At first I was enjoying the way the plot was developing and setting the scene for what was happening. However half way through things started seeming a little unrealistic more than anything. Then it just became downright confusing and I wasn’t following well.
True rating: 3.5⭐️

Thanks to William Morrow for an advanced copy of Murder Town by Shelley Burr. I loved the Australian setting and I was kept guessing until the end of this book. 

The town of Rainier is midway between Sydney and Melbourne and it's now most famous for the three murders by the Rainier Ripper seventeen years ago. Now the small town is in decline and a tourism company is interested in running a tour to focus on the murders and Rainier's reputation as a murder town. When the tour operator is killed in a copycat style, secrets and lies are revealed as they solve the murder. 

Murder Town was twisty, but did take me a while to get invested in the story, it starts slow and there are a lot of characters to keep track of (and lots of connections between each other in this small town). I didn't find anyone particularly likable but I did like seeing how this book ended. 

If you like dark atmospheric settings with your crime thrillers you'll enjoy this book. Murder Town comes out November 5th. It was published in Australia under the title Ripper. While it was book two in the PI Lane Holland series, I read it as a stand-alone book.

A rare flip to the end for me which was especially disappointing as I was a big fan of Wake, her first novel. This has too many characters and I had trouble keeping everyone straight (and I'm a veteran of complex novels). Gemma was shocked when Dean careened into the closed door of the tea shop and then died, the third person presumably murdered by the Rainer Ripper who has terrorized her small town. Now, 17 years later, there's another murder much like the original ones and Gemma and the town are living in fear again. Meanwhile the man convicted of the murder is in prison and Lane (from Wake) who is also there is persuaded to try to get more information about the woman who he confessed to killing. My problem with this started almost immediately- all the people who had been affected in some way by the original murders were introduced. I couldn't quite grasp some of the relationships and there were holes (notably about the state of Gemma and Hugh's marriage and his mental health) that are eventually filled in (I think because I did start flipping half way through). Just too many characters. There's a big twist (no spoilers) at the end but still. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Regardless of how I felt about this novel, I'd like to see more from Burr.

Murder Town by Cheryl Burr, A small town in Australia that used to be a Maine stop for travelers has become almost obsolete since building a new Thruway. Unfortunately now they’re only known for the rainier Ripper. 19 years ago Jima Guillory was one of the last people to have a brush with the serial killer because his last victim went to her tea shop looking for help. Now everyone is gathering at the tea shop to discuss the potential walking tour for the Rainier Ripper and although they are desperate for tourism not everyone is on board with the fancy folks from Sidny. Gemma has a lot on her plate and making a seating chart for the villagers is a little like wrangling cats because they’ve known each other all their lives some good some bad and some potentially violent but win Lachlan the tour guide is found dead in the fountain outside of the tea shop it’s just going to stir up lots of things Gemma could do without and I haven’t even mentioned one of the victims brothers is staying in Jim is B and B, she’s also having problems with her husband. Despite being married to Hugh Guillory one of the detectives Gemma takes it upon herself to politely question friends and neighbors When everything is said and done Gemma will look at her husband and neighbors and a whole new light and it isn’t just her old friends that are keeping secrets. This book was so good and went in directions I didn’t see coming. There were a couple of very minor things that struck me as odd like when discussing someone being a surrogate Jima says he is just looking at this woman as a vessel to carry his baby that was totally not what I got from that conversation. I get it surrogacy for money is illegal in Australia but that wasn’t the only odd thing Jima said but unfortunately I am totally forgetting what I wanted to say I really should start taking notes either way it wasn’t enough to ruin the book I really liked Gemma I like the part with Lane and as I said there were a few things I didn’t like but again they’re minor and really don’t make a difference in the story. Oh yes I know when she learned this one person lied about his name and could be a potential murderer there was a teenager in the house with this person and she goes in and tells the teenager when she gets to the back door to run now you might say that sounds sensible but the person who lied about who he is didn’t even know she knew it was just another day in his world. I found it a bit traumatic to tell this child to run when nothing was even happening. I really am ruining this review but that is par for the course when I am reviewing a book I love which I love the book so much! If you like a good mystery with gossiping neighbors and a who done it you won’t be able to guess at, then you will definitely enjoyed this book I certainly did. Whatever this author was writing I was loving it! #NetGalley, #CherylBurr, #MurderTown,

4.5 stars
Gemma Guillory and the rest of the Australian town of Ranier will never be the same since a serial killer claimed three lives fifteen years ago. Now a tourism company wants to cash in on the town's infamy by leading tours at some of the landmarks associated with those crimes. The town is split with some finding this appalling and others eager for the potential revenue it could bring to local businesses. Then a copycat killing occurs which has the whole town again living in fear. 

