Stephen Gray (2) (1966–)

Described as a psychological detective novel, this book examines the Aboriginal experience in modern Australia as reflected in the art world. A financial investigator arrives from Melbourne to examine the records of an aboriginal gallery in the aftermath of a scandal involving the country’s foremost indigenous artist. The investigator, seeking to lay to rest various personal ghosts, becomes enmeshed in a tangled web of inter-tribal politics which counterpoint the tensions between black and white Australia. Beautifully written.… (mehr)

Indigenous artist Margaret Thatcher Gandarrwuy is riding a wave of popular success, until her latest work is unveiled. It has been slashed and the words "the artist is a thief" scrawled across the canvas. Sent from Melbourne to investigate the possibility of fraud, financial advisor Jean-Loup Wild quickly discovers the remote (fictional) community of Mission Hole does not take kindly to strangers asking questions.

Stephen Gray creates an intriguing premise and sustains the reader's interest well, though the characters are one-dimensional and the story fizzles out somewhat towards the end. A light and entertaining read.… (mehr)