Impressive Australian thriller set in of Byron Bay!

The Beacon by P.A. Thomas       

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Jack Harris, son to Media Magnate Malcolm (ring any bells? Can’t help but see a sly reference to a real Australian Media Magnate) has been sent back to the town he grew up in to work on his father’s first newspaper, The Beacon. His father’s decided Jack needs to learn to be a journalist from the ground up, with one of the best, Patrick O’Shaughnessy. Up until now Jack’s been in Melbourne helping his father run his business conglomerate. Jack had been running the Harris Media portfolio. He’d also tentatively voiced opinions about ethical journalism. Now here he’s back in Byron Bay about to work in a regional newspaper as the lowest ranking hack. (Byron Bay is the easternmost point on the Australian coastline. Another interesting fact, the lighthouse is the most powerful in Australia!)

What Jack doesn’t count on is Patrick being found dead, mauled by a great white shark. Except there’s something off about Patrick’s surfboard that Jack can’t quite figure out.

What he does find out is that the Walkley Award journalist Patrick had been working on something big, explosive! Patrick’s computer is missing, replaced by another. His house has been searched.

Jack finds himself joining forces with Patrick’s daughter Caitlin. It becomes clear that someone wants Jack to stop his investigation about Patrick’s death and what he was working on.

Tight writing, the build up of intrigue, the setting in one of Australia’s best known and loved 70’s hippie/surfing spots, all combine for a winning read! 

An Echo ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.