Murder Town in the second book in the PI Lane Holland series, but works perfectly as a standalone. Lane has a completely different role in this book and the information you need about him is included in the story. He begins investigating the original deaths while tea shop owner, Gemma, is also investigating. Gemma knows the town and the people and uses that knowledge to look into the crimes. Lane is an experienced PI but his circumstances limit what he can do. I was intrigued by what happened in both the old and the new cases. Everyone in the town is connected, and it was sometimes hard to keep all the relationships straight. However, overall I really enjoyed this tense, atmospheric story and all of its twists and turns. The very end of the book has an interesting development, and I really hope it is setting up a third book in the series.

I was provided a review copy of this book from NetGalley and William Morrow, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Gemma loves the area where she lives. When a body is found. She hopes the killer will be found quickly. This book lagged in a few places.

4 ⭐️ I enjoyed this engrossing and twisty thriller set in New Zealand. Although this is the second in a series, it reads well as a stand alone! I will definitely seek out book one and the sequel.

Set in Rainier, a small town where everyone knows everyone and their business, the town has been the site of two killings that landed a serial killer in prison.
When a third brutal killing takes place, multiple people become suspects. Gemma and Hugh, tea shop operator and cop, Aubrey and Mick, friend and Hugh’s coworker, Marcus Shadwell, brother of the murder victim. PI Lane Holland serving time in prison is brought on to try to get information from Jan the serial killer, who is in the same prison.

This story has so many threads and stories all woven together to a great ending that sets up for book three in the Lane Holland series.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Burr's first novel, WAKE, was excellent and a promising start to a murder mystery series. This book, MURDER TOWN, is the second book in the series and is just as good.

Fifteen years ago, the small Australian Outback town of Rainier had a series of gruesome murders committed by a man dubbed the Rainier Ripper. The town has tried to move on, but when a promoter for a walking tour of the murder sites is killed in the same manner as one of the Ripper's victims, notoriety returns to Rainier, and long-buried secrets may be uncovered. With the original Ripper safely locked up in prison, the town is afraid a copycat killer is recreating the murders.

Gemma Guillory, the wife of one of the town's police officers, is significantly affected by the latest killing and is now haunted by her association with the killings fifteen years ago. Afraid for her family, Gemma opens up to a former private investigator, who is behind bars with the Ripper, in hopes of finding out who killed the tour operator. Little does she know that finding the copycat killer will put her life in jeopardy and possibly those closest to her.

This is an atmospheric, gripping read. Burr excellently captures small-town life and the people who inhabit them. The plot is complex but plausible; the twists and the big reveal are unexpected. My only misgiving is how Gemma outwits the police by solving the murder and uncovering the truth about the previous murders. 4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is November 5, 2024.

Shelley Burr's Murder Town is rich with intriguing plot twists that keep the reader guessing. The concept of a town grappling with its dark past and the impact on its residents is a compelling backdrop for the story. Gemma's deep connection to the town’s history and her intimate knowledge of its people add an interesting layer to the narrative, raising the question of how well we truly know those around us.

However, the novel's pacing felt uneven at times, and the intertwining storylines occasionally became convoluted. This confusion might be attributed to the fact that I hadn't read Wake, which I later realized was connected to Murder Town. As a standalone, some plot points felt underdeveloped or confusing.

Overall, while the execution of Murder Town didn't fully meet my expectations, the book's intriguing concept and the atmospheric setting kept me engaged. Fans of crime and mystery novels may find the exploration of dark tourism and the lingering effects of past tragedies particularly interesting.

(I will post this review to social media and retail sites the week of publication)

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Shelley Burr’s Murder Town is a chilling and atmospheric thriller that plunges readers into the dark heart of a small Australian town with a haunting past. Known for her debut novel Wake, Burr once again showcases her talent for crafting suspenseful narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The story is set in Rainier, a town infamous for a series of brutal murders that occurred seventeen years ago.

Gemma Guillory, a local café owner, and her husband Hugh, a police officer, are still haunted by the events that unfolded back then. The couple’s quiet life is shattered when a new murder occurs, eerily reminiscent of the past killings. As old wounds are reopened, Gemma and Hugh must confront their deepest fears and secrets to uncover the truth.

