required.

Spencer’s first novel has a plot with plenty of action and enough red herrings and distractions to keep the pages turning. He easily evokes his era and setting, and readers familiar with western Sydney will delight in the many local mentions. His main protagonist is smart and gutsy, and members of her support crew have depth and appeal: more of this cast are most definitely welcome. A very impressive debut.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.