文學小說
更新日期:
2017-06-21
Caleb Zelic #1: Resurrection Bay
Emma Viskic
Echo Publishing
September 2015
272pp
書籍編號:
01-2399
已有電子文稿,歡迎索稿審閱!
● 內文簡介

★2019年巴瑞獎(Barry Award,是美國犯罪小說雜誌《Deadly Pleasures》創辦的獎項)得獎作品
★ 2015澳洲iBook最佳犯罪小說獎得主
★《金融時報》、《Crime Time UK》年度選書
★ 榮獲澳洲推理界最高榮譽「奈德‧凱利獎」(Ned Kelly Award) 2016最佳首作小說獎
★ 榮獲2016澳洲「艾倫‧戴維獎」(Ellen Davitt Awards) 最佳首作小說
★一併入圍英國犯罪作家協會(CWA)The Gold Dagger Award、The New Blood Dagger Award決選作品


澳洲新銳作家Emma Viskic初試啼聲的犯罪小說《Resurrection Bay》,是以失去聽覺能力的優秀偵探Caleb Zelic作為主角的系列小說首部曲,作者以細膩的文筆,深刻的描繪出無聲世界裡的靜謐,對比出其他感官強烈感受力,為這部充滿原創性的犯罪小說增添更多的戲劇張力。

由於年幼時的一場大病,讓卡理布(Caleb)的耳朵從此失去聽覺,從此之後,他就像置身於一個與外界隔離的世界,只能靜默的看著他人的日常。透過觀察與體會,他漸漸能從人們細微的表情、熱情的微笑,甚至是落在臉頰上的親吻,察覺隱藏其中的跡象與隱諱的意涵。隨著年紀漸長,卡理布對於這項技能日趨精熟,只要在短短數分鐘之間,便能察覺週遭人事物各項枝微末節。這項獨特的天賦也成為了卡里布賴以維生的技能,他與一名因酗酒被革職的前警探法蘭基(Frankie)合夥,在墨爾本開設了一間私家偵信社,為市井小民們解決各項疑難雜症。

某次卡理布接受一位客戶的委託,調查近期一起倉庫的搶劫案,案件看似平凡無奇,卻苦於沒有任何的線索,卡理布想起了童年的好友蓋瑞(Gary)正是這座倉庫轄區的警官,希望他能藉職務之便,看看能否找到一些蛛絲馬跡。沒想到這項看似簡單的請託,卻讓蓋瑞因此死於非命。當蓋瑞受盡凌虐的屍體遭人發現時,一股愧疚之意在卡理布的心中油然而生,他誓言將殺害好友的真兇繩之以法。

卡理布手中唯一的線索卻只有一封蓋瑞在死前發出的簡訊──史卡特(Scott)

史卡特究竟是兇手的名字?抑或是一個隱晦的暗號?然而,無論這個神祕的「史卡特」究竟是什麼,卡理布很快將會發現,他不僅代表著黑暗、貪腐,且將無所不用其極的阻止他們揭發事件的真相。

《Resurrection Bay》之中成功的運用卡理布這位獨特的主角,表現出在少了聽力的輔助下,其他感官的感受力被放大後的世界,呈現出一種靜謐卻與眾不同的氛圍,是一部原創性極高、節奏緊湊,引人入勝的犯罪小說。

 

● 作者簡介

Emma Viskic 澳洲得獎犯罪小說家,本書《Resurrection Bay》為他的處女作小說,在澳洲出版後,獲得讀者們熱烈的迴響,以及無數獎項的肯定。

 

● 媒體報導

"​Viskic’s novel is a fine example of modern noir, a dark tale of crime, betrayals, secrets and bad decisions. Caleb is a compelling protagonist, equal parts tenacious, observant, proud and stubborn, but never unsympathetic ... a compelling, highly recommended read."​ — BOOKS+PUBLISHING

"​Viskic's characterisation, dialogue and plotting are on par with some of the heavyweights of crime writing."​ — SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

"​Beautifully understated observations, and the sly, dry sense of humour dotted throughout Resurrection Bay are part of what make this debut novel a joy to read, especially as there is no overshadowing of story by character or vice versa. ... This is an outstanding debut novel from an author you’d hope is busy on the next instalment right now."​ — THE NEWTOWN REVIEW OF BOOKS

A "terrific debut . . . The hearing-impaired Caleb (Zelic) must rely on his keen ability to read faces as he tries to figure out whom, if anyone, he can trust. The truth behind the violence is both stunning and fairly clued, and Caleb is a sufficiently complex lead to easily sustain a series. James Ellroy and Paul Cleave fans will relish this hard-edged crime novel." — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

