There were a dozen witnesses to Denny Tran's brutal murder in a busy Sydney restaurant. So how come no one saw anything?
This unflinching, deeply moving debut is both heart-stopping thriller and complex exploration of the intricate bonds and obligations of friendship, family, culture and community, combining the sharp observation of Kiley Reid's Such a Fun Age with the compassion and insight of Trent Dalton's Boy Swallows Universe.
Just let him go. These are the words Ky Tran will regret forever. The words she spoke when her parents asked if they should let her younger brother Denny out to celebrate his high school graduation. That night in 1996, Denny–optimistic, guileless, brilliant Denny–is brutally murdered inside a busy restaurant in Cabramatta, a Sydney suburb facing violent crime, an indifferent police force, and the worst heroin epidemic in Australian history.
Returning home for the funeral, Ky learns that the police are stumped by the case: a dozen people were at Lucky 8 restaurant when Denny died, but each of the bystanders claim to have seen nothing.
As an antidote to grief and guilt, Ky is determined to track down the witnesses herself. With each encounter, she peels back another layer of the place that shaped her and Denny, exposing trauma and seeds of violence that were planted well before that fateful celebration dinner: by colonialism, by the war in Vietnam, and by the choices they've all made to survive.
Tracey Lien's extraordinary debut is at once heart-pounding and heart-rending as it pulls apart the intricate bonds of friendship, family, culture and community that produced a devastating crime. Combining evocative family drama and gripping suspense, All That's Left Unsaid is both a study of the effects of inherited trauma and social discrimination, and a compulsively readable literary thriller that expertly holds the reader in its grip until the final page.
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A beautiful, heartbreaking story about sister's search for answers and justice for her brother's murder. Set in Cabramatta in the 1990's, All That's Left Unsaid is a must read for anyone who has read Celeste Ng, Brit Bennett and Trent Dalton. - Rebecca (QBD)
Guest, 20/09/2022
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With the public death of the good son of a Vietnamese refugee family in Cabramatta, “All That’s Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien takes us deep into the psyche of Australia’s ‘quiet’ immigrants. Their public plight played out on nightly during the 1960s and 1970s with Vietnam War news reels and later as refugees escaped from war- ravaged, now communist country to Australia. Industrious, intelligent and family oriented, their bakeries and restaurants remain Aussie favourites and their children duxes.
This is a compelling and thrilling read as the sister of the dead boy looks for answers. Effortlessly constructed and written, there are surprising and sometimes aching insights of post war trauma, dislocation and cultural loss in the late 20th century.
In the 21st century, every Australian needs to read this. - David (QBD)
Guest, 08/09/2022
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Ky Tran argued to let her brother go out for a graduation night celebration, but when he is murdered in the middle of the restaurant and not one single person claims to have seen anything, she resolves to track down every witness of the night and ask what really happened. Each encounter leads her into the lives of the witnesses and the prejudices and traumas of everyday people. - Geoff (QBD)
Guest, 07/09/2022
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Tracey Lien is set to be a new force in the Australian literary scene with her debut All That's Left Unsaid. After encouraging her parents to let her brother, Denny, attend a celebration dinner, Ky Tran is left with the horrowing reality of his murder. With no witnesses to the event willing to cooperate, Ky is left to piece together the mystery. A haunting read exploring identity in Australia. - Dion (QBD)
Guest, 02/09/2022
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Twelve people witnessed the death of Denny Tran, but nobody saw a thing. All That's Left Unsaid takes us back to Cabramatta in the 90s, and tells a tale of Denny's sister Ky who will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth behind her brother's murder – something that the local police force seems unwilling to do. Tracey Lien's debut novel will keep readers engrossed and invested to the very end. - Darren (QBD)
Guest, 01/09/2022
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A horrowing debut novel that holds from the very start. Retuing to her family after the devasting murder of her brother, Ky Tran will forever regret convincing her parents to let Denny go. A dozen people were there when Denny died, but they have claimed to see nothing. All that's Left Unsaid is moving and powerful exlporing the notion of family, friendship and community after a horrifc crime. - Angelique (QBD)
Guest, 01/09/2022
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With the public death of the good son of a Vietnamese refugee family in Cabramatta, “All That’s Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien takes us deep into the psyche of Australia’s ‘quiet’ immigrants. Their public plight played out on nightly during the 1960s and 1970s with Vietnam War news reels and later as refugees escaped from war- ravaged, now communist country to Australia. Industrious, intelligent and family oriented, their bakeries and restaurants remain Aussie favourites and their children duxes.
This is a compelling and thrilling read as the sister of the dead boy looks for answers. Effortlessly constructed and written, there are surprising and sometimes aching insights of post war trauma, dislocation and cultural loss in the late 20th century.
