Book review: Resurrection Bay by Emma Viskic

I had heard a lot about Australian author Emma Viskic before I had picked up any of her books. From the Wreck had recently been shortlisted for various literary awards, and I’d listened to her speak as part of a panel at Clunes Booktown.

In the panel, she spoke about readers’ current fascination with small town crime, and in particular her Caleb Zelic series.

So when I spotted Resurrection Bay at the local library, I quickly snatched it up.

The story is about Caleb, who is trying to find out why his best friend was killed, and who was responsible. In searching for the killer (and avoiding becoming their next target) he visits his home town, where he revisits relationships of the past.

Caleb is almost completely deaf, but is determined to ensure that no one treats him differently because of his disability. This results in some funny misunderstandings, and Viskic has created a character who is engaging and unique. Other characters are just as well-drawn, from Caleb’s junkie brother to his ex-wife, and his business partner.

Resurrection Bay is a fun book to read and I’ll be looking out for the follow up next time I go to the library.