Stone Town is captivating new rural crime drama from the author of the bestselling Cutters End.
With its gold rush history long in the past, Stone Town has definitely seen better days. And it's now in the headlines for all the wrong reasons . . .
When three teenagers stumble upon a body in dense bushland one rainy Friday night, Senior Sergeant Mark Ariti's hopes for a quiet posting in his old home town are shattered. The victim is Aidan Sleeth, a local property developer, whose controversial plans to buy up Stone Town land means few are surprised he ended up dead.
However his gruesome murder is overshadowed by the mystery consuming the entire nation- the disappearance of Detective Sergeant Natalie Whitsted.
Natalie had been investigating the celebrity wife of crime boss Tony 'The Hook' Scopelliti when she vanished. What did she uncover? Has it cost her her life? And why are the two Homicide detectives, sent from the city to run the Sleeth case, so obsessed with Natalie's fate?
But following a late-night call from his former boss, Mark is sure of one thing- he's now in the middle of a deadly game . . .
'Astonishingly assured crime debut. A pitch perfect outback noir, set against a vivid and atmospheric desert landscape . . . The book's explosive finale with linger with your for days.' Weekend Australian on Cutters End
'Past and the present collide to create a gripping tale of murder and intrigue.' Chris Hammer, author of Scrublands on Cutters End
'This smart, affecting tale owes more to Scandi noir fiction with its sinister twists and aching characters . . . a tour de force.' Australian Women's Weekly on Cutters End
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A new compulsive read by Australian author Margaret Hickey, Stone Town is set in a rural former gold rush town where the body of local property developer Aiden Sleeth is discovered in a forest one rainy night by three teens following the disappearance of local Detective Sergeant investigating a crime boss's wife A gripping psychological thriller you wont be able to put down til the very last page. - Daniela (QBD)
Guest, 15/07/2022
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When Aidan Sleeth is found dead in the fields of Stone Town Sergeant Mark Ariti is dragged into a national mystery when two big city detectives come to investigate the case.
Who is Aidan Sleeth? Who killed him? Why are these strangers interfering with the case? This isn’t the cushy job Mark signed up for.
This suspenseful book will WOW you and is ideal for fans of Chris Hammer & Jane Harper - Imogen (QBD)
Guest, 06/07/2022
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A small town, a dead body, and a missing detective. In her amazing second novel, Margaret Hickey brings back her trademark thrill as two distinct stories begin to weave together. When everyone has a motive, who is responsible? A gritty crime thriller perfect to keep you on the edge of your seat! - Dion (QBD)
Guest, 05/07/2022
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A book where land is considered gold and gold is hard to keep.
Aidan Sleeth, a local property developer who steals land, finds himself murdered.
Detective Sergeant Natalie Whitsted, determined to uncover the secret life of a crime boss' wife, finds herself missing.
Is this mercy for the people of Stone Town, or the unravelling of a much bigger conspiracy?
Land is Gold. People will die. - Tani (QBD)
Guest, 05/07/2022
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The gruesome murder of a land developer seems to be an isolated incident and it might just be a small town situation someone took too far. However the high profile disappearance of a police officer investigating the celebrity wife of a mob boss starts to overlap with DS Mark Ariti's return to his hometown and begins to muddy the waters.
A story so full of twists you'll keep a corkscrew handy. - Geoff (QBD)
Guest, 04/07/2022
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Once a gold rush town, the small Australian spot of Stone Town has faded into obscurity. It isn't until a property developer turns up dead that the quiet town is remembered about.
