Review ‘Deception Bay’ by J.P. Powell

*Book Two : © styling Gretchen Bernet-Ward 2024*

An intriguing and unsettling read from author J. P. Powell who has again fluently merged wartime fact and fiction to create an absorbing exposé of what could have happened (and may have happened) in the 1940s town of Brisbane, Queensland, during WWII. There’s American involvement in a number of events. Major deals were occurring related to underworld crime, unexplained deaths, and a range of illicit activities from several nationalities.

‘Deception Bay’ is the second volume which follows American investigator MP Joe Washington as he tries to solve a mystery death. Inevitably he locks horns for a second time with corrupt adversary Brisbane detective Frank Bischof, who by the way was a real person.

Powell creates characters who are believable, they come alive, and Joe’s Aussie love interest Rose McAlister reminds me of my favourite aunt who served in WAAAF. Maybe he’s softened by romance but Joe Washington’s life is made of duty, it rules him, a man on a mission to solve an alleged suicide drowning—with very little to go on.

The book ‘Deception Bay’ (Deception Bay is near Brisbane) is fascinating reading and I enjoyed the addition of old buildings I know and how they were appropriated for the war effort. I love chapter 10 and Cintra House with its fine views and the discussion about Radiophone sending photographs over a new wireless invention.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wirephoto

A world at war, full of deception and conmen, at a time when the infrastructure of Brisbane was weak enough to allow underworld manipulation. Mates covering for mates, paedophilia, dodgy business dealings, and illegal enterprises which flourished unchecked. Sure, the authorities knew what was going on but nobody seemed to have the courage to stamp it out; what’s the odd skirmish or tattoo? The American servicemen were seen both as saviours and sinners by differing parts of society at the time. Joe faces a difficult task!

I purchased this book at Pulp Fiction Brisbane and feel there is a rhythmic flow to the story, a river city at a time of world war when I didn’t exist but nevertheless it has reached me.

❤ Gretchen Bernet-Ward 2024

Book Review ‘Sweet Jimmy’ by Bryan Brown

Background orchids image © Gretchen Bernet-Ward 2021 and photographed at The Tropic Gardener of Brisbane https://thetropicgardener.com.au/

I was absorbed and entertained all the way through this book. Pared down storytelling, laced with moral ambiguity, shouting Australian crime noir. Does author Bryan Brown know these blokes, hear good stories down the pub, or possess a very robust imagination?

Love his unabashed style ‘Clinton buys himself a pepper pie and a chocolate milk’.

Australians need no introduction to Bryan Brown, an actor of many characters in many movies around the world yet he remains true to his homeland (see ABC1 TV series ‘Old School’) and this new book of short stories highlight his considerable talent as an author.

It is refreshing to read a book of short stories which speaks to my generation of Australians: relationships, morals, turn-of-phrase, scenery, all genuine and if you can’t keep up that’s your problem – work on it.

Even if short stories are not your thing, be surprised at how well these work in such a compact way.
‘Sweet Jimmy’

Professor Leong asks why Frank missed his last counselling appointment. ‘It gets in the way of my revenge,’ says straight-forward Frank. My favourite!

These men love their families yet, like Frank, they show questionable behaviour to avenge them.

The bookcover image, a Phalaenopsis orchid, ties-in with a story where both sides of the law are involved.

Alert – Sexist comment ahead…

From a woman’s perspective I thought Typical Males but I think from a male’s point of view the characters could be genuine mates in a bad place. Not their fault, they scheme, they seek revenge. They plot their way through sad, unjust or criminal situations which end with a tenebrous finale.

Also, there is one story I consider to be a Stephen King homage.

This compilation encapsulates the essence of crime fiction. Reminiscent of Peter Corris’ Cliff Hardy series, Bryan Brown plays it low-key but maybe one of his laconic blokes will soon score their own book.

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward