Chris Nyst is a high profile barrister, based in Queensland. His clients have ranged from high-ranking politicians and sporting identities to a notorious hit-man and petty criminals.

In his spare time, he writes novels that the critics have described as ‘Sydney noir meets John Grisham’ – which is pretty much spot on. He wrote the screenplay for one of my all time favourite films, GETTIN’ SQUARE, an absolutely hysterical romp through the Gold Coast underworld, with David Wenham in an unforgettable role as a minor criminal.

What do murders, lawyers, politicians and property developers have in common? To find out you'll have to read Nyst's latest offering, CROOK AS ROOKWOOD.

First an explanation of the title. In Australia, when things aren't good they are “crook”. When things are really, really bad they are “'crook as Rookwood”. At 700 acres, Sydney’s Rookwood Cemetery is one of the largest burial grounds in the world and one of Australia's oldest cemeteries. Rookwood is where you'd likely end up when things got as crook as they could get.

It's a corrupt world we live in and heaven help the men and women who try to do something about the underhanded deals of the filthy rich and deviously powerful. CROOK AS ROOKWOOD is a deliciously colourful novel that is partly legal thriller, partly political satire and full of sharp dialogue that comes straight from the murky heart of Sydney.
For Michael Wiltshire, things become as crook as Rookwood very quickly after he threatens to blow the whistle on a couple of his Labor Party mates. Not one to listen to advice warning him that it wouldn't be a good idea to go up against some pretty heavy hitters, Michael soon finds himself arrested for murder with a truckload of corroborating evidence that could put him away for a long time.
That's what happens to whistle-blowers when men with power feel threatened.
Enter Edwin Moran, a defence lawyer from Queensland with an abrasive attitude but a brilliant delivery when in a courtroom. In fact, Eddie completely steals the show with his steel-trap mind, his abrupt casual manner, a shockingly poor dress sense and a fondness for the melodramatic delivery. Through a private investigator acquaintance, Wiltshire somehow manages to get Eddie to represent him. Both inside the courtroom and out, the case is set up to be completely engrossing thanks to some fancy lawyering and a succession of corrupt policemen and Labor Party head-kickers.
Nyst is a keen observer of personalities and creates memorable characters. He also has a feel for writing dialogue which is witty and sounds authentic. He knows the legal system and how it works. He also knows criminals; and he knows how they think and how they speak. CROOK AS ROOKWOOD is filled with corrupt politicians, big time businessmen and colourful racing identities in a storyline that rings very true. It's very Australian both in the language and the attitude that will strike a familiar chord with Australian readers, while possibly leaving overseas readers a little confused. But this is a thoroughly entertaining thriller that lays bare Australia's political heart. It's dangerous and amusing, entirely believable and very hard to put down. ( )

http://www.austcrimefiction.org/node/3217 ( )

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