Jack Harris is the son of a well known Australian business tycoon. He is sent to work at his father’s newspaper in his home town of Byron Bay on the same day the editor goes missing. A suspected shark attack while surfing seems to be the most logical explanation but as an exposing newspaper article was about to be published, there seems to be more sinister forces at work.
This novel has all the elements of a crime thriller with interesting characters and the potential to be the first in a series. I found it slow paced at times while it set the scene and introduced characters which detracted from my enjoyment.

I downloaded this audiobook from NetGalley to listen to while doing some admin.

It was really enjoyable and reminded me of the sort of movie that seemed to be everywhere in the 1980s. The lead character, Jack, was very likeable, and seemed to have his head screwed on the right way, despite having grown up in a wealthy household with a difficult father.

I liked the set-up of his being moved by his Dad from corporate out to small-town Australia to take over one of the family-owned newspapers. As someone who has never been there, it was great to hear about a different place from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth (which are the locations that feature in TV shows and movies that stream most frequently here in the UK).

I also liked the level of danger - which, as I say, reminded me of 1980s films in which the hero is roughed up by people who, in real life, would leave him hospitalised for weeks. I’m the kind of cinema-goer and reader who prefers this kind of implied violence to anything more realistic. It’s enough to convince me the stakes are high, and it means the focus is on the mystery element of the thriller.

Finally, I liked the romance element - just enough without its dominating the plot or making Jack’s love interest (and also the daughter of the murder victim) come across as a prop. Caitlin was believable as a character in her own right, as was Zoe (the murder victim’s love interest).

All in all, a good not-too-violent thriller that kept me guessing. Would definitely recommend.

Three word review: shark attack cover-up 🦈

The synopsis drew me in, and I was eager to dive into it. Overall, it was an enjoyable book, but there were moments when the story felt a bit drawn out. It didn't completely capture my attention, but that could be because it differs from the fast-paced thrillers I typically gravitate towards.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Wavesound from WF Howes Ltd for the free audio copy.

Son of a media mogul, The Beacon is a cracking read packed with some serious potential for an ongoing series, which I would like to see. It is one for anyone who enjoys Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar series.

This was an engaging listen which held my attention from start to finish. It’s well narrated and quite evenly paced in delivery. Jack is sent by his media magnate father to Bryony Bay to start at the bottom and learn journalism. On arrival, his mentor, Patrick, is missing. From this follows a murder mystery which is centred around a newspaper story which was going to expose corrupt double dealing and more. Who doesn’t want this story published and what was it about?

Jack is quite likeable; he has integrity, unlike his father, and compassion. He seems unaffected by wealth and privilege and I enjoyed his search for the truth. He’s assisted by a disgraced lawyer, Caitlin, a skateboarding, red dreadlock haired daughter of the missing Patrick. P A Thomas has created a set of colourful characters in a memorable setting. There are some excellent scenes which depict surfers, sunsets, the ocean at night which and they’re strikingly vivid. The plot is packed with twists and turns and I didn’t guess the outcome. My only reservation is some of the narrative was rather repetitive and I felt I was being told too often how Jack felt, what he was worried about and why. It felt a little padded and it wasn’t necessary. Other than that, with disbelief suspended once or twice, I was happily immersed in this escapist romp with a smattering of memorable baddies. Loved the two Bruces. Very imaginative.

Jack is sent by his father to Byron to learn the newspaper business, but on day one the Editor disappears and when his body is found a shark attack is assumed. But Patrick was working on a big scoop so what has really happened?

Enjoyed this well pace, well written and well narrated novel ( I listened to the audiobook). Lots of twists for our main characters who will search for proof of foul play while coping with their emotions. Plenty of action, humour, colourful characters and good plotline.

PA Thomas writes an Aussie crime mystery novel set in the beautiful location of Byron Bay which I listened to on audio, approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes long, ably narrated by Jamie Oxenbould, who kept me listening from beginning to end, even when the story had its weak points, such as the times it was overly simplistic, and the occasions when you have to suspend your sense of disbelief. 35 year old Jack Harris, is the son of billionaire, Malcolm, who has pushed him out of his posting in Melbourne with Harris Media, sending him to Byron Bay, to learn to be a journalist at The Beacon paper where his father began his career. He is hoping to see and carry out more ethical journalism under the experienced editor, Patrick O'Shaughnessy, than the family's other media outlets.

Jack arrives at the locked building in the morning, nursing a terrible hangover, which is where he first encounters Patrick's daughter, Caitlin, on her skateboard, a lawyer with dreadlocks, who has been suspended from her high powered job as a lawyer. It is Caitlin's birthday and she is unable to get through to her father. Tragically Patrick's surfboard with its shark bite has been found, and the worst turns out to be true. However, Jack has suspicions which has him and Caitlin investigating, the beginning of all his troubles as he looks into all those who might have a grudge against Patrick, who had taken strong measures to protect himself and Caitlin as he was researching and writing an explosive exclusive, a story that goes back to 1967, but what is it?

Jack picks up a host of bruises and injuries, as ruthless and powerful forces target him, he becomes the prime murder suspect in this exciting thriller in which he is aided by his good friend and partner in crime, Ricky Martinelli, everyone should have a Ricky in their life! However, Jack spends too much of his time being incredibly naive and blind to what is blatantly staring him in the face. There is plenty to enjoy in this crime mystery and if it is a series, although this was a mixed bag, I will definitely read the next one. I think many readers who love Aussie crime and mystery will love this, and I can definitely recommend the audio. Many thanks to Wavesound from WF Howes Ltd for an ALC.