A thrilling read from a fantastic Australian crime writer! - Vanessa (QBD)
Guest, 04/07/2022
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When Sargeant Mark Atiri returns to his hometown, he expects a quiet life. His dream is ruined when the body of a local resident is found, complicated further when the investigation collides with the search for a missing detective. A thrilling tale that perfectly captures the heart of a small town, Hickey will have you on the edge of your seat as she pieces together this perfect puzzle of a story. - Bonnie (QBD)
Guest, 03/07/2022
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Clever, gripping, and ever-so intriguing, Hickey's best-selling crime novel Stone Town leaves you reeling for days with its enigmatic and thrilling twists, vivid imagry and curveballs set around every corner. Following Sergeant Mark Ariti back to his hometown, a quiet life alludes him. Into the depths of murders, disappearances and more, these small town secrets will keep you wanting more. - Tenille (QBD)
Guest, 03/07/2022
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A murder overshadowed by a missing detective, where only knowledge of the people in the town can help to solve the mysteries. Another incredible book from Hickey, and it won't be the last I read. - Rhyannion (QBD)
Guest, 03/07/2022
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Hickey brings back Cutters End's favourite detective, Mark Ariti. Returning to his home town after several life upheavals his otherwise quiet & routine lifestyle is shattered by the murder of a local Stone Town resident. When the murder investigation collides with the search for a missing police woman Mark uses his knowledge of Stone Town's residents & their long held secrets to close both cases. - Paige (QBD)
Guest, 03/07/2022
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A crime drama where if you want to get the job done, call nanna. Mark Ariti returns to his hometown after the death of his mother when his quiet lifestyle is shattered by the murder of a local resident. The investigation collides with a search of a missing police officer and he needs to use his local knowledge in order to close both cases. A phenomenal read for fans of Chris Hammer and Jane Harper - Amy (QBD)
Guest, 02/07/2022
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Where is Detective Sergeant Natalie Whitsed and who killed property developer Aidan Sleeth? Is it the Scopelliti's, an organised crime ring, or the creepy twitcher group that stalk the town's bushlands for birds, perhaps its the disgruntled co-op who's land Sleeth is developing or maybe its something else entirely
Likable main character and local cop Sergeant Mark Ariti has to find out. - Kara (QBD)
Guest, 02/07/2022
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This is yet another remarkable rural crime novel from Margaret Hickey. It follows the story of cop Mark Ariti, from her debut novel Cutters End. In this story, at least a year has passed and Ariti returns home after the death of his mother. However his quiet lifestyle is shattered after the murder of a Stone Town resident. Lies and secrets threaten to overspill. An edge of your seat read! - Sarah (QBD)
Guest, 02/07/2022
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An investigation into the greusome death of a controversial local in a rural SA town collides with the nationwide coverage of the disappearance of a police officer investigating a gang boss's wife.
Stone Town is a brilliant Aussie crime novel with all the twists and intricacies of a Nordic crime drama. It is about community, land, and most importantly the power of nannas to get the job done. - Jessica (QBD)
Guest, 01/07/2022
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From the first page, Stone Town lures you in with its strong sense of mystery and unease. The outback landscape is
one of the most compelling characters in the novel, which is rife with twists and turns, intriguing reflections, and strong female characters. Saturated in a deliciously eerie and poignant atmosphere, Stone Town will keep you hooked--with an explosive ending you won't see coming! - Gabrielle (QBD)
Guest, 01/07/2022
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For fans of Margaret Hickey and the crime fiction genre, 'Stone Town' does not disappoint. With a returning character from 'Cutters End' set in a new town, the themes of conflict, grief and community created in this novel are all written with a authentic sense of understanding. Highly recommend. - Josh (QBD)
Guest, 01/07/2022
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What’s really going on in Stone Town? Snr Sergeant Mark Ariti is back in his hometown and is in the middle of something. Now he just needs to work out what that ‘something’ is. Investigating the Sleeth murder brings more questions than answers. Hickey has written a cracker to follow up to Cutters End. Compelling and as dry as the land it’s set in, Stone Town is Aussie crime at its best. Loved it! - Lucy (QBD)
Guest, 30/06/2022
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A cracking Australian crime thriller with two mysteries to solve – the murder of a real estate developer who many who are not surprised ended up dead and the highly publicised case of a missing cop. Are these cases connected? With lots of media attention and a small towns full of secrets, Stone Town's Detective Ariti has to find out the truth. For fans of Chris Hammer and Jane Harper. - Julie (QBD)
Guest, 30/06/2022
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Stone Town by Margaret Hickey - Bestselling author of Cutters End.
