Darkness for Light

Caleb Zelic, a profoundly deaf private investigator in Melbourne, takes on what appears to be a straightforward case involving corporate fraud. The investigation leads him into a complex web of financial crime and personal danger, forcing him to confront both professional and private challenges. His relationship with his ex-wife Kat remains complicated as they attempt to rebuild trust, while his business partner Frankie faces her own struggles. Caleb must navigate the criminal underworld of Melbourne while managing the everyday realities of being deaf in a hearing world. Working against time and with limited allies, Caleb uncovers connections between the fraud case and a series of violent incidents. He relies on his skills in reading body language and facial expressions to pursue the truth, even as the stakes escalate. The novel explores themes of isolation and connection, showing how communication barriers affect relationships on multiple levels. Through Caleb's perspective, it offers insights into the experience of disability while challenging conventional assumptions about vulnerability and strength.

Readers describe this as a fast-paced entry in the Caleb Zelic series with tight plotting and strong character development. The protagonist's deafness is portrayed authentically without overshadowing the mystery elements. Readers liked: - Integration of Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and deaf community details - Complex relationships between characters - Melbourne setting and atmosphere - Short chapters that maintain momentum Readers disliked: - Confusing plot threads for those who haven't read previous books - Some found the ending rushed - Violence may be too intense for some Ratings: Goodreads: 4.12/5 (342 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (89 ratings) Reader quotes: "The authenticity of Caleb's experiences as a deaf person in a hearing world adds depth without becoming a gimmick." - Goodreads review "Plot got tangled in places but the character work kept me invested." - Amazon review

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🔍 "Darkness for Light" is the third book in Emma Viskic's critically acclaimed Caleb Zelic series, following "Resurrection Bay" and "And Fire Came Down." 🦻 The protagonist, Caleb Zelic, is profoundly deaf, and author Emma Viskic learned Australian Sign Language (Auslan) to authentically portray his experiences. 🏆 Emma Viskic's debut novel in this series, "Resurrection Bay," won multiple awards including the Ned Kelly Award for Best First Fiction and an unprecedented three Davitt Awards. 📍 The book is set in Melbourne, Australia, and provides vivid descriptions of both the city's glamorous and gritty sides, incorporating real locations familiar to locals. 🎭 Before becoming a crime writer, Emma Viskic was a classical clarinetist who performed with various orchestras and ensembles throughout Australia.