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Crimson Lake: A Novel (Crimson Lake, 1) Hardcover – March 6, 2018

by Candice Fox (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars 2,590 ratings
Editors' pick Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
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How do you move on when the world won’t let you?

12:46: Claire Bingleystands alone at a bus stop
12:47: Ted Conkaffey parks his car beside her
12:52: The girl is missing . . .

Six minutes in the wrong place at the wrong time―that’s all it took to ruin Sydney detective Ted Conkaffey’s life. Accused but not convicted of a brutal abduction, Ted is now a free man―and public enemy number one. Maintaining his innocence, he flees north to keep a low profile amidst the steamy, croc-infested wetlands of Crimson Lake.

There, Ted’s lawyer introduces him to eccentric private investigator Amanda Pharrell, herself a convicted murderer. Not entirely convinced Amanda is a cold-blooded killer, Ted agrees to help with her investigation, a case full of deception and obsession, while secretly digging into her troubled past. The residents of Crimson Lake are watching the pair's every move . . . and the town offers no place to hide.

"Complex, human characters, and a dark, meaty story, and fine writing, and a great sense of place – this is one of the best crime thrillers of the year. Sign me up as a big-time Fox fan!" ―Lee Child

Crimson Lake by Sydney-based, Ned Kelly award-winning author Candice Fox is a thrilling contemporary crime novel set in Queensland, Australia, perfect for readers of authors like James Patterson, Harlan Coben, Lisa Gardner, and Tana French.

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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Crimson Lake
  2. Print length
    352 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Forge Books
  5. Publication date
    March 6, 2018
  6. Dimensions
    6.35 x 1.26 x 9.43 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0765398486
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0765398482
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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

An Amazon Best Book of March 2018: As Crimson Lake opens, former cop Ted Conkaffey is in a bad way: accused but not convicted of killing a teenager, his marriage is over, he doesn’t know when he’ll see his baby daughter again, his job is gone, and the thin blue line has turned its back on him. Alone, he spends his nights drinking in a cheap rented house in the grim suburb of Crimson Lake, listening to the sounds of angry neighbors and opportunistic teens throwing missiles at his front windows and grappling with “dark thoughts.” Even when his parole officer sets him up with a job as an investigator, it doesn’t seem like a leg up: his new boss Amanda Pharrell did time too, for murdering her best friend when they were teenagers, and Crimson Lake residents haven’t forgotten. When they go to interview the family in their first case together, Ted can only pray they don’t recognize his face from TV. Two investigators operating under this level of scrutiny and hostility is a great set up for a tense thriller and Fox does a superb job of weaving past and present murders together, setting up a literary shell game to keep the reader guessing who’s guilty and who’s innocent. And the humbled, by-the-book cop finding himself working for a damaged woman with an unorthodox approach to investigating adds an additional layer of complexity to a story that is shaping up to be a great new series. --Vannessa Cronin

Review

"A bright new star of crime fiction – inventive, thrilling and totally addictive." ―James Patterson

"A masterful novel that teases right up to its final page. Definitely a writer to watch." ―Harlan Coben

"Complex, human characters, and a dark, meaty story, and fine writing, and a great sense of place – this is one of the best crime thrillers of the year. Sign me up as a big-time Fox fan!" ―Lee Child

“Compelling…boasts full-bodied characters, suspense with a quirky edge, and a strong sense of place.”―Booklist (starred)

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Forge Books; First Edition (March 6, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0765398486
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0765398482
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.17 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.35 x 1.26 x 9.43 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 2,590 ratings

About the author

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Candice Fox

Candice Fox

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
2,590 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book entertaining with an excellent story encompassing several smaller mysteries, and they appreciate the well-developed characters and writing style. The book's setting receives positive feedback, with one customer noting how the Australian backdrop adds to the narrative. The pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding it fast-paced while others note it moves slowly.

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78 customers mention "Readability"73 positive5 negative

Customers find the book readable and entertaining, with one customer noting the author's knack for storytelling.

"...She's got the knack for telling a really good story that pulls you in, captivating your interest throughout her books...." Read more

"...She was a creative concoction and kept the book interesting...." Read more

"...One of the best types of openings is one which intrigues the reader, draws one in and insists one follow without having any idea where the path will..." Read more

"...This book was good, but the writer ended it abruptly, unfortunately. So, average read." Read more

65 customers mention "Plot twists"57 positive8 negative

Customers enjoy the plot twists in this mystery novel, which encompasses several smaller mysteries that are wrapped up in a satisfying way.

"If you haven't read Candace Fox, I am so sorry. You're missing a very clever and interesting mass of words that have you chuckling one minute and..." Read more

"This is a well-done mystery. The author creates interesting characters...." Read more

"...such a strong sense of place and character that one is immediately involved in the story. Fox achieves both goals...." Read more

"Crimson Lake by Candice Fox is an incredibly fast-paced and riveting mystery which is set in a small town in Queensland, Australia...." Read more

45 customers mention "Character development"42 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them extremely interesting and well-developed, with one customer noting the strong sense of place and character.

