RED DIRT BLUE LIGHTS reviews:
Cass Moriarty (Author) Review:
RED DIRT BLUE LIGHTS (AndAlso Books 2025) is a slim novel by ex-policewoman Tess Merlin that provides an important insight into life in the community of Cherbourg in the 1970’s.
The novella is prefaced by a Foreword from Uncle Eric Law AM and informed by Merlin’s past experience as a Queensland police officer, and her knowledge-gathering visit to the Ration Shed Museum at Cherbourg (which sounds fascinating). As Uncle Eric says, to learn about the history of Cherbourg is ‘to change trauma into wisdom’…
With themes of aging, passion, longing, Home, Country, conflict, intergenerational trauma and familial responsibility, this book explores the tragic history of this country’s treatment of our First Nations’ people, the terrible conditions and racism that existed in the 1970’s (a precursor to what continues today in many places), and the remarkable connection the characters have to their land, their ancestors, and their history.
While the book traverses uncomfortable and complex themes (even in such a short novella), it also offers understanding and a story of hope and optimism, demonstrating that even in the most difficult circumstances, the human spirit can overcome momentous hurdles, and to show the courage and unrelenting commitment to self-determination of First Nations’ people.
Poppy Gee (Author) Review:
It’s not often I read a book and then drive three hours to see where it’s set but I was utterly compelled to visit The Ration Shed Museum at Cherbourg and learn more after reading the beautiful and confronting Red Dirt Blue Lights by Tess Merlin…
Happy Valley Book Reviews
A story that puts the human into humanity. Reiterating that respect and compassion alongside empathy can make a difference and build bridges… Heartfelt moments adorned this beautiful story that has a clear and loud message…
RANK is receiving 5 star reviews from readers and reviewers.
Goodreads Reviews:
From the time I started to read the book I was hooked. Tess Merlin takes us on a journey of suspense to the last page. It had me turning the pages to try and work out just who was the villain.
I highly recommend this book to read it also helps to be aware of the types of dangers out there and to be aware of our surroundings.
***
A great book!
Rank is a tale of two timelines.
Tess in the modern moment – a divorcee with grown kids ready to try again to find love, and Tess in the past – an ambitious young police woman in a police force with a well earned reputation for corruption and misogyny.
Will Tess’ past trauma in the line of duty rob her of the chance to find happiness in the present?
Fans of Matthew Condon’s Three Crooked Kings series will definitely enjoy Rank.
Email Review:
Online Reviews:
‘Somehow, I see my way through the cobwebs of past images mixed with the new image of Marcus standing with his phone directed at me. An image which has now been branded into my brain along with the horrors of the past. I hear the shutter click, over and over in my mind.’
This story follows Tess, who now retired from the police runs her own business as a florist and is looking at exploring the world of online dating – but an online presence makes her nervous that someone might track her down, someone in particular that was responsible for a harrowing experience as a female police officer in a small rural town in Queensland.
I loved reading it and was honoured to be able to read early drafts for feedback. For fans of thrillers, crime fiction and those looking for some insight into the lives of women in the police force.
I’m giving it five glowing stars… available now. (@tk.reads)
***
I was absorbed and intrigued throughout… (@happyvalley_booksread)
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This was a frightening and alarming story that had me in suspense…
Highly recommended (@bianca_mal_)
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Congratulations Tess on writing an entertaining story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. (@philippakayewriter)