Harry: The Ant Nest

A fictional murder mystery set in a small Australian country town in 1947.

Secrecy, anxiety, distractions and threats surround the murder of a naked young woman whose body is found on an ants' nest in the bush with a Christian cross cut into her forehead.

The normally laid back culture and dry sense of humour of this outback post-WWII community is shattered by this dramatic event.

Detective Harry Taylor, a damaged and flawed war hero, returns from behind enemy lines to face different battles in his home town.

Expected to solve the case quickly, Harry's local knowledge and investigative skills are tested by religious bias, racism, bigotry, romance, jealousy, sexual abuse, disability, power plays and divided loyalties.

Opinions and suspects are plentiful. Nobody has the answers. Everybody has something to fear and hide.

With more antagonists than friends, it's up to Harry to solve the case.

Told from Harry's perspective, the plot is driven by the conversations of a rich array of characters.

Similar to well-known Australian crime fiction authors Jane Harper, Gary Disher, Chris Hammer and Michael Robotham, Laurie Dicker's novel delves more into the 'why' rather than the whodunnit.

Author: Laurie Dicker
Publisher: Dicker Books
Published: 09/15/2019
Pages: 420
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.41lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.14w x 0.93d
ISBN: 9780648412809

About the Author
Dicker, Laurie: - A descendant of convicts transported to Australia, Laurie was born during the 1930s in a small country town without running water, sewerage, electricity or paved roads. Educated at an agricultural boarding school, he graduated Teachers College and completed National Service before commencing teaching as an 18 year old. He progressed to Regional Director of Education before establishing a private management consultancy, working mostly with the NSW Police, Crime Commission, Corrective Services and Juvenile Justice. Laurie has written books on geography, management and conflict resolution as well as a collection of bush yarns and an autobiography. Laurie now lives in southeast Queensland where he enjoys painting, creative writing, travel, good food, wine and company. He is a member of the Australian Society of Authors.