"...Her characters are very real and relatable. Amanda Pharrell is the most entertaining character I've encountered in a long time...." Read more

"This is a well-done mystery. The author creates interesting characters...." Read more

"...It's the characters which compel one to keep reading. Interesting, unusual, well-constructed characters are a reader's dream...." Read more

"...Crimson Lake is a complex, layered mystery with interesting characters, a compelling storyline and a vibrant setting...." Read more

28 customers mention "Writing quality"28 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its good plot and style, with one customer highlighting how the author skillfully weaves the stories together.

"...This author writes with flair. It didn't feel like a first book for her. I saw she co-writes books with James Patterson...." Read more

"This is a new-to-me author and narrator and I am thrilled to say that I am hooked!..." Read more

"Read all three books. Was not disappointed. Love her writing style!" Read more

"...She is a terrific young writer!" Read more

6 customers mention "Setting"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the setting of the book, with one customer particularly appreciating the Queensland location and how it adds to the story's appeal.

"...I saw she co-writes books with James Patterson. The Australia setting added to the fun mix...." Read more

"...The Queensland setting, flora and fauna, are deftly interwoven. You can feel. smell it. The Audible recording’s narrator is superb...." Read more

"Crimson Lake is a great read, the setting, the characters and the complexity of the mystery (s) was fascinating...." Read more

"...Loved the setting as described in the story." Read more

16 customers mention "Pace"7 positive9 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it fast-paced while others note that it begins and maintains a slow pace.

"Book is very different from the Amazon Troppo show. Also rather slow pace with many eccentric characters" Read more

"Crimson Lake by Candice Fox is an incredibly fast-paced and riveting mystery which is set in a small town in Queensland, Australia...." Read more

"...It may be slow-ish at times, (I prefer “methodical”), but definitely never boring. ...." Read more

"...I enjoy the plot, the development of the pace, all the way to the ends. Will highly recommend this book to any thriller fan." Read more

This is a MUST READ!!!
5 out of 5 stars
This is a MUST READ!!!
This is the first book in the series by Candice Fox. It is BRILLIANT! Her characters are so well developed that you immediately begin to feel empathy for them. Anger soon follows as you see them struggle with issues surrounding them . This book will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will make you desperate to get your hands on the second book of the series, Redemption Point. It is an excellent book. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting. You do not want to miss this author!!!!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Chuck
    5.0 out of 5 stars Crocky Mate!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    If you haven't read Candace Fox, I am so sorry. You're missing a very clever and interesting mass of words that have you chuckling one minute and incredulous the next. She's got the knack for telling a really good story that pulls you in, captivating your interest throughout her books. Her characters are very real and relatable. Amanda Pharrell is the most entertaining character I've encountered in a long time. Ted Conkafey is a great character too. You find yourself flipping pages for the next surprise. Ted wasn't convicted officially for kidnapping and raping a young teen but he's guilty in everyone else's eyes even though he really is innocent. Amanda murdered a fellow teen classmate and served time and she did it but because Ted is a good investor and former cop he discovers some things aren't open and shut.
    Amanda is a really good investor herself and learns the truth behind her partner Ted's case. All this while investigating the murder of a famous author. Without giving anything away the book builds throughout until you get to this climax at the end where you can not possibly put the book down. There's no comparison to any other authors, Candace Fox is in her own league. I'd read anything she writes. In fact, I am starting Redemption Point soon.
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  • L.M. Keefer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This is a well-done mystery. The author creates interesting characters. I liked the cop who was suspected of a heinous crime, and his quirky partner. She was a creative concoction and kept the book interesting. Fun to have a best-selling author as a potential victim and learn about the life of authors.

    This author writes with flair. It didn't feel like a first book for her. I saw she co-writes books with James Patterson. The Australia setting added to the fun mix. I enjoyed this and will recommend it to our mystery book group.
    One person found this helpful
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  • L. J. Roberts
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ted and Amanda are a team of whom one wants to see more. A wonderful read.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    First Sentence: I was having some seriously dark thoughts when I found Woman.

    Ted Conkaffey was tried for the rape of a teenage girl but was released when enough evidence couldn't be found to convict him. Now he lives every day with the fear of being re-arrested. Amanda Pharrell served eight years for murder, was released and is now a PI in Crimson Lake, Australia. When a wealthy woman hires Amanda to determine whether the woman's missing husband, author Jake Scully, is dead, Amanda insists that Ted help her with the case. What did happen to the husband? Is Ted really innocent? Was Amanda really guilty?

    One of the best types of openings is one which intrigues the reader, draws one in and insists one follow without having any idea where the path will lead. It is also on which creates such a strong sense of place and character that one is immediately involved in the story. Fox achieves both goals.

    Fox creates excellent visual images—"Moss and vines grew on every surface they could manage. Along the rivers, broken-down houses with yawning doorways squatted in the brush, peering out, not a brick or patch of wood that composed them showing through their cloaks of lush leaves."

