Crimson Lake

Crimson Lake by Candice Fox is a razor-sharp Australian crime thriller, set in the humid, croc-haunted wetlands of far north Queensland, where secrets don’t stay buried for long. Tense, smart and darkly funny, it’s the kind of suspense novel that rewards readers who love morally messy characters and a plot that keeps shifting under your feet.

Disgraced detective Ted Conkaffey flees south-east Queensland after a devastating accusation destroys his life, landing in the oddball town of Crimson Lake. There he’s reluctantly pulled into a missing-person case by private investigator Amanda Pharrell—brilliant, blunt, and infamous for her own violent past. Their search for a vanished author opens up a web of local grudges, hidden histories and watchful neighbours.

Perfect for fans of twisty mysteries, outback noir, and character-driven psychological suspense—especially if you enjoyed Troppo.

Step into Crimson Lake and see how long you can hold your breath.