When predators crawl out of the ruins
The Warramunga's Aftermath of War by Greg Kater is a meld of political thriller, mystery, and historical narrative, a tale with a strong historical setting. A fishing boat is discovered in distress in the rough seas northwest of Darwin in late 1945. Jamie Munro and Jack "Jacko" O'Brien are called to investigate - the story behind the boat could be linked to a sinister trade: human trafficking and a group of shadowy, powerful, and wealthy pedophiles who finance child smuggling, with links to the Philippines, the US, and Australia amongst the ruins of war.
Jamie Munro and Jack "Jacko" O'Brien are very believable characters and an unusual pair, two characters with two distinct cultural backgrounds yet sharing one thing in common - the fight against crime. The writing is refined, genuine, and real, and this realism becomes one of the most appealing element in Greg Kater's novel. The setting in the Philippines after the Japanese occupation is vividly captured in the prose and the social commentaries allow readers clear images of the setting. The Warramunga's Aftermath of War covers a variety of themes and that make the narrative relevant - human trafficking, war, and adventure. The novel is engaging and filled with unexpected surprises and an unpredictability in plot that keeps readers turning the pages. It's an exciting read, indeed!