In the 21st century, every Australian needs to read this. - Emily (QBD)
Guest, 01/09/2022
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More than just a mystery novel, All That's Left Unsaid is book that speaks on the family drama and social commentary from a not so distant Australian past. Through the point of view of Ky and multiple other characters we are given a story of how war, cultural expectations and trauma, may lead a restuarant full of people claim to have seen nothing of her brothers violent death. - Jazmin (QBD)
Guest, 01/09/2022
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An unflinching debut novel about a Young Vietnamese-Austalian woman returning home after a shocking murder. Authentic and beautifully written, All That's Left Unsaid is a beautifully heatbreaking that you won't regret reading. - Olivia (QBD)
Guest, 01/09/2022
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Combining drama and mystery, this fast paced debut novel about family ties and the things that can break us is brilliant and heart wrenching. A young Vietnamese woman who returns home after her brother is shockingly murdered in Sydney's South West is thrown into chaos when she takes it upon herself to investigate. Exploring community, remorse, guilt, family trauma and a sense of belonging. - Tricia (QBD)
Guest, 01/09/2022
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All That's Left Unsaid is a gripping family drama set around a horrible and brutal crime. After her brother Denny is murdered inside a restaurant in Cabramatta, none of the witnesses are willing to talk. Denny's sister Ky decides to track them down and find out the truth about how her brother died. This debut novel by Tracey Lien will keep you hooked till the very last page. - Julie (QBD)
Guest, 01/09/2022
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On the surface, this is a novel about a sister seeking answers about her brother’s murder, which was witnessed by many, yet seen by no one. The story is told from Ky’s perspective, yet chapters are also offered from the perspective of others, those who witnessed the crime, but are unwilling to divulge what they know... - Karen (QBD)
Guest, 01/09/2022
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In this intricate, deftly written novel, a beautiful story of family and friendship is disgused as a clever and thrilling Australian murder mystery. Often violent, though not without being tender, this is a different and exciting book that feels perfect for fans of Trent Dalton and Jane Harper, which is an exciting combination. Well worth the read! - Joshua (QBD)
Guest, 31/08/2022
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“All That's Left Unsaid” is a stunning social commentary depicting the challenges faced by Vietnamese immgrants in the 90s, housed inside a page-turning Murder Mystery.
With the sudden death of her brother left unsolved, Ky Tran begins to scrutinize the case herself, uncovering answers in her search for justice.
A heart-wretching novel about grief and family, this is a must read! - Allyson (QBD)
Guest, 31/08/2022
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1990s Reporter Ky Returns to her home town of Cabramatta in response of her younger brothers violent death. Ky is left to put the puzzle back together on her own, although every piece she finds brings her back to old times. Could this be a gruesome murder brought by thier past or is their family really just that unlucky? - Hollie (QBD)
Guest, 31/08/2022
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When a Vietnamese-Australian teen is murdered in plain view of 8 witnesses, it seems impossible that the Police are unable to solve his murder. This sets his sister Ky off on a journey of discovery as she seeks out the witnesses herself, seeking answers. What follows is an emotional roller coaster perfect for those who love a good thrill, with a splatter of violence. - Tianna (QBD)
Guest, 31/08/2022
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Lien's debut is a brilliant, devastating & thrilling crime novel set in a suburb on the edge, rife with violent crime & drugs that describes the impact of race, discrimination & trauma on community. When Vietnamese high-school grad Denny Tran is murdered in a crowded Cabramatta restaurant, local police don't care. Until his sister Ky, riddled with guilt, starts chasing clues. Riveting read! - Angela (QBD)
Guest, 31/08/2022
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This book is much more than your run-of-the-mill murder investigation. Similar to “Boy Swallows Universe”, the author graples with serious cultural issues all through the unique perspective of main character, Ky. As she investigates her brother's murder, Ky comes face to face with the dark realities of her Sydney community in more ways than one. I loved this one and you will too! - Holly (QBD)
Guest, 31/08/2022
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So much more that your typical crime novel.
Lein dives into the social dilemma of race in Australia through her gripping crime novel that centres around the brutal murder of a young Vietnamese-Australian in a restaurant.
Unable to accept the disinterest in her brother's murder, Ky Tran delves into her own investigation hoping to understand the truth.
A unique novel any crime lover must read. - Claire (QBD)
Guest, 31/08/2022
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More than a mystery, this is a social commentary told from the perspective of various characters. The story revolves around Ky, a young Vietnamese Australian journalist in Melbourne who returns to Cabramatta following the murder of her brother Denny.
Despite the murder happening in a busy restaurant, Ky is surprised to learn that there are no suspects and the police never ordered an autopsy. - Alison (QBD)
Guest, 31/08/2022
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Denny Tran was brutally murdered at a busy restaurant after his high school formal but somehow no one saw a thing.
