Step into the sun-scorched, mystery-laden world of Martin Scarsden, where a troubled journalist unravels dark secrets in rural Australia! Chris Hammer’s Martin Scarsden series is a gripping blend of crime fiction and psychological drama, following the titular journalist as he navigates complex investigations and his own haunted past. With vivid Australian settings and emotionally charged storytelling, this series has captivated crime fiction fans worldwide.
From drought-stricken outback towns to coastal communities hiding sinister truths, Scarsden’s journey is as much about solving crimes as it is about confronting personal demons. If you love atmospheric thrillers with layered characters, this series is your next obsession!
How Martin Scarsden Began
Chris Hammer, a former journalist with over 30 years of experience, turned to fiction to craft stories rooted in Australia’s rugged landscapes. Inspired by his non-fiction work, The River, which explored drought’s impact on rural communities, Hammer created Martin Scarsden in 2018 with Scrublands. His goal? To blend gritty crime narratives with the emotional depth of a flawed protagonist, drawing on his reporting from over 30 countries to infuse authenticity into Scarsden’s investigative style.
The Heart of Martin Scarsden
The series kicks off with Scrublands (2018), where Martin arrives in the drought-ravaged town of Riversend to report on a priest’s deadly shooting spree, only to uncover a web of secrets that challenges the official story. Silver (2019) sees him return to his coastal hometown, where a friend’s murder implicates his partner, Mandalay Blonde, forcing Martin to confront his traumatic childhood. Trust (2020) shifts to Sydney, blending corruption and abduction as Martin and Mandy face their pasts in a high-stakes investigation.
Hammer’s novels shine through their vivid settings—think parched outback towns and humid coastal cliffs—that act as characters in their own right. Themes of trust, trauma, and the weight of history weave through the series, with Scarsden’s journalistic lens offering a fresh perspective on crime-solving. The intricate plots, colorful characters, and emotional depth create a distinctly Australian noir that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Why Martin Scarsden Resonates
The Martin Scarsden series has left a mark on crime fiction, earning accolades like the 2019 CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger for Scrublands and a Sunday Times Crime Book of the Year nod for Silver. Its authentic portrayal of rural Australia’s struggles—drought, isolation, and declining services—strikes a chord with readers, while Scarsden’s personal battles make him relatable. Adapted into a hit TV series streaming on Stan and BBC, the books have reached a global audience, cementing Hammer’s status as a leading voice in Australian crime fiction.
- Publication Years: 2018–2020
- Number of Books: 3 (Scrublands, Silver, Trust)
- Awards: 2019 CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger (Scrublands)
- TV Adaptation: Streamed on Stan (Australia) and BBC (UK)
About Martin Scarsden
Ready to dive into a world of mystery and intrigue? Grab Scrublands and join Martin Scarsden on a thrilling ride through Australia’s darkest corners!