A great new crime drama with not one but two crimes to solve - the murder of land developer Aidan Sleeth and the disappearance of Detective Sergeant Natalie Whitsted, currently investigating a crime boss's wife. Full of twists and turns and just when you think you've worked it all out, Margaret throws in a great new curveball! - Tracey (QBD)
Guest, 30/06/2022
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Stone Town is a fresh, atmospheric addition to the thrilling world of Australian crime fiction. You will be on the edge of your sit, pages clenched in your hands, as you uncover the mystery behind both a murder – and the disappearance of a detective. Masterfully woven, with a tightly wound intricate plot, crime fans will be thrilled with Margaret Hickey's newest novel. - Melanie (QBD)
Guest, 29/06/2022
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Margaret Hickey has done it again! A nail-biting mystery within a mystery. Following the murder and disappearances of multiple people, Stone Town has definitely seen brighter days. If you loved Hickey's debut 'Cutters End', Jane Harper or Chris Hammer, you will love this! - Deeandra (QBD)
Guest, 29/06/2022
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Stone Town sees the temptation of gold rush riches taken too far when the murder of a local property developer reveals an intricate web of mystery. Margaret Hickey takes advantage of the eeriness of small towns, where things can get a little too quiet. Read Stone Town if you're looking for a crime drama that will captivate your attention until the very last page. - Lauren (QBD)
Guest, 28/06/2022
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Stone Town, second novel for Margaret Hickey, is a crime thriller set in the small town of Booralama a one cop town in country South Australia. Which picks up several months after Cutters End, but is easily read as a stand alone novel.
Senior Sergeant Mark Ariti is back in his hometown after the passing of his mother, and learning to live life again after separation from his wife and children who stayed in the city.
He is called to a rural property, some kids have stumbled upon a body of a local property developer, while out looking for the Barking Owl in the middle of the night. This is just the beginning of a mystery that unfurls at a quickening pace.
Detective Sergeant Natalie Whitsed who was working surveillance undercover on a crime bosses' wife has gone missing, and the whole police force is on the lookout for her. Where is she?
The two cases intertwine. The one cop town has backup arrive to help solve the cases, But Mark Ariti has his plate full and needs support to find the killer.
Much admiration for Hickey who has written such in depth characters who come to life on the page. In particular the female characters are stand outs. Strong, independent country women who can survive the most difficult circumstances. Kept me hanging to the last page. - Jodi (QBD)
Guest, 28/06/2022
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This book did not disappoint. I am a massive fan of Cutters End and was interested to see where Hickey would go with this one. A very different setting, a mining town in the bush. Margaret Hickey has a way of writing the landscape to make the reader feel as if they are actually there and a part of the story themselves. Fans of Cutters End will be pleased that the likeable Mark Ariti is back again. Margaret tackles many issues in Stone Town, i really liked how she approached the role of older women in society and learning to navigate life after a divorce. As always Margaret writes this book with an air of life and authenticity which really engages the reader. - Cassey (QBD)
Guest, 28/06/2022
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Stone Town had me hooked from the first page, an innocent game leading to the discovery of a body within the first several pages, what more could a crime reader want?! Margaret Hickey skillfully introduces her audience to the potential suspects within the quiet mining town, whilst honing in on the individual character's personal stories and secrets. A captivating and thrilling read for sure! - Kate (QBD)
Guest, 27/06/2022
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Mark Ariti returns for another suspense filled thriller, this time headed back to his home town of Stone Town. Full of atmosphere and edge of your seat suspense, Hickey once again keeps you enthralled until the final pages. Great for fans of Harlen Coben and Gary Disher, its a guaranteed good read - Natasha (QBD)
Guest, 27/06/2022
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Stone Town by Margaret Hickey is the second crime thriller from the author, and just as enticing and gripping as the first. It follows the story of Senior Sergeant Mark Ariti, the horrifying murder of a local property developer and the disappearance of Detective Sergeant Natalie Whitsted. The numerous secrets of Stone Town will keep you intrigued until the very last page. - Ella (QBD)
Guest, 26/06/2022