All that's left unsaid is a heartbreaking novel that alternates between past and present to weave the compelling web that led to Denny's murder. It is a book about grief, belonging, community and family. This book is a powerful meditation on the refugee experience in Australia. - Jessica (QBD)
Guest, 31/08/2022
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"The circumstances of Denny Tran's death were so violent that most people in Cabramatta were too spooked to attend his funeral." -
'All That's left Unsaid' opens with a heartbreaking tragedy that sucks you right into its thrilling mystery alongside the characters. If you are after a rich and exciting thriller, Tracey Lien's debut is the book for you. - Elizabeth (QBD)
Guest, 31/08/2022
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After a brutal murder in a popular Sydney restaurant, Ky returns home for her brother's funeral. Multiple witnesses but no one is talking. All That's Left Unsaid novel delves deep into the heart of a grieving immigrant family and will keep you thinking for weeks after you finish the final page. For those who loved Boy Swallows Universe, this may be the next Aussie drama you've been looking for. - Michael (QBD)
Guest, 31/08/2022
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A great read that has fantastic story telling and highlights some sad truths faced by migrants living in suburban Sydney.
The story follows Ky, who has returned from Melbourne for her brothers funeral. Not satisfied with the police investigation, Ky begins to look into things herself.
The story moves along at a good pace as it's told through the eyes of both Ky and the witness'. - Nicholas (QBD)
Guest, 30/08/2022
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A heart-wrenching look at family, culture, violence and belonging in hostile suburban Sydney, this true story follows Ky, who's left in the wake of her brother Denny's murder in a busy Cabramatta restaurant. Stonewalled by both police and the eight witnesses alike, she pursues the witnesses herself and finds the apathy and hatred towards immigrants goes far deeper than the crime itself. - Marc (QBD)
Guest, 30/08/2022
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After the death of her younger brother Denny, journalist Ky returns home to Cabramatta to console her mournful family.Struggling to grapple with her grief, Ky tries to find answers. This debut novel is more than meets the eye. You think you're about to read a murder-mystery, but instead get tossed in the midst of generational trauma and life as an immigrant in the 90's. We are flies on the wall. - Emily (QBD)
Guest, 29/08/2022
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If you loved Boy Swallows Universe, you will love this book by debut author, Tracey Lien. A raw, poignant view of Cabramatta as Ky tries to find out why her bother Denny was killed at the Lucky 8 restaurant at his graduation after-party. We follow Ky and Denny growing up with Ky's best friend Minnie, and where it all went wrong. - Ann (QBD)
Guest, 28/08/2022
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Equal parts crime thriller and family epic, All That's Left Unsaid dives into 90's Cabramatta with such vigor, you will be left turning the pages late into the night. Touching on family relationships, local crime and the heart of the immigrant community, I loved it from cover to cover - Natasha (QBD)
Guest, 28/08/2022
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Tracey Liens debut novel will take you back to Cabramatta in the late 1990s. A orginal and heartbreaking story that tackles deep issues like family, culture and community. Ky Tran is struggling with grief and guilt after the death of her younger brother yet still looking for answers as to how it happened, heard from her perspective and witnesses. - Kylie (QBD)
Guest, 28/08/2022
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This deeply emotional and thought-provoking debut follows a tragic crime, but don't be mistaken, it is oh so much more. An intergenerational murder mystery exploring the the complex relationships and responsibilties of community, friendship and family. Keep your eye out for more of Tracey Lien, my favourite debut of the year! - Deeandra (QBD)
Guest, 27/08/2022
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A brutal murder that has left the family of Danny Tran and the police perplexed. While there was so many people at the restaurant at the time, how did no one see a thing? His sister decides to take it upon herself to find out exactly what happened that fateful night. Follow her on her quest to find the truth with Tracey Lien's gripping debut novel. - Marcel (QBD)
Guest, 27/08/2022
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After her brother is brutally murdered in a busy restaurant with seemingly no witnesses, the police are stumped so Ky Tran takes matters into her own hands. All That's Left Unsaid is a beautiful novel interweaving themes of guilt, grief and colonialism whilst still keeping the reader enthralled. - Sarah (QBD)
Guest, 27/08/2022
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Tracey Lien's debut novel "All That's Left Unsaid" is a gripping retelling of Denny Tran's tragic passing and the events involving family, friends and culture that unfolded before that very night. An intricate, well-articulated piece of literature that display's Tran's life in colour. - Joshua (QBD)
Guest, 27/08/2022
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All That's Left Unsaid is told through the perspective of a young Vietnamese woman hoping to find clarity on the brutal death of her younger brother. The gripping storyline will keep you on your toes – perfect for fans of Trent Dalton's Boy Swallows Universe. - Chloe (QBD)
Guest, 27/08/2022
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Murder mystery based in the Sydney suburb of Cabramatta centering around a Vietnamese family.
