"Two suspects. Two identical stories. Which one is the truth?"

I love books set in Australia, don't know why. Perhaps something to do with the isolation and heat. Two suspects in a crime, each with the same story, blaming each other. With a possible 54 victims, cop Chandler has to call in the bigwigs, including his former best friend Mitch.

Great story, fantastic atmosphere, terrible ending.

Thanks very much to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. Many thanks, Dave

Chandler is a police office in a station in the Outback when Gabriel arrives claiming to have been kidnapped and kept hostage by a man named Heath. He claims that Heath stated that he is victim number 55. While Gabriel is being questioned a man called Heath arrives telling the same story but claims that Gabriel is the kidnapper and Heath is victim 55. The police station is a quiet station unused to a high profile case so a new team are sent in to solve it. The lead investigator is Mitch, an old friend and colleague of Chandler.
I found the story thrilling if a bit frustrating at times. The way the victims/suspects were treated at times is annoying.I liked the back story of Chandler and Mitch, especially around a young man missing in the Outback many years before. The wild setting added to the tension in the story.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for granting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review

What’s really interesting about this book is, thanks to the blurb, you have an idea of how the beginning is going to play out. You know two men are going to walk in to Chandler’s station and report the same crime, and you’d think this runs the risk of taking away the suspense because there’s no element of surprise to the opening. In this instance, knowing what was to come heightened the suspense, because, as the reader, you’re alert from the first page, ready to hear both stories, descriptions of both men’s demeanours to see if you can figure out who is telling the truth and who is lying.

As the plot progressed, there wasn’t as much action as I’d been anticipating, less of a crime thriller novel, it was very much a mystery-driven novel; a mystery of who the serial killer really is, and why. It was, of course, packed with enough unlikeable characters to create excitement, in contrast to Chandler, who was very likeable, a character to get behind. You get an insight into his personal life, but it doesn’t dominate the plot, and this helps portray him as someone you want to support both in the job and at home.

Set in Wilbrook in Western Australia, the blurb isn’t lying when it refers to the town as sleepy and remote. It didn’t give off the small-town feel I’m used to, because everything was so sparse, everyone living in isolation of each other. But I did enjoy the setting because the isolation created tension, the belief that a killer could move undetected through the town. There’s also the added battle of the elements in this novel, the wilderness surrounding the town, again this heightened tension, because can anyone really win in a battle against nature?

There were a few moments when this novel lost its momentum due to a change in timeline but overall, it was an original, interesting, cleverly plotted novel that I have no problem recommending.

3.5 stars

Brilliant for fans of Jane Harper. A gripping thriller with an original twist, I couldn't put it down!

55 is a novel about a quiet town in the middle of nowhere in Australia that has not one but two men turn up at the small police station on the same day each claiming that the other one kidnapped and planned to murder him, and that they would have been victim number 55! Police Sergeant Chandler Jenkins has a huge job on his hands as he listens to each story and tries to work out what on earth is going on!

Gabriel walks into the station first and he’s believed to be the victim he says he is and dealt with accordingly as his statement is taken. A short while later Heath turns up at the same police station and tells an almost identical story, and this leaves the police with a serious problem on their hands. Who is the killer and who is the victim? Or are they both killers? Or could they possibly both be victims?

Chandler is really frustrated when a more senior police officer arrives to take charge of the case. We soon find out that Chandler and Mitch used to be really close when they were younger but their friendship ended badly. This novel is told in two timelines – the present day and a few years earlier when Chandler and Mitch were helping search for a man missing in the wilderness. This was a great way to tell the story as we get to find out how close they were and how things went wrong alongside where they are now. It also felt at times like things in their friendship were mirroring elements of the story in the present day which had my brain ticking over even faster trying to see if there were any connections.

I really liked Chandler and never stopped wanting things to work out for him throughout the novel. It felt like he was always trying to do the right thing and to be fair with his staff and his family but was torn in so many directions. I think his story had me almost as tense as the main one about Gabriel and Heath because I so wanted him to be okay.

I spent the whole novel swapping and changing my mind about who I thought the guilty man was. The reveal about whodunnit is shocking – the mystery twists and turns at great pace throughout the novel but when we find out it’s almost like slow-motion as your brain takes in what happened! I’d worked out a small element of the story but nowhere near enough to fit it all together. The final pages of this novel were gobsmacking! This book has one of the best endings to a thriller that I’ve read in a really long time, it’s one of those endings that made me sit in silence for a few minutes after I put the book down trying to process it. And even now, weeks later, I still keep thinking about it!

