Only Killers and Thieves
Only Killers and Thieves
Book Brief
Beta325
Novel • Fiction
Australia • 1880s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Set in 1885 colonial Australia, Only Killers and Thieves follows two teenage brothers after a family tragedy. In a quest for justice, they confront violence and moral dilemmas under the harsh outback conditions. Their journey delves into themes of loyalty, revenge, and survival in a land rife with racial tensions and lawlessness.
Gritty
Dark
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
5,199 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Only Killers and Thieves by Paul Howarth receives praise for its gripping narrative and rich historical detail, immersing readers in colonial Australia. The novel's character development is commendable, though some find its pace uneven. Themes of morality and justice are compelling, yet the violence depicted may be unsettling for sensitive readers. Overall, it's a powerful debut.
Who Should Read Only Killers and Thieves?
Fans of The Son by Philipp Meyer or The Power of the Dog by Thomas Savage will relish Only Killers and Thieves by Paul Howarth, drawn to its gripping tale of survival and justice in 1880s colonial Australia, with vivid landscapes, moral complexity, and historical depth. Ideal for those who savor gritty historical fiction.
5,199 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Only Killers and Thieves is the debut novel of Paul Howarth, an author originally from the United Kingdom but who spent several years living in Australia, which influenced the setting of the book.
The novel was nominated for the Authors' Club Best First Novel Award in 2019, recognizing outstanding debuts by writers in the UK.
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325
Novel • Fiction
Australia • 1880s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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