BLACK RIVER

‘The book is skilfully written and cleverly structured with a cast of characters sufficient to keep the crime fiction habitué well served for suspects and with a fluid pace that makes it highly readable.

Black River is a complex work; like all our best crime fiction it insists that we look closely at contemporary society.’

— BARBIE ROBINSON - LIVING ARTS CANBERRA

‘Wholly absorbing suspense, intricate plotting, and terrific characters makes BLACK RIVER fiercely readable.

BLACK RIVER gets a maximum unputdownability rating.’

— RICHARD COTTER - SYDNEY ARTS GUIDE

‘Impressive entry unto Australia’s crime writing ranks. Spencer maintains the momentum and the interest at a high level as the story builds to a gripping finale.

It is a very enjoyable read.’

— JEFF POPPLE - CANBERRA WEEKLY MAGAZINE

‘Spencer has created characters who are very real, with flaws in their makeup which adds a dose of realism to the story, giving the story an edginess that draws you in and refuses to let go until the killer is caught.’

— BLUEWOLF-REVIEWS.COM

‘A sign of a good read is its freshness when read a second time and Black River achieves this. I would certainly recommend it to murder/ mystery fans for its engaging, well-paced story and range of interesting characters.’

— QUEENSLAND REVIEWERS COLLECTIVE

‘Spencer hits a sweet spot of character, place, and plot – delivering a page-turning thriller that along the way also has a few things to say about present-day Australia and its institutions.’

— PILEBYTHEBED.COM

‘Black River reads like a Sydney-based Ed McBain 87th Precinct novel, with all the mechanics down pat.

Spencer masterfully builds his plot … ratcheting tension superbly until its nail-biting climax … his prose seemingly honed at the school of Elmore Leonard who knew better than anyone to leave out what readers skip. There’s a lot left unsaid … plenty to explore in sequels I can’t wait to read.’

— @WRITTENBYSIME ON IG

‘Black River lives up to the hype. It's a compelling read.’ ’Can't wait for the sequel which he's working on now.’

— KAREN HARDY - CANBERRA TIMES

‘A new book so professionally crafted and fluently written I’d defy readers to pick it as the author’s first novel.

Brisk, slangy dialogue and aphoristic one-liners propel Spencer’s narrative towards its violent climax. Hands up for a sequel.’

—ROBYN WALTON - THE AUSTRALIAN

'A debut like few others, this tale feels vibrant and real for an array of reasons . . . The plotting is masterful and the setting faithful to the rugged Australian landscape. Spencer has made a statement in this outstanding debut. Black River has the potential to be one of the best police procedural novels of 2022.’

— SAMUEL BERNARD - GOOD READING MAGAZINE

'This definitely kept me guessing the whole way through. I definitely will be reading Matthew’s next book!'

— 1GIRL2MANYBOOKS.WORDPRESS.COM

'Black River is a fine read, breathing new life into the urban police procedural and the predictability of the serial killer thriller while offering trenchant observations about people and place that ring infallibly true. Such is the power of good crime fiction.'

— SUE TURNBULL SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

'I loved BLACK RIVER. Dark, gritty, tense, atmospheric. Dash of humour. Give this Aussie crime writing newbie a hearty welcome.'

— CANDICE FOX - AUSTRALIAN CRIME WRITING SUPERSTAR

'Sharply plotted and relentlessly paced, it kept me guessing until the last page.'

— BESTSELLING AUTHOR - MICHAEL ROBOTHAM

'Black River hooked me and wouldn’t let me go.
You’re going to want to read this one with all the lights on.'

— AUTHOR - TIM AYLIFFE

'A meticulous, propulsive thriller with a cast of standout characters and intriguing setting.

I could not stop reading it.'

— AUTHOR SARAH BAILEY

'Propulsive and intricate. A gritty Sydney comes to life in Spencer's compelling cast of characters. A crime thriller that is absolutely not to be missed.'

— AUTHOR - HAYLEY SCRIVENOR