I was drawn to this book as soon as I read the blurb, it was irresistible to me. I’m so happy to say that this novel totally lives up to the blurb and is such a unique take on a serial killer thriller novel! This is a perfect book for readers who think they can always work out whodunnit as this one will keep you guessing until all is revealed! I don’t think I’ll ever forget this book and I’m sure it will be on my best books of the year list – I highly recommend it! It’s fast-paced, addictive and utterly brilliant!

This starts with two battered and bloody men in a police station, both claiming to be victims of a person who abducts backpackers and has murdered 54 so far….which of these are telling the truth? Is one of these men the killer?

This has great characters and a brilliantly tight plot….which makes you change your mind all the time as to just who is the guilty one….

Poor Sargeant Chandler, the put upon police station boss, until his old adversary turns up….a clever and tense thriller with a shocking ending.. I loved it..

Thank you to the publishers, the author and NetGalley for a copy of the ebook. This is my honest and unbiased review

This is one of those books that I simply had to read after reading all the rave reviews. There were 54 victims but who is the 55th! is what this book is all about. I was hooked from the start ,Set in Wilbrook in Western Australia when we follow the story of Gabriel who turns up at Chandler's station covered in dried blood. and tells his story. and what a story it is! Then a man called Heath walks into the same station claiming he was kidnapped by a man called Gabriel......Two suspects. Two identical stories. Which one is the truth?

55 is one very clever story that will have you hooked and guessing until the end. It is jam packed with suspense and mystery has well has some nail biting descriptions.

There is a real slew of solid Australian crime writing at the moment from the likes of Jane Harper, Emma Viskic, Chris Hammer et al, and although not of Australian stock himself, James Delargy has produced a clever, disquieting, and altogether compelling thriller set in the remote western Australian outback, that holds more than one or two surprises of its own…

I think I can confidently guarantee that the very premise of this book, and the lengths that Delargy goes to in order to trick and wrong-foot his readers, will catch you out at regular intervals. With two men under suspicion of being a remorseless serial killer, and their individual stories of being captured and tortured by said serial killer, Delargy manages to keep the narrative tension spread over, for what is a crime thriller, a remarkable stretch of time. This is no mean feat as there is a relatively slim cast of characters, with only one real other story arc, the tension between the Police Sergeant Chandler Jenkins, and the team that come in to takeover the investigation, headed up by an unwelcome face from his past, Inspector Mitch Andrews. I absolutely loved the conundrums that the seeming innocence of Gabriel and Heath, the two accused men brought to bear on the story, leading me to constantly re-evaluate the evidence that Delargy lays before us, perplexing the reader as much as the investigative team. Delargy is a real tease, as he consistently exposes pseudo Jekyl and Hyde aspects to both these men’s characters, and just as you fixedly decide on one’s guilt and the other’s innocence, guess what, you’re wrong. There is a real controlled and supremely well-measured pace to the book, so that the slightly slower passages where the men are interrogated, threatened or cajoled into professing their guilt, is punctuated by not only the backstory of the build up of animosity between Chandler and Mitch, but sporadic moments of nerve shredding tension, as the police mine for some credible evidence to prove the guilt of either Gabriel or Heath. Or neither. Or both. Or somebody else entirely…

I liked the character of Chandler Jenkins enormously, with his integrity and seemingly natural fair-mindedness, which plays of beautifully against the power crazed narcissism of Mitch Andrews, former friend, now foe. The differences between the two men, which is brought to light as the sub-narrative of one of their earliest cases together plays out, makes for a rocky, testy and tension filled investigation, outside of their basic remit of bringing a killer to justice, and there’s some nice little twists and turns in their relationship along the way too. To be honest the other members of the investigation team didn’t make a significant impact on me, but with the book focussing so intently on the changing boundaries, and intensity of the exchanges between Chandler and Mitch, and their interactions Gabriel and Heath. There was more than enough angst, threat of violence and the whiff of testosterone to pretty much drown out the other characters, but not to any real detriment of the book overall.

Thinking about the characters further, I think there is a nice correlation between them, and the environment and location, the book is set in. Set in the bleak expanse of remote western Australia, there is an intense feeling that although the landscape is sprawling and open, the vastness and aridity of it can conceal so much. Two of the characters, seem to reflect the openness and raw beauty of this hostile landscape, whereas two others seem to reflect the opposite, with their characters being altogether more dark and volatile. Despite being set in this endlessly repeating landscape, there is a significant sense of claustrophobia to the book, and the local police station becomes a microcosm of energy and pent up tension, that works exceptionally well to unsettle the reader, and the ending? Well, far be it for me to spoil the ending, but I think the author deserves more than a smattering of applause for not going down a certain well-worn path in thriller finales- so thanks for that- and loved the ending. I thought, bar a small period of the book, where the story slowed down just a wee bit too much, 55 was an extremely cleverly plotted, well-paced, and consistently engaging thriller with some nifty tricks in the narrative, solid characterisation of the main players, and suffused with the claustrophobic heat and isolation of its Australian setting. A compelling debut, and a recommended read.