    It's the characters which compel one to keep reading. Interesting, unusual, well-constructed characters are a reader's dream. Fox makes that dream come true. Learning of Ted's former profession is a nicely-done twist. The more one gets to know about Amanda, with her set of rules, the more fascinating she becomes. Yet Fox doesn't ignore the secondary characters, especially forensic pathologist Valerie Gratteur. Although there are a lot of different characters, Fox segments them into the story so that one never becomes confused as to who each is.

    While the characters are a strength, Fox doesn't ignore the plot. Periodic inclusions of anonymous letters which had been sent to the victim are a bit of a cliché and not entirely unreminiscent of the story "Misery," but they do cause one to wonder down what path they will lead, and the more we learn about the victim, the more interesting even he becomes. With the addition of the second thread—questioning whether Amanda really did murder her friend—and the third thread—Amanda not believing that Ted raped the girl--one is given a lot to consider while never losing track of each plot line. Fox does a remarkable job of laying out the primary investigation step-by-step while making us understand the trauma Ted and Amanda suffered from their individual experiences.

    "Crimson Lake" has a very good escalation of suspense which may result in reading very late into the night. Ted and Amanda are a team of whom one wants to see more. This is a wonderful read with a perfect epilogue and ending.

    CRIMSON LAKE (LicInv- Ted Connor (Conkaffey)/Amanda Pharrell– Australia-Contemp) – VG+
    Fox, Candice – 1st in series
    Forge – Mar 2018
    26 people found this helpful
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  • madea
    3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read...
    Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Read the book after watching Troppo, the show, which was good. This book was good, but the writer ended it abruptly, unfortunately. So, average read.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Anti heroes done good
    Reviewed in Australia on July 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The two protagonists, Amanda and Ted are not your usual heroes. They are not great at fighting, they can be fearful and don't always say the right things. They carry weighty psychological scars yet you somehow still follow their stories and get invested in their outcomes. A good read and a good break from the usual action fare.
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  • Carolyn
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars to 5 stars I was enthralled by this wonderfully descriptive, atmospheric story
    Reviewed in Canada on March 24, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    4.5 stars to 5 stars
    I was enthralled by this wonderfully descriptive, atmospheric story. The characters were complex and fascinating. In fact, the only time I paused reading was to make an internet search for its sequel, Redemption Point. Apparently it is not yet released in Canada, but is available elsewhere.

    The setting was so well done: the rainforests, mangrove swamps, steamy heat, bushland and crocodile infested lakes.

    Ted Conkaffey was a respected police detective in Sydney with a wife and baby. He was accused of the abduction and rape of a young girl and spent some months in prison. Having been released due to insufficient evidence, he fears being re-arrested anytime. His family and fellow police officers turned against him. He cannot escape from the hatred and hostile stares of those who label him a pedophile.

    Ted relocated to Crimson Lake near Cairns, hoping to start life anew where he won’t be recognized. He is depressed and living alone. Rescuing a wounded goose and her goslings helps to elevate his spirits.

    He meets and joins forces with an eccentric female private investigator, Amanda Pharrell. She is a petit, tough, heavily tattooed, trash talking, limerick spouting woman. A world famous author, Jake Scully, has disappeared and may have been killed by a crocodile. His wife wants an investigation as his insurance will not be paid if he committed suicide and until the local police have closed the case. She believes the police are not doing enough.

    Amanda also has a troubled past. She spent 10 years in prison for the murder of a schoolmate. Neither of the two partners trust each other, and neither will discuss their pasts, but both are secretly trying to learn more about their partner’s criminal charges.

    Life in his new home is difficult. The townspeople despise Ted once his past history is discovered. He becomes the target of two brutal and corrupt policemen and a mob of vigilantes are targeting his house.

    This is an absorbing story and I can’t wait until the sequel is available as I want to follow the lives and careers of these two unique private investigators.
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  • Inga
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent crime novel
    Reviewed in Germany on August 21, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed reading this book- great characters and story. Also loved the setting - I usually read Norwegian, Danish, South African and British crime novels, this was a nice change. Hope there will be another one with the same protagonists.
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  • GeordieCol
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love Candice Fox Books
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book was superb and was up there along with her other standalone books and her collaboration with James Patterson. I'll be reading all her future books.
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  • Bill M
    4.0 out of 5 stars Three crimes cleverly intertwined.
    Reviewed in Australia on July 26, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I thought the author cleverly intertwined three major crimes in this novel.

    One was by Ted Conkaffey, a Sydney police detective, who'd been accused of but not prosecuted for the rape of a 13 year old girl. Media attention had destroyed his life so he'd fled north to Crimson Lake (fictional), Cairns, for anonymity. The second was that of Amanda Pharrell who had spent 10 years behind bars for the stabbing murder of her high school friend. Ted and Amanda were employed as private investigators to look into the mystery disappearance of Jake Scully, a very successful writer of young adult Christian literature. That was the third crime.

    The two detective characters are well drawn by the author. The story moves along quite quickly and is not cluttered by unnecessary information (padding). All three of the above mentioned crimes have a resolution fitting for this stage of the series. Overall an enjoyable read from this well-credentialed author. Highly recommended.
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