Those Who Perish

Those Who Perish follows Caleb Zelic, a private investigator who is deaf, as he travels to a remote Australian island to locate a missing girl. His search leads him to a community gripped by fear and silence, where outsiders are not welcome. The investigation forces Caleb to confront dark elements from his past while navigating the island's secretive residents and treacherous terrain. His abilities as an investigator are tested as he works to uncover the truth despite communication barriers and mounting resistance from locals. The story explores themes of isolation, trauma, and the price of uncovering buried secrets. Through Caleb's perspective as a deaf protagonist, the narrative examines how different forms of silence can both protect and destroy.

Many readers found this fourth book in the Caleb Zelic series to be a tense, claustrophobic mystery with well-developed characters. Reviews highlight the complexity of the family dynamics and the integration of Auslan (Australian Sign Language) into the narrative. Readers praised: - Plot pacing and tension - Representation of Deaf community and culture - Character development of protagonist Caleb - Emotional depth of family relationships Common criticisms: - Hard to follow without reading previous books - Some found the ending rushed - Too many characters introduced in early chapters Ratings: Goodreads: 4.09/5 (187 ratings) Amazon AU: 4.5/5 (23 ratings) Book Depository: 4.3/5 (41 ratings) One reader noted: "The setting descriptions make you feel trapped alongside Caleb." Another commented: "The tension builds naturally through small details rather than dramatic action scenes." Many recommend starting with the first book in the series rather than reading as a standalone.

The Dry by Jane Harper A federal agent returns to his drought-stricken hometown to investigate a murder-suicide involving his childhood friend, uncovering secrets in a close-knit Australian community.

Resurrection Bay by Emma Viskic A deaf private investigator searches for answers in Melbourne's criminal underworld after his friend's brutal murder, navigating a complex web of loyalties and betrayals.

The Dark Lake by Sarah Bailey A detective's investigation of a murdered high school teacher forces her to confront her own past secrets in a small Australian town.

Trust by Chris Hammer A Sydney journalist becomes entangled in a murder investigation that connects to high-level corruption and his own complicated history.

The Second Son by Loraine Peck A former criminal tries to protect his family from a gang war in Sydney's western suburbs while confronting his own violent past.

🔍 Emma Viskic drew from her own musical background as a classical clarinetist to create her protagonist Caleb Zelic, who is profoundly deaf 🏆 Those Who Perish is the fourth book in the critically acclaimed Caleb Zelic series, which has won multiple awards including five Davitt Awards and three Ned Kelly Awards 🌊 The novel is set on a remote Australian island, inspired by the rugged landscapes of Flinders Island in Bass Strait between Tasmania and mainland Australia 👥 The author conducted extensive research and consultations with members of the Deaf community to ensure authentic representation of deaf culture and experiences 📚 The book explores themes of family trauma, white supremacy, and isolation while maintaining the fast-paced thriller elements that characterize the series