Burr’s writing is evocative and immersive, painting a vivid picture of Rainier and its inhabitants. The town itself feels like a character, with its oppressive atmosphere and the lingering sense of dread that permeates every corner. Burr expertly uses the setting to heighten the tension, making the reader feel the claustrophobia and paranoia that grip the town.

The characters in Murder Town are well-developed and complex. Gemma is a particularly compelling protagonist, her resilience and determination shining through despite the trauma she has endured. Hugh’s struggle with his own demons adds another layer of depth to the story, making their relationship poignant and believable. The supporting cast, including the townspeople and the new faces that arrive with the latest murder, are equally well-drawn, each adding to the intricate web of secrets and lies.

The pacing of the novel is masterful. Burr knows exactly when to ramp up the suspense and when to slow down for moments of introspection. This balance keeps the reader engaged, with each chapter ending on a note that compels you to keep reading. The twists and turns are expertly plotted, with each revelation adding to the overall sense of unease. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Burr throws in another twist that leaves you questioning everything.

Murder Town explores how past traumas shape the present. Burr delves into the psychological impact of the murders on the town and its residents, examining how fear and suspicion can fester over time. This adds a layer of psychological depth to the narrative, making it more than just a simple whodunit.

Murder Town is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that will keep readers hooked. Shelley Burr has crafted a story that is thrilling and emotionally resonant, with characters that linger in the mind long after the final page is turned.

For fans of psychological thrillers and anyone who enjoys a well-told tale of suspense, this book is a must-read.

In the Australian-set, serial killer thriller "Murder Town," Shelley Burr showcases her impeccable narrative style, pulling readers in from the very first page with a suspenseful storyline, full of intricate layers and unexpected twists.

From protagonist Gemma Guillory to everyone in the supporting cast, every character is richly drawn with depth and authenticity. Gemma's journey is especially compelling, capturing her raw humanity that will foster a deep emotional connection with readers. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, with each one contributing significantly to the unfolding narrative and enriching the overall storyline.

The plot pacing is expertly handled, maintaining a perfect balance between high-stakes action and moments of introspection. Burr's ability to sustain intrigue throughout the novel is impressive, with every chapter bringing new revelations, building upon the intrigue and heightening the tension. This balance ensures readers will remain engaged, never feeling rushed or dragged along.

Through masterful narrative direction, rich characterization, and perfectly paced plot, Burr proves herself to be a remarkable storyteller. "Murder Town" is an immersive read that will keep readers hooked from start to finish, showcasing Burr's exceptional storytelling abilities.

I love the setting of this book, rural Australia. A small town where 3 murders took place 17 years ago, the killer was caught and is behind bars. Now a tour company has come to the town wanting to put Rainier on the map with a "scenic" tour of where the murders occurred and where the man was caught. Some people want it, and some people don't. But then the tour operator is found dead in the same place one of the victims. Gemma, who has lived in the town her whole life and 'found' the last of the victims, believes she can figure out who killed the latest victim.

There were a lot of characters to keep track of in this book, and a lot of relationships and questionable parentage. The book started off slow and was difficult to get into, but the last half was much more interesting. It was interesting how everything tied together in a unique way at the end.

Murder Town opens with a tense prologue that immediately threw me into the action and had me needing to know more. 

This plot driven murder mystery has a well developed story, several great twists, and plenty of suspects with long held secrets and complicated relationships. I enjoyed the portrayal of a rural town made up of lifelong relationships, old grudges, and the many complex aspects of life in a small community. The decades old wounds from a serial killer terrorizing their town are brought back to the surface by a copycat crime in present day, making an engaging, fast read that I flew thru in a day.

Overall, I didn't find Murder Town as captivating and unforgettable as the author's prior book, Wake, but it was still an enjoyable and satisfying murder mystery. I'll definitely pick up the next book in the series.

This was a good small town trying to survive type book. I loved the rural Australian setting of this one and feel like the author did a great job with the descriptions so I could envision it clearly. I enjoyed the plot and the writing, though I did struggle a little at some of the point of view changes. I didn’t feel that they were succinct enough to warrant leaving off chapter headings letting the reader know who’s POV we were on, and I was frustrated a few times. The pacing is on the slower side, but it isn’t a bad slow, it feels like it is intended to be on the slower side so the reader can fully grasp all the details that are being laid out. I enjoyed the twists and turns and felt that they were well done, I didn’t really see all of them coming and I liked that. I think that this is more in line with a true mystery and not necessarily a thriller. It is a nuanced mystery, and one you will want to make sure you are paying attention fully for, so you don’t miss any details.

