Slash (Paperback)

Gavin Strawhan

ISBN 10: 1991142021 / ISBN 13: 9781991142023

Published by Allen & Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand, 2026

About this Item

Paperback. 'Another timely piece of crime fiction from Strawhan, drawn vividly from local events, but one that deserves to be celebrated far beyond our shores.' - The New Zealand Herald 'Dark, fast-paced and emotionally raw, Slash confirms Gavin Strawhan as a major voice in New Zealand crime fiction.' - NZ Booklover 'A fast-paced and snappy read' - Radio New Zealand A year after a brutal shootout, ex-police sergeant Honey Chalmers is a hot mess, drinking too much and eating too little, working casual gigs for a shady firm of private investigators - while holding conversations with a ghost.A desperate father asks her to investigate his missing son - a double-murder suspect last seen during the chaos of Cyclone Gabrielle. Honey's quest brings her in conflict with dangerous locals and takes her from the wrecked forests of Tairawhiti to the dark side of Fiji - into the orbit of a strange, secretive teen, a deranged forestry boss, and a terrifying ex-cop turned drug lord. The closer Honey gets to the truth, the closer she comes to spinning out of control, leading to a final showdown with a killer who'd do anything to keep the past buried. PRAISE FOR THE CALL 'Deft and accomplished' - New Zealand Listener 'A cracking crime thriller' - Aotearoa New Zealand Review of Books 'Does not disappoint' - Landfall 'Recommended' - Newsroom 'Cinematic' - Kete Books The explosive new crime novel from the bestselling author of The Call Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781991142023

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Slash (Paperback)
• Publisher: Allen & Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand
• Publication Date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1991142021
• ISBN 13: 9781991142023
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

A year after the traumatic events of The Call, ex-police sergeant Honey Chalmers is a hot mess, suffering from PTSD, drinking well and eating badly, working casual gigs for a shady firm of private investigators - and having conversations with a dead man. 

While undercover to expose a philandering CEO, she is recognized by a young cop and his father who beg for her help. Their brother/son is a murder suspect and went on a crime spree around the time of Cyclone Gabrielle - and has been missing ever since. Honey impulsively agrees but the case balloons out of control, taking her from the flood-ravaged pine plantations of Tairawhiti to Fiji in search of answers. 

A chillingly strange teen, a forestry boss who'd do anything to cover her tracks and a fearsome ex-cop turned major drug dealer are just some of dangers she must face to uncover the truth and give her clients closure. Her bestie, Michelle, is worried about Honey's mental health and tries to help but, haunted by her past mistakes, Honey is terrified of endangering her friend. She eventually cracks the case, but the final showdown puts them all in the line of fire.

About the Author

Gavin Strawhan is the author of the internationally best-selling The Call, winner of the 2023 Allen & Unwin Fiction Prize. The Call was shortlisted for Best Novel at the 2025 Ngaio Marsh awards. He is one of New Zealand's most experienced scriptwriters. Gavin lives in Auckland, New Zealand.