"Outstanding. . . a gripping and violent tale with a hero who is original and appealing.​" — The Guardian

"More than lives up to its hype ... Fierce, fast-moving, violent … it is as exciting a debut as fellow Australian Jane Harper’s The Dry, and I can think of no higher praise." — Daily Mail

"Trailing literary prizes in its wake… superbly characterized… well above most contemporary crime fiction." — Financial Times

"[A] stunning debut … original and splendidly plotted with a harshness that nevertheless allows humour to intrude. Above all, it has a superb cast of main characters." — The Times (Crime Book of the Month)

"All the staples of Australian crime fiction are here: unflinching violence, corrupt cops, brutish men and tougher women. Viskic, garlanded with five book awards down under, adds some enjoyable refinements: Caleb Zelic, a hero whose investigations are somewhat hampered by the fact that he's profoundly deaf, and a zinging wit to savour. First of a Zelic series." — Sunday Times Crime Club

"This outstanding debut from Australian author Viskic is fast-paced with gut-wrenching twists and an engaging protagonist." — Daily Express

"A very impactful thriller… distinctive… a hero you will want more of in future." — The Book Bag

"the dialogue is excellent. . . [the plot] zooms along." — Sunday Express

"Wow! What a debut novel! Captivating, quirky and absolutely riveting." — Crime Book Junkie

"Viskic’s novel is the reason I love reviewing. This is a truly gripping debut which feels as though written by a seasoned writer. Mesmerising." — Crimesquad

"Excellent debut novel … certainly a name to watch." — SHOTS crime fiction magazine

"Gutsy, original. . . [a] stunning crime debut... [with a] devilishly tricky plot." — Thriller Books Journal

"The drama added by Caleb’s deafness is what makes the book." — Action on Hearing Loss

“An Australian thriller at its finest. A captivating read from first page to last. In Caleb Zelic, Viskic has created a character with depth and heart who will linger long after the final page.” — Jane Harper, author of The Dry

"In her research for Resurrection Bay, the author studied Australian sign language to add to the authenticity of the novel and that work really pays off here." — Crime Fiction Lover

“Pacy, violent but with a big thundering heart… An outstanding debut.” — Eva Dolan, author of Long Way Home

“A terrific book … sharp, punchy, visceral and propulsive. The story grabs you by the throat from the opening pages and it never once slackens its hold.” — Christos Tsiolkas, author of The Slap

"On par with the heavyweights of crime." — Sydney Morning Herald

"A compelling, highly recommended read." — Books+Publishing

"An outstanding debut novel from an author you'd hope is busy on the next instalment right now." — The Newtown Review of Books

"Distinctive flavour. . . several twists." — Herald Scotland

"Fast-moving narrative. . . numerous yet coherent plot developments. . . [the character of Caleb is] convincingly portrayed." — Mystery People

"Viskic has created a genuinely unique and captivating character who deserves a place alongside Jack Irish and Cliff Hardy." — P. M. Newton

"I was totally immersed … sharp, snappy, hard-boiled … a refreshingly original main protagonist." — Raven Crime Reads

"A kick in the teeth when the sting in the tail comes." — Clover Hill


"I was hooked … There is so much to love about Resurrection Bay." — Northern Crime

"A truly rock and roll writing style… riveting … banging brilliant … A perfect storm of a read … Highly recommended." — Liz Loves Books

"A deadly game of cat and mouse … with double-crossing and questionable motives aplenty … a good twist." — Crime Thriller Hound


"Outstanding… gripping and violent… a hero who is original and appealing." — Laura Wilson, Guardian

"If this is anything to go by, we could do with more Aussie crime fiction over here. Viskic knows how to put together a gripping story." — Nudge Books

"It has a unique take… great twists and turns with excellent layering." — Nudge Books Second Opinion Column

"A terrific new voice. Great writing and credibly vulnerable characters." — The Irish Examiner

"After reading this book [book two] can’t come quickly enough… I really need to know what happens next." — Steph’s Book Blog

"Punchily written and snappily paced, with a vivid cast of characters." — David’s Book World (blog)

"A thriller that delivers a rush… a gritty and at times violent book with a great storyline at its very heart." — The Last Word (blog)

"An excellent twist… The writing flowed effortlessly… A recommended read for all crime thriller fans." — Never Imitate (blog)

"Viskic really ramps up the tension… Excellent pacing, I loved the plot… Fantastic conclusion which delivered." — Col's Criminal Library (blog)