This is the third instalment of the Martin Scarden series. Whilst each mystery could stand on its own, it's probably best to read from book 1 as protagonists' private lives are quite involved from the very beginning and previous incidents are often referred to in this book. If it doesn't bother you that you're not familiar with some names or previous incidents then you'll be fine.

The difference with this book is that it is set 99% in Sydney so this one in the series wouldn't count as rural noir but rather as a crime novel. Even as it is missing that Aussie outback vibes, it does give a full Sydney metropolitan atmosphere and I'm rather stoked to 'see' familiar places. 

The mystery itself is very engaging though at around mid-point as particular event had me guessing (correctly!) who the killer is and the rest of the novel, I was a little impatient with the miscommunication trope employed here.

In this novel, the partnership between Martin Scarsden & Mandy 'Mandalay' Blonde is firmly cemented. They still had their issues throughout the novel but it was even further grounded at the end and I loved this! While I don't wish anything bad to happen to them anymore, I would kind of like to see them work on a full partnership in future.