Absolutely gripping debut, devoured this book, perfectly written with intertwined stories.. That ending tho.. I need more.

This wasn't what I was expecting, I thought the book would concentrate on the killer but seemed to focus more on the two main characters and their story. The idea of an ending where you make your own conclusion is good for a lot of people but I prefer to read an actual ending. This is purely because I would go on a tangent thinking of every possible ending so I end up annoying myself. I think a lot of other readers would love this book.

This book I couldn't quite get into. I expected a serial killer but found the book concentrated more on the relationship of two of the main characters. I really didn't like the ending as it left the story unresolved. I suppose it was up to each persons individual imagination to resolve the story.

The Premise hooked me instantly. But so often such books don't quite deliver. Fortunately, 55 does not let you down. I enjoyed this immensely, a very clever, dark and atmospheric read.

55 is a fantastic, twisty and gripping story that I really enjoyed! I’ve always been a fan of stories set in Australia. There is something about the extremely hot oppressive heat that adds an air of danger and unpredictability to the story which really adds to the atmosphere.

55 is a very intriguing, gripping story that I managed to read in two days which is no easy feat with three children. The reader is taken on a fantastic twisty journey whilst trying to put together all the clues to work out who is telling the truth. This is superbly plotted and the author slowly builds the suspense in the book until it is almost impossible to put down as I wanted to find out what had really happened.

Alongside the serial killer mystery is the equally interesting mystery of what happened between Chandler and Mitchell two of the cops investigating the case. The story is told in two timelines to uncover this mystery one dating from when they were both new police officers and the other on the present day as they try to solve the serial killer case. Out of the two of them I much preferred Chandler who seems very dedicated and hard working, compared to Mitchell who is an extremely unlikeable, arrogant person only interested in getting the praise for solving the case.

The story builds to a brilliant, shocking and just unbelievable ending which took me completely by surprise. All the theories I had built up proved to be untrue and the truth was something I hadn’t even considered. I think I would like to re re-read the book now I know the ending to see if I should have guessed earlier!

Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Simon & Schuster for my copy of this book whowh I received in exchange for an honest review. If you like gripping, twisty crime thrillers set in Australia then you’ll love this book?

I have fallen, happily, into the deep end with Australian thrillers lately. For me, they are the new Scandi noir and I am loving the change over from a cold, snowy environment to scorching hot murder. Scandi will always be my first love but Australia is where it's at right now so grab a cold beer and 55, my most recent Aussie fix.

55 is a unique twist on the murder mystery police procedural. A man, Gabriel, stumbles into the police station claiming to have been abducted by Heath, who intended to make Gabriel his 55th victim. Next comes Heath who has the exact same story but claims HE is the intended victim and Gabriel the killer. How can Police Sergeant Chandler Jenkins of a sleepy, remote Western Australian town make heads or tails of this? Matters take a turn for the worse for Chandler when childhood friend Mitch turns up to take over the investigation and make Chandler's life rather complicated.

What I love about 55 is the fresh feel of the story. It is calm, well paced, not overly agitated or over the top either. Two suspects both with the same story and a search to determine who is who. I haven't read anything quite like it before and, as if that isn't enough for poor Chandler to cope with, he has Mitch coming on the scene, being aggressive in his senior position, pushing Chandler around. We flash back to a time when both lads were equals coming up in the force whilst searching for a missing hiker. They were very different then but what happens to make them change so much?

This drama is all about the characters. Chandler and Mitch couldn't be further apart yet you, as the reader, can empathize with them both. The Gabriel and Heath question is pressing but the conflict between Mitch and Chandler becomes the deeper mystery. 55 is a satisfying read. Like the other Aussie thrillers I have read it is laid back but has a strong punch. James Delargy is certainly an author to be on the lookout for as he makes a name for himself in this genre.

It's super hard to write a review ,when you know it's going to be  into an echo chamber of 'I loved it!' because I am almost lost for words with '55'.

Everything about this book knocked my socks off-the remoteness of the setting, the slow build of the story against the clamour of public demand to find the serial killer(s)-or are they?-the bodies(if there are any) al played out against the back drop of the relationshio between policemen Chandler and Mitch.

