Review: Croc Country by Kerry McGinnis

Title: Croc Country

Published: July 2nd 2020, Michael Joseph

Status: Read July 2020, courtesy PenguinRandomHouse Australia

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My Thoughts:

Croc Country is an engaging novel blending romance and suspense from Kerry McGinnis.

After the tragic drowning of her husband and toddler daughter, Tilly left Queensland to become the house manager for the rangers of Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Northern Territory’s Gulf country. She finds solace in her routine, but when two policeman arrive and suggest not only that her husband may still be alive but possibly near by, Tilly is stunned. While refusing to believe such a betrayal possible, when Tilly and ranger Luke discover evidence of wildlife smuggling, and visiting botanist Connor makes a confession, she is forced to face the ghosts of her past.

McGinnis develops a strong and interesting plot of intrigue in Croc Country involving smuggling, corruption and murder. I thought the intersection of various agencies was quite unique and the the action was well paced, tense, and exciting. While honestly Tilly’s husbands involvement is a bit of a stretch, it’s a minor flaw.

I liked the mix of characters, particularly non nonsense Sophie and enthusiastic ranger, and twitcher, Luke. The romance that develops between Tilly and Connor is a pleasant, low key element of the story. As they are quite a young couple, I found the old fashioned endearments between them a little awkward though.

Though Binboona Wildlife Sanctuary is fictional, McGinnis places it in the east of the Gulf, near The Lost City, the site of ancient sandstone pillars. While vivid description from the author brings the beautiful landscape to life, she also details the work of the rangers in preserving it. They are kept busy with numerous tasks including land maintenance, wildlife protection, and hosting a seasonal influx of tourists, which I liked learning more about.

I was waiting for a crocodile to make an appearance in truth, but instead we meet a canny butcherbird, an injured brolga, a trio of orphaned joey’s, a sweet sugar glider, and a rare bat, along with the odd snake which slithers by.

Croc Country is my favourite of McGinnis’s bestselling novels so far

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Also by Kerry McGinnis reviewed at Book’d Out