Ky Tran sets out to find who murdered her younger brother Denny in the Lucky 8 Restaurant.
Many witnesses were there, but no one seems to have seen anything.
Hunting down witnesses and getting the actual story helps her further understand her brother and the troubles faced by her immigrant community. - Amy (QBD)
Guest, 27/08/2022
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Cabramatta, 1990's. Denny Tran is murdered inside a busy restaurant. A dozen witnesses and no one claims to have seen it happen. Can his sister, Ky, solve the mystery? All That's Left Unsaid, the debut novel of Tracey Lien, is a shocking, twisting tale of crime, colonialism, and survival. - Tayla (QBD)
Guest, 27/08/2022
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Cabramatta in the late 1990's at the peak of the heroin epidemic.
A time & place when it was almost impossible to avoid daily interactions with the drug or the dealers.
When tragedy strikes the Tran family, Ky returns home but finds it hard to re adapt to life in Cabramatta.
She sets out to unearth the truth behind the murder of her younger brother but finds the truth may be closer to home. - Susan (QBD)
Guest, 26/08/2022
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Ky convinces her parents to allow her brother to celebrate his school graduation. But when he is shot and killed in a restaurant, she regrets her decision. It soon becomes clear that the police are getting nowhere even though there were several eye witnesses.
Why are they not coming forward? Ky takes it upon herself to track them down to find out.
For lovers of the TV Show "After The Verdict" - Peter (QBD)
Guest, 25/08/2022
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Set in 1966, Sydney, this debut novel follows a Vietnamese-Australian reporter Ky who has just learnt her brother has been brutally killed. I enjoyed the structure which switches between the sister POV and numerous witnesses and family members. Step back in time with Ky as she uncovers truths about her past and her bothers murder. - Brittni (QBD)
Guest, 24/08/2022
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A Heartwarming debut that follows Ky (pronounced key) a young woman trying to dicover the truth behind the murder of her brother and coming to terms with the bonds she has with her family and community as a Vienamese Immigrant. A Heart-stopping and moving Australian Novel - Piper (QBD)
Guest, 23/08/2022
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a compelling story about the lives of an immigrant family after the death of the son
Ky is wracked with guilt after the murder of her brother, she told her parents to let him go out after Yr 12 graduation. He was killed in a packed restaurant and no one saw anything
Due to the majority of witnesses being migrants Ky sets out to find out what they saw and ultimately what happened to her brother - Steven (QBD)
Guest, 23/08/2022
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When Denny Tran, a recent high school graduate, is murdered in a busy Sydney restaurant, police are stumped. Because, apparently, no one saw a thing. As Ky searches for answers to her brother's death, her family is pulled to breaking point by tragedy, heartache, and generational trauma. Tracey Lien's unforgettable debut will stay with the reader long after the final page. - Katrina (QBD)
Guest, 23/08/2022
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When Ky Tran's brother Denny is murdered in a Sydney restaurant, Ky and her family are distraught. With the police seem unable to provide answers, Ky pushes through her grief to find the strength to move forward and figure out what happened to Denny. A story that is as heart wrenching as it is intriguing, Tracey Lien's debut novel is a crime story with unbelievable look into family and community - Roy (QBD)
Guest, 23/08/2022
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What makes one person life more important than another?
There were many witnesses' to Denny's murder, but why isn't anyone talking?
Tracey Lien's debut novel delves into the struggles of community, culture, family and friends, combined with page turning thrills.
The story is set in 1996 in the Vietnamese community in Australia. It is very powerful and totally heart-breaking. A must read. - Kirsty (QBD)
Guest, 23/08/2022
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All That's Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien is a heart-breakingly powerful story set in Sydney. A fast-paced read dealing with family, culture, and community that hasn't left my mind since I read that last sentence. Would highly recommend for fans of Trent Dalton! - Chelsea (QBD)
Guest, 23/08/2022
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All the best books stay with you long after they're done, and this debut does exactly that. Shining a spotlight on the struggles of Vietnamese refugees in Cabramatta in the 90s, guilt and grief drives Ky as she returns home to figure out what happened to her brother who was killed in a busy restaurant, with no witnesses willing to talk. Intense, and perfect for fans of mysteries and family drama - Megan (QBD)
Guest, 15/08/2022
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A deeply moving debut,that is one of the best reads of 2022. When Denny Tran is brutally murdered in a busy Sydney restaurant during the 1990's, his sister Ky is desperate to find out what happened that fateful night. Why won't the witnesses talk? Why are the police not finding who was responsible? A stunning emotive read, that explores cultural differences, discrimination and a search for justice - Amanda (QBD)
Guest, 14/08/2022
