Sometime within the last year or so, I read an essay in either Harper’s or the Atlantic about Australian mystery writers. The essay discussed one author in particular that I was eager to read, and quoted an enchanting passage in which the detective goes to interview someone, and has his poodle(s) in the car. The woman asks if they are police dogs (they aren’t, they are just his pets) and he gives a charmingly non-committal answer.
Unfortunately, I misplaced the magazine and my Googlefu has completely deserted me.
Who is this author? I really want to track him down and sample his books. Thanks in advance.
Two of his earlier works where made into TV movies starring Guy Pearce as Jack Irish. All the Jack Irish books (there are 4) can be found as audio books.
Yes, I think “The Broken Shore” is the one the OP is looking for. It is very good in its way, but I would not at all describe it as “enchanting”. It is intensely gritty and dark. It is also quite a difficult read because of the very terse style and lots of Australianisms, although once you get used to it this works well to create the atmosphere.