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Bitter Wash Road cover art

Bitter Wash Road

By: Garry Disher
Narrated by: Steve Shanahan
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Publisher's Summary

Shots fired on Bitter Wash Road....

Hirsch is a whistle-blower. Formerly a promising metropolitan officer, now hated and despised. Exiled to a one-cop station in South Australia’s wheatbelt. Threats. Pistol cartridge in the mailbox.

So when he heads up Bitter Wash Road to investigate gunfire and finds himself cut off without backup, there are two possibilities. Either he’s found the fugitive killers thought to be in the area - or his ‘backup’ is about to put a bullet in him.

He’s wrong on both counts. But the events that unfold turn out to be a lot more sinister.

©2013 Garry Disher (P)2021 W. F. Howes Ltd

Critic Reviews

"One of Australia’s best-written crime fictions to date." (Australian)

"Fast-paced, funny, and believable." (Bookmunch)

"Smooth, assured mastery." (New York Times Book Review)

What listeners say about Bitter Wash Road

Average Customer Ratings
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Riveting

Kept me guessing right till the bitter end. Will definitely be listening to more from this author.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Disher at his absolute best

The first Hirschhausen is still the best: the story, the atmosphere, the brilliant writing. Disher was doing rural noir long before anyone else, long before someone called it a genre. And he does it better than any of his imitators. Shanahan’s reading is almost perfect.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant. Great story line. Compelling characters. Unexpected twists. Really enjoyed this author. Highly recommended.

First time I’ve experienced this author. Really like the main character and look forward to getting to know him in future stories.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Thoroughly absorbing from start to finish

Loved the narration. Loved the plot. Loved the description of outback Australia. Waiting for the next one.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent

Great story and the narration really brings the story to life. Have loved Steve Shanahan’s performance in other books as well! Will be downloading another book from this author as my next read!

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Riveting

Sad, scary and grim at times but so worth the ride. I’ve been through that part of the country many times and this story took me straight back there, which I really enjoyed. I’ll now buy a hard copy of this book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not a bad listen

***Spoiler Alert***


Not a bad book to listen too, just didn't like the lack of an ending is all.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Just ok.

This book was excellent at painting the landscape and mood of the town, but the story was nothing new or interesting. I hardly noticed the climax. I couldn't really tell you anything exciting or interesting that happened. Cliches galore too.
The narrator had a great voice but had drawn out pauses after every sentence and even mid sentence too. I will probably forget this book pretty quickly.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • Me
  • 12-07-2023

Interesting story

I want to know more….. what happens next?
Great narration as always.
Recommend this one.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliantly narrated, plenty of twists.

Terrific narration.
Intriguing story set in rural Australia, wonderfully described, the terrain and life of those living in the township and outer regions.

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  • Barbara
  • 18-03-2023

You need a strong stomach

I didn't finish this. I can see why people would describe this as being representative of the attitudes of the men it describes then and now serving in the police force. I just don't want to read a whole book crammed with realistic and vile hateful language used about women along with constant references to assaults on them. I heard it a lot when I was younger, and it still makes me feel sick.
This isn't intended as a criticism of the author or the book: I simply wished I had known more about the content before I started it. I don't enjoy this type of graphic content, and I'm no prude.
I'm sure others will enjoy this book, and appreciate the narrator, who is excellent. it's just not my cup of tea.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • RubyShoes
  • 06-03-2022

On to the next..

Really enjoyed this one. Have already downloaded the next in the series.
Steve Shanahan's narration is also excellent.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Rubyrose
  • 10-03-2023

Very Good

A really good book. It has an interesting storyline that interweaves themes and characters so you get a very rich story. It has a good pace, a real mix of characters , a satisfying resolution and excellent narration.

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  • NJK71
  • 21-02-2023

Excellent- chilling

Very good story, excellently read. Small town isolation, fear and sadness that could apply anywhere- Great pace and atmosphere in audible book listening

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