A book that dances around serial killers? Sign me up, buttercup!

Shelley Burr, you are a rockstar

This book is dark! I was completely consumed as soon as I concluded the first chapter. There was no shortage of twists and turns and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The twist was insane and unpredictable!

I can not wait to see what Burr comes out with next! Murder Town releases November 5th and I strongly encourage you to purchase this book! Happy reading, folks!

Check out this teaser :

Gemma Guillory has lived in the Australian Outback enclave of Rainier her entire life. She knows the tiny, red-dust town’s ins and outs by heart, knows the people like they are her family, their quirks as if they were her own.

She also knows her once charming town is now remembered for one reason and one reason only: three innocent people died there at the hands of a serial killer. The last stop on the Rainier Ripper’s trail of deaths fifteen years ago was her picturesque little tea shop. She knows that the consequences of catching the Ripper still haunt her policeman husband and their marriage to this day, and some of her neighbors are desperate enough to welcome a dark tourism company keen to cash in on Rainier’s notoriety as the “Murder Town.”

When the tour guide is killed by a Ripper copycat on Gemma’s doorstep, the unease that has lurked quietly in the original killer’s wake explodes into the light, and Gemma is drawn into the investigation. Unbeknownst to her, so is a prisoner named Lane Holland, a former private investigator who earned a living cracking cold cases before he ran afoul of the law.

A small town, struggling to survive years after a bypass has left it away from the traffic it needs to survive may have a new lease on life when a tour company wants to move in. Its claim to fame is a tragic story of a serial killer who had struck fifteen years earlier but when the tour operator is murdered, everyone is suspect. The small town in the outback setting is interesting and the characters ring true. As a big fan of Candice Fox and Jane Harper I'm thrilled to add Shelley Burr to my list of must read writers.

I wish we could give half stars because this is more of a 3.5 then a 3 in all honesty.
Small Town, murders, secrets, and lies.
This is my kind of thriller drama!
If you want a good solid read look no further.

I also like to say this is a slow burn, I add that on my thriller reads because people can be harsh if they are expecting a face paced crazy ride.

Murder Town is book 2 in the PI Lane Holland series by Shelley Burr.
This was such a page turner.
A gripping thriller that starts at a measured pace, and the suspense intensifies with surprising twists and turns as I turned the pages!
With a great cast of characters that are believable and intriguing. It was paced well and just a fun, suspenseful story.
This well paced atmospheric murder mystery set in the Australian outback will keep you guessing until the very end.
Now I’m on the hunt for book one Wake.

Thank You NetGalley and William Morrow for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

I was excited to read Shelley Burr’s next novel after Wake, and Murder Town does not disappoint! Lane Holland who is also a staring character in Wake is a murder investigator in Murder Town but with a twist. Murder Town is set in Rainier, a small town in the Australian Outback. Many years ago a serial killer, the Rainier Ripper, terrorized the town killing 3 people. Now in present day a new murder in Rainier appears to be tied to the long ago murders. There is good character development and twists and turns. I would recommend reading Wake first.

Murder Town starts off kind of slow, with several members of a small town community debating just how much attention they want to draw to the fact that three murders were committed in their town by the same named Rainier Ripper. In the midst of mixed feelings and arguments, the tour guide is found murdered outside the building where the group was meeting, opening up a can of worms on the murders from years ago and the reason why someone was just killed and by whom. This is the point where it gets interesting, because naturally in a small community everyone is very interconnected, and protagonist Gemma quickly learns, keeping quite a few secrets. The inconsistencies of the murders increasingly seem to indicate that they aren’t all the actions of a single man currently dying in prison. But this means the clock is ticking to find out who is responsible for which deaths. Readers of Shelley Burr’s previous book will recognize Lane, a private investigator now in prison after the death of his father, who is recruited to try and find out from the Rainier Ripper more about the killings. The story wraps up in a tidy way with more twists than the reader may have expected, but leaving a clear indicator as to what Burr’s next story will be about. I don’t know that I’d call the book a true page-turner, but it was interesting and I enjoyed the way it played out. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.