The Carnival is Over

(Paperback)

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Description

1971Hal is seventeen, with dreams of escaping from Moorabool to a life in the city. But right now hes on a good behaviour bond and stuck in a job he hates, paying off the car he borrowed and crashed. Hals packing-room job makes him a target for workplace bullies and the friendship of the older, more worldly Christine is all that makes each day bearable. So when she doesnt turn up for work, hes on the alert.

So is Sergeant Mick Goodenough. But he already knows whats happened to Christine: the same thing that happened to the newly elected deputy mayor. When another gruesome accident occurs in Moorabool, Goodenough suspects theres something sinister going on behind the scenes at the abattoir.

Mick and Hal are both determined to dig up the truth. Before long each of them is going to find himself in mortal danger and running for his life.

Greg Woodland, author of the acclaimed The Night Whistler, returns with another nailbiting rural thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Reviews

The Carnival Is Over was a hair-raising, heart-racing rollercoaster ride of a read. Loved it! * Claudine Tinellis *
The Carnival is Over starts with a bang and doesnt let up. Woodland is unafraid to tackle dark themes and his books are a welcome addition to Aussie rural noir. * Natalie Conyer, author of Present Tense winner of the 2020 Ned Kelly Best Debut Fiction Award *
You dont have to have read Greg Woodlands acclaimed debut novel The Night Whistler to thoroughly enjoy his latest, The Carnival is OverBut (five years later) everyone has moved on and become better and worse versions of themselves, but their underlying complexities, strengths and weaknesses are ever apparentthe run through to the climax is a series of twists and turns helmed by a villain grisly enough to cause nightmares. Another stellar performance from a writer at the top of his game. * Loraine Peck, author of The Second Son, winner Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime 2021 *
This atmospheric, fast-paced and suspense-filled novel grabbed me from the first page and didnt let up until the last. A thoroughly entertaining and terrific sequel. * Rae Cairns author of The Good Mother *
Troubling undercurrents swirl in a seductively involving story of small-town secrets and obsessions. * Garry Disher on The Night Whistler *
The Carnival is Over is a complex but tightly woven page-turner, full of expertly portrayed characters that are battling against an array of dark and menacing crimesif theyre not committing them!...and interspersed with wonderful moments of kindness and humour. If you love well-written Aussie crime thrillers, youre going to devour this. * Lyn Yeowart, author of The Silent Listener *
'A haunting, tense and unforgettable debut. * Christian White on The Night Whistler *
Greg Woodland's cinematic imagination delivers with this fast-paced journey into 1970s small-town Australia. A thrill-ride into the past. * Hayley Scrivenor, author of Dirt Town *
Moving between multiple characters perspectives through short and sharp chapters, from the sergeant to town locals, The Carnival is Over is a fast-paced read that really takes you back in time. Woodland joins a growing number of Australian authors writing brilliant rural crime, and we cant get enough of them. Fans of Margaret Hickey and Chris Hammer will devour this. * Better Reading *
Woodland[draws] the story forward five years...delivering a very different type of crime story, one that digs deep into the culture of small towns at the time...The Carnival is Over is another atmospheric and engaging work of crime fiction from Woodland. * Robert Goodman, Pile by the Bed *
Gripping. * SA Weekend *
Thrilling. * Australian *
With vivid characters adding local colour to the familiar tale of corruption in regional politicsthe women in [The Carnival is Over] take centre stage and leave a lasting impression. * Sydney Morning Herald *

Author Bio

Greg Woodland is an author, screenwriter and former director. Since 2000 hes worked as a freelance script editor and consultant for film funding bodies and the Australian Writers Guild and taught screenwriting at Sydney film schools and universities. His first novel, The Night Whistler, was shortlisted for a 2021 Ned Kelly Award.