Skull River

By Pip Fioretti

Reviewed by Lauren Spencer

This is Pip Fioretti’s second crime novel and follows on from the highly successful Bone Lands (2024). Pip has previously published books in women’s fiction and recently switched genres, a risky move that proved to be successful. Both novels follow the war veteran turned Mountain Trooper, Augustus Hawkins.

An ex-soldier of the Boer War, Gus Hawkins’ battle wounds aren’t only external; the scars of his traumatic past continue to haunt him. Transferred to Colley, a small gold-mining town west of Bathurst, Gus takes over as sergeant from the previous, now deceased, Buck Barrett. No sooner does he arrive, Gus is thrust into a different kind of war. Witnessing the violent death of his junior trooper in an unprovoked ambush leaves Gus questioning his position as the newly appointed sergeant and the motives of everyone in the town.

Set in the early 1900s, Skull River is a historical crime fiction with an Australian gothic tone that doesn’t hold back when it comes to getting into the nitty-gritty. The characters are authentic and engaging, with an underlying wit that incorporates Fioretti’s dark humour. The first-person narration provides an intimate glimpse into Gus Hawkins’ internal monologues as he struggles against the demons of his past while navigating a murder investigation. Dealing with themes of PTSD, homophobia and racism, some of the language and terms used may offend, but they are appropriate within the context of the story.

Skull River is captivating from the first page, and Fioretti skilfully maintains the suspense throughout the entire novel. Something tells me this won’t be the last we see of Sergeant Augustus Hawkins, and I look forward to the next one.

The novel contains graphic violence and curse language and is recommended for YA readers over the age of sixteen.

Affirm Press 2025

Pip Fioretti