Two missing backpackers. One vast outback.

DS Lucas Walker is on leave in his hometown, Caloodie, taking care of his dying grandmother. When two young German backpackers, Berndt and Rita, vanish from the area, he finds himself unofficially on the case. 
 
But why all the interest from the Federal Police when they have probably just ditched the heat and dust of the outback for the coast? Working in the organised crime unit has opened Walker's eyes to the growing drug trade in Australia's remote interior – and he becomes convinced there is more at play. 
 
As the number of days since the couple's disappearance climbs, Walker is joined by Rita's older sister. A detective herself with Berlin CID, she has flown to Australia – desperate to find her sister. 
 
Their search becomes ever more urgent as temperatures soar. Even if Walker does find the young couple, will it be too late? 
 
This deeply atmospheric thriller is the gripping opening of a new crime series for fans of Jane Harper, Cara Hunter and Chris Whitaker.

PRAISE FOR OUTBACK:

‘Tense, atmospheric and gripping. I eagerly await the next DS Walker thriller’ - CHRIS WHITAKER 
 
‘A hot read. I highly recommend it.’ - LYNDA LA PLANTE CBE 
 
‘A tense, twisty read that gripped me from its shocking start, immersed me in its sun-scorched landscape, then raced to its satisfying conclusion’ - SARAH YARWOOD-LOVETT 
 
‘Nail-bitingly tense. A startlingly well-accomplished debut.’ - JOHN MARRS 
 
‘A setting so vivid it's almost a character within itself’ - BECCA DAY