Franz Josef, by award-winning Australian author Alan Carter, is a gripping and atmospheric crime novel that will have you on the edge of your seat. It is the third instalment in the Nick Chester series.
Detective Nick Chester has moved with his family to the small South Island town of Hawera near Franz Josef glacier, New Zealand. Originally from England, Nick has been living undercover after exposing corruption and criminal ties during his time in Western Australia. His attempt for a peaceful life and a fresh start from guilt and past trauma is short-lived when a man’s naked body is found suspended in a glacier.
When Nick and his partner Latifa Rapata delve into the case, they uncover that the victim is connected to corrupt dealings spanning decades. Further investigation reveals that the body is not an isolated case, and the stakes become far higher than a simple murder when more bodies are found.
I thoroughly enjoyed Nick’s return as a character in a new environment. He is not perfect and carries the weight of past trauma from earlier cases, which makes him unsure of himself and influences both his investigative approach and personal interactions. This makes him very relatable to readers. His partnership with Rapata anchors the narrative, offering both tension and trust as they navigate threats from the killer and the environment.
The supporting cast of characters is vital to the story, ranging from wary and secretive to helpful and trustworthy. They represent the tensions of a small, isolated community where secrets are closely guarded. Nick’s wife Annie and son Sam show the strain of secrecy and danger with the life they have been forced to live, but their support and presence add a nice touch of warmth and realism. I loved Latifa’s character; she is courageous, intelligent, and empathetic, and the perfect fit for Chester.
The setting in this novel is incredible, with the landscape almost becoming a character itself. The descriptions of the rainforest, the endless rain, and the glaciers made me feel like I was back in New Zealand, feeling the chill of the air on my face. The landscape is not just a background; it plays a huge role in the story. The sense of isolation and constant threat from nature gives the whole book a haunting feeling.
Alan Carter is a master at his craft and never disappoints. His words are vivid and cinematic, and he balances action with quiet, reflective moments. Some parts made me tense and uneasy, while others made me stop and think. I liked that the story was not predictable, and it felt raw and believable, like something that could really happen. I also appreciated how the story was not just about solving a crime, it was about facing yourself and learning to live with the past. The novel would make for a great movie.
Franz Josef is a compelling and intelligent crime novel that goes beyond the conventions of the genre. It is a powerful, emotional crime story set in one of the most stunning and dangerous places on earth. It made me reflect on how people cope with guilt, fear, and change, and how sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones inside ourselves. This is a testament to Alan Carter’s talent for crafting stories that are as much about humanity as they are about mystery.
Fans of crime fiction, especially those who enjoy atmospheric settings and character-driven plots, will find this novel deeply satisfying. I highly recommend.
A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club members are reading Franz Josef by Alan Carter. You can read their comments below, or add your own review.
My love of books started at a very young age. My mum has always been a reader and encouraged me to read, buying me endless book from classic fairy tales advancing to the world of Enid Blyton, CS Lewis, Louisa May Alcott, Kathryn Kenny, Carolyn Keene, Francine Pascal. In my adult years the list of authors is endless and every room in my house is filled with books.
One of my favourite novels is Narnia which has always has a special place in my heart. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 1978 and when I was given this book to read it let me escape to another world where I felt like I was in the book with all the characters, it wasfun and exciting to escape from reality and eased the ups and downs of the disease at such a young age.
In books nothing is impossible and there is endless potential and hundreds of places to explore or being taken to places that are only made up from the authors’ great minds, the past and future to navigate, characters lives you step into taking you on an emotional rollercoaster ride or being scared out of your wits. I can experience things that I can’t in real life because they’re not possible or real. It challenges my perspective and mindset expanding my worldview.
I find joy, comfort and peace with books, many people may not get it, but I know bookworms like me truly understand. Reading makes my heart happy.
Franz Josef is a fascinating crime novel by Alan Carter. It is set in a picturesque New Zealand town that is about to be relocated due to its perilous geographical position. The landscape is described vividly and accurately and adds much to the story.
A dead body discovered in an icy crevasse is the beginning of the hunt for detectives Nick Chester and his pregnant partner, Latina Rapata. This leads them to an underworld of corruption on a very global scale.
Franz Josef, is captivating and intriguing.
Having found out this is the third episode of Nick Chester’s adventures I am on a course to read the previous books.
This is a stand alone novel, and easy to read, however, I am now eager to catch up on Nick Chester’s previous escapades and experiences.
Thank you Fremantle Press and beautyandlace for this opportunity.
Franz Josef is the second Alan Carter book I’ve read, both have been fast paced and keep you guessing as to what the plot is.
Set in New Zealand it features dectective Nick Chester, who has been in books previously (though I haven’t read them).
Nick is a bit of a loner who has an interesting past from the tid bits given in the book.
His team all think he’s a bit if an odd ball who can be relied on to get the job done, albeit in his own fashion.
When a body is found in a glacier Nick and his partner Detective Latifa Rapata are sent to investigate, as more bodies surface its soon apparent there’s a bigger picture than just Franz Josef with the reasons stretching far from New Zealand to international aid and a civil war.
I was captivated with this book, it was fast paced and interesting, I was always trying to work out the plot, who fitted in where.
There was a lot of different characters and leads but was written well so you weren’t confused by the different characters and angles.
It all came together in the end with most of the questions answered and tidied up.
Thank you Beauty and Lace and Fremantle Press for the copy to read and review
I was very interested to read ‘Franz Josef’ by Alan Carter as many years ago I visited the Franz Josef Glacier, it was an awesome sight but even then it was receding. I found the book very interesting, fast paced and relevant.
The book begins with an account of the town and the history of it, and a sprinkling of Maori words throughout the book added a special touch.
We meet Nick Chester and Latifa Rapata in Franz Josef sent to investigate the finding of a naked African man found by a glacier guide on the glacier.
He appears to have met with foul play.
On further investigation his name is Benjamin who was in New Zealand illegally.
Things begin to become very difficult in the investigation when because of extreme weather Franz Josef is virtually cut off from the outside world.
Only accessible by helicopter and with communications down, and another body found Latifa and Nick have their work cut out.
Very interesting characters all form part of the story and the reasons for the murders make for an exciting read. Another winner for Alan Carter.
Thankyou Beauty and Lace and Freemantle Press for the opportunity to read a great book.