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A vicious murder of a greedy property developer intent on monopolising Stone Town's land soon becomes a web of intrigue when the seemingly unrelated disappearance of a city detective investigating crime boss Tony "The Hook" Scopelliti leads back to Stone Town, and Mark realises that the two crimes might not be so unrelated... A gripping and intense thriller that will hook you by your eyeballs! - Marc (QBD)
Guest, 26/06/2022
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A captivating new book by Margaret Hickey. When starting this book you won't be able to put it down. When policeman Mark returns to his hometown after the death of his mother, he didn't realise the turn of events that would be waiting for him. After some local teenagers stumble upon a body in the woods, the chain of events that would follow would keep everyone wondering who was living amongst them - Marcel (QBD)
Guest, 26/06/2022
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Stone Town is a thrilling new rural crime novel from bestselling author, Margaret Hickey. Featuring Mark Ariti from her previous novel, he has two new murders to solve in an old gold rush town. With small town secrets and lies threatening to overspill, this is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. - Alicia (QBD)
Guest, 26/06/2022
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From the mind that brought you the capitivating novel 'Cutter's End', Stone Town is a captivating new rural crime drama by Margaret Hickey. Set in an elusive small town where everyone has something to hide, mystery overshadows each character in this gripping drama. - Julia (QBD)
Guest, 25/06/2022
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Stone Town is one of those books you can't put down and keeps you on the edge of your seat. A property developer trying to buy up the town is murdered. Many towns people were against him, so
Motive + opportunity = suspects. Throw into the mix a missing Police Sergeant and suddenly Mark Ariti has his hands full. But he has local knowledge on his side. Aussie crime fiction at its best. - Peter (QBD)
Guest, 25/06/2022
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When the body of a property developer is found and a local journalist goes missing, the citizens of Stone Town are left rattled. Margaret Hickey's Stone Town delves deep into the atmosphere and secrets of outback Australia whilst introducing thrilling new elements, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. - Sarah (QBD)
Guest, 25/06/2022
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Senior Sergeant Mark Ariti returns to his home town for a quite life, but things change very quickly. Two events that change everything. The gresome murder of a local property developer and the disapperance of Detective Sergeant Natalie Whitsted. The small town atmosphere is previlent in this mining town, where you don't know who to trust, and Mark Ariti is driven into a deadly game. - Angelique (QBD)
Guest, 25/06/2022
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Margaret Hickey's latest crime drama takes you into the wilderness of the Australian outback, where land is more valuable than gold. When three local teenagers find a body in the rainy bushland, the usually quiet Stone Town comes to life with a web of intrigue and mystery. Senior Sergeant Mark Ariti finds himself tangled in that very web... - Hazel (QBD)
Guest, 24/06/2022
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This is another great crime novel from Margaret Hickey. The small town atmosphere plays out really well and the lies and secrets that threaten to overspill are “on the edge of the seat “stuff! Highly recommend. - Daniel (QBD)
Guest, 24/06/2022
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Mark Ariti is back in Margaret Hickey's new Australian Crime mystery
A local property developer is found dead and Mark is on the hunt for the killer with some city detectives who seem more interested in the disappearance of a fellow detective than the death of a local
Detective Sergeant Natalie Whitstedwas investigating the wife of a crime boss, what could it possibly have to do with his case? - Steven (QBD)
Guest, 24/06/2022
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From the author of Cutters End, Margaret Hickey's enthralling new entry into the crime drama genre will leave readers in a state of constant suspense paired with an underlying willingness to uncover the secrets behind Aidan Sleeth's gruesome fate. - Joshua (QBD)
Guest, 24/06/2022
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Stone Town is Margaret Hickey's second crime thriller. Sergeant Mark Ariti returns to his home town, seeking a quiet life. When a group of teenagers stumble across the body of a controversial property developer one rainy night, those hopes are upended. This murder - with no shortage of suspects - and the disappearance of a detective, plunge the rural mining town into disarray. - Darren (QBD)
Guest, 24/06/2022
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When three teenagers stumble on a dead body in bushland on a very, very late friday night the mystery of how and why has begun in a quiet place called Stone Town. It's the body of a local property developer Aidan Sleeth.
As well as that another person has vanished, the wife of a celebrity crime boss.
