This was a short, quick read that had me hooked from the start. Despite being short, it was action-packed, yet it didn't feel rushed at all; the pacing was set almost perfectly.

Starting off, it seemed like the normal crime-based books I've read. There were multiple theories, suspects, and twists throughout the book. For a while, with each new suspect or theory, everything would make sense until a new one would come around, setting the mystery back into place.

Helena was probably the best-written character. I thought of her as a suspect in the beginning, but that flipped periodically as I was reading. Archie was probably my favorite character overall, though. I sympathized with him, as he not only had to deal with the stress of the case, but tension at home as well. I would have liked to see more of his family, especially his daughters. Alicia's attitude was entertaining, and I really liked that Summer's character brought attention to eating disorders.

Despite the ending being good, it wasn't surprising at all. Once Archie starting catching on to little hints, I knew how it would end. I was pleased with the ending, and thought it was creative and different than most crime novels I've read. I just wasn't surprised.

I think this could be turned into a really good series, but even if the author decides against that, I'll read more by her.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources. This did not influence my opinion in any way. ( )

This book came to me, highly recommended by my daughter-in-law. Quite a short book (158 pages) but it has it all - slightly out-of-condition detective senior sergeant complete with teenage-daughter-angst, young good-looking offsider detective, several possible perpetrators, and a rather baffling disappearance/murder situation. I love that it's set in rural New Zealand, with recognisable scenery and typical rural personalities. The characters are well-drawn and very believable, the plot skews in a way I didn't quite see coming. I'm looking forward to reading Christina O'Reilly's next book Retribution. ( )

A crime debut from New Zealand author Christina O'Reilly, INTO THE VOID is a short novel with considerable promise. Introducing DSS John (Archie) Baldrick, DC Ben Travers and the rest of their investigation team whilst presenting the reader with a well crafted plot all in 158 pages is quite an undertaking but O'Reilly manages it without letting go of character development, plot, intrigue or pace.

The story revolves around the sudden disappearance of banker Richard Harper who appears to have run out on a desperately ill wife, and a pregnant girlfriend. The only glimmer of a lead is some abusive emails from disgruntled clients, about to lose their farm in the wake of the GFC. Meanwhile Archie (as everyone calls Baldrick) is dealing with two teenager daughters with problems and a distant wife, whilst looking on the Harper's wife Helena, in her beautiful house, ill and confused by her husband's disappearance, with considerable sympathy and kindness.

Good character development is at the heart of INTO THE VOID. The police procedural elements are sound, the investigative components good, and the shoe leather, combined with thinking, plus a bit of technology works well. The investigative team has potential, the personal elements in Archie's life are good without being overpowering, and the complications of Richard Harper's personal life more than enough to keep the mystery mysterious without stretching credibility.

All in all, there's much to like about INTO THE VOID, and a lot of potential for a good future for this team of NZ based investigators.

https://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/void ( )