Best buddies from a young age, the cracks start to develop after training academt as their lives go in different directions due the responsibilities each has.

Now, Mitch is Chandler's boss,and brings his full force to bear on the case of possible multiple kidnap, torture and murder. The scene where Chandler has to ring and report that he has a case that his team cannot handle, a most unusual case where both men say that they were meant to be victim 55, is a standout.

Racing against time to work out just what the hell is going on, James Delargy plays the reader with teaser-y snippets of the past, and an investigation into a missing person which drove a wedge between both young policemen.

I thought I had a grip on whodunnit about 6 or 7 times, but nope, I was 100% wrong!
A twisty, turny , gripping from page 1 read that will keep you up well past bedtime, this is not to be missed!

What an interesting concept!

We see our key suspects/victims right from the beginning, each telling identical stories pointing their fingers at each other.

There are times when intriguing concepts like this don’t like up to expectations, but it this case it was very cleverly done. The stories were woven together well, and you’re constantly changing your mind about what really happened.

The writing style is fairly standard for a mystery. And while it didn’t blow me a way, it was an enjoyable and surprising read.

55 is set in a small town in Western Australia, Willbrook is no longer a thriving mining town. However for police Sgt Chandler Jenkins this is home and he is very protective of his sleepy town. Chandler is thrown out of his comfort zone when a bloodsoaked man Gabriel enters the station and says he was meant to be 55, does he mean the ,55th victim of a serial killer? Later a man named Heath lands in the station with exactly the same story. What is going on? James Delargy weaves an enthralling story where the heat and personal history entwine. The story does lag in places and I can't make up my mind about the ending but this is a very accomplished debut in a crowded field. Well worth your reading time. #Netgalley #55

55 is James Delargy's incredibly accomplished debut thriller set in the Western Australian outback, and I had no qualms or issues with polishing it off in a single sitting as it was just so damn original and exciting. It's wholly absorbing and so completely addictive that once you pick it up you simply have to find out what happens, and the ending left me reeling, which rarely happens. It's taut, tense, pacey and very cleverly plotted with fascinating characters who are developed beautifully. The simmering Australian setting is a character in itself and the descriptions made me wish I was out there. Simple stunning and highly atmospheric.

There are three different strands to the plot: who is telling the truth in terms of Gabriel and Heath, the rocky working relationship between Sergeant Chandler Jenkins and Inspector Mitchell Andrews and flashbacks throughout of the last time these two worked together and what happened to create such an intense rift between them. Each is engaging in their own way and my attention never wavered or waned due to that, and there are twists and turns aplenty. All of these aspects make this a thriller that will definitely feature in my top books of 2019.

Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for an ARC.

Ambiguous characters, devious cliffhangers and sneaky-cheat disclosures are all the rage in crime fiction right now. It’s almost as if readers have dared authors to deceive them, to invent improbable scenarios and craft them into something convincingly credible. This debut novel does something similar but different. It hooks us with a superb set-up… and then delivers an entirely different story.

The blurb is brilliant. Two battered survivors crawl into town after enduring assault and exposure in the blistering heat of the Australian outback. Beaten and bruised, they both claim to be the kidnapped victim and say the other fella is a psycho maniac. They talk of shallow graves, chains and manacles, and of being victim ‘55’. Has a serial killer really murdered 54 people? And which of the two is telling the truth?

Gripped by this inventive situation, I plunged straight in. But 55 suddenly steers away from this thread to focus on a lifelong rivalry between the two investigating officers, Chandler and Mitchell. Chandler stayed a small-town cop and is bringing up his two kids as a single parent, while the ambitious and obnoxious Mitchell chose a career in the big city. The two survivors – intended victim and calculating killer – are infuriatingly absent from most of the proceedings.

So while I’d expected an intriguing intellectual duel between them, much of 55 focuses instead on an old case which originally divided Chandler and Mitchell, long in their past. The story of this book is the story of their embittered relationship and the ramifications of that failed investigation on current events. It’s about small-town life and the pain of parenthood, and looks deeply at the consequences of long-term loss. A valid narrative, to be sure, but not the one I thought I was reading!

Author James Delargy writes with snappy panache with the story presented in short segments, easy to read rapidly. His version of a dry and dusty, scrubland community has the authentic sense of a place anchored in reality. I was less convinced by the plot convolutions, especially the whole numbers conceit.

If, like me, you’re looking for hard-boiled ‘outback noir’ then you’re better off seeking out the razor-sharp, bitterly bleak books by Peter Temple – saturated in slang, written with searing literary style. But if you enjoy domestic dramas and unpredictable psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators, then 55 might have your number.

7/10