Captivating drama in an otherwise sleepy town. - Stefana (QBD)
Guest, 24/06/2022
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Stone Town Margaret Hickey's latest is a crime drama where the twists don't stop. When three teens find a body, their small rural town is thrown into disarray and when a detective goes missing, things go from bad to worse. All of this may be too much for sergeant Mark Ariti who just wanted to work in a quiet town for once. Stone town's many mysteries will keep you guessing to the last page. - Roy (QBD)
Guest, 23/06/2022
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Cop, Mark Ariti, has returned to his home town after the death of his mother. However, his otherwise quiet & bucolic lifestyle is shattered by the murder of a local Stone Town resident.
When the murder investigation collides with the search for a missing policewoman, Mark uses his local knowledge of people, places & longheld secrets to close both cases. - Susan (QBD)
Guest, 22/06/2022
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“Stone Town” is a thrilling new crime drama from Australian author Margaret Hickery.
Senior Sergeant Mark Ariti (of “Cutters End”) returns to his hometown hoping for a quiet post, but when a dead body is unearthed things don't exactly go to plan...
With vivid prose and a mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat, “Stone Town” is not one to miss. - Melissa (QBD)
Guest, 22/06/2022
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A gruesome murder in a small town in South Australia, the mystery of a missing police officer and the potential links to organised crime boss Tony Scopelliti. Sergeant Mark Ariti is set the task of investigating who was responsible for the murder of Aidan Sleeth and is the mysterious disappearance of Natalie linked. A gripping murder mystery tale for lovers of The Dry. - Sheridan (QBD)
Guest, 21/06/2022
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Hickey beautifully portrays the small Australian country town, creating a vivid bush landscape to perfectly set her thrilling crime drama. She seemlessly connects two intense crimes, a kidnap and a murder, which leaves you itching to keep reading leaving you with a satisfying conclusion where all is finally connected. A great Australian crime read to add to your collection. - Claire (QBD)
Guest, 21/06/2022
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This book grabs you from the get go. A great rural crime story by the author of Cutter's End. If you are a fan of Jane Harper you will love this one. Two seemingly unconnected mystery's; The murder of a property developer in a small town and the highly publicized disappearance of a policewoman. Detective Mark Ariti set's out to uncover the truth but might be biting off more than he chew! - Michael (QBD)
Guest, 20/06/2022
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Set against the backdrop of rural Australia, Stone Town follows the muder of local Aidan Sleeth, as well as the overshadowing sudden disappearence of Detective Sergeant Natalie Whisted.
In Hickey's stunning crime debut, through compelling prose and nuanced characters, the overlapping of the two cases is revealed in ways you never thought possible. A must for fans of Chris Hammer. - Kaitlyn (QBD)
Guest, 20/06/2022
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Margaret Hickey is back at it again with another great read. Set in a small mining town, Hickey is able to give a real sense of the landscape and captures the towns secrets and lies, with murder and mystery. A recommended read! - Kylie (QBD)
Guest, 19/06/2022
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Stone Town is another gripping crime novel from Margaret Hickey, author of the bestselling Cutters End. In Stone Town, we follow Detective Mark Ariti as he tries to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of Aidan Sleeth, a local property developer. The small town atmosphere is capitvating and the read is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! - Laura (QBD)
Guest, 19/06/2022
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This new rural crime drama does not disappoint. The vivid landscape in an Australian town is the perfect setting for an all consuming mystery that we just can't stop thinking about. The disappearances and murder in this book will have you on the edge of your seat until the whiplash ending will send you reeling! You definitely don't want to miss this one! - Justine (QBD)
Guest, 19/06/2022
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Back with another terrific Australian crime fiction novel, Margaret Hickey's Stone Town is a captivating and gripping novel about a murder and the dissapearance of a detective. But are they linked? Hickey paints a scene where as a reader, you'll be question everything. I was hooked from the first page and would definitely recommend this book for lovers of crime fiction. - Olivia (QBD)
Guest, 18/06/2022
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Back with another terrific Australian crime fiction novel, Margaret Hickey's Stone Town is a captivating and gripping novel about a murder and the disappearance of a detective. Could they be linked? Hickey paints a scene where as a reader, you'll question everything. I was hooked from the first page and would definitely recommend this for crime fiction lovers. - Olivia (QBD